Baseball Toaster: Bronx Banter : How do you spell Relief?

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Players

Major Leauge Roster:

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

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

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

Starting Pitchers:
M. Mussina BR BP BC E
A. Pettitte (L) BR BP BC E
P. Hughes BR BP BC E mi
C. Pavano BR BP BC E mi
A. Aceves BR E mi

Relief Pitchers:
M. Rivera BR BP BC E
J. Chamberlain BR BP BC E
D. Marte (L) BR BP BC E
J. Veras BR BP BC E mi
E. Ramirez BR BP BC E mi
B. Bruney BR BP BC E mi
D. Giese BR BP BC E mi
C. Britton BR BP BC E mi
P. Coke (L) BR BC E mi
D. Rasner BR BP BC E mi
S. Ponson BR BP BC E mi
D. Robertson BR BC E mi
H. Sanchez BC mi

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

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

40-man Roster:
AAA
S. Duncan BR BP E MLB mi
J. Christian BR BP E MLB mi
I. Kennedy BR BP BC E mi
C. Wright (L) BR BP BC E mi
J. Marquez BR BC mi

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

Select Minor Leaguers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Recently Departed

2008 Yankees:
R. Sexson BR BP E MLB
M. Ensberg BR BP E MLB CLE mL
A. Gonzalez BR BP E MLB mi WAS
K. Farnsworth BR BP BC E DET
L. Hawkins BR BP BC E HOU
S. Patterson BR BC mi SD

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

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

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

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

Molina Trade:
J. Kennard BC mi

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

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How do you spell Relief?

2007-08-26 07:01

by Alex Belth

Wang.

After three straight shaky outings, Chien-Ming Wang threw more than twenty pitches and allowed a run (an RBI single from, guess who, Magglio Ordonez) in the first inning. But his sinker was moving in the right direction and Wang settled in, giving up just one more run over the next seven innings. Wang gave the Yanks length just when they needed it the most (Brian Bruney tossed a scoreless ninth), as New York beat Detroit, 7-2. While the Red Sox bombed The White Sox again, the Rangers beat the Mariners. So the Yanks gain a game in the wild card. They are two behind the M's, three in the loss column.

The Yanks scored a couple of early runs off Jeremy Bonderman, who also fell into a groove. But Bonderman is not the pitcher he was last year. His fastball is not in the mid-to-upper 90s and eventually, the Yanks got to him. Melky Cabrera hit a triple with the bases loaded in the sixth, Johnny Damon hit a solo dinger and a triple, and Hideki Matsui had three hits and a couple of RBI.

It wasn't a terribly exciting game, which was just fine with me--my body is still recovering from Friday night. Jorge Posada caught all nine innings so I assume we'll see Molina this afternoon. Joe Torre talked about giving Alex Rodriguez a rest last week but that hasn't happened yet (Alex was 1-3 with two walks and a run scored last night). I wonder if Damon gets another start today at DH, or if Giambi will get the nod.

Today is pivotal. Phil Hughes, this is your life, kid. With Mussina-Verlander going tomorrow, this is the game the Bombers need to have.

Comments (370)

Show/Hide Comments 1-50

2007-08-26 08:19:37

1. Mattpat11

I have a somewhat good feeling about the game tomorrow. I think Mussina is going to be motivated by the prospect of being replaced by the likes of Igawa, and Verlander pitches poorly against the Yankees and in big games.

2007-08-26 08:38:30

2. pistolpete

I give up trying to figure out what motivates Mussina - maybe he has a good game based on whether or not he finishes the crossword puzzle that morning...

2007-08-26 08:49:43

3. Mattpat11

2 You would have to think that if anything does, losing his job to a bad pitcher would.

2007-08-26 09:12:08

4. OldYanksFan

I believe JoPo is a tried puppy. Fortunately, it has not shown in his offense, but there has been an alarming number of wild pitches/past balls in the recent months.

While I am not placing blame, Jorge seems unable to 'block' many of these pitches, choosing instead to (unsucessfully) glove them. Last night, a run would not have scored if not for that 'wild pitch'.

Bottom line: We are want to see Jorge in the lineup, but he needs more time off and the end of a hard season. I also believe the same for Jetes, who is showing obvious wear and tear.

The season is not over, but it does not look like the WC is coming from the Central. Seattle is only ONE game behind the Angels, so a 'swoon' from either one will increase our chances of making the WC.

As I said a month ago, we will need to take 5 of 6 from the Red Sox to contend for the division. 4 of 6 will only gain us 2 games.

2007-08-26 09:27:28

5. yankz

Via Pete: "Derek Jeter has a sore right knee, a problem that first cropped up in Anaheim. He's 0 for his last 9 as a result. "

Full lineup is up at LoHud.

2007-08-26 09:35:37

6. JeremyM

5 And he's been scuffling since before then. I hope a little rest can help him. That Betemit trade is really panning out as a good move, I like what he brings to the table.

This is from On the Yankees Beat: "Last night, Joe Torre told Derek he thought a day off was in order. Derek didn't argue, which is a sign it must be hurting pretty badly."

2007-08-26 10:04:03

7. 3rd gen yankee fan

Detroit announcer: "I don't think there's been anyone more consistent this year than Alex, I mean, than Magglio, excuse me..."

BWA-HAHAHAHAHAHA

2007-08-26 10:11:01

8. Zack

Jeter looks so uncomfortable just sitting on the bench

2007-08-26 10:11:23

9. Yanks Fan in Chicago

Anyone else having trouble with the free preview on MLBTV?

2007-08-26 10:13:37

10. yankz

9 Shittier quality than usual, but it's up for me.

2007-08-26 10:13:58

11. Yankees Brasil

That pitch to A-Rod looked a bit outside..

2007-08-26 10:15:23

12. 3rd gen yankee fan

9 No, I'm running it at 700k. After a while it tends to drop too many frames and get choppy, but I'm running it in Quicktime, so I quit QT and restart.

2007-08-26 10:15:25

13. Zack

my mlb.tv sound seems to be somewhat ahead of the video, which is annoying

2007-08-26 10:15:40

14. rsmith51

Am I the only one disturbed by Giambi's lack of playing time?

Also, does Matsui have another consecutive game streak going?

2007-08-26 10:16:48

15. bobtaco

Great.

2007-08-26 10:17:05

16. yankz

Oh. Damn.

2007-08-26 10:17:11

17. Yankees Brasil

Matsui sucks on the field..

2007-08-26 10:17:13

18. Zack

Oh my God, Matsui just turned a lazy pop up into a hr..he is so bad out there

2007-08-26 10:17:23

19. yankz

14 He's playing today.

2007-08-26 10:17:26

20. Mike T

That's fuckin' garbage.

2007-08-26 10:17:47

21. SF Yanks

Hmmmm...

2007-08-26 10:18:03

22. Zack

Way to help Hughes out there Hideki

2007-08-26 10:18:37

23. rsmith51

19 Doesn't answer my question, but thanks?

2007-08-26 10:18:43

24. yankz

18 Yeah, I thought he was going to knock it down.

2007-08-26 10:18:51

25. Zack

That shoulda been a 4 base error

2007-08-26 10:19:37

26. yankz

23 You're welcome?

Also, Damon has been hitting really well lately.

2007-08-26 10:20:40

27. OldYanksFan

14 I too am VERY disturbed at this. Torre may render our 2nd best offensive force 'mute' via lack of playing time.

2007-08-26 10:22:05

28. OldYanksFan

I missed the play. Did Matsui blow it? Off his glove? Would JD would have had it?

2007-08-26 10:23:00

29. yankz

28 He ran for it, missed it, and his momentum nearly carried him into the stands. It rolled pretty far, and by the time he got to it, there was no chance.

I think Johnny would've had it, but DiMaggio would've fielded it instead of trying to go for the catch.

2007-08-26 10:23:52

30. rsmith51

Matsui did not play August 7th, so apparently he doesn't have a streak going...

I think Giambi is a better hitter than Damon, especially as a DH. And Damon is probably a better LF than Hideki, but Giambi + Matsui > Giambi + Damon.

Maybe days like today Damon should be in the field.

2007-08-26 10:24:56

31. bobtaco

Man, Hughes is getting pummeled. Get off the mat, kid.

2007-08-26 10:25:07

32. yankz

Wow, Phil does not have it today.

2007-08-26 10:25:18

33. rsmith51

27 I am glad I am not the only one.

2007-08-26 10:25:22

34. Mike T

Wow, Hughes is having a rough go of it so far.

2007-08-26 10:25:29

35. yankz

"Today is pivotal. Phil Hughes, this is your life, kid."

2007-08-26 10:25:42

36. Yankees Brasil

We needed this game..

2007-08-26 10:25:46

37. 3rd gen yankee fan

They are just going to have to pound Jurrjens.

2007-08-26 10:25:54

38. yankz

Has Hughes ever allowed 2 HR in a game before?

2007-08-26 10:25:54

39. Zack

Ugh, Hughes has just not been sharp since coming back from the DL. Understandable, but still disconcerting. He is getting away from what he does best: get ahead of counts and generate ground balls. Instead, hes nibbling and falling behind and then leaving balls up..

2007-08-26 10:26:28

40. williamnyy23

The perils of a rookie pitcher. As good as Hughes may be someday, it isn't out of the realm of possibility that he wont be very good this year.

2007-08-26 10:26:50

41. yankz

That curve, however, was beautiful.

2007-08-26 10:27:30

42. yankz

40 Yeah, it's hitting me. He might be league average this year, which would be great for someone that young.

2007-08-26 10:27:50

43. rsmith51

I think Cliff jinxed the Yanks on Friday...

"Seeing as the Yankees took three of four from the Tigers in the Bronx last weekend, they have not excuse not to do at least as well in Motown this weekend."

2007-08-26 10:27:59

44. yankz

Lunch, hope to come back to a 12-3 pounding.

2007-08-26 10:28:21

45. Yankees Brasil

Let's get something going against Jurrjens

2007-08-26 10:31:17

46. matt nokes forever

Apparantly that 90 mph fastball down the pipe was a bit much for Deki. Having a great all around day.

2007-08-26 10:31:21

47. rsmith51

At least Hughes isn't getting a million dollars a start for just below league average E.R.A.

2007-08-26 10:31:50

48. Zack

40 42 Overall, even at average, Phil's gonna be better than most starters in the league, and certainly better than certain other team's prospects. If you look around at the young phenoms this year, they have ALL struggled. Bailey, Lincecum, Gallardo, Lester (not that he really counts) etc...

This very may well be one of "those" games...

2007-08-26 10:32:02

49. rsmith51

Let's go G, show why you should be in the lineup more.

2007-08-26 10:32:27

50. matt nokes forever

Wow. And he's not playing everyday because.... ?

Show/Hide Comments 51-100

2007-08-26 10:32:28

51. rsmith51

Johnny Who?

2007-08-26 10:32:32

52. Mike T

Thanks Jason.

2007-08-26 10:32:36

53. Zack

Good thing Joe finally decided to play Giambi!

2007-08-26 10:33:18

54. bobtaco

Wow, Jurgens gone with a shoulder injury.

2007-08-26 10:33:21

55. williamnyy23

Talk about a game turning completely...that's pretty sad.

2007-08-26 10:33:48

56. Zack

Woah, what happened? Hope hes ok...

2007-08-26 10:33:49

57. Mike T

Whoa, their starter is leaving the game.

2007-08-26 10:33:53

58. Mattpat11

Wow. That sucks.

2007-08-26 10:33:54

59. ny2ca2dc

Poor kid

2007-08-26 10:34:24

60. Mike T

Seriously, that's too bad. I wanted to see this kid in action. Oh, well.

2007-08-26 10:35:31

61. Zack

Pitching is a freaky-deaky thing

2007-08-26 10:37:22

62. williamnyy23

That's why baseball is really a tough sport...without any violent contact, serious injuries can happen at any time. It really makes you hold your breath when you start projecting the future of young players, especially pitchers. There but for the grace of God goes Joba and Phil. Long live the rules!

2007-08-26 10:38:03

63. matt nokes forever

That sucks. Early 20s and already a shoulder issue. Ugh. Hope its nothing serious.

Now let's pound the living crap out of Durbin.

2007-08-26 10:38:37

64. Zack

Seems like defending WS champs have been cursed the next year of late...

2007-08-26 10:38:44

65. Mattpat11

62 I wouldn't exactly say Jim Leyland is responsible for this injury. This could have happened to Joba regardless of the rules.

2007-08-26 10:39:08

66. SF Yanks

At least we're in to the bullpen now.

2007-08-26 10:39:33

67. matt nokes forever

64 The Cardinals?

2007-08-26 10:40:09

68. Mattpat11

67 Point still stands.

2007-08-26 10:40:14

69. Zack

62 Exactly. As much as I hate the innings limits etc and think they are primarily responsible for a lot of Phil's struggles, I would much rather have them for the extra precaution. Pitching is such a bad motion for the body that anything to help prevent that type of thing, as hard to do as it is, is key for what is essentially the future of this franchise...

2007-08-26 10:40:33

70. matt nokes forever

68 Touche.

2007-08-26 10:41:09

71. SF Yanks

Phil needs to keep it at 3 runs for at least 4 more innings now, the way the Yanks are swinging the bats.

2007-08-26 10:41:35

72. Zack

70 Yeah, I would say the Cardinals even more so. And I suppose, as you are right in pointing out, that I should have said WS participants :)

2007-08-26 10:43:14

73. Zack

Hughes' command really seems to have abandoned him in the majors this go round

2007-08-26 10:43:38

74. SF Yanks

Where are the damn GROUNDBALLS??

2007-08-26 10:44:14

75. SF Yanks

at 31 pitches

2007-08-26 10:44:47

76. Mattpat11

Leyland is going to eat Inge.

2007-08-26 10:46:36

77. SF Yanks

Nice efficient inning!

Phil needs to start the count off ahead not behind the hitters like he's been doing.

2007-08-26 10:46:40

78. OldYanksFan

As a dedicated Torre fan and defender, I can say this.
Why the FUCK isn't Giambi playing everyday!

57 I smell blood! Lets go for the throat!

2007-08-26 10:46:49

79. yankee23

I'm not the only one who finds this Tigers color-guy annoying, right? This is almost as bad as the D-Rays homers.

2007-08-26 10:47:05

80. matt nokes forever

74 If he can roll through like that, I'm willing to forget about the lack of wormkillers for now. But you are correct that he's not getting the ball down enough since returning from the DL. Hopefully that corrects itself soon.

2007-08-26 10:49:46

81. matt nokes forever

78 I can't wish ill on a rookie pitcher with alot of promise. Shoulder issues are no joke, and they linger. It's not like his jersey says Red Sucks on it or anything like that.

But I don't mind pounding the shit out of Durbin. Although that is yet to be seen.

2007-08-26 10:51:04

82. Mattpat11

Perhaps the Yankees are unaware that this is Chad Durbin.

2007-08-26 10:51:07

83. pistolpete

Of course Durbin is going to dominate for 8 innings now.

2007-08-26 10:51:26

84. Zack

Durbin sucks, the Yanks SHOULD pound him, which means they won't

2007-08-26 10:51:34

85. JeremyM

Great, looks like Durbin is going good.

2007-08-26 10:51:39

86. Yankees Brasil

Damon embarrassed on that AB

2007-08-26 10:52:06

87. SF Yanks

nice inning.

2007-08-26 10:56:12

88. williamnyy23

Hughes doesn't seem to have his command yet...I am a little surprised (and dissappointed) about how often he seems to pitch around the plate.

2007-08-26 10:56:12

89. SF Yanks

This has disaster inning written all over it.

2007-08-26 10:57:07

90. JeremyM

You know, in hindsight (any sight really), how freaking stupid was it that they actually depended on Igawa and Pavano to be two members of the rotation this year?!? I disagreed with the though at the time, but it does seem like Hughes was rushed a little too fast.

2007-08-26 10:57:16

91. pistolpete

Funny how Hughes gets that call in that exact spot for a righty batter but it's a ball with a lefty at the plate.

2007-08-26 10:58:34

92. Mattpat11

90 Now, I was in such a good mood. Must you get me started on that?

2007-08-26 10:59:29

93. Mattpat11

ohbboy

2007-08-26 10:59:32

94. matt nokes forever

Philip "Batting Practice" Hughes. Jesus.

2007-08-26 10:59:39

95. pistolpete

Ok, so much for the future of our pitching staff.

When can we trade for Santana?

2007-08-26 10:59:50