Baseball Toaster: Bronx Banter : Swing Game

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B. Bruney BR BP BC E mi
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Swing Game

2007-09-23 20:54

by Cliff Corcoran

The Yankees wrap up their series with the Blue Jays this afternoon with a makeup of the game that was rained out on April 25. The way the Yanks were playing back then, the rain out worked in their favor, as they're far more likely to win this afternoon than they were when facing a full-strength Blue Jays lineup amid a seven-game losing streak in late April.

The stakes is high this afternoon as the Red Sox are idle. The result of this game will erase that half game in the AL East standings for permanent either to the Yankees' benefit (an even one game back) or to their detriment (a solid two games back with just six left to play). Fortunately, the Yanks have their second-half ace Andy Pettitte on the hill coming off a strong outing (7 2/3 IP, 1 R) against the admittedly half-assing Orioles. Andy has handled the Jays well this year, posting a 2.25 ERA over 20 innings in three starts while striking out 17 and not allowing a home run. The bad news is that the Jays counter with A.J. Burnett, who stuck it to the Yankees in Toronto two weeks ago (8 IP, 1 R, 8 K), the lone run coming on a Johnny Damon homer. Burnett twirled a gem against the Red Sox as well in his last start, but as a result has thrown 244 pitches over those last two outings. Still, since coming off the DL in mid-August, Burnett has gone 4-1 with a 1.97 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP, and 57 Ks in 59 2/3 innings.

Damon is the DH this afternoon, with Matsui in left, Posada back behind the plate, and Mientkiewicz at first base.

Oh, and if the Yanks win and the Tigers lose in Minnesota tonight (Nate Robertson v. Carlos Silva), the Yankees will clinch their 13th consecutive playoff appearance.

Comments (315)

Show/Hide Comments 1-50

2007-09-24 08:47:00

1. C2Coke

So today can be a big day for the Yankees.

Let's Go, Yankees!

2007-09-24 08:52:21

2. C2Coke

Guess it's good news for the Yanks. Litsch is starting for the Jays instead.

2007-09-24 09:09:36

3. Max

So if the Yanks clinch today, it will be very interesting the rest of the week to see how "hard" both the Yanks and Sox go for the division in the remaining games. I'd bet both teams want it really badly, but not at the risk of taxing key players.

Plus there's no guarantee regarding the opponent for the division winner, especially since both Cleveland and the Halos just clinched, so their "effort" for best record (and HFA throughout the playoffs) will similarly be in question.

2007-09-24 09:09:36

4. Mattpat11

2 Don't count your chickens. These are the games that blowup in our faces.

2007-09-24 09:12:27

5. Javi Javi

According to PeteAbe, Toronto announced that AJ Burnett will not pitch--he had to leave for personal reasons. Jesse Litsch will take his place.

2007-09-24 09:14:22

6. C2Coke

4 That's how I felt after I posted it...

2007-09-24 09:20:40

7. ny2ca2dc

Check out the developing story re: Milton Bradley, aparently he was baited. Here's Buster, he's got some good links:

http://preview.tinyurl.com/2wmq57

Padres first base coach Bobby Meacham says that first-base umpire Mike Winters baited Milton Bradley into the confrontation that led to Bradley's injury. If Meacham's version of events is accurate, including the suggestion that Winters used a phrase that had racial overtones, this will be a serious test for Major League Baseball in its handling of its umpires.

Bruce Froemming says Bradley got grumpy with Winters, as Corey Brock writes; the crew chief did not make Winters available.

Todd Helton, who heard the whole conversation, would not get involved when asked by reporters. It'll be interesting to see if Major League Baseball asks Helton about what he heard, and if so, Helton will be in an incredibly awkward position. Said Helton: ""It was very interesting."

If this is true, Winters needs to be fired. I'm so sick of umps thinking they're part of the game, getting their knickers in a bunch about being 'shown up' and the like... just call the game fellas!

2007-09-24 09:24:46

8. pistolpete

I still can't believe Bud Black actually flung him to the ground & injured him. Surreal!

2007-09-24 09:28:03

9. pistolpete

4 Still, this is his line against us this year:

ERA: 12.71
IP: 5.2
H: 10
R: 8
ER: 8
AVG: .417

2007-09-24 09:28:27

10. pistolpete

9 And that's actually in 2 games started!

2007-09-24 09:33:44

11. Mattpat11

7 Shit meets fan.

2007-09-24 09:33:47

12. Rob Middletown CT

The Burnett thing is a big break for the Yanks. No saying that they take proper advantage of it, of course, but it's definitely a good thing for them.

Milton Bradley is crazy. If he was baited by a racist comment, however, the ump should be fired, end of story.

2007-09-24 09:34:33

13. Mattpat11

9 That actually gives me less confidence.

2007-09-24 09:37:25

14. BklynBmr

4 & 6 Exactly. But, I'd be a little more concerned if this was a make up against, say, Chicago, or KC. Yanks know the Jays are playing hard, and probably sick of looking at them, so hopefully they'll stay amped.

Cliff 0 is right on, though, about the timing. In April, we had no chance. Today, even with a Burnett, we do.

Let's go, Bronx Bombers!

2007-09-24 09:56:00

15. Bob Timmermann

13
Mattpat11

Thank you for correcting my mistake yesterday.

2007-09-24 10:01:33

16. Mattpat11

15 Huh?

2007-09-24 10:02:41

17. Bob Timmermann

16
The fish mistake.

2007-09-24 10:03:46

18. Mattpat11

17 Ah.

2007-09-24 10:04:20

19. Chyll Will

I actually thought about this first (!), if we do clinch, I'd like to see Joe to use the time to rest his starters as much as possible (but give Giambi as much AB's as possible) and let the kids/bench make a run at the division title (a goodie treat for them)...

The distinct advantage is that guys like Jeter, Jorge, Damon, etc. get to rest and refocus while Joe gets to warm up and audition his BP/bench this and next season as often as he wishes. Edwar, Veras, Duncan and other players on the bubble can either straighten/get straightened out or wait'til next year. You can still pinch-hit the starters later if the games are close or you need to get them an at-bat so they can stay/try to focus (e.g. Melky should get two or three AB's then replace him after the sixth, etc...)

So, I think we need to wrap this up ASAP in order for that to work. Man, sorry I'm gonna miss this game with you guys, but keep it moving for us >;)

2007-09-24 10:04:21

20. Rob Middletown CT

I hate weekday day games. Must... fight... irrational urge to take the afternoon off and watch the game... must fight...

2007-09-24 10:08:57

21. Bob Timmermann

18
But you saw into the future!

2007-09-24 10:09:25

22. yankz

Yeah, count me in on the "If Meacham's right, Winters needs to be fired" wagon. Umpires in general need to be re-schooled.

I might be crazy, but I think Yanks can win the division well resting some guys at the same time. Sox are missing Manny, Crybaby, Chanel, Okajima, and will probably be resting Ortiz. That means more scrubs and Gagne. Not to mention they have a tougher schedule left. If the Yanks can tie them up within the next two days, they just have to match them the rest of the way.

2007-09-24 10:12:04

23. pistolpete

22 I had to laugh at some of the reaction by Sox fans over the Toronto marathon games.

"Burning our bullpen" indeed. There's 7 games to go and the magic number's 2. I'd day there's still plenty of time to get those guys the rest they need. :)

2007-09-24 10:14:43

24. Jersey

Nice start for Le Pettitte.

2007-09-24 10:19:54

25. yankz

Of course, Litsch gets out of it in 9 pitches.

2007-09-24 10:21:04

26. Yankee Fan In Boston

25 he was never really "in" it.

2007-09-24 10:21:10

27. NJYankee41

19 You can bet that Jeter won't sit unitl he gets his 100th run. It's weird that with all this offense and Jeter's ability to reach base, he is struggling to score 100 runs.

2007-09-24 10:22:54

28. yankz

27 And I think he's 4 H away from 200.

2007-09-24 10:23:09

29. yankz

26 I meant the inning.

2007-09-24 10:24:10

30. Yankee Fan In Boston

29 in that case, he indeed was in it.

2007-09-24 10:28:11

31. rbj

20 Give in. Come on, you know you want to.

2007-09-24 10:30:09

32. Mike T

Wow, what happened between the top of the 1st and now? Come on Andy.

2007-09-24 10:30:52

33. NJYankee41

This Thigpen character is quickly becoming a thorn in my side. I hate "scrappy" players who suck. Especially when the Yanks have a hard time containing them.

2007-09-24 10:33:18

34. Mattpat11

This is ugly.

2007-09-24 10:34:33

35. Mattpat11

Why won't this team roll over?

2007-09-24 10:36:02

36. Shaun P

33 Thigpen is actually pretty well-regarded as a C prospect. I bet he and Zaun share the job next year.

But jeez, this was not the time for Andy to crap the bed. Anyone watching the game (as opposed to Gamedaying it like I am)? Bad fielding or just a bad Pettitte start?

2007-09-24 10:36:15

37. williamnyy23

Two early misplays and the Yankees are already down three runs. Between the lackluster start and the sparse crowd, you wouldn't think that this game probably decides the division. Hopefully the nine-pitch 1st inning isn't a bad sign and the Yankee bats get back to grinding.

Also, is it just me or do the Yankees never seem to play well in these mid-week, day game getaways?

2007-09-24 10:37:05

38. Shaun P

35 And Overbay isn't even playing! ;)

2007-09-24 10:37:47

39. williamnyy23

36 Arod should have easiy fielded Thigpen's grounder and Melky misplayed McDonald's fly ball. He probbly should have gotten out of the inning with no runs.

2007-09-24 10:37:56

40. AbbyNormal821

Unfortunately, I'm also watching (or since I'm at work...sneaking peeks) at Gameday. By the way, when did Toronto get Howdy Doody as a pitcher?

2007-09-24 10:40:06

41. Mattpat11

He lurks.

This team played shitty ball all year. Why can't that continue that?

2007-09-24 10:40:16

42. Yankee Fan In Boston

the mlb.tv feed (via YES) just had the fox news channel logo spinning in the corner...

???

2007-09-24 10:40:29

43. williamnyy23

Another very quick inning...hardly the approach you'd expect down three runs, not to mention in what you'd hope this team regards as a crucial game.

2007-09-24 10:43:20

44. Yankee Fan In Boston

range.

2007-09-24 10:44:08

45. Mike T

Ok, Toronto's pitcher is dismantling our guys so far.

2007-09-24 10:47:37

46. spufi2007

43 How exactly is this a crucial game? They've got the playoffs wrapped up. Sure, I'd like to beat Boston as anyone, but it's essentially zero cost to not win it (based on past history).

2007-09-24 10:48:11

47. Mattpat11

Jeter and A-Rod are losing the game.

2007-09-24 10:49:06

48. yankz

At least their bullpen is tired, though at this rate, Litsch is on his way to a SHO.

2007-09-24 10:49:46

49. spufi2007

A perfect day to see Kei Igawa and Jeff Karstens!

2007-09-24 10:50:16

50. williamnyy23

Another error and another run. Six outs on 19 pitches. Quite an effort for a game that will pretty much decide the division winner. Shouldn't Toronto be the team with one foot on the charter?

Show/Hide Comments 51-100

2007-09-24 10:50:25

51. spufi2007

Maybe even Tyler Clippard!

2007-09-24 10:50:51

52. Yankee Fan In Boston

49 you take that back.

2007-09-24 10:51:18

53. Mattpat11

49 No such day exists

2007-09-24 10:51:23

54. 3rd gen yankee fan

Wow, Litsch is tossing a no-hitter.

2007-09-24 10:51:25

55. yankz

50 Dude, you didn't use the word "focus"! Congrats!

2007-09-24 10:53:00

56. Mattpat11

Mink the Stud!

2007-09-24 10:53:14

57. williamnyy23

46 It's a crucial game because first place and an extra home game rides on it. Winning the division is an accomplishment worth fighting for.

2007-09-24 10:53:34

58. 3rd gen yankee fan

Doogie! I knew it.

2007-09-24 10:53:52

59. cult of basebaal

46 stink's got the focus!

2007-09-24 10:54:16

60. Bama Yankee

50 I thought the division race was decided after the first two months of the season...

2007-09-24 10:54:18

61. williamnyy23

55 Whatever word you like, it's hards to explain three misplays in two innings and no selectivity at the plate.

2007-09-24 10:54:34

62. 3rd gen yankee fan

hahaha, what a great roll up Thigpen's arm.

2007-09-24 10:55:00

63. yankz

59 No. Did you see his eyes during that AB? All over the place. No, that double was the product of Litsch sucking. The Yankees are unable to focus on pitches.

2007-09-24 10:55:55

64. yankz

61 I'll choose one word, it's called "baseball." Stuff like this happens. All I know is that most of the time (recently) that you've complain about an "approach" or something like not staring into the pitcher's eyes, the Yanks have come back to win.

2007-09-24 10:56:01

65. williamnyy23

How does Minky not score on that ball...he made the exact same mistake in Boston on a very similar play. Ridiculous. Add baserunning to the list.

2007-09-24 10:56:53

66. cult of basebaal

61 moral failure is the only explanation ... i knew cashman should have stoned bruney to death with stale donuts to put the fear of losing back in the team, like i suggested ...

2007-09-24 10:57:20

67. Yankee Fan In Boston

i was blowing air at my computer screen trying to get that out...

2007-09-24 10:58:23

68. Mattpat11

Okay. This is getting silly. Hit this Opie looking bastard.

2007-09-24 10:58:28

69. williamnyy23

64 Whether they win or lose isn't the point. Just because you can comeback, doesn't mean you should play very poorly early on in games. The Yankees have played a piss poor game over the first three innings. Maybe they'll comeback and win, or maybe they wont. It still disturbs me that this team would play so poorly in this setting.

2007-09-24 11:01:02

70. yankz

69 Then you get disturbed way too easily. Like a two-inning sample.

"Whether they win or lose isn't the point."
When did Yankee fans get so demanding? Now winning's not enough. Nope, you've got to look like a champ for every inning of every last game. Okay.

2007-09-24 11:02:22

71. pistolpete

Every so often we run into a buzzsaw of a rookie pitcher - it happens.

I'm more worried about our pitching against this mediocre Toronto lineup. WAY too many runs this weekend.

Would be nice to catch Boston, and I still think it's possible even if we lose today. They play Minnesota & Oakland while we play the bottom of the barrel...

2007-09-24 11:02:34

72. Yankee Fan In Boston

69 70 this is the yankees' version of the rope-a-dope. they're just getting all ali on these guys.

2007-09-24 11:03:04

73. Mattpat11

We're scewed

2007-09-24 11:03:07

74. williamnyy23

70 I guess we just have different standards for what defines a great team and what makes up a well played baseball game. In the post season, this team wont survive these kinds of efforts which you seem to enjoy so much.

2007-09-24 11:03:09

75. Yankee Fan In Boston

oh no

2007-09-24 11:03:27

76. yankz

Who's injured?

2007-09-24 11:03:55

77. monkeypants

69 William, it's good to have you back today. A couple of days ago, when Hughes gave up a bloop to Thigpen, you argued that this proved Hughes was still injured and/or unfocused. Since that time, Thigpen has drilled a double off the wall against Mo, gotten a hit against Mussina, and another hit (double) against Pettitte. Is the whole staff injured and/or unfocused?

2007-09-24 11:04:47

78. yankz

Did Cano pull a hammy or something?

2007-09-24 11:05:27

79. Yankee Fan In Boston

76 cano went hard into the tarp to make a catch... he seems okay though.

2007-09-24 11:05:31

80. cult of basebaal

70 well, duh?!?! didn't you get the memo? we're the Harlem Globetrotters and everyone else are the Washington Generals ... they can't win, we can only lose ...

2007-09-24 11:05:57

81. yankz

79 Thanks.

2007-09-24 11:06:22

82. williamnyy23

77 It's nice to see you still keep misrepresenting the point I made, which was that the poor quality of the curve ball he threw made me think he still have li