Wang for 5, Moose for 3, Farns for 1. Yanks win big, 11-4.

Thanks for the insight.
can't wait.

also, I can safely say that the yanks won last night because the wife and i switched places on the couch. do we stay in the same spots tonight, or switch back? do i sit in the chair, on the floor? do i get the matsui bobbleheads and bronze munson statuette back out?

2 Don't change a thing.

I blame myself. The Yankees have only known first-round exits since I joined Bronx Banter.

Ugh, my nerves can't take much more. I'm dreading the end so much, it's hurts to think about.

This is exactly the type of mismatch that scares the living crap outta me. You gotta figure Wang's a lock for a solid 5 innings and that Byrd will be roughed up. It's got reverse-lock written all over it. Hopefully though, its not so much of an advantage to actually have the reverse-lock effect.

Whatever....just win.

is clemens going to be replaced on the roster with ian kennedy? it doesn't seem like clemens could be of much use if there's a next series. who else could replace him if not kennedy?

2 Keep things the same. If you happen to be eating butter, then go by 25 tubes of it so you can eat it the entire game. If you were doing pushups, well, be prepared to have no arms the following day.. Get my drift?

According to my wife last night, the Yankees do well when I don't watch. In frustration, I have on occasion retreated. I'll still listen, but from another room while doing something else.

A quick list of games when I did this:

2001 WS games 4 and 5. I was listening when Tino and Brosius hit their HRs, but didn't actually see them in real time.

2003 ALCS game 7. I heard, rather than saw, most of the rally against Pedro. I did come down in time for Posada's bloop double.

Last night.

Of course, I did it some other times and they lost anyway. It means nothing. Still, perhaps I will "watch" tonight's game from afar.

britton, villone, edwar ... i'd prefer someone who could go long relief though, which probably means IPK, or maybe villone

5 Villone, Edwar, and Britton I believe

7 Yes, please, stay away from the telly. I will be wearing my same home jersey as last night with a big 42 on the back.

Ugh- that ALDS Game 3 was the worst. A rainy Friday night in DC and I was watching it at the aptly named Billy Martin's tavern in G'town. My future in-laws were in town at the time, and they probably left shaking their heads as I uttered more than a few choice words at the TV screen in the bar...

The Yankees are in the playoffs! Let's go Yankees!

2 -- I agree with yankz -- don't change a thing!

On my end, I can't find anything that I did differently for the games we didn't win vs. the one we did, except following the B.B. comment thread during the game (when we lost). So! Let's go, Yankees -- and I won't be here during the game! :-)

I better run and get some more Old Speckled Hen ale then.

http://www.oldspeckledhen.co.uk/

14 I threw caution to the wind and went the Newcastle route. And it worked. Still have enough for tonight. I'm doing my part for the team (at least that's what I'm telling the wife).

I'll be there tonight, right by the LF foul pole in the second deck. I'm beyond excited, this will be my first playoff game since Game 1 of the 2003 WS (stupid Juan Pierre bunt ruining my night off the bat). BTW, my uncle was there last night and swears its the loudest he heard the stadium ever, louder even than Tino's HR in the 98 WS.

Guess what else? I printed out Cliff's series preview to take with me. Great writing guys, thanks!

Is today Pettitte's throw day? If so, could he be available as a LOOGY?

17 i read someplace that it is indeed his throw day. i would imagine that an inning or so might not be out of the question.

Hmm. Considering that he was effective when used that way in the regular season, I'm up for that (an inning, not as a LOOGY - I don't think his stats make a case for use as a LOOGY). All hands on deck.

4 I have the same fear. I pray that Byrd does not go all Kenny Rogers on the Yankees tonight and pitch the game of his life. Be on the lookout for smudge marks.

Fingers, toes, and eyes crossed. Let's Go Yankees.

Cliff - Wanger has pitched in the bigs on three days rest before:

http://tinyurl.com/229mvv

19 yeah, but i bet torre is hoping that he can make that inning coincide with having to face sizemore and hafner at the top of the lineup

according to pete ... looks like villone is active for 2nite

23 That's awesome...so after burning through Joba and Mo in a semi-blowout, Torre can turn to the always trusty Villone in some critical, high-leverage, mid-game situation.

If today's Pettitte's throw day, why was he warming up yesterday?

Don't pitchers usually throw on their second day of rest? Today would be his 3rd.

1 Its my dream to win the world series without ever having to see Kyle Farnsworth's face.

24 You say that as if Veras, Farnsworth Ohlendorf and Vizcaino couldn't blow through a five run lead in three innings.

I believe that until Number 13 goes to Boston the Yankees can never win another World champion ship. I say this despite loving A-rod (I believe the Yankees do not make the playoffs without him these last three years.). First, he wears Number 13. Bad. The Yankees blow a 3-0 lead in his first season and the despised Redsox end 86 years of futility. Very Very bad! It was just bad Karma to get him-like it was bad Karma to get Kevin Brown and Randy Johnson. It is the reverse of the Babe Ruth curse........the best player in Baseball comes to the Yankees and the curse is reversed. I fear the God's of baseball have turned their backs on us. The only way to make them smile on us again is to Sacrifice A-rod. It's like a Greek tragedy. I can't watch these games anymore. The bugs at Jacobs field. God's of baseball revenge. I'd rather watch the Jets play than suffer these slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. At least with the Jets I know they'll find a way to lose. With the Yankees it's pure torture.

27 You only needed at max one inning from them.

28 Are you being serious or just parodying that "Let Arod walk and spend money on the minors!" dude from yesterday?

28 Man, are you seriously advocating the Yankees get rid of A-Rod because he wears the number 13 and so is bad luck?! Ending your rant with Shakespeare doesn't make it seem any more intelligent.

28 wow ... just ... wow ... looks like you picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue

26 I share your dream.

26 you are not alone.

This is going to be a blow-out! Byrd stinks! Joba and Mariano won't even have to pitch tonight! Go Yankees!

30 31 32 now wait a second. hear this out...

maybe if they got rid of the best active player in the game they could improve.

y'know, set aside his 50-something HRs (22 of which tied the game or put the yankees ahead, but 31 of those were unlucky). forget that he's a mentor to two important young players, just coming into their own.

maybe we'd be better off.

because he may or may not be unlucky or cursed.

i'll go grab a calculator and a ouija board and report back.

29 I think they're capable of blowing it. They're no good.

36 If you believe that, I have some magic beads here to sell you...;)

38 i didn't say i believed it, just that i was willing to research the possibility.

the ouija/calculator thing didn't produce conclusive results, but fortunately i have a magic eight ball on hand... let's see here...

39 "ask again later"

jeepers, we may never know.

40 Hmmm...have you tried tea leaves? tarot cards? or I know! Astrology!

37 Ignoring the fact that Ohlendorf was good in his very small sample and Vizcaino was phenomenal for a very, very long period of the season (until most likely getting tired), you could bring in Joba if they get in trouble. If you're willing to bring him in for 2 innings, you should be willing to bring him in for 1.2 innings. Maybe the relievers get lucky and make it through without giving up a run (like Joba eventually did). Maybe they don't. Either way, it would be worth the risk.

41 Venus is unfavorable for the Yankees today ;(

43 easy on the ladies, yankz.

44 Ha!

I guess it means, Arod has a monster day but then fights with Cynthia, which will cause him to have a miserable Game 5.

here are the lineups via mr. abraham:

YANKEES
Johnny Damon LF
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jorge Posada C
Hideki Matsui DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Melky Cabrera CF
Doug Mientkiewicz 1B
Chien-Ming Wang RHP

INDIANS
Grady Sizemore CF
Asdrubal Cabrera 2B
Travis Hafner DH
Victor Martinez 1B
Jhonny Peralta SS
Kenny Lofton LF
Franklin Gutierrez RF
Casey Blake 3B
Kelly Shoppach C
Paul Byrd RHP

I'm leaving soon to go to the game tonight. Man, they better win this one - or, at worst, lose a good game. I've been to lots of postseason games in my life, going back to the Chambliss game, but I've never seen a pack-up-and-go-home loss.

My nightmare is that Byrd suddenly goes all Chad Gaudin on them (http://tinyurl.com/2yupu9) while Wang struggles again. Last night does make me feel a little more hopeful; now, if The Greatest Clutch Player Of Our Generation (TM) can get unstuck, it would sure be nice.

[This is for Bama Yankee and fans Karma of Karma everywhere...Sorry for the repost from an earlier thread, but I'm as nervous as a damn housecat and am feeling superstitious]:

Today doesn't "feel" like game 4 last year. Today feels like a win.

It's all about TODAY. Win one game. Just one. Don't even think about Wednesday. Don't check the "*if necessary" times for that game. That game doesn't exist. It's apocraphyl. Just focus on today. Today only. Almost time to put on the "EVIL EMPIRE" T-shirt. Inning by inning. Brick by Brick. I know in my heart that three things are going to happen today:

1. Arod's going to do something to lead this team.

2. Wanger's sinker will be dancing more at home.

3. The Yankees will win today.

Who's with me?????

As with last night, I believe that we need to STEAL STEAL STEAL STEAL all night long to put the pressure on the Tribe and not allow Double Plays. Melky, Cabrera, Jeter, Arod and Bobby need put their wheels on!

49 V-mart's not catching tonight...

49 Um, what are Byrd's go/ao ratios? He is even getting a lot of DPs?

48 I'm with ya, Jeb (BTW, that post could make a nice pregame speech. Coach Bryant would be proud. Roll Tide and Go Yankees)

ESPN's stats on Byrd:

• Had second-worst hits-per-9 innings rate of MLB pitchers (minimum 162 IP): 11.18
• 1-0, 5.02 ERA in three career postseason starts (20.65 ERA in two career October regular-season starts)

Wow.

This one was Wang's:

10-4, 2.75 ERA at home in 2007

• Hasn't lost consecutive starts since April 24 and 29, his first two starts of the season

48 I'm nervous too, Jeb. But I'm doing my part to keep the line moving...

Once again, "We've got our backs against the driver's seat"

Hope you like peanuts, ol' buddy... ;-)

35 Exactly what makes me uncomfortable about tonights game.

Did anyone have a hard time watching Joba last night after his 1st inning? For some reason it seemed almost painful to watch. You just knew he was tired and couldn't find the strike zone, and I felt like each pitch was just damaging his arm. It felt like he had already thrown 160 pitches and just kept throwing more and more. Ugh, I hope he doesn't have to pitch tonight.

56 Yes, I know exactly what you mean. With a tired Wang (hehe) and a mysterious Moose, we better hope they drop a 8-spot in the second something.

42 Vizcaino has been pretty bad for the last two months, and last I heard Ross Ohlendorf was TOO YOUNG AND INEXPERIENCED AND TORRE IS AN AWFUL HUMAN BEING FOR MAKING HIM PITCH IN THE PLAYOFFS! HOW COULD HE DO THAT TO HIM?

And I'd rather not sit on our asses and wait until the tying run is on base to bring in the competent relievers.

Flash.............Clemons is finished for the ALCS and probably WS.

58 You'd rather have last night happen. Joba throws 40 pitches (his ML career high, after throwing 2 long innings on Friday), gives up the run that Farnsworth or Veras might have given up, and will likely be exhausted today. OK.

In a 5-run game, the tying run cannot be on base. The lead was that big. They had a margin for error.

58 viz had a bad September, but he did NOT have a bad August. He had a 1.38 ERA in August, allowing only 2 runs in 14 appearances.

60 Yes I would. I'd rather win the game than let the scrubs lose it.

If we lost the playoffs with Kyle Farnsworth on the mound, I'd have wanted Joe Torre and Brian Cashman fired before the lights went out.

56 Yes - a little bit.
The fact that Joba was on such a ridiculously high level for a while there also makes me nervous. Even though I know he has now given up a few runs now, I still get nervous when he gets in trouble because I don't want it to effect him - what I am trying to say and what may sound irrational is I think he was too good when he first came up - there is no way to sustain that level of excellence and every time he falters even just a bit I hope it does not mees with him. Though I think it makes me more nervous than it does him.
Also, he has not really been pitching for that long when you think about it. He did not have the whole Little League/high school "star" experience that most of the major leaguers from the US had. I keep wondering (and that weird SI article did not adddres it) - how much "professional" pitching coaching Joba has had. Probably not until he got to U Nebraska and he was probably 19 or 20 then and then went to Hawaii and had a rushed minor league development. All of which to say is the potential for him to get better is crazy.

62 I've said it a bunch of times before. You refuse to read the entirety of comments. So I'm not going to bother repeating myself.

63 I know what you mean, but every indication so far (including quotes from people around him) suggests that he has the mental makeup necessary. Keep the faith!

52 55 Thanks Bama and a big "ROLL TIDE" to you from the Magic City.

Last summer when I was in Yankee Stadium I screamed "ROLLLLLL TIDE ROLLLL!" everytime Andy Phillips came to the plate and got some odd looks from around the plate.

Of course, everytime I try to start the "Roll Call" at Bryant-Denny Stadium I get even funnier looks.

;o)

55 and I love peanuts...I'll have to go down to the Peanut Depot this week for some celebratory boiled peanuts...I'd love to introduce boiled peanuts to the new ballpark....Talk about the odd looks!

64 I read your comments. I think you're wrong. I've watched the trash of the bullpen throw away too many games to trust them with anything in an elimination game. I watched Ohlendorf and Vizcaino piss away two games THIS SERIES. I've watched Kyle Farnsworth fail at everything for two years. Jose Veras can't get out minor leaguers.

Its a shame Chamberlain had to be used. But until the Yankees change their philosophy of "BUT LOOK HOW HARD HE THROWS!" this is the reality of our bullpen.

60 How about Farnsworth starts, give's up a leadoff home run and then get's pulled. No chance for him to really screw up and 8 innings to catch up.

68 Yeah, your capital letters have totally convinced me that taxing Joba's already tiring arm was the right move. Because there's no chance Farns could duplicate his 4/19 scoreless inning vs. CLE, or Vizcaino like he did from 8/11 to 8/12, with Joba waiting in the wings the second they get into trouble. Farns sucks SO BAD HE CAN GIVE UP 5 R HOMERS!!!!!!!

Do you understand how pitching changes work? You don't have to leave a guy in for an entire inning.

Or yeah, 69 sounds about right.

Jeter is 11-27 vs. Byrd. He needs to step up today.

66 Way to represent, Jeb. That roll call idea at Bryant-Denny has potential.

67 Boiled peanuts at the Stadium, boy that would be something...

I check back in with you guys later on tonight after we even this thing up...

70 I understand. Bring the goofs in, let them fail, then use Joba anyway just with less room for error.

Bullpen wise, look at the big picture: who thinks we can win the world series with only Mo, Joba and our 4 remaining healthy starters getting innings? That's six guys!

For a possible next series, Moose and Hughes would both be in the rotation--Hughes would be in line to start game one at Fenway....

That said, we can get through today Wang-Moose-Mo if all goes well...

73 FIVE RUN HOMER!!!!!!

If Moose were to have to face Boston, five days rest might give him enough of a fastball to be effective for six innings....

68 well, but we HAVE to use Viz--the Clemens injury just removed our margin--Hughes and Moose are starting against Boston--these are not gonna be 8-9 inning outings, unless Hughes matures real fast....

Now, that said, today is the most important game in Yankee history, and I'd rather see Wang-Moose-Mo, nobody else...(but what if it's Bad Moose, aka Mid-80s-Moose?)

75 Two walks, two singles and a HR.

ABSURD theory for men who have allowed a combined 70 walks, 126 Hits and 15 HR a combined 135 IP.

Hey, I'm at the park working the game for SI.com. Cashman just had a good line, talking to a hoard of reporters on the field as the Yankees took bp. When asked about Chamberlain he said, "The Rules here in October, the rules are to win."

78 Shit, I totally forgot that Torre would have to leave one of the bums in for five batters even if he got no one out. Yep, you nailed it--better to just pitch Joba until his arm falls off and/or he starts giving up runs.

78 Reviewing the stats you present--the relievers gave up a total of about 210 baserunners in 135 innings, and about 1 HR every 9 innings. So, the most likely outcome had they pitched the 8th would have been about two baserunners and zero HRs.

81 Nice. Thanks.

79 Money.

80 Frankly, things fall apart so quickly with those goofs that I don't have faith in Torre pulling them quickly enough. And if Chamberlain finally comes in with second and third one out and the tying run at the plate, you're putting him in a really bad spot.

Joba was warmed up when we still had a 2 run lead, so he was coming in. Bringing him in in the 7th was fine. I'm don't think having him pitch the 8th was necessary. However, Torre mentioned that Mo had more pitches recently then Joba, and he didn't want to use Mo for 2.

Had Joba had a better 8th and not thrown as many pitches, I don't think people would be bitching... but it is scary to think of overusing him and damaging his arm.

I do believe that Contraras, Cashman and Guidry have all discussed to great lengths Joba's limitations, and that Torre was 'within his leash'.

My guess is the scrubs could have gotten by with a 5 run lead... but sometimes a game needs to be iced.

83 If you don't take the chance with them, you're taking a bigger chance with Joba's arm. Pick your poison, but I want to savior his arm.

I Love that Torre confounded his critics and brought Hughes in instead of Mussina last night. He threw the dice with Phranchise and he rode Jaba to the limit. Tonight the rest of the staff needs to step up

Shoppach starting at catcher for the Indians tonight with Martinez at first and Garko on the bench.

Mientkiewicz at first base for the Yankees and batting ninth.

84 You're right about the seventh. I will say, however, (and last night's thread should back this up), that Hughes should have started the seventh. And I definitely said last night that Joba should not have come out for the eighth, regardless of his pitch total.

88 What I mean, of course, is that I was calling for Hughes for the seventh and no Joba for the eighth before the fact, not from hindsight.

Oh well, maybe WangMoose can give eight strong and the offense provides a big lead.

I gotta go get the papers...get the papers.

I'm glad Frank Thomas likes the yanks. One of my former coworkers brothers pitches for the orioles and used to be on the chisox. He said that everyone called Thomas "the big hurt toe" behind his back

I was disappointed that Joba had to pitch two, too. To. But OYF makes a good point (he was warming with a 2-run lead and once he warms he may as well pitch), and if he hadn't struggled in the eighth I think we'd all be happy with the performance. I didn't want Mo to come in at all with a 4-run lead, but he only threw ten pitches so it wasn't a costly decision.

If Andy can really give us a Throw Day inning tonight, we might be in pretty good shape. Shockingly.

91 Chad Bradford?

we play today, we win today das it

92 I have no problem with bringing in Joba for the 7th, but he shouldn't have been sent out in the 8th. Torre was simply enacting a pre-game formula and wasn't willing/able to adapt to the game situation. I think even Torre was second guessing himself in the dugout. After Cano didn't field the groundball by VMart to lead of the inning, the camera caught an uncharacteristically angry reaction from Torre (almost as if he was thinking, come on Robbie, we need to save pitches). After the DP, however, the camera caught Torre express disproportionate approval. After that point, all hell broke loose and it looked like Torre was in panic mode.

Hopefully, the Yankees score a lot of runs because they are going to be at a disadvantage in a late/close game

Yep. But shhhh. Last year we caught the braves and mets at the Ted and me and my friend walked with him through a sea of fans. No one recognized him! Then I got to talk baseball with him. What a damn thrill. Nice guy.

94 We win today, we play on Wednesday. Das it.

88 I think Torre is counting on Phil for an inning or 2 in game 5.

My stomach is in a knot.
Good luck buys. Let's keep the faith Banterers.

oh no

Well, this is not promising.

Sizemore is one of my favorite players to watch, but maybe not tonight.

well at least no one was on

Oh shit. Wang's ball is not sinking.

Paging Mr.Mussina. Mr. Mussina to the Bullpen rubber

goddammit all to hell wang, throw sinkers, not thigh-high meat

one gb out

Wait, this is some kind of mirror image of the opening game, I think it is a good omen. Wang takes a punch and then cruises.

I think we all know we have to score 4 to win tonight anyway- so I am sort of glad we got that out of the way.

OK, second batter grounded out...let's see if Wang can weather the first inning. If he gives 5 inn, 3 runs, the team should have a chance.

Chip Caray seems to relish in Yankee woes. I hate this guy.

First leadoff homer by an Indian in the postseason since Al Smith led off Game 1 of the 1954 World Series with a homer off of Johnny Antonelli.

Wang's pitches are not really sinking that much. He's left a lot of them up in the zone.

we're still good. no problem. double play coming up.

Why are the announcers going on and on about Wang's velocity? I mean, he's throwing pretty much the same speed as normal, right? Don't they give these guys an info sheet at the start of the game?

Well, won't matter how bad Byrd is if we can't get out of the first

114 That's exactly what I was thinking. That's the speed Wang always throws. It is surprising for a sinkerballer, but that's why he's so good.

obviously, none of this broadcasting team has ever read a scouting report on wang ... they seem dumbfounded that he throws mid-90's sinkers ...

Yankee Stadium will NOT allow the Yanks to lose! That place will come down.

114 They have to talk about something . . .

Where's the vintage Wanger hiding? I know you're in there.... show yourself. You are in there right?.....Wanger?

and to follow that up, gwynn seems convinced that mid-90's sinkers are counter-productive, it's like they never experienced game 2 and fausto carmona ...

Wang OPS by inning, career:

1ST .727
2ND .560
3RD .626
4TH .683
5TH .735
6TH .762
7TH .715
8TH .740

ok - 2 down

2 ous. no problem.

fellow toasters, I have a question, are you guys as annoyed by the Bon Jovi song TBS is playing as I am? or is a NY/Jersey thing to "like" Bon Jovi?

two weak grounders. he'll be fine

I wanna know why is it impressive that Carmona throws a 95+MPH sinker but it is trouble when Wang is the one throwing that same pitch.

125 Depends on your generation . . .

125

Bon Jovi ..... what is this Bon Jovi you speak of? :-O

JEsus this guy (CARAY) is a fucking CLEVELAND FAN! He should be fined by MLB TBS and the National Broadcaters association! "They've been GGGGREEEAT!"

well ... chip caray has waxed orgasmic about "small ball" tactics for the 1st time tonite

n0w its fucking sinking

122 Very interesting. So he's generally on between the 2nd and 5th innings with the 6th being his worst.

Be bad Jhonny . . .

125 I'm a Springsteen fan (Born to Run era). Part of the older generation.

131 That's fine by me--it's just empty baseball wisdoma and I just ignore that stuff at this point. It's the misinformation and downright ignorance about the teams that bugs me.

Yankee Killer???

107 Sabathia cruised?

un-FUCKING-believable

Damnit!

110 chip carey is a bag of shit. And I'm damn tired of hearing about Yankee killer first ballot hall of famer Kenny lofton.

god fucking dammit, I am so sick of this crap. Oh well

shit that hurt...remember need four anyway. That's bullshit lucky BULLSHIT!

fucking nonsense...... at least gwynn realizes this is indian luck...

135 Ditto . . .

"a blooper turns to gold"? really? fuck you, chip.

hitting mute already.

i get home in time for the 1st pitch and we're already down 2. crapola.

137 He has killed the Yankees this series, to be fair.

I knew I should have bet the "over"

138 Role reversal, the Yankees pound Byrd.

Shut up Chip!

is moose warming?

hey cult - i was saving my last like 4 texts for you for wednesday's game, while i'm teaching, for updates. at this point, let's just hope for a game wednesday...

here's hoping byrd shits the coop...

It's tough when you can't get out of the 1st inning with your best/second best pitcher on the mound.

I still don't feel worried about this . . .

Freaking ridiculous. Listening to these announcers make me want the Yankees to win that much more, as if that was possible

C'Mon - is there anyone out there that DOESN"T think AROD is getting a couple of Jacks tonight--PUH-LEEEZE! Let the route commence.

So much for the great exalted Yankee killer. Now for some Frank TV commercials. That guy is a genius!

ok, lets all chill, thats 3 groundouts, one solid hit by travis fucking hafner, a lucky piece of shit, and a solo homer by grady fucking sizemore. wang will settle in.

11-22 2-out RSIP, hmmmmm? isn't that exactly what the fucking Angels do to us?

it's ok, Wang got a couple grounders. He'll settle in. We're gonna score a bunch.

Well, that could have been better, but it could have been worse. Now all he needs to do is control the damage until the fifth or sixth. In any case, it won't matter if the bats disappear against Byrd.

I hope Minky has some of the post-injury pixie dust left.

Man, the life was sucked out of the Stadium. They have to jump on Byrd early otherwise the noose is going to tighten.

150 Teacher too...whaddya teach?

A Yankee Killer turns to mush. Is Chip Caray going to be doing the play by play of the ALCS or World Series?

No panic. we'll score lots of runs tonight. Time for the Old Speckled Hen.

I don't know I'm getting the same vibe as John Mallencamps "this is our country"

Paul Byrd reminds me of the Undertaker.

161 no, fox has them both

125 bon jovi is actually good. i'm not an active fan or anything, but he's an excellent singer/songwriter...

Over Kill, however - now there's a NY/NJ thing! new album tomorrow!!! : )

I don't know if this was said before . . . but do you think NoMaas is rooting for the Tribe tonight . . .

162 There's a good chance, but this needs to be a blowout and not a closely contested slugfest.

.301 opponent batting average for Byrd .... wow

Giving someone the nickname "(New York team) killer" is pretty old and tended to be based on very small sample sizes.

See Frank Lary for the Yankees
or go way back for Jack Pfiester for the Giants.

No way that 2 runs is enough for Cleveland tonight.

paul byrd = "complete game pitcher". hmmm, thanks chip.

and yes, wang throws in the mid-90s regularly. jackasses. tbs needs to stick w/ everybody loves raymond.

It's going to take at least six or seven runs for us to win today, it looks like. 24 pitches, 2 runs in just the first inning given up. Wang will likely give up 4, Moose another two probably.

162

I agree, this dude use to be a Halo you guys should be able to score plenty of runs.

169 yeah, but he doesn't hurt himself!

Nothing would please me more than having to listen to Chip Caray call the Yankees scoring 10 runs in the bottom of the 1st.

C'mon Cap'n

Here we go!

Yeah baby.

ah man, that was a beautiful shot by Jeter...

Let's run on Shopach now . . .

The captain!

They should get Frank TV to call the game with fat Albert.

Derek Jeter: Byrd Hunter.

Work it bobby...work it.

high and away...bullshit!

nice work, Cap. you need to go 4-4 tonite. how 'bout a stolen bag here. let's make something happen. put a little pressure...

175 Right, he doesn't give up walks (which count double), but makes them put it in play!

How the heck can Byrd pitch with that crouch?

Yesssss Bobby!!!!

186 Let's not run out of any innings with a pitcher who has a .300+ BAA.

c'mon alex ... don't get jumpy, wait for it and drive it

Good start. Now time for an A-bomb.

160 i teach drums, classical percussion and basic music theory.

ooh, howzabout a double steal and a-rod ties the game? c'mon boyz!!!

Bobby!

In the immortal words of Jim Carey:

"I like it. I like it a lawt."

dhun dhun dhun dhun dhun
dhun dhun dhun dhun

dhun dhun dhun dhun dhun dhun.........

Time to shine, Superman.

lay off that inside crap

Anyone else get a sense they could get a hit off Paul Byrd?

Oh man that was A-Rod's pitch right there

OH SHIT! AROD almost screwed himself into the ground

man, it always seems that a-rod is 0-2 in the playoffs...

"He got a cookie . . " My wife thinks Gwynn sounds like he's from Mississippi

I think I'd feel like I could pull Paul Byrd too.

I think I'd feel like I could pull Paul Byrd too.

Oh vey, pathetic

jesus fucking h. christ.

jesus, that's the 2nd meatball alex has missed since yesterday ... dammit! c'mon man, we NEED you tonite ... stop being SHIT!

I also feel like I could be a douchebag and doublepost.

missed one

I bet if tony gwynn got a cookie in the middle of the plate, he'd eat it...then he'd eat the plate.

C'mon Jorgie---you are due.

ARod is simply missing pitches he killed during the season.

211 HAH!

Jorgie . . .

211 HAH!

That was neat trick--showing the pitch sequence replay out of order to fit the narrative. Sorta like "false but accurate."

211 man, gwynn really got HUGE since he's retired. like can't be very healthy big...

Pretty pathetic AB by A-Rod

Shoot.

that's what's discouraging, that's the 2nd hanging curveball that just sat in the middle of the plate and screamed "CRUSH ME" and alex didn't do shit with either ... sigh

after seeing shots of Wedge, I wonder what torre would look like with a full beard

C'mon Jorge - pick up AROD!

Its like Bird is throwing 85 right down the middle and the Yankees can only foul it off..unreal

Jorge is ALSO missing easy pitches.

Jorge Posada doesn't have good #'s against Byrd...

this is gonna be a long night

damnit Jorgie, sit on it

this shit is just sooooo stressful...

218

thinking the same thing ..... to think that Kirby Puckett isn't with us any more, while Gwynn is

It's only the 1st inning...

This is going to piss me off so much

Chip Caray is an idiot and a frontrunner.

Damn, decent catch by Lofton.

Yup, superpissed

God I hate Kenny Lofton

Fargin' frak!

their bloop falls, our bloop hangs up....

God damn it

i am really hating kenny lofton. a lot.

goddammit, i'm already starting to build rage here ...

In an elimination game, how do you not plate at least a run there against this bum? Sigh

FUCK FUCK FUCK! Lofton asswhole didn't even know he caught it!

I am going to go put on my Bernie jersey. Haven't brought it out yet...

231 That changes nothing. Stop being logical.

This series is turning into "the Revenge of Kenny Lofton." Ugh.

Byrd looks like he has nothing.
The Yankees are playing very tight.
I think the 2 runs is getting to them.
They should have scored big that inning.
We are beating ourselves so far.

You couldn't ask for a worse beginning...Wang gives up two and the Yankees squander a golden opportunity against Byrd.

As for Arod, that was a horrible AB. You simply can't strike out against Paul Byrd on those pitches. If they lose this game and he continues to struggle, I can't imagine he'll be back.

How did we let them wriggle out of that?

So many fat, hittable pitches, nothing to show for it.

I guess the bright side is that this guy can't fool us forever.

Second time through the lineup he's toast.

Now it's on Chien.

230 yeah, you would think (semi-) well conditioned athletes with all the $ and connections in the world, would work somewhat hard at staying in decent shape post playing careers. esp for their children. gwynn is mega-huge...

244
Kenny Lofton has a lot of teams to avenge.

man, gwynn really got HUGE since he's retired. like can't be very healthy big...

He probably comes from a big family (know what I mean..) but he should still get a physical/check his cholesterol level he's entering Tommy Lasorda territory

1st inning or not, swinging through 85 mph batting practice fastballs down the middle and 80 mph hanging "changeups" is not a good sign

sorry about that everyone ... didn't have my Yankees hat on ... the same one that i put on when we were down 3-0 yesterday before our comeback ... big oops ... let's see what happens now!

guidry talking to wang 'bout nawlins gumbo. teehee ; )

248
Gwynn was getting very heavy in his last years as an active player.

211 tony gwynn is Kirby puckett huge. I'm not trying to beat up on poor kirby, God rest his soul, but Gwynn needs to push away from the table a little sooner.

jesus christ wang, could you please give us a decent fucking start ... maybe, just maybe???

Apparently, CM Wang generally throws an 82-MPH sinker.

Wait, what? He doesn't? Damn you, Chip Caray!

252 no worries, i'm wearing mine! i was freaking out 'coz i wasn't wearing my yankees shirt. but i have like 5 of them out and am wearing the hat. 5 wang cards out, too.

Here we go...man, I feel like the life (and hope) has been sucked out of me. This felt like a win coming in, but now, I am not sure.

246 Arod will be crucified if he doesn't get a big hit now this game.

Wang is killing us.

Tony Gwynn = Black Santa

251 et al. I'm frustrated too, but let's not overreact yet. This is Byrd's gig, right? He has a league average ERA and he gives up tons of hits with few walks and ks. Somehow he does manage to get batters out, else his ERA would be 27.00. Now, if we're in the fourth inning still with no runs, then...

255 I think my wife had the best line as she was passing by the den and only half interested in the game,

"Did Tony Gwynn's head shrink?"

Why can't baseball players be trusted to manage their own facial hair?

250 i don't remember his brother Chris being too very big and i can't picture TG, jr. on the brewers to compare there, either. tony was one of my all-time favorite players my whole life. i'd hate to see him have health problems due to his size. he's scary big right now...

Gwynn from his last year in the majors:
http://tinyurl.com/2p3e6f

1983 rookie Tony Gwynn:
http://tinyurl.com/2mxa3s

Gwynn today:
http://tinyurl.com/27rd38

Christ, this is ugly

How can Wang suddenly have 0 sink on his pitchers? How is that possible?

Ok let's get out of this like we did all year Wanger!

are they watching the same game? he tries to pull it and gets lucky, what I saw...

lovely, just lovely ... i say the words i didn't want to say tonite ... time to get mike mussina up ... pathetic

I'd say that was a nice try by Jeter but it wasn't.

Ok let's get out of this like we did all year Wanger!

262 also

Tony Gwynn = black humpty dumpty

We call that strike one!

bullshit!!!

265 tribe and sawx are horrible in the facial hair area. it's like they're trying to be as fugly as possible. why would one do that?

ugh, so many hits... who's stirring in the pen, chip. is it moose? villone? WHO???
ahh, there it is, the moose.

hey, that's a strike! bullFUCKINGshit!

266
Chris was a pretty chunky guy.

And he was terrible too.

I was hoping Wang would give us a little more than Roger did yesterday...but he seems to have nothing.

Porque? That went off the bat- I could hear it. I mean, either that or his hands are made of maple.

Why are TBS' replays so useless?

If that hit him and the ball bounced off - he's fucking dead not on first base!

266

Gwynn's one of my all-time faves too. I had him on one of my first Strat teams.

I haven't seen a swing and miss at a good sinker from Wang yet...

Well, look at it this way. By saving Joba yesterday, Torre could go to him early for two innings...

They aren't going to overturn this, just another break not going our way

I don't see what there is to discuss; you could HEAR the ball hit the bat, so if it did hit him, then he's out, because he was hit with a foul ball.

That is so beyond a bullshit call. he would be lying on the ground!

Are you kidding me Brenly?

looks like it got the hand and then the bat ...

How is that clear Bob Brenly?

Bob Brenly. It didn't clearly hit him you moron otherwise it wouldn't be a controversy.

You idiot.

Man, I am just so perplexed--who would have thought Wang would be the goat of the series?

horrible, just fucking horrible ... good thing i'm already drinking

267 ah, i have that fleer rookie card! i really wish i had the 83 Topps rookie. for some reason that card eluded me. : /

279

I thought Chris Gwynn had a sweet swing but it just didn't pan out, I remember he almost hit a home run in a crucial game at Candlestick once...

WHAT THE FUCK ARE THESE ANNOUNCERS SEEING???

In the replay, that CLEARLY hits the bat, how can the announcers even pretend its otherwise?

My wife doesn't know from Tony Gwynn, but from hearing his voice, her image was of a Gabby Hayes/Pat Buttram kind of country cracker.

If you listen to Gwynn without the image of the player in your mind, you can kind of see it.

YOU COULD HEARF THAT FROM HERE! ARE THEY WATCHING THE SAME FUCKING REPLAY! BARREL OF THE BAT- LOOK AT HIS HAND! ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?

We're fucked.

291 Yeah, in the first non-shit TBS replay so far.

What in the name of sweet fuck is Brenley talking about? The ball hit the bat flush...

295 drink 1 for me, cult! no beer for moi for awhile... : /

It hit the effing bat!!!!! What are they seeing???

288 still in the batter's box, so I believe that negates the hit by foul ball.

BS call.

294 well, this ought to end all the discussion about whether wang is a number 1 or not ...

Well, we can't win a postseason series when we have 1 good starter.

oh god i don't think i can watch anymore. what fucking bullshit

Well, I think we all know whats going to happen here...

Wow...holy shit, he's out already!? Moose can go five max, we are FUCKED.

Wow!

Wang spit the bit.

I had him on one of my first Strat teams.

what does that mean DianaGramr? (strat)

How did we let them wriggle out of that?

So many fat, hittable pitches, nothing to show for it.

I guess the bright side is that this guy can't fool us forever.

Second time through the lineup he's toast.

Now it's on Chien.

No Way!!!!!!!!!!!
Not Moose!
NO NO NO!
There goes the year! SHIT!

Joe pushing the panic button hard.

306 307 It hit his back hand, then the barrel of the bat. Sucks, but it looks like he did get hit. I can't believe it either.

Fuck, I'm feeling ill.

314 He did.

wow ... i can't believe this game, even if we win this, what good is wang going to be for us this year

That's the problem when you don't strike people out.

315 Strat-O-Matic? ^_^

279 his name shoulda been "Franklin Stubbs"! ; )

good lord, i NEVER thought wang would be this bad tonite (or in game 1). : (

OK, new Wang rule: no coming back on three days rest.

Moose, come through here and all is forgiven. And we won't trade you to San Diego.

OK - Y'all let's get rationale again. We all know we need four runs to win. So our goal this inning is to allow only one and let Mike call on all his ego and pride to pick us up the rest of the way. If we can't score four on Byrd- we don't deserve it anyway. MINIMIZE this inning. Keep it here. Keep it here.

317 who the fuck else is there???

Now in the roll of Javy Vazquez, ladies and gentlemen...

Mike Mussina.

Can we guess what happens on the next pitch?

Game 7 2004 ALCS anyone?

he definitely did not get hit. if there was any doubt from the replay they first showed, the one from the centerfield camera was definitive. it hit the bat, not his hand.

uh fucking believable. all that work in the second half, and our ace folds, and the big bats go limp. christ. Moose is going to have to sack the fuck up

i run through the door and i'm greeted with moose warming.

...oh boy...

c'mon fellas, pull it together.

315 Fender Strat? ; )

319 Maybe I'm pinstripe blind, but there's no way that his his hand. Did you see the shot of his hand at 1b?

317 Jump!, jump!, jump!...

No pressure here on Moose. If he comes through he's a legend.

I don't have much faith in this move. Moose is going to have to channel some early days type action right now.

Looked to me like the ball hit the bat.

And the rule is that if you're swinging, it's a strike. Should be 1-1 count to Kelly "Drama and not" Shoppach "Class" there.

314

oh come now ..... the Indians had ONE hard hit ball against Wang .... the Sizemore homer ...

the other hits were well-placed grounders or bloops ...

k, wang cards gone. 3 Moose cards up. c'mon Mikey Moose!!!

315 strat-o-matic

The Yankees are reminding me of the Dodgers and the Mets. Most everyone's either too old or too young. Few in their prime.

The season is over. In retrospect, it would have been better to miss the playoffs. That way, Arod wouldn't be on his way out of town and Wang wouldn't be saddled with two complete Post Season collapses. Not only are the Yankees pretty much done for this season, but I think this will place a cloud over next season as well.

Once again, you couldn't have imagined a worse start. Maybe this team as constructed simply can't win in the playoffs. Maybe a complete shakeup is necessary to change the stigma that has haunted this team...one of a team that can't win big games?

This is it. If Mussina is not on tonight, we're screwed. There is NO ONE else.

Once again, this is a situation you bring Joba in to get out of it, THEN bring in Moose...

Wang had failed to pitch 5 2/3 only once before the postseason....

a ground ball would score a run. retards

323 yes .... Strat-o-Matic

322 That's what happen when you throw a sinker in the mid-90s.

315 http://www.strat-o-matic.com/

322 But, he can get K's. Where were the slider and change?

"Mussina still gets it up there in the low 90s"--if only that's true today...

334 The close-up replay of his hands during the pitch made it pretty clear, I thought, that it deflected off the side of his hand.

Regardless, it's done now.

C'mon Blud . . .

Is it just me or does this ump have a small strike zone?

323

I just looked it up, it's some type of fantasy strategy team of some kind.

351 where was even the sinker...

uh . . Blue

Nice.

Nicely done Moose!

OK, best case scenario besides the triple play.

I trade a run for 2 outs there every day...

361 i'd have taken a K before a DP... but i'll deal

345 Then who pitches after Mussina?

Well, at least he got a double play.

OK, two outs there.

How did we bring up Ron Villone over Kennedy?

Asdrubal ..... must have gotten hell in the schoolyard with that name ...

well ... if moose gets out of this with only 1 run scoring, it'll be just like last night ... starter out early down 3-0 ... we can score off byrd ... we just gotta clamp down

343 William - Noone is a bigger pessimist than me- but take that shit and get it out of here. THis is the second inning! The game is not over- the season is not over! Fuck that! Get that shit out of here!

Moose looks pretty good so far. Knock on wood.

Moose actually looks good, enough velocity--please, no fluke hit this inning-

343 feh! i never wanna miss the playoffs. and the season is not over. keep 'em at 3 right here and break out the lumber. a repeat of last nite. we WILL win tonite!!!

343 no shake up is needed. (hopefully.)

next year we could possibly have a one-two punch of hughes and joba... a la cc and fausto.

could be intimidating.

but this game is not over yet.

thank you for that!

Kennedy is still hurt

DianaGramr would Eric Davis do very good on a strat team??

364 I say Ohlendorf.

364 We bring back Guidry.

370 preach it, brother...

368 Ass Dribble

strike 'em out, Mr. Moose!!!

364 You take it from there. Won't matter if you are down by a ton.

367 He's injured (back, I think).

367 PeteAbe claims that the YAnkees claim the IPK was not physically able. That's the story anyway...

'juuuuuuuuuust missed the corner'... by 2 feet...

343 You're an ass . .

374 Still plenty of time in this game.

Still plenty of time for CMW to move out of his Daddy's house and grow into a fucking man! What a ridiculous headcase he is.

377 bernie does well on a strat! ; )

YOU ARE FUCKING KIDDING.

what a surprise

Its over.

Fuck this shit, now its over. And I swear Chip Carey was just clapping in the booth

Brenley: "just missed outside..."

Pitchtrax: ball six inches off plate.

Was that just clapping I heard int the TBS booth?

They're freaking lucky AND good.

Did Caray just say "This is absolutely amazing...?" "FUCK THAT USELESS MUTHAFUCKA!"

Because clearly the Indians have magical hitting-with-two-out abilities.

jesus ... this is just fucking unbelievable ... the indians are fucking UNCONSCIOUS

This team fucking sucks.

good grief. blooping us into a slow death. it's very sad :_(

Folks . . . this IS Paul Byrd we're talking here . . . relax!

2 out, RISP: 12 for 24. how do you win against that?!

384 IPK did just get married on Saturday -- maybe he has a groin injury.

370 Sometimes you just have to read the vibe of a game. I really hope they'll comeback today, but I just can't see it. From Arod's desperate hacks to the Indians clutch hitting, it just seems as if the writing is on the wall.

397 it is magical when their flairs fall in, and when ours are caught.

392 paul byrd is pitching for cleveland.

paul byrd.

he of the 4.50 ERA.

we can score 4 runs off of paul byrd.

391 it is NOT over. it's not looking good, mind you, but it certainly isn't over. yet...

386 You are too.

401 yup.

Where the heck is the strike zone at ump?

He's calling NOTHING

can we please retire the "you need post-season experience" to win in the post-season canard now ... pretty please???

404 We've got 24 outs to go and the best offense in the majors. Remember Cleveland?

404 Thought I'd log on to the banter. but this reminds me how illogical and irrational folks here are when we are losing. See y'all later.

Post-season experience is possibly the most USELESS thing ever. Holy shit. Travis Hafner is 28. Paul Byrd is nine thousand. Victor Martinez, I think, is 27. Trot and Kenny were born during the Harrison administration. How the fuck are they "kids?"

the Indians are being introduced to America's TV viewers as a gustsy scrappy underdog--that's what this lovefest is about--fucking nauseating, but standard operating procedure...

You peepz make it seem like it's a 10-0 lead, it's only 4-zip, & with Byrd pitching...

403 yes!

ARod missing that cookie with 2 on last inning looms large...

404 i completely agree with you

396 Chill out dude. He meant that it has been amazing how the Indians have hit with RISP and 2 outs, which has been echoed by more than a few Banterers (see 398 ).

402 By your 2, 3, 4 batters not looking like they just stepped out of A Ball, that's how.

We need a 4th OF. Make Jeter the Rover.

2007 AL team batting with 2 out and RISP (regular season)

Yankees (3rd in AL): .272
Indians (6th): .257

Lotta ball game left. I am going to be ZEN tonight...and all you haters who have already proclaimed this over better not tune back in to my shockra when the Yankees win 9-7. Nowhere near done.

410 gameday has 2 "balls" in the zone.

The hits have not been magical. They're playing loose and confidently. They are sitting back and keeping the line moving. Smart baseball. Not lucky.

Good pitching could put an end to it, but who will it come from?

Tony gwynn = Rerun
Kenny lofton = Raj
Bartolo Colon = Duane

408 What is the point of spouting that crap after two innings . . . before the 4th run . . . you want to be a provacateur fine . . but that's just frustrated bullshit.

dammit moose, c'mon man. get outta this friggin' inning...

409 And I never said I wasn't . . .

404 I'm not sure how reading teh vibe of the game (ie, "we're gonna lose") leads to the conclusion that the team needs to be blown up and that the loss will somehow haunt the team the following year. I hope you don't own a handgun.

Nausea...party of one...Nausea...your table is ready! UGH!

416 I seem to remember a similar lovefest for us in '96.

these assholes are right about one thing: our starters don't strike people out, and you will run into this kind of luck sometimes when you let them put the ball in play....

427 Tony Gwynn = also Shirley

Paul Byrd may have a 4.5 ERA, but Moose has a 5.15 ERA.

432 i'm ready to start reading some Sarte right about now ...

428 The point is it's how a feel and it's quite depressing. I didn't realize the only thoughts worth sharing was unbridled optimism and that more pessimistic thoughts were so threatening. Last time I checked, the Yankees win/loss isn't decided by my confidence level.

"That would have opened up a huge hole on the left side."

Playing Jeter at short opens up a huge hole on the left side.

Rant rant rant. I still think we have a chance.

433 I never recall a love fest for us. It was the Braves then everyone loved.

It should be all hands around Chip's neck tonight.

I really wish they hadn't scored that 4th run. But, its ok, we need a run here!

441 Right on, brother! LOL!

we can still totally win this game. no really, we can. and hopefully we will...

437 HA!

[ahem]

...but really... we can still do this. and when we do it will be the single most demoralizing moment in indians history.

431 I am saying that if the Yankees lose and Arod doesn't hit, it could very well grease the skids. If that happens, it maybe time to bring in some new blood.

ok everyone, this game looks bad and worse when you consider what our pitching options are going forward. but let's just fucking win it whatever way we can. it's just gonna be a long night.

441 can we use alfonseca's hands? he's got 6 fingers on each!!!

I'll continue my chant from last night...
I BELIEVE!!!I BELIEVE!!!I BELIEVE!!!I BELIEVE!!!I BELIEVE!!!I BELIEVE!!!

=(

Babe Ruth and John Wayne are on their way to the Pow wow in the sky to meet up with Geronimo, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull. They just picked up their pace.

Conversation in the near future.

JW: "Howdy Pilgrims."
BR: "Hey Kids!"

G: "What does paleface want now?"
BR: "Take a look at that logo on that team down there...I do believe they are mocking you!"

4-0 isn't bad. We're facing Paul Byrd, not Bob Feller.

431 Dude, come on. Its basic Investing 101. No return for the investment. George isn't a fool, there isn't any reason to bring anyone back who isn't under contract next season other than Mo and Posada. All everyday players will be on the trading block, and that is exactly how it should be. If young pitching can be had, no one is off limits, not Jeter, not Matsui, not anyone.

448 are you Inigo Montoya???

448 bring me the hands of el pulpo!

440 i had just moved to atlanta before that WS. certainly no yankee love down here... : /

440 I remember as we started coming back the love for these underdog Yankees and their scrappy bunch. Not the high-priced superstar version America loved to hate.

Doesn't matter. Memory is just too fallible to know for sure.

I do think it would be hilarious to put gwynn in a beret and fat guy overalls and get him to dance like Rerun.

baserunners.

"and when we do it will be the single most demoralizing moment in indians history."

Having lived in Ohio, dropping the 2007 ALDS would have a hard time competing with the WS in 1995.

I'm sorry, I just can't think about next season until this one is officially over . . . and I don't think they instituted a 4-run mercy rule this year . .

Oh, no. We only have EIGHT FU%KING INNINGS of swings left. 4 runs is insurmountable!

A few runs here might lighten my mood...I guess I'm just in shock because I was expecting an early blowout...not a big deficit.

ok, so Moose and then maybe Pettite to face their big lefties in the 6th or 7th?

haha paul byrd just gets all the calls apparently

454 me don't know who that be. sowwy... : ~

the ump is against the Yanks...

THese umps are freaking against us tonight

Clearly catcher's interference.

Ah, man, I thought the single best thing about the Rockies clinching in the 163rd game was that TBS had no time to tape any Dane Cook "analysis" of Colorado.

Now they've added one and it's the most generic, meaningless promo immediately -- and they STILL don't know any of the names of Colorado's players.

460 sorry, but i can't have you bringing "facts" into this right now.

sorry.

I was ready! I was READY!!!

Six Umpires, two blown calls -- priceless. For everyhing else, ther's mastercard.

466 From the movie "The Princess Bride"...watch it...it's hysterical!

incompetent umpire

Clearly it didn't hit Shoppach's hand, right Bob?

458 At this point I'd like to put him in pinstripes and have him pinch hit.

Note: Kelly Shoppach has gone from a nobody to hated by millions in about 15 minutes.

That's two blown calls . . .

453 "Dude, come on. Its basic Investing 101. No return for the investment. George isn't a fool, there isn't any reason to bring anyone back who isn't under contract next season other than Mo and Posada."

That's sound economic and baseball analysis.

We're due for a fair call from the ump...

463 yeah, we have to score before the 5th tonight--a big lead and their pen spells trouble...

awesome ... thanks blue, thanks again

I just flipped the TV to Monday night football. Can you guys believe that that bag of shit Hank Jr. Is STILL singing that shitty song? Oh my God, what if we're watching Frank TV commercials in 20 years???

451 LOL.

G: "Hey aren't you that guy that played for the Yankees?"
BR: "Nah, I'm John Goodman. I just look like him."

Between the umps and the gnats, I think the baseball gods are against the Yankees this year. Nothing you can do when the baseball gods are against you.

466 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/

i think you'd love it.

Wouldn't 1997 have been more depressing for Cleveland fans than 1995?

Paul Byrd is a little bitch. I've decided.

Get it started, 'Zilla...

Need...to...rattle...this...mofo!

474 ah! i just looked it up. yeah, i'm not a big movie guy...

488 hilarious.

Yeah zilla

Nice job "Little Bitch" Byrd.

Hideki wins the battle of wits!

There we go! Now for the love of God get more than one hit this inning!

i LOVE when we get our leadoff man on. love it! make it stand. let's rally folks.

How is his "double windup" not a balk? He brings his hands up, then drops them. They stop at his sides, then he brings them up again. It doesn't look like one continuous motion.

How many runs down were we in '96 in game six against Atlanta?

Is Chris Sager a member of the Ugly Suit of the Month Club?

Well, shoot, if Paul Byrd knew how to get guys out so well, why the heck hasn't he his whole career?

crooked numbers.

Why isn't Paul Byrd ALREADY in the HOF??

:::nibble:::nibble::: come on Yanks, small bites again!

There hasn't been a catcher's interference called in the postseason since 1985.

There's never been one in the ALDS or ALCS.

This homeplate umpire sucks. Two blown calls and the time call.

Paul Byrd looks like William Macy ON CRACK!

486 i've always heard good things about that flick.

during the offseason (hopefully NOT after tonite), i'll buy and watch the 7dvd Yankees 1977 WS set...

NOBODY gets batters out like Paul Byrd. Nobody. riiiiiiight...

499 Were we out of it when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

471 : )

503 : )

HP Umpire = Douchebag

500 he's not just a member, he's the president ...

Gotta love this patient Cano.

It's amazing how they are trying to talk Paul Byrd up into some great pitcher

Yankee ball- take some pitches...foul some off...here we go!

AND I DONT WANT TO HEAR A WORD FROM YOU WILLIAM!

Thank God for the bottom of our order.

By the way from the Interference dfeintion in the MLB rulebook:

(b) Defensive interference is an act by a fielder which hinders or prevents a batter from hitting a pitch.

Awright now!

500 he's not just a member, he's a co-founder, too! ; )

nice robbie. keep the hits coming...

498
It's not a balk because he only does it with no one on base.

Princess Bride is a great flick.

please score some runs

515 Turn off your speakers then.

If the Red Sox were playing this game, they would be up 9-2 by now, and Byrd would have been knocked out.

I wouldn't mind a bunt here.

c'mon Leche!

Come on Melky!

Craig sager is a pimp.

512 great minds drink alike! but i can't drink right now, so hoist a few for me!!! thanks, bro : )

487 Probably--I just typed too fast. The locals were really crushed in 1995, though, because the team was such a beast.

Bunt wudda been nice.

Leche no bueno!

My God, I could see not to swing at that pitch!! AGGGGHHHH

Damnit

528 craig sager is a putz

thanx 4 nuthin', melkdud...

It was a ball Tony

Is fisting the only thing Chip Caray thinks about?

I'm looking for the return of September Minky

why not Giambi here!?

Well, Melky pops up...but we have MINKY batting ninth! What other team can boast a lineup so deep that their 1B bats ninth??

Minky Magic?

c'mon melky ... zone it and lose it

Dougie goes deep here...

that's the thing about Byrd YOU-GOTTA-BE-PATIENT against him & WAIT-FOR-YOUR-PITCH. Your playing to his game if you do other wise.

We NEED a run here.

524 but who would caray be rooting for?

Why is scrabble still in this game? Prove me wrong dougie! At least you don't need to check the camera light to get off the bench like your counterpart.

ahhasod8rq0w9348 r-asd08fasd80a5 0okgv=W_)q3-4 5thbsdy

537 OUCH! LOL!

536 he looks like he might need your help.

Earl Weaver would give us Giambi!

c'mon melky, situational hitting goddammit ... hit YOUR pitch, dammit!

Love the patience. That's what we need. Don't help this mediocrity.

450 Well, Seattle's 1B SHOULD have been batting ninth. Does that count?

438 william, it isn't that "pessimistic thoughts" are "so threatening" -- this game thread is full of them. It's that your original post was extreme to the point of either representing a parody or psychological imbalance.

"The season is over" "It would have been better to miss the playoffs" "We're going to lose Arod" "Wang will be haunted next year" "Worst start ever" "Team can't win in the playoffs"

If the team loses this game and there's a complete team shakeup, yes, the gloom will sink in heavy, because that's what happens when the season is over. But the team is just batting in the second inning and is down by four runs against an average pitcher. People reacting strongly to your thoughts aren't consumed by "unbridled optimism". They just want some sort of sense of balance, even if the pessimism is kicking in strong given the do or die nature of the game.

wow, about 550 posts already in the 2nd inning. hope the toaster is up for us tonight. lord knows the umpires, broadcasters and baseball gods are against us...

For the love of God stop talking about the walk thing!

Uh oh. Rain falleth.

Call the game.

Guys I'm sorry but we need mojo- if Minky gets a hit I kiss waldman

Craig Sager in 1974:

http://tinyurl.com/25k4nb

Of course, a rain delay knocks Moose out, and what do we do then?

554 Touché

Random, Meaningless Observation Alert !- Eric Wedge has a HUGE fucking jawline!

Wear him out MCI!!!

Wear him out MCI!!!

562 We cry

sorry . .

559 If only it was snowing...

What is the forecast?

Make them play in the rain. If we have to play in the bugs, they can play in the rain.

562 Ron Villone baby.

570 chance of a passing shower, nothing very severe

i'm alrady crying 567

567 FARNSWORTH FOR THE WIN! AND THE ARSON!

Also Damon is the tying run

569

Cleveland DID have a whole series against the Mariners snowed out this Spring ...

Now I think that Byrd looks like "The Evil" Frazier Crane.

571 welcome, herm. nice of you to stop by.

i like trolling, too. it's so much fun AND it makes me feel better about myself.

finally, a call. now take advantage, minky!

man, Bruce Fremming has midget arms.

i HATE THiS!!!!!

575 So am I

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

571 You stay classy, Dodger fans.

Make UP!!!

Make UP!!!

Jonny Damon! I like it!

That shoulda been a K on Minky...maybe the fixed umpiring is making a turn? The League made the call?

Big Mink!--I take it all back...

Bruce Froemming helped us?

Byrd almost never walks. Ha ha ha.

A walk is as good as a hit. I kiss SUZYN!

Better lucky than good, Mink!

Well, we got one call back. One more is due...

Cone on Johnny!

Johnny, Johnny Johnny!

me likey bases loaded. c'mon damon, save our season again. do it, just do it! that would rule!!!

Damn it!!! I'll stop posting now . .

But wait, Byrd NEVER walks guys!

Johnny Damon needs to revisit Game 7 of 2004 ALCS right now! (although I'd settle for a single up the middle!

He went

Profound announcer insight: "A grand slam here would tie the game in the second."

1, 2, 3... he's right!

OH fuck everyone...this game is far from done! Best guy up here bar none. If the Stadium is a rockin' don't come a knockin'

578 I know: it was the Human Rain Delay's finest hour.

580

I kind of think he looks like Servivorman, on the NationalGeographic channel...

JOHNNYYYYYYYAS8R7A-W0348RASDFASDFAS

this could be a 5-hour 9-inning game ...

alright, the hottest bat on the team...

Ah, crap!

God dammit. God hates us

Lost all sound on my cmoputer at work, relying on ESPN GameCast and now the Banter for my info..and waiting any minute for a phone call from the wife that she`s in labor..want us to win but nor sure can live through Red-Sox v Yanks plus baby delivery...

omg, 2 out bases loaded Jeter--the ultimate you-know-what situation...

610 You're not helping.

Come on Cap-I-Tan!

How about 2 walks and then AROD!

Pick 'em up, Cap...

571 must be friends with DZ from DT...

dammit damon. captain...it's your time, buddy!

Please Jeter. Just inside out one. Please!

oh captain my captain

Well, Jetes. You're Captain Clutch, and this is certainly clutch. Good luck, mate.

610 you're a regular nostradamus, herm

One run...my kingdom for one fucking run!

A break!

616 Of course he isn't helping; he's a troll.

YES! YES!

We'll take it! YEEEHAAAAW!

That works. That works.

almost a double--but HELL YES!

Alright, Abreu and A-rod. It is go time.

c'mon derek ... this is your time, my man

Well, sort of a break, a real break would have been a double down the line

ON base Bobby - anyway you can

okay

There's a break - Blake at 3rd.

I swear somebody up stairs must like him...(Jeter)

That's a start! Now keep the line movin', Bobby...

624 Abby, a man named Derek is on line one... something about a "kingdom." Do you know what he's talking about?

candy man needs to come through

624 So, how are you going to transfer ownership of your kingdom to me?

Bobby walks, & then....

Come on Bobby!

we're on the board! nice. keep it moving bobby, let A-rod do the damage...

610 man, i would NEVER and i mean - never - do something like that to another teams' fans during this time of year. just wrong. go away...

stick around, herm... you're our good luck charm.

JESUS, CAN WE PLEASE CATCH A FUCKING BREAK????

Fat pitch for strike 1.

WOW! I don't know if Bobby is going to get a better pitch than that.

A gapper would be nice here...

638 I'll take that call...transfer him to extenstion 2007!!!

647 he might get 4 he doesn't need to swing at!

610 Is there anything sadder than a Dodger troll? I remember when the Dodgers were one of the league's model franchises--smart, progressive. You know, not doing things like signing Juan Pierre...

636 By the way, my remark about Dodger fans was in no way intended for you and was not intended to represent actual Dodger fans. Sorry. ^^;

626 You do have guests tonight. This is the only active thread following the game, but we're not all NYY fans.

You'll know us by our tendency to avoid using four-letter words.

You know, I'm not one to recommend swinging at the first pitch usually, but Byrd is reliably throwing 88-mph fastballs for strikes on the first pitch. Why not give one a good whack?

crossing all digits...and eyes! : ~

WHAT DO YOU WANT BOBBY? A GODDAMN INVITATION???

651 But Juan Pierre is a gritty, gutty gamer. Bill Plaishke says so!

653 F*ck you.

carp.

75 minutes for 2 innings.

Dammit. Two innings in a row. Inexcusable. I am so sick of these weak popups already

OK...OK...now just keep 'em at 4 and get back in the game!

Monkey is off the back...time to get going! I feel very very good about this one!

:( (that's all I am going to say)

fuck. Back to Mussina

Would of been nice to do more than get one run there. Oh well, we'll probably know the fate of this game in the next two innings: if Moose can keep it together until the fourth or fifth, and the bats can scratch out a couple more runs, we have a game. If Moose gets shelled, it probably won't matter...

653 Please don't let me stop you from finding another blog.

That's what our pitchers can't do, limit the damage. It's painful to watch.

Zen baby Zen. William you have already spoken. Until you say "sorry I ever doubted the Yankees," your symbols mean nothing.

658 well, that's being polite to our guests ... relaaaaaaaaax

658

Dude, DzzrtRatt is a well respected DT poster, that ain't cool bro.

660 At the rate this is going, the thread is going to surpass 2000 posts easily...unless the Tribe blows this game open the next two innings.

The only Yankee to reach on catcher's interference in the postseason:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/m/methebu01.shtml

Yeah, THE Bud Matheny!

653 We're all guests here, and a limited vocab doesn't necessarily connote intelligence . . .

deep, cleansing breaths. it is the 3rd inning. we were down by three at this point last night.

this isn't over.

653 the uninvited guest.

Hey, some of us on DT come in peace.

671 At this point, they mean I'm very sad.

I really feel like throwing up right now. With the exception of Robbie's hit yesterday, we are just lacking the big hit that the Indians are getting an awful lot of. I think I'm gonna throw up if things don't change in a few innings.

679

Yup...

679 and some of us aren't easily baited mouthbreathers. welcome.

Wow, where was that pitch?

Well, theres a great start

681 Dude . . . seriously . . . you're buck naked in a glass house . .

This sucks

I don't know if any of you are Bills fans, but they have just picked off Tony Romo twice.

681 they would be able to join the dodgers, right?

herm, i enjoy your company.

679 and we are glad to have you!

as far as 681 - not so much...

Oh Jesus. Leadoff walk......time to cook some dinner. Thanks for nothing Moose.

Gwynn's gray shirt is somehow slimming.

One of the announcers called Lofton a 'Yankee Killer' earlier...are they kidding me? 3 games does not make a Yankee Killer. (that's my opinion & I'm stickin' to it!)

681 Get the fuck out troll.

673 Typed that as Abreu filed out. Forgot to add my usual " ;-) " My bad...

C'mon Mike work ahead....watch the hit and run.

673 Then he can pretty please go back there.

Look, I don't see what's so hard about this. Dodger Thoughts is a great blog. Most of the posters over there are fabulous. But come on. How is coming to a Yankees blog during a game the Yankees are losing and actively rooting for the other team at all kosher?

damn, i HATE leadoff walks. aaarrrggghhh!!!

The way things are going, we will need another pitcher soon. Who will it be?

Do you guys all agree your 1,2,3,4 pitchers are Wang, Pettitte, Clemens then back to Wang?

Pettitte I would agree with, and one start for Wang, but seems like Mussina and Hughes should've been in the mix. Hughes is drool-worthy.

There is no comment 681 anymore.

Wang had a better start than Tony Romo. (2 passes, 2 INTs, 1 returned for TD)

695 hey, that's my buddy you're talking to.

Herm, no offense, but on DT you're a pest, but here you're a guest (hey, that rhymes) and thus a troll, I mean seriously.

Man, I knew they should've started Moose in this one over Wang (I know, I know, hindsight is 20-20, but I just had a bad feeling, home or no, given how he looked just a few days ago). At least they pulled him early. This one's still winnable.

Ack. Chip, please don't talk about a possible extra game; you're going to jinx us.

Does the Indian team remind anyone of another team? One that played pretty well in the 1990's perhaps?

but I have to admit, if I was an Elder I'd probably still be P.O'ed about '77 & '78....

667 I'll take my chances with Hughes, Joba, Kennedy, and washed up vets like Jeter, Cano, and Melky.

Enjoy the game.

DIAF Chip.

thank you, Ken - or whomever - for ridding of the troll. aaaah... : )

681 mentioned the yankees playing golf next week... (with the dodgers, i presume)... didn't it, herm?

707 Atlanta?

Caray is driving me nuts...is he wearing a blue and red cheerleading outfit under his suit tonight.

The TBS announcer seems slightly less anti-Yankee biased today - is that just me?

Tony Gwynn, even for an ex-Padre, actually doesn't bother me at all - except for his nasal, 12-year-old boy voice.

702 Thank you and I won't respond any more either and I apologize for my reaction.

707 the indians???

707 Not terribly, actually. ^^

673 No worries. I think he was making fun of my "no four-letter words" comment. I took it as a friendly greeting! Hey, buddy, F*ck you too!

Oops. I guess 714 answers my 715 . Right after I posted he said something kinda bias.

A hearty +1 to Moose.

ring 'em up!

nice Moose...

Was that a shot of Carl Pavano in the stands?

Even when something good happens..."that's the first Indian hitter struck out in this game.." duz anyone point this shit out to him afterwards- what a DICK!

715 Maybe they're just happy on the inside.

715 i read an indians blog today and the comments mentioned a TBS bias towards the yankees. i thought that was funny. (the dia tribe i think?)

A hearty +1 to Moose (redux.)

Even when something good happens..."that's the first Indian hitter struck out in this game.." duz anyone point this shit out to him afterwards- what a DICK!

Nice MOOOOOOSE!

719 well played.

moose!

Small amount of hope returning...please score runs, please! And Arod, please get on base.

We need to score now

YES!!!

alright ... we're down 4-1 ... we've seen byrd through the order ... i feel it ... this is our inning ... arod's gonna start it off with something big ... i'm gonna make dinner, burgundy lamb tips with a brandy shiitake cream sauce ... when it's done, i'm gonna come back and watch the pivotal inning of this game on the DVR ... i'm calling it, you guys make it happen!

;)

Small amount of hope returning...please score runs, please! And Arod, please get on base.

Oh my god moose has 33 pitches. According to chip "bag of shit" carey he can't go any further.

I'm thinking he can get to 100 no problem. Who knew we'd recreate the sox 2004 ALCS and the yanks 2003 ALCS game 7 with the moose all in the same game.

By the way, anyone who wants to refer to skip carey should just write bag of shit. We'll know what you mean.

What are you swinging at Moose?

727 I say your ten-cent candy tax goes too far!

Well, I say your ten-cent candy tax doesn't go too far enough!

damn, the toaster is s l o w, at least on my end.

nice back-to-back k's for moose. c'mon alex!!!

What are you swinging at A-rod?

Did the toaster just go hey wire on you guys also...

damn, Alex misses ANOTHER hittable pitch

oh boy

705 I agree. He just needs to grow up. I know he's a nice guy and all. But maybe its time to move out of Mom's basement and be a man, or get some kind of psychological help. Otherwise, he'll be the best regular season pitcher we have, and that is all. His ERA last year in the PS notwithstanding. David Cone needs to take him away on George's dime and get him right in the head!

Arod is killing me. It's obvious that he is right back where is was last season.

740 slow here, too. lots of action.

Another ridiculous AB.

742 Yes . . . I blame ARod

742 Yes.

Yeah, banter brain fart

Terrible AB by Alex, he is looking awful today, just awful

The Toaster is likely slow because there is only one game in baseball and it's being discussed on one of the two most heavily-visited blogs.

I'm betting that Bad Altitude gets fewer comments Thursday.

742 Yes.

740 742 Me too!

It is only the third. I will be patient.

714 dude, that image is soooooooo creepy ... the only thing more disturbing would be chip wearing a clown outfit under his suit ... chip wayne gacy ...

715 I actually don't find the announcers to be "anti-Yankee", though many fellow Banterers do. Rather, in my opinion they do what all sports announcers do: they force the story line and the "facts" to fit together. If Byrd is pitching a nice game, he becomes Seaver reborn. If the Indians have a nice series hitting, they suddenly become the '27 Yankees (or '95 Indians, for that matter). But since the Yanks are on the short end of the series, the announcers sound like they are rooting for the opposing team.

749 ouch.

743 Lose this game and I have a feeling his decision is made, and that's fine with me.

hip-hip! man, do i ever wish that left the yard...

Jorgie! OK, here we go (again)...

Sign that man through 2110.

There you go, Jo Po!!!

damn it

That Posada pretty much HAD to go out for us, but it didn't, and now he won't score, sigh

Gotta plate Jorgie right here...

ok, now we need our first two-out clutch hit--just a bloop single will do, Robbie-

Why are we swinging at every pitch?

groundzilla. we keep swinging at the 1st pitch. it's not working.

ugh

Blast.

:(

crap on a cracker!

Yup, terrible...And now we have to keep hearing about how awesome paul byrd is. First kenny rogers, now paul fucking byrd

755 Hang in there, Yankee fans. Your lineup makes the Rockies look like banjo hitters. A three run lead at this point in the game is a rounding error.

The fly balls off Byrd this inning will start clearing the fences in the next couple. He's a great four-inning pitcher.

cr@p

What a surprise, no runs. Cy Byrd is just too much for this offense.

Somebody has to get a friggin' hit with two outs...

What a surprise, no runs. Cy Byrd is just too much for this offense.

It should be noted that the trollish comments were deleted, I'm assuming, by Bob T, Dodger fan and professional librarian.

I'm just glad it wasn't us who brought the site to a crawl a few minutes ago... er, or still...

it's such a shame a-rod has been cold in this series.

something tells me, if we don't win, lugo coco and midget will hit the hell outta these same pitchers. all of them... : /

Why are we swinging at every pitch?

Everytime the Yanks do that, your playing into Byrds game.

775 I like you. Takes an outsider to bring some perspective to this group.

OK, Moose has got to hold these guys here.

C'mon, Moose . . .

Bag of shit is so happy the tribe is winning. He gets his homerism from his drunk grandpa.

Why hasn't this team hit for three straight post season? It's not likely they've been set down by Schilling/Johnson or Koufax/Drysdale. For three straight post season, the offense has failed on its own merits. Why?

775 dzzrtRatt, you're a breath of fresh air.

thank you.

778 If only we had Kenny Lofton . .

Come on Hideki

To prevent swamping the server, we are all going to take numbers and just comment when called on.

So, "Number 47"

"Number 47."

767 Too early. They're gonna make us twist for the next couple of innings, because this is what they've done to us all year. The bloops (and favorable calls) will start in the 7th. A blast, too...

Byrd sorta reminds me of that Diamondbacks pitcher Doug Davis - you just assume your team is gonna hit him hard and instead he works some magic mojo and... nada. But he does tend to tire quickly so we'll see.

780 thanks, Bob! i read the griddle everyday! : )

780 I blame the Toaster blip on global warming ...

790 ooh, ooh, that's me!

I'm an A-Rod fan, but, umm, wow. Those were meatballs.

Oh crud, i missed my chance

793
You're welcome, but were you #47?

778 I appreciate that . . . but I'm starting to agree with William . . .

775 thanks for that.

786 I've been asking myself the same question. They seem to press so much sometimes. It can be hard to watch.

I hate Kelly Shoppach, stupid former Red Sox

790

LOL, that's why Bob ROcks!

798 "You are number six."

"I am not a number! I am a free man!"

780 bob t, i work in a library as well... we're not so different, all of us....

792 pete abraham, a yankees beat writer, has an essential blog, most of us here at the banter read daily. at the start of the year, he dubbed A-rod - "underdog"

kelly shoppach? really? christ.

Ron Guidry... can they bring him in?

Always liked him.

We are getting beat by the 1996 Yankees. At least that's what this Indian's team reminds me of.

752 Oh, ye of little faith.

803 who are you? you are the new Number 2...

No, Tony, it is NOT a four-run lead.

Clemenza: Oh Herm? Won't see him no more...

Bag of shit says that Wang got pulled because of his pitch count. Did he throw 130 or was it 120 pitches in that 1+ inning of work? Could bag of shit TRY to give some actual analysis?

799 I am not trying to win converts...just trying to somehow make myself feel better by sharing my depression.

I am not sure why, but this one has been demoralizing. Something about the last two seasons I could accept...but this one feels as if it is more than just a playoff exit (if it happens). A lot more seems to be riding on it.

My Borg designation is Six of One, Half a Dozen of the Other

804 i worked in a library way back in high school. still counts though...

809 It certainly feels like we're on the run, killing to eat.

805 Somehow I think anyone with his contract doesn't really qualify as an underdog. Someone with my salary and baseball skills could, though. ;-)

Oops, I had # 7098 so I went a bit ahead of my ticket.

804 i worked in a library way back in high school. still counts though...

812 I noticed that. Again, see 757 -- it's another case of forcing the facts to fit the narrative.

814 what if it's a bakers' dozen?! ; )

after Alex smoked that first ball yesterday--yeah, only a single, but he hit it really hard--I thought maybe, just maybe.....but he looks dreadful today. just lost up there.

We will be lucky if Moose makes it to the 6th. And even luckier if we are still in the game by then.

803 , 809 Questions are a burden to others, answers a prison to oneself.

Mike Mussina's gameday pic looks like he needs to get out more often, (needs a little tan)

809 Do they show The Prisoner anymore?

meanwhile, Nibbly Moose has showed up--

804

I worked in a library for a semester in college ...

My little 3 and a half month old son has this to say about the game so far, and it captures my feelings perfectly, so I had to share it:

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah PBBBT.

Come on Moose, its on you to hold this.

820 No! This cannot be!

/channels inner dragonball z

Crud, this isn't good

813 i agree that this season feels like the end or a beginning, but let's focus on the now. the holding of the opposition, the getting of hits and runs, the staying of alive...

(we'll have plenty of time to discuss the future.)

822 we will be lucky to get out of this inning still in the game.

813 And don't you think it should be? We aren't the Braves, doing it with fifty million. Winning the World Series is very very difficult, but losing in the first round, year after year, spending this kind of money, there damn well better be repurcussions. No one is off limits, no one.

803/809: "Whose side are you on?"

"That would be telling. We want information..."

Somehow the Indians "video work" is better than anyone elses...

798 "You know my name. Look up the number."

Objectively, I have to say we're done. But the Indians stink, and we have so much offensive firepower. I refuse to believe that we are going down in this game, even if Moose gives up a couple of runs this inning.

Double play ball, for crikes sake! PLEASE MOOSE!

827 i'm working in the library and i'm in college now.

this is one big nerdy love-fest.

816 you're starving now, you're dead on your feet!

next number is up:

22 Acacia Avenue!

823 I think we are referencing different versions of The Prisoner.

835

except the Patriots ...

Ok I just out my Ted Lilly 2002 gamer on. When I put it on last night, Johnny went yard.

825
"The Prisoner" is on DVD now. And I think ITV or BBC is working on a new series.

This ump is ridiculous. And someone needs to get out there and tell Moose to stop freaking nibbling

813 Fair enough, William. I am actually feeling the opposite: this team was so poorly constructed and so flawed, and I was convinced that they would never make the post-season, let alone sniff the division. I was fully prepared for the team to miss the play offs, and fully prepared for them to go quietly once it began.

But the season ha brought some great moments, especially when the FO finally trusted some young and not-so-young players. This bodes well for the future, I think.

The Moose is still keeping you in the game though 4-1 from what I see on gameday...

825 Who is "they?"

840 I could certainly use a visit from Charlotte the harlot.

813 833 I think I said the same thing each of the last 6 seasons . . .

I sense a IBB to Hafner

I keep want to call Cleveland's catcher Shop-Vac.

Do you have to rent him out?

847 As well as can be expected, but I don't like the intentional walk.

828 TBS could certainly use some of that in depth commentary.

831 I don't know...I guess it's easier to discuss when there is still some hope because then maybe there is still time to wake up from the nightmare. I get your drift though...I am just hoping against hope now, but it's tough.

848 Exactly . . .

Is this game moving in slow motion or what? It is hotter n July out here tonight to boot.

Man, you guys know how much I root for A Rod, but he came up so small in those two at bats. Had dumb fat pitches to plow, 0-1 in both at bats. Yikes.

837 But doesn't your pseudonym sort of bias you toward that conclusion?

823 hey mark, i read your column - every single post - during this past offseason. what instrument(s) do you play? do you play/tour for a living?

834 next # is up and it's the...

Number of the Beast!!!

OMG enough with the 2 outs thing.

Geez

Game 5 would start an hour later than this one.

Ugh.

837 I agree the Yankees aren't done yet (though getting out of this inning would help) but don't think the Indians "stink." They've been pretty impressive most of the season and have a lot of good hitters and pitchers. There's no shame in losing to this team, though, disappointed, yes.

Unfortunately V Martinez's stats are better as a LHB.

This could be it, the end of our season.

859 Well, the time is certainly short...

857 I think there's been a lot of taking fat pitches on Strike one

857 It is a shame too. He and Wang are both pychological messes. For those who think sports psychology is hogwash, I give you Alex Rodriguez and Chien Ming Wang.

Man, I really want Moose to do well. Looking at his face on the closeup I really felt for him in this quest for a ring.

Shit . . nice piece of hitting

Well, there goes the season folks.

Crap....

Paul Byrd: Stopper.

That swing by Vmart is what so many Yankees could have done, but didn't.

It sure will be excruciating watching the Indians get swept by the Sox

The way the Indians ran on Damon was very similar to how teams run on Pierre.

Where was Jeter?

Not that he had a chance...but I found it interesting that AROD froze on that. His first step was back to the bag.

Well. I'm not going to pick on my favorite whipping boy for that one.

5 run deficit. This team can make that up.

Here is where a ballsy manager would perhaps go to the back of his bull pen and use Mo or Joba to get through the fourth and fifth, rather than watching the middle relief piss away the game while it is still sort of in the balance.

Oh well, as I type Martinez knocks in two.

847 not so much. : (

oh, and FUCK chip caray.

I really feel sick right now. I'm not giving up hope yet, but damn! And what's worse is, if they don't win, I've got to deal with 2 Sox fans at my office tomorrow and I just don't want to fucking hear it! GO YANKEES!!! I BELIEVE!

This ump really hates that inside pitch. Man.

Well that's that. Thanks for the championships Joe. Thanks for all the moments, but I won't miss the drama Mr. Rodriguez. Go off to Wrigley where they expect you to shit the bed.

wow, that curve was pretty low and 4 inches off the plate--hard even to blame Moose--they have "team of destiny" written all over them right now....

No matter what happens, it is good that Hughes got to experience the postseason and have a small success. The next season's starting rotation has such a bright future that we will all have to wear shades.

Yanks have 5 hits and 2 BB in 3 IP for Byrd. They will make him pay.

But the pitching has to keep them in it....

It's not over. This is going to be a barn burner.

9-7.

I wonder if this team just feels so much pressure now . . . that they can't pull the trigger when they need to.

I vote that we make Monkeypants the Yankee manager for next year.

Cashman should start calling Boras right now. We absolutely need to keep A-Rod.

882 Sick enough to call in?

867 That's why I'd have rather not made the playoffs than have them go out this way (if they do). There could be scars on Wang and I fear this will push Arod out the door (and to post season success elsewhere).

875 Damon's arm is pretty comparable to Pierre's; maybe a bit worse. In 2005, Sox fans made shirts that read:

Looks like Jesus
Acts like Judas
Throws like Mary

man, MLB is getting pretty good with there Gamday stuff/"in game high lights" they had real time high lights right away, pretty impressive.

Allright boys WTF! LET'S GO LET'S GO LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!!!

So...this Steinbrenner guy. Did his open threat to fire Torre if the Yanks lose this series help or hurt?

I thought it helped yesterday, put a little chip on the players' shoulders, but it has them playing tight today now that it's sinking in.

861 that would bode well for me. the later the better, always. doesn't look like it's a-gonna matter though... : (

874 don't watch. if we lose tonight, i'm unplugging my tv until next april when the season starts anew. (i always do that...)

877 I noticed that too, I thought he might've had a chance on a dive.

859 I make about one-third of my living as a musician, one-third as a freelance writer, and one-third doing editing work for U-Wire.

I played guitar for years and years and after planning to retire from the "biz" after a tour in January (where I was some seven years older than any of the other members of the band) I was pulled back in when a friend of a friend turned me on to a pair of guitarists from Boulder who had a great record almost done but needed a bass player. I joined them basically because I was a fan of their music and I wanted to see them play live, and they needed a bass player to do that.

We're called The Daily Afflictions; our MySpace page is here:

http://tinyurl.com/2lw5gl

On one of the tracks on the website right now you can even hear me "sing," such as it is, it's called "Progressive Rock Me."

886 Next season's rotation with Joba and IPK and Hughes will be young too. And young SP tend to take their lumps. We have a bright future. I'm not convinced it will be on full display next season.

898 My first thought was, did that really come from Steinbrenner? My 2nd thought was, this is Joe's last year, regardless.

Byrd is a garbage pitcher. How in the world is he holding us to 1 run?

899 If we lose, I'm rooting for the Indians.

This strike zone is all over the place...

Now Paul Byrd is a "big time player"

What a tease

so, midges and paul byrd. wow. fucking great. and the high power offense sputtering. wang spits the bit twice. brutal. let's tack on a couple here. please. it's still only the 4th...

OK, Melky!

Now, they some some friggin' basehits. Someone has got to come through with a big hig with some men on base.

899
But if you unplug your TV, you will miss the chance to the Yankeeography of Horace Clarke.

Or possibly one about Bud Metheny.

YEAH LECHE!!!!!!!!

There he goes with the fisting again.

The GIDP was one batter late, but 5 runs is not insurmountable against Byrd - but it would be best to get to him very soon, otherwise the good part of the Indians' pen awaits.

next number up:

postively FOURTH (4th) street

am i the only 1 still liking this game?

there's goes ol' chip "fisting" again. oy.

898 They seem to play tight or super loose. I'm not sure there's an in between. You know - steady, consistent. It's time for the free, explosive version to show up.

None of our 23423423 pop ups have fallen in, and all 12 of theirs have

881 you mean bag of shit

Caray is insufferable

912 It's a family thing . . .

906 Yeah on that fourth pitch to Melky I was like, "woo hoo Melky waaaallks wtf that was a strike?"

I have no respect for this Cleveland team. We are just unlucky. Both Wang and Arod are choking in the same game.

902 Wang, maybe Pettitte and the three kids is not really any worse than Wang, Pettitte and the magic merry-go-round from this season.

910 ha! but i'm in Atlanta, so i don't get the YES network. i bought the 4 volumes of 3-dvd sets of Yankeeography. they're all amazing! unfortunately, they seem to have stopped releasing them. i wish they would continue making that series available in that format...

If we lose, can tomorrow's headline be "Jam Sandwich"..?

This team rolled over.

Paul Byrd is not Greg Fucking Maddux.
Guys are missing pitches.
Damon puts that pitch in the seats the other night.

And another pop up. ANyone who can possibly give credit to this pitching staff is simply ignoring how bad the hitting has been. These are pitches right over the plate and they are lazy pop ups. Just terrible...

922 I know. I'm just tempering my hopes with a dose of reality.

924

nice ....

paul byrd will get his ass handed to him by the shit sox...

Paul Byrd would probably have given up 10 runs if this game was in Fenway

At least Jetes is putting up a fight . . .

No two ways about it: our team fuckin' sucks tonight. The way they're playing, they deserve to lose.

901

I just checked it out (really cool) I pictured you totally different Mark T.R. Donohue.

925 Ah, it was just a matter of time--the first moral condemnation of the evening!

I really think that the Indians are so lame that this game isn't over even with no one on in the bottom of the 9th with two outs and two strikes. There is no way that this entire Yankee team is going to collectively tank this game. That is absurd simply not plausible.

Byrd, along with Sabathia and Livan Hernandez, all won two games this year despite giving up 10 or more hits.

Felix Hernandez won four games giving up 10+ hits.

Sucks that A-Rod is going out on this note, the media and fans will never let him live it down and run him out of town, mvp be damned.

Caray is turning this game's story into "Joe Torre, Dead Man Walking."

Ugh. I can't believe I said I liked TBS coverage more than Fox's.

Why is there so much nepotism in broadcasting? Harry and Jack were entertaining, but their spawn are evil. Vin Scully would never foist his kids on us.

Can I get a silver lining at least? Something to take home? Fucking anything at all? Seriously, is there anything?

Who else is excited to catch up on their reading and Netfilx queue? Got some Cormac McCarthy lined up and Death Race 2000. Looking forward to that!

933 The Dodger Thoughts puritans may disagree, but in this case I think the oath is more or less required.

wow ... this is horrible. i can't believe i'm watching the end of an era go down like this. awful, just awful ... and sad ... i'm going for a walk ... maybe something good will happen while i'm out ...

Holy mother of god, the leadoff man made out.

901 oh, cool! i know a couple of musicians in boulder/denver. i've played the Fox and Bluebird a few times in the mid-late 90's. i love the Fox in Boulder - great venue. i'm glad you're still playing! :)

i'll definitely check out your page at some point. right now, i'm about to set myself on fire. and then cry. but not b/c of the burning, but b/c my pinstriped heroes are killing me. killing me... : (

it's probably more frustrating for you guys knowking Paul Byrd is doing this, wow.

Tonight will be the greatest Yankee comeback ever. There is no way this lead will hold.

918 who is carey? There's a bag of shit but no carey.

Jesus guys it's the fifth inning! Cmon hang in there!

923 Me too, I love those DVD sets. Too bad they quit churning them out.

940 Phil Hughes performance is about it.

941 deathrace is amusing ... 70's cheese reigns supreme! long live Frankenstein!

This could be good bye to Arod, Torre and Clemens (and even Jorge and Mo)...maybe that's why this game seems so much more solemn than others. I wonder whose name, if any, the crowd will chant tonight?

940 Phil Hughes

Paul Byrd dude....

937 i am a King Felix fan. bought his 2004 traded rookie card...

943 i was about to call you. tell you not to bother w/ the dvr - just enjoy your dinner... : (

Everyone who I've heard defend Torre this week loves to go on and on about his calm demeanor, about how his calm influence 'doesn't let this team panic'.

After watching this garbage for 4 straight years, I have to say I believe in a different type of 'panic'. The bats look absolutely panicked, folks...

The Sonic question is rather ambiguous.

So if ARod leaves, what do we do with the money? Save it? Say Betemit takes over 3rd, can we at least get an ace for one of the best players ever? (For what its worth, I really, really hope he stays)

949 hanging on by dental floss...

940 It's better to lose now than get thumped by the Red Sox?

949 yeah, but who has any confidence that moose isn't going to cough a couple more up ... and that the good pitchers in the cleveland pen are going to give up anything close to that ...

1-2-3

957 its a perfect question

Hey! Moose with the 1-2-3...he's finally warmed up after three innings!!

942 On the other hand, the DT barbarians agree that that wording is necessary.

I still think the Yanks can blast Byrd in the fifth.

i guess we feasibly could make it 6-4 coming up here this again. but, wait...we're facing Cy Fuking Byrd, goddamnit!

960 IMO it seems like this team can only get up for those Red Sox. We would have thumped them, but alas....

958 ace? you mean kyle lohse??? cause that's all that's out there this year ... unless we break the bank for santana

956 I think this team has played tight since game 4 of the 2004 ALCS. Maybe a change is necessary simply to dismiss the post season pall that seems to be over this team?

but if your an optimist it's only a 5 run lead, & you ARE THE YANKS....

We need 2 runs now and we are back in it.

Well boys and girls, it's been fun.
The pressure of the PS seems too much for these guys.
We get one great game pitched, but get outpitched.
Our 'Ace' loses 2 of 3 games.
Our MVP continues to struggle under the limelight.
Our young stud get attacked by insects.

However, when you consider this year in it's entirity.... it's been pretty special.
Next years team will have 10 or more homegrown boys.
We will no longer be an old team.
We will have excellent pitching and maybe more coming.

We are not the best team this year.
But we will have a better team next year (if ARod stays) and better again in 2009.
It's really the first time in a long time that our future is so bright.

So tip one to the next dynasty.