Baseball Toaster Bronx Banter
Help
Treasure Hunt
2008-04-13 14:51
by Alex Belth

My first job out of college was as a runner on the Ken Burns "Baseball" series. I stuck around until the job was over. My final task was to empty the research office, which was stuck in the old Technicolor Building on 44th street and drive all the stuff they wanted to keep up to Walpole, N.H. My brother, who I was able to get on as a second hand, and I helped throw away tons of books, magazines, photographs that I'd now think twice about getting rid of. I kept some stuff for myself, of course, and gave a lot away to my friends.

I have a friend from high school who has kept the four boxes of books that I gave him in the spring of 1994. He told me that I could have them back a few years ago, but he lives in Long Island and I've never found the time to truculate my fat ass out there to get them. Then his wife said that if the books aren't out of the house by the end of the month they are going to the library. So I went out there today and took home five boxes of books.

I waited until I got home before I look inside. When I did, I found a bunch of of junk, but good copies of "Birth of a Dynasty," "Steinbrenner's Yankees," and "Baseball Anecdotes," plus a terrific little green paperback copy of "The Chrysanthemum and the Bat" by Robert Whiting, and a first edition hardcover of "The Diamond Appraised," uncracked, with Craig W Wright's business card tucked in the center crease. Best of all, there is a beat up copy of "The Reggie Jackson Scrapbook," my favorite baseball book growing up. I remember my friend having this book long after I had lost my own edition. It was one of two things I coveted at my friend's house. The other was an unopened can of Coke from Israel.

I was secretly hoping that the Reggie book would be in one of the boxes. And damn if it was at the bottom of the last pile of books. But when I got there I let out a cry. I startled Em, but couldn't help myself. It felt like my whole body was breaking out into a smile.

Mr. Hughes tonight.

Let's Go Yan-Kees!

Comments (627)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-04-13 16:00:22
1.   Adrian
I'm sensing another fantastic outing for Molina. In my (admittedly brief) period of watching Daisuke, I've found that if he gets a lead he's really dangerous, but if the Yankees can keep the pressure on he's liable to have a rough and possibly decisive inning at some point before the 5th.

OTOH, this is all based on voodoo and not any form of actual analysis.

2008-04-13 16:03:23
2.   BruceR
Speaking of Treasure Hunts ...
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080413&content_id=2523286&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Workers (i.e. at least two) jack hammered for five hours. That plus the cost to re-pour the concrete and the idea that they may sue the worker. Lunacy ... at what price PR ???

2008-04-13 16:13:07
3.   Mattpat11
I'm still getting over the NASCAR thing.
2008-04-13 16:30:13
4.   tommyl
No Melky tonight? That's...odd...
2008-04-13 16:41:39
5.   claybeez
4 Yeah, gotta make sure Damon's bat is in the lineup.
2008-04-13 16:42:52
6.   monkeypants
I know it's early and I am overreacting, but I am a little worried about Girardi's emerging Damon-love. If anyone needs a rest, it's Johnny. Instead, he starts AND plays CF AND leads off. Yikes.

Maybe I'm way off base...what are his "career" (ie, three games) numbers against Dice-K?

2008-04-13 16:48:15
7.   yankeemonkey
Couresy of Ed Price:

Melky is 0-7 against Matsuzaka.
Damon is 5-13 with a HR.

2008-04-13 16:48:48
8.   yankeemonkey
*courtesy, even
2008-04-13 16:50:56
9.   monkeypants
8 Thank you, that was very courteous!

Hopefully GOJD proves me wrong tonight.

2008-04-13 17:04:32
10.   monkeypants
The game hasn't even started and already our first focus piece on one of the Supermen.

Yay! Gammons mentioned Red Sox Nation!

2008-04-13 17:10:03
11.   monkeypants
The real question for the night: is anyone still talking about the gyroball?
2008-04-13 17:11:09
12.   Eirias
2 I may be a bad, or at the very least foolish, person, but I feel a little better knowing that there is no Sox jersey buried in the new Yankees stadium.
2008-04-13 17:12:03
13.   Mattpat11
11 If Morgan and Miller were any indication last year, every pitch he throws is the gyroball.
2008-04-13 17:12:25
14.   monkeypants
12 I feel better knowing that this story will (I hope) fade to oblivion.
2008-04-13 17:12:35
15.   Zack
Another ridiculously cold night for Mr. Hughes
2008-04-13 17:14:20
16.   monkeypants
15 And that no doubt means more stories about his velocity!
2008-04-13 17:15:24
17.   dianagramr
Morgan must be cold .... its even tougher for him to form coherent sentences.
2008-04-13 17:18:22
18.   monkeypants
That...was...awful.
2008-04-13 17:18:25
19.   Zack
Terrible, as always
2008-04-13 17:18:28
20.   Adrian
Damnit, Alex.
2008-04-13 17:20:38
21.   tommyl
I hate seeing A-Rod turn over on those balls. Just hit it to right Alex, it'll go out there just as easily...
2008-04-13 17:20:57
22.   Zack
Let's go Phil!
2008-04-13 17:21:04
23.   fansince77
Let's see- all three batters made DZKE throw - stayed off of chasing low curve balls and Alex gets up there with a very favorable situation and takes a two strike lousy swing to kill the rally.

Just terrible discipline there. BTW- how many weak 1st or 2nd pitch, overanxious ground balls have we seen this year from Alex. Enough- Make the adjustment man!

2008-04-13 17:21:23
24.   Zack
Look, a 93 MPH FB!
2008-04-13 17:21:27
25.   tommyl
93 on the first pitch...
2008-04-13 17:22:10
26.   Zack
Ok, that 2-1 pitch was a strike
2008-04-13 17:22:18
27.   monkeypants
Wow, tight zone.
2008-04-13 17:22:45
28.   tommyl
26 Just because it was knee high and over the middle?
2008-04-13 17:23:00
29.   tommyl
94 on that pitch...
2008-04-13 17:23:59
30.   monkeypants
This is not an auspicious start to the game.
2008-04-13 17:24:36
31.   tommyl
Seriously, I just checked on Gameday, that's 2 or 3 pitches that should have been strikes there. Awful zone.
2008-04-13 17:25:29
32.   Zack
And here we go again, the sparkling defense comes out for Mr. Hughes
2008-04-13 17:25:36
33.   fansince77
Nice catch Cano. That should be an E-4
2008-04-13 17:25:37
34.   tommyl
Oh, damnit to hell. I hate it when Girardi guesses right and they don't execute.
2008-04-13 17:26:06
35.   Zack
28 Psh! Since when was that a strike? Its not like its in the rule book or anything...
2008-04-13 17:26:06
36.   fansince77
Excuse me- E-6 nonchalance on the attorney general
2008-04-13 17:26:13
37.   monkeypants
Morgan is not really blaming Hughes for Molina's throw?
2008-04-13 17:26:20
38.   Adrian
Damnit, Molina.
2008-04-13 17:27:37
39.   tommyl
37 Apparently, calling a pitchout puts more pressure on the catcher, since now he has to make a good throw. Brilliant analysis.
2008-04-13 17:27:44
40.   monkeypants
Lots of pitches so far...Hughes will be gone by the 4th at this rate, no matter what the score.
2008-04-13 17:28:13
41.   tommyl
Nice fucking pitch there. Wow.
2008-04-13 17:28:33
42.   Just fair
Accroding to Joe morgan, "The Yankees are still the Yankees." Thanks, Joe. Sweet curveball.
2008-04-13 17:28:35
43.   Zack
That was a GREAT curve
2008-04-13 17:29:01
44.   Zack
40 Well, with this strike zone, it might be a long day for both pitchers...or rather, a short day
2008-04-13 17:29:09
45.   tommyl
PFX was 13", Break was 17", wow.
2008-04-13 17:29:28
46.   Zack
Is it just me or does Drew look too thin?
2008-04-13 17:29:51
47.   dianagramr
Big Papi looks like Clubber Lang with that beard ...
2008-04-13 17:29:53
48.   Zack
Holy crap, Morgan actually busting out insightful analysis on late movement
2008-04-13 17:29:55
49.   tommyl
Um, this is not good, not good at all.
2008-04-13 17:29:55
50.   Just fair
This smells like a 30+ pitch inning. BLEH.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-04-13 17:29:57
51.   monkeypants
44 Let's hope Dice-K gets the same dinky K-zone.
2008-04-13 17:30:11
52.   Zack
45 What is PFX?
2008-04-13 17:30:22
53.   tommyl
47 I pity the fool who doubts Big Papi.
2008-04-13 17:30:40
54.   Just fair
Pull an A-Rod, Manny.
2008-04-13 17:32:05
55.   tommyl
Well, command might be an issue, but wow, nice fastball there at 94
2008-04-13 17:32:08
56.   dianagramr
Oh .... so MANNY'S training is more like Clubber Lang ...
2008-04-13 17:33:02
57.   Zack
55 Exactly. I love how people would rather Phil thros 94 without the control, vs. 91 with pinpoint control (which he had neither of last game, granted)

Come on Phil!

2008-04-13 17:33:17
58.   tommyl
Too many pitches...
2008-04-13 17:33:38
59.   monkeypants
56 Ha-ha!

But really, don't you just see the whole Sox roster training like this? Dragging tires, carrying trees, walling up stairs holding cinder blocks, chasing greased pigs, etc.

2008-04-13 17:34:20
60.   Zack
59 Its b/c they are so blue collar, scrappy, all American, dirt doggish...
2008-04-13 17:34:59
61.   Zack
Oy, the Miller orgasm along with Manny killing the Yanks
2008-04-13 17:35:05
62.   monkeypants
Man-Ram hit a tough pitch there. Hughes is gonna be out of this game in the 3rd.
2008-04-13 17:35:36
63.   Just fair
I really don't like Manny Ramirez.
2008-04-13 17:36:51
64.   monkeypants
I'm impressed Damon hit the cut-off man on the fly with his throw.
2008-04-13 17:37:16
65.   Zack
I'm not too concerned, ATC. If Hughes can come back out with a bit more control, I'll chalk it up to energy. The combination of the upped velocity and initial wildness seems to suggest that.

To be fair, that pitch to Manny was a good curve, Manny is just super-human

2008-04-13 17:37:45
66.   OldYanksFan
I'm not happy, but I'm not worried. This walking people is uncharacteristic for Phil.
2008-04-13 17:37:50
67.   Mattpat11
Suzyn screeched that Youkilis hits .300 every year.

Has he ever hit .300?

2008-04-13 17:38:30
68.   Just fair
If Phil will only go 4 innings per start, does this mean he's going to make over 40 starts this year? Sorry. Frustartion creeping in already.
2008-04-13 17:38:38
69.   OldYanksFan
64 Did you see his throw on the previous play. HOF bad!
2008-04-13 17:38:58
70.   Mattpat11
Well, this is going poorly.
2008-04-13 17:39:12
71.   Zack
Oy, you can't give up a shot like that to Casey. On the other hand, Abreu seemed to be running in quick sand
2008-04-13 17:39:20
72.   monkeypants
Abreu jogs in the direction of that ball...
.
.
.
Is Hughes at 50 pitches yet?
2008-04-13 17:40:12
73.   monkeypants
68 He gt squeezed early, but he's making his own trouble now.
2008-04-13 17:40:55
74.   Ravenscar
I'm not sure it was the slowness as much as a bad route, not going AT the wall, but at an angle to it. The same old story.

It seems like there is Good Phil and Bad Phil, and this might be the Bad Phil tonight.

2008-04-13 17:41:05
75.   Just fair
Molina almost got brained.
2008-04-13 17:41:09
76.   monkeypants
Rough night for Molina so far, too.
2008-04-13 17:41:57
77.   Zack
That looked like a strike too. I hope this tiny strike zone applies both ways too
2008-04-13 17:43:37
78.   Zack
What the hell. This has to be Molina's fault, right?
2008-04-13 17:43:49
79.   Ravenscar
Erk.
2008-04-13 17:43:55
80.   OldYanksFan
Both pitchers were cold in this 1st inning. Difference is, we let Dice-K off the hook.

WTF was that????
Poor Phil.

2008-04-13 17:44:13
81.   Just fair
Listen closely, Phil, the one means fastball, the 2 means curveball.
2008-04-13 17:44:24
82.   Jeb
77 Zack thanks for the defense in the last post. The Red Sox troll took what I wrote out of context. It's ridiculous for them to come on here anyway. So thanks, man.

I wonder if the Sox trolls will compose another lame Haiku to Dais-SUCK now that Phil's blowing up.

2008-04-13 17:45:19
83.   Zack
Oy, what an inning. The irony being, that was an inning of inches again. Abreu gets to that ball, only 1 run. A few of those pitches were an inch closer/the k-zone a bit bigger, no runs. No freaking cross-ups, 2 runs...Sigh
2008-04-13 17:45:30
84.   monkeypants
That was a season microcosm first inning. Yanks bats fail, Hughes gets a little squeezed, then he makes some bad pitches and is wild, weird defense, bad defense. Cripes.
2008-04-13 17:45:58
85.   williamnyy23
Another disappointing start for Hughes. 3-0 seems like a gargantuan hole.
2008-04-13 17:46:10
86.   Just fair
On the bright side, that was a lot cheaper than Santana giving up 3 homeruns to the Brewers. : )
I can't believe Varitek bitched about strike 3.
2008-04-13 17:46:35
87.   Zack
82 Eh, no problemo. I don't have a problem with Sox posters, but when they show up for one post and try to instigate or be snarky, its just pathetic and quite the wrong place for it.
2008-04-13 17:47:25
88.   monkeypants
83 The real irony is that Hughes is throwing hard, but now Waswatching can find something else to complain about him.
2008-04-13 17:49:06
89.   Zack
I have a bad feeling about this game, As in, they will have Dice-k on the ropes all game and still only score 1 run, meanwhile, the Sox will take full advantage, as already is underway
2008-04-13 17:49:21
90.   Just fair
Was that Traber they showed loosening in the pen before that inning ended?
2008-04-13 17:51:04
91.   Jeb
82 speaking of out of context, I read in the Boston Globe today that "Manny came out ..." I didn't even know that he was gay.
2008-04-13 17:51:36
92.   monkeypants
The best strategy may be simply to keep the bat on the shoulder.
2008-04-13 17:51:57
93.   Just fair
Couple of runs here fellas. Let's go. 3 walks in 1+ compared to 5 in the previous 18. That's good.
2008-04-13 17:52:11
94.   Jeb
88 not trying to fight Monkey, but I am glad that Steve does his thing over at Was Watching because it keeps us all from feeling too Pravda-ish about Phil.
2008-04-13 17:52:23
95.   Zack
90 Ohlie
2008-04-13 17:53:45
96.   monkeypants
94 It strikes me as obsessive. But, I don't have t read it, of course!
2008-04-13 17:53:49
97.   Just fair
95 Thanks. I just got a brief glance at some kid who looked like he should be playing JV.
2008-04-13 17:53:53
98.   fansince77
Good job on ball four Jorge. Great hitting.
2008-04-13 17:53:55
99.   Zack
ugh, another typical AB. lay off the 3-1 pitch right down the middle and then weakly pop up on the next one
2008-04-13 17:54:27
100.   williamnyy23
The offense is dead. Posada's AB is typical of the futility that has gone on the first two weeks.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-04-13 17:55:35
101.   monkeypants
98 ESPN k-zone (or whatever) showed that was a strike.
2008-04-13 17:55:42
102.   fansince77
Oh shut up Joe Morgan! If he walked Manny this would have been your banter: "You never walk the bases loaded...because you have to be perfect blah, blah, blah....." Your so full of shit!
2008-04-13 17:55:50
103.   Zack
Does anyone pop up/foul more than Giambi on this team? Its seriously all he seems to do. besides that homer
2008-04-13 17:56:54
104.   fansince77
101 you are right and what has that meant so far tonight? Still, if that's a 3-2 cut, that's pretty sucky.
2008-04-13 17:57:37
105.   Zack
And what does he do? Pop it up. Of course. And they'll waste a lead off walk without even moving him up.Sigh
2008-04-13 17:57:37
106.   williamnyy23
It seems like they don't even hit the ball hard.
2008-04-13 17:57:38
107.   monkeypants
103 Very prescient of you.
2008-04-13 17:57:45
108.   OldYanksFan
just got under it.... carp!
2008-04-13 17:59:02
109.   Zack
Yup, one of those games. Hope Hughes doesn't make it beside the point
2008-04-13 17:59:16
110.   Just fair
You can't be eligible for they Cy Young if you could not beat the Yanks these first 2 weeks. GRRRRRRRR
2008-04-13 17:59:20
111.   monkeypants
Dice-K is going to pitch a fucking no hitter and walk 11 batters. I'll watch Phil for a couple more innings, then I'm taking a walk.
2008-04-13 18:00:31
112.   williamnyy23
This feels exactly like the start of last season, except the offense is the main culprit instead of the pitching. I really thought they'd get off to good a start.
2008-04-13 18:00:50
113.   fansince77
...and the yankee offense makes little of a lead off walk.

Hey Matzdfkdlfjika looks very very hittable to me. 88-92- pretty straight and can't get the curve over for a strike. Alex should have squared one up and Giambi and Posada gotta do more. Sometimes it just seems like the Yanks roll over.

2008-04-13 18:02:08
114.   williamnyy23
Hughes has to start getting ahead...he is constantly behind 1-0.
2008-04-13 18:02:14
115.   Zack
Ok, he was out. Hughes continues to get scrwed over.
2008-04-13 18:02:34
116.   fansince77
That's a bullshit call! Clearly out! Out 99% of the time!
2008-04-13 18:02:37
117.   williamnyy23
115 Looked safe to me.
2008-04-13 18:02:44
118.   Zack
Ok, can we stop with these pitch outs, as they haven't exactly been working?
2008-04-13 18:03:08
119.   monkeypants
Well, he was out. Par for the course.
.
.
.
Stop pitching out! That puts too much pressure on Molina!!
2008-04-13 18:03:44
120.   Zack
117 From both angles to me, the throw clearly beat his foot touching the base. But close enough.
2008-04-13 18:04:08
121.   fansince77
An umpire has to approach that ready to call him safe. Anything that close is an out. - Oh shit- replay shows that Crisp was out again!
2008-04-13 18:05:20
122.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
From the comments and Gamecast this is looking like a game I may skip tonight on MLB.com...don't think I can take watching Manny go wild anymore...
2008-04-13 18:05:33
123.   dianagramr
Forget Beltre .... I think A-Rod gets the Gold Glove this year .... he's so improved over last 2 years.
2008-04-13 18:05:44
124.   Zack
Hey, I thought only Derek Jeter can make that play according to most announcers?
2008-04-13 18:05:46
125.   Just fair
Well played, AL.
2008-04-13 18:05:55
126.   monkeypants
AG! Paging Wally Pipp...
2008-04-13 18:06:01
127.   williamnyy23
121 You can't complain either way on that one. I saw the same replays and would have called him safe. Hughes problems are not getting screwed. It's falling behind 1-0 on nearly every batter.
2008-04-13 18:06:09
128.   williamnyy23
121 You can't complain either way on that one. I saw the same replays and would have called him safe. Hughes problems are not getting screwed. It's falling behind 1-0 on nearly every batter.
2008-04-13 18:07:01
129.   Just fair
I really don't like Dustin Pedroia.
2008-04-13 18:07:30
130.   Zack
128 I would say Hughes's problems are both. He needs to find his control, but he hasn't been helped anywhere. For a young kid, he needs the help

On the other hand, that was a NICE recovery inning for Phil and has made Slappy McBaldy look foolish 2 times

2008-04-13 18:07:34
131.   monkeypants
Hughes' stuff is s-o-o-o good when he gets the ball over for strikes. 93 MPH fastballs and wicked, wicked curves. He's made Pedroia look like a little leaguer.
2008-04-13 18:08:42
132.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
129 Doesn't Pedroia look the bastard son of Michael Ironside and some lunch-lady Doris type? How can he be son young and have no hair??
2008-04-13 18:10:52
133.   tommyl
Nice recovery inning from Hughes there. Takes a lot to go back out there and recover from that cheap Count Chocula bunt single.

This is about what I expect from Hughes this year, a lot of up and down. He's 21 and in his first full season. Like I've said before, even Roger Clemens was iffy his first year. Not everyone can be Verlander or Doc Gooden right away.

2008-04-13 18:11:26
134.   ms october
129 me either - and i don't get why he's bald either 132

130 yeah, he recovered nicely that inning - since he's on a strict pitch count and not going to go through the order that many times, i think he should stick to his plus pitches in a game like this

2008-04-13 18:12:19
135.   OldYanksFan
Damons.....
bat.....
appears.....
to.....
be.....
very.....
slow.....
2008-04-13 18:14:35
136.   monkeypants
The only hope, it seems is to make this a BP battle. They may be able to wait out Dice-K. Is Papelbon available tonight? What feats of strength and works of wonder can he perform this evening?
2008-04-13 18:14:38
137.   JeremyM
Pedroia breathes from his mouth as well, the dude just drives me nuts. Of course, I instinctively resist all things "scrappy."
2008-04-13 18:14:39
138.   Zack
133 And look at Verlander this year. Yuck.
2008-04-13 18:14:47
139.   OldYanksFan
Does anyone wish we had paid $100m for this guy?
2008-04-13 18:15:23
140.   Zack
This game is really going to prove the woefulness of this offense. No control, some fat pitches, and they can't even get a HIT, let alone score runs
2008-04-13 18:16:10
141.   monkeypants
Morgan just criticized Dice-K for not leaving the ball over the middle of the plate, but instead working the corners. At least the idiocy seems somewhat more balanced tonight.
2008-04-13 18:17:44
142.   Zack
Yup, typical
2008-04-13 18:17:54
143.   williamnyy23
Can Cano hit the damn ball hard! SWING DAMN IT!
2008-04-13 18:17:54
144.   OldYanksFan
Christ!!!!!!!!!!!
That was a fat pitch!!!
2008-04-13 18:18:43
145.   Just fair
Memo to Robby, buy some g-dam warm underwear and pretend it's July, Will Ya.
2008-04-13 18:18:45
146.   OldYanksFan
Time for a bloop and a blast! Let's go!!!
2008-04-13 18:18:53
147.   Zack
I actually hate this offense. Really, it makes me so mad. I think I NEED them to start hitting for my mental health
2008-04-13 18:19:13
148.   monkeypants
143 Can ANYBODY hit ANYTHING?
2008-04-13 18:20:09
149.   Zack
These pitches are just freaking right down the middle
2008-04-13 18:20:09
150.   Just fair
WHAT the hell are you looking at Bobby.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-04-13 18:20:20
151.   nick
god DAMN it he nibbles and NIBBLES like a MOTHER** and when he finally comes in the zone our guys can't do JACK.....
2008-04-13 18:20:24
152.   fansince77
CANO is in the process of an early season ROPE-A-DOPE..."let me pop up a bunch of super fat bp fastballs and I'll wait till later to tag them."
2008-04-13 18:20:50
153.   Zack
Well, thank God for the Monster!
2008-04-13 18:21:05
154.   OldYanksFan
Can that be considered a bloop? Nice Bobby!
2008-04-13 18:21:17
155.   fansince77
That time - another fucking pop-up but we'll take it.
2008-04-13 18:21:42
156.   ms october
148 thankfully bobby can
2008-04-13 18:22:03
157.   nick
ah, yes!.....lefties should be able to hit wall doubles off this guy in this park all the time, no? it sure looks like they should....
2008-04-13 18:22:06
158.   Zack
A-Rod really wanted to flail at that way outside, diving down pitch
2008-04-13 18:22:18
159.   OldYanksFan
ARod... BE SELECTIVE! Wait for your pitch!
2008-04-13 18:22:30
160.   Zack
Instead, he goes for the Yankee patented weak pop up
2008-04-13 18:23:13
161.   fansince77
As great as AROD is and there is no denying any of his stats...is there anyone who is more afraid of pitching him than to Manny or Papi? He just doesn't command that worry.
2008-04-13 18:23:24
162.   monkeypants
OK< Dice-K at around 60 pitches. This could be worse. Let's see if Sir Phil can keep it together facing the meat of the order. And when I say meat, I mean MAN-RAM.
2008-04-13 18:23:27
163.   ms october
160 and if sean casey ctaches your bs pop-up forget it
2008-04-13 18:23:49
164.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
Hey,that's one up on the board. I like our chances next time through the lineup! (Just had some coffee, feeling awake and confident!!)
2008-04-13 18:23:55
165.   williamnyy23
At least last season, the slow start was easier to accept. Karstens sucked, Igawan sucked, Rasner sucked, Farnsworth sucked, etc. This year, good hitters and swinging like crap.
2008-04-13 18:24:31
166.   ms october
stfu peter gammons - what the hell dos train tracks have to do with anything
2008-04-13 18:24:34
167.   ms october
stfu peter gammons - what the hell dos train tracks have to do with anything
2008-04-13 18:25:07
168.   Zack
Um, that was a strike
2008-04-13 18:25:32
169.   Just fair
If Phil can make Manny look stupid this at bat, I will be happy. That first pitch curveball was strike. Geez.
2008-04-13 18:25:41
170.   monkeypants
Thanks Peter Gammons. Who knew that the Sox won the WS with homegrown talent, like Man Ram, Big Papi, Dice-K...
2008-04-13 18:26:36
171.   Jeb
I don't like the walks, but that first fucking pitch to Drew was a strike.
2008-04-13 18:27:31
172.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
170 I really can't stand Gammons anymore. He acted like A-Rod ruined the WS last year with his opt-out. Hey Pete, relax a bit..
2008-04-13 18:28:19
173.   Zack
I'm really looking forward to the day that Hughes both gets his control back AND gets to work with a pitcher's strike zone
2008-04-13 18:28:35
174.   Jeb
why can't Phil get that first strike call when it's a fucking strike?
2008-04-13 18:30:11
175.   Zack
Sigh
2008-04-13 18:30:39
176.   Just fair
I really don't like Manny Ramirez.
2008-04-13 18:30:39
177.   monkeypants
Sigh.
2008-04-13 18:31:37
178.   monkeypants
Sigh
2008-04-13 18:31:48
179.   Zack
Alright, looks like a dead offense won't really matter. Course, it would help
2008-04-13 18:31:54
180.   Just fair
The greek god of I want to kick myself in the face.
2008-04-13 18:32:23
181.   ms october
crapity crap

have to say i agree with joe though- he isn't throwing the curve as much as he should

2008-04-13 18:32:44
182.   JeremyM
I hate to be so negative, but I'm really happy Joba was saved for today!
2008-04-13 18:32:58
183.   Jeb
170 don't overlook the other homegrown sox starters like Lowell, Drew, Coco, Lugo, Dais-Suck, Schilling, Wakefield and Beckett. They were really built from the draft.
2008-04-13 18:33:31
184.   monkeypants
JOe Morgan has indeed identified the problem with Hughes. You see, against Pedroia he threw two curveballs, then the fastball. But against Youkillis, he threw one curveball and went right back to the fast ball.

I wonder if Morgan could make some extra money as a consultant for Mike Pagliarulo?

2008-04-13 18:33:35
185.   Just fair
Seriously, to not even be able to get out of the 3rd inning. This is tough to stomach.
2008-04-13 18:33:41
186.   williamnyy23
This is one of the games you just want to end and hope tomorrow is a better day.
2008-04-13 18:34:31
187.   tommyl
ugh...spoke to soon.
2008-04-13 18:34:35
188.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
Damn Youkilis...hate his swing and stupid goatee..losing confidence now..
2008-04-13 18:35:21
189.   monkeypants
181 I don't think the problem was curve balls; it was control.
2008-04-13 18:35:23
190.   Jeb
maybe Steve Lombard is right about Phil....sorry, but he's looking rough to me. I want him to be great. I want to be patient, but I can't stand seeing him go 3 innings and then chew up our pen. Even moose did better than this.
2008-04-13 18:35:38
191.   Zack
182 Yup, sure is great to have an "8th inning guy" we can turn to, since that inning is so much more important than the first 3...Yup
2008-04-13 18:36:11
192.   monkeypants
183 Hey, Schilling was a Red Sox farmhand...once...long ago...
2008-04-13 18:36:39
193.   Jeb
FUCK I HATE BOSTON, I HATE FENWAY, THEIR FANS, THEIR TEAM, THEIR SMUG ARROGANCE, THEIR SELF-IMPORTANCE!

Monkeypants feel free to tell me to calm down.

2008-04-13 18:36:48
194.   Just fair
Off topic but apropos. Anyone seen "There will be Blood?" My wife and I rented it, and we may be watching it sooner rather than later.
2008-04-13 18:36:53
195.   ms october
189 yeah i agree - his control was not good - but his curve (when thrown for a strike) was working well
2008-04-13 18:37:28
196.   monkeypants
190 Please tell me you're not serious.
2008-04-13 18:39:26
197.   monkeypants
It is surely selective memory, but I swear I cannot remember a single Sunday Night game that the Yankees actually won.
2008-04-13 18:39:41
198.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
194 The title is accurate..there is indeed blood, plus dirt, dust and sweat..intense, very interesting film and DDL is awesome. A real step forward for PTA as a director I think. And probably a more cheery viewing experience than this game..
2008-04-13 18:39:58
199.   nick
it's a perfect storm of lack of command, getting squeezed, and some good hitting by the Sox...
2008-04-13 18:41:58
200.   williamnyy23
Hughes might not be ready yet...I think we all need to accept that as a possibility
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-04-13 18:42:10
201.   Zack
194 Great performance by the insane DDL, interesting movie, but not sure in the end I thought it was "great,' mostly because of the ending. But I'd be curious to hear your opinion in the end, of course

and 190 I won't even touch that one...

2008-04-13 18:43:04
202.   Zack
200 Hughes is ready. Hes 21 and basically a rookie. There will be ups and downs, but he has nothing left to prove in the minors. He's had one good start and one bad one.

WTF is going on with Molina!

2008-04-13 18:43:22
203.   tommyl
Alright, I'm watching my DVR of the Simpsons. This is too painful.
2008-04-13 18:43:26
204.   monkeypants
So, if Molina is crossed up multiple times with multiple pitchers, does this suggest that he is the one in error?
2008-04-13 18:43:33
205.   Alex Belth
Ah Jesus, they are just giving runs away now...
2008-04-13 18:44:05
206.   Just fair
{198} Gracias.
Another gift. I love Joe Morgan "The minor leagues are supposed to help your big league club." stabbing ear with ice pick
2008-04-13 18:44:31
207.   monkeypants
200 I agree with Zack at 202 . They could have him dominate AAA, but to what end? He is as ready as Clemens was his first season--just check out his numbers that season.
2008-04-13 18:44:38
208.   rufuswashere
Molina could easily be tired -- when was his last day off?

Can you believe this game is just in the bottom of the 3rd? It's 9:45!

2008-04-13 18:44:49
209.   JeremyM
Molina has been so good, maybe he's wearing down or something.
2008-04-13 18:45:06
210.   Adrian
I feel sick.
2008-04-13 18:45:20
211.   Adrian
I feel sicker.
2008-04-13 18:45:21
212.   williamnyy23
Doesn't it seem like the Yankees always get embarrassed in these April Sunday night games?
2008-04-13 18:45:40
213.   Zack
Ok, wow, wonderful job by Ohlie to allow all those runners to score
2008-04-13 18:46:29
214.   Zack
212 Yup, at least the last 5 or so years where they have not only come out of the gates slow as hell, but also faced the Sox a lot early on in Fenway and played like crap against them
2008-04-13 18:46:49
215.   williamnyy23
202 Two bad ones. I am not sure how much good it will do Hughes to pitch 3 innings. He may need some more time to dominate the minors, if only to get more consisent work. Again, it is [possible that Hughes isn't ready. He wouldn't be the first 21 year-old to have to go down after coming up.
2008-04-13 18:46:59
216.   JohnBlacksox
Jesus, the Met game was 4 hours of crap baseball, this is deja vu.
2008-04-13 18:47:47
217.   monkeypants
209 Maybe he used up all his good in the first two weeks. Oh well, now we get to watch Dice-K cruise to a complete game victory.
2008-04-13 18:48:14
218.   Just fair
Still got Jet Lag. Invite the Yankees to town. They'll improve the confidence of your pitchers and make your batters forget they have traveled around the globe and back.
2008-04-13 18:48:21
219.   JeremyM
I do remember Randy Johnson pitching well in his Yankees debut against Boston on a Sunday night. That would've been Opening "Night" 2005.

Maybe we should see how good of an emergency catcher Ensberg can be tonight, Molina needs a breather.

2008-04-13 18:48:31
220.   ms october
thank god for scrappy doo - he's a 1/3 of the outs

re phil - i agree with zack and mp - but there are going to be a range of performances - and unfortunately this is part of the range

2008-04-13 18:49:35
221.   Just fair
The modern day Willie Mays missed a fly ball. Holy crap.
2008-04-13 18:50:02
222.   Zack
I should also add that it would be nice to see Phil pitch in a game thats actually above 50 degrees
2008-04-13 18:50:09
223.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
Can't get too down about this type of loss, yesterday was much more painful..am still sore about them pitching to Manny. I mean, he hit it 500feet the previous atbat!! That's a loss that shouldn't have been....
2008-04-13 18:52:30
224.   monkeypants
219 If the game gets more out of hand, it might be worth dusting off Betemit and Ensberg. When did they play last anyway? Has Ensberg even gotten into a game?
2008-04-13 18:54:05
225.   JohnBlacksox
I'm counting the days until Giambi's (aka The Albatross) contract is over.
2008-04-13 18:55:03
226.   monkeypants
WHY is Varitek going out to the mound? For Christ's sake it's 7-1. This is like some sort of torture.
2008-04-13 18:56:26
227.   rufuswashere
I don't think I can remember a time when Jorge didn't strike out after going behind 0-2.

DiceK does not have good command tonight, too bad we're wasting all these walks!

2008-04-13 18:58:14
228.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
225 Hah, can we start calling Giambino that? He's big enough to be called "The Albatross"...I'm just scared they will replace his 20million with 20mil for C.C....who is NOT worth that..
2008-04-13 18:58:26
229.   monkeypants
Carp! Hughes was not good AND Ohlendorf couldn't keep the score at 4 or 5, otherwise this might be more competitive, because Dice-K is not helping his own cause too much.
2008-04-13 18:58:30
230.   Just fair
We could have a ballgame, again. C'mon Al.
2008-04-13 19:01:07
231.   monkeypants
NIce AB by AG--he's fighting off some fastballs.
2008-04-13 19:02:32
232.   Just fair
Dice tried to sneak a gyroball by him. : )
2008-04-13 19:02:32
233.   tommyl
Derek who?!
2008-04-13 19:02:42
234.   williamnyy23
Hmmm...maybe AG doesn't suck?
2008-04-13 19:02:50
235.   bartap74
On the bright side, it's great to have bench players that can actually play.
2008-04-13 19:03:11
236.   Zack
GREAT AB by the former AG (which you can't really abbreviate totally)...I woulda sent Molina with Crisp's "arm"
2008-04-13 19:03:12
237.   monkeypants
Is the Giambi-Molina tandem on 2nd and 3rd the slowest pair in that situation in the history of baseball?

Yay AG!

2008-04-13 19:03:36
238.   tommyl
228 Well if CC keeps pitching like he did in his last start, he won't be worth 20 million.

Sigh, I really wanted a dominant Hughes performance. Damn.

2008-04-13 19:04:13
239.   Just fair
Gonzalez is having a hell of a better time than Melky's first trip to Fenway. Oy, Molina. You're slow
2008-04-13 19:04:29
240.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
Alberto is really impressive so far, great AB there!
2008-04-13 19:04:53
241.   williamnyy23
238 With Buccholz pitching much better in the same series, it is a blow to Yankee fan pride. Having said that, Hughes did have "A" stuff, while Buccholz didn't impress me much.
2008-04-13 19:05:01
242.   monkeypants
I may be coming around to the Jeter at 1st base solution for this season, especially if Giambi continues to stink it up and AG continues to make us all want to hug him.
2008-04-13 19:05:05
243.   dianagramr
It could be worse .... we could be having Andruw Jones 2008 ...
2008-04-13 19:06:09
244.   monkeypants
So, does anyone think that Youk could have gotten Molina at home?
2008-04-13 19:06:14
245.   tommyl
Oh man, a Robbie HR here would be sooooo schweet. Cheesy poof schweet.
2008-04-13 19:07:06
246.   Zack
241 yeah, never underestimate the power of the Yankees offense on making a pitcher look like an ace this season...
2008-04-13 19:07:51
247.   Zack
Wow, Cano is abysmal..
2008-04-13 19:08:00
248.   monkeypants
Maybe Robbie needs a day off. Can Betemit play 2nd?
2008-04-13 19:08:28
249.   nick
worst possible outcome: just enough runs to keep me watching this horseshit ballgame....
2008-04-13 19:08:29
250.   JeremyM
242 I'm down with that, if the second part holds true.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-04-13 19:10:34
251.   ms october
249 ha i was just think that
248 if derek plays tomorrow, maybe let the ag play there before he gets sent down
2008-04-13 19:10:51
252.   monkeypants
Thank God...Girardi has decided to manage rather than give one of those awful interviews. I wish MLB would ban those.
2008-04-13 19:11:47
253.   Zack
That was weird. It was a strike, but not a swing, but called a swing. Weird
2008-04-13 19:12:08
254.   Just fair
Ross is big effin' dude. He's thrown some nasty pitches, too.
2008-04-13 19:13:14
255.   Just fair
That's a freakin's strike.
2008-04-13 19:14:22
256.   Just fair
Settle down, Beavis.
2008-04-13 19:14:53
257.   Zack
That was a nice acting job there by Manny.

Ahh, and it triggers the always classy "Yankees suck" chant. Thats a little funny coming from a team equally crappy thus far

God I hate this strike zone

2008-04-13 19:16:07
258.   monkeypants
FWIW, in 1995, 26 y.o. rookie Andy Pettitte had 26 starts, including the following: 4.2, 2.2, 2.2, 0.2 (!!), 5.0, 5.1, and 5.1 INN. What we have seen from 21 y.o. Phil Hughes should not be all that surprising.
2008-04-13 19:17:03
259.   OldYanksFan
We have both Mo and Joba.
The Sox have neither Papsmear or Okijima.
Dice-K with 92 pitches thru 4.
It's torture, but it's not ovah yet.
2008-04-13 19:17:08
260.   williamnyy23
258 The huge difference is Pettitte was 26 and Hughes is 21.
2008-04-13 19:19:24
261.   OldYanksFan
Hughes is a VERY good pitcher. We should not doubt that based on some poor games early in his career. As long as he doesn't get injured, I can take what he gives us.
2008-04-13 19:19:43
262.   monkeypants
260 Exactly. Hughes is performing at the same level as a 26 y.o. rookie. Put him in AAA to season for another year will likely not eliminate piss poor rookie starts. He will have the same ups and downs; the fact that he is 21 belies just how much talent he has.
2008-04-13 19:19:45
263.   Zack
260 Exactlly, I think. If a 26 year old is oging to struggle, its reasonable to expect a 21 to as well. He is clearly capable of getting big leaguers out, its the consistency that he will lack for this year most likely
2008-04-13 19:20:15
264.   williamnyy23
This is disgusting.
2008-04-13 19:20:22
265.   OldYanksFan
This is not good. 3 BBs by Ollie.
2008-04-13 19:20:27
266.   Zack
260 And as an addendum, Cano struggled when he wwas first called up, but they stuck with him and he put it together
2008-04-13 19:20:32
267.   monkeypants
It looks like Molina is catching with a wooden plate instead of a glove. Ohlendorf is not helping the cause too much tonight.
2008-04-13 19:21:04
268.   Zack
Well, thank you "captain"
2008-04-13 19:21:25
269.   Just fair
Varitek, I like.
2008-04-13 19:21:36
270.   williamnyy23
261 The question isn't whether he is good. The question is whether he is ready. You can't blind yourself to the possibility that a 21-year old might need more time in the minors. Also, if Hughes makes a habit of 3 inning/80 pitch starts, you also have to ask if that is a level of stress you want to subject to him to?
2008-04-13 19:21:56
271.   ms october
at least he got the dp - but i am not totaly sold on ohlendorf yet
2008-04-13 19:22:30
272.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
That "C" on Varitek's jersey..am sure someone has mentioned finding that annoying..am I being too nit-picky?
2008-04-13 19:23:08
273.   monkeypants
270 If he does this four or five more times, maybe you have a point. But so far, all we are seeing is Andy Pettitte 1995, who helped the team make a run to the Wild Card.
2008-04-13 19:23:31
274.   OldYanksFan
Dude! We have no right to complain about anything Molina does. Actually, the way Molina and AG are playing, maybe we need a minor injury from JD.

Did you see the fans in the stands? They are dressed for blizzard conditions. It's really cold.

2008-04-13 19:23:41
275.   OldYanksFan
Dude! We have no right to complain about anything Molina does. Actually, the way Molina and AG are playing, maybe we need a minor injury from JD.

Did you see the fans in the stands? They are dressed for blizzard conditions. It's really cold.

2008-04-13 19:23:57
276.   Jeb
196 I am serious monkey. Steve is just seeing the glass half full. Look, I read lots of Yankee blogs --

* The Banter for great writing, news and ... well banter.

* Pete's for news

* River Avenue Blues for the down on the farm

* No Maas for the humor

* Was Watching for a different perspective.

I am primarily concerned with getting good writing and get that from all of the above. Steve gives more of a different perspective than most and I often find myself saying, "huh. didn't think of that" when finishing one of his posts.

I also think that he takes a lot of unnecessary heat over his views on Phil Hughes. BUT I think he understands that.

2008-04-13 19:24:53
277.   monkeypants
This inning or the next are the key. Can they hit Dice-K or knock him out, and then feast on the middle relief? Can the Yankees' reliveers not names Joba/Rivera keep it close.
2008-04-13 19:25:11
278.   OldYanksFan
Sorry... I'm stuttering. Let's make this Dice-K's last inning.
2008-04-13 19:25:50
279.   williamnyy23
266 The difference there is Cano is a hitter, so even whe he struggles, he can still rack up ABs and experience. I am not saying Hughes should be sent down, but if he has a more starts like this over his next few, the Yankees have to consider it as an option.
2008-04-13 19:26:35
280.   monkeypants
276 Fair enough. I think that his "different perspective" is often crap born of stubborn obsession. But it's all spice for the stew, I guess.

By the way, you do mean "glass half empty," right?

2008-04-13 19:27:50
281.   monkeypants
It must be getting cold, because the ump is expanding the strike zone this inning.
2008-04-13 19:28:10
282.   Just fair
Ross had Manny struck out on a 2-2 curveball that was closer than that one to Abreu, but who's watching.
2008-04-13 19:28:15
283.   Jeb
280 yes duh...glass half empty. my fault.
2008-04-13 19:28:56
284.   Jeb
If Arod gets on here, do you steal? I do.
2008-04-13 19:29:08
285.   Jeb
never mind
2008-04-13 19:29:39
286.   Zack
279 I would agree that if by the end of May he is still on a streak like the last two, you consider sending him down--which then necessitates starting Joba, at least to me. But if its 1 good then 2 bad type of streaks, then you have to stick with him up here and let him learn...

More crap of the ol' "offense"

2008-04-13 19:30:18
287.   Jeb
Matsuzaki? Is Joe Morgan stupid or something?
2008-04-13 19:31:27
288.   Jeb
Come on Jorge.....let's make it 7-6 and send him to the bench.
2008-04-13 19:31:39
289.   williamnyy23
This is where the Yankees need Posada to turn on the 2007 charm. His bat has also been missing in the early going.
2008-04-13 19:31:45
290.   Mattpat11
six walks off Matsuzaka.
2008-04-13 19:32:32
291.   Zack
Wow, Cano, Posada, and A-Rod have killed the Yanks thus far. Giambi you expect, but those three need to pick it up stat....
2008-04-13 19:33:23
292.   monkeypants
I wonder when everyone (that is, Morgan, Miller, et al) will realize this IS the real Dice-K: tough to hit, lots of walks, lots of Ks, lots of pitches, not really all that good when you add it up.
2008-04-13 19:33:37
293.   rufuswashere
227 Hey, he proved me wrong!
2008-04-13 19:33:47
294.   Jeb
I just hope Jason works the count and finds his pitch.
2008-04-13 19:33:47
295.   williamnyy23
This is the tyoe of AB when you really wish Giambi could play with that damn wall.
2008-04-13 19:34:16
296.   monkeypants
PH for Giambi?
2008-04-13 19:35:23
297.   williamnyy23
292 To Morgan's credit, he did note that Hughes fastball was explosive, while Dice's was flat.
2008-04-13 19:35:24
298.   monkeypants
Yes! Morgan just gave Varitek "a lot of credit this inning." Who had the 5th inning? You win the pool!
2008-04-13 19:35:31
299.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
296 with who?
2008-04-13 19:35:39
300.   Jeb
FUCK FUCK FUCK
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2008-04-13 19:35:42
301.   Zack
Another frustrating inning. Sigh
2008-04-13 19:35:59
302.   monkeypants
Giambi + steroids = double off wall.
Giambi - steroids = fly out to CF.
2008-04-13 19:36:03
303.   williamnyy23
Damn Giambi...just missed it. That's kind of more frustrating than the pop ups.
2008-04-13 19:36:22
304.   monkeypants
299 Anyone not batting .077.
2008-04-13 19:37:31
305.   monkeypants
297 True. I'm just bitchy tonight. The broadcast so far has not been nearly as ear-gouging as Fox's yesterday.
2008-04-13 19:38:20
306.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
304 but he's a "veteran" who "knows how to hit" and will definately work his way out the slump...er, right??
2008-04-13 19:38:38
307.   Jeb
Last inning for Ross?
2008-04-13 19:39:27
308.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
is it really only the bottom of the 5th???
2008-04-13 19:40:30
309.   monkeypants
308 Are they really talking about Roberts' stolen base in 2004? Does that have anything to do with anything or anybody tonight?
2008-04-13 19:42:11
310.   williamnyy23
What? I don't think Miller has that right. One of Rivera's blown saves in 2004 came because he entered the game with a man on third and yielded a sac fly.
2008-04-13 19:43:26
311.   OldYanksFan
Common guys. Jason just hit a 390' line drive. He has had a number of outs like that. It's just a matter of time.

JD however, has not hit the ball hard all year. His sac fly last inning might be the hardest ball he has hit this year.

AG with a strong, accurate arm.

2008-04-13 19:44:26
312.   OldYanksFan
Nice scoop by Giambi!
2008-04-13 19:44:27
313.   nick
the giambino flashing the leather!
2008-04-13 19:46:02
314.   monkeypants
311 The results were good in retrospect, but I would have PH for him in that spot. That said, he HAS played a not too bad 1B this year 212 .
2008-04-13 19:47:21
315.   Just fair
By my rudimentary calculations, Dice-K made about $4,200 per pitch tonight. Yeah, I am kind of glad mgmt. did not pony up more than $100 million bucks for this him .
2008-04-13 19:47:41
316.   monkeypants
OK, only the sixth and the announcers are already replaying 2004. Any predictions for what's next:

a] 2003/Boone
b] T-shirt curse-gate
c] Munson/Fisk fight
d] other (please indicate)

2008-04-13 19:48:09
317.   williamnyy23
13 games ino the season and the Yankees have scored more than 4 runs once, and that time it was only 6. Amazing.
2008-04-13 19:49:06
318.   Jeb
Joe Morgan is a dumbass. They didn't pitch Daisuke so he'd get a win. They pitched him through 5 so they only had to eat 4 more innings given the limitations on Papelbon.
2008-04-13 19:49:29
319.   monkeypants
316 And the answer is "b". Good grief.
2008-04-13 19:50:12
320.   Jeb
Come on Alberto....a basehit here might be nice. Why don't people boo him for wearing Andy Phillips's Jersey BTW?
2008-04-13 19:50:56
321.   williamnyy23
Another LaTroy siting.
2008-04-13 19:51:28
322.   Just fair
317 They'll pick it up eventually, of course. But the frustration is certainly mounting. Look out, Al.
2008-04-13 19:51:36
323.   Jeb
316 DING DING. I am embarrassed that the buried jersey was even news. There are no curses on baseball teams. It's so stupid.
2008-04-13 19:51:46
324.   williamnyy23
Maybe that's why Damon hasn't hit....his bat was rotted.
2008-04-13 19:52:16
325.   tommyl
318 Of all the reasons to call Joe Morgan a dumbass, that is the least of them.
2008-04-13 19:52:26
326.   Jeb
Monkeypants...I like this former atty general kid I tell ya! and I'm not going to be calm about it.
2008-04-13 19:52:42
327.   williamnyy23
That was a weak slap.
2008-04-13 19:53:58
328.   Jeb
325 Why? He said something that was absolutely 100% incorrect. Someone tomorrow will repeat that at work as if it came from "on high". He really doesn't know why they left him in the game and that bothers me.
2008-04-13 19:54:05
329.   OldYanksFan
Wow... and this Damon who is healthy, in good shape, and with an ax to grind? He's done! Hope he proves me wrong (but he's done).
2008-04-13 19:54:12
330.   williamnyy23
Come on Cano...it's time to break out here!
2008-04-13 19:54:28
331.   tommyl
Small sample size warning: AG has a higher OPS than A-Rod. Somehow, I don't think that will persist.
2008-04-13 19:54:58
332.   Just fair
Dear Robbie,
Set your mental clock to mid-summer.
Best Regards,
J.F.
2008-04-13 19:55:12
333.   williamnyy23
328 I don't think it was 100% correct. If you could get a win for 4 2/3, i also think they would have taken Dice-K out earlier.
2008-04-13 19:55:46
334.   williamnyy23
333 100 incorrect, I meant.
2008-04-13 19:55:46
335.   OldYanksFan
We have had plenty of chances. Do they have a space heater in the dugout? Green tea? Let's heat these guys up!
2008-04-13 19:56:08
336.   tommyl
328 Because he says so many things that are so much more dumbass than that. But ok, to each his poison.
2008-04-13 19:56:12
337.   williamnyy23
That is NOT a strike!
2008-04-13 19:56:38
338.   OldYanksFan
Someone tell Cano a walk is a GOOD thing!
2008-04-13 19:56:56
339.   fansince77
C'mon Cano ! This would make everything ok- anything but a pop-up!
2008-04-13 19:56:59
340.   Jeb
331 I agree with you. I acknowlege sample size. I just like him
2008-04-13 19:57:31
341.   OldYanksFan
Someone tell Cano a walk is a GOOD thing!
Someone tell Cano a walk is a GOOD thing!
2008-04-13 19:58:03
342.   fansince77
WOW WAS THAT A FAT PITCH! TOO MIDDLE I GUESS!
2008-04-13 19:58:30
343.   OldYanksFan
I don't know who we have, but Cano is NOT good in the 2 hole. Gives away too many walks.
2008-04-13 19:58:31
344.   williamnyy23
Cano has really killed the offense. He has come up small in so many ABs. I think you have to move him down to at least 7th and keep him there until he gets hot. That AB was a killer.
2008-04-13 19:58:49
345.   mehmattski
Hey everybody. Just checking in... looks like the worlds' worst offense is continuing it's tricks, although the OBP tonight is encouraging.

Looks like Phil's velocity is climbing (92-93 tonight) but nowhere near accurate... is that a good summary?

2008-04-13 19:58:53
346.   tommyl
Bases loaded A-Rod groundout to 3rd?
2008-04-13 19:58:54
347.   monkeypants
338 Is a not-DP good?
.
.
Well, they have now already talked about the T-shirt, curse of the Bambino, and the "tide turning" in the Sox favor. They going through material pretty fast considering how slow the game is moving.
2008-04-13 19:59:13
348.   Just fair
Dear B.B,
I miss Larry Bowa.
I'm sorry.
Sincerely,
Robbie Cano
2008-04-13 19:59:16
349.   Jeb
336 Fair enough. But it's a problem for me that he knows nothing and I have to sit here and talk to you. Both of us should be working this game for ESPN and he should be driving a garbage truck. Monkeypants should be in Gammons position.
2008-04-13 19:59:20
350.   OldYanksFan
Does it always come down to ARod?
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2008-04-13 19:59:35
351.   OldYanksFan
CRAPSHITFUCK!
2008-04-13 20:00:00
352.   williamnyy23
That inning tells you all you need to know...NO ONE seems able to get a hit.
2008-04-13 20:00:17
353.   tommyl
345 He was actually hitting 94 to 95, with a sick curve. Unfortunately nothing was going where he wanted it. In all, doesn't tell us much we didn't already know. Great stuff, great potential, needs command and consistency. Then again, its 35 degree windchill there. I'll give the kid a pass, hopefully Girardi does too.
2008-04-13 20:00:34
354.   tommyl
350 Sometimes they screw up before they get to him.
2008-04-13 20:00:51
355.   Jeb
343 Jetes will be back in the 2 hole soon enough. I'd put the former AG there tomorrow. His 10 pitch at-bat against dais-suck was pretty good.
2008-04-13 20:01:07
356.   Mattpat11
Sterling screamed "swung on and driven to deep left field"

Is there such a thing in Fenway?

2008-04-13 20:01:45
357.   fansince77
and another weak fly ball on a fucking meatball right down the middle of the plate.

Forget the impotent offense numbers- I think the problem is much deeper. I would seriously like to see how many pitches that are NOT good pitches that we have failed to hit hard. Look at the two pitches Cano and Abreu got! ONE OF THOSE SHOULD HAVE BEEN SMOKED...if it was ripped into a double play so be it...but two shitty hit balls?

2008-04-13 20:01:56
358.   williamnyy23
Man...1 and 2...a scrub pitcher...and Cano and Abreu do nothing with a 3-2 and 2-0 fastball. That's weak.
2008-04-13 20:02:13
359.   tommyl
At this point, I say let Kyle pitch 3 innings or something.
2008-04-13 20:02:20
360.   OldYanksFan
347 How about a replay of Everett breaking up Moose's perfecta? Bloody sock lore? So much to look forward to.
2008-04-13 20:02:39
361.   Mattpat11
Come on Hawk.
2008-04-13 20:02:58
362.   Jeb
Hell yeah Matsui!
2008-04-13 20:03:13
363.   fansince77
Matsui and the old 22 hopper trick!
2008-04-13 20:03:13
364.   monkeypants
Now I have defended Hawkins before, but I have not much confidence here.

Did Gammons just shout "Oh no" when Pedroia was tagged out?

2008-04-13 20:03:14
365.   tommyl
Well, that play was entertaining. Thanks for that Hawk.
2008-04-13 20:03:15
366.   Just fair
Hey, Latroy, shut em down. F- You Dustin. You are out.
2008-04-13 20:03:20
367.   Mattpat11
Just as good as a strike out Hawk
2008-04-13 20:03:37
368.   williamnyy23
Matsui got an assist on that play only BECAUSE he has a weak arm. Ironic.
2008-04-13 20:03:47
369.   OldYanksFan
And a PERFECT 3 bouncer, offline throw by Matsui!
2008-04-13 20:04:03
370.   Jeb
"He didn't hesitate too long..."

Long enough, Joe, Long enough.

2008-04-13 20:04:07
371.   OldYanksFan
And he was safe.
2008-04-13 20:04:25
372.   fansince77
By the way - how does the umpire blow that call with such a good angle to make it? Umps suck these days.
2008-04-13 20:04:41
373.   tommyl
Hey, we should get Dustin the number for Giusepe!
2008-04-13 20:04:46
374.   Mattpat11
364 I've ranted about the deal repeatedly, and I still think it was a bad one, but if the fans are going to chant that at him, I'm rooting for him.

Doesn't mean I'm necessarily confident.

2008-04-13 20:04:51
375.   Just fair
Dustin is secretly a woman. He is never wrong (in his mind). No offense to any of the actual womena reading who are in fact, always right.
2008-04-13 20:05:19
376.   monkeypants
371 Looked like it.
2008-04-13 20:05:49
377.   fansince77
OK so where is the strikezone to Manny? Top of knee to bottom of belt?
2008-04-13 20:05:53
378.   Jeb
I wonder what McCarver would think about Pedroia's hustle play.
2008-04-13 20:06:15
379.   williamnyy23
Yikes...please dont throw that again.
2008-04-13 20:06:48
380.   OldYanksFan
Why does LaTroy look like a BP pitcher?
2008-04-13 20:07:02
381.   tommyl
375 My father once told me, the secrets to a lasting relationship. Three things:

1. I'm sorry honey.
2. You're right honey.
3. I love you honey.

That was pretty much his advice on women.

2008-04-13 20:07:11
382.   Jeb
wow, Hawkins is Bob Gibson!
2008-04-13 20:07:12
383.   monkeypants
378 Tough call: he was called out, which makes it a good play, but the replay shows he was safe, which might call the move into question.
2008-04-13 20:07:14
384.   Just fair
I just don't like Manny Ramiriez.
2008-04-13 20:07:18
385.   fansince77
sit down Whoppie Goldberg!
2008-04-13 20:07:58
386.   Jeb
381 another secret: ALL women are crazy; the question is the degree.
2008-04-13 20:08:31
387.   tommyl
377 Watching this on the TV and gameday, this Ump is all over the place. That Manny AB had 3 balls that were clear strikes on gameday. I mean, not borderline, clear strikes. To be fair, Dice-K was getting squeezed just as much, but with this kind of zone, its nearly impossible to pitch to good hitters with patience.
2008-04-13 20:09:58
388.   OldYanksFan
How many men have we left on base?
2008-04-13 20:11:06
389.   fansince77
Anyone wanna bet on an AROD grounder to third?
2008-04-13 20:11:36
390.   tommyl
Damnit, that was almost a HR
2008-04-13 20:11:39
391.   fansince77
388 Since the beg of the season or tonight?
2008-04-13 20:12:00
392.   Mattpat11
383 Was he in his HR trot?
2008-04-13 20:12:36
393.   williamnyy23
Another weak flyball.
2008-04-13 20:12:58
394.   tommyl
391 For the season, you might need scientific notation...
2008-04-13 20:13:20
395.   monkeypants
389 This time up it looked like A-Rod made a concerted effort to pop up to the right side. On the third try he finally got it.
2008-04-13 20:13:56
396.   Just fair
I propose that the Yankees hold Spring Training next year in Greenland. They'll be beggin' to hit "down here" in early April.
2008-04-13 20:14:07
397.   OldYanksFan
381 My father was not near as wise. His favorite joke:
{Q} Why did God invent women?
{A} Because sheep can't cook.
2008-04-13 20:14:31
398.   Mattpat11
I hate John Sterling.
2008-04-13 20:14:57
399.   bartap74
Think they'll mention that the Red Sox were the last to integrate?
2008-04-13 20:15:13
400.   OldYanksFan
396 LOL!
Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2008-04-13 20:15:29
401.   Jeb
what is Joe Morgan rambling about with his comparison of Jackie and Ruth?
2008-04-13 20:15:47
402.   OldYanksFan
Jeez... Jorge is slow
2008-04-13 20:16:17
403.   williamnyy23
Wow...the Yankees have been shut down by Aardsma. That's anemic.
2008-04-13 20:16:19
404.   nick
this ballgame is just punishment--what have we all done to deserve this?
2008-04-13 20:17:08
405.   monkeypants
401 Both were thin when they were young, then got bigger as they aged. Actually, this game is so tedious that I am not bothered that they've started talking about completely unrelated topics.
2008-04-13 20:17:42
406.   Jeb
399 Yeah, they'll allow a typical Bostonian to talk about the tribute to Pumpsie Green and the other "dahrkies".
2008-04-13 20:17:50
407.   monkeypants
403 Aanemic?
2008-04-13 20:18:02
408.   fansince77
I don't know exactly what the stats are but I remember a very wise baseball man telling me something like this:

groundballs give you like a 40% chance of getting on base

line drives about 70%

Flyballs less than 10%

"You want to win baseball games? It's all about hard ground balls and line drives- flyballs are giveaways to the other team- almost no effort and you save the pitcher having to make more pitches."

The current Yankees couldn't have played for this guy.

2008-04-13 20:19:28
409.   fansince77
402 Jorge coiuld have beat that out...he did not seem to hustle on that play.
2008-04-13 20:20:07
410.   Jeb
when did Paul O'Neill start pitching for the Yankees?
2008-04-13 20:20:18
411.   monkeypants
Why is Miller shilling for Mariah Carey?
2008-04-13 20:21:46
412.   bartap74
411 The record company is probably owned by Disney, as is ESPN.
2008-04-13 20:22:06
413.   fansince77
Bright spots:

AROD's defense
Wanger
Molina Pipp
Joba/Mo
Matsui looks good

nothing else shining. That's not enough.

2008-04-13 20:22:10
414.   Jeb
Joe Morgan: "The Red Sox are NOT going to add anymore seats" [10 seconds later] "the Red Sox are going to add some more seats".
2008-04-13 20:23:19
415.   Just fair
My dog just asked me, "Why does Sean Casey lift up his leg in the batter's box when there isn't a fire hydrant in sight?"
2008-04-13 20:23:30
416.   Jeb
413 former AG filling in well for Jeter, Moose Better than expected, Bullpen pretty good overall.
2008-04-13 20:25:10
417.   weeping for brunnhilde
Another gem, Team, eh?

Six outs, three runs, though. Not impossible.

(I really can't stand listening to Miller, btw. He exclaims everything.)

2008-04-13 20:25:32
418.   Jeb
they just showed that typical Bostonian to explain racial issues in Boston. I like his hair.
2008-04-13 20:26:38
419.   fansince77
417 Yeah- it's as if everytime he speaks - someone just jolted him out of his sleep.
2008-04-13 20:27:18
420.   weeping for brunnhilde
419 That's exactly right.
2008-04-13 20:28:01
421.   Just fair
I like Mike Timlin.
2008-04-13 20:28:01
422.   fansince77
By end of season- Giambi 78 hits - 75 HR's.
2008-04-13 20:28:08
423.   weeping for brunnhilde
Nice, Jason.
2008-04-13 20:28:13
424.   monkeypants
OK, that's a start. Make me eat my words, Giambi!
2008-04-13 20:28:15
425.   Jeb
The Giambino! 2 runs isn't insurmountable. Gotta pitch Joba in the 8th regardless of what happens the rest of this inning.
2008-04-13 20:28:25
426.   OldYanksFan
Is that John Adams? IS THAT JOHN ADAMS???
2008-04-13 20:28:34
427.   mehmattski
Geez, why couldn't he do that with runners on?

/typical A-Rod boo-bird

Mike Timlin is not very good.

2008-04-13 20:29:00
428.   monkeypants
422 An a BA of .127. : )
2008-04-13 20:29:26
429.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
427 Timlin is done..Sox bullpen is not in anyway intimidating, except for the Lord of the Dance
2008-04-13 20:30:00
430.   bartap74
422 Mark McGwire (2001) - 56 hits, 29 HRs
2008-04-13 20:30:19
431.   Just fair
Come home, Benji. Let's go, baby.
2008-04-13 20:30:25
432.   weeping for brunnhilde
My man Molina.
2008-04-13 20:30:31
433.   Jeb
Yay molina...Come on Former AG. Hit one for Monkeypants!
2008-04-13 20:30:34
434.   OldYanksFan
Babe Molina!
2008-04-13 20:30:39
435.   weeping for brunnhilde
Ok, enough with the fucking steroids, there's a game on!
2008-04-13 20:30:49
436.   fansince77
428 was thinking it but didn't want to bring the negativity to the post HR post. How about that Molina Pip. He's awesome so far.
2008-04-13 20:31:13
437.   mehmattski
So... I've been away all weekend. How is Jeter still not on the DL?
2008-04-13 20:31:31
438.   Jeb
damn, is Jorge ready to catch? And we give up the DH?
2008-04-13 20:31:41
439.   weeping for brunnhilde
Meanwhile, Betemit comes in to run for Molina (since the announcers insist on speaking of other things).
2008-04-13 20:32:09
440.   fansince77
Hello ESPN announcers- there is a ballgame going on right here! I know the Yanks are doing well but could you at least feign your disinterest!
2008-04-13 20:32:37
441.   Jeb
come on Monkey, give the man some love now...
2008-04-13 20:32:44
442.   bartap74
437 He's starting tomorrow most likely.
2008-04-13 20:33:01
443.   mehmattski
I know... Betemit to short, Melky to CF and Damon to catch!
2008-04-13 20:33:08
444.   weeping for brunnhilde
Yesss!!!

Melky!

(How come everytime Boston gets a hit it's like GAme 7 and now Miller's all monotone "and here come the yankees."

Disappointed, even.

2008-04-13 20:33:12
445.   Just fair
Bunt. Bunt. Bunt. Bunt. Bunt. Bunt. Bunt
2008-04-13 20:33:28
446.   fansince77
Wow besides Joba and Mo, Timlin may just be the next best Yankee reliever!
2008-04-13 20:33:30
447.   OldYanksFan
Molina out? Can Jorge move from DH to Catcher? I think not? Ensberg catching? Betemin to SS? Does Molina do steroids?
2008-04-13 20:33:37
448.   monkeypants
Interesting--PR Betemit and PH Cabrera. Would be nice if they could PH a RH for Damon here.
2008-04-13 20:34:13
449.   monkeypants
447 Yes he can move to C--they just lose the DH, and Posada can't throw at all.
2008-04-13 20:34:47
450.   Jeb
Damon lifetime against Timlin: 3 for 22.

Granted, he'll probably bunt here anyway, but I'm surprised they didn't let Timlin face him.

Show/Hide Comments 451-500
2008-04-13 20:35:04
451.   monkeypants
445 Bunt with two on, down by two? Or is that an expression of lack of faith in Damon and Co.?
2008-04-13 20:35:12
452.   OldYanksFan
How do you lose the DH? Does the pitcher bat? We play with 8 guys?
2008-04-13 20:35:19
453.   weeping for brunnhilde
What do we do about Cano?
2008-04-13 20:35:32
454.   monkeypants
Can Jeter PH?
2008-04-13 20:35:44
455.   Just fair
I have zero faith in Damon doing anyting good here other than squaring around. But that's just me.
2008-04-13 20:35:45
456.   mehmattski
450 Woo, move the runners over so some combination of Cano, Abreu, and A-Rod can strikeout/popup with runners on second and third instead of first and second!
2008-04-13 20:36:16
457.   OldYanksFan
(Don't swing hard. Slap it and run like hell)
2008-04-13 20:36:18
458.   monkeypants
452 Yes, the pitcher bats. They did this a whole bunch last season.
2008-04-13 20:36:36
459.   Jeb
I would just love it if Damon got a HBP right now.
2008-04-13 20:36:49
460.   51cq24
seems like the announcers just started paying attention to this game
2008-04-13 20:36:51
461.   Jeb
FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK
2008-04-13 20:36:59
462.   Zack
Oh God why didn't they bunt!!!!

And miller has an orgasm

2008-04-13 20:37:03
463.   weeping for brunnhilde
Fuck you, John Miller.
2008-04-13 20:37:04
464.   Mattpat11
This team fucking sucks.
2008-04-13 20:37:12
465.   OldYanksFan
And Melky runs RIGHT INTO THE DP!!!
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!
2008-04-13 20:37:17
466.   monkeypants
Un-fucking-believable. And bad baserunning by Melky.
2008-04-13 20:37:28
467.   mehmattski
Hey, you know what would be awesome right now? If we had a power-hitting righty on the bench. I think we used to have this guy named Duncan. Anyone remember him?

The Yankees would rather protect Derek Jeter's pride than win games. That is fucking ridiculous.

2008-04-13 20:37:45
468.   Zack
Whats that, the third time the Yanks have run right into a DP in the past three games?
2008-04-13 20:37:51
469.   Jeb
Just one hit Robby. One. PLEEEEEEEAAASSSSEEEEE
2008-04-13 20:37:51
470.   fansince77
What can JD do help us here? --BUUNNNT!

Did Miller just say BEAUTIFUL! What the fuck was that!

Melk - Hold the fuck up!

Oh don't worry - our chances are great with Cano right here.

2008-04-13 20:37:54
471.   Just fair
Melky, seriously. What the f are your thinking. Joe G. that's 2 days in a row now with the poor decison.
2008-04-13 20:38:12
472.   nick
ok, Robbie, long ball ties it!
2008-04-13 20:38:38
473.   Zack
God this team is infuriating in a very predictable way
2008-04-13 20:38:45
474.   monkeypants
Remind me again why Johnny is getting the most ABs on the team.
2008-04-13 20:38:50
475.   OldYanksFan
That's the 3rd time a runner ran RIGHT INTO A FUCKIN DP!
2008-04-13 20:39:12
476.   dianagramr
Fewest hits in a season for a 30-HR hitter, since 1956

Cnt Player H HR Year Age
+----+-----------------+---+--+----+---+
1 Mark McGwire 72 32 2000 36
2 Mark McGwire 87 39 1995 31
3 Barry Bonds 93 34 1999 34
4 Jose Valentin 97 30 2004 34
5 Rob Deer 97 32 1992 31
6 Ron Kittle 100 32 1984 26
7 Kevin Mitchell 101 30 1994 32
8 Mickey Tettleton 102 32 1995 34
9 Ron Gant 103 30 1996 31
10 Henry Rodriguez 104 31 1998 30

2008-04-13 20:39:33
477.   Zack
Rather than changing anything, Damon's two walks today or however many he has, will only confirm that he "needs" to be leading off...Sigh.
2008-04-13 20:39:36
478.   Jeb
just go sit down now robby and spare us. I am so pissed.
2008-04-13 20:39:38
479.   weeping for brunnhilde
Cano looks terrible up there.
2008-04-13 20:40:02
480.   Jeb
wow is miller rooting for the strikeout or what?
2008-04-13 20:40:09
481.   Zack
Miller just got caught red handed in an orgasm thinking Cano struck out.
2008-04-13 20:40:25
482.   fansince77
Bunt makes things happen. DJ off the bench makes things happen. JD is not making things happen. Cano is not making things happen = nontesticular yankee loss.

And Miller comes out of the booth again- STRUCK HIM Ou.......Oh my bad.

2008-04-13 20:40:38
483.   dianagramr
Miller just wants to get to bed by 1:30 am
2008-04-13 20:40:40
484.   monkeypants
467 You will recall that I suggested the no-DL thing would hurt the team. Maybe Jeter comes back tomorrow and proves me wrong. Maybe not.
2008-04-13 20:40:57
485.   fansince77
And then he goes EWH! on the next one!
2008-04-13 20:41:21
486.   Jeb
NOTE TO SELF: Ensberg hits lefties well.
2008-04-13 20:41:54
487.   weeping for brunnhilde
God, anyone have a razor blade?
2008-04-13 20:42:08
488.   Zack
Great work by Lopez, or terrible work by the top two hitters in the lineup? You decide. We all know what Miller thinks...
2008-04-13 20:42:17
489.   williamnyy23
After that AB, Cano should sit for a game or two. He is an absolute zero.
2008-04-13 20:42:19
490.   Just fair
Cano swung at more balls this game than Manny will alll season. Damn.
2008-04-13 20:42:20
491.   bartap74
Cano swinging at ball 4 - yet again.
2008-04-13 20:42:48
492.   fansince77
TAKE A FUCKING HACK CANO! SWING FOR THE FUCKING FENCES! DONT GIVE US THAT SHIT ASS I DONT GIVE A FUCK SWING! WE DESERVE BETTER! YES I WOULD HAVE BEEN JUST AS MAD IF YOU FUCKING STRUCK OUT BUT AT LEAST YOU WOULD HAVE TRIED....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2008-04-13 20:42:48
493.   Jeb
Put Joba in now. The 9th is Abreu, Arod and Matsui. We ain't dead yet.
2008-04-13 20:43:05
494.   williamnyy23
Also, until they start hitting, if Girardi makes another lineup with Damon and Cano at the top, he apparently isn't as enlightened as we had all hoped.
2008-04-13 20:43:20
495.   weeping for brunnhilde
At least Alex could get a chance to tie it up...
2008-04-13 20:43:35
496.   monkeypants
Girardi fouled that inning up a little, I think. He PH his switch hitter for the RH Gonzalez, instead of going with one of his two LH on the bench (one of which was used as a PH, though). Then he had no choice but to watch the three straight LH flail against the LOOGY.
2008-04-13 20:43:41
497.   OldYanksFan
Cano tried to pull and outside pitch and succeeds with a weak grounder to 2nd.
2008-04-13 20:44:04
498.   Mattpat11
Farnsworth.
2008-04-13 20:44:11
499.   Zack
ESPN is actually going to interview the guy who buried the Sox shirt. They just aren't pretending anymore...
2008-04-13 20:44:42
500.   weeping for brunnhilde
I sure wish Alex would carry us like he did last April.

This is unendurable.

Show/Hide Comments 501-550
2008-04-13 20:44:58
501.   Zack
Ok, well, Girardi has clearly given up on this game with Farnsworth in
2008-04-13 20:44:59
502.   bartap74
Apparently we've officially surrendered
2008-04-13 20:45:05
503.   Jeb
FARNSWORTH? Let's just quit.
2008-04-13 20:45:11
504.   tommyl
Ah, Kyle Farnsworth, just what we need to make this game complete.
2008-04-13 20:45:14
505.   weeping for brunnhilde
Oh, fcuking Farnsworth1

God, SHOOT ME NOW!!!

2008-04-13 20:45:16
506.   OldYanksFan
And Girardi forfeits the game.
2008-04-13 20:45:25
507.   monkeypants
Farnsworth is in, so they have conceded. Hmmm...the more things change...
2008-04-13 20:45:54
508.   51cq24
watching cano is really sad right now. i can't even describe exactly what he's doing wrong, but its ugly. it isn't just swinging at bad pitches, it's that he's swinging at the wrong spot, as if he needs glasses.
2008-04-13 20:46:19
509.   mehmattski
484 I agreed with you from the beginning. According to PeteAbe, Jeter may not start until Tuesday. That would make 8 days without a game for Jeter. Meanwhile Shelley Duncan is murderizing the ball in AAA.

Jeter resting up for an extra six days while the Yankees try some different bats in a struggling lineup would not be a bad thing. But the deed is done, and now Duncan can't come back at all until next week. This situation makes me really mad, and makes me like Jeter a lot less.

2008-04-13 20:46:32
510.   Jeb
may as well just walk to third now, coco.
2008-04-13 20:46:52
511.   OldYanksFan
Can we just award Crisp 3rd base now?
2008-04-13 20:47:09
512.   fansince77
Crisp was on second before the ball got to Jorge.
2008-04-13 20:47:12
513.   monkeypants
496 Oh, I forgot, Ensberg hits RH. Why is he on the team again? Why was Duncan sent down?
2008-04-13 20:47:12
514.   williamnyy23
If Posada can't throw, you can't take Molina out, especially when he wasn't the tying run.
2008-04-13 20:47:22
515.   dianagramr
would they call that defensive indifference on the SB?
2008-04-13 20:47:27
516.   Jeb
Miller just shot a wad in his pants with Crisp...."SAFE! GO SOX!"
2008-04-13 20:47:29
517.   weeping for brunnhilde
Fuck you John Miller!!
2008-04-13 20:47:42
518.   3rd gen yankee fan
Just wanted to let you guys know that I'm with you in spirit. This game has been sooooooo painful to watch. No way I can post about it. ugh.
2008-04-13 20:48:26
519.   nick
a game this loathsome could only be completed by a Farns appearance....
2008-04-13 20:48:52
520.   Zack
The inevitable happens, of course. Freaking Kyle
2008-04-13 20:49:01
521.   fansince77
FWACKER- Boston's best reliever.
2008-04-13 20:49:09
522.   weeping for brunnhilde
Brought to you by the run fairy.
2008-04-13 20:49:20
523.   Jeb
Joba is rotting in the pen.
2008-04-13 20:49:39
524.   Just fair
Your so right, Joe. That was great play by Cereal to tag up. GAG.
2008-04-13 20:50:07
525.   mehmattski
522 And terrible roster construction.
2008-04-13 20:50:09
526.   Max
Not a good weekend for the new manager.
2008-04-13 20:50:13
527.   Mattpat11
I hate Kyle Farnsworth
2008-04-13 20:50:14
528.   williamnyy23
You can't blame this on Farnsworth. That run is squarely on Girardi for bringing Posada into the game.

Joe Girardi has had a VERY bad first Fenway series. Hopefully he learns from the mistakes he has made.

2008-04-13 20:50:16
529.   JeremyM
I have to say, Girardi seems to be a case of meet the new boss, same as the old boss. This was still a close game, but 3 runs is a lot tougher.
2008-04-13 20:50:16
530.   OldYanksFan
Why was that a nice play by Crisp to tag up. Melky was on his belly!

514 You are 100 correct. Bad move by Joe G.

2008-04-13 20:50:26
531.   fansince77
The only think that FWACKER could do right now to regain my affection is peg Padroia in the balls with a 101 fastball! (of course I hope he doesn't die from it)
2008-04-13 20:50:28
532.   monkeypants
514 I disagree--you can't win if you don't score. If you think that the chances of scoring increase by pulling Molina, you have to do it. His value as a thrower is only relevant if someone gets on base.
2008-04-13 20:50:36
533.   Jeb
into center past a diving betemit...
2008-04-13 20:50:42
534.   mehmattski
Pastadiving Betemit!
2008-04-13 20:50:58
535.   bartap74
There could be a silver lining here. If Farnsworth gets knocked around enough early, we might be spared having him on the roster all year.
2008-04-13 20:51:27
536.   weeping for brunnhilde
PLEAAAASSSSSE!!!!!

Will no man rid me of this turbulent priest!

2008-04-13 20:51:30
537.   dianagramr
Yup .... defensive indifference due to injury ....
2008-04-13 20:52:04
538.   monkeypants
528 I just don't see the problem with bringing Posada in to C if you are down by 3 runs and need offense. If they lose this game, it won't matter if it's by 2 or by 5 runs. They lost because they couldn't score when they had the chance.
2008-04-13 20:52:15
539.   Just fair
Hm. Taking advantage of an injury. Having Schilling flashbacks. GOD HELP ME.
2008-04-13 20:52:28
540.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
535 I can't see how you don't just release him at this point...does he EVER have a 1-2-3 inning???
2008-04-13 20:52:40
541.   williamnyy23
530 Wow...Girardi really blundered here. Molina wasn't even the tying run. Did Girardi really think he could get by with a catcher who can't and won't throw.

Not sure if No Maas is keeping track, but you could come close to calling these past two games Girardi losses. Very disappointing weekend from the new manager.

2008-04-13 20:53:10
542.   nick
532 Molina not the tying run, though...
2008-04-13 20:53:20
543.   Mattpat11
A serious, legitimate question. What point are the Yankees trying to prove with Kyle Farnsworth? Obviously they flat out refuse to get rid of him, so they are trying to make some point, but I have no idea what it is.
2008-04-13 20:53:37
544.   fansince77
Was Girardi absent from the booth on the Farnswacker nights? Conceded game...not playing with your best...sucks.
2008-04-13 20:53:48
545.   monkeypants
541 But he was trying to avoid the DP, presumably. Ironic, considering the outcome.
2008-04-13 20:53:57
546.   51cq24
541 the mistake was bringing farnsworth in, not letting posada catch
2008-04-13 20:54:18
547.   williamnyy23
532 He wasn't the tying run though. Also, you can't make plans assuming the other team is never going to get a man on.
2008-04-13 20:54:26
548.   mehmattski
Maybe the Yankees will bat around and Farnsworth will come to bat and hit a two-out grand slam.
2008-04-13 20:54:38
549.   OldYanksFan
532 There were no outs and Molina's run doesn't matter that much. Now with Posada, a walk or single is a triple. You can't play 2 innings with a catcher that can't throw... all for the speed difference between Molina and Betemin?
2008-04-13 20:54:56
550.   Just fair
Paging Mo. Be ready. You just never know.
Show/Hide Comments 551-600
2008-04-13 20:55:10
551.   fansince77
Pretty sure AROD will hit a HR next ab. Probably a solo shot.
2008-04-13 20:55:15
552.   Mattpat11
535 I've said that for two years. We won't get rid of him. Ever. I think they'll offer him arbitration.
2008-04-13 20:55:34
553.   williamnyy23
538 They were down two at the time...what if the Yankees had tied the game or gone ahead by one. Do you really want a catcher who can't throw?
2008-04-13 20:55:48
554.   51cq24
549 how does molina's run not matter that much? it was the 8th inning, not the 9th.
2008-04-13 20:56:09
555.   williamnyy23
545 You don't avoid double plays with lead runners.
2008-04-13 20:56:10
556.   monkeypants
542 That doesn't matter too much, though. First, Molina is slower than slow, so you want to avoid the DP if possible. Also, you may be able to steal a run in the 8th and only be down by one in 9th, when the heart of the order comes up. Of course, in that case, you want to bring in a real reliever.

However, if Posada is truly this crippled, then is the DL the right place? Or is playing with 23 players the better roster plan?

2008-04-13 20:56:13
557.   fansince77
Abreu has that "do i really have to swing?" attitude going on here.
2008-04-13 20:56:33
558.   mehmattski
I'm just not that convinced that Wilson Betemit runs all that much faster than Jose Molina...
2008-04-13 20:56:37
559.   Jeb
if Lopez is great and Abreu cannot hit lefties, why not PH Ensberg who is a better hitter against lefties?
2008-04-13 20:57:04
560.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
543 Yes, why not just go with Dorf, Hawk, Bruney, Joba and Mo in the pen?? just eat the money for gods sake!!
2008-04-13 20:57:16
561.   OldYanksFan
554 The tradeoff, ie: having a catcher that can't throw, is not worth it.
2008-04-13 20:57:18
562.   williamnyy23
554 No one said it doesn't matter...but when you need more than one run to only tie, you can't conceed the stolen base.
2008-04-13 20:57:30
563.   Just fair
552 Oh ye of little faith. Farsny will come around. Joe G. worked magic with him in Chicago, didn't you know.
I poke tigers in cages for a living.
2008-04-13 20:57:36
564.   weeping for brunnhilde
It's amazing we've won as many games as we have.
2008-04-13 20:57:58
565.   Jeb
John Miller is going to start sucking Francona's dick at the end of this game.
2008-04-13 20:58:00
566.   monkeypants
555 Sure you can, especially if you plan to send the runner. We just saw in the 7th inning that on a ground ball to the right side, the Sox took the "sure out" at 1st rather than go to 2B. With Molina running, however, almost any ground ball in the IF could turn into an out at 2B.
2008-04-13 20:58:10
567.   williamnyy23
556 Why the DL? He can still hit.
2008-04-13 20:58:40
568.   fansince77
That kind of Abreu hustle would have had Posada a base hit earlier in the game. Oh but I forgot- his shoulder is hurting he can't run hard to first.
2008-04-13 20:58:49
569.   Mattpat11
560 Because.
2008-04-13 20:59:13
570.   williamnyy23
566 But, he didn't send the runner, so he wasn't planning to do it.
2008-04-13 20:59:30
571.   monkeypants
561 562 Having a catcher who can't throw only matters if someone gets on base. I think in that situation you have to play for the runs now and not worry about who will or won't steal in the next inning,
2008-04-13 20:59:31
572.   mehmattski
559 Ensberg is clearly in the doghouse for not accepting a DL stint for his "injury." Instead we are playing with 23 players, since neither Jeter nor Posada will accept DL stints.

Shelley Duncan, since being sent down:

14 AB 8 H 4 2B 3 HR .571/.625/1.500

2008-04-13 21:00:16
573.   Jeb
Francona's balls are already on Miller's chin....
2008-04-13 21:01:03
574.   Mattpat11
571 With a bullpen built largely around putting men on base, I think you have to assume someone will get on.
2008-04-13 21:01:35
575.   williamnyy23
571 Again, do you really think it's wise to make a plan centered around never giving up a baserunner? This wasn't a walk off situation, the Yankees were going to still need at least 6 outs, and maybe more if it went extras.
2008-04-13 21:01:39
576.   51cq24
572 since when does a player have to "accept" a dl stint? why have a manager at all?
2008-04-13 21:01:47
577.   OldYanksFan
How could Girardi not have JD bunting? It's not like JD has been tearing the cover off the ball.
2008-04-13 21:01:49
578.   fansince77
Miller is evil "...a long night for Arod that's for sure (snicker, snicker)."
2008-04-13 21:02:16
579.   Jeb
and with that K, the insertion into Miller's mouth is complete.
2008-04-13 21:02:31
580.   williamnyy23
Arod had one of those I'm swing at everything ABs that come from frustration.
2008-04-13 21:02:44
581.   JeremyM
Great, A-Rod looks totally lost at the plate now too.
2008-04-13 21:02:48
582.   fansince77
Oh shit, Miller just shot the champagne cork! Was he flogging the dolphin next to Morgan again.
2008-04-13 21:02:50
583.   bartap74
Well, this has been depressing...
2008-04-13 21:02:51
584.   monkeypants
567 Isn't tonight exibit A. You are all arguing that there is no way you can ever ever ever bring Posada into the game. He can only hit. That means you have a player who ties up the DH position and forces you to use Molina in all situations--no PH and no PR. If a player renders the roster so inflexible, you have to consider putting him on the DL. Add to that the Jeter situation, and you have a team down by two, with a couple of slow guys on base, and NO ability to make any roster moves.

570 That he didn't send him does not argue against the possibility that having a runner somewhat faster than the slowest man on earth increases your chances of scoring there.

2008-04-13 21:02:57
585.   OldYanksFan
Most frustrating game in a log time.
2008-04-13 21:03:05
586.   weeping for brunnhilde
Does he have money on this game or something?
2008-04-13 21:03:39
587.   fansince77
I agree with every Boston fan's current assesment.
2008-04-13 21:04:02
588.   bartap74
I honestly can't remember ESPN ever letting a "Yankees suck" chant take over the audio like that.
2008-04-13 21:04:28
589.   fansince77
Oh my God - Miller is stroking again so quickly after deployment on AROD at bat.
2008-04-13 21:04:33
590.   williamnyy23
584 No...if you think he is your best DH, then he shouldn't be put on the DL. At this point, I think he is the best DH.
2008-04-13 21:04:59
591.   Just fair
572 You talk as if the players actually have a say in whether or not they are DL'd. I don't think that' the case.
Sweet goatee, Bra! Cack.
2008-04-13 21:05:08
592.   monkeypants
575 Normally no. But given the offensive struggles AND a well rested Joba-Mo in the pen, I think it was an acceptable gamble to go for the runs there. In the end, Posada's inability to throw will be irrelevant to the outcome.
2008-04-13 21:05:20
593.   fansince77
Matsui swung like he was being attacked by a swarm of bees!
2008-04-13 21:05:23
594.   51cq24
jon miller gets excited about everything for every team. give me a break.
2008-04-13 21:05:58
595.   Jeb
night guys. Maybe we'll have luck in Tampa tomorrow. I hope they start the game at 5 a.m. so the Yanks are really tired.

Girardi not walking Manny yesterday, not pinching hitting with Ensberg against the Lefty, forgetting defense by putting in Jorge and using Farnsworth instead of Joba just feels like Joe Torre to me. The latter move really felt like Jeff Weaver instead of Mo when the Yanks could have put the 2003 series away. I am very frustrated right now.

2008-04-13 21:05:59
596.   williamnyy23
Poorly played and very poorly managed series...thanks to Wang, it wasn't a sweep. Maybe the offense gets around to having a good AB against Tampa's stable of Cy Youngs.
2008-04-13 21:06:17
597.   monkeypants
590 Fair enough, but then you really need to bring up another C, because keping your best DH at this point necessitates almost complete tactical inflexibility.
2008-04-13 21:06:55
598.   williamnyy23
592 I think you go for runs with who you send up to the plate...not who is running the bases.
2008-04-13 21:07:25
599.   fansince77
Miller must be exhausted. Poor guy...so much of an athletic supporter.
2008-04-13 21:07:37
600.   mehmattski
591 Why in the world would they need to fake an injury to Ensberg, rather than putting one of the two players who were actually hurt on the Disabled List? Jeter's definitely got a say in the matter.
Show/Hide Comments 601-650
2008-04-13 21:07:47
601.   Mattpat11
594 I agree. Remember his call of Posada's double in the 03 ALCS? He's just an excitable sort.
2008-04-13 21:08:07
602.   williamnyy23
597 I'd rather have another catcher too...maybe DL Farnsworth.
2008-04-13 21:08:46
603.   Just fair
Kennedy v. Sonnanstine. Let's hope it works out better than round I.
2008-04-13 21:09:19
604.   fansince77
Yanks are playing with little focus.
Girardi has got a lot to prove...he needs to reevaluate some moves this series.
I really don't think I take these frustrations to bed for two months like last year - it seriously affects my life.
2008-04-13 21:09:27
605.   cult of basebaal
jesus, what a shitty, frustrating game ... i'm with will, very poorly played AND managed series
2008-04-13 21:11:12
606.   Mattpat11
602 Hit him with a bat.
2008-04-13 21:12:02
607.   51cq24
602 you mean dfa, right?
2008-04-13 21:12:34
608.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
ON the bright side..Boston was un-impressive this series. I think the Yankees can get to both Beckett and Matsuzaka, with some better moves by the skipper we could have had 2 of 3 here...
2008-04-13 21:12:49
609.   Mattpat11
607 Hit him with a bat there too.
2008-04-13 21:13:09
610.   monkeypants
606 602 Paging Tanya Harding...
2008-04-13 21:14:43
611.   Mattpat11
608 Frankly, the reason I'm not that upset is because the Red Sox are so mediocre. Its going to come down to the two of us again (I just dont see what others see in Toronto) and if they don't take a big lead, we wont have to play catch up.
2008-04-13 21:14:59
612.   monkeypants
I'm not surprised, but it is a bit disappointing to see Girardi using push-button BP management so far. Two lat/close games, and nary a Joba or Mo sighting, but we get to watch Farnsworth cough up more runs.
2008-04-13 21:18:08
613.   monkeypants
Leaving aside the tactical decisions tonight, is anyone else worried about Posada's 'dead arm'? First we were told a few days, then he said how it usually doesn't last more than five days. Now, it's been what, a week or more and he can't even attempt a throw? When exactly will we have two functioning catchers again? Another week?
2008-04-13 21:18:48
614.   Mattpat11
612 I said this during the height of Torre Derangement Syndrome.

I don't think the fifty or so managers in and around baseball fundamentally vary all that much.

2008-04-13 21:21:21
615.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
614 well, that's the problem isn't it? You'd think by now SOMEONE would get the point that you don't lose one or two run games WITHOUT USING YOUR BEST BULLPEN PITCHERS..

is Earl Weaver still alive and available??

2008-04-13 21:25:21
616.   51cq24
613 it helps that the functioning catcher has been our best hitter so far. but yes, i'm worried.
2008-04-13 21:33:22
617.   Max
613 I'd settle for one functioning catcher right now...is it really true that Molina is going on the DL?

Guess all the running in spring training really helped.

2008-04-13 21:35:51
618.   monkeypants
617 Huh? From what? Where did you hear that?
2008-04-13 21:37:28
619.   Mattpat11
618 radio
2008-04-13 21:39:24
620.   monkeypants
Interesting. Perhaps the PR move was injury-related and not tactical.
2008-04-13 21:39:37
621.   Max
618 Pulled hamstring, as per the postgame show, and numerous posters on PeteAbe and nyyfans.com. Short term, the team is really screwed.
2008-04-13 21:41:17
622.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
Is Will Nieves still available??
2008-04-13 21:47:42
623.   monkeypants
At this point, if they will not DL Jeter, then I would dump a pitcher and call up a C and another bench player to hit/run. I know it is counterintuitive to go with a smaller BP, given the short starts by Hughes, et al. But the BP is the one place where they can shuffle some players in and out as need be to buy roster spots and time until Jorge can actually try throwing the ball.
2008-04-13 21:48:49
624.   monkeypants
That Piazza suggestion someone made from the other day is not looking as kooky, too...
2008-04-13 22:09:00
625.   monkeypants
Pete Abe:

"It's uncertain what the corresponding move will be to create a roster spot..."

This is a joke, right? Or do they 'rest' Molina too, and maybe release or DL Ensberg?

2008-04-13 23:43:59
626.   its430
Maybe we should start tearing up other portions of the new stadium, because we seem to be cursed...Feinsand just put up a report that Joba's dad collapsed and Joba left the team to be with him after the game tonight.

No Joba in Tampa apparently.

2008-04-14 05:26:15
627.   horace-clarke-era
624 Piazza cannot (WILL not, based on his statements last year) catch. Piazza had no spring. The need is short term, very. Piazza is a very silly idea. Repeat to self, as required until calm returns.

I tend to skip the long game threads, pacing myself till later in the year, but skimming the last few this morning, I see (no surprise) some of my own in-game thoughts are nailed here. We are being forced to remember that in addition to having very young starters, we have a very young manager. This is not something that can be ignored as we project the season, going forward, and NY is an unforgiving place in which to make mistakes., however much you man-up to them, or explain your thinking.

Yes, of course Youkilis could have got a bases loaded hit (or maybe a walk, though highly unlikely). But one of the realities of Fenway and Boston/NY is that if Manny beats you it ripples more widely. This is a subtext of the rivalry, and is a reason (not the only one) I have utterly no doubt Torre would have walked him and Girardi should have.

I am one of the back-off-Johnny-D people here, saying he will come around. But that doesn't mean he HAS come around, or should be expected to appear like a good genie on a freezing night against a southpaw. It is just possible Joe G thought he might get a walk against Aaaaardsma but it was a mistake, on the road, that batter. (I'd say batting Cano 2nd was a mistake, too and am truly hoping that we aren't seeing a career trend in the making as to spring and Robbie).

I am not jumping up and down about not pitching Joba. The reality seems to be this: either you have a bullpen pitcher or you don't. If Fworth cannot pitch anytime anywhere he does have to go. As manager and pitching coach, they seem not to have made that call yet, nor did the Torre regime. Many people here have, obviously, but so long as he's with the team you have to try to see, over a long season, what he can bring.

There may be an factor in Joba's father, not sure when that sad news was reported to the team.

It was an aggravating pair of games. I continue to hang on to 'revert to the mean' as far as batters go. Until they jump the shark, that's what happens, and a LOT of stars everywhere have appalling April numbers in the cold.

This may apply to Phil, too. Remember eveyone talked about how much 'fun' the season would be with kids on the mound, a new skipper, etc. (Hank on the news?) Careful what you wish for? Youth means errors, and a bumpy ride. Way early, we aren't dreadful, and no one else scary looks ... scary. Mantra: we aren't Tiger fans and are deeply grateful for that.

Comment status: comments have been closed. Baseball Toaster is now out of business.