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Kids Today
2008-04-26 09:56
by Cliff Corcoran

FOX missed the marquee pitching matchup of the Cleveland/New York series by one day. Chien-Ming Wang and C.C. Sabathia rematch Game One of last year's ALDS tomorrow, but today 25-year-old Jeremy Sowers makes his season debut against 23-year-old Ian Kennedy and his 9.64 ERA. This is Kennedy's first start since pissing off Joe Girardi by nibbling against the Orioles and walking five men in 2 2/3 innings. Kennedy had pitched well in his two outings prior to that, throwing a quality start at the Rays before getting hit in the hip by a comebacker and pitching well in relief on a rain-soaked night night in Kansas City, retiring nine of his last ten batters after allowing two of the first four to score. He says he's gotten the message, so look for Kennedy to attack the zone today.

Like Kennedy, Sowers was college hurler who was drafted in the first-round and moved quickly through the minors. Kennedy was drafted 21st overall out of USC in 2006 and made his major league debut in September 2007. Sowers was taken sixth overall out of Vanderbilt in 2004 and made his major league debut in June 2006. Sowers was strong in his rookie season with the Indians, but stumbled as a sophomore last year, pitching his way off the team by mid-June. The issue seemed to be a decline in his ability to induce groundballs, which combined with the steep reduction in his strikeout rate upon reaching the majors essentially eliminated his ability to get hitters out with any consistency. That said, in his one major league start since then, Sowers shut out the Mariners for five innings. Sowers last faced the Yankees last April and got lit up for six runs in 2 2/3 innings, though he also pitched a gem against them in his second major league game in early June 2006.

Sowers is the first of three consecutive lefty starters the Yankees will face to conclude this series. They've faced just two previous lefty starters this season, beating John Bale in Kansas City and losing to Brian Burres in Baltimore. In both games, Joe Girardi sat both Bobby Abreu and Jason Giambi. In their places, he played Hideki Matsui in right field and worked Morgan Ensberg into the lineup. He also used the non-catching version of Jorge Posada in those games, at DH against Bale and first base against Burres. With Posada back behind the plate, Girardi will need another righty bat if he wants to continue to rest Abreu and Giambi against lefties.

Enter Shelley Duncan, who has been recalled and will start in right field today (no word yet on who's being optioned to make room for him). Giambi, coming off his two-homer game last night, stays in the lineup, but lefties Hideki Matsui and Robinson Cano do not. Alberto Gonzalez starts at second base for the second time in his major league career. Morgan Ensberg plays third while Alex Rodriguez takes Matsui's usual spot as the DH. Given Giaradi's tendencies thus far, I'd expect to see a different combination against lefty C.C. Sabathia tomorrow. Oh, and unrelated to the pitcher on the mound, Jose Molina will catch in today's late-day game after last night's night game.

Comments (259)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-04-26 12:12:38
1.   Zack
0 Per Pete Abe, it was Traber sent down. Which I can't say I disagree with...
2008-04-26 12:24:08
2.   Cliff Corcoran
Hmm. Sean Henn's pitching well on rehab assignment in Scranton. I wonder if we'll see him soon.
2008-04-26 12:26:58
3.   mehmattski
How can the Yankees have no lefty in the bullpen!!!??!? Right handed pitchers can't possibly get left-handed hitters out! It's inconceivable!
2008-04-26 12:34:01
4.   monkeypants
Ah, but this is just one step, hopefully. If they do not need a LOOGY, then there is far, far less reason to carry 12 pitchers. Would that Cashardi figure this out.

Of course, the starters--especially the kids--need to throw more innings per start. On the other hand, with so many kids in the BP, I wonder why they can't use a sort of rotation where every few weeks someone gets rotated to Scranton for some rest.

And one would have to hope that Girardi would actually use a longer bench if he were given it.

Oh well, dare to dream.

2008-04-26 12:35:41
5.   monkeypants
Meanwhile, LaRussa has his starter still going in the 9th, tie game, two on, two outs, 120+ pitches.
2008-04-26 13:01:54
6.   monkeypants
How can the two Fox idiots so misinterpret the whole Joba situation. Oh, right, because they are Fox idiots.
2008-04-26 13:05:15
7.   Simone
FOX must be desperate. Buck and McCarver are talking about Hank's comment about Joba. This is last week's news.
2008-04-26 13:05:40
8.   bartap74
I missed it. Was the reading of the Yankees' lineup as annoying as the Indians' was?
2008-04-26 13:06:24
9.   mehmattski
Glove save by Giambi!
2008-04-26 13:08:13
10.   monkeypants
7 True, but it was delightful to hear their logic for how it was IMPOSSIBLE for Joba to become a starter now this season. McCarver did used to play baseball, didn't he?

8 I missed it too. I now intentionally miss the beginning of all Fox broadcasts, lest I subject myself to any of the inane pregame show and/or rock-video montage.

2008-04-26 13:16:39
11.   Simone
Kennedy look so young.

10 I think that all the media types are willing to state anything to make it seem like Hank is wrong.

2008-04-26 13:17:37
12.   Simone
11 That should be "looks."
2008-04-26 13:23:52
13.   Simone
Giambi runs against Martinez. Well, that is different.
2008-04-26 13:24:32
14.   monkeypants
Buck freaks out that Giambi was trying to steal...but of course that was a failed hit and run. Pay attention boys.
2008-04-26 13:32:46
15.   fansince77
OK here is my superpeeve of the day:

Do these hayseed announcers and most announcers of MLB have to be so freakin' unskilled and show such insensitivity as to BUTCHER latino names?

SHIT- "Here's Franklin GEW-DE-AIR-EZ! Are you kidding me?

Robinson KA-Know - Hello Caaa-no!

IT's just not that fucking hard!

2008-04-26 13:33:58
16.   fansince77
Erick SHU-VEZ? Try CHA-vez.
2008-04-26 13:34:41
17.   fansince77
Here we go IPK - Intentional Pass Kid!
2008-04-26 13:35:23
18.   fansince77
check that - Inevitable Pass Kid!
2008-04-26 13:35:55
19.   fansince77
I'm not ready to say "Inverted Puckered Kid" yet.
2008-04-26 13:37:31
20.   SF Yanks
Wow, this has the potential to be really, really ugly.
2008-04-26 13:38:32
21.   Just fair
Goddam walks, Kennedy. It's just not that much fun to watch.
2008-04-26 13:38:49
22.   claybeez
15 The way I see it most names are butchered. Outside of English last names, it's German, Swedish, French, Russian, Polish, various African and Asian, etc. Not just Latin ones. Go to those countries and you will not here the names pronounced as they are in the U.S. I think you are taking it too personally.
2008-04-26 13:39:01
23.   fansince77
OK - see 19
2008-04-26 13:39:23
24.   SF Yanks
this is about a 5 on the ugly meter.
2008-04-26 13:39:53
25.   tommyl
C'mon Ian, throw some freakin' strikes.
2008-04-26 13:40:09
26.   monkeypants
Hahahahahahah. Did McCarver just blame "society" for the struggles of the young Yanks' pitchers.
2008-04-26 13:41:10
27.   claybeez
15 Not to mention that in my years in Spain, I'm not sure anyone pronounced my first or last name correctly, including my English students. Intonations and stress are different in different languages. You can't expect other speakers to sound like natives.
2008-04-26 13:43:44
28.   rsmith51
Kennedy doesn't seem to have an out pitch. It seems like if he doesn't get the close calls, he is in trouble. Hopefully I am wrong.
2008-04-26 13:44:27
29.   OldYanksFan
Fuckin' RCNB!
2008-04-26 13:44:32
30.   SF Yanks
Can't catch an effin break here.
2008-04-26 13:45:11
31.   SF Yanks
54 pitches and counting.
2008-04-26 13:45:24
32.   monkeypants
Now it is ultimately IPK's fault for giving up the three walks. But he has been burned by two flares this inning too. Good lord.
2008-04-26 13:45:24
33.   fansince77
22 OK I am not standing 200 yards away from those countries. If you can say JAH-BUH instead of JOW-Buh, If you can say Du LOOCH EEE instead of Dee Luu KEE...there should be an effort to be just as accurate with Latino names- especially since they have become the fastest growing group in this country.

Yes - I do take it personally because it fits into a long history of subtlety...

We are not talking about callers on Rush's show...we are talking about professional sportscasters who make their living with samantics!

2008-04-26 13:45:28
34.   nick
yeah, IPK does not have the stuff to survive a tight zone AND bad breaks--the only swings and misses he gets are check swings...
2008-04-26 13:45:30
35.   Simone
"A pitcher is surrounded by no one." How profound. What is next? Baseball philosophy by Tim McCarver?

Kennedy is just stinking up the joint.

2008-04-26 13:45:38
36.   Just fair
This bullpen is in deep doo-doo.
2008-04-26 13:47:04
37.   OldYanksFan
One hard hit ball, 3 runs.
2008-04-26 13:47:42
38.   nick
three runs, no hard-hit balls--infuriating....
2008-04-26 13:48:05
39.   nick
37 ok, one kinda hard hit....
2008-04-26 13:49:16
40.   fansince77
27 You have a valid point there but Spain does not have the same history of immigration and acculturation that we do...not asking for perfection just not BUTCHERING...does it take a little effort...you bet...does it send a different messge to foreignors- absolutely.

I teach on the border and at first I was constantly corrected by my students when mispronouncing names- and you know what? I was not defensive but grateful. I would say; "Everybody has the right to be called by their name...I will make an effort to get it right but please respectfully correct me when I am wrong."

2008-04-26 13:50:41
41.   ms october
35 that was a good one - as whatever he was trying to say about the mechancis of the mind taking over for the mechanics of the body

it's tough to take mccarver/buck and a bad start

2008-04-26 13:51:30
42.   monkeypants
I am far more concerned with the announcers butchering the game.
2008-04-26 13:52:03
43.   fansince77
Back to baseball - sorry- I told you it was a Peeve.

This lefty for Cleveland really needs to be tatooed today...IPK still has a chance if he can stay in the game. If we can't pound this guy, it's not our pitching alone.

2008-04-26 13:52:06
44.   Just fair
I am waiting to see Girardi hollering at Kennedy like Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket.
2008-04-26 13:53:01
45.   fansince77
Actually and unfortunately Tim he did get "all of that."
2008-04-26 13:55:20
46.   monkeypants
Nice baserunning.
2008-04-26 13:56:24
47.   claybeez
33 OK. Then since Caucasians are still the majority I guess they all need to learn how to pronounce Johannsen and Beaumont and various other European names the right way. But, it's never going to happen. Those names got put into the melting pot of the American dialect. Ultimately, why should it be any different for any Americans, including Latinos? Improper spellings and pronunciation have been part of the American experience.

I'm not trying to disregard the value of Latinos or Hispanics or Central o South Americans to our culture. But, this is part of the culture, like it or not. Not saying I do, just how it is.

2008-04-26 13:57:34
48.   Just fair
Sauers = Sandy Koufax in his prime. No way we'll be able to score off him today. AHHHHHHHH. Give me an effin' break.
2008-04-26 13:58:18
49.   SF Yanks
I don't there has been one game yet where Phil or Ian got to pitch with a comfortable lead. It sure doesn't help things.
2008-04-26 13:58:45
50.   rbj
Hm, I'm looking at the boxscore on Yahoo (they have Cleveland's pitcher listed as "unknown). Is Sowers really pitching a one hit shutout?
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-04-26 13:59:36
51.   SF Yanks
*think
2008-04-26 14:04:49
52.   claybeez
40 You have a great attitude. I commend you. It's just something that has never been a part of the American experience for any sub-group from Native Americans to African slaves to the countless "desirable" and "undesirable" European immigrants over the centuries.

I've met Spanish speakers who feel offended over this. I just think unless someone is doing it to slight you it's not worth getting worked up over.

2008-04-26 14:06:34
53.   monkeypants
Maybe just maybe they squeeze five out of IPK.
2008-04-26 14:13:20
54.   bartap74
I guess they've gotten tired of slamming Kennedy, so now we're back to the ARod can't hit in the postseason crap. I guess that's appropriate, in April.
2008-04-26 14:15:25
55.   Cliff Corcoran
On the Latin names thing, the one that gets me the most is Michael Kay saying "Rahj-ree-giss." I also remember Tony Kubek using a French J sound (as in "je t'aime") in the middle of Ozzie Guillen's last name. That always bugged me.
2008-04-26 14:17:43
56.   Cliff Corcoran
Off the end of Shelley's bat there. McCarver calls him "Chris Duncan."
2008-04-26 14:19:28
57.   monkeypants
Well that was disappointing.
2008-04-26 14:19:49
58.   nick
how can a righty take that for strike 3? not to mention that he saw the same damn pitch earlier in that ab...
2008-04-26 14:22:09
59.   mehmattski
Yeah I don't think any Hispanic-Americans will be getting much sympathy from the Italian-Americans and countless immigrants from Eastern Europe who had letters or entire syllables left out of their names when they entered the country. Each new ethnic group has to go through a right of passage: claims they're stealing our jobs, misspelled names, general racism... before joining the rest of America in putting down the next ethnic group. Anti-Immigrant racism: an American tradition like no other!
2008-04-26 14:22:12
60.   monkeypants
58 Lack of moral fiber? Not getting enough vitamins?
2008-04-26 14:23:03
61.   claybeez
Here's hoping Kennedy settles down and leaves on a good note. If he can do that and the team can find the closet where the runs are hidden, it would give him something to build off of.
2008-04-26 14:24:06
62.   monkeypants
59 yawn
2008-04-26 14:24:27
63.   ms october
60 didn't get his weekend edition of the wall street journal
2008-04-26 14:26:10
64.   monkeypants
OK, is McCarver saying that young pitchers especially, but all pitchers really, need to work the middle of the plate???
2008-04-26 14:27:22
65.   claybeez
Nice, easy inning for Kennedy.
2008-04-26 14:32:15
66.   SF Yanks
Cy Sowers pitching the game of his life. Again. Like every other pitcher facing the Yanks. Actually Sowers is a very good pitcher, very Cy Young/Clemens/Pedro like.
2008-04-26 14:33:43
67.   monkeypants
66 And yet the Yankees have hit him pretty hard pretty often, an yet they are down by three. Grrrrrr.
2008-04-26 14:34:02
68.   nick
is this gonna be another one of those games where we wait and wait for the timely hit in vain?
2008-04-26 14:35:18
69.   SF Yanks
Hey a DP! That's something new this season.
2008-04-26 14:40:01
70.   SF Yanks
How can I find out which team has the most DP's? I mean, how can I find out by how many DP's the Yanks lead the league in?
2008-04-26 14:41:24
71.   monkeypants
70 Baseball-reference. com, I'm sure. I am also pretty certain they are not leading the league, though.
2008-04-26 14:43:09
72.   SF Yanks
71 We'll see about that. I'll check right now.
2008-04-26 14:43:59
73.   OldYanksFan
70 Also ESPN. League average is 21 DPs, Yankees with 20. Shocking!
2008-04-26 14:45:31
74.   SF Yanks
73 Cool thanks! Oh so shocking.
2008-04-26 14:45:38
75.   mehmattski
http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/stats/teamsort/regularseason/yearly/MLB/HIT/EXT?&_1:col_1=10

Yankees are 11th with 21.

2008-04-26 14:46:09
76.   OldYanksFan
IPK has pitched much better then his numbers appear. The are NOT hitting him hard. He basically beat himself with BBs, although it seems the Yankees hate to score when he pitches.

I am encouraged. He just needs confidence and experience.

2008-04-26 14:47:06
77.   Cliff Corcoran
Kennedy settled down nicely. Just four hits, all singles, some of them bloops. The problem was the four walks, but that looked like genuine wildness to me, he was trying to pound the zone, just didn't always get it done. Still, I'da signed up for three runs over five innings coming in. It's something to build on.
2008-04-26 14:48:00
78.   SF Yanks
baseball reference is too confusing, I can't figure it out.
2008-04-26 14:48:34
79.   monkeypants
70

GDP

1. Toronto: 33
2. LA Angels: 31
3. Boston: 30
4. Detroit: 28
5. St. Louis: 27
6. Minnesota: 25
7. LA Dodgers: 24
8. Colorado: 22
9t. Chicago AL: 21
9t. NY Yankees: 21
9t. Atlanta: 21

Not the worst, but not much comfort either.

2008-04-26 14:48:54
80.   SF Yanks
75 Thanks, I forgot about sportsline.
2008-04-26 14:50:16
81.   monkeypants
Giambi, the four true outcomes...
2008-04-26 14:52:21
82.   fansince77
Shelley looks like he's about to come undone!
2008-04-26 14:53:09
83.   fansince77
OK how about we DONT HIT INTO A DOUBLE PLAY!
2008-04-26 14:53:42
84.   fansince77
This HAS TO BE A BIG INNING! NOT JUST ONE RUN...............................three or four.
2008-04-26 14:53:51
85.   OldYanksFan
Anybody know where to find TEAM RISP figures? Another interesting stat and VERY hard to find is TEAM RISP AGAINST.
2008-04-26 14:55:22
86.   monkeypants
85 MLB.com has sortable team stats; I don't know about ESPN.com.
2008-04-26 14:56:37
87.   nick
holy &^%$ does Joe not know his bases loaded stats?
2008-04-26 14:57:18
88.   cult of basebaal
i think i would have pinch hit abreu here
2008-04-26 14:58:30
89.   monkeypants
85 Indeed, go to ESPN.com/MLB Stats, then choose batting or pitching team stats, then select "scoring poistion" for the filter.
2008-04-26 14:59:40
90.   monkeypants
88 Yep, although you lose two players that way.
2008-04-26 15:00:00
91.   cult of basebaal
what's a bit irritating is that it's clear that joey is pinch hitting here by position, not by likelihood of offensive success ... gah
2008-04-26 15:00:58
92.   cult of basebaal
90 yes, but we might have scored a run ... or at least made contact ...
2008-04-26 15:01:06
93.   SF Yanks
About damn time!
2008-04-26 15:01:08
94.   nick
a BREAK! I don't fucking believe it, an actual break goes our way....
2008-04-26 15:01:20
95.   Just fair
WORD. A break for the Yanks.
2008-04-26 15:01:30
96.   monkeypants
That was a bad, bad gamble be Dellucci, who has not looked that fluid out there anyway.
2008-04-26 15:01:35
97.   cult of basebaal
nice, jorge!!!
2008-04-26 15:02:10
98.   ms october
you know you get a break when posada gets a triple - but i'll take it - about time
2008-04-26 15:03:51
99.   monkeypants
91 I agree with you.

Actually, I was not thinking before--I thought Cano PH for AG, but it was for Ensberg. So I guess that means A-Rod goes out the 3B, and Cano is lost anyway (since he did not PH for AG later in the inning). Or does AG go to 3B and Cano to 2B?

2008-04-26 15:04:12
100.   fansince77
59 I know I said I was done with this(apologies to monkeypants) but I just have to address this in your point...IT'S NOT A COMPETITION! it's about evolving and become a more educated/globally aware as a Nation. If baseball holds a special place in our history and we want to hold it up as we all do - it would be a very positive message that we show respect to Latino/Japanese etc-
sorry my standards are a little higher for professionalism.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-04-26 15:05:17
101.   weeping for brunnhilde
Wow!!!

That was just tremendous by Jorgie!

God, I'm so happy!

2008-04-26 15:06:38
102.   monkeypants
99 Aha, AG to third. And Hawkins in to put men on base.
2008-04-26 15:06:38
103.   fansince77
OK- now the strikezone disappeared on the knees pitch- two of those were better pitches than Cano's bang-out!
2008-04-26 15:06:46
104.   SF Yanks
A four pitch walk, that's awesome.
2008-04-26 15:07:19
105.   SF Yanks
I'd feel a lot more comfortable going with Britton here.
2008-04-26 15:08:53
106.   tommyl
I am coming around to the fact that Hawkins sucks. A lot.
2008-04-26 15:09:06
107.   JeremyM
I'm over Joe Girardi as of this inning. Anyone but Hawkins.
2008-04-26 15:09:41
108.   monkeypants
This is beautiful: Posada calls time out, Girardi and the trainer come out, and the grounds crew comes out to fix the mound. Maybe THAT explains all of Kennedy's walks, too.
2008-04-26 15:10:00
109.   claybeez
Who else is available? Just Mo, Britton and Farns?
2008-04-26 15:10:25
110.   cult of basebaal
injury delay???
2008-04-26 15:10:47
111.   monkeypants
Is it me, or have they spent more time talking about NASCAR and the NFL draft than baseball? With Buck and McCarver, is that necessarily bad?
2008-04-26 15:11:05
112.   monkeypants
110 Bullshit delay.
2008-04-26 15:11:06
113.   ms october
106 me too
2008-04-26 15:11:08
114.   claybeez
See? It was the mound's fault.
2008-04-26 15:11:24
115.   fansince77
Did the fucking gnats dig that hole in the mound?
2008-04-26 15:12:48
116.   monkeypants
This is shaping up wonderfully.
2008-04-26 15:12:50
117.   fansince77
Giambi's D continues to ASTONISH!
2008-04-26 15:12:59
118.   claybeez
Giambi's fielding is beyond words.
2008-04-26 15:13:29
119.   monkeypants
That's terrible. If that is a fair ball and it hits the batter, then the runners can't advance.
2008-04-26 15:13:49
120.   tommyl
Catlike! Was Giambi planning on fielding a bunt to the third base side?
2008-04-26 15:14:31
121.   monkeypants
Would you bring the IF in here, in the sixth?
2008-04-26 15:14:37
122.   fansince77
That's an awful job by the second base umpire THATS HIS CALL and might cost us a run here!
2008-04-26 15:15:02
123.   tommyl
119 Yeah, great call! Next inning we should tell Cano to kick the ball out of the catcher's glove and run. Seems about as fair as that call.
2008-04-26 15:15:09
124.   fansince77
JUSTICE IS SERVED!
2008-04-26 15:15:15
125.   claybeez
Gonzalez!
2008-04-26 15:15:21
126.   tommyl
The Attorney General!
2008-04-26 15:15:38
127.   nick
the A G!!!
2008-04-26 15:15:39
128.   fansince77
I reverse my stance on the bunt call - GREAT CALL!
2008-04-26 15:15:41
129.   ms october
yeah for the ag!!!
good things he is at 3b
2008-04-26 15:15:49
130.   monkeypants
121 I would normally have argued against pulling in the IF, but it all worked out. Giambi is an evil mastermind setting the Indians up that way...
2008-04-26 15:16:08
131.   cult of basebaal
once again ... The Make A Wish Kid is left in the bullpen, probably with a coloring book and a pack of crayons, while a lesser choice is handed the lead and a pack of matches ... sigh
2008-04-26 15:16:56
132.   tommyl
Lets review Hawkins that inning. A 4 pitch walk. A bunt single, a sacrifice and then the luckiest DP on what easily could have been a 2 run double. Please, please, please consider Edwar or Scott Patterson here. Even Henn would be a better idea. I get that he's a vet and a nice guy but he's just not that good.
2008-04-26 15:16:58
133.   Alex Belth
That whole inning was some bullshit. Welp, glad some luck came our way in it too...jeez.
2008-04-26 15:17:13
134.   monkeypants
129 et al. OK, so apparently AG can play SS, 2B and 3B. Now I think Betemit's job is in trouble.
2008-04-26 15:17:38
135.   cult of basebaal
131 luckily, the Former AG comes to the rescue ... not that this lucky break won't keep Joey Joe Joe from doubling down on his luck and bringing in the Farnswacker next inning ...
2008-04-26 15:18:33
136.   SF Yanks
I'm really, really liking AG.
2008-04-26 15:19:03
137.   monkeypants
OK, that was a nice thought. Now, no more bunting for Melky.
2008-04-26 15:19:53
138.   ms october
134 and he is showing enough at the plate, in the admittedly small sample

132 i don't think the hawkins experiment can go much longer

2008-04-26 15:20:18
139.   nick
does our bullpen situation really dictate one-run strategies here!?
2008-04-26 15:20:36
140.   JeremyM
I hate bunts on principle, but it's even worse because the Yankees have been so inept at it the last few years.
2008-04-26 15:21:10
141.   fansince77
and Girardi ruins the mo'.
2008-04-26 15:21:55
142.   OldYanksFan
MelkDUD!
2008-04-26 15:22:08
143.   ms october
it's those kind of pitches that getcha so mad at melky
2008-04-26 15:22:28
144.   fansince77
If Damon broke on that throw doesn't he walk to third base?
2008-04-26 15:22:50
145.   OldYanksFan
Oh....
It always comes down to ARod!
2008-04-26 15:23:02
146.   monkeypants
Please, God, let A-Rod come through here, if only so we don't have to listen to Mccarver and Buck talk about his playoff failures...
2008-04-26 15:23:43
147.   fansince77
first pitch inside?
2008-04-26 15:24:16
148.   fansince77
Why does AGOD chase that outside pitch there? WHY WHY WHY?
2008-04-26 15:24:57
149.   fansince77
Double steal time WTF.
2008-04-26 15:25:08
150.   OldYanksFan
Hello...
My name is OldYanksFan
And I am a Giambi supporter.
Upon reviewing that last play
I can only conclude one reason...
A flashback from some bad acid done July 1988.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-04-26 15:25:58
151.   OldYanksFan
ARod over-swinging...
Just slap it!
2008-04-26 15:26:04
152.   fansince77
A lot of pitches to hit here AROD. three cookies so far.
2008-04-26 15:27:39
153.   OldYanksFan
Did IPK reach his pitch count? Girardi could not possily prefer Hawkins?
2008-04-26 15:28:04
154.   monkeypants
143 105 pitches.
2008-04-26 15:28:09
155.   Just fair
IPK was at 105.
2008-04-26 15:28:12
156.   fansince77
that was RIGHT THERE!
2008-04-26 15:28:17
157.   OldYanksFan
ARod is not 100%
2008-04-26 15:28:51
158.   monkeypants
154 er, 153
2008-04-26 15:29:04
159.   SF Yanks
Is it possible to swing at a worse pitch?
2008-04-26 15:29:07
160.   claybeez
Ugly.
2008-04-26 15:29:14
161.   OldYanksFan
CRAPFUCKSHIT!
2008-04-26 15:29:50
162.   fansince77
That was so awful...so awful. Is there a surgeon in the dugout to help AROD- a specialist in anal cranium removals?
2008-04-26 15:29:59
163.   OldYanksFan
DOUBLECRAPFUCKSHIT!
That could be the ballgame.
2008-04-26 15:30:17
164.   cult of basebaal
140 especially melky ... he never looks good, even when he does get the bunt down
2008-04-26 15:30:18
165.   monkeypants
That was not good, again. The failed bunt was critical. Let's hope Girardi earns some sort of lesson after that.
2008-04-26 15:30:19
166.   Just fair
Yanks 08, where leadoff doubles to to die.
2008-04-26 15:31:13
167.   monkeypants
162 I would think that he needs an expert to repair his hamstring, which is clearly bothering him.
2008-04-26 15:32:10
168.   tommyl
Oh I just figured out what happened on that bunt. Giambi was a bit behind, he was still thinking about stealing second base there!
2008-04-26 15:32:34
169.   JeremyM
They really need to start putting guys on the DL when they need it. A-Rod does not look ready to me.
2008-04-26 15:34:57
170.   ms october
to make matters worse this ass keeeps walking there base stealers
2008-04-26 15:35:36
171.   ms october
170 their, cripes he has me thrown off
2008-04-26 15:35:50
172.   claybeez
169 He didn't look to sharp prior to the injury either.
2008-04-26 15:36:29
173.   monkeypants
Stop talking about the NFL. There is a tie game, late, going on.
2008-04-26 15:36:47
174.   3rd gen yankee fan
AGAIN?!?!?! Another leadoff walk? I can't believe I'm watching this game.
2008-04-26 15:39:37
175.   monkeypants
Oh that's a relief, we're going to get a draft update at the end of the inning. It's not like friggin' Buck hasn't been running down the last ten picks during the basbeball game.
2008-04-26 15:40:22
176.   cult of basebaal
172 you mean the period where he was hitting .308/.357/.551?
2008-04-26 15:40:55
177.   cult of basebaal
176 way to go, Cletus!!!
2008-04-26 15:41:54
178.   JeremyM
Good to see Posada making a strong throw.
2008-04-26 15:44:01
179.   monkeypants
He just threw a gyro-ball???!!!

Shit, Buck beat me to it.

2008-04-26 15:45:33
180.   Just fair
Since Leyriz's hr, I believe Tim McCarver is contractually obligated to say slider at least 127 times per game.
2008-04-26 15:45:46
181.   cult of basebaal
i guess all my canting about wanting abreu instead of cano back in the 6th didn't mean all that much ... all the same, way to make 'im work robbie ... another great at bat
2008-04-26 15:46:00
182.   fansince77
nice cut Jorge...yeah that looked like a strike on it's way down to forty five feet.
2008-04-26 15:46:22
183.   OldYanksFan
That was one UGLY inning.
2008-04-26 15:48:34
184.   Just fair
Home run in t-minus............
2008-04-26 15:49:08
185.   claybeez
176 That's what I get for spending time on a blog full of fact checkers...I just remember him looking bad on a number of AB's. Poor, feeble brain.

;)

2008-04-26 15:51:32
186.   Just fair
Lead off walk in 3 straight innings. There are no words.
2008-04-26 15:51:36
187.   cult of basebaal
sweet jesus ... how many fucking 1st batter walks are we gonna have to watch here?!?!??
2008-04-26 15:52:21
188.   3rd gen yankee fan
...

I really wonder what Girardi's thinking right now.

2008-04-26 15:52:28
189.   OldYanksFan
Another bad throw by Jeter
2008-04-26 15:52:31
190.   Just fair
Yikes. Gotta overturn that one.
2008-04-26 15:53:23
191.   OldYanksFan
Lucky, lucky break
2008-04-26 15:54:40
192.   3rd gen yankee fan
Did we just get a break?
2008-04-26 15:56:04
193.   3rd gen yankee fan
Is there any stat for catching breaks? ;-)
2008-04-26 15:59:12
194.   fansince77
That good breaking ball...could easily be a long breaking ball.
2008-04-26 15:59:37
195.   OldYanksFan
Big break. HUGE break. He was sooooo safe.
The need a 5th ump 'in the booth' reviewing plays on video, and then talking into an earpiece worn by the field umps. It takes less then 60 seconds to review a play from 3 different camera angles.

It's time for better ball/strike calls behind the plate and video review of field plays.

2008-04-26 16:00:12
196.   fansince77
Great job Kyle...now sit down.
2008-04-26 16:01:18
197.   Just fair
It's time for some runs in the 9th.
2008-04-26 16:03:51
198.   fansince77
Note to Yankees: Take a pitch...work the count.
2008-04-26 16:03:58
199.   monkeypants
195 Do they need a fifth ump, or do they current four not to suck so bad. I mean really, everyone in the dugouts saw the play, why not the guy standing right there?
2008-04-26 16:04:41
200.   OldYanksFan
Was AG running full speed on that? Should have been closer.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-04-26 16:05:11
201.   fansince77
It seems like this pitcher has prison flashbacks right before he delivers.
2008-04-26 16:05:40
202.   fansince77
200 thinking the same thing...must have been slow outathebox.
2008-04-26 16:06:02
203.   monkeypants
OK, I retract all of my JD is dead talk, at least for a couple of weeks...
2008-04-26 16:06:15
204.   OldYanksFan
Umps are blocked out a lot on plays. Sometimes it takes 2 or 3 camera angles to get it right. Sports is supposed to be about 'fairness'. There are just to many bad/erronious calls made.
2008-04-26 16:06:51
205.   fansince77
Hit and run, Hit and run...make it happen
2008-04-26 16:07:30
206.   OldYanksFan
This has been a histrocally bad day for Melky at the plate. So far....
2008-04-26 16:08:12
207.   fansince77
Making it happen!
2008-04-26 16:09:12
208.   fansince77
Capitan Clutch-time!
2008-04-26 16:09:28
209.   OldYanksFan
I need to go out and get bad Chinese for dinner. Can these guys please wrap it up here?
2008-04-26 16:10:09
210.   fansince77
situational hitting time! NO GROUND BALLS!
2008-04-26 16:10:15
211.   OldYanksFan
Jeter is swinging at EVERYTHING!
2008-04-26 16:10:23
212.   Just fair
I am surprised Eric Wedge hasn't come flying out of the dugout for 2nd time, to get thrown out for the 2nd, after watching that replay about a dozen times in the clubhouse.: )
If you know what happens, well, it won't be good.
2008-04-26 16:10:51
213.   Just fair
Yup, not goodl
2008-04-26 16:11:07
214.   tommyl
Clutch GIDP!!!
2008-04-26 16:11:16
215.   OldYanksFan
PULL THE FUCKING BALL! JesusHChrist!
2008-04-26 16:11:40
216.   monkeypants
Jeter hit it pretty well up the middle, DP. Is that some sort of delayed karma for Blake's line drive DP?
2008-04-26 16:11:56
217.   fansince77
How hard is it to hit a fly ball on a pitch right down the middle? GOSH! That's a lack of concentration....PERIOD!
2008-04-26 16:12:31
218.   monkeypants
215 Come on man, he hit it pretty hard, AND he pulled two singles earlier in the game. Would you have been happier with a 6-4-3 DP?
2008-04-26 16:13:53
219.   tommyl
218 He should still be able to hit a fly ball. That's all that was needed. At worst, strikeout so we can start complaining how bad A-Rod is.
2008-04-26 16:14:17
220.   tommyl
No no no no no no. This is Mo time. I disagree with this move.
2008-04-26 16:14:28
221.   Just fair
EDRO
2008-04-26 16:14:50
222.   monkeypants
219 Good point about A-Rod.
2008-04-26 16:14:57
223.   Zack
Just checking in to see DJ GIDP. Looking at the stats, has it been that bad (read typical of 2008) of an offensive showing yet again? Another coulda shoulda woulda game?
2008-04-26 16:15:59
224.   fansince77
218 No but a fly ball there would be nice no? You work on that shit in practice. man on second...gbleftside...man on third less than two...lift something to the of...and with JD on third...

Damn.

2008-04-26 16:16:32
225.   tommyl
223 Beyond yes. They've had leadoff doubles stranded, men on third stranded. First and second no one out stranded. Take away a Jorge Posada triple and we wouldn't even be talking now.

Now 'dorf is going to lose it. Argh.

2008-04-26 16:17:38
226.   tommyl
Bring in Mariano Rivera right fucking now
2008-04-26 16:17:53
227.   fansince77
Oh and where's Mo? is this going to be two nights without our best?
2008-04-26 16:17:59
228.   Max
195 199 212 I was driving around and was listening to the XM broadcast (which takes the home team feed), and damn, that must have been a hella bad call to get the Cleveland radio guys so worked up. They called the ump an unethical scab (no exaggeration) and yelled about the call for a good two minutes.
2008-04-26 16:18:39
229.   monkeypants
224 Yes, it would have been nice. I tend to assume that when a player fails it is because he "lost" (the pitcher made a good pitch or whatever), not because he is not concentrating, or doesn't practice the fundamentals, or is of weak moral character. But we have all been through these discussions before many, many times, so I'll just stop here.
2008-04-26 16:18:44
230.   fansince77
Mo should have been in there after the first hit...bad Joe...bad Joe...bad Joe...?
2008-04-26 16:20:09
231.   fansince77
WHY ARE WE CONCEDING THIS LOSS?!?

THERE IS ONLY ONE BULLET LEFT IN THE CHAMBER!

2008-04-26 16:20:38
232.   fansince77
IS JOE G ASLEEP?
2008-04-26 16:20:43
233.   cult of basebaal
meanwhile, The Make A Wish Kid pines away in the bullpen ...
2008-04-26 16:20:49
234.   monkeypants
Walk Hafner; bring in Mo.
2008-04-26 16:21:16
235.   Just fair
Most frustrating Yankee game today. For fuck's sake.
2008-04-26 16:22:06
236.   SF Yanks
WTF?! Why is Mo not pitching? Why? Seriously why? I don't get it.
2008-04-26 16:22:17
237.   fansince77
WHERE'S MO? WHERE'S MO?
2008-04-26 16:23:06
238.   fansince77
Somebody give me at least Girardi's thinking here....anyone?
2008-04-26 16:23:40
239.   Zack
Wow, very glad I have missed this game. This team this year, I swear to fucking God, is determined to piss us all off.
2008-04-26 16:24:19
240.   Just fair
12 hits for us. Stranding dudes all over the place. IPK shaky, but does not get hit hard. Just a couple of bloops. Good. FU INDIANS.
2008-04-26 16:24:24
241.   monkeypants
This could be a longish season. It certainly feels like it right now.
2008-04-26 16:24:30
242.   OldYanksFan
235 100%. Fuck and goodnight all.
2008-04-26 16:24:31
243.   weeping for brunnhilde
Well that sucks.

God, how demoralizing.

2008-04-26 16:24:38
244.   ms october
238 i'm thinking a loss godamnit all to hell
2008-04-26 16:25:15
245.   fansince77
Now I am beyond words...I.....What the....why did we give....how do explain...am I going cr...Mo in the bullp...needed a strikeout....are you fucking kidding me?
2008-04-26 16:25:17
246.   cult of basebaal
buggerfuck ... goodnight ... and good luck
2008-04-26 16:25:42
247.   SF Yanks
What the fu*k? I still don't it. I can't blame Ollie for that, he is what he is, but where's Mo? That is some dumb managing.
2008-04-26 16:26:08
248.   tom yf
This just in: Yankees Suck.
2008-04-26 16:27:21
249.   fansince77
This just in...Girardi sucks!
2008-04-26 16:28:44
250.   fansince77
Shit I gotta go bid high for something stupid on e-bay. Forgot what it feels like to win.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-04-26 16:29:30
251.   3rd gen yankee fan
The only question I have is WHY.

This is pretty frustrating.

2008-04-26 16:53:17
252.   Mattpat11
It might be time to start monitoring the Ohlendorf situation.
2008-04-26 16:58:43
253.   randym77
So, did anyone ask Joe why Ohlendorf and not Mo?
2008-04-26 17:06:39
254.   Max
253 Not bringing in the closer in the 9th inning of a road game seems to be Conventional Managing Wisdom. Not that I agree with it, but lots of managers seem to swear by it. Torre got crucified for doing this regularly, but it seems that Joe 2.0 is no better in this regard.

I didn't catch the news that Joba had a hamstring problem until after the game...I was wondering why he wasn't brought in. I can understand why Girardi wouldn't have brought in Britton or someone else that had just been called up, but I wasn't crazy about Ohlendorf being left in to pitch once two were on.

2008-04-26 17:13:20
255.   williamnyy23
If Girardi is going to keep managing this way, there was no reason to fire Torre. I was really hoping the Yankees were getting a less conventional and more innovative thinker, but this Joe is not different than the other.

Not only did he flat out give the game away by having Ohlendorf pitch in the 9th, but the Jeter AB seemed to scream for a squeeze. You plate that run, bring in Mo and go home with a win. Instead, Girardi seems to be following the same instincts as Torre, which is a very bad sign for the Yankees.

I feared the Thursday loss would carry over, and now it seems that it has. This is pretty much a lifeless group on its way to another poor start. One of these years, they wont make it back.

2008-04-26 17:13:56
256.   williamnyy23
255 Not offer Torre a better deal that is...not fire him, of course.
2008-04-26 17:23:38
257.   randym77
254 Thanks. Man, you'd think he'd be a little more flexible, especially with Joba unavailable.
2008-04-26 18:30:24
258.   monkeypants
255 On the whole Girardi's BP use has been better and more creative--not much more, mind you, and pretty orthodox with the closer, but an improvement nonetheless. He has also juggled his lineup and bench little bit more creatively--again, not much better, and perhaps this has more to do with the absence of Miguel Cairo than anything else.

If you don't think the Yanks are better off this year, check out the Dodgers' stats this season, where:

--the top three pitchers in appearances includes EDSP
--the same three have ERAs of 7.04, 6.30, and 13.50.
--Juan Pierre (.255/.324/.298) has played in 17 games and started 12 in left field.

2008-04-26 19:31:38
259.   OldYanksFan
Well... at least the Sox have a BRUTAL loss. Laptops cruising with a 2 hit shutout. He has batters totally off balance the entire game. Then in the 8th, the 4'-9" TB 2nd baseman comes up, guesses curve, gets it, pulls a shot down the line... probably the hardest hit has ever hit a ball, for a 2 run HR.

Sox lose: 1 run, 5 hits to TB: 2 runs, 3 hits.

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