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2008-05-18 09:35
by Cliff Corcoran

They say, in baseball, momentum is only as good the next day's starting pitcher. The Yankees sure hope that's true, as they have their ace, Chien-Ming Wang, on the hill tonight against lefty Oliver Perez, who has done his best to mimic Andy Pettitte's season by posting a 2.49 ERA in his first four starts and a 6.98 ERA in his last four.

The Yankees seemed to have the momentum early in yesterday's game. Andy Pettitte got his first six outs on five Ks and a pickoff, stranding a David Wright infield single in the process, then had a 1-2-3 third inning. Johnny Damon led of the bottom of the first against Johan Santana with a walk and came around to score on a towering home run down the left field line by Derek Jeter. With the Yanks up 2-0, Damon led off the bottom of the third with a single which was followed by a Bobby Abreu double into the gap in right field.

Yankee third-base coach Bobby Meacham waved Damon home on Abreu's hit. With no outs and the heart of the order due up, starting with Jeter who had already homered, it was a questionable send at best and one that betrayed the Yankees' desperate need for runs. Still, it took a perfect play to nail Damon at the plate. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened. Ryan Church cut the ball off before it reached the warning track, spun, and fired to Luis Castillo, who relayed home to Brian Schneider. As if he had eyes in the back of his head, Schneider, in one motion, caught Castillo's throw on a hop in front of the plate, turned, stuck out his left leg, and kicked Johnny Damon's foot away just as Damon was sliding into the plate. An overhead replay showed that Schneider's foot guided Damon's around the tip of the plate. Damon never touched home, and Schneider applied the tag to the back of Damon's leg as he slid by.

With that one play, the entire game changed. Abreu was stranded at second, and the Mets took the lead in the top of the fourth by scoring three runs against Pettitte on a series of dinks, dunks, and walks. It was only 3-2 Mets at that point, but the momentum had swung, and it never swung back. Pettitte gutted out six innings, throwing 116 pitches and coming away with a quality start and seven strikeouts, but Kyle Farnsworth came on in seventh to face the top of the Met order and gave up a home run to Jose Reyes, walked Church, and then gave up two-run jack to David Wright to make it 6-2 Mets. Farnsworth's home run rate now stands at an eye-popping 2.7 HR/9.

Jason Giambi answered that outburst by leading off the bottom of the inning with a solo homer off Santana and Abreu added another solo shot off the Mets' ace (whose 1.65 HR/9 this inning is ugly in and of itself) in the eighth, but Joba Chamberlain gave one of those runs back in the ninth following a Carlos Beltran triple, and the game ended with the Mets leading 7-4.

So, yeah, let's hope momentum is only as good as the next day's starting pitcher. Let's also hope that the 8:00 start time for tonight's ESPN game will allow the predicted showers to blow through before game time.

Comments (308)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-05-18 12:32:12
1.   Just fair
I was flipping between yesterday's game and "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom." I hadn't seen that movie in many years. It still holds up. Anyway, the scene in the plane where Ford finds the pilots are gone he says, "We're in big trouble." He then finds the inflatable raft and the blonde says, "We're not sinking, we're crashing!!"
Well, couldnt' help but make the connection. Hopefully the Yanks can float the Wanger to safety tonight, And of course, let's all hope A-Rod is absolutely 100% on Tues.
2008-05-18 14:30:19
2.   rbj
Good thing I was otherwise occupied yesterday. Anyway, I've got a nice T-bone and a very dry Chianti for this evening. Oh, and got my "stimulus" check yesterday -- going straight to pay down the credit card.

I hope Wang's on his game tonight, it would be terrible to listen to Joe Morgan with the Yankees losing. That's too much to take.

2008-05-18 15:04:49
3.   Jeb
3 do you have some farva beans and liver to go with your nice Chianti? Slurp-slurp-slurp.
2008-05-18 15:26:37
4.   rbj
3 I prefer brains. Braaaaiiiiins, Braaaiiiins Braaaiiinns
2008-05-18 16:02:31
5.   Chyll Will
yummy... with a soylent green garnish...
2008-05-18 16:05:20
6.   Jeb
3 4 5 now it puts the soylent green in the basket .... PUT THE SOYLENT GREEN IN THE BASKET!!!!!!!
2008-05-18 16:17:45
7.   rbj
OH, and I think I've found the Yankees' offense. It got sent to Toledo by mistake -- the Mudhens are now up to 82 HR in 45 games, including 7 today. They just finished an 11 game roadtrip, with 31 HRs. I'll go down to their park tomorrow and see if I can get some of those homeruns sent to the Bronx.
2008-05-18 16:21:04
8.   Chyll Will
6 (Yunnow, thirty-plus years plater, that movie is not nearly as ridiculous at it may have seemed at the time... just sayin'...)
2008-05-18 16:24:06
9.   Chyll Will
7 Better be extra careful shipping it back. Seems like a lot of our offense gets lost between AAA and the bigs...
2008-05-18 16:25:15
10.   Chyll Will
8 thirty plus years plater... freudian slip? I feel like chicken tonight >;)
2008-05-18 17:02:47
11.   weeping for brunnhilde
Oh, God help me.

Berman and Morgan.

Woe is me.

2008-05-18 17:04:39
12.   weeping for brunnhilde
Gammons says Willie's job is really imperiled?

Wow.

That would make me sad.

2008-05-18 17:11:36
13.   rbj
Not quite a wormburner, but I'd say there's one less worm in the world.
2008-05-18 17:11:50
14.   weeping for brunnhilde
He dropped the fucking baseball.

For Christ's sake.

2008-05-18 17:12:20
15.   nick
damn, wasted out....meanwhile, reassuring to know Derek is playing a "magnificent" shortstop!
2008-05-18 17:13:17
16.   weeping for brunnhilde
15 I know! "Magnificent!"

What a circus, all around.

2008-05-18 17:14:53
17.   nick
i have really come to hate Jon Miller's intonation--every phrase ends on a rising note! like he's amazed by the most banal things!
2008-05-18 17:18:14
18.   Mattpat11
Does it alarm anyone else that we have a defensive specialist that can't catch pop ups?
2008-05-18 17:22:50
19.   nick
"this series is like the postseason"--& here I thought nothing could make me hate interleague play more than I already hate it....
2008-05-18 17:25:14
20.   Andre
I WANT TO F***ING KILL MYSELF WHEN I HAVE TO LISTEN TO THESE MORONS!!!!

Hope the game is good to take the edge off and make me forget about them

2008-05-18 17:25:25
21.   ChrisS
18 What really alarms me is the seemingly never ending supply of weak groundballs from this crew.

I watched the Red Sox methodically crush the Brew Crew today and just wished that some of our guys could foul off not-quite-good-enough pitches to get to the meaty ones. In particular, Coco Crisp, while he K'd with the bases loaded and down a run, fouled off about 6 pitches and watched three breaking pitches just miss. Had a Yankee hitter been in that situation they would have leapt out of their shoes trying to hit that outside curve and tapped into a double play.

2008-05-18 17:26:32
22.   weeping for brunnhilde
17 That's precisely what makes him unlistenable. It's just ridiculous.

At least Sterling actually saves his theatrics for actual, well, you know, theater. Not groundouts and the like.

18 Yes. That was pathetic.

(Reminds me of when that Arizona catcher dropped not one, but two popups in the first inning, or whatever it was.)

2008-05-18 17:29:36
23.   Jeb
I've made my mind up.

When we look back at this season and ask "when did the turnaround start?" the answer is going to be "that second game against the mets."

(otherwise the answer may be, "it didn't".)

2008-05-18 17:29:43
24.   weeping for brunnhilde
21 It sucks watching good hitting by other teams when your team can't hit the broad side of a barn.

My huge pet peeve is watching nobody players drive in two runs simply by going up the middle or the other way, something any major league hitter should be able to do, while our guys flail and roll over trying to hit the ball over the court house.

2008-05-18 17:31:42
25.   nick
and now they take over the game with a stupid-ass debate--gee, guys, it wouldn't be possible, just conceivably, for Cano and Giambi BOTH to have made nice plays?
2008-05-18 17:35:47
26.   ChrisS
Wang is just an outstanding pitcher this year.

No K's tonight, but he's dealing.

2008-05-18 17:36:35
27.   Jeb
Giambi is starting to get on base at least. A lot of our problems will be helped on Tuesday when we get a big bat back.
2008-05-18 17:38:25
28.   nick
I'm gonna hypothesize that the one-out walk is not as bad as the leadoff walk, yet worse than the 2-out walk--what do you guys think?
2008-05-18 17:40:35
29.   ChrisS
24 What really got me was that Villenueva started struggling a bit with his command and all the Sox hitters just kinda said "we're betting you can't throw strikes". And he didn't ... until after he walked in the tying run and then Ellsbury laced a mediocre fastball for a 2-run single to the gap.
2008-05-18 17:41:32
30.   JimCobain
27 Getting Arod back is so HUGE. Not only do you get his bat back,and thus another subpar bat back on the bench, but you have a guy in the line up that pitchers fear and have to plan for. Whoever hits in front of Arod will get better pitches to hit, and the guy hitting behind Arod will be hitting with men on base.
2008-05-18 17:42:16
31.   Raf
hit the ball hard, make outs, hit weak grounders make outs... terrible luck
2008-05-18 17:42:56
32.   JimCobain
It's a little frustrating to not get any luck either. Could have had a run in the first if Matsui's liner wasn't right at Delgado and could have had another run right there if the ball is hit another 3 inches to the right. Sigh.
2008-05-18 17:43:06
33.   Mattpat11
30 And, as it turns out, its a lateral move on pop ups
2008-05-18 17:44:11
34.   JimCobain
33 Ha! Who'd a-thunk-it, eh? Arod ain't exactly the best at that either.
2008-05-18 17:45:35
35.   Mattpat11
34 That's what I mean. Neither guy can catch pop ups, so its not like A-Rod's issues there are a negative
2008-05-18 17:48:48
36.   ny2ca2dc
Man, watching Wang when he's on is really a joy. Cano is making some great plays too, beaut!
2008-05-18 17:49:57
37.   rbj
So, who's going to ask Steve Philips if he still believes that A-Rod can't handle New York.
2008-05-18 17:51:12
38.   mehmattski
Oliver Perez is throwing meatballs. Too bad our AAA hitters can't get around on them.
2008-05-18 17:52:45
39.   ChrisS
I can't wait for them to send Molina back to appearing in the line-up just once a week.
2008-05-18 17:54:56
40.   ChrisS
Jesus, hopefully Cashman has a new right fielder in mind.
2008-05-18 17:55:57
41.   Jeb
38 AAAA? Try Low-A.
2008-05-18 17:59:27
42.   rbj
So lefties are hitting .100 against Perez and Girardi puts 5 of them in there?
2008-05-18 18:00:35
43.   rbj
I heart Wang.
2008-05-18 18:01:14
44.   Mattpat11
42 I have no confidence in our bench righties either
2008-05-18 18:01:45
45.   Mattpat11
Isn't this guy supposed to be good at defense?
2008-05-18 18:02:05
46.   mehmattski
42 Well, Shelley Duncan is hitting .194/.293/.250 against everybody. Morgan Ensberg is hitting .214/.276/.257. Would they really be improvements over Giambi (or Abreu) and Cano?
2008-05-18 18:02:11
47.   nick
nice rundown! I wouldn't have given Jeter ALL the credit myself, but....
2008-05-18 18:03:03
48.   ChrisS
Frighteningly enough, I think the best hitter on the team is the guy batting .193
2008-05-18 18:04:57
49.   mehmattski
48 Abreu, Jeter, Damon, and Matsui all have over 20 Runs Created this season. Giambi only has 14.
2008-05-18 18:05:09
50.   dianagramr
48

but its a solid .193 ...

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-05-18 18:05:38
51.   nick
ok, Wang, gotta stop here--1 run max!
2008-05-18 18:06:50
52.   Mattpat11
And that's the ballgame.
2008-05-18 18:07:11
53.   rbj
Oy. I think maybe JOe should have stuck Shelley at first.
2008-05-18 18:07:16
54.   nick
and Morgan tells us THAT"S a good job by JETER!?
what a fucking shill.....
2008-05-18 18:07:28
55.   williamnyy23
More bad hitting, bad pitching and really bad defense. Must be a Yankee game.
2008-05-18 18:07:31
56.   mehmattski
Welp, that's Jason Giambi's mortal weakness, throwing. No sense complaining about it, we all knew going back to the 2001 ALDS that Giambi had problems throwing.

The decision to throw to second itself, meanwhile, is the problem.

2008-05-18 18:07:32
57.   Jeb
50 and gritty.
2008-05-18 18:07:36
58.   Chyll Will
Good thing Jeter can go to his right, huh?
2008-05-18 18:08:25
59.   rbj
55 Wang's pitching well. A decent 1Ber would have gotten at least one out there.
2008-05-18 18:08:26
60.   Mattpat11
Well, we lose.
2008-05-18 18:08:59
61.   williamnyy23
Is Arod really going to make up for all that's wrong with this team?
2008-05-18 18:09:04
62.   Chyll Will
52 yep.
2008-05-18 18:09:55
63.   Mattpat11
The real question is if the Yankees will get a hit in this game.
2008-05-18 18:10:44
64.   Mattpat11
That is a homerun.
2008-05-18 18:11:08
65.   rbj
Well. Hum. Er.
2008-05-18 18:11:23
66.   JimCobain
63 It'll be more fun to hit bottom with a thud.
2008-05-18 18:11:46
67.   mehmattski
That's a home run.

Begin discussion about the merits of instant replay in baseball. It would slow the game down? Really? It would be slower than the umpire conference that doesn't get the call right? How does that make sense?

2008-05-18 18:12:13
68.   Just fair
The curse of the 4th inning lives. At least the first 3 innings were entertaining.
2008-05-18 18:12:19
69.   williamnyy23
64 I wish I could feel good about getting a break, but three runs seems like ball game anyway.
2008-05-18 18:12:19
70.   nick
that's a home run, and we are very damned lucky....
2008-05-18 18:13:20
71.   Simone
Why didn't the refs just look at the replay? It was a home run.
2008-05-18 18:13:36
72.   mehmattski
I guess the parabolic microphone wasn't completely destroyed. Jerry Manuel said some things not allowed on TV. Outside of WNBC news teasers, of course.
2008-05-18 18:13:51
73.   rbj
So why isn't the foul pole yellow all the way down?
2008-05-18 18:14:10
74.   mehmattski
Why is the bottom of the pole black, anyway?
2008-05-18 18:15:05
75.   JimCobain
72 Gotta love Sue Simmons
2008-05-18 18:15:16
76.   Chyll Will
Since it benefitted the Yanks, I have no doubt that instant replay will be given due diligence going forward...
2008-05-18 18:15:25
77.   Yankees Brasil
What's the matter with the 4th inning? We should skip it.
2008-05-18 18:16:04
78.   dianagramr
with as much money as MLB is making these days, why can't they have OF umpires for every game, not just the postseason?
2008-05-18 18:16:31
79.   nick
wtf is it with our starters inexplicably collapsing after looking great?
2008-05-18 18:16:52
80.   williamnyy23
I know it's hard to pitch with an offense that doesn't compete, but that doesn't mean you have to fold in the middle innings.
2008-05-18 18:17:16
81.   Yankees Brasil
Giambi doesn't hit lefties and doesn't field well. So, why is he playing tonight? Gotta love Joe.
2008-05-18 18:17:32
82.   Chyll Will
72 >;)

By the way, I don't feel bad if we lose this game. I have seen nothing so far that suggest we deserve the W, even if the ground opens up underneath the visiting dugout (sigh)...

2008-05-18 18:18:01
83.   williamnyy23
81 Because Duncan doesn't hit lefties and doesn't field well. In fact, you could say that about 2/3 of the roster.
2008-05-18 18:18:28
84.   Just fair
{79] I blame the lack of candy in the clubhouse.
2008-05-18 18:18:43
85.   rbj
Yay an infielder who got to the ball and made an out!

(I'm taking my moral victories where ever I can get them)

2008-05-18 18:18:49
86.   dianagramr
Ummmm ....not for nothin; .... but prior to tonight's game, the Yanks have outscored their opponents 29-27 in the 4th innings of theie games this year

http://tinyurl.com/5oa58k

2008-05-18 18:19:02
87.   murphy
84 seriously: bring back the ice cream! SOMETHING needs to change.
2008-05-18 18:19:17
88.   williamnyy23
Maybe the YS ghosts are turning on the Yankees for abandoning them? What a shame to send the Stadium out on a season like this one.
2008-05-18 18:19:46
89.   williamnyy23
86 It's the 3rd and the 5th that the Yankees are gettign killed.
2008-05-18 18:21:05
90.   Chyll Will
85 Well, umm... less cavities to deal with?
2008-05-18 18:21:24
91.   murphy
89 not tonight. ;)
2008-05-18 18:22:18
92.   Yankees Brasil
83 And you're telling me we don't have one miserable minor leaguer who can play good D at 1B?
2008-05-18 18:22:23
93.   williamnyy23
The Yankees are the cure for what ills every struggling team. Fortunatley, the Mariners exist to provide a temporary cure for the Yankees.
2008-05-18 18:22:30
94.   mehmattski
It's over!

(the inning. the game. the season?)

2008-05-18 18:22:33
95.   Alex Belth
DOES ANYONE think the Yanks can actually score five runs tonight? Anyone?
2008-05-18 18:22:52
96.   Max
We sucked pretty hard on the way to 21-29 last year, but it felt like sheer incompetence was driving last year's slide, and at some point, the guys were going to realize they were good and start playing that way.

This year feels more like decline and surrender...literally the walking dead out there with pinstripes. I haven't come remotely close to giving up on the season, but boy, these guys are trying their hardest to make me do so.

2008-05-18 18:23:19
97.   williamnyy23
92 As bad as it is, D at 1B is long down the list of Yankee problems. That list seems way too long for even Arod to cure.
2008-05-18 18:25:04
98.   Alex Belth
p.s. I hate Oliver Perez and I don't like Jose Reyes neither.
2008-05-18 18:26:02
99.   murphy
98 ditto. reyes is the devil.
2008-05-18 18:26:20
100.   Chyll Will
95 It's like watching a car wreck in slow motion...
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-05-18 18:26:46
101.   Yankees Brasil
97 No doubt, but the other problems might not have a cure. This one has. Since they are not gonna hit anyway, just get a minor leaguer who can play some D. You gotta start solving your problems anytime soon.
2008-05-18 18:27:03
102.   Jeb
Ok so the stadium is 86 years old and they FINALLY realize that the foul pole and the line don't match?
2008-05-18 18:27:17
103.   Yankees Brasil
Matsui teasing us.
2008-05-18 18:27:18
104.   Knuckles
The fan by the foul pole looks like a skinny Curt Schilling.

And Matsui is a stud.

2008-05-18 18:27:20
105.   mehmattski
Dear Joe Morgan and Jon Miller:

Parallax error. Look it up.

Love,
mehmattski

2008-05-18 18:27:21
106.   rbj
Now that's a home run.
2008-05-18 18:27:26
107.   Alex Belth
C'MON YOU FUCKING SUCK ASS LOSERS, LET'S GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WAY TO GO GODZILLER
2008-05-18 18:27:27
108.   Knuckles
The fan by the foul pole looks like a skinny Curt Schilling.

And Matsui is a stud.

2008-05-18 18:28:04
109.   Chyll Will
Am I wrong for still not feeling it?
2008-05-18 18:28:08
110.   nyyfan22
Chippin away...

99 I disagree. Joe Morgan is the devil. See those eyes? (shudder)

2008-05-18 18:28:25
111.   williamnyy23
96 Last year at 18-21, the Yankees outscored their opponents 212-185. This year at 20-23, the Yankees are being outscored 177-186. That's a big difference.
2008-05-18 18:28:43
112.   Alex Belth
gold thong wearing sucker
2008-05-18 18:28:59
113.   nick
107 ha!--funny...I just deleted my profane rant when I saw Godzilla swing...
2008-05-18 18:29:25
114.   fansince77
These damn announcers can't figure out that the angle they are looking at isn't showing a true representation of the third base line and the foul pole...they are driving me crazy.

Good job Giambi- way to keep the mojo going.

Now anyone want to bet on a ground ball to second by Cano?

2008-05-18 18:29:52
115.   Yankees Brasil
And there's Giambi with another hit to make up for his horrible glove!! Oh wait, that doesn't sound right. Forget it, it's just another out.
2008-05-18 18:31:59
116.   Andre
Joe was old.

Joe is young.

There's 2 different ways of doing things.

I'm going to ask Joe about it next inning.

2008-05-18 18:32:35
117.   williamnyy23
The Yankkes need to teach Cano how to slide.

It looks like Melky has hit a slump, which shortens the lineup even more.

2008-05-18 18:33:00
118.   Yankees Brasil
Melky needs to stop hanging out with Giambi. Another pop out with a runner in scoring position.
2008-05-18 18:33:33
119.   Andre
blech.
2008-05-18 18:33:35
120.   fansince77
Oh good another FUCKING POP UP!
2008-05-18 18:33:50
121.   dianagramr
Dear Mr. Morgan:

Girardi is changing lineups because he's had to deal with injuries to two main pieces of his lineup ... not because he is trying to shake things up per se ..

2008-05-18 18:34:07
122.   Yankees Brasil
Aaaand, another pop up. Great.
2008-05-18 18:34:22
123.   Chyll Will
JM: Hey Joe, why don't you use the same lineup throughout like Joe Torre did?

JG: Hey Joe, why don't you put some cream in your STFU?

2008-05-18 18:34:44
124.   Just fair
For the love of all that's holy, could someone hit a single with a guy on 2nd. Dammit.
2008-05-18 18:35:04
125.   dianagramr
If we release Giambi now, and move Matsui to 1B .... will that help?
2008-05-18 18:35:51
126.   williamnyy23
If Arod could have 20 ABs today, he could have played tonight, no?
2008-05-18 18:36:12
127.   Chyll Will
121 Annnnd you get the root beer! >;)
2008-05-18 18:36:36
128.   williamnyy23
125 You just can't put anyone at 1B...I am not sure Matsui would play well at 1B.
2008-05-18 18:36:38
129.   mehmattski
117 The heat from Brett Gardner will only increase for Cabrera. Gardner has recently found some power, which, if sustained, will let him escape the Juan Pierre comparisons.
2008-05-18 18:39:00
130.   williamnyy23
129 If the heat is on, it shouldn't be on Melky. He is struggling now, but at least he is still playing good OF defense.
2008-05-18 18:39:25
131.   rbj
So is ESPN going to do a special investigation on Yankee Stadium's left field foul pole?
2008-05-18 18:40:34
132.   williamnyy23
Having Molina lead off an inning is such a drag.
2008-05-18 18:40:44
133.   JimCobain
131 OUtside the lines, actually. Maybe they'll find the Yankee offense buried in the gap between the foul line and the pole.

Can they get off the pole... well you know what I mean.

2008-05-18 18:41:26
134.   Alex Belth
And speaking of asides from Mr. Morgan, that was NOT a great basketball game today. It was close only because the Celtics have been so fuggin underwhelming in the playoffs thus far. I've always liked KG, but the team is so disapointing (0-6 on the road against the Cavs and Hawks?!?!?!), I just can't get behind them. I'm no Pistons fan but will be pulling for them over the Celts. And will root for the Lakers over either of them. As it stands, I'm rooting for the winner of the Spurs, Hornets series.
2008-05-18 18:41:41
135.   Chyll Will
131 They should send Morgan on that mission right now. That would buy us at least three innings of quality time...
2008-05-18 18:43:04
136.   fansince77
132 Yeah....what a drag doubles are.
2008-05-18 18:43:05
137.   williamnyy23
132 Or not.
2008-05-18 18:43:08
138.   Alex Belth
Jose can you see!
2008-05-18 18:43:10
139.   mehmattski
132 If by drag you mean double!
2008-05-18 18:43:36
140.   Andre
132 you must take back those bad things you said about mr. molina
2008-05-18 18:43:48
141.   rbj
Any takers for a bet that Molina will score this inning?
2008-05-18 18:43:54
142.   fansince77
Ok let's see if we can get a runner home with no outs. We know we can't do it with two outs or one out.
2008-05-18 18:43:59
143.   Chyll Will
134 Nawlins' baby. So bored with everyone else, and not really into the NBA at this point anyway...
2008-05-18 18:44:18
144.   williamnyy23
134 It wasn't a great game, but it was a great man on man peformance. Considering the lack of talent around him, Lebron is amazing. He is the only thing in the NBA that interests me.
2008-05-18 18:44:40
145.   Andre
molina needs a home run to score from 2nd
2008-05-18 18:45:01
146.   fansince77
Johnny be good. Nice boy. Woof.
2008-05-18 18:45:33
147.   williamnyy23
I am not sure if playing small ball is the best strategy with Molina.
2008-05-18 18:45:34
148.   Chyll Will
142 Right...
2008-05-18 18:46:15
149.   mehmattski
Oh good, play for one run when down two. In the fifth inning.
2008-05-18 18:46:59
150.   Chyll Will
Listening to Loose Ends right now... seems a propos...
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-05-18 18:47:22
151.   mehmattski
143 I can't root for NO because of Chris Paul. I don't know where his talent came from, but he was a dirty, annoying player in college. I rooted against him as a Duke fan and one cannot lose that easily. Similarly, I've lost my rooting interest in the Nets because they drafted so many freaking UCon(vict) players and my current local team (the Bobcats) is full of Tar Heels.
2008-05-18 18:47:26
152.   williamnyy23
How is Abreu even thinking swing on a 2-1 pitch. Isn't he looking for something to pull?
2008-05-18 18:48:17
153.   williamnyy23
Crap...I would have taken that sac fly.
2008-05-18 18:48:25
154.   Andre
curved??????
2008-05-18 18:48:26
155.   Chyll Will
Uh-oh! Umpire conference!
2008-05-18 18:48:40
156.   fansince77
And finally these dumbass announcers almost get it- the fucking foul pole is in the right place motherfuckers!
2008-05-18 18:48:46
157.   Andre
curvature of the earth?!?!
2008-05-18 18:49:09
158.   Andre
I am getting dumber. Ack!
2008-05-18 18:49:21
159.   nick
so, if you don't think the earth is flat, you're an environmentalist: sums up Morgan's attitude towards book larnin' perfectly...
2008-05-18 18:49:25
160.   Just fair
I need to find a new hobby before I pull out what's left of my hair. Men on 2nd base is kryptonite. Way to swing the bat, Bobby.
2008-05-18 18:49:35
161.   fansince77
Would anyone shed a tear if we traded Abreu...no seriously. He hasn't inspired me in like a long time.
2008-05-18 18:49:47
162.   Mattpat11
What the hell was Abreu waiting for?
2008-05-18 18:49:51
163.   williamnyy23
That's another awful AB by Abreu...but not unexpected and exactly why you don't play small ball to set him up. The Yankees play stupid and don't have the talent to overcome it.
2008-05-18 18:49:53
164.   Jeb
Raise your hand if you know in your heart that Molina won't be crossing home.
2008-05-18 18:49:58
165.   rbj
I'd feel more confident if Eight Belles was up in the batter's box.

(What, too soon?)

2008-05-18 18:50:04
166.   Chyll Will
151 Okay... table tennis then? >;)
2008-05-18 18:50:51
167.   murphy
raises hand
2008-05-18 18:50:59
168.   williamnyy23
161 That time may be coming soon...Abreu will be attractive to a contender and with parity this season, the Yankees may be able to snare a nice prospect for him.
2008-05-18 18:51:04
169.   fansince77
Abreu swung at a 2-1 pitch 3 feet outside and then looked at a foul me offer with two...captain can't come thru everytime.
2008-05-18 18:51:45
170.   Jeb
165 wouldn't that be lying?
2008-05-18 18:52:05
171.   nick
when Abreu's not going well he looks absolutely awful....
2008-05-18 18:52:17
172.   dianagramr
165

well ..... Eight Belles would at least cross home plate first ....

(but yes .... too soon)

2008-05-18 18:52:52
173.   fansince77
Maybe they will let us start with a guy on third next inning? It would be an interesting challenge.
2008-05-18 18:53:04
174.   Yankees Brasil
Another inning, another frustration.
2008-05-18 18:53:55
175.   rbj
170 Nope. At least with a dead horse, the body might be big enough to get HBP and 3-4 of them will bring a run home, or else so big that the pitcher has to throw a wild pitch.
2008-05-18 18:53:56
176.   williamnyy23
Whether it's fair or not, some changes have to be made after tonight. I am thinking Ensberg released, Duncan demoted and a coach fired.
2008-05-18 18:54:23
177.   mehmattski
161 Bobby Abreu, 2008:

#1 on the Yankees in Runs Created
#2 in OBP
#2 in 2Bs
#1 in RBI
1.055 OPS in 73 at bats with men on base

You must not be easily inspired.

2008-05-18 18:55:42
178.   williamnyy23
177 Ranking atop the 2008 Yankees offensive leader board is faint praise.
2008-05-18 18:56:08
179.   rbj
I think the Yankees are going to set a record, first team with a negative batting average with runners in scoring position.

Good night all. This is just too damn frustrating.

2008-05-18 18:56:13
180.   Yankees Brasil
Our ace.
2008-05-18 18:57:09
181.   claybeez
BP speculated that Holliday, Atkins and Fuentes could go on the block if the Rockies don't turn the corner. We could use some Holliday. Atkins at 1st? Heck, we could use all 3.
2008-05-18 18:57:12
182.   JimCobain
180 Oh come on. He's been the only consistent player on this team.
2008-05-18 18:57:45
183.   williamnyy23
181 Their home/road splits are far from impressive.
2008-05-18 18:58:19
184.   dianagramr
Happy 62nd birthday Reggie ....

BTW, Murcer turns 62 on Tuesday ...

2008-05-18 18:58:39
185.   Yankees Brasil
176 I've been saying this for a while now. They have to change something. Give a chance to some young guys down in the Minors, something like that. As it is right now, we are going to lose more than 90 games this season.
2008-05-18 18:58:44
186.   Jeb
177 But isn't context everything? He may be the nuttiest piece of shit in the toilet, but that doesn't make him tasty.
2008-05-18 18:58:46
187.   Just fair
I have been waiting all year for an exciting comeback. Tonight could be the night. Whoops. I dropped my glue.
2008-05-18 18:58:58
188.   Chyll Will
I'm beginning to think that the starters are actually retaliating against the lineup for the poor defense and lack of run support...
2008-05-18 18:59:16
189.   claybeez
I get 2/3 of it. I never get the point of firing a coach, because the team is sucking. It feels like some ancient, sacrificial ritual.
2008-05-18 18:59:25
190.   murphy
i quit. going to bed. can't watch this sh@$%t.
2008-05-18 19:00:38
191.   williamnyy23
What a sad season...the Yankees make the playoffs for 13 straight seasons, and in the year they are closing the Stadium, hosting the ASG and inducting Goose into the Hall of Fame, it looks like they could be playing out the string.
2008-05-18 19:00:59
192.   mehmattski
186 But then why not focus on getting rid of the even less tasty pieces? Robinson Cano is killing this team with his lack of offense. Our third base and catcher backups have been WORSE than replacement level. So why not talk about the real problems, rather than focusing on what's (semi) right?
2008-05-18 19:01:03
193.   Yankees Brasil
And I think it's time we start calling Mr. Bonds' agent, if we want to fight for something this year.
2008-05-18 19:01:32
194.   williamnyy23
189 I don't think it makes sense, but someone has to pay the price and you can't fire the players.
2008-05-18 19:02:23
195.   Mattpat11
These graphics are embarrassing
2008-05-18 19:02:52
196.   williamnyy23
What the hell was that?
2008-05-18 19:03:20
197.   mehmattski
193 Can he play second base?
2008-05-18 19:03:35
198.   Chyll Will
186 You've been reading Morgan's press notes, I see...
2008-05-18 19:04:02
199.   claybeez
183 True of Holliday. Not of Atkins in '06 or so far this season. Same was said of Tex last season, he hit well in ATL last season and has a better OPS this year, as well.
2008-05-18 19:04:33
200.   williamnyy23
Matsui swings 2-0 against a wild pitcher when the team is down by three...that's what's wrong with this team.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-05-18 19:04:50
201.   Yankees Brasil
197 He can hit, I think that's better than 2/3 of our roster, at least.
2008-05-18 19:05:33
202.   fansince77
Is there an easy out factor in statisticsland that documents how many giveaway at bats teams have had? Watching these Yankees roll over on ground balls and pop up weakly is excruciating and seems to be exponentially more frequent than in the past.
2008-05-18 19:06:41
203.   Jeb
192 yeah. Cano had a horrible April and has begun to turn it around in may. He's our best defensive player right now and he's 24-25 years old. Let's dump him while his value is LOW and resign bobby for 3 more years of diminishing returns.
2008-05-18 19:08:05
204.   williamnyy23
If the Yankees would stop giving away ABs, Perez might have walked the bases loaded. This team simply stops competing when they get behind.
2008-05-18 19:10:19
205.   Yankees Brasil
204 They don't even look like they are competing when they are ahead or even.
2008-05-18 19:12:03
206.   claybeez
204 I doubt they stop competing. Seems like the approach is just more aggressive than what we've seen in the past. Might that have anything to do with the scouting report changing on our hitters. I mean how many pitchers have now challenged the hitters primarily with fastballs? Maybe the book is they can't hit them, forcing a reaction. Maybe.
2008-05-18 19:12:38
207.   fansince77
Giambi like a cat...

a three legged overweight furball with stubby front legs.

2008-05-18 19:13:25
208.   Chyll Will
Hmm... my iTunes has singled out Gordon Lightfoot now. How a propos...
2008-05-18 19:14:08
209.   mehmattski
203 I was just trying to put the knee-jerk anti-Abreu reaction in perspective. Abreu is not, singly, what's wrong with this team.

If you want to talk deals, no... Cano should not be traded. And Abreu should not be signed to a three-year deal either. I'm perfectly comfortable with a Damon-Cabrera-Tabata outfield in 2009.

As for trading for Matt Holliday, what exactly do the Yankees have to offer for a power-hitting outfielder in his prime? Large, expiring contracts? Prospects who are either too young to make an impact this year (Tabata, Jackson, Montero) or have been beaten around at the major league level (Hughes, Kennedy, Chase Wright)? What kind of package would make sense for the Rockies?

2008-05-18 19:15:23
210.   Chyll Will
Giambi with them three-legged cat-like reflexes >;)
2008-05-18 19:17:22
211.   williamnyy23
206 It looks to me like they go into hack mode as soon as they fall behind. To me, that constitutes not competing. They aren't trying to put pressure on the pitcher and slowly build a rally...instead, it seems like they are looking at their ABs in a vacuum.

I do think more pitchers are realizing that some of these Yankee hitters are on the downside and can't handle the fastball as well.

2008-05-18 19:19:00
212.   williamnyy23
209 He isn't a problem...on the contrary...which is why he is someone who can return a nice prospect. With many teams likely to be alive in the wild card race, the Yankees shouldn't be shy about trading him.

Holliday's OPS on the road for his career is .780. I wouldn't touch him.

2008-05-18 19:19:00
213.   williamnyy23
209 He isn't a problem...on the contrary...which is why he is someone who can return a nice prospect. With many teams likely to be alive in the wild card race, the Yankees shouldn't be shy about trading him.

Holliday's OPS on the road for his career is .780. I wouldn't touch him.

2008-05-18 19:19:46
214.   Chyll Will
211 Who's more responsible for hitters adjusting or at least approaching an at bat with an idea of what to do, the hitter or the hitting coach?
2008-05-18 19:19:53
215.   Jeb
209 I agree with you. We're all frustrated but its a long season. I hope when Arod comes back we show shelly Duncan the fucking door though. He's and automatic out.
2008-05-18 19:20:02
216.   williamnyy23
The yooung talented OF to acquire in a deal was Hamilton. I wish Cashman would have been all over that one.
2008-05-18 19:20:20
217.   Yankees Brasil
Melky, back to sucking. And it's not even september. This team is falling apart fast.
2008-05-18 19:22:15
218.   williamnyy23
214 I think the hitting coach/manager sets a philosophy and the players carry it out. This year, it seems as if the coaching staff has stop emphasizing patience. If that's not that case, then they don't seem to have any control.
2008-05-18 19:23:27
219.   williamnyy23
I am ready to have Moeller handle the every day catching. He deserves a chance to show how bad he sucks.
2008-05-18 19:23:29
220.   OldYanksFan
Matt Holliday looks good but his average AWAY from Coors over the last 3 years is an OPS of .809. Add to that that the Stadium is not friendly to RH power hitters unless they are extreme pull hitters.

And what will he cost?
Fortunatly, Cashman has not been panicing over the last few years, and has not made bad, long term deals out of desparation. Expensive quick fixes have not worked over the last 4 years. I don't want to go back in that direction.

2008-05-18 19:24:23
221.   Max
134 That's where I stand -- winner of Hornets-Spurs gets my vote. I did think today's game was very entertaining (though Lebron's teammates were scared as fuck outside of Delonte), but maybe that's because my expectations were lowered by how ugly all the other games were. I hate Eastern Conference basketball.

151 We share the same alma mater so I hear you on Paul, but he's been having an unbelievable playoff run -- both he and Deron Williams have been great to watch as point guards. I can live with the Hornets because it would be really nice to see New Orleans celebrating something. And I can't stand either the Lakers or Celtics...Kobe's supporting cast is one of the most annoying groups surrounding a superstar that I can ever recall.

2008-05-18 19:27:17
222.   fansince77
This game was over when we didn't get Molina in from second base...let's see if the Mets can get a leadoff runner home form second base.
2008-05-18 19:28:50
223.   fansince77
Did Joe Morgan just say his brother is over in Iraq defending our country? What the fuck is he talking about?
2008-05-18 19:29:28
224.   Yankees Brasil
222 Of course they can. They are not NYY, they are NYM.
2008-05-18 19:31:10
225.   rufuswashere
Ugh, what a lousy game. I'm having trouble here in Boston, too much winning by the locals and too much losing by the Yanks.
2008-05-18 19:31:38
226.   Yankees Brasil
My God, what a ridiculous throw.
2008-05-18 19:31:53
227.   Mattpat11
This is just a terrible baseball team.
2008-05-18 19:32:05
228.   williamnyy23
To not be able to make that throw is pathetic. The Yankees simply do not make any plays.
2008-05-18 19:32:29
229.   nick
Perez, btw, had never pitched into the 7th before tonight...what the fuck happened to the patient Yanks offence?
2008-05-18 19:33:35
230.   Chyll Will
222 This was over far longer than that... 56
2008-05-18 19:34:31
231.   williamnyy23
229 It hasn't been here all season. 2008 marks a clean break from the teams that made the playoffs every year. I think the Yankees are now approaching full rebuild mode.
2008-05-18 19:35:48
232.   williamnyy23
Abreu may still be a solid hitter, but he is now a below average OF'er. The Yankees have way too many of them.
2008-05-18 19:36:00
233.   Chyll Will
229 That's what Sue Simmons wants to know...
2008-05-18 19:36:32
234.   Simone
When Johnny Miller starts talking about an album about to "drop," it is time for the game to be over.

I'm rooting for the Spurs to win the whole thing. I think that they are the best team. Also, it would piss off the sports media if they repeat.

2008-05-18 19:36:32
235.   Just fair
On the bright side, Molina did not get hurt. Nice job, Abreu.
BLEH.
2008-05-18 19:36:34
236.   Yankees Brasil
Another great throw by Abreu. This team is great, just awesome.
2008-05-18 19:37:22
237.   fansince77
It's too bad the plate isn't twelve feet wide and up the line because then Bobby Abreu's throws would be perfect.
2008-05-18 19:37:42
238.   rufuswashere
It's so obvious that this team can't hit left handed pitching without Rodriguez and Posada in the line-up. Sorrhy to beat a dead horse, but Duncan should be playing at the very least.

There, I said it.

2008-05-18 19:37:59
239.   claybeez
220 Expensive, quick fixes. We're not talking aging vets here. Maybe Holliday is a bad fit, but like I mentioned the same deal was made of Tex. Some guys might just prefer hitting at home, wherever it is. Plus, I was under the impression offense was down in Colorado as a whole.

Atkins could be a nice alternative. I know he qualifies at 1B in fantasy. I'm not sure how natural he is at the position.

211 We've been on this carousel before. They look bad, for sure. Still, they ARE competing. The way they are going about it, however, is less than desirable.

209 220 Aren't we loaded with pitching prospects? How about some of them. Perhaps, even Tabata if it's for an OF.

216 Agreed. I know I brought it up in the off-season. Quentin was another one. Going after top talent from teams that have too much of it and so give up early on players. But, going after that young talent doesn't seem to be Cash's thing.

2008-05-18 19:38:15
240.   williamnyy23
I wonder if Arod is regretting his decision to come back now.
2008-05-18 19:38:21
241.   Mattpat11
What percentage of inherited runners does Ohlendorf let score? It has to be astronomical
2008-05-18 19:39:11
242.   claybeez
223 Church's bro.
2008-05-18 19:39:49
243.   Mattpat11
238 Duncan is impressing you?
2008-05-18 19:39:59
244.   williamnyy23
239 It's a difference of opinion...when you abandon an approach that has worked for years, you've stopped competing and started playing for yourself.
2008-05-18 19:40:22
245.   fansince77
This is what you call a "BITCH SLAPPING!"
2008-05-18 19:40:38
246.   nick
fitting, I think--absolute humiliation may have a useful effect; and, if not, hard to say they don't deserve it....
2008-05-18 19:40:43
247.   Mattpat11
The sad thing is I don't even think this team is embarrassed
2008-05-18 19:40:52
248.   claybeez
240 Imagine if he hadn't. We'd only be building around an aging Jeter and Cano...and, the young SP.

Straight up embarassin'. Man, these guys need to step up or get out.

2008-05-18 19:41:07
249.   Yankees Brasil
The Mets were a struggling team, right? They don't look like they are struggling now.
2008-05-18 19:41:36
250.   williamnyy23
The Yankees deserve to be embarrassed, although sadly, I am not sure they are. After this latest debacle, it might be time for Hank to show us what "by force" means.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-05-18 19:42:01
251.   Just fair
There's the cherry on top. It's nice that the '08 Yanks not only give teams money, but they wake up badly playing teams and make every pitcher look like Gibson or Koufax. Holy F$#@ING C@%ST.
2008-05-18 19:43:46
252.   williamnyy23
Welcome to 1965.
2008-05-18 19:44:41
253.   Chyll Will
240 It would be somewhat silly to regret $275-300 mil, especially knowing you won't get close to that anywhere else...
2008-05-18 19:45:18
254.   rufuswashere
243 I meant Mariano Duncan.

Ha.

2008-05-18 19:45:27
255.   Yankees Brasil
250 It's about time. I wonder who he's going to fire.
Also, I'm not very impressed by Girardi. Is he on the Hot seat? I think he should be.
2008-05-18 19:45:33
256.   claybeez
244 It's not a difference of opinion. You are speculating. You have no 1st hand knowledge.

Plus, how many guys were on those teams with the vaunted patience? Lots of guys getting PT these days certainly were not.

2008-05-18 19:46:16
257.   williamnyy23
253 I am thinking more along the lines of getting a chance to win the World Series.
2008-05-18 19:47:18
258.   Mattpat11
Its also time to finally say it. Joe Girardi is horrible. Every single thing he tries fails. Every single god damn thing. He makes asinine lineups, he refuses to ever put on any kind of play, he sits there comatose in the dugout, he just seems in way over his head.
2008-05-18 19:47:52
259.   Just fair
No Matsui homer. No runs Against Oliver Perez For 7 2/3 innings. Yikes. stillearlystillearlystillearlystillearlystillearly....
2008-05-18 19:48:03
260.   williamnyy23
256 I have 1st hand knowledge...I am seeing it with my very eyes. When you are ahead 2-0 against a wild pitcher and trailing three runs and you swing, you have are playing for yourself. There are numerous examples throughout the season. You see it on bad teams all the time. Instead of passing the baton, each hitter is only concerned about the result of their AB. This Yankee team has entered that mode. They have stopped competing.
2008-05-18 19:48:10
261.   tommyl
We can whine all we want about the putrid pitching tonight (and it has been awful), but the fact remains this team has scored two runs. Against Oliver Perez. Had Johan Santana been on the mound for us and pitched like he did yesterday we still would have lost this game. The problem with this team is not pitching, its hitting, clean and simple. We're scoring like the 05 Astros. No team can win like this. Its horrendous and we're now past the quarter mark. This team better wake up fast, otherwise its just not going to happen.
2008-05-18 19:48:46
262.   williamnyy23
258 He has been dissapointing, but he has a bonafide bad team.
2008-05-18 19:49:03
263.   Mattpat11
255 Joe Giaradi responds to this question by sitting around and doing nothing
2008-05-18 19:49:50
264.   Mattpat11
262 So TRY SOMETHING TO MAKE THEM BETTER. DOING NOTHING IS NOT WORKING.
2008-05-18 19:51:52
265.   Chyll Will
257 Can you hold onto that thought for a couple of years? >;)
2008-05-18 19:52:00
266.   williamnyy23
264 Try what? They can't hit and field. What can he do? Make Abreu throw the ball to the plate? Get Giambi to field a ground ball? Force a lineup that can't hit to be productive? This is a bad team. When I watch the Royals and Pirates I don't think boy does this manager stink.
2008-05-18 19:53:11
267.   williamnyy23
265 If Hughes and Kennedy aren't the real deal, and the Yankees don't break the bank this offseason, I don't think 2008 will be the exception.
2008-05-18 19:54:33
268.   tommyl
260 I have to agree with William here. You know what got me, ESPN Classic was showing the Wells perfect game from 1998. Every single player on that team worked the count, every freakin' single time. If they made an out, it was either hard hit or after 10 pitches. Its bad enough we're losing this game, but its pathetic that Oliver Perez pitched into the 8th inning tonight. Read that sentence again, the Mets have a mediocre bullpen, why not try to get to them? Remember when we used to beat Pedro by tiring him out and then feasting on the pen? Its just sad, watching this team has become depressing.
2008-05-18 19:54:55
269.   claybeez
260 Again. You are wrong. They may be competing with the wrong approach and failing. They may be seeing skills erode. There may be psychological factors based on the pressure of the slow start. There is no way you can no that inside of each of these mean they have just given up.
2008-05-18 19:57:27
270.   tommyl
266 Agreed again, I'm not sure what else Girardi can do. You can't steal and hit and run when you have no baserunners. When your #3 hitter can't hit a freakin' sac fly, what else is there to do? Suicide squeeze with Jose Molina on third?

258 Matt, yes, he's tried a lot of things. To me that shows he's willing to be flexible, and when something doesn't work he drops it. I don't see that as asinine or "doing nothing." This team is bad, its not Girardi that is.

2008-05-18 19:58:03
271.   claybeez
268 Yeah, but they were different players and different coaches. We're integrating lots of young talent and relying on declining vets. Did those teams have the same make up?
2008-05-18 19:58:23
272.   Mattpat11
266 Send a runner. Put on a play. Try to catch the other team sleeping. Try to frazzle the pitcher. I know its not as sexy as having everyone stand around and wait for the Earl Weaver three run homerun, but that strategy is a massive failure in this lineup. What the FUCK is the point of running this team like mad if we're going to have 12 fucking stolen bases on May 18th?
2008-05-18 19:58:39
273.   tommyl
At least Melky still gives a shit. Nice catch kid.
2008-05-18 19:58:46
274.   williamnyy23
269 No...I think you are wrong. I don't believe you can compete with the wrong approach. Taking a 2-0 pitch leading off the 6th when you are down three isn't about a different approach or eroding skills...it's about not competing. In that AB, Matsui was not thinking that if he works a walk, he could start a rally.

Actions speak louder than words.

2008-05-18 19:59:01
275.   Just fair
Great catch, Melky.
2008-05-18 20:00:12
276.   williamnyy23
272 He has tried that last two games, but when you never get a hit with men in scoring position, and seldom make a big defensive play (or even routine ones), you can't blame the manager.
2008-05-18 20:00:22
277.   nick
the only thing Girardi could do is absolutely lose his shit on these guys, turn over tables in the clubhouse and so on....we're last in the AL in steals. SB=12 CS=11. These guys either never had speed or are losing it. This is not a team designed for small-ball.
2008-05-18 20:01:05
278.   tommyl
271 No, but that's sort of my point. Look, I don't expect Cano to be patient, but Jeter's OBP is very low. Every single pitcher against us lately looks like the next coming of Cy Young or something. We can't hit lefties, righties, finesse pitchers, hard throwers. Losing to Cliff Lee and Johan Santana is one thing. Losing to Oliver Perez is another matter.
2008-05-18 20:01:35
279.   Just fair
274 What was Matsui thinking? Please share.
2008-05-18 20:01:52
280.   williamnyy23
277 He could do that...but who is going to respond to that? Abreu? Matsui? Molina? Giambi? I guess Damon might get fired up, but I am not sure how many Yankees would even respond to that approach.
2008-05-18 20:02:12
281.   Yankees Brasil
The worst thing for sure is Perez pitching into the 8th. That right there is a good enough reason to quit life.
2008-05-18 20:02:45
282.   williamnyy23
Matsui swings at the first pitch down by 9...the game is over, but protocol demands you take a pitch. Matsui seems more interested in padding stats or simply getting out of there.
2008-05-18 20:03:08
283.   tommyl
274 At this point, why would he think a rally would start by getting a walk. We all know that a walk leads to an immediate DP. I mean, we can't even score when Jose Molina hits a leadoff double. Remember when this game was 4-2 and Molina was on 2nd with no outs? Sigh. I don't even remember what winning a game feels like anymore.
2008-05-18 20:04:08
284.   williamnyy23
279 I don't care what he was thinking...just what he wasn't thinking. In that instance, and in the 9th, Matsui's priority hasn't been working the pitcher. Again, actions speak louder than words or inner thoughts.
2008-05-18 20:05:10
285.   nick
guys, we are below the AL average in OBP--that's why we're not scoring runs. I mean, all the other stuff is annoying as fuck, and has some effect, but: we are below average in getting men on base. occam's razor.
2008-05-18 20:05:39
286.   Mattpat11
278 I'd argue that playing a part in keeping Cliff Lee's aberration alive is sad as well
2008-05-18 20:06:15
287.   williamnyy23
283 You gest...but that's part of my point. You see it on bad teams all the time. Confidence in teammates erode, patience wain and players start looking at their ABs as personal possessions. In such circumstances, teams stop competing and instead just take their ABs. There is a difference.
2008-05-18 20:06:23
288.   Just fair
282 Down by 9 the opposing pitcher is not effing around. He's going to throw pitch to get ahead 0-1. It might be the best pitch Matsui sees. Take a rip for chrissakes. I always knew Matsui was just a selfish stat-padder.
2008-05-18 20:07:22
289.   jb1030
anyone know if there will be a post-game show on Yes?
2008-05-18 20:08:20
290.   Mattpat11
This team just looks bored.
2008-05-18 20:08:32
291.   Just fair
289 No, but you can watch SNY.
2008-05-18 20:09:01
292.   tommyl
289 Why would you want to expose yourself to that?
2008-05-18 20:09:01
293.   williamnyy23
288 Using your logic, the 0-1 pitch should be just good. Why bother working the count though...this hack attack approach is working well.
2008-05-18 20:09:10
294.   Just fair
Bring on the O's. I'm outta here.
2008-05-18 20:09:35
295.   claybeez
274 I remember this same spiel last season before they Yanks went on a roll. What I've noticed is that when they are losing, you claim they've stopped competing. When they are winning you stop, no matter the approach.

You can have the last word, as always. What's the point, you've never had a thought you didn't like or heard another's that you did.

2008-05-18 20:10:35
296.   williamnyy23
295 If you can't handle a give an take, why bother in the first place. I am sorry I can't agree with you.
2008-05-18 20:11:39
297.   jb1030
292 I would like to believe that at least someone on the yankees could show some emotion on this pathetic season and not just give PC answers in the postgame, but that is prob. just wishful thinking based on their emotionless play.
2008-05-18 20:12:50
298.   Mattpat11
295 I'd almost like to think they're not trying.

If this MESS is the best they can muster, that's even more depressing.

2008-05-18 20:13:46
299.   claybeez
296 I can. It's that you just give and give and give. I can't imagine you're not aware of just how many people have said the same thing to you. Why play the innocent role? Last year, you were part of a group that made old regulars want to visit with less frequency.

Good exchanges lead to both parties learning something over time. Hard to do if one party is always right.

2008-05-18 20:16:33
300.   williamnyy23
299 Follow the thread...you stated a position...I said it's a difference of opinion...you insisted it wasn't and I was wrong.

I don't care if others don't like my opinions. I offer them with respect to others. I take strong positions and just as many who don't like them also do. If you can't handle that, fine. I am not insisting that you agree with me. I am very comfortable accepting that other people have different opinions...I don't feel threatened by it.

Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2008-05-18 20:18:36
301.   tommyl
299 Clay, if you feel I jumped on you at all I'm sorry. I spouted some vitriol tonight out of pure frustration (and just missing a subway car) with this team right now.

Cliff, optimism, we could use some. Please....

2008-05-18 20:19:41
302.   tommyl
I think a line from Major League can sum up this team right now:

They're shitty.

2008-05-18 20:23:54
303.   claybeez
300 History says otherwise. And, I'm sick of your insinuations. No one's threatened by you. That doesn't mean some of us haven't grown tired of the same old, same old. How can you feel good about communicating in a fashion that makes some others enjoy there time here less? This is supposed to be Bronx BANTER not Bronx DOGMA as written by will.

Just try and be objective for once and understand that no one fears your arguments. It's that it is difficult to have a real exchange with you. You're always right and don't seem to see the value in listening or learning from others.

Anyway, I want off the carousel. Gonna watch a movie.

2008-05-18 20:25:07
304.   Chyll Will
301 Well, the laundry attendants' jobs are getting easier...
2008-05-18 20:26:11
305.   williamnyy23
303 Your silly griping makes me enjoy this forum less...I can deal with it. If you can't, simply ignore my posts. You seem incapable of having a debate, so I'd rather you not read them. Enjoy your movie.
2008-05-18 20:50:56
306.   tommyl
304 How exactly?
2008-05-18 21:04:47
307.   Chyll Will
306 Not too much dirt on most of the unis tonight (a couple of obvious exceptions, but otherwise they get to go home early tonight!)
2008-05-19 04:27:37
308.   randym77
202 How about FanGraphs' plate discipline stats?

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/plate-discipline-stats

It lets you know whether they're swinging at strikes in and out of the zone, whether they make contact, etc. And you can compare this season with previous seasons, and the league average.

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