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No Surprises
2008-05-24 21:36
by Cliff Corcoran

Carlos Silva entered yesterday's game with a 9.62 career ERA against the Yankees. After two innings, he and the Mariners were trailing 4-0, thanks in large part to a three-run home run Silva gave up to Jason Giambi. Mike Mussina gave those four runs back in the top of the third on a three-run Jose Vidro homer and a solo Adrian Beltre shot, but Silva held up his end of the bargain by giving the Yanks an extra run in the bottom of the frame and coughing up a two-run Bobby Abreu home in the sixth to give the Yanks a 7-4 lead.

Arthur Rhodes came on in relief of Silva in the bottom of the seventh with a 7.13 career ERA against the Yankees. He left three batters later having surrendered a run without getting an out. Brandon Morrow relieved Rhodes with a 15.00 career ERA against the Yankees and let in three more runs. Ryan Rowland-Smith relieved Morrow with a 19.29 career ERA against the Yankees and allowed one last Bomber tally before getting the final out.

Joba Chamberlain took over for Mussina in the sixth inning. He made a nice leaping stab of a bounding comebacker for the first out of the sixth and then struck out the next two batters. In the seventh, he gave up a lead-off single to Yuniesky Betancourt and walked Jose Vidro on five pitches with two outs, but stranded both men. He was effective, but inefficient, using up 40 of his allotted 45 pitches in those two frames, only 55 percent of which were strikes. Given the length of the bottom of the seventh, and the fact that Chamberlain was only five pitches under his target, the Yankees opted to end his day there.

Kyle Farnsworth entered the eighth inning having allowed 2.57 home runs per nine innings. With one out, Jeremy Reed won a 13-pitch battle against Farnsworth with a single. Three pitches later, Richie Sexson homered to the retired numbers. That set the final score at 12-6 Yankees.

Jose Veras pitched a 1-2-3 ninth, but it wasn't without incident. With two outs and the count 1-1 on Beltre, Veras poured in a strike and home plate umpire Larry Vanover gave his strikeout call, prompting Jose Molina to pop out from behind the plate to shake Veras's hand and the stadium P.A. to start blasting out "New York, New York." Thing is, the count was only 1-2. Beltre pointed this out to Vanover, the song was cutoff, all of the players were sent back to their positions, and the at-bat continued for five more pitches before Beltre grounded out to officially end the game. Curiously, two of those pitches were right at Beltre's head, but Beltre laughed both off (in the YES booth David Cone described them as curves that didn't curve). Still, it seemed suspicious to me, and it was even stranger when Beltre, apparently because he was looking the other way, ran right into Veras on his way back to the dugout. Still, none of it appeared to mean anything. That was just about the only surprising thing about Saturday's game.

The Yankees have scored 25 runs in the first two games of this series, have averaged 8.8 runs per game in their five games against the Mariners this year, and in going for the sweep this afternoon will face a pitcher with a 6.99 ERA on the season and a 12.23 ERA over his last four starts in Jarrod Washburn. Washburn, however, has a 2.52 career ERA against the Yankees. Here's hoping Chien-Ming Wang's calf is okay and that he can rebound from allowing seven runs to the Mets in his last outing. If the Yanks sweep, it'll be just their second three-game sweep of the season, both of them having come against the Mariners.

Comments (228)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-05-25 04:08:35
1.   RIYank
Picking up from Zack's last comment in the last thread: how about that Justin Duchscherer? What would it take to land him in the Bronx? (Besides an A's/Yankees series, I mean!)
2008-05-25 06:25:47
2.   Cliff Corcoran
I don't see why one of the most pitching-rich organizations in baseball should trade for a 31-year-old converted reliever with an injury history.
2008-05-25 07:00:54
3.   RIYank
2 Well, because he's very young for a 31-year old (he's a year younger than most of them, since he's 30 years old), and he's really, really good. His ERA+ as a starter is 178, and besides the injury year his WHIP has been around 1.
2008-05-25 07:40:06
4.   Zack
1 2 Cliff, don't you remember Mr. Torre's "never enough starting pitching line?" Not that I think the Yanks should trade for him as Billy Beane would expect a package well beyond his value as always...

But, in a similar vein, is there any way to force the Sox to always play on the road? Talk about an offense built specifically for their home park!

2008-05-25 07:44:03
5.   Zack
On another note, Washburn has to be one of, if not my least favorite of those crappy starting pitchers who dominate the Yankees. I never liked the guy to begin with, and that he's generally sucked yet been great against the Yanks of course makes it worse.

Is there a way to figure out who has done the best against the Yankees over the last say ten years?

2008-05-25 09:12:58
6.   Jeb
4 To get Justin Duchscherer (or any player on the A's), Beane would require IPK + Hughes + Ajax + Tabata + Wang. Ok, maybe not that much, but the guy isn't reasonable to deal with.

I'd prefer the Yanks make a play for Freddy Garcia, Millwood, Gil Meche, Bronson Arroyo or someone who won't destroy the bank. I also wonder if it's too early (it probably is) to make a big deal for Jake Peavey and his fat contract. I could see offering IPK, Horne, Ajax and Tabata for him.

What the Yanks ought to do though is just be patient and go get Yu Darvish and CC Sabathia next season to go with Wang and the kids.

2008-05-25 09:18:53
7.   ny2ca2dc
6 If it wouldn't cost Ajax, I would go for Peavey. I'd probably give up Hughes & Kennedy, though not much beyond them (maybe not Melky). CC + Peavey + Wang + Joba is, uh, pretty good... Peavey depends on what his medical records show, of course, but I'd bust the bank for him if the Pads would take from our strength (pitching).
2008-05-25 09:23:45
8.   Jeb
5 There's a number of guys that just pop in my head like John Lackey, Bedard (until this season). All time, I keep thinking for the following 3 players:

1. Frank Lary (the Yankee killer) (26-12, 3.44 ERA))
2. Frank Tanana (20-19, 3.70 ERA
3. Chuck Finley (17-10, 3.82 ERA)

NOTE: I typed in the above-names from memory, and THEN went and looked them up on baseball reference.

Other than Frank Lary's record and ERA (particularly considering the Yankee teams he was pitching against in the 50's) I'm not all that impressed with Tanana's and Finley's numbers. They're good but I honestly was expecting ERA's in the low 2's.

2008-05-25 09:28:29
9.   Jeb
5 I made the price that high so that no one would write, "You don't honestly think the Padres would trade Peavey for only [insert name of crappy Yankees here]." I really don't think it would take all those players, but don't really know what it might take.

Since the Padres are in the toilet, the might consider moving him for the right price, but he's only make $6.5 million in 2008 which is stupidly low. (NOTE: I don't know what he's making in the rest of the deal).

Why didn't that dumbass wait for free agency and get paid $20 million per season? What an idiot.

2008-05-25 09:32:58
10.   OldYanksFan
I don't think I'd ever trade Billy Beane for a pitcher. He seems magically to be able to get all a pitcher has, then trade him when he still looks tasty but is about to shit the bed. Remember how good his Big 3 were for Oakland? How have then done since?

6 Are you kidding? It seems to me between our pitching rich farm, the POTENTIAL of the 'Trip Aces', and all kinds of money for FAs, that pitching is not our problem over then next 5 years. Positional players at 1B, the OF and C are what we need. Maybe even a good young SS. AJax, Montero and Tabata seems to be the most likely kids to be impact players. I can't see trading any of them except for a young positional player.

2008-05-25 09:33:01
11.   Jeb
8 Bedard is 4-5 with a 4.32 ERA against the Yankees

Lackey is 4-7 with a 4.81 ERA against the Yankees

Memory is never as good as actual numbers.

2008-05-25 09:38:37
12.   Jeb
10 No I'm not kidding you. A stud starter like Jake Peavey is worth it. Pitching is always the reason why we've been put out of the playoffs since 2004. Go look up our ERA+ from 2004-2007 and then compare to 1996-2003.

Then go look up our runs scored from 2004-2007 and compare it to 1996-2003

What you're going to discover is that our ERA+ was awesome from 1996-2003 and it was below 100 from 2004-2007. You'll also find we've scored more runs per season from 2004-2007 than we did from 1996-2003.

Notwithstanding this season's hitting problems in a somewhat small sample size, pitching has been and will be our real problem.

We've got 3 years of Jorge left and have some catchers in the system now who might be about ready to hit the Bronx in a few years. We do need a first basemen, but can sign Texeira next season.

AND we don't have Trip Aces, my friend. There's no way that Hughes, IPK AND Joba will all make it. Someone will get hurt and someone just won't pan out.

2008-05-25 09:45:50
13.   mehmattski
5 Here is a list of games pitched against the Yankees from 2000-2008, sorted by GameScore. The top 200 are game scores above 65:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/shareit/mdnp

Here's a list of multiple (3 or greater) appearances on the list:

Kevin Appier- 3
Eric Bedard- 3
Frank Castillo- 3
Kelvim Escobar- 3
Freddy Garcia- 3
Roy Halladay- 6
Tim Hudson- 4
Jason Johnson- 3
Scott Kazmir- 3
Cory Lidle- 4
Rodrigo Lopez- 4
Pedro Martinez- 13
Jamie Moyer- 3
Mark Mulder- 3
Ramon Ortiz- 4
Curt Schilling- 5
Tim Wakefield- 3
David Wells- 5

Washburn has never had a GameScore above 65 against the Yankees since 2000. Lackey has done it twice.

2008-05-25 09:51:30
14.   mehmattski
13 My mistake- Washburn has two such games against the Yankees: 5/11/07 and 8/1/02

It should be noted that the #2 GameScore against the Yankees since 2000 was handed in by David Bush...

2008-05-25 10:01:35
15.   mehmattski
10 Tim Hudson, since his trade to Atlanta:

109 Starts, 704 IP, 50-34, 3.84 ERA, 430K/212BB, 112 ERA+

If you take out his sub-par 2006, his stats are pretty great:

2005: 120 ERA+
2006: 91
2007: 128
2008: 135

He would have been the Yankees' best starter every year except 2006...

2008-05-25 10:11:38
16.   Chien Music
ARRGGHH! I hate MLB blackout rules. Living in Oregon, I only get to see the Yanks when they are on cable or Fox. Even though Eugene is 300 miles from Seattle and the game is in New York, the game today on TBS is blacked out. I was all set to sit down and watch a gem from Wang,but I'll have to settle for listening to Sterling and Waldmen.
2008-05-25 10:18:46
17.   yankee23
16 Me too! And I live 600 miles away in Montana. And Fox Sports NW is showing... Fishing! MLB blackout rules, gotta love em!
2008-05-25 10:19:15
18.   mehmattski
3 outs. 3 worms killed.
2008-05-25 10:26:17
19.   OldYanksFan
12 Except in the Dynasty years, we also had a great BP, good to above average D, and well above average offense. There have been many teams with great pitching that didn't have the O to make to PS. Toronto? Minn? Oakland?

Pitching is prime to winning it all, but it takes a balanced team. We have $$$ for FA pitchers. CC is ours if we want him. There will be others over the next 2-3 years. Out of the Trip Aces, we should hope to get a #2 and a #4. We got Wang, Horne, Melancon and many other good prospects.

Except ARod, all of our older position players are in decline. We might have another year or 2 of excellent O, we might not. By 2010, Giambi, Abreu, Matsui and JD are gone. Jeter could be a .700 OPS guy by then. Posada could be a .750 OPS guy.

Considering SP, RP, O and D, I'd like a B average. Last year we were C,C, A+ and C-. I think with one FA SP, we have a B rotation and BP with what we have. In 2010, I'm not sure about our O and D.

2008-05-25 10:30:39
20.   mehmattski
Anyone who pines for Richie Sexon instead of Jason Giambi is kidding himself. At least Giambi takes a walk. Sexon's OBP is .271... no amount of defensive prowess can make up for that.
2008-05-25 10:31:10
21.   OldYanksFan
John Lester (of the Red Sox) said his father John was diagnosed with lymphoma last month and that the cancer is "slow growing, ... something [his father] will die with, not die from."

Jeez... poor kid. He's got a lot to deal with.

2008-05-25 10:32:00
22.   Jeb
Richie Sexton = Sandy Duncan with facial hair and money.
2008-05-25 10:37:58
23.   mehmattski
6 outs, 5 dead worms, 1 K
2008-05-25 10:38:20
24.   Jeb
Wanger is WILD today. Ohlendorf might get some innings today.

19 no offense, but many of your points aren't really backed up factually. We won those titles with pitching more than defense and those teams had their share of older players in decline (raines, straw, boggs, fielder, the 2000-01 versions of tino, brosius and O'Neill) but the starting pitching was great.

2008-05-25 10:42:53
25.   Jeb
Steal Alex! Steal.
2008-05-25 10:44:27
26.   Jeb
Where's William? I would like to point out that we're taking walks.
2008-05-25 10:45:45
27.   mehmattski
24 Not Koufax and Drysdale would have this Yankees team in first place, because it's the offense that's been terrible. I think you guys are talking past each other. OYF is referring to building for the future with this particular team. In general, preparing for the future in pitching requires stockpiling many prospects and expecting some of them to make it. The Yankees have done that beautifully in the last four drafts/international signing seasons.

This particular team, meanwhile, has a bunch of aging hitters. Much of the reason for this has been the ill-advised signing of FA hitters at or past their primes. The Yankees would be wise to spend the bulk of their money having the best minor league organization in baseball.

2008-05-25 10:46:39
28.   Jeb
Meacham might want to put on a suit of armour
2008-05-25 10:49:40
29.   rbj
Damn. I hate wasted lead off walks.
2008-05-25 10:52:40
30.   mehmattski
Yuck.
2008-05-25 10:53:13
31.   Zack
Like I said, I hate Washburn...

13 UUUGGGHH, Frank Fing Castillo. God I used to hate how he would totally shut down the Yankees despite throwing such junk.

For all the good pitchers on that list, there are a lot of really mediocre guys...

What exactly does a game score of 65 mean though? Besides being good...

2008-05-25 10:54:09
32.   Jeb
27 hitters are easier to replace than pitchers. We can find a cano to replace a Soriano, we can find a melky or a Damon or a Gardner or an ajax to replace a Bernie, we can find an abreu for a Sheffield.

I'm not that worried about our aging hitters. We can replace them through trades or free agency or from within. Pitching is at a much much higher premium.

Next year giambi and abreu come off the book, and Damon comes in two years. To a large degree the "aging player" problem will take care of itself. Find jeter a new position and DH matsui and we're fine.
Just about every Yankee WS winner had some past their prime veteran hitters and we'll be no different.
Bottom line, compare the ERA+ and runs scored for the teams from 1996-2003 and 2004-2007 and you'll see the difference.

And this team will score runs.

2008-05-25 10:54:18
33.   Zack
Oh God, now Kay goes into the "Wade Boggs and Ichiro could hit home runs if they wanted to, but choose to focus on singles instead" argument. You know, Ichiro would probably help his team a lot more this year if he was hitting home runs...
2008-05-25 10:57:04
34.   SF Yanks
How many grounders is that for Wanger now? Anyone keeping track?
2008-05-25 10:58:27
35.   Jeb
33 chip carey made the same argument of TBS. He couldve included his playoff broadcast partner (gwynn) in that argument too, but tony's still down at the buffet.
2008-05-25 10:59:24
36.   Jeb
34 one too few unfortunately.
2008-05-25 11:01:04
37.   mehmattski
31 Well, it was the cutoff of pitchers on the first page, which was all I had motivation to estimate :-)

Game Score: Start with 50 points. Add 1 point for each out recorded, (or 3 points per inning). Add 2 points for each inning completed after the 4th. Add 1 point for each strikeout. Subtract 2 points for each hit allowed. Subtract 4 points for each earned run allowed. Subtract 2 points for each unearned run allowed. Subtract 1 point for each walk.

Interestingly, there have already been over 200 game scores above 65 in the major leagues this season. But in 7.25 years, less than 200 have occurred against the Yankees.

2008-05-25 11:01:54
38.   mehmattski
34 Seven ground outs, one line out, and one strikeout.
2008-05-25 11:04:53
39.   Jeb
The captain!
2008-05-25 11:05:21
40.   mehmattski
37 Expanding on that, a game score of 65 requires at least 6 shutout innings, or 7 IP/1 ER, or 8 IP/2 ER. Every starter who got a score of 65 against the Yankees also picked up a win. In fact, only 17 of the 198 games resulted in a loss for the starter.
2008-05-25 11:11:22
41.   Jeb
Too many walks for Wanger today. How 'bout a double play?
2008-05-25 11:12:19
42.   Jeb
Triple play?
2008-05-25 11:13:16
43.   Jeb
Don't walk this turd!
2008-05-25 11:20:12
44.   Yankees Brasil
Thought he was out.
2008-05-25 11:21:02
45.   SF Yanks
44 Me three.
2008-05-25 11:21:41
46.   mehmattski
Betancourt is swinging at some pretty bad pitches.
2008-05-25 11:22:09
47.   seattleyank
Wang can't locate today.
2008-05-25 11:23:00
48.   mehmattski
A single on the only pitch of the at bat that was in the strike zone.
2008-05-25 11:23:46
49.   Yankees Brasil
It's good that when the offense appears, Wang disappears.
2008-05-25 11:24:47
50.   Yankees Brasil
That's a bad plan by Wang, he should have thrown sliders on the dirt all AB long to Betancourt.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-05-25 11:25:04
51.   mehmattski
Baseball cliche #482: He let the ball play him.
2008-05-25 11:25:15
52.   Jeb
DFA sandy Duncan. Please.
2008-05-25 11:25:22
53.   Jeb
DFA sandy Duncan. Please.
2008-05-25 11:26:00
54.   Yankees Brasil
And now we have Ohlendorf warming up. Joe Girardi obviously has no clue.

Where's Giambi?!

2008-05-25 11:26:14
55.   mehmattski
A textbook 3-2-6 double play!
2008-05-25 11:27:31
56.   Zack
53 Um, do you mean Shelley? Why DFA him, you think there is anyone better?
2008-05-25 11:29:17
57.   Zack
Again, if the offense can't score more than 3 runs of Washburn, its not likely they are going to win, period...
2008-05-25 11:30:40
58.   Jeb
56 I loathe him and his below .200 batting average. Try someone else at first. Miranda, lane, eric Duncan, me, you, anyone.
2008-05-25 11:31:37
59.   Zack
God I hate Washburn
2008-05-25 11:32:02
60.   Zack
58 Um, have you actually looked at those three guys' minor league #s?
2008-05-25 11:32:50
61.   Jeb
Way to break up that fucking rally, sandy Duncan (note for zack: Sandy Duncan is a 1970ish actress who played peter pan and starred in wheat thin commericals. She never grounded into a DP though).
2008-05-25 11:33:50
62.   OldYanksFan
24 Actually, if you check out Baseball Reference, you will see my point.

In 1996, we had an OPS+ of 100 and an ERA+ of 108 (Don't know how we won).
In 1998-2000, our OPS+ and ERA+ were within a few points of each other, with the OPS+ being higher then our ERA+ 2 of the 3 years.

With Scotty, Tino, Knobby, and young Bernie and young Jeter, our D was much better then our teams of late (Giambi, Matsui, Sheff, GOB)

Then there are many years where teams like Minn and Oakland didn't win with far better ERA+'s then the Yankees 1998-2000. However, they did not have the offense.

Furthermore, as you pointed out, by 2010, Mats, JD, Abreu and Giambi are gone, and Jeter and Posada are 2 years older. You ASSUME we can easily get impact position players. But teams are now locking up their young talent. JD Drew, Soriano, Tex and many others are/will get long and expensive contracts (sort of like Giambi's).

The Yankees built a dynasty by KEEPING Bernie, Jeter, Posada, Sori and Mo when they were young, and NOT trading them for the Big Name, and then augmenting the team with selected FAs.. Now you want to trade 2 of our best position youngsters for a big name?

As the Mets will prove with Santana, one stud pitcher is not enough. It is about a balanced team. Looking at our farm, we are pitching heavy. Over the next 2 years we are losing offense but gaining pitching.

And again, we will have a HUGE amount of money for FA's. Why do TRADES (like Santana) where we also have to lose young talent when we can get FAs (like CC) for money only?

2008-05-25 11:34:02
63.   Zack
61 Its a dumb nickname...
2008-05-25 11:34:30
64.   mehmattski
It looks as though Washburn might join my list in 13 ....
2008-05-25 11:35:38
65.   OldYanksFan
Anyone think Giambi would have made those plays better then FrankenShelly?
2008-05-25 11:36:33
66.   seattleyank
58 I know you're frustrated, but you don't DFA someone without a viable replacement. Miranda is hurt and isn't likely more than a platoon player (check his splits). Eric Duncan is by no means ready. Lane will likely be given a shot at some point, although perhaps at the expense of Ensberg.
2008-05-25 11:36:36
67.   Jeb
63 that's your opinion. I think you're dumb. That's my opinion.
2008-05-25 11:37:47
68.   Jeb
66 sandy is a waste of time. I'd rather move jeter to first.
2008-05-25 11:38:58
69.   Zack
66 And Lane has been pretty crappy in the minors apart from showing a little power, and is coming off two full seasons hitting at the mendoza line. Duncan has proved more recently he can hit lefties given the chance. Give him the time he's been getting late, and if after another few weeks he's still hitting at the mendoza line, then you can replace him.

But suggesting that Jason Lane is the answer is missing the question...

2008-05-25 11:39:04
70.   mehmattski
66 Yes, only one mediocre former Astro allowed on the roster at a time, please.

If only Wilson Betemit wasn't a terrible right-handed hitter, he might be a good solution. But in games like today, where Girardi likes to give one or more lefties a rest against a left-handed pitcher, Betemit is not a solution.

2008-05-25 11:39:48
71.   Just fair
68 Don't forget the vastly underated late 80's tv show "Valerie," aka "The Hogan Family." : )
2008-05-25 11:40:07
72.   Zack
67 One, thats childish and uncalled for. Two, making blanket, irrational claims about your hatred for Duncan and calling for non-existent replacements doesn't really reflect too well on your part...
2008-05-25 11:42:16
73.   Jeb
72 you said the same thing about me.

Duncan sucks. We could easily find someone who can hit better than .200.

2008-05-25 11:43:24
74.   seattleyank
69 I wasn't suggesting Lane was the answer. I was pointing out that's he likely going to be given a chance at some point.
2008-05-25 11:44:10
75.   OldYanksFan
Matsui is very hot and hitting lefties fine of late. Not sure swapping Shelly for Mats was a good idea. Winning this game and getting to .500, and keeping the winning streak alive, is important at this time.
2008-05-25 11:44:11
76.   mehmattski
C'mon, Melky
2008-05-25 11:44:47
77.   Just fair
Bunt, Melky. Yep, I said it.
2008-05-25 11:45:09
78.   Zack
73 If you can't see the difference between what I said and what you said then let me point it out to you: I said its a dumb nickname, you responded that you think I am dumb. I commented on a nickname, you on my intelligence...

And again, Mr. GM, I refer you to the fact that None of those guys in the minors show any indication that they can hit better than .200 at all, and Miranda is hurt, if you would do your research.

Duncan has shown to be able to hit better given at bats. Blindly calling for a player to be DFA'd and claiming there are easy replacements when there aren't isn't productive...

2008-05-25 11:46:10
79.   Zack
74 Oh, I wasn't saying that to take issue with you, I agree that he will be given the chance. I was saying that in agreement with your point...As an add on...
2008-05-25 11:46:19
80.   Jeb
75 I agree with you. Sandy Duncan shouldn't be starting in a wiffle ball game in my back yard.
2008-05-25 11:47:41
81.   JimCobain
75 Yeah I thought it odd to bench Matsui, as well.

Let's see if Captain Jetes can get another 2-out RBI...

2008-05-25 11:47:47
82.   seattleyank
I think that reasoning with Jeb is going to prove challenging.
2008-05-25 11:50:06
83.   OldYanksFan
Seattle wins the battle of the 1Bman today.
2008-05-25 11:54:22
84.   Jeb
78 its a distinction without a difference. If you write that something I write is "dumb" the implication is pretty clear.

I suggested alternatives to him. Miranda can't be worse than sandy? I'd rather at least find out.

How about this:
1. Call up Gardner and put him in left and put Damon at first? 2. How about trading for a first baseman? 3. Put Alberto Gonzalez at first (he hits better than sandy after all)
4. Sign bonds and put him at first
5. Let giambi play first and DH matsui and get an all glove guy for first (because sandy can't play defense either).

I've given you 5 alternatives that are better than keeping garbage sandy Duncan on the team. Happy?

2008-05-25 11:55:24
85.   OldYanksFan
FWIW, Shelly has an OPS slightly over .750 against lefties, Matsui's is .684. I'd rather have Mats in there, but we need to see if Shelly has any value to us against lefties.
2008-05-25 11:56:47
86.   mehmattski
Including this start, Jarrod Washburn's 2008 ERA is now 6.66

12 ground outs, 4 fly outs, 2 strike outs for Wang.

2008-05-25 11:59:20
87.   Jeb
82 I am very reasonable when someone says "I want to debate this point with you...". Old yank fan and I have debated a point very civilly today.

But if you start with "your point is dumb or your opinion is dumb and oh by the way, I'd like to debate you now" then I'm going to respond in kind.

2008-05-25 12:00:38
88.   seattleyank
84 1. There's no evidence that Damon can field 1B any better than Dancun (remember the Sheffield experiment?). Plus, if the brass believed Gardner was ready for the majors, he would be up.

2. Trading for whom exactly? And at what cost?

3. We don't, in fact, know that Gonzalez is a better hitter. He wasn't in the minors.

4. If the Yanks were going to sign Bonds, they probably would have done so already.

5. Putting Giambi in the field everyday virtually guarantees he'll get hurt.

I'm not saying that none of these moves could work, but there doesn't seem to be an obvious solution there.

2008-05-25 12:00:38
89.   OldYanksFan
1) Gardner has better MiLB numbers then Shelly? Concerned at all about Gardners development?
2) For this game?
3) Why do that? Let AGon pitch.
4) For this game?
5) A realistic posibility. (1 for 5). However, based on 85 and maybe resting Mat's knees, while I would prefer Mats, Joe G. has some reason to play Shelly.

However, I think 82 makes the most sense.

2008-05-25 12:02:07
90.   OldYanksFan
OK guys. Time for a G-Bomb!
2008-05-25 12:03:25
91.   Jeb
89 you think that him saying I cannot be reasoned with makes the most sense?
2008-05-25 12:05:17
92.   mehmattski
Pah. Juan Miranda would have hit that one two feet to the right and gotten a double. Duncan sucks...
2008-05-25 12:06:41
93.   OldYanksFan
We are certainly getting out-defensed.
2008-05-25 12:08:15
94.   Jeb
OLF would you respond to my question?
2008-05-25 12:08:27
95.   JimCobain
Would be nice to get a late inning comeback win to get back to .500.

I think it's very doable.

2008-05-25 12:08:31
96.   Zack
84 Your points have already pretty much been shot down, but to add to it, again, Miranda is hurt and hasn't shown any ability to hit at AAA, let alone the minors. AGon? Are you serious? How exactly is that a good idea?

And no, I never said you were dumb. i said its a dumb nickname. That doesn't imply at all that YOU are dumb, but if you think it does, fine. I'll agree with the others and stop trying to reason and simply ignore you. It worked with William for awhile!

2008-05-25 12:09:12
97.   Zack
God I hate Washburn...
2008-05-25 12:09:54
98.   mehmattski
PastaLeaping Jeter!
2008-05-25 12:11:59
99.   nick
Duncan is the kinda a player who could hit 240 and be quite effective while still looking like crap more than often enough to piss people off....if he's on the roster, he should play against lefties and enough righties to keep him sharp.

I don't like him either, but....

2008-05-25 12:12:14
100.   Jeb
96 my points haven't been shot down. No one can make a persuasive argument for keeping a guy who's batting less than .200. You can polish him all you want but a turd is still a turd. He's occupying a valuable bench spot and he doesn't help us offensively or defensively.

If you call a point I make "dumb" you're calling me dumb.

I will be happy to ignore you too.

Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-05-25 12:15:17
101.   Zack
Sure seems like Wang is tired
2008-05-25 12:16:53
102.   nick
Wang and Pettite this season are nowhere near the level of the top two starters on a playoff team...
2008-05-25 12:17:11
103.   Zack
And, yup, that was definitely at least two batters too long...

But, the point remains, you have to score more than two runs of Washburn.

2008-05-25 12:17:43
104.   JimCobain
With 97 pitches, it's kinda odd that Girardi sent Wang out there to start the inning and even odder he didn't remove him once Ichiro got on.
2008-05-25 12:17:59
105.   mehmattski
100 Cano was hitting less than .200 for a good chunk of the season. Should the Yankees dump him too?

Jose Molina's hitting .208. I guess the Yankees should just dump him, no questions asked! As you said, there is no persuasive argument for keeping such a hitter. The fact he's a catcher and that the Yankees have nothing better at any level need not apply.

And your claim that Juan Miranda should be called up to the majors has been shot down, since he's injured. The point about playing Alberto Gonzalez (clearly a worse hitter than Duncan, based on career stats) at a position he's never played is also illogical.

And the point that the Yankees should trade two of their best young players for Jake Peavy was from the realm of fantasy.

2008-05-25 12:18:04
106.   nick
Jeb, Giambi was hitting sub 200 very recently, as was Cano-you guys both know this is a pointless fight, why not just stop?
2008-05-25 12:20:22
107.   Zack
So mehmattski, looks like Washburn will be added to your list...Sigh...
2008-05-25 12:20:49
108.   Zack
Actually, will he? I don't really feel like doing the work to calculate it :)
2008-05-25 12:21:01
109.   williamnyy23
Looks like Girardi left Wang in for too long there. Between that and playing for a run earlier in the game, Girardi didn't manage a good game today.

With three innings left, there is still time, but I think this is a very important game. The Mariners are so bad that you have to sweep them. Simply taking 2 of 3 from both Baltimore and Seattle at home doesn't indicate a turnaround to me. Why the Yankees didn't hit Washburn is beyond me. Losing this game would leave a bad taste in my mouth and extinguish some of the good feelings from the last four games.

2008-05-25 12:21:12
110.   mehmattski
107 He's at a 59 right now, so he needs to pitch one more scoreless inning to get on there.
2008-05-25 12:24:04
111.   Jeb
100 106 apples to oranges. Cano is young with two 300+ seasons behind him. Giambi is unfortunately under a huge contract.

I didn't realize Miranda had a career ending injury and will never return. I feel so "shot down".

OLF I am most disappointed in you though

2008-05-25 12:31:59
112.   williamnyy23
96 Zack...I really don't appreciate your cheap shot, by the way. That doesn't give you much credibility in your exchange with Jeb.

I am very confident with the credibility my opinions have in this forum, so I never feel the need to denigrate others or their opinions. That seems to be a pattern with you. You need to read up on the parable of the stone throwing and glass houses.

2008-05-25 12:34:46
113.   Zack
112 You're here! Nah, it was uncalled for, but I never felt that there was any bad blood between us, just irreconcilable differences of opinion. If I remember correctly, we had lots of conversations about ignoring each other..
2008-05-25 12:34:54
114.   Jeb
112 William, even when we have occasionally disagreed, I've always found you to be extremely reasonable and you back up your points with actual stats. He started by cheap shotting me too. Don't know why. Perhaps he's having a bad weekend. Could be problems at home.
2008-05-25 12:36:24
115.   Zack
112 But to your last point, I have to disagree with you there, as I have never found myself throwing stones. I will disagree with what you say, but I won't attack your character. So I don't really appreciate YOUR cheap shot
2008-05-25 12:37:04
116.   nick
109 the Yanks are not hitting lefties. period. in almost a season's worth of at bats they have an ops of .660 against lefties....
2008-05-25 12:37:32
117.   Zack
114 Oh for the love of God grow up. Seriously, grow the hell up and stick to ranting about "Sandy Duncan" at least then you aren't hitting below the belt
2008-05-25 12:39:03
118.   williamnyy23
113 I don't have blood with anyone, especially on an internet discussion forum. I chalk that up to being an adult. If I don't care for someone's opinions or think they are unreasonable in discussion, I simply ignore them. I don't see the point in calling them dumb or criticizing them, especially when they aren't present, but to each his own.
2008-05-25 12:39:09
119.   mehmattski
111 The question was what to do with Backup 1B if Shelley Duncan were DFA'd right now. You offered Juan Miranda as a solution. He is not. Maybe in 2010, but not now.

And I guess there is a persuasive argument for keeping a hitter who is hitting .200 or less, because you just made them for Giambi and Cano. Perhaps... just perhaps, Shelley Duncan has some use against left-handed hitters on this team? Only one of the options you gave (signing Bonds) would make the Yankees a better team by any measure!

2008-05-25 12:40:23
120.   ny2ca2dc
eye eye eye, one shitty game after a string of good ones an y'all are turning on each other. sheesh. Nice outing so far for edwar, grounder cano might've made, little dunker abreu couldn't get to; lets hope he gets out of this now.
2008-05-25 12:41:32
121.   mehmattski
Heart of the order coming up, this is the inning to mount the comeback.
2008-05-25 12:41:49
122.   Jeb
113 William, you're right as usual. I will just pity him and move on. I'm sorry he's self loathing.
2008-05-25 12:43:40
123.   OldYanksFan
94 OLF? Old Lakers Fan? Which question?
2008-05-25 12:44:18
124.   nick
Duncan's career mlb numbers suggest a good hitter against lefties; lefties are killing us right now; Duncan is in the lineup. it's not complicated.

I'd like the Bonds option, myself: nobody likes the Yanks anyway, why not embrace the villain role? but he's not a first baseman.

2008-05-25 12:44:45
125.   Jeb
119 is Miranda so hurt that he won't return until 2010? What the hell happened to him? He's 25 or 26 so if he's not ready this year or next he never will be. He's worth a look when he's healthy.
2008-05-25 12:45:35
126.   nick
nice outing by Edwar! now, the Mariners stink: maybe they'll screw up here and we can get back in it....
2008-05-25 12:46:47
127.   Zack
118 FOr the last time, I didn't start this. Calling a nickname dumb is quite different from turning around and calling a person dumb...

And Jeb, seriously, stop with the pathetic jabs, they aren't working.

2008-05-25 12:49:08
128.   Zack
125 Miranda has a shoulder injury that he has hinted at feeling, at least, quite serious. He went down for awhile, tried to come back for a few games, and hasn't played since. He is certainly a longer term possibility, but right now he isn't anywhere near being a solution, let alone usable
2008-05-25 12:49:11
129.   Jeb
127 I can tell they're not. :o)

Seriously do you need a hug?

2008-05-25 12:49:19
130.   mehmattski
MMM, Arthur Rhodes. Delicious decision, Mariners. Come on Yanks, hit this bum.
2008-05-25 12:50:15
131.   Zack
I love when teams bring in Rhodes against the Yankees
2008-05-25 12:50:16
132.   Jeb
Cmon bobby please take a walk.
2008-05-25 12:51:42
133.   Jeb
If we do get to sandy here, I'd pinch hit with matsui.
2008-05-25 12:52:29
134.   nick
Zack, Jeb, nobody else especially wants to read this, we're not gonna pick a winner between you, couldja both maybe chill? please?--Bobby!
2008-05-25 12:52:43
135.   mehmattski
133 Now that, I'll agree with.
2008-05-25 12:52:58
136.   Jeb
Bobby Abreu as sweet as candy!

((((zack)))

2008-05-25 12:52:58
137.   nick
& A-Rod's the tying run....
2008-05-25 12:53:25
138.   Zack
129 They're not. They're annoying and dumb (gasp!) and they don't fit in with the general guidelines of the Toaster. If you don't want to engage with me, fine, don't, but leave out stupid snarky personal comments. I have no problem with you tearing apart my posts or commenting on their relative merits, or trying to at least, or writing about trying to ignore me or whatever, but trying to make yourself feel better by making directly personal remarks is just useless and counter productive...
2008-05-25 12:53:47
139.   JimCobain
137 Think they'll walk A-Rod? I would if I was the M's.
2008-05-25 12:54:31
140.   Jeb
134 nick I think we stopped about 10 posts ago.
2008-05-25 12:55:28
141.   Zack
I'm off to do more interesting things with my Sunday afternoon, so I'll spare you all anything else...
2008-05-25 12:56:36
142.   mehmattski
This is the pitch, 2-0. Come on Alex!
2008-05-25 12:56:39
143.   Jeb
138 calling my posts dumb also violates toaster rules okay? Get over yourself and watch the game. I did hug you after all.

134 nick I stand corrected he is still going

2008-05-25 12:57:57
144.   nick
139 put the tying run on? tough to do, and not the vote of confidence in your closer....
2008-05-25 12:58:12
145.   Jeb
Come on Alex. Walk or a knock.
2008-05-25 12:59:16
146.   nick
....but Putz expresses his own lack of confidence......
2008-05-25 12:59:43
147.   Jeb
William, we're walking today! Giambi can park one here and we sweep.

Ok. Just a walk or a hit don't get greedy.

2008-05-25 13:00:11
148.   JimCobain
144 He did it unintentionally. I never believed in the don't put the tying run on base theory. I would rather NOT get beat by the best guy on the team if I could avoid it.

Let's see if Jason can take advantage of no shift here.

Matsui on deck...

2008-05-25 13:00:22
149.   mehmattski
Those outfielders are so deep the bleacher creatures could buy them some nachos.
2008-05-25 13:00:28
150.   Jeb
I hate to suggest a double steal but I really don't want a double play.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-05-25 13:02:05
151.   mehmattski
150 Giambi hasn't ground into many DPs this year.... just two.

Strikeouts, though... he does that a lot.

2008-05-25 13:02:08
152.   Jeb
Putz Is throwing a lot of pitches.

BULLSHIT call there.

2008-05-25 13:02:32
153.   JimCobain
Shit. Clearly outside.
2008-05-25 13:02:56
154.   nick
that breaking ball had no bite--lousy strike call...
2008-05-25 13:03:14
155.   Jeb
Matsui san!!!!
2008-05-25 13:03:29
156.   mehmattski
According to Gameday, that pitch was about 18 inches outside.

Matsui with the clutch forced error!

2008-05-25 13:03:49
157.   JimCobain
And the Mariners show why they are in last place...

Let's go Yankees! Tie this mother up!

2008-05-25 13:04:32
158.   mehmattski
The Yankees dugout is showing a lot of emotion today. Can the "Yankees have no chemistry" meme please stop now?
2008-05-25 13:04:51
159.   OldYanksFan
"If you call a point I make "dumb" you're calling me dumb. "

Jeb... this caught my attention because as a parent, I think you miss a very important distinction.

He thought ONE point you made on 1 day, out of thousands of points you might make, was dumb. He was critcizing one small, specific point. That is VERY different that saying YOU are dumb.

It's OK to say to a child: I think that piece of behavior was really bad.
It is NOT OK to say: I think YOU are really bad.
It's OK to say to a child: I think what you said was really bad.
It is NOT OK to say: I think YOU are really bad.

This is a HUGE difference between these statements. If you are a parent. I hope you understand that. And it ain't bad to understand even when talking to other adults.

CHRIST! THAT PITCH WAS IN THE OPPOSITE BATTERS BOX!!! KILL THE UMP!!!

2008-05-25 13:04:56
160.   nick
whoa! what a putz....
2008-05-25 13:05:19
161.   OldYanksFan
Man! Sandy hit that one hard! Sign him!
2008-05-25 13:05:33
162.   nick
the slo-mo image of the ball leaving Putz's hand is high comedy!
2008-05-25 13:05:36
163.   Jeb
I will take this one anyway we can get it. Even if we do get some luck. God knows luck has worked against US. Please dear lord no DP here. Please robby.
2008-05-25 13:06:12
164.   OldYanksFan
GOT
TO
GET
THIS
RUN
HOME!
2008-05-25 13:07:00
165.   Jeb
ROBBY!
2008-05-25 13:07:05
166.   mehmattski
Tie game! Woot!
2008-05-25 13:07:15
167.   OldYanksFan
FUCKIN' UMP KILLED US ON GIAMBI'S CALL
2008-05-25 13:07:15
168.   nick
YES! & Hideki tags!
2008-05-25 13:07:47
169.   OldYanksFan
Robbie still up on MLB.TV
2008-05-25 13:08:05
170.   mehmattski
Can we play Seattle every game, please?
2008-05-25 13:08:16
171.   JimCobain
Nice job Robbie!

Nice base running Mats. And Molina!!!

YANKEES COME ALL THE WAY BACK!!!

2008-05-25 13:08:20
172.   OldYanksFan
Geez... you guys was right!
2008-05-25 13:08:31
173.   nick
MO-LEEEEEEEEE-NA!
2008-05-25 13:10:08
174.   3rd gen yankee fan
SWEEP! SWEEP! SWEEP!
2008-05-25 13:10:22
175.   OldYanksFan
We caught a break. Ichiro really shallow and can't find the ball. My day may be saved.
2008-05-25 13:12:11
176.   Jeb
159 old Yanks fan, sorry but you lost me in comment 89 when your wrote, "However, I think 82 makes the most sense."

Go back and read what comment 82 said. Do you really think I'd care what you think after you agreed with THAT comment?

2008-05-25 13:13:14
177.   williamnyy23
That was an improbable inning...not because the Yankees came back, but because of how they did. I had such a strong feeling that Arod, Giambi or Cano was going to get a big hit. What I didn't think is Matsui would hit a dribbler leading to a run and Molina would hit a fly ball that Ichiro and Balentien would simply fail to catch.

I hate to go back to an old cause celeb, but that Yankees are having more patient ABs and that's why they are hitting better. Is it coincidence that this all started with Arod's return?

Edwar has done a nice job this year...man, would I love to have he and Britton forming a nice late-inning RH tag team.

2008-05-25 13:13:19
178.   mehmattski
175 The Mariners' OF placement that whole inning made no sense. They could have gotten burned by Giambi, too, since they had the OFs on the warning track. Then they brought the OFs waaaaaaay in with Melky up... if Melky hits one deep, that could be an inside-the-parker.
2008-05-25 13:13:47
179.   JimCobain
176 The Yankees just had their most spirited comeback and are three outs away from a HUGE win. Can we keep our eye on the prize and not petty pissing contests?
2008-05-25 13:14:00
180.   OldYanksFan
J. Blanton looking for the sweep against J. Lester. 1st inning.
Cleveland behind by 1 in the bottom of the 10th. Carmona also out for 4 weeks. Cleveland is hurting.
Detroit loses 6-1, after scoring 19 last night.
And Papi hits a solo HR.
2008-05-25 13:14:11
181.   Jeb
170 I asked that yesterday Matt and someone said that we can but only when they're really good.
2008-05-25 13:16:13
182.   JimCobain
The umpiring this series has been a joke.
2008-05-25 13:17:19
183.   mehmattski
182 The third pitch was definitely a ball.
2008-05-25 13:17:25
184.   nick
177 not Ramirez and Veras? check out their peripherals, Veras looks better to me....
2008-05-25 13:17:32
185.   Jeb
179 point taken but I was just responding to a comment directed at me.

Incidentally its wonderful that Seattle will be pissed off tomorrow when they get home and king Felix and bedard will face the sawx.

2008-05-25 13:18:17
186.   JimCobain
183 Was it? I saw it once and in regular speed. I'll take your word for it. But my statement still stands.
2008-05-25 13:18:26
187.   OldYanksFan
"I think that reasoning with Jeb is going to prove challenging."
------------------------------------------
No offense, but I agree with that statement.
And you don't have to 'care' what I think.
Read 159 . What do YOU think?
179 And Jim is 100% correct, so I'm done.
2008-05-25 13:18:51
188.   OldYanksFan
ONE DOWN! Go Mo!
2008-05-25 13:19:24
189.   mehmattski
183 The first pitch to Vidro was also a ball. The third pitch to Vidro was in almost exactly the same spot and was called a ball.
2008-05-25 13:20:47
190.   OldYanksFan
TWO DOWN! Go Mo!
2008-05-25 13:21:00
191.   Jeb
187 too funny. If you have a problem with me then just don't address me anymore. I can do without your missives. I've been perfectly nice to you and never wouldve endorsed a comment like that at you.
2008-05-25 13:21:22
192.   nick
Mo! and the brooms are out....
2008-05-25 13:21:27
193.   mehmattski
Hello .500! Have you missed us?
2008-05-25 13:22:19
194.   3rd gen yankee fan
Oh baby it's so beautiful.

Now go outside for gods' sake!

2008-05-25 13:22:25
195.   ny2ca2dc
BOOYA!
2008-05-25 13:22:41
196.   OldYanksFan
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
YESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES!
(I'll take it!)
2008-05-25 13:22:59
197.   rbj
Yesssss!
2008-05-25 13:23:26
198.   Jeb
193 nice to be back so soon. Now let's take 2 of 3 in bal'mer hon.
2008-05-25 13:23:40
200.   ny2ca2dc
Lumping up Putz is a big deal.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-05-25 13:23:44
201.   JimCobain
What a fantastic win. These last 5 games have been a 180. The hitters are showing more patience, and it has EVERYTHING to do with A-Rod. Knowing the MVP is back has made all the players relax and not try to do too much.

The bullpen has been stellar, the rotation has stabilized. A lot to like. We're back at .500 and it's time to get to five over, keep winning boys!

2008-05-25 13:23:46
202.   ny2ca2dc
Lumping up Putz is a big deal.
2008-05-25 13:24:30
203.   williamnyy23
On Thursday, they got their first walk off, and today they got their first true come from behind win. Sure, the Yankees should go 5-1 against the Orioles and Seattle at home, but the Yankees haven't been doing what they should do all year.

If the lineup stays patient and Posada remains on schedule, then we can focus on things like IPK, Joba, Moose and the rehab of Hughes.

In what has been perhaps his finest first two months of any season, Mo had his best stuff of the year.

When you fall 5 games under, it gets discouraging when you think the team needs to rip of 10-5 to just get back even. When you can even things up in only 5 games, it feels good. Now, the Yankees need to make sure they don't fall back under.

2008-05-25 13:24:34
204.   nick
Clayton Kershaw debuting if anyone can get the Dodgers game-he just struck out the side in the first....
2008-05-25 13:25:49
205.   ny2ca2dc
204 Oh sweet, thanks for the tip!

big big win

2008-05-25 13:25:59
206.   mehmattski
198 It's too bad I won't get to see any of those games. (Insert rant about Durham NC being in the Orioles' "territory" despite being 300 miles away.)
2008-05-25 13:27:39
207.   williamnyy23
201 I agree with you...I do think the Yankees more disciplined approach has alot to do with Arod. Sometimes, when we have MVP discussions, things like the pyschological impact that a batter can have on a lineup gets lost in the shuffle (both in the minds of teammates and opponents).
2008-05-25 13:28:47
208.   williamnyy23
206 Won't MASN be airing the games?
2008-05-25 13:29:46
209.   OldYanksFan
Cleveland and Detroit lose.
Oakland ties the Sox in the first 1-1.
A VERY good weekend so far.

Am I nuts to still think Cleveland and Detroit are our competition for the WC (if necessary)?

2008-05-25 13:30:29
210.   ny2ca2dc
207 True; maybe they take the "when the MVP is out, everyone else has to step up" matra too personally and hurt themselves. Especially when one guy is freakin ARod.
2008-05-25 13:31:52
211.   mehmattski
206 Heh, that's the other end of the rant, that Time Warner Cable says that Durham, NC should not be required to pay for MASN since no one in North Carolina cares about the Orioles and Nationals. Which is true, so I'm more angry at MLB than TWC.
2008-05-25 13:32:04
212.   Joeg
What a great win! I'm in Iraq so don't get to catch too many games as they occur. Love early matinee games because I can catch them on ESPN Gamecast.

Are the hitters starting to go the other way more? I see a very small sample size, usually just the highlights, but they do seem to be going the other way more.

Great, great weekend.

2008-05-25 13:32:35
213.   williamnyy23
209 But those damn Jays wont lose now so we can get of last place!

D'Rays won again too, which means we stay behind in the WC.

I don't think anyone is competition to the Yankees for the wild card...except themselves that is. Either the team will fire and at least win the WC easily, or they wont, and not be much of a factor. After the last week, I am leaning toward the former, but a cooler head wants to see more than manhandling Seattle.

2008-05-25 13:34:37
214.   williamnyy23
212 Yes...they have used the oppposite field more over the past few games.

Thanks for serving the country!

2008-05-25 13:37:20
215.   Chien Music
I may be an optimist, but I think the division is still very much in play. The Sox are a bad road team and the Yanks are only 4 behind them in the loss column.
2008-05-25 13:38:16
216.   williamnyy23
213 Actually, the Rays could be in first, so the Sox very well could be leading the WC by day's end. Also, with the Orioles loss, they have taken over last place from the Yankees. Hopefully, the Yanks let them keep it for the rest of the year.
2008-05-25 13:38:23
217.   JimCobain
213 Baltimore is under .500 right so we're out of the cellar!!!

Boy, how huge was it for Matsui to move up to second? If he stayed at first I would guess the M's would have stayed in their doubles defense and Ichiro would have made an easy catch of Molina fly ball double. Funny how things work out.

2008-05-25 13:40:21
218.   mehmattski
213 The Orioles lost, making them 24-25, so the Yankees aren't in last place!

As for the Tigers, they haven't shown any inkling of the kind of life the Yankees have shown the past week. They're now 21-29.

2008-05-25 13:44:53
219.   OldYanksFan
218 Well, they did score 19 yesterday. That's a little life.
2008-05-25 13:45:48
220.   williamnyy23
218 Nope...the Tigers have taken the one step forward, one step back approach that I was hoping the Yankees would avoid today. To me, if the Tigers are ready to turn the corner, they need to take 3 of 4 from the Twins at home. A split simply isn't good enough.
2008-05-25 14:07:13
221.   rilkefan
201 Essential elements of the team have been performing better for longer than that - e.g. Giambi's tear, and Cano's.
2008-05-25 14:21:18
222.   Jeb
Come on Oakland. And let's hope the mariners rebound tomorrow.
2008-05-25 14:29:28
223.   Chien Music
Oakland up 4-1 with tough luck Blanton on the mound. Like tomorrow's match-up with King Felix going against Colon. Maybe Mariners can begin a winning streak.
2008-05-25 14:58:54
224.   Jeb
223 yeah, I like the fact that the Sawx will be facing King Felix AND Bedard and won't get to face Washburn or Silva (though I really don't know who the other M's pitchers are) and the Mariners won't face Beckett. So, maybe the M's can steal 2 of 3 from the road weary Sawx.

We have got to steal 2 of 3 in B'more.

2008-05-25 15:06:20
225.   RIYank
Yo, JimCobain 95 with the call!

And Banterers gettin' a little scratchy but apparently feeling better by the end of the game.

Our Wang wasn't good, but their Putz was worse. (Somebody had to say it.)

Oh, and, Thanks be to Mo, Amen. (It's so easy to start taking him for granted.)

2008-05-25 15:16:36
226.   RIYank
Beautiful. Love that Sox bullpen.
Hm, maybe you guys are watching the Dodgers...
(Jack Cust takes Lopez's first pitch deep to give the A's a 6-3 lead.)
2008-05-25 15:21:31
227.   Schteeve
212 giambi in particular seems to be hitting the ball to left more than usual. Also, thanks for doing what you do over there.
2008-05-25 15:34:11
228.   RIYank
Oh, hey, same from me, Joeg. I hope watching highlights can transport you to an idyllic day at the Stadium, for a while.
2008-05-25 15:51:26
229.   RIYank
Ellsbury's first GIDP of the season ends it; Lester gets the loss, and the BoSox drop out of first place.

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