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Toronto Blue Jays Redux: Joba Joba Hey! Edition
2008-06-03 12:48
by Cliff Corcoran

The Yankees week didn't start off the way they wanted it to last night in Minnesota, but regardless of their record on the field this week, things are looking up as Jorge Posada is set to return to the lineup on Thursday and Joba Chamberlain joins the starting rotation tonight (you mighta heard about that).

It was less than two weeks ago that Joe Girardi told Kim Jones "the process has started," and Chamberlain still hasn't thrown more than two innings in a major league game, but with some post-game work in the Camden Yards bullpen after his last appearance, Chamberlain got up to 55 pitches in his last outing and will thus be allowed to get up to 70 tosses tonight.

The big question isn't really how well Chamberlain will pitch, but how deep into tonight's game those 70 pitches will allow him to go. In terms of results, Joba's brief track record (47 2/3 major league innings and 15 minor league starts) speaks for itself. In the majors he has posted a 1.32 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 12.08 K/9, 3.21 BB/9 and held opponents to a .168/.249/.251 line. In the minors (including his three minor league relief outings) he's posted a 2.45 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 13.75 K/9, 2.75 BB/9.

If there's one flaw in his game at this early stage of his career, its his pitch-efficiency. The Yankees didn't get Chamberlain over two innings prior to tonight in part because he used up all 35 of his allotted pitches in the first two innings of his first multi-inning stint and threw 40 of his allotted 45 in the first two innings of his next appearance. On the season, he's averaging 17 pitches per inning, which would only get him through four frames tonight. In his three "extended" relief appearances in preparation for tonight's start, Chamberlain threw 103 pitches in just 5 1/3 innings. At that rate (19.3 P/IP) he'd only get through 3 2/3 IP tonight.

That's why Dan Giese is in the house tonight (he takes Scott "The Stranger" Patterson's place on the roster). For all the excitement about Joba Chamberlain's first major league start, this could be an even bigger night for Giese, as there's a chance he might actually pitch more of tonight's game than Joba will.

All of that said, Joba is where he should be. His performance tonight will be analyzed to death by everyone watching (myself included), but at least for tonight, the results are less important than the journey he's making toward becoming the pitcher he should be. Don't be misled. Tonight's start is just another step on that journey. He won't have reached the destination until the reigns come off and the artificially low pitch and innings limits are discarded. Despite the surprising speed with which Chamberlain's gotten to this point, he still has a long way to go.

As for Joba's opponent, the Blue Jays shouldn't be too distracted by the hype seeing as they were the foil for Phil Hughes' major league debut at Yankee Stadium about 13 months ago. The Yanks and Jays haven't faced each other since the opening series of the season, also at the Stadium. The Jays lost two of those three by a total score of 9-7, then swept the jet-lagged Red Sox in Toronto, were swept by the A's, swept the Rangers, then suffered through a 4-10 slump that lasted through the end of April. Along the way they got B.J. Ryan and Scott Rolen back from the DL and cut bait on Frank Thomas. They then kicked off May with a five-game winning streak, and return to the Bronx having gone 14-6 over their last 20 games despite having lost Vernon Wells to a broken wrist just before that stretch.

For all the hype surrounding the Yankees starting pitcher tonight, the Blue Jays show up with the stingiest pitching staff in baseball (3.56 R/G allowed). Led by Ryan, the lefty-heavy Toronto bullpen (already a nightmare for the Yankee lineup) has a 2.90 ERA thus far, the third best mark in baseball. The Jays' starters have been quite simply the best in baseball to this point and are averaging more than 6 1/3 innings per start.

Put simply, the Toronto pitchers have dominated. The only reason the Blue Jays aren't doing better overall is that they're not scoring runs. Their 4.03 R/G on offense is the third worst in the AL, just barely beating out the pathetic Mariners.

Speaking of offense, the Yankees now have their R/G at home up to 5.0, which is the fourth best mark in the AL and is nearly a run better than their rate of scoring on the road. Here's hoping the comforts of home get those bats going again tonight. Normally I'd be rooting for a riveting pitching duel between Chamberlain and Toronto ace Roy Halladay, but, as good as Giese has been since making a quicker conversion to starting in Scranton this spring (2.01 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 7.38 K/9, 2.18 BB/9, 2 homers in 10 starts), I'd rather see both rookie hurlers pitch with a nice comfy lead.

Toronto Blue Jays

2008 Record: 31-28 (.525)
2008 Pythagorean Record: 33-26 (.562)

Manager: John Gibbons
General Manager: J.P. Ricciardi

Home Ballpark (multi-year Park Factors): Rogers Centre (100/99)

Who's Replaced Whom:

Scott Rolen (DL) has reclaimed third base from Marco Scutaro
John McDonald has taken Rolen's place on the DL
Brad Wilkerson replaces Vernon Wells (DL)
Shannon Stewart replaces Frank Thomas in the lineup
Kevin Mench replaces Shannon Stewart on the bench
Rod Barajas is filling in for Gregg Zaun (DL) at catcher
Curtis Thigpen (minors) is filling in for Zaun on the roster
Joe Inglett (minors) replaces Buck Coats (minors)
B.J. Ryan (DL) replaces Jeremy Accardo (DL)
Jesse Carlson (minors) replaces Brian Wolfe (DL)
Armando Benitez replaces Brandon League (minors)
Shawn Camp replaces Randy Wells

Opening Day Roster:

1B - Lyle Overbay (L)
2B - Aaron Hill (R)
SS - David Eckstein (R)
3B - Scott Rolen (R)
C - Rod Barajas (R)
RF - Brad Wilkerson (R)
CF - Alex Rios (R)
LF - Shannon Stewart (R)
DH - Matt Stairs (L)

Bench:

R - Marco Scutaro (IF)
R - Kevin Mench (OF)
L - Joe Inglett (IF)
R - Curtis Thigpen (C)

Rotation:

R - Roy Halladay
R - Jesse Litsch
R - Dustin McGowan
R - Shaun Marcum
R - A.J. Burnett

Bullpen:

L - B.J. Ryan
L - Scott Downs
L - Brian Tallet
R - Jason Frasor
L - Jesse Carlson
R - Shawn Camp
R - Armando Benitez

15-day DL: R - Vernon Wells (CF), S - Gregg Zaun (C), R - John McDonald (IF), R - Jeremy Accardo, R - Brian Wolfe
60-day DL: R - Casey Janssen

Likely Lineup:

R - Shannon Stewart (LF)
R - Aaron Hill (2B)
R - Alex Rios (CF)
R - Scott Rolen (3B)
L - Matt Stairs (DH)
L - Lyle Overbay (1B)
R - Rod Barajas (C)
L - Brad Wilkerson (RF)
R - David Eckstein (SS)

Comments (322)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-06-03 15:36:35
1.   JL25and3
Great headline, Cliff. "Joba Joba, we accept you, we accept you, one of us."
2008-06-03 15:39:49
2.   Zack
Sure would have liked to see Hawkins DFA'd. At this point, he can easily be replaced
2008-06-03 16:10:24
3.   Zack
Kay needs to relax just a smidge on the whole "joba's first start" thing
2008-06-03 16:13:04
4.   51cq24
fuck that those are both strikes
2008-06-03 16:13:10
5.   OldYanksFan
Anybody excited?
2008-06-03 16:14:05
6.   ms october
5 about what?
2008-06-03 16:14:53
7.   OldYanksFan
If I were Girardi, I would tell Joba NOT to shake off Molina. He needs to pitch, not think.
2008-06-03 16:16:17
8.   ms october
yeah i was just thinking he is shaking him off too much myself.
2008-06-03 16:16:37
9.   Zack
That 2-1 hook was a real nice one
2008-06-03 16:17:44
10.   williamnyy23
5 It is exciting, but in a weird way. The Yankees are serious need of some wins, and are essentially employing a formula that gives them little chance to win tonight. Who says you can't rebuild in NY?
2008-06-03 16:21:31
11.   williamnyy23
Molina has already tied his season high in Passed Balls.
2008-06-03 16:22:29
12.   monkeypants
OK folks, I'm back after a month of travel. I have to admit, flaky internet connnections and scuffling Yankees made me not pay to much attention to the team or the this site.

Hmmm...a run scored on a walk, balk, passed ball and ground out. Do any Yankees catchers actually know how to catch the ball?

And that was a weird looking single by Rolen.

2008-06-03 16:24:06
13.   williamnyy23
Already trailing 1-0 to Halladay and almost 30 pitches in the first inning. It just seems like nothing is going to go right this year. It's a little sad that an abbreviated start by Joba has become the central point of a year that began with so many expectations and red letter dates.
2008-06-03 16:24:51
14.   51cq24
12 welcome back. i don't know how molina missed that ball.
2008-06-03 16:24:58
15.   OldYanksFan
Joba overthrowing a bit?
2008-06-03 16:25:51
16.   cult of basebaal
5 not me, i'm so pissed right now ... today, TODAY, fucking mlb.tv decides that my pasadena, ca ip is in the blackout area for a game in new york
2008-06-03 16:26:04
17.   Zack
The ump is certainly not helping things any, not that he should be
2008-06-03 16:26:25
18.   monkeypants
15 Maybe, but the gun on Rogers Sports Net doesn't show him topping 95 MPH. So he doesn't seem to be overthrowing, but he is missing up a lot.
2008-06-03 16:26:27
19.   OldYanksFan
13 By the ASB, Jobamania will be over and Joba will to up to 100 pitches. Things will settle down.
2008-06-03 16:26:30
20.   williamnyy23
This is approaching nightmare scenario.
2008-06-03 16:26:41
21.   Zack
Now Joba just looks unfocused
2008-06-03 16:27:32
22.   williamnyy23
19 But where will the Yankees be by the ASB. If it's still around .500, that will be a major deflator for the All Star Game.
2008-06-03 16:27:45
23.   monkeypants
13 An he could have been out of it with Rolen's 73-hopper past Giambi.
2008-06-03 16:28:16
24.   Zack
13 Why is that sad? This start would have gotten tons of attention no matter how the season unfolded, simply because its exciting. He's a young kid with dominant stuff making his first start in the big leagues and obviously struggling, its not the end of the world...
2008-06-03 16:28:37
25.   51cq24
23 well giambi doesn't like to run towards ground balls
2008-06-03 16:29:12
26.   Zack
22 Who cares about the all star game. If the Yanks are still around .500 at the ASB, considering the way the rest of the league is playing, I doubt it will be so terrible.
2008-06-03 16:30:31
27.   Flip Play
I follow you guys and the box score on Yahoo since 4:30 here in California, and my stomach is already turning.

Hey, Joba got 'em out.

Go Yanks!

2008-06-03 16:30:44
28.   monkeypants
20 All totaled, though, that wasn't too bad. He was (probably) only going to go four INN at most anyway. At least we see flashes of the brilliant stuff: great heater, pretty crisp curve. He'll get there.
2008-06-03 16:31:14
29.   Just fair
The only nightmare will be be if it's the 5th inning and Doc's got only 37 pithches. Nice Triple, Johnny.
2008-06-03 16:31:18
30.   Eirias
An ill-timed question, I am sure, but for those who play them: Major League Baseball 2K8 or MLB '08: The Show?
2008-06-03 16:31:33
31.   Zack
God I love triples...
2008-06-03 16:33:25
32.   OldYanksFan
Great hussle, but what about never making the first out at 3rd? A little dangerous? But JD can still run!

Com'mon Derek! (Don't kill the team!)

2008-06-03 16:33:40
33.   williamnyy23
24 It's sad because I was hoping Joba's entry into the rotation would have been seen as the final piece of the puzzle...not as an oasis in the desert.

26 I care about it (Im just speaking for myself). If the Yankees are 7-8 games out at the break, it will take away a lot of the fun.

2008-06-03 16:33:50
34.   Zack
Wow, Derek, that was awful
2008-06-03 16:34:06
35.   RIYank
Hey folks -- hey there, monkeypants.

A small case of nerves for the Jobaman, is all. JD is showing Shannon Stewart the proper way for the lead-off man to get to third.

2008-06-03 16:35:18
36.   williamnyy23
I am at a loss for Jeter. It's very discouraging.
2008-06-03 16:36:06
37.   Zack
33 I understand the first as you put it. I don't think anyone expected Hughes and Kennedy to go as they have. But, think about it as just part of what is never a smooth process...

The ASG is such a frustration for me. Usually just around the time when I am most into baseball, I am forced to take 3 days away from it and watch a game I care nothing about with forced stakes...

2008-06-03 16:36:25
38.   Zack
C'mon Alex
2008-06-03 16:36:29
39.   RIYank
36 He was 3 for 5 yesterday.
2008-06-03 16:36:31
40.   51cq24
what an eye abreu has. even if that were halladay's sinker it couldn't have been as strike.
2008-06-03 16:37:01
41.   OldYanksFan
Alberto Gonzalez... paging Alberto Gonzalez. Wally Pip on the courtesy phone.
2008-06-03 16:37:16
42.   williamnyy23
Is it a lot to ask to have Jeter or Abreu at least make a hard out? I am at the point of not even expecting the runner to be driven in, but man, can they at least make solid contact.
2008-06-03 16:37:42
43.   51cq24
39 but today he chases a 3-1 fastball a foot outside and then grounds to 3rd.
2008-06-03 16:37:50
44.   williamnyy23
39 I am looking at a bigger sample than last night's game.
2008-06-03 16:38:37
45.   OldYanksFan
39 Yup, jumped his OPS all the way up to .727
2008-06-03 16:38:57
46.   Zack
Thank God for Hideki...
2008-06-03 16:39:05
47.   RIYank
39 He homered the night before.
2008-06-03 16:39:12
48.   williamnyy23
Great job by Matsui...very big hit.
2008-06-03 16:39:44
49.   cult of basebaal
thank heavens for matsui, at least he remembers what you're supposed to do with runners on 3rd
2008-06-03 16:39:44
50.   Zack
Wow, what was that call?
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-06-03 16:40:15
51.   Zack
You show 'em Jason!
2008-06-03 16:40:21
52.   williamnyy23
If Giambi can do that, please do it more.
2008-06-03 16:40:24
53.   Just fair
Dammit, Matsui. If you would just try, or maybe learn to do that every time you could hit at least 700. You too, Jason : )
2008-06-03 16:40:24
54.   RIYank
46 No kidding. Also, Halladay doesn't seem to be at his best.
2008-06-03 16:40:36
55.   51cq24
51 what are you watching the game on? you seem to be ahead of yes.
2008-06-03 16:40:47
56.   monkeypants
Whoa..when did Giambi grow the funny 'stache? And when did he learn to hit to the left side?
2008-06-03 16:40:59
57.   Zack
And then there's Robbie
2008-06-03 16:41:17
58.   williamnyy23
Is it beyond Girardi and Long to TELL Cano to see at least one pitch?
2008-06-03 16:41:34
59.   Zack
55 Watching the YES HD feed on EI in San Diego! Crazy the way time works :)
2008-06-03 16:41:51
60.   Zack
56 Woah, you HAVE been gone awhile
2008-06-03 16:42:22
61.   OldYanksFan
GIIIIIAMMMMMBI!
Gotta luv the big lug!
2008-06-03 16:42:49
62.   cult of basebaal
ah, bless little robbie, if at first you don't succeed while hacking at 1st pitches, hack, hack, hack away

seriously, he's a hacking mass all-star this year ... just a waste of at bats

2008-06-03 16:43:00
63.   RIYank
53 ;-o
2008-06-03 16:43:24
64.   williamnyy23
This could very well be Joba's last inning.
2008-06-03 16:44:28
65.   monkeypants
60 Yep...a month, and before that I only saw one or two games this season (no MLB.tv this season).
2008-06-03 16:44:30
66.   bartap74
64 For the love of God, does everything have to be a negative comment with you?

In other news, Kay keeps saying Joba was "geeked up" in the 1st. What the heck does that mean?

2008-06-03 16:44:31
67.   williamnyy23
This strike zone is tiny.
2008-06-03 16:44:35
68.   Zack
This ump has not exactly maintained a fair strike zone between Joba and Doc
2008-06-03 16:44:41
69.   OldYanksFan
We need a thread about Jeter's suckatude. I have voiced my opinion and I'm sticking to it.
2008-06-03 16:44:49
70.   RIYank
Since his last walk, on May 25th, Robbie has been averaging 2.75 pitches per PA. (Via River Ave. Blues.) Well, fewer now because of that 1-pitch beauty.
2008-06-03 16:45:38
71.   51cq24
67 that looked low. the 2 pitches to stewart last inning looked like strikes.
2008-06-03 16:45:41
72.   Zack
I'd like to see Joba just throw 90% fastballs at this point..if he's not controlling the offspead, let them beat you with your best pitch and go from there
2008-06-03 16:45:54
73.   williamnyy23
66 I am glad your keeping track. Of course, if you just listened to Girardi, you'd realize that Joba has to throw fewer than 20 pitches to come out for a third inning.
2008-06-03 16:46:02
74.   RIYank
68 He called a strike with A-Rod batting that was very mysterious -- I guess he must have called it low. But I do think he's calling a weird zone.
2008-06-03 16:48:23
75.   RIYank
Okay, where was that third pitch??? (To Stewart.)
2008-06-03 16:48:41
76.   Zack
Well, all things considered, I think 3 innings from Joba isn't the end of the world. Woulda liked to get 4, but hopefully he can make it through the next inning relatively quickly
2008-06-03 16:49:09
77.   williamnyy23
69 I think his problems stems almost entirely from a lack of patience. This season, he has only 33 PAs that reached three balls. That's a shocking low number for one-third of the season.
2008-06-03 16:50:05
78.   51cq24
at least i can catch the concession speech
2008-06-03 16:50:54
79.   williamnyy23
77 Just for some perspective, Jeter has an OPS of 1.077 in PAs that reached three balls.
2008-06-03 16:51:31
80.   Just fair
Geeked up = too many goofballs or Beavising out.
Superamped, overpshyched, bouncing off the walls.
All of which I would be if I was in joba's spikes. Man, what a bummer. Joba's get his feet wet in the starting end of the pool and he may actually pitch 4 innings. And come out with a lead.
2008-06-03 16:51:50
81.   Schteeve
69 OYF, what's your opinion. Mine is that he's hurt, not the hand or wrist, I think he has a leg or groin issue that he's trying to "tough out."
2008-06-03 16:52:54
82.   Just fair
In other news, I don't like the cut of this Ump's Jib. Ah, the dad, some perspective for all.
2008-06-03 16:53:16
83.   williamnyy23
I hope YES is doing the roving reporter thing only for this special occasion.
2008-06-03 16:53:42
84.   RIYank
See, Melky is capable of learning, making real progress. Unfortunately he's using the wrong role model at the moment.
2008-06-03 16:54:26
85.   51cq24
wow the ball is really carrying to left huh
2008-06-03 16:54:49
86.   Schteeve
77 Yeah, but what does the lack of patience stem from?
2008-06-03 16:55:27
87.   williamnyy23
Damon, Abreu, Arod, Matsui and Giambi are all hitting very well. In fact, I think we'd have all gladly signed up for their current rates all season.
2008-06-03 16:55:45
88.   Just fair
85 If A-rod gets one his blasts into that Jet stream off of Doc it will be a thing of Beuty.
2008-06-03 16:56:07
89.   weeping for brunnhilde
Hey, Team!

I'm in Brooklyn and away from the tube--how's our boy doing?

2008-06-03 16:56:10
90.   51cq24
what is it with yes that just every once in a while they fall in love with that angle from behind the plate?
2008-06-03 16:56:31
91.   williamnyy23
86 That's the big question. Maybe it's a lack of confidence to hit behind in the count? Maybe it's pitchers feeling they can challenge him more? Or maybe, like Cano, it's a simple lack of discipline that isn't being discouraged?
2008-06-03 16:57:04
92.   RIYank
85 What was the other one? Wilkerson?
2008-06-03 16:57:59
93.   51cq24
92 yeah if he's the one who flew out to the warning track
2008-06-03 16:58:09
94.   RIYank
87 All lefties -- A-Rod isn't actually hitting very well. Interesting.
2008-06-03 16:59:08
95.   RIYank
Damn, hard luck for Jetes (and the Yankees).
2008-06-03 16:59:40
96.   Schteeve
To me Jeter looks tentative at the plate, and on the bases. I've never seen it from him before, so I think he's hurt. Either that, or he's pissed off about Torre.
2008-06-03 17:00:53
97.   williamnyy23
94 Arod has an OPS+ of 154, which is higher than his career mark of 147. I don't think we can expect Arod (or any mortal) to be much better than that.
2008-06-03 17:01:25
98.   williamnyy23
Abreu + Wall = Out

Is that the new math?

2008-06-03 17:01:26
99.   Zack
Hey look at that Bobby! Did you not realize the wall was there or something?
2008-06-03 17:01:34
100.   51cq24
what! he must have thought the wall was way behind him.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-06-03 17:01:40
101.   Schteeve
94 Says who? A-Rod isn't hitting well? He's got a .933 OPS, and a 1.126 OPS over the last week.
2008-06-03 17:02:19
102.   Just fair
Abreu's girlfriend is in attendance for the 1st time tonight.
2008-06-03 17:02:55
103.   51cq24
seriously where the hell was that
2008-06-03 17:03:25
104.   RIYank
Yeesh. Could he be tiring?
2008-06-03 17:03:30
105.   williamnyy23
This is where the game stops being exciting and gets very scary.
2008-06-03 17:03:41
106.   monkeypants
What was Joba's final pitch count?
2008-06-03 17:04:09
107.   Schteeve
This ump is f'n crazy.
2008-06-03 17:04:32
108.   RIYank
97 101 Jeez. You're right. That should teach me not to trust my impressions.
2008-06-03 17:04:45
109.   Zack
[105} Why not be interested in what Giese can offer instead of focusing on the negative?
2008-06-03 17:04:51
110.   51cq24
105 apparently that happened a while ago (see 20 )
2008-06-03 17:05:15
111.   RIYank
106 61, I think?
2008-06-03 17:05:27
112.   Just fair
105 Or intriguing if Mr. Dan Giese gives 3-4 solid innings. That's a fair expectation.
2008-06-03 17:05:30
113.   Eirias
So, MLB.com is declaring Masterson to be a "future star." Is he?
2008-06-03 17:06:12
114.   williamnyy23
108 If you had told me what Abreu, Damon, Arod, Giambi and Matsui would be hitting on June 3, I'd have never thought this team would be below .500.
2008-06-03 17:06:17
115.   pistolpete
Wow, Cano doing it all OVER the field tonight...

(sucking, that is)

2008-06-03 17:06:27
116.   RIYank
Let's see if Giese is as good as his singular.
2008-06-03 17:06:45
117.   williamnyy23
Geez Molina...that's two runs on poor defense behind the plate.
2008-06-03 17:07:39
118.   RIYank
For some reason Molina likes to have a runner on third base, I guess.
2008-06-03 17:07:55
119.   Just fair
The 2 runs the Jays have now scored are CRAP. Still count, though.
2008-06-03 17:07:58
120.   51cq24
115 while cano makes that play almost every time, i don't see how it's fair to fault him for not making it when he doesn't.
2008-06-03 17:08:01
121.   monkeypants
Again, I have been gone a long time, so remind me: what exactly does Molina do well? And yes, it would have been nice if Robbie at least stopped the throw from going into the OF.
2008-06-03 17:08:05
122.   williamnyy23
109 Because Giese isn't likely to go six innings and the Yankees really need wins. This isn't time for open tryouts.
2008-06-03 17:08:06
123.   nick
damn traffic, missed Joba....I take it he was a little wild and a little squeezed and the whole thing was kinda underwhelming?
2008-06-03 17:08:35
124.   Zack
113 Based on his minor league #s, there is absolutely nothing that indicates he will be anything but average, other than "stuff". But mlb does love its hyperbole...
2008-06-03 17:09:06
125.   Yankees Brasil
When are they going to bench Cano?
2008-06-03 17:09:28
126.   Zack
123 Joba =looked good, just no command.
2008-06-03 17:09:44
127.   Schteeve
116 he's missing the 'stache
2008-06-03 17:10:08
128.   nick
Sterling is just shocked that Toronto has scored a single run without a hit, twice....could somebody check bb-ref and see if this has ever happened before?
2008-06-03 17:10:29
129.   Yankees Brasil
I'm watching the game on mlb.tv and the sound seems to be coming way ahead of the image. Anybody else with this problem?
2008-06-03 17:10:34
130.   williamnyy23
125 Cano is still playing very good defense, so you have to give him that.
2008-06-03 17:11:55
131.   Zack
122 Giese was a starter in the minors, he can go 4 more in theory.
2008-06-03 17:12:02
132.   monkeypants
128 Well, Andy Hawkins once pitched a no hitter and lost, 4-0, so we can assume that similar has happened before in the long history of this majestic game.
2008-06-03 17:12:44
133.   Yankees Brasil
Seriously or sarcasm? Because he could have caught that throw from Molina. I think they should bench him for a couple of games, maybe bring AG back up to put pressure on him.
2008-06-03 17:12:57
134.   ms october
the yanks need to play against a team that they know the pitcher is on a pitch count to force a few of their batters into being patient

126 i was at the mest-dodgers game friday and saw kersahw's debut - that is basically the way i would describe him too
i would think part of that plagued both of them is being "geeked up"

2008-06-03 17:13:34
135.   nick
I stubbornly maintain that Cano and Melky's lengthy slumps suggest coaching problems...
2008-06-03 17:13:42
136.   51cq24
well i'm switching to the news, it's more exciting than this game. welcome back monkeypants. don't let all the pessimism here get you down.
2008-06-03 17:13:42
137.   Eirias
What is up with the pitch selection for Joba? At one point, Gameday has him throwing 17 consecutive fastballs.
2008-06-03 17:13:51
138.   Yankees Brasil
133 That should be to 130
2008-06-03 17:14:11
139.   williamnyy23
133 Seriously...I am not going to Kill Cano for not picking a bad throw. He was trying to make one of the quick tags that only he does well. I love when he makes them, so I am not going to complain when he doesn't.
2008-06-03 17:14:44
140.   Eirias
He threw 2 curveballs and no change-ups.
2008-06-03 17:16:25
141.   RIYank
137 He's really good at fastballs.
2008-06-03 17:17:08
142.   RIYank
Ah, that's more like it. A 7-pitch walk.
Sweat, Roy!
2008-06-03 17:18:13
143.   ms october
135 nick, what are your thoughts on the coaching problems?
i'd be intersted to know how much they (and for that matter who among the yanks) works a lot with long - we have heard the arod stories and i have heard giambi talk about working with him - who else does?
2008-06-03 17:18:44
144.   Just fair
There's Masui. Not resting on his laurels and continuing to try.
2008-06-03 17:18:47
145.   Eirias
138 Still mad at Matsui?
2008-06-03 17:18:56
146.   RIYank
Godzilla rules.
2008-06-03 17:19:56
147.   RIYank
144 He's our most morally admirable player. Japanese players are virtuous and honorable, you know.
2008-06-03 17:20:49
148.   williamnyy23
Robbir just got a cheer for taking a pitch...say what you will about Yankee fans, but they do pay attention.
2008-06-03 17:21:02
149.   Just fair
Ha. They cheered Cano for not swinging at the 1st pitch. Then a weak hack at #2. Yeesh.
2008-06-03 17:22:25
150.   RIYank
None of the first four pitches came close to the strike zone. Rob should be standing on first.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-06-03 17:23:56
151.   williamnyy23
Not sure who mentioned Masterson, but he is pitching another solid game.
2008-06-03 17:24:23
152.   cult of basebaal
135 coaching problems or problems being coached?
2008-06-03 17:26:21
153.   Schteeve
I'm think Joba was absolutely fine today. Too many pitches for sure, and too many walks, but he used the strikeouts to limit the damage.
2008-06-03 17:27:10
154.   Zack
The power of the Sox playing at home. Its like baked beans and crack
2008-06-03 17:28:08
155.   RIYank
Giese has to get ahead in the count or he's going to have trouble. Barajas sat on the fastball.
2008-06-03 17:28:50
156.   RIYank
Hm.
Maybe getting ahead in the count doesn't help.
2008-06-03 17:29:05
157.   williamnyy23
155 Giese is in for the long haul...if he doesn't do what you say, he may have to take one for the team.
2008-06-03 17:29:06
158.   OldYanksFan
96 "Either that, or he's pissed off about Torre."
That ain't helping, but I agree his problems are mental... attitude. I believe he is pissed that ARod is now a true Yankee and will be for TEN years.

For 10 years it has been 'Jeter and the Yankees', 'Jeter's team','the guy you build a team around'. No more. Now, it is ARod the MVP. The contract. The 800 HRs.

It is not just Derek's OPS. His baserunning, clutch hitting and general 'baseball awareness' are nowhere to be found. I think with ARod, and maybe Torre too, and the open and oft discussed criticism of his defense, that Derek has lost some of his mental 'stuff'.

We all know where ARod will be in 2017, but most of us question where Jeter will be in 2011. The Jeter era is over. We all sense this. Maybe he does too.

2008-06-03 17:29:27
159.   nick
Re. coaching problems--they could cut both ways. I'm just puzzled that our two youngest players seem to be regressing this season, and often seem to have less than ideal approaches at the plate...
2008-06-03 17:29:28
160.   Schteeve
Is it just me or does Giese look like IPK?
2008-06-03 17:30:15
161.   OldYanksFan
Any news on IPK or Phil? It's been awful quiet concerning them.
2008-06-03 17:31:04
162.   nick
158 if Jeter is what the media tells us he is, he will rebound heroically. if Jeter is simply another ballplayer, albeit one blessed with unusual talent and a charming grin, then....who knows?
2008-06-03 17:31:10
163.   rbj
I just got in -- only 3 innings for Joba? 2 runs on 1 hit -- lots of walks and or strikeouts?
2008-06-03 17:31:15
164.   williamnyy23
Damn mound...it would have been an easy out.
2008-06-03 17:31:32
165.   williamnyy23
160 Facially?
2008-06-03 17:33:01
166.   RIYank
163 Yeah, both, BB and K.
First inning was a nervous mess (him and me both). The run scored on a BB, balk, passed ball, ground out. Then a single and two more walks and two strike outs.
2008-06-03 17:33:05
167.   Yankees Brasil
Giese's fastball looks very hittable.
2008-06-03 17:33:08
168.   nick
damn it, .500 is slipping away again, isn't it?
2008-06-03 17:33:09
169.   Schteeve
165 yes
2008-06-03 17:33:45
170.   monkeypants
158 "His baserunning, clutch hitting and general 'baseball awareness' are nowhere to be found."

Baserunning does appear to be worse, but I am not sure how one measures "baseball awareness", and as for "clutch hitting," well...

2008-06-03 17:34:54
171.   rbj
166 Thanks. Now that his first ML start is out of the way I'm sure he'll settle down. Plus when Jorge gets back that should help too.
2008-06-03 17:36:15
172.   ms october
158 obviously that's speculation - you could be right - i have a similar "mental theory" of my own that is obviously pure speculation as well - but i think the grind of playing baseball in ny and having anything less than a world series be a failure (which he helped perpetuate) has gotten to him, worn him down to the point that he can't get up for the day in day out nature of baseball - alas who knows though
2008-06-03 17:36:45
173.   RIYank
171 He shook off Molina an awful lot. Jorgie would walk out there and tell him, "Look, I'll figure out what to do, and then you do it."
2008-06-03 17:36:48
174.   williamnyy23
170 Well...there was a pickoff at 2B with Arod running...getting caught in a 4-2-5 DP...throwing to the wrong base to allow the winning run to reach 3B...not running out of the box and getting thrown out at 2B stretching a double...so, yes, I think you can question his baseball awareness this season.
2008-06-03 17:37:42
175.   Yankees Brasil
168 Looking at the pitching matchups in this series, there's a pretty good chance the Yankees will be swept. I hope it doesn't happen, but it's a real possibility.
2008-06-03 17:38:22
176.   ms october
173 is that the clean version of that conversation?
2008-06-03 17:39:05
177.   nick
phew--but are we heading for more use of Ohlendorf in middle relief?
2008-06-03 17:39:18
178.   RIYank
176 In my dreams, Posada never swears.
2008-06-03 17:40:14
179.   rbj
173 Rookies shouldn't be shaking anyone off. Ya know, Girardi looks like he could still play, as well as being manager. I don't think Joba would shake him off.

BTW, anyone know what the rule for trips to the mound is when the manager is also the catcher?

2008-06-03 17:40:34
180.   williamnyy23
172 All theories are possible, including that this is just a slump, but something more simple, but foreboding could be staring us in the face. Jeter is now 34. Playing SS is not an easy job and it could very well be that a long career has caught up to Derek. After 30, Ripken was a significantly diminished player, and Jeter is very similar in body type. Also, Jeter doesn't seem to have the reputation of being a workout fiend like Arod, so his decline could be percipitous, just like in the old days before weight training and artificial enhancement.
2008-06-03 17:40:55
181.   monkeypants
174 Aren't three of those items already covered by "base-running'?
2008-06-03 17:41:39
182.   williamnyy23
It might be mean, but I would make Molina take all pitches in a 3-ball count.
2008-06-03 17:42:24
183.   williamnyy23
181 By baserunning, I was thinking that Jeter has lost a step. The other plays are just poor judgment.
2008-06-03 17:43:59
184.   nick
If Jeter's girlfriends start to get less hot, that'll be the key indicator...
2008-06-03 17:44:07
185.   Yankees Brasil
A HR here would be nice.
2008-06-03 17:46:35
186.   RIYank
Halladay is just getting stronger.
2008-06-03 17:46:42
187.   monkeypants
183 Fair enough. My main point is that OYF was invoking some of those unmeasurables that seem to become what anyone wants to be depending on the point being made. I prefer to stick to the measurable: there is no doubt his power is way down, and it is pretty clear that he is not running as well (measured by SB, CS, etc.). Citing clutchiness is silly.

I haven't watched enough to evaluate whether he is trying less hard, and I would hesitate to do so in any case.

2008-06-03 17:47:16
188.   OldYanksFan
I am watching Masterson and he looks like a legit MLB pitcher. Comes sidearm and whips the ball in across his body. Good FB but I haven't really noticed his other stuff. Was pitching well but just gave up a 2 run bomb to Pena. TB up 4-3 in Boston.
2008-06-03 17:51:04
189.   Yankees Brasil
Pretty good inning for Giese. We need a few more of those.
2008-06-03 17:51:34
190.   OldYanksFan
187 It may not be easy to measure but it's easy to see. How do you measure Cano's 'awareness'? But we all see and know that he has mental lapses. That is the thing Jeter exceled at. His head was always in the game. Maybe you can't measure it, but it is part of what made him special.

However, this year, his head does not seem to be in the game. He simply does NOT look like Derek Jeter anymore. I don't know how you measure that.

2008-06-03 17:51:53
191.   RIYank
Giese certainly did his job.
What/who next?
2008-06-03 17:52:33
192.   williamnyy23
188 He has looked pretty in solid in the games I have watched as well. The thought of Masterson/Buccholz/Lester and Price/Shields/Kazmir is a little scary.
2008-06-03 17:55:26
193.   williamnyy23
Sadly, all-time Yankee greats don't seem to last very long. Eerily, Gehrig, Joe D. and Mickey were all done by age 36. Hopefully that's not a bad omen.
2008-06-03 17:55:28
194.   RIYank
Jeter regains some virtue!
2008-06-03 17:55:48
195.   rbj
191 Giese. Wasn't he a starter in SWB, and he's only at 51 pitches. Perfect opportunity to see if he can be the long man.
2008-06-03 17:56:12
196.   RIYank
193 Wow, three straight sentences beginning with adverbs!
2008-06-03 17:56:25
197.   Yankees Brasil
192 We can only hope Joba/Hughes/Kennedy do as well as them, or better.
2008-06-03 17:57:26
198.   pistolpete
Headline on FoxSports:

"Joba doesn't make it out of third in his debut"..

Ummm, they know he was on a pitch count, right?

2008-06-03 17:58:30
199.   williamnyy23
It's less frustrating when you are being shut down by Halladay, but the Yankees still need to win game.
2008-06-03 17:58:58
200.   Yankees Brasil
That's really bad right there. After Jeter gets on base, Bobby goes down on strikes in 3 pitches, and Alex hacks at the first pitch.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-06-03 17:59:55
201.   RIYank
200 It's not bad to hack the first pitch when you hit a line drive to the outfield.
2008-06-03 18:00:23
202.   williamnyy23
It sounds like Al Leiter really enjoyed his career.
2008-06-03 18:01:15
203.   williamnyy23
200 Arod's approach has been very good...he zoned a pitch and hit it hard. It's not the same as someone like Cano flailing at every 1st pitch.
2008-06-03 18:01:30
204.   ms october
198 i doubt it - espn has "short night's work" - it would have been regardless dumbasses
2008-06-03 18:02:24
205.   monkeypants
190 I sort of agree with you. But there is also a tendency to see what what wants to see to fit the story line--announcers do it all the time. The Yankees are scuffling and Jeter is struggling, then suddenly we all notice little mistakes (or what we assume are mental lapses) because it fits the plot. Just like when Jeter got thrown out last night at 2B: I read through the game thread and saw plenty of comments about how he didn't "hustle" out of the box. But the ball was played perfectly by the OF, and he made a perfect throw, and it was still a very close play. Maybe Jeter didn't hustle, or maybe he hustled just as much as always but happened to get caught. Maybe he has lost a step and just hasn't adjusted to his new speed. I don't know--I can't recall every single time he tried to stretch a single to a double, nor do I have a table showing me his sprint times.
2008-06-03 18:03:49
206.   RIYank
195 Good call.
2008-06-03 18:03:54
207.   williamnyy23
The 1925 Yankees with Ruth and Gehrig went 69-85 amid a long run of great success. I wonder what the blogs were saying back then?
2008-06-03 18:04:48
208.   nick
204 yeah, yeah, espn hates us, but if he'd pitched 5 scoreless and fanned 7 or 8 guys, they would've been absolutely creaming their jeans....it cuts both ways.
2008-06-03 18:05:26
209.   RIYank
Brad Wilkerson ate his Wheaties this morning.
2008-06-03 18:05:56
210.   williamnyy23
205 There was a stat a few years ago that had Jeter rarely if every being thrown out at a base other than 1B (including on SB attempts). This year, that figure has to be near his career high.
2008-06-03 18:06:55
211.   Yankees Brasil
Beautiful throw.
2008-06-03 18:07:18
212.   RIYank
Molina defensive balance sheet improves.
2008-06-03 18:08:56
213.   nick
207

Send Gehrig down--he's not ready!

Babe is 30 and fat--history tells us his decline phase is imminent...can we deal him for an 8th inning guy?

2008-06-03 18:09:33
214.   OldYanksFan
207 Silly you. There were no blogs on the Internet back then.
2008-06-03 18:09:40
215.   monkeypants
210 Again, I do not doubt it. But the question is why--is it bad luck? Lost speed? An injury? Or "lack of baseball awareness," anger over Torre's dismissal, or some other similar explanation, which OYF's post seemed to imply.
2008-06-03 18:10:00
216.   Yankees Brasil
Nice D this inning.
2008-06-03 18:10:15
217.   Just fair
Dear Abby,
I am depressed b/c my large ring collection has remained stagnant for 8 years. I am rich beyond my wildest imaginations and I don't do too shabby on the dating scene. The guy in the cubicle next to me, though, is even more rich, and married, and has kids. Not to mention my father-like boss retired to L.A. My new step-boss is kind of drill seargant. I do love my job, but I am just sad.
signed,
Lost in the big apple
Dear Big Apple,
Get the hell over yourself.
Abby
2008-06-03 18:10:32
218.   Jeb
207 some joker probably called Lou Gehrig a named like "Louise" because he was frustrated that the team sucked and got called out over it by more enlightened bloggers.
2008-06-03 18:10:34
219.   RIYank
215 I'm not sure if you realize this, but for sure an injury (hand) is part of it.
2008-06-03 18:12:54
220.   nick
218 history has forgotten that trash-talking woman-haters targeted the "Babe" that year with catcalls from the bleachers....
2008-06-03 18:13:03
221.   rbj
214 Wasn't there Bronx Persiflage back then?
Weren't they critical of Gehrig for being too much of a "goody two-shoes"
2008-06-03 18:13:54
222.   OldYanksFan
wow... Giambi break dancing at the plate!
2008-06-03 18:13:58
223.   monkeypants
215 And my final comment on Jeter, lest I sound like a fanboy: even his decreased offensive numbers are not that far off some of his lesser seasons in the past--just look at his age 28 season in 2002 (111 OPS+). Even without much power, if he heats up only a little and raises his BA from .280 or so to .300 or so, he'll be right around his career averages, at least with the stick.
2008-06-03 18:14:06
224.   ms october
seems like giambi has been getting hit a lot recently - i really hope it doesn't lead to him breaking down
2008-06-03 18:14:35
225.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
just getting to my desk, Joba went only 2 1/3??? anyone care to give me a haiku summary of the action so far?
2008-06-03 18:15:42
226.   SF Yanks
Now would be a good time for one of Jose's early season doubles.
2008-06-03 18:15:55
227.   williamnyy23
213 The Babe stuff was actually being said, so we haven't realyl evolved that far after all.
2008-06-03 18:16:18
228.   Jeb
220 I realize we're being tongue and cheek, but I'm not sure if people called Ruth female names that they hate women.
2008-06-03 18:16:50
229.   nick
Young man throws hard, but is wild.
Butterflies in the stomach?
Another June night...
2008-06-03 18:16:55
230.   SF Yanks
I said double, not double PLAY. Damn.
2008-06-03 18:17:00
231.   RIYank
Yuck.
Come on, Melk, let's do something.
2008-06-03 18:17:05
232.   monkeypants
219 Indeed I do...that is, in part, why I am defending his play (o at least defending it against charges that lack of mental awareness or effort is leading to generally lower production).
2008-06-03 18:17:17
233.   RIYank
Oh, uh. That was the third out.
2008-06-03 18:18:25
234.   Jeb
We had 13 pitchers on the entire team for the whole season. Damn, how many pitchers did we have last year? 30?
2008-06-03 18:19:00
235.   RIYank
232 Okay. I knew you were out of town, and thought maybe out of touch too.
2008-06-03 18:19:02
236.   Max
Bottom of our order (and our bench) has been a total black hole lately.
2008-06-03 18:19:47
237.   OldYanksFan
AH HA! That's the reason!
Early this year, Derek did a Jeterian Mind Meld with Robbie in hopes of transferring some Jeterstuff to Cano. But due to a sudden outburst of sun spots, some Canostuff was accidentally transferred to Derek instead.

I KNEW there was a logical explaination.

2008-06-03 18:21:48
238.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
229 arigatou, nice one
2008-06-03 18:22:14
239.   williamnyy23
That ball and scissor looks like an injury waiting to happen.
2008-06-03 18:22:32
240.   Just fair
I wonder if the road/home splits have anything to do with players not having extra boosts, whatevery they may be, to cure tiredness from travelling. Just sayin'.
2008-06-03 18:22:43
241.   williamnyy23
Please bring in Armando...PLEASE.
2008-06-03 18:22:50
242.   nick
so, now they can unload the bullpen full of lefties.....but we counter with Shelley Duncan!
2008-06-03 18:22:59
243.   monkeypants
235 Oh, I'm out of touch, but that's always the case regardless of my being out of town!
2008-06-03 18:23:09
244.   williamnyy23
240 I thought the same thing.
2008-06-03 18:25:01
245.   nick
238 only the beginning of the Joba haibun, we all hope...
2008-06-03 18:25:55
246.   williamnyy23
Why is Veras ahead of Britton on the depth chart?
2008-06-03 18:27:40
247.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
245 Hah-hah..yeah, the Japanese announcers on the nightly recap program here were all over the "Joba-debut" last night. 2 & 1/3 not very exciting am afraid...this looks like another frustrating loss..
2008-06-03 18:30:31
248.   pistolpete
221 Or was it "Broncks Persiflage"...?
2008-06-03 18:31:07
249.   Just fair
This match up kind of has right field bleachers all over it.
I don't like Matt Stairs.
2008-06-03 18:31:30
250.   Jeb
246 You don't understand. Chris Britton never gets to pitch. Pitching is perfect for him, it'll make him a big star, and I'm gonna run him out of the business - and let me tell you why: Chris Britton ruined one of the Yankees's most valuable proteges.

For three years we had her under contract - singing lessons, dancing lessons, acting lessons. I spent hundreds of thousands of dollars. I was gonna make her a big star. And let me be even more frank, just to show you that I'm not a hard-hearted man, and that it's not all dollars and cents: She was beautiful; she was innocent. She was the greatest piece of ass I've ever had, and I've had it all over the world. And then Chris Britton comes along with his olive oil arm and guinea charm, and she runs off. She threw it all away just to make me look ridiculous! And a man in my position can't afford to be made to look ridiculous! Now you get the hell out of here.

And you tell that gumba that if he wants to try any rough stuff that I ain't no minor league GM. Yeah, I heard that story.

Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-06-03 18:31:42
251.   nick
246 william, both of US are ahead of Britton on the depth chart...
2008-06-03 18:32:47
252.   nick
what's the cliche about kids who don't throw strikes? a horrible cliche, I know, but I've sure been feeling it this year--watching Halliday just heightens the pain....
2008-06-03 18:33:21
253.   pistolpete
249 Ok, Stairs is out of the picture. Now change 'bleachers' to 'corner, rattling around'
2008-06-03 18:33:24
254.   williamnyy23
250 Chris Britton needs to find an agent who can make Brian Cashman an offer he can't refuse.
2008-06-03 18:33:58
255.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
250 Careful there Louis B. Mayer, you don't want to wake up one morning next to the head of something you love..
2008-06-03 18:33:58
256.   RIYank
249 Bet you're relieved now.
2008-06-03 18:33:59
257.   SF Yanks
This is ensuring that Worthless stays as the 8th inning man.
2008-06-03 18:34:11
258.   Just fair
Hey, Edwar. The game's still in reach here. Minimize the damage and let's hit. And Lyle, please don't hit to Giambi.
2008-06-03 18:35:01
259.   RIYank
Maybe a new prescription for Edwar?
2008-06-03 18:35:09
260.   pistolpete
The 2008 Yankees: When It Rains, it Pours.
2008-06-03 18:35:20
261.   cult of basebaal
254 not cashman, just girardi
2008-06-03 18:35:21
262.   williamnyy23
This isn't exactly a pleasant scenario...the late bullpen giving it up in a game that Joba starts and goes two innings. A lot of fans, media and even players are already not on board with this decision, and a night like this one could lead to a tough environment.
2008-06-03 18:35:32
263.   SF Yanks
This is turning out very well...
2008-06-03 18:35:40
264.   Just fair
257 Damn straight. These walks kind of suck, however.
2008-06-03 18:35:58
265.   williamnyy23
261 The Britton ban goes back before Girardi. Maybe the Yankees are trying to slow his arbitration clock?
2008-06-03 18:36:00
266.   RIYank
258 You must be relieved that he didn't hit it to Giambi.
2008-06-03 18:36:12
267.   cult of basebaal
all balls and no strikes, make homer go something, something
2008-06-03 18:37:06
268.   RIYank
264 The thing is, we know he's capable of throwing strikes. He's just not willing, or he doesn't care enough.
2008-06-03 18:37:10
269.   pistolpete
Well, that was fun. Off to play some PS3. Night all.
2008-06-03 18:37:27
270.   SF Yanks
Bye bye game. Bye bye everyone.
2008-06-03 18:38:05
271.   williamnyy23
The Yankees look a lot like the teams they used to crush. I just don't see things changing much. I just hope this more like 1925 than 1965.
2008-06-03 18:38:08
272.   cult of basebaal
265 if that was the case, he'd be in AAA ... roster time is service time ... this one IS on girardi though, cashman's on record as being as puzzled with his non-use as we are
2008-06-03 18:38:08
273.   SF Yanks
Oh, and MLB The Show to whoever asked earlier.
2008-06-03 18:38:19
274.   RIYank
There's something humorous about an intentional walk in this situation.
2008-06-03 18:38:21
275.   Just fair
266 Those groudballs to the G-man where he has to throw to 2nd gives me the chills. This inning is offering no relief whatsoever.
500. We hardly knew ye.
2008-06-03 18:38:23
276.   Max
Veras pours the gasoline, Edwar ignites the flame. Just like we drew it up.
2008-06-03 18:38:32
277.   nick
yeah, intentional walks make a lot of sense here.
2008-06-03 18:39:21
278.   cult of basebaal
oh well, off to watch politics
2008-06-03 18:39:37
279.   fansince77
This is horrible. ! Edwar should take his glasses off and pitch. He's either nowhere near the zone or grooving it
2008-06-03 18:39:56
280.   williamnyy23
I wish I could turn these games off so easily!
2008-06-03 18:40:10
281.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
yep..another ugly loss, and another frustrating attempt by Generation Tres (shudder..)..even more painful when thinking of no-hitters by other rookie pitchers...think I'll do some work now..
2008-06-03 18:40:22
282.   RIYank
277 "I meant to do it this time."
2008-06-03 18:42:48
283.   williamnyy23
It's funny...as much as Girardi has seemed to use the Intentional Walk, the one time he should have used it (Manny against Moose), he didn't.
2008-06-03 18:43:51
284.   williamnyy23
This season has the potential to get very ugly.
2008-06-03 18:44:54
285.   nick
it couldn't have gone worse, media wise--I am going to go live in a box until Joba's next start...
2008-06-03 18:45:04
286.   Just fair
Note to self. Don't read, watch, or listen to anything sports-related tomorrow. Triple Bollocks.
2008-06-03 18:46:17
287.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
double by Scappy McEckstein...i'm going to be sick...
2008-06-03 18:48:10
288.   RIYank
That's better. I was uncomfortable when the bases weren't loaded. Now, if I remember correctly, the idea is for someone to hit a double.
2008-06-03 18:48:49
289.   RIYank
Oh, right. Well, Marco Scurato's version of a double.
2008-06-03 18:49:13
290.   Just fair
Hey, 15 minutes ago it was only 3-2. So that's something, righ? Bleh.
2008-06-03 18:50:10
291.   RIYank
Hey, Just Fair, there's your ground ball to Giambi. In retrospect, I think I would have been glad to have had that earlier.
2008-06-03 18:53:40
292.   RIYank
Hm. I guess I'd use Brian Tallet in high leverage situations. Which this isn't. But, this approach may work out.
2008-06-03 18:53:44
293.   Just fair
{291] C'mon. That doesn't count. After deftly scooping that hot shot, all he needed to do was sprint to 1st base. : )
2008-06-03 18:55:09
294.   Just fair
293 Not onlly do I butcher the damn rerfence things nearly every game, but I have to mention how I buther them nearly ever game.
2008-06-03 18:56:01
295.   Just fair
And my spelling/typing is consistently less than par.
2008-06-03 18:59:29
296.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
I can't help being furious with Cashman..he sounds so damn smug when being interviewed about his "plan"...what plan? to have an awful, over-paid bullpen??
2008-06-03 19:00:43
297.   williamnyy23
296 I think the plan is a rebuild.
2008-06-03 19:00:57
298.   RIYank
295 You just aren't trying. Going through the motions. We pay you too much.

I take back what I said about Tallet, by the way.

2008-06-03 19:02:35
299.   williamnyy23
Come on Bobby...pad your stats here.
2008-06-03 19:04:52
300.   Just fair
Not to mention I was out late last night with (insert latest hot Jezebel starlet here).
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2008-06-03 19:06:47
301.   RIYank
If I had a hot Jezebel starlet, I certainly wouldn't be inserting her there.
2008-06-03 19:07:23
302.   RIYank
Ladies and gentleman, your LIDR, Shelley... DUNCAN!
2008-06-03 19:08:00
303.   RIYank
Okay, folks, if Girardi is conceding, I'm calling it a night, too.
2008-06-03 19:09:17
304.   Max
296 I'm trying to figure out when Girardi starts getting some real heat applied by the media. He has not looked good at all steering this badly swaying ship.
2008-06-03 19:09:49
305.   Just fair
That's funny. : )
2008-06-03 19:09:58
306.   Yankees Brasil
Who's pitching tomorrow?
2008-06-03 19:13:27
307.   Mattpat11
306 The league leader in wins.
2008-06-03 19:31:23
308.   randym77
I can't believe this game is still going on. It feels like it's been going on forever.
2008-06-03 19:31:25
309.   tommyl
307 How funny would it be if Moose finally wins 20 this year?

This game makes my eyes hurt.

2008-06-03 19:33:31
310.   Mattpat11
309 It would be awesome.
2008-06-03 19:35:47
311.   tommyl
There goes that Britton, pitching scoreless innings. Send him back down to AAA.
2008-06-03 19:37:14
312.   tommyl
310 So silver linings from tonight?

1. Joba looked pretty good, if inefficient.

2. Giese was pretty damn effective as a long man.

3. Ummmm....Bobby Abreu caught a ball at the wall?

4. Yeah...well.

You know what this team needs? A foul pole squirrel!

2008-06-03 19:37:53
313.   tommyl
Ok guys, 6 runs down, bottom of the ninth. Let's go, get it to 9-8, load the bases and then GIDP to end it!
2008-06-03 19:41:50
314.   randym77
What an aggravating game. The Jays seem to have solved their "not scoring runs" problem, at least tonight.
2008-06-03 19:47:07
315.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
Australian co-worker: "Your Yankees seem to give up a lot of runs round this time every morning..are their late inning pitchers not so good?"

Me: .......

2008-06-03 19:47:22
316.   williamnyy23
Meaningless situation, but Jeter has to go to 2B.
2008-06-03 19:48:21
317.   tommyl
Well that was fun! I can't wait for tomorrow night. Top Chef finale here I come!
2008-06-03 19:50:21
318.   Yankees Brasil
Once again, 9 hits, a couple HPB, at least a walk, and we just get 3 runs.
2008-06-03 19:59:04
319.   tommyl
318 Isn't baseball like golf? Lowest score wins? We're awesome!
2008-06-03 20:15:20
320.   JL25and3
317 Even there, you know Lisa's getting booted tomorrow night.
2008-06-03 20:15:36
321.   Mattpat11
I shall be at the game tomorrow. That is good news
2008-06-03 20:25:06
322.   tommyl
320 Dear lord I hope so.

321 It is? I have tickets to the Sox series in July. I hope we're still sort of close by then the way this is going. Prove me wrong tomorrow guys!

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