Baseball Toaster Bronx Banter
Help
Oh, Wouldn't it Be Nice?
2008-06-09 09:22
by Alex Belth

If Mike Mussina becomes the first pitcher in the American League to reach ten wins?  (Considering how well he's been going, perhaps that's pushing our luck.  The Royals aren't a good offensive ball club, but considering how hot it is out there, I don't exactly expect a pitcher's duel today, do you?)

So, wouldn't it just be nice if the Yanks win?  If Jorge, Giambi and Rodriguez keep mashing?  

If we could find old quotes (Joe Posnanski on Johnny Damon) as good as this one? 

Or how about, if we could all stay cool?

You Gots to Chill.

Let's Go Yan-Kees!

 

Comments (245)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-06-09 09:34:13
1.   Alex Belth
Bama Yank is in the big house today. Let's hope he gets to see a game worth remembering!
2008-06-09 09:49:59
2.   Sliced Bread
What's up with no Po in the lineup. Don't wanna break up the Moose-Molina battery?

Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Molina C
Cabrera CF

lineup courtesy Pete Abe

2008-06-09 09:51:01
3.   Sliced Bread
By the way, Alex, great summer in the city shots you've been putting up.
2008-06-09 09:52:01
4.   Schteeve
Anybody think Giambi will make the All Star Team?
2008-06-09 09:53:38
5.   Shaun P
4 Maybe; he seems to deserve it. Damon too.
2008-06-09 09:54:13
6.   Raf
2 He's caught back to back games, may as well give him a rest.
2008-06-09 09:56:09
7.   Sliced Bread
6 normally I wouldn't question it, but Po got plenty of rest on the DL.
No big deal... nice switch-hitting bat to have on the bench.
2008-06-09 10:15:33
8.   Shaun P
Moose is looking sharp. Now, can Damon keep it up?
2008-06-09 10:15:38
9.   rbj
7 I think they're still being a bit cautious with the Po.

4 Amazing that we're even talking about Giambi, Damon and Moose and the All Star Game.

2008-06-09 10:17:27
10.   Schteeve
Damon and Giambi lead their positions in VORP I believe. That's crazy.
2008-06-09 10:18:48
11.   cult of basebaal
9 the all shoulda-been-DFA'd in april team?
2008-06-09 10:23:40
12.   Sliced Bread
scanning the crowd for a "Bring Back Andy Phillips!" poster, on the chance that Bama Yankee makes his YES debut.
2008-06-09 10:25:45
13.   Yankees Brasil
Another bad call against the Yankees. That was way low.
2008-06-09 10:26:08
14.   dianagramr
Happy Birthday to Dave Parker, Randy Winn ... and me!

Give me a win Moose!

2008-06-09 10:27:40
15.   Yankees Brasil
What a play.
2008-06-09 10:28:46
16.   Jeb
Let's go Bama-Yank!

Let's go Bama-Yank!

Roll Tide and Go Yan-Kees!

2008-06-09 10:29:45
17.   Jeb
2 Girardi said that he didn't want to play Posada on consecutive days his first few games back.
2008-06-09 10:31:29
18.   Sliced Bread
hey, happy birthday, dianagramr!

Cy Moose gets the double play!
Nice d by the middle infielders.

2008-06-09 10:31:54
19.   RIYank
Whew, needed that. (GIDP, that is.)
2008-06-09 10:32:23
20.   Yankees Brasil
Nice DP. Some great D early on.
2008-06-09 10:32:27
21.   cult of basebaal
17 considering how much jorge means to this team, i've got no problem erring on the side of caution, we need jorge for the whole season if we're gonna have any chance
2008-06-09 10:33:35
22.   Jeb
21 agreed.

Robby Cano - Don't ya know! Great play (at least based on what I heard).

2008-06-09 10:35:57
23.   RIYank
22 Jeb, you can see the play on the Gameday site already. (That's a nice feature.)
2008-06-09 10:35:58
24.   RIYank
22 Jeb, you can see the play on the Gameday site already. (That's a nice feature.)
2008-06-09 10:40:56
25.   RIYank
Yuck. I liked Matsui's at-bat, and I guess Jason a good pitch, but let's get something going next inning, guys. Hochevar should be very hittable on a day like today...
2008-06-09 10:41:42
26.   Jeb
23 that's awesome. I have a MLB.TV account but can't watch it at work. Apparently someone meeting my description brought the server down two years ago watching a Spring Training game. So I've got my XM radio cranked up.
2008-06-09 10:42:54
27.   Yankees Brasil
25 Abreu and Giambi just missed hitting a HR. The problem is we are 0 for 3 with RISP.
2008-06-09 10:45:33
28.   RIYank
DO NOT WALK JOEY GATHRIGHT, PLEASE.
2008-06-09 10:47:47
29.   RIYank
I didn't mean to get so anxious. Moose is actually pounding the strike zone.
2008-06-09 10:49:51
30.   Shaun P
28 Which Yankee pitcher walked Tony Pena Jr for the first time all year? Wasn't that Moose?

My gosh is Moose working it.

2008-06-09 10:57:53
31.   RIYank
It's obviously too hot to hit. Maybe too hot for Banterers to post today.
2008-06-09 11:03:25
32.   dianagramr
31

I blame global warming for melting the Internet.

2008-06-09 11:04:23
33.   RIYank
Wow.
Efficient, too. Can Moose go deep today?
2008-06-09 11:04:46
34.   Shaun P
31 If it wasn't so hot, I'd wonder if everyone was outside.

Good thing Hochevar was the first pick in the entire draft a couple of years ago, or this game would have "URP" written all over it.

Bama will feel lucky - at this rate, he'll be out of the Stadium well before rush hour.

2008-06-09 11:05:04
35.   OldYanksFan
The Dancin' Bear?
Gotta luv the big lug!
2008-06-09 11:05:35
36.   tommyl
Mike Mussina, the ace of the 2008 Yankees. I'm not sure if that's a positive or negative statement.
2008-06-09 11:06:13
37.   Shaun P
32 Happy birthday! Can you wish us up some more comments? =)
2008-06-09 11:06:22
38.   tommyl
Way to work that count DJ
2008-06-09 11:11:49
39.   RIYank
"Johnny, how was it out on the base paths?"
"Man, it was hot."
"Yeah, looks it. Guess I'll stay off them today."
2008-06-09 11:13:59
40.   Just fair
The dancing bear
The mystifying Moose. He's too smart to sweat.
2008-06-09 11:14:08
41.   tommyl
39 Hurry, run off to Sharper Image and get them all those personal air conditioners! We'll be the best team in the league! Or just switch to cotton uniforms ;)
2008-06-09 11:16:19
42.   tommyl
Man, Moose is amazing this year.
2008-06-09 11:16:38
43.   RIYank
This is not exactly the game Alex predicted.
2008-06-09 11:16:47
44.   Just fair
Mattingly's having trouble running the bases. Their uniforms seem to be shrinking.
Who was that familiar voice doing that call on Seinfeld?
2008-06-09 11:20:05
45.   rbj
Have the bats all melted?
2008-06-09 11:23:45
46.   RIYank
The shocking thing is that Hochevar has thrown twice as many balls as strikes, and we have not one walk.
2008-06-09 11:24:09
47.   Just fair
I laugh out loud each time Cone says "dancin' bear."
I am easily amused.
2008-06-09 11:24:17
48.   RIYank
Oh. Nope. He's thrown twice as many strikes as balls.

Doh!

2008-06-09 11:25:55
49.   RIYank
Robinson!
Yeah, Rob likes the heat.
2008-06-09 11:25:58
50.   Shaun P
A hit! 14 outs later, a hit!

C'mon Molina!

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-06-09 11:27:55
51.   Shaun P
49 So far this year, Robbie likes the day games:

.324/.354/.486 during the day
.188/.235/.269 at night

2008-06-09 11:28:06
52.   RIYank
Wow, not even close.
I was hoping the incentive of not having to put all that armor back on would spur Jose to smack a line drive.
2008-06-09 11:28:37
53.   monkeypants
With three C on the roster, might that have been a good spot to PH for Molina?
2008-06-09 11:28:39
54.   RIYank
51 Yikes. That's quite a difference.
2008-06-09 11:29:08
55.   OldYanksFan
A pitchers duel!
(wow... typing all that was tiring. Must rest now...)
2008-06-09 11:31:50
56.   RIYank
I'm finding it difficult to muster my usual scorn for a fifth inning sacrifice bunt.
2008-06-09 11:34:18
57.   Shaun P
56 The Yanks tried that, or KC?

53 Maybe, but would you want to have Posada's bat for later? I assume you'd PH him, then have Moeller go in to catch so that Posada actually gets some rest.

2008-06-09 11:35:18
58.   monkeypants
57 I would have PH Betemit and saved Posada.
2008-06-09 11:35:28
59.   Raf
56 KC tried and executed the bunt in the 6th
2008-06-09 11:35:57
60.   RIYank
And before you can say, "Grudzielanek", Moose is out of the inning.
2008-06-09 11:37:00
61.   RIYank
59 Sixth, that's what I meant.
2008-06-09 11:38:28
62.   rbj
Dear Mike Mussina,

I hereby formally apologize for thinking your career was over and wanting you shipped off to San Diego.

2008-06-09 11:38:56
63.   Just fair
So.... who wants to explain Robbie's day/night discrepancy. Has he suddenly become afraid of the dark? Didn't he hit much better at night last year. I recall people claiming he did not perform well in the day because of his nightlife. Has he begun clubbin' in the afternoon? : )
2008-06-09 11:39:11
64.   Shaun P
58 Hmm. An interesting idea. I would have done it, too.

59 61 Thanks. The way this game is going, I can't find fault with it.

It sure would be nice to see some pitches this inning.

2008-06-09 11:40:25
65.   RIYank
64 Melky doesn't agree. (With your last sentence.)
2008-06-09 11:41:18
66.   Shaun P
63 Small(ish) sample size, or fluke. In his career, the splits are almost identical (.310/.341/.479 during the day vs .300/.335/.466 at night).

If Cano keeps having trouble at night, maybe its a vision problem?

2008-06-09 11:41:26
67.   JL25and3
14 Hey, me too!
2008-06-09 11:42:30
68.   Shaun P
67 May all your wishes for dumb Sheffield comments come true. ;)
2008-06-09 11:43:04
69.   RIYank
Yeah, nothing like a 9-pitch inning to sock it to the opposing pitcher.

We need Bobby to work an eleven pitch walk next inning to make Hochevar burst into flame.

2008-06-09 11:43:36
70.   Sliced Bread
67 that's the mystique of birthdays.
2008-06-09 11:44:03
71.   tommyl
Gameday is a bit off right now. It says that Melky grounded out on both the first and third pitches of his AB. That's pretty impressive, I guess we've reached a new level of sucking on offense?
2008-06-09 11:45:54
72.   RIYank
71 Melk on the first pitch, and Damon flied out on the third pitch (I think).
2008-06-09 11:48:38
73.   RIYank
ARGH!
It was too good to last.
2008-06-09 11:49:14
74.   Sliced Bread
ah, fack...

When the Yanks return from the field it's got to be Shut Out Intervention time.

2008-06-09 11:49:22
75.   Just fair
Yikes. Nothing you can about that. Sitting on a curve ball can benefit a hitter.
2008-06-09 11:49:37
76.   RIYank
I'm starting to rethink the patience thing. First pitch swinging seems to be very effective.
2008-06-09 11:51:17
77.   Shaun P
69 An 11 pitch walk might give the Yanks the soft, chewy underbelly of the KC bullpen. I'd take it.
2008-06-09 11:51:20
78.   buffalocharlie
Moose really struggles in the 7th inning
2008-06-09 11:52:22
79.   rbj
Gah!
2008-06-09 11:52:27
80.   dianagramr
re: Cano's possible vision problems:

PAs per K in night games:
2005: 8.3
2006: 8.0
2007: 8.3
2008: 14.1

PAs per BB in night games:
2005: 41.5
2006: 30.0
2007: 15.3
2008: 21.1

Ergo, I don't think its a vision problem ...

2008-06-09 11:52:55
81.   Raf
Any particular reason Moose is still in there?
2008-06-09 11:53:12
82.   Shaun P
76 Joey Gathright begs to differ.
2008-06-09 11:54:10
83.   RIYank
So, two doubles, a homer, and a single, and no double-play, and Moose threw 12 pitches that inning.
2008-06-09 11:55:46
84.   williamnyy23
Moose makes one bad pitch and this team is going to wind up with a split against the Royals at home that they had to absolutely battle for. Everytime you think this team has turned the corner, they lay an absolute egg and turn in a poor effort in a game they should win easily. More and more it looks like this team can't great distance from .500 because it is a .500 team.
2008-06-09 11:57:56
85.   monkeypants
81 Because he only threw about 80 pitches, and only one of those hits was really smacked.
2008-06-09 11:58:09
86.   dianagramr
In other news, The Mariners decided that one of their problems could be solved by firing their hitting coach.

(funny, I thought it was mainly cause they still have Richie Sexson on their roster)

2008-06-09 11:58:19
87.   Sliced Bread
A-Rod's due
2008-06-09 11:58:19
88.   Just fair
[84} 9 outs to go.
2008-06-09 11:58:23
89.   51cq24
80 it seems like a lot of the time he's just not lining the ball up and hitting weak ground balls. so i don't think that data is conclusive one way or another. it does seem to me like he's just swinging at the wrong place a lot of the time. that's very hard to quantify though.
2008-06-09 12:00:20
90.   Sliced Bread
A-God!
2008-06-09 12:00:33
91.   Just fair
87 Indeed. Dope!
2008-06-09 12:01:00
92.   monkeypants
85 ...and with a little luck here, Moose might be in line for a deserved win.
2008-06-09 12:01:05
93.   RIYank
KA-BOOOOM.
2008-06-09 12:01:12
94.   tommyl
84 Or you know, Alex could do that
2008-06-09 12:01:15
95.   rbj
Now that's what the doctor ordered!
2008-06-09 12:01:24
96.   ChrisS
How unclutch.

Thanks a lot, A-rod. Loser.

2008-06-09 12:01:33
97.   Sliced Bread
Mussina owes the thirdbaseman a root beer.
2008-06-09 12:01:36
98.   Just fair
I wish I had given up after Moose's 1 bad pitch. : )
2008-06-09 12:01:55
99.   RIYank
Sliced! WIth the crystal ball.
(And tip of the hat to William for the reverse-jinx.)
2008-06-09 12:01:57
100.   williamnyy23
88 It didn't take one out...still, it so frustrating that this team can't just put the hammer down in these games. The nail biters should come against the better teams. It really worries me that the Yankees are having to fight like dogs to win this series.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-06-09 12:02:15
101.   tommyl
87 I was about to say he almost hit one out yesterday so why was he due, but then I realized: A-Rod is always due. He's looking a lot more like the 2007 A-Rod the past two weeks, no?
2008-06-09 12:02:44
102.   buffalocharlie
87

did you pick Da'Tara also? Great call!

2008-06-09 12:02:47
103.   Raf
85 Fair enough. Following through Gameday, and there were a couple of doubles & a HR hit. Thought he may be losing (or lost) it.
2008-06-09 12:03:04
104.   Shaun P
84 You were saying?

=)

Bama is feeling damn good right now, I'd imagine.

2008-06-09 12:04:11
105.   RIYank
103 Guillen's double was hit pretty hard.
But his pitch count was low and it really didn't seem like he was losing it.
2008-06-09 12:06:41
106.   rbj
So who pitches the 8th, or do you leave Moose in there?

Me, I'd probably send Edwar out there, or Veras if he's available today.

2008-06-09 12:08:27
107.   RIYank
106 I'd let Moose start it, yeah.

Speaking of relief, doesn't KC have a lefty in the bullpen? Strange decision to bring in Ramirez with Matsui, Giambi, Cano due up.
I mean, it worked nicely for them, but still.

2008-06-09 12:09:14
108.   Just fair
106 Today would be 3 days in a row for Veras, I believe. Edwar was getting loose.
2008-06-09 12:10:24
109.   RIYank
WE WANT FARNS-worth
WE WANT FARNS-worth
2008-06-09 12:11:39
110.   dianagramr
89

there have been many blog articles noting Cano's extremely low BABIP this year, when compared to prior years, and given his current good line drive rate (line drives translate into hits more often than fly balls or grounders, of course)

maybe he is just hit unlucky?

2008-06-09 12:12:02
111.   ny2ca2dc
Wow, Moose 84 pitches 61 strikes!!!!11!!!1!
2008-06-09 12:12:22
112.   Sliced Bread
Johnny Leather!
2008-06-09 12:14:40
113.   Just fair
8 strong from Moose. Get that man a win.
2008-06-09 12:15:04
114.   Jeb
[channeling Arod] "Hey BamaYank, that one was for you, man! We won't lose while you're in the house."
2008-06-09 12:15:24
115.   tommyl
Yeah, that Moose, all tired and stuff.
2008-06-09 12:15:40
116.   monkeypants
Must PH for Molina now.
2008-06-09 12:15:56
117.   Yankees Brasil
Great effort by the Moose. We better get him this W.
2008-06-09 12:15:56
118.   Yankees Brasil
Great effort by the Moose. We better get him this W.
2008-06-09 12:17:00
119.   Sliced Bread
Here's Po! Exactly what I'd do.

He can rest on the flight to Oakland.

2008-06-09 12:17:26
120.   Sliced Bread
yeah, Po!
2008-06-09 12:18:00
121.   nick
wow, Joe was right to give Moose the 8th: no way I would have...
2008-06-09 12:18:03
122.   Just fair
Hey, Jorge. Now pinch run, Gardner. Oh, wait a minute.
2008-06-09 12:18:07
123.   tommyl
Don't worry, between A-Rod and Giambi there's at least one more moon shot in the game coming ;)
2008-06-09 12:18:18
124.   monkeypants
PR Moeller for Posada is...odd.
2008-06-09 12:18:57
125.   tommyl
Chad Moeller is our speedster?

I can't stop laughing now

2008-06-09 12:19:02
126.   monkeypants
122 I was going to write that but figured everyone would jump on me. You're a better man than I.
2008-06-09 12:19:30
127.   Just fair
SAFE.
2008-06-09 12:19:52
128.   RIYank
124 It is odd. But it makes a strange kind of sense.
2008-06-09 12:20:17
129.   tommyl
124 He wanted to lift Po, but keep the option of Duncan and Betemit actually pinch hitting down the line. It makes a weird sort of sense.
2008-06-09 12:20:54
130.   Just fair
That'll probably bring about a suspension for the Melk.
2008-06-09 12:21:00
131.   Raf
121 Well, as per 105 it made sense to leave him in for an inning.
2008-06-09 12:21:06
132.   Shaun P
C'mon Damon, a hit!
2008-06-09 12:21:19
133.   Yankees Brasil
Looked safe to me. Once again Ed Montague, that man needs to be fined.
2008-06-09 12:21:21
134.   tommyl
130 What happened?
2008-06-09 12:21:53
135.   Shaun P
122 126 Well, there could be room once the extraneous catcher is DFA'd . . .
2008-06-09 12:21:55
136.   monkeypants
128 Why not just PR with Betemit, or (more radically) a pitcher (if one on the roster can actually run)? Then swap in Moeller on D.
2008-06-09 12:23:22
137.   Just fair
Melky slammed his helmet down after he was called out. His helmet wound up about a foot away from the ump, who's back was to Melky and never saw his theatrics.
2008-06-09 12:23:24
138.   Sliced Bread
134 Melky was safe by a step at first, but got called out. Slammed his helmet in frustration.
2008-06-09 12:23:40
139.   tommyl
136 Because then Betemit is out of the game. He still has a left and righty PH option now.
2008-06-09 12:24:25
140.   monkeypants
129 For whom would they PH? The only batter who would get hit for is Moeller (the C spot), who is not going to come up again for 9 batters. Given that it's the 8th inning, how many more times around could that spot be expected to bat?
2008-06-09 12:24:50
141.   Yankees Brasil
Every single call goes against the Yankees now. This is very odd.
2008-06-09 12:25:13
142.   Sliced Bread
138 should say half a step. it was bang-bang, but Melk got screwed out of a hit.
2008-06-09 12:25:26
143.   cult of basebaal
140 and they can't PH for him now anyway
2008-06-09 12:25:43
144.   rbj
Come on Derek, get Moose a W!
2008-06-09 12:26:05
145.   monkeypants
139 See 140 . So basically, that's saving a platoon PH option for the 11th inning.
2008-06-09 12:27:58
146.   monkeypants
143 Exactly...I hadn't thought of that. So, to amend 140 , Girardi saved a platoon PH option that he can't use. But at least Betemit and Duncan can both be swapped in as LIDR at 1B.
2008-06-09 12:28:00
147.   Sliced Bread
c'mon Bobby... don't leave that Chad hanging!
2008-06-09 12:28:10
148.   Just fair
Bobby's going to put em' ahead b/c he's really taken to talking to Kim Jones after the game.
2008-06-09 12:28:22
149.   cult of basebaal
145 it's saving a PH option for never, quite frankly ... unless Duncan can wear the tools of ignorance (which IIRC, he was going to do at some point during a game last year)
2008-06-09 12:28:50
150.   tommyl
145 Is Duncan or Betemit that much faster than Moeller. All three aren't really known for their base stealing abilities. I guess Wilson is the fastest. Its a fair point you guys make.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-06-09 12:29:37
151.   ChrisS
Wow, 8 IP for Moose and only 89 pitches.

Just a base hit, Bobby. Let's put this one in the books on the good side.

2008-06-09 12:29:40
152.   nick
the Sheik!
2008-06-09 12:29:48
153.   Shaun P
146 In other news, Giambi actually has some nice fielding numbers at 1B (courtesy of BP):

"Giambi has even been playing decent defense at first base, remarkably: at 10.01, his Range Factor is above the league average of 9.51, his .995 fielding percentage is right at the league average, and his FRAA Rate is also at 100, exactly average."

2008-06-09 12:30:39
154.   nick
OK, Bobby, smack one and let's get Moose a win..
2008-06-09 12:30:42
155.   monkeypants
149 The image of Duncan in catcher's gear would strike fear in the hearts of man and beast.
2008-06-09 12:33:44
156.   Just fair
Bollocks!
2008-06-09 12:34:43
157.   Shaun P
So, Moose back for the 9th, with _______ (someone) ready to go at a moment's notice?
2008-06-09 12:35:33
158.   cult of basebaal
157 i'd go right to mo for the 9th, especially with the heart of the order due up in the bottom of the inning
2008-06-09 12:35:38
159.   rbj
Just saw the headline: Strahan retires.
2008-06-09 12:35:42
160.   ny2ca2dc
157 Mo
2008-06-09 12:36:15
161.   Sliced Bread
157 Mo. Work the bullpen backwards.
2008-06-09 12:36:27
162.   ny2ca2dc
8 innings, one walk drawn by Yankee hitters. Bizarro land
2008-06-09 12:36:44
163.   Yankees Brasil
157 Has to go to Mo. I'm sure Girardi learned something from that Pettitte fiasco and leaving him too long.
2008-06-09 12:38:02
164.   rbj
Man, 8 IP, 89 pitches for Moose. Someone must've told him pitches are gasoline.
2008-06-09 12:38:14
165.   Sliced Bread
shit, Mo's slumping.
2008-06-09 12:38:15
166.   nick
ah, Mo! n
2008-06-09 12:38:28
167.   SF Yanks
I think I'm gonna be sick.
2008-06-09 12:39:00
168.   williamnyy23
Incredible...it's amazing that the Yankees can't put away a team as lousy as the Royals.
2008-06-09 12:39:15
169.   rbj
162 Bizarro land indeed.
2008-06-09 12:39:18
170.   ny2ca2dc
uh boy. I guess we can officially call this Mo's Bad-Location-Week. Let the wailing begin.
2008-06-09 12:39:31
171.   nick
...ot again....
2008-06-09 12:39:36
172.   cult of basebaal
sweet christ ... et tu, mo?
2008-06-09 12:39:43
173.   51cq24
good effort by johnny damon on the ball just over the wall
2008-06-09 12:40:35
174.   Yankees Brasil
This sucks. But scoring 2 runs against a bad pitcher on a bad team sucks even more.
2008-06-09 12:40:36
175.   Jeb
fuck
2008-06-09 12:40:45
176.   3rd gen yankee fan
Hey um... that wasn't supposed to happen.
2008-06-09 12:41:37
177.   tommyl
On the plus side, we did redraft the ambidextrous pitcher. C'mon, that's cool, no?
2008-06-09 12:41:53
178.   51cq24
seriously what the hell was damon looking at? he should have been waiting at the wall and he could have made the catch. instead he stopped well short of where the ball landed then drifted back awkwardly and had no shot.
2008-06-09 12:41:53
179.   williamnyy23
As smart as Rivera is, why on earth would he throw the only competent hitter in the Royals lineup a perfect strike on 0-2? Why?
2008-06-09 12:42:45
180.   Sliced Bread
uhhhh...

87 ?

worth another shot.

2008-06-09 12:43:27
181.   ny2ca2dc
179 I've seen a number of misses from Mo in the past few days. I assume it was a miss, not bad selection/targeting
2008-06-09 12:43:33
182.   Jeb
Well, if we're going to steal one, this would be the one to steal, for BamaYank.
2008-06-09 12:44:24
183.   51cq24
181 it looked like a 2 seamer that was supposed to be about a foot further inside
2008-06-09 12:44:28
184.   SF Yanks
178 Yeah, I thought he had a shot at it, instead he just looked lost.

179 Yawn.

2008-06-09 12:45:53
185.   Yankees Brasil
This doesn't look good.
2008-06-09 12:45:59
186.   Sliced Bread
A-Rod with the swinging bunt basehit!
2008-06-09 12:46:26
187.   tommyl
Shit, A-Rod was the only way this team was going to score.
2008-06-09 12:46:32
188.   Sliced Bread
way to chug down the basepath, Alex!
2008-06-09 12:46:47
189.   SF Yanks
To steal or not to steal? That is the question.
2008-06-09 12:46:51
190.   ny2ca2dc
blast please
2008-06-09 12:47:37
191.   williamnyy23
GO THE OTHER WAY!
2008-06-09 12:47:41
192.   nick
Hideki is due...
2008-06-09 12:47:48
193.   tommyl
189 Steal, steal, steal. Its A-Rod.
2008-06-09 12:48:16
194.   ny2ca2dc
189 Was just going to say that; I say yes
2008-06-09 12:48:42
195.   51cq24
why not tag up on that obvious fly ball?
2008-06-09 12:48:52
196.   Yankees Brasil
A-Rod has to be on the move. Matsui will ground out.
2008-06-09 12:48:58
197.   ny2ca2dc
Had ARod stolen, would that have advanced him to third? (with one out...)
2008-06-09 12:49:09
198.   Sliced Bread
Giambi's due
2008-06-09 12:49:41
199.   3rd gen yankee fan
Giambi IS due
2008-06-09 12:50:50
200.   ny2ca2dc
So presumably Betemit is in the hole (look how that worked out)
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-06-09 12:51:23
201.   ny2ca2dc
Intentional unintentional walk?
2008-06-09 12:52:17
202.   williamnyy23
Betemit as a PR instead of a PH? Why on earth?
2008-06-09 12:52:30
203.   ny2ca2dc
oh noes, Betemit in to RUN?!?! Who will PH?!?
2008-06-09 12:52:52
204.   Raf
202 I dunno. Trying to figure that one out myself.
2008-06-09 12:53:05
205.   nick
Robbie to win it...
2008-06-09 12:54:06
206.   ny2ca2dc
Is gameday wrong? Why in tarnation would Betemit RUN?
2008-06-09 12:54:17
207.   williamnyy23
What a wasted AB from Cano. Having Moeller hit here is incompetent.
2008-06-09 12:54:53
208.   3rd gen yankee fan
SICK OF CANO
2008-06-09 12:54:54
209.   ny2ca2dc
Cano Ks. Shock. Maybe Betemit should've PH for Cano...

Of course, I think Betemit should be starting at 2B

2008-06-09 12:54:57
210.   51cq24
oh now it makes sense!
2008-06-09 12:55:04
211.   Yankees Brasil
Cano sucks.
2008-06-09 12:55:06
212.   williamnyy23
You are looking at a mediocre team run by a mediocre manager....why are we surprised that they are mediocre?
2008-06-09 12:55:43
213.   ny2ca2dc
This is just idiotic. Moeller hitting to end the game? fuck the heck?
2008-06-09 12:56:07
214.   nick
what is going on??? PR for the TYING run if you have to ok, but...
2008-06-09 12:56:14
215.   ny2ca2dc
Wow, didn't expect that. OK, down to Melky...
2008-06-09 12:56:20
216.   51cq24
212 i think we're more surprised that you continue to write the same thing over and over
2008-06-09 12:56:33
217.   Raf
Moeller HBP keeps the game going
2008-06-09 12:56:51
218.   3rd gen yankee fan
just get a hit just get a hit just get a hit just get a hit just get a hit just get a hit just get a hit just get a hit just get a hit just get a hit just get a hit just get a hit just get a hit
2008-06-09 12:56:56
219.   Jeb
Sorry BamaYank. We're just a damn .500 team
2008-06-09 12:56:57
220.   nick
whoa!
2008-06-09 12:57:01
221.   ny2ca2dc
At least Melky will put up a good AB.

err

2008-06-09 12:57:19
222.   3rd gen yankee fan
nvm
2008-06-09 12:57:40
223.   Raf
whelp, so much for that...
2008-06-09 12:57:58
224.   Yankees Brasil
Horrible, just plain horrible.
2008-06-09 12:58:22
225.   williamnyy23
Melky's AB almost makes Cano's look good.

This was a pathetic performance up and down...splitting with the Royals at home is beneath an embarrasment.

2008-06-09 12:58:35
226.   Yankees Brasil
KC comes to town with an 11-game losing streak on the road and ends up splitting the 4-game series.

No way around it, this is a .500 team.

2008-06-09 12:59:01
227.   Alex Belth
That was a stupid loss. Awful abs by Melk and Cano in the 9th.
2008-06-09 12:59:53
228.   vockins
ah crap

There would have been a tiny consolation in Soria getting the save since he's on my fantasy team, but the dude loaded the bases and hosed my WHIP.

2008-06-09 13:00:24
229.   Yankees Brasil
When will Cano get his ass benched? This is embarrassing for him and for the Yankees. Let Betemit start some games at 2B, see if there's any reaction from Cano. Something needs to be done, because he's not improving at all. If anything, he's regressing.
2008-06-09 13:01:08
230.   nick
Of all American League players with 100 minimum PA, Melky is the worst with runners on:
.193 .226 .257.
That's cost us a LOT of runs this year.....
2008-06-09 13:01:52
231.   williamnyy23
216 It's the only way to describe this team.
2008-06-09 13:01:58
232.   nick
230 Not Melky--Robby. Robby is OPSing .483 with men on base. That's .483.
2008-06-09 13:04:41
233.   Yankees Brasil
230 And why aren't they giving Brett Gardner a shot? Changes need to be made.
2008-06-09 13:16:15
234.   williamnyy23
233 Changes wont be made because this team seems very complacent sleepwalking through significant portions of the season.
2008-06-09 13:26:37
235.   williamnyy23
234 And of evidence of that statement is Girardi saying he likes the way the club is playing. If the manager doesn't expect more, the players likely wont.
2008-06-09 13:38:39
236.   Bob B
You are what your record says you are and this 2008 Yankee team is mediocre. Big Payroll, average team.
2008-06-09 13:51:49
237.   RZG
227 Alex I think you once tossed around thinking of posting a topic on why people do and don't take part in game threads.

I don't take part in game threads and I only clicked on the comments here to browse through the last 36 messages.

Why don't I take part in game threads? Because there's a lot of hateful people here. Someone makes an out and the player is the worst person in the world. I'm glad the game threads are available, maybe it keeps someone from beating their pets.

2008-06-09 14:04:53
238.   Raf
237 What about the other 200+ messages? While I don't think Cano & Cabrera are the worst players in the world, they have to do better than they have. Girardi has to do a better job of managing than using Betemit to pinch run for Giambi or putting himself in a position where the game rests on Chad Moeller's shoulders.
2008-06-09 14:05:42
239.   Alex Belth
Hey, don't joke, there might be a lot of happy dogs and cats out there!
2008-06-09 14:36:18
240.   horace-clarke-era
237 I said a few days back I find the game threads have become mostly unpleasant. Someone said 'don't read the sour ones' but it isn't quite the same as skipping a columnist in a paper, or avoiding a website. You can't killfile someone on a game thread (best I know).

RZG I don't think it is a matter of hateful people, myself. I think it is a function of the internet and speed of posting, mixing with passionate fandom. I suppose I wonder why someone feels a NEED to swear in a thread at a batter who has a lame hack in the 9th. What need in them is assuaged or addressed? Community? We ALL hate Farnsworth's guts? Or Cano's today?

Alex, I get your joke about the saved canines and felines, and obviously the site works best when not moderated or controlled, but I'm with RZG and a few others in finding the banter way more appealing AWAY from the game threads. And yes, of course, the solution is easy and needs nothing from you or Cliff ... some of us just tend to stay away.

william, honestly, I have to assume you have followed the game for some time. To say splitting with ANY team is 'beneath an embarrassment' is ... an embarrassing remark, even allowing for heat of the moment (and the day). That isn't how this sport WORKS.

Today? A brutally hot day did what weather sometimes does and distorted athletic performance. Both pitchers reaped the benefit. No one hit well. I actually expected a sloppier game than we got.

2008-06-09 14:49:53
241.   OldYanksFan
240 I'm with you and 237 . Can you imagine if some of these Banters where fans of a truly bad team?

Like the Mets at the end of last year, there are many teams who underperform and many teams that lose games they were 'not supposed to lose'. Venting frustration is one thing.... we all need to do that. But saying the same 'Yankess suck' thing, over and over, game after game, and even year after year, is tiring.

I will say there are many Banterers who have left the site because of this. Look how many game threads 3 years ago had well over 500 comments, and how many different people there were. Far more then now.

It's a shame.

2008-06-09 15:13:34
242.   Raf
240 To say splitting with ANY team is 'beneath an embarrassment' is ... an embarrassing remark, even allowing for heat of the moment (and the day). That isn't how this sport WORKS.

I'd have to disagree. It wasn't splitting with any team, it was splitting with the Royals. They lost 11 in a row on the road. They were a poor offensive club.

If people want the "Yankees suck" thing to end, I'd suggest they stop sucking. They could start this by not splitting with the weak sisters of the league.

2008-06-09 18:21:32
243.   Chyll Will
241 OYF, et al, I agree, but it's tiresome trying to appeal to a vociferous minority of folks who have no intention of channeling that type of energy in any other way. I suspect that's kinda why Alex has started posting OTs quite a bit as of late. This is a tough season with a lot of changes that we don't see up front regardless, and have no control over. As we all know, Banter is a really great baseball site, but unlike most others, we introduce and discuss various other subjects that also connect us or strike us as interesting. And it is, because Banter's appeal is beyond just baseball, yet somehow ties everything into our love for the Yankees.

Just because we may not have the large number of commentors we used to have doesn't mean that they have totally left the site. Sometimes they resurface when something interesting besides the game comes around. Besides that, people have lives of their own. Jobs, family, etc; you know, life.

Life... it's an interesting dynamic that has developed here over the years, one that was really tested and worthy of analysis by the online/real life passing of our own Jim Dean last season. I had a conversation with myself after that (http://tinyurl.com/54z8nq) and I've concluded that to be here and be a part of it all is to take it all for what it is, good and bad.

I know it's not easy to ignore certain things (how I know that!), but that's when you have to ask yourself what's really important to you here and as a person in general. I like to be happy and positive, and I owe no one an apology for that, anymore than I would expect the negative people to apologize for their issues.

I accept that there are people here whose first instinct is to be negative, but one should never let another person define you or deny you something you enjoy. I enjoy Banter, but I take what I want from it, give what I can to it and go on with my life. We all have work to do, we all have family and friends; Banter can't replace that and is not supposed to.

I think many of us have grown beyond the simplicities of baseball chat and have incorporated many other things into and from Banter as a sign of that growth. It's all around Toaster, in fact. Negativity will always be a part of the conversation, and sometimes it will dominate. But it has not defined us and will pass in times as people grow. Don't let it defeat you, just continue to plant knowledge and hope that people like me will reach it eventually.

It's too hot for all this. Keep yourselves hydrated and wait for the next one. Peace, y'all >;)

2008-06-09 18:35:14
244.   williamnyy23
240 Speak for yourself. Splitting with the Royals at home is a huge embarassment. Sure, this is baseball and you can lose two games at home to very bad teams. And, when that happens, it is beneath an embarassment.

241 I think the poor play of the Yankees has more to do with the team's poor play than negative comments on game threads. I agree that it isn't useful to simply say XYZ sucks (just as "yippee...Arod is great" doesn't bring much to the table either), but too many here get bent out of shape over how others choose to express themselves. Both positive and negative comments have a purpose...one is to express frustration and the other is too express joy. That's exactly what you'd expect from a game thread...the highs and lows and ebb of flow of the game and the different reactions of people who really care about the outcome.

2008-06-09 19:33:26
245.   randym77
241 I know what you mean.

I actually don't mind the Yankees losing. I love baseball, win or lose, and if they have to build for the future this season, fine.

But the sheer meanness of the game threads is just a drag. I still come by once in awhile, but it's not like it was two or three years ago. One of the perils of success, perhaps.

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