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Five Alive
2005-09-23 21:00
by Alex Belth

Mariano Rivera got loose in the Yankee bullpen during the top of the ninth inning tonight but that is as close as he came to contributing to the team's 5-0 win over the Blue Jays. Shawn Chacon pitched eight brilliant innings (allowing just three hits and walk to go with three strikeouts) and the very flammable Scott Proctor worked a scoreless ninth (around two bases runners). It was the Bombers fifth consecutive victory and their 10th in their last 11 games. Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano hit back-to-back dingers in the first inning, as the team scored four times off of Ted Lily giving Chacon all the support that he would need. Thankfully, it wasn't a one-run game, and in the process the bullpen got some much-needed rest. Chacon was nothing short of terrific.

The Yanks remain a game ahead of the Red Sox who came back from an early 3-1 deficit (thanks in large part to a careless throwing error by Miguel Tejada) to bury the hapless Orioles, 6-3. Jose Contreras, who has been fantastic recently, pitched a complete-game as the White Sox beat the Twins, 3-1, while the Indians out-lasted the Royals, 7-6. Everything's the same cause tonight, everbody won.

Emily and I will be at a wedding and therefore miss Saturday afternoon's game. If anyone is around and watching it, I'd appreciate some descriptions and observations of what goes on. Hopefully, they will get another good starting pitching performance, play solid defensively and throw in some more timely hitting to boot. Actually, why should I be so modest in my wishes: some bombs-away slugging would be more like it.

Go Yanks!

Comments
2005-09-23 21:36:03
1.   rilkefan
BtVS fans might prefer to say "five by five".
2005-09-23 22:22:13
2.   mikeplugh
The next two days make me nervous. After our Toronto series is finished I'll feel much better. Here's why.

The YES/UPN crew (Kay and company) pointed out that Toronto seems committed to impacting the AL East race. They are playing to win. They are out of it in a big way, but they are playing the right way. Baltimore, as we saw only days ago, cashed it in a long time ago and are playing about as bush league as possible at this point.

The Yanks are playing the tough guys for two more days, and the Sox get the cushy bums to abuse. We get Wright/Downs and Wang/Towers over the next two days, and the Sox will match up Clement/Bedard and Wells/Maine. Neither side looks particulary exciting, but I'd feel a lot better if we had Johnson and Mussina going in Toronto and Wright/Wang in Baltimore.

Anyway, if we can stay a game up playing Toronto the next two games, I like our chances. If we concede a game and end up tied, I worry.

2005-09-23 23:39:30
3.   Hank
Let me preface this comment by saying that I'm thinking only positive thoughts, and I can't imagine this train derailing anywhere short of the playoffs, but...

There is a remote possiblity that this Saturday and Sunday could be the last time a Yankee Stadium crowd has the opportunity to cheer for Bernie Williams in a Yankee uniform. Though his skills have obviously diminished and some will be happy to see him go, he will always be one of my favorite Yankees, and I'll miss him when he's gone.

Does anyone think there might be a "Paul O'Neill moment" on Sunday?

2005-09-24 04:23:25
4.   Paul in Boston
Off the subject, but interesting: I was watching the Sox-O's game last night, and Dubose (a lefty) was pitching to Ramirez. Although Ramirez was something like 0 for 5 against him, he had walked 4 times, and Remy said, "I like our chances here." Sure enough, on a full count DuBose tries to sneak an inside fastball past Ramirez, and he hits it 400 feet. Remy then comments that this was about the worst pitch you could possibly throw to Ramirez, "who always is looking for something inside."

Proving:
1) Ramirez is still a great hitter.
2) Remy is an outstanding baseball commentator, one of the best in the business. I'm surprised he hasn't been snatched up for national games, although maybe he's declined these offers.

2005-09-24 04:31:49
5.   Max
What Mike said. The goal is to be at least a game up going into the final seven games.
2005-09-24 06:39:13
6.   NetShrine
Paul in Boston - Remy might be smart, but, the voice? I just heard him once, not knowing who it was at the time, and was shocked. Sounded like an old rum-dum who smoked too much. Later, I found out that it was Remy. Was that just an off day? I dunno - never heard him again.
2005-09-24 07:16:40
7.   singledd
Paul in Boston - Up in in NH, I watch just about all Sox games, and you are very correct. The 'Remdawg' is about one of the best. Not just his baseball knowledge, but his refusal to be politcally correct and follow the terrible habits of national broadcasters (overrating famous players, underrating unknowns, overstating the obvious, being pias about certain players, and other obnoxious habits). And while he is obviously a Sox fan, he gives a fair and balanced account of what's going on. He will also say negative things about players (when deserved), but does so in a nonchalant way and doesn't preach.

It is not always easy to watch the Sox when one is rooting against them, but I respect Remy and he makes the games very potable.

2005-09-24 07:19:12
8.   Dimelo
Paul - I agree, Jerry Remy is a great annoucer. He's really funny and doesn't take himself too seriously. Between Remy, Jim Kaat, Keith Hernandez and Rex Hudler those are all my favorite (current) ex-player annoucers. With Ken Singleton and Paul O'Neil not too far either.

Last night's Yankee win was great, nothing to complain about.

2005-09-24 07:24:36
9.   singledd
The season will come down to the last weekend at Fenway. It will be a matter of who needs 2 of 3, or 3 of 4. I fear this.
The idea of muttering 'fucking Ortiz' or 'fucking Nixon' all winter has me worried.
I hope Sheff and Giambi are close to 100% because we will need our full squad.

We can only hope that RJ can guarantee us one.

But as I said before, ARod will ultimately be the difference maker (thank goodness he is out of the 2 spot). He will be feeling a lot of pressure, and it's a matter of how he responds. I believe our hopes will ride on his shoulders. Both the season and the MVP go through Boston.

A couple of great saves could also bring us the CY award. Maybe even the ROY. The lights will be VERY bright in Boston.

2005-09-24 08:17:21
10.   NetShrine
Maybe I'm just a dreamer, but, I keep dreaming of 5 A-Rod HRs in those last three games at Fenway.
2005-09-24 08:26:12
11.   rbj
I dunno, I like of like the sound of "Bubba Bleeping Crobsy."
And people should damn well cheer Bernie today and tomorrow.
2005-09-24 08:27:17
12.   Dimelo
NetShrine, that would be so great. I hope ARod comes up big.

Speaking of ARod, did anyone read David Wells comments about the MVP race? Anyhow, he had kind of a backhanded comment about ARod, saying that Ortiz is a great clubhouse guy unlike someone who says they wake up before everyone else to work out.
I want to know where all this negative stuff about ARod is coming from and if it has ever been substantiated by anyone - that ARod is clubhouse cancer? I don't see it, I see him constantly talking with Jeter and hugging Sheffield and Giambi. Why do we keep hearing this?

2005-09-24 09:33:39
13.   randym77
You have got to be freakin' kidding me. DAVID WELLS has the nerve to diss someone else's workout regimen? Mr. "I'm going to write a book on how not to work out"? The guy whose lack of fitness probably cost the Yankees a World Series?

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