Good stuff as always, Cliff.

re: Melky or a Kevin. I think they should go with the hottest bat, which belongs to Cabrera. Also, since Melky projects to be better than a fourth outfielder, why not get him as much big league experience as possible? I'd love to see him in the lineup tonight (if Sheff can't go), with Phillips at first, and Giambi DH.

I'll happily sign your petition to replace Sturtze with Ramiro Mendoza. Can we get 100,000 signatures by 7pm, and make it happen?

Cliff, if you're willing to go to the stadium tonight, I'll sign a petition saying you should replace Sturtze. How much worse can you be? We'd get 100k sigs for the easily

Cliff, I agree with you on the melky/Thompson question and my reasons were pretty much the same. I would rather have him continue to work on his game at AAA without having to deal with yo-yo-ing between NY & Colombus. Not knowing how Torre will use the new guy, I just want to see Melky get solid playing time until a later call up. (I know what Torre said...but I'll believe it when I see it - I still think he'll probably just end up trotting Bubba or Bernie out there)

That being said, if they do call up Kevin, I think they should sit Melky down and tell him the reasons why...I'd hate to see the kid get discouraged by not being called up.

Also, Cliff, why do I have a feeling that if they do replace Sturtze, it will be with Scott Erikson rather than Mendoza...

Nice stuff indeed Cliff.

Can you answer this for me: Did we just miss a shot to acquire Choi through waivers? The story goes he was on a rehab assignment in Pawtucket then got activated to only get reassigned but had to pass through waivers first. Do we still fall behind the Sox under that scenario? Did other teams pass up on him too (the Cubs!?)?

Sorry, every report I saw said he passed through waivers. Not sure where you're getting your info from.

3 If Small doesn't find his magic pixie dust soon, I would be surprised if it wasn't Mendoza in that slot.

I have to hope Erickson is there, like Rasner, if we need an emergency start.

Otherwise, I really do wonder where Bean falls in. Defintely behind Dotel. But if Proctor keeps throwing like that - I just don't see how Colter makes it onto this club unless Sturtze gets released and someone else gets hurt.

The bullpen is not our worry this year unless that worry is Tanyon seeing playing time.

As we're seeing a dramatically different Proctor than we saw last season, maybe we'll see a more mature, Major League ready Melky.

It's unlikely that he'll keep up his torrid rate of hitting against big leaguers Beckett, Schilling, and Wakefield this series, but it's easy to get excited about him.

I don't see how being called up can be a bad thing for Melky. Even if he's not an overnight sensation, at least he'll know he's in the team's plans - also, other clubs that might be interested in him will see how highly he's regarded by the Yanks.

Get Melky into the lineup tonight, Joe, and get him into the roll call, Bleacher Creatures!

PS - if Melky plays right tonight, I'm guessing Bernie gets the start at DH.

PPS - With the damp cool weather in NY today, it feels like October around here!

7 Seriously though, how nice would it be if Melky sticks?

Whereas Joe wouldn't use either of the Kevins as a legit 4th option (i.e., he'd fall behind Bernie on the depth chart), Melky might just impress him enough in the next two weeks to become an everyday guy in the OF and bumping Shef to more DH, Bernie to his PH slot (no way he gets cut), and Bubba to parts unknown.

Am I dreaming to even think this? So long as he doesn't flame up and out - let's keep our fingers crossed...

6 Erickson isn't starting in Columbus, he's pitching exclusively in relief, and short relief at that (1 1/3 IP per appearance). He's pitching very well, but Smith, who's already gotten the call once, and Bean have been even better.

5 Rob, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense that Choi, who has three years of major league service time under his belt, would have had to have cleared waivers to have been optioned down. That said, I didn't see any references to his passing through waivers on any of the sources I checked, but I believe he would have to have been.

To answer your question on waiver order, the Red Sox can't put a waiver claim on their own player. The waiver order is based on the standings and goes from worst to first in the same league as the club requesting waivers (Royals to White Sox), then worst to first in the other league (Pirates to Mets). If no claims are placed on the player, the original team retains him, thus I suppose you could say the Sox are last in the waiver order on Choi.

So you're boy Cashman has no excuse this time around, though for the life of me I can't figure out why. Carlos Pena isn't hitting a lick in Columbus and I can't see why the Yanks wouldn't jump at the chance to take a piece away from the Sox, like they tried to do with Mirabelli. Frustrating indeed, unless the option/waiver rules have yet another wrinkle I'm unaware of.

Right on! 1,2. In fact, bring the petition to the Stadium, then there's half of that 100K signatures!

Looking at the Clippers' stats, I'm trying to figure out how they've been distributing playing time. They've got Melky and the Kevins in the outfield, but also Mitch Jones, who could play first, but that was to be Eric Duncan's position, but then Carlos Pena came alone, so Duncan has switched back to third I've heard, but Russ Johnson was there tearing up the league. I notice Felix Escalona's playing time at short has declined, are they using Johnson in the middle infield spots? Danny Garcia has second base covered, which is Johnson's best middle infield position (he's really not a shortstop). Has Garcia moved over? Then there's the fact that they have five catchers, three of whom, Hill, Nieves and McDonald seem to be splitting the starting job to some degree.

Meanwhile, here's a waiver wire conundrum for you. If the Yankees claimed Choi, they'd have to pass him through waivers to option him to Columbus, allowing the Red Sox to claim him back, but if the Sox wanted to option him down to Pawtucket, the process could just repeat and keep repeating ad infinitum. Is there something in the waiver or option rules that breaks that cycle at some point? It would seem that at some point one of those teams would be forced to keep him on the 25-man roster, but due more to tranaction fatigue than any part of the waiver rules.

Cliff 9 when you refer to B. Cashman as Rob's boy I imagine you do so with the slightest hint of sarcasm. Yes?

Pena has been disappointing to date. What is even more frustrating is he has taken time away from a very up and down Duncan at first base.

If we claimed Choi I imagine that Pena would have exercised his option to leave and may well have ended up with the Sawx. Would the Yankees view this as a lateral move? If you look at their career numbers they are close although Pena does have about 700 more ab's and is arguably a better defender.

12 The Yanks might think it's lateral, but Choi is the superior player. I'd make that trade in an instant.

I have a great deal of respect for Melky. His big league experience from last year may have lead a less confident player to believe that he was not 'major league material'. However Melky came to spring training and he looked confident, like he belonged. Additionally, he has dominated AAA pitching so far this season. As a shortsighted fan, I'm glad he was called up because I just (selfishly) want to see him play.

By the way, if Hee Seop:Red Sox::Andy Phillips:Yankees, Manny Delcarmen:Red Sox::Bean/Smith:Yankees. The mistrust of youth is pervasive:

http://tinyurl.com/mu2kg

Also, for yucks, the latest Soxaholix features a classic bit of trash talk from Yankee fan Marty:

http://tinyurl.com/r5gfr

Don't you folks know that Doug Mientkiewicz is handy with the leather and a good clubhouse influence? And he hit over .300 once.

Hee-Seop Choi is:
1) a bad fielder
2) has a hole in his swing
3) has trouble with pitchers who weird arm angles
4) isn't Mark Grace/Eric Karros/Jason Phillips/Bryan Myrow

I could give you more of the L.A. media orthodoxy about why Hee-Seop Choi failed in L.A. But it's really enervating.

13 You've made it quite clear that you find Choi the superior player over the past weeks. Why? Not that I disagree or that I'm looking for or making an argument but I don't see it in the numbers. Does Choi have a better lefty power swing? Is he a better situational hitter? Does he have better plate coverage or zone judgment? Do you find him to be a better defensive 1st baseman than Pena? Is he a better teammate or person? Is he kind to animals?

I can't get too excited by the difference I see in the numbers or in seeing them both play. What is it that makes the difference for you?

9 This bit was from the Boston Globe, but I remember seeing others around the same time that said similar things.

http://tinyurl.com/m9zjm

Short story: Says he had a minor league option left but because he debuted more than three years ago, he had to pass through waivers. If so, it is surprising the Yanks didn't take a flyer on him, but even more so that the Cubs didn't.

He does have four (!) errors so maybe Cashman couldn't envision a defensive liability at 1B as the back-up behind Giambi. Who knows though...

It's my turn to ask the locals - how's the weather in NYC? Do you all think this game will be played tonight? I've got to think that the cold wet weather will be worse for RJ than Beckett, but I guess we won't know until tonight.

Re: Choi and waivers, I said this yesterday w/o remembering that I got it from the SOSH board: http://tinyurl.com/hehqg
According to this, he passed through a "procedural waiver" that there is a "gentleman's agreement" not to claim off of. Doesn't make much sense, but better than nothing?

17 Choi is a year younger, strikes out less, and unlike Pena hasn't been properly exposed at the major league level. Choi has never been given more than 370 plate appearances in a single season. Pena has surpassed that mark three times, twice taking more than 500 trips to the plate in a single season. I believe we've seen what Pena can do and now that he's 28 I don't think he has any more to offer than what he's already done, which means he's a league-average 1B at best.

On the other hand, I don't think Choi has been allowed to reach his potential (which according to PECOTA could be Ortiz-like) and at age 27 he should be having a break out season right now if only he were getting a chance.

Excited about this series and the pitching matchups? Wish some of the games were day games, or the weather was warmer, the Yanks struggle in the cold.

PS, this rivalry is certainly intense, but you guys should check out what happened in England this Sunday. Tottenham Hotspur lost out on next year's Champion's League to their most bitter rival Arsenal because 10/17 of their players were violently stricken w/ food poisoning 12 hours before kickoff of their final game! I believe there is a criminal investigation, with Arsenal supporters at the top of the suspect list.

I have spent the last two days contemplating what would have happened if this went down last year during the Yanks/Red Sox final series. Madness and bedlam for sure.

I wouldn't be so down on Cabrera, Cliff. We know what the Kevins have and they would not start over Bernie with Torre at the helm.

Plus, Cabrera's already shown he's resilent to bounce back so well from last year. He's being rushed but the alternative for this DL stint would be Bernie playing RF/DH everyday. If he fails he'll get another shot in September then next Spring.

The upside is Melky just might stick.

22 Great idea, jonny! Anyone here work in the major NYC hotels?

22
Woulda been easy...

Bad Guy: Now, youse guys know what ya s'posed to do?
Henchman: Yeah boss, we goes in da restaurant kitchen and put da poison in the chunky white soup.
Bad Guy: And da thin red soup?
Henchman: We leaves it alone.
Bad Guy: Good, now go to it!

11
Yes, Dunca has been splitting time between 3rd & 1st (at least he was when the Clippers were in town). What I found interesting was that Nieves caught both games of a night game followed by a day game -- the Clipppers only had two guys listed at catcher & not on the DL (Lance Parrish was DL'ed, Hill was available, but on bullpen duty(?)) The Kevins impressed me more than Melky at the time; personally I'd like to see Melky spend the summer in Columbus, I'd hate for him to get overwhelmed again in the majors, but I'd love to be wrong. I'd like a nice, crisp, 6-0 win by the Yanks.

Right now only Nieves & Hill are listed on the roster

22, Yeah, and Spurs are petitioning to replay the last game. Did you happen to watch the Arsenal game at Highbury (final game in that stadium, which has been their home since 1913)? It was insane, place was shaking and every fan was issued either a white or red shirt based on their seating location so the stadium looked like a giant Arsenal flag. Oh, and Henry scored a hat trick. Doesn't get much better than that 'cept for Yanks v. Sox and of course the match of the year, Barcelona v. Arsenal in Paris next week.

21 Cliff, over their careers Pena has a K rate of 0.297 and Choi has a K rate of 0.286. Technically yes Choi strikes out less. I'll take your answer as Choi "projects" as a better player not that he "is" a better player, although he may well be.

Right now I see them as a wash, if one is superior to the other today the difference may not justify an argument. As to the future, I've always liked Choi and have tended to be dismissive of Pena. It probably goes back to my objection to the way BBA employed Pena as a straw man to tear down Nick Johnson's value.

Ortiz had 1477 ab's before he got to Boston. His last year in MN presaged his monumental advancement as a hitter. So I guess it's fair to say that he had 1,065 ab's to adjust his swing; closer to Choi's position than Pena's obviously. Pena has been sucking wind at Columbus and taking some 1b/DH time away from Duncan. Choi is putting up decent although bizarre numbers (higher OBP than SLG) at Pawtucket according to the MiLB site.

When we picked up Pena, B. Cashman offered that the Yankees were merely "increasing the inventory". In merchandizing there is a simple old saying – "Inventory kills"; I think it may be applicable in baseball. We hitched our wagon to the wrong star on this one.

23 Rob, Joe said he'd start whomever got called up. I believe him. There's a third factor at work here that I failed to mention. Thompson always struggles on first exposure to a new level but then hits well the next year. Why not use now to get him that taste he seems to need and then pencil him in for 4th OF in 2007? He can't be much less productive than Bernie/Bubba.

29 You don't have to argue with me - they should both be on this team ahead of the other two guys on the OF bench.

That said, I think you've got to reward merit and look for upside. If Melky plays like last year, Thompson will get his shot. But if you start with Thompson and he fails it's tough to go to Melky then. You've cornered yourself in to then trying Reese. Now two guys at Melky's level are hitting the big club even though he's really outperforming them.

Worst case: You get Thompson.
Best case: We've got our 4th OF.

I feel good about that progression.

BTW: Soriano's early numbers also look Cano and Melky-like.

27 Highbury was rocking. Going nuts every time West Ham scored, not losing steam when Wigan made their push. Pure, cathartic release at the Henry hat trick. Will it be enough to keep him around for a few more years? Sure hope so. 5/17 is huge!

Makes me really appreciate being a Yankee fan. I never have to worry about our best and favorite players; they're not going anywhere (apologies to the Pettitte foundation - the exception that proves the rule?).

Francona says he used Papelbon in a non-save situation last week because he wanted the Yankees to see him, to scare NY a little bit. Sounds like gamesmanship by Mr. Francoma there. Why would you use a closer that many of the Yanks haven't seen in a non-crucial situation? This only affords a few more of them some familiarity that could possibly come back and bit you in the butt later on.

Sounds more like a lame way for Terry to spin the fact that he had no one else in the bullpen he could trust with a 4 run lead...
http://tinyurl.com/fqlm6

Do we know yet if Melky is starting tonight? Trial by fire for the young outfielder, I guess, but it's gotta be better than Bubba/Bernie.

32] Knuckles, sounds like Frankie was sick of answering a question. Given the way the sigmoidoscope seems to come out at the post game newsies I'd say I don't blame him.

Hopefully they will get the game in. The worst of it will be passing soon, judging from the radar.

It wasn't supposed to rain at all today, but it is. Just a little.

33 Benjamin, if you click on the Peter Abraham link in Cliff's main post, and go looking for Mr. Abraham's most recent post, Melky is starting in RF tonight and hitting 9th.

7 Sliced called it - Bernie at DH. Nice.

36 My compliment is for Sliced, BTW, not Bernie, as I'd rather see Phillips DHing. That said, I hope Bernie does well tonight.

We are going to get a look at young Melky tonight...

Johnny Damon CF
Derek Jeter SS
Jason Giambi 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui LF
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Bernie Williams DH
Melky Cabrera RF

37 MFD nice distinction and I agree; would much rather see it that way too. Oh well.

I wanted to extend props to Rich (#42) who noticed in yesterdays thread that Melky played RF last night and correctly called that a precursor to his call-up and start today. Nice spot, I missed it when I looked at the AAA boxes. There was chatter about it but Rich spotted the proof.

Phil Hughes also pitches tonight. Anyone have some sort of access to keep us updated?

the way things unfold for RJ, I expect him to pitch well and dominate Manny and Ortiz, but give up a HR to Alex Gonzalez.

that being said, the yanks will pound Beckett the first 3 innings and get a little payback from 2003.

when its all said and done, the yanks will cruise to their first victory this year v the bosox.

let's go yan-kees!!

40 milb.com says the game has been postponed in Portland - was supposed to start at 6pm. Tomorrow is a 12pm start - hopefully Hughes just gets pushed back.

42 Thanks.

What I wouldn't give for 8 IP, 9 K of shutout ball from the Unit. Melky goes 2-4 with a double and a diving catch. Mo strikes out the side, including Fatass to end it (Anyone remember the AMAZING game last year- Arod's homer off Schilling- Mo struck out the side in the 9th, including Ortiz for the final out. It was up there with a world series win for me.).

damn mlb.tv is acting up again. anybody else having trouble with it?

So the game is on? According to mlb.com, it's in warmup. BTW, anyone noticed Randy Johnson's new photo up on mlb.com? Don't know why I still find it funny as in comparison to the previous one.

And Sheff is now "officially" on DL.

The YES guys are still jawing. It's Paulie tonight.

44 No MLB.TV. What gives? Anyone able to get in?

48 do you get the same reload page message?

4448 Did you guys check out the blackout restriction list for today?

50 I have no black out restrictions. I'm in Mexico.

do you have mlb-tv? are you watching it?

50 Can't get into the system period. It seems to be down. Is anyone in or can anyone get in?

All right, Robbie!

This will probably jinx it, but Loretta's #s vs Randy?:

3 for 83 w/ 14 k's. Yikes. Woops 3 for 84 now, w/ a gdip to boot.

nope, nothing.

Last time it happened, I had to wait until the end of 1st inning to reload.

Wow. So much for the chin music.

MLB looks like it might be back now. Showing commercial break message.

Yeah into mlb.tv. OK, wonder what that was all about?

59 1st inning choke...

sorry....meant 1st half inning

i think its back on as well. Just in time for the yankee hitters.

the audio is screwed up though.

thanks 58

25 LMAO Yeah I know I'm late, I'm just catching up here.

I really didn't need to see that again.

Yeah, Jete!

Woohoo Captain!

Wow, I still hate Beckett as much as I did in '03.

Oh, yes!!!!!!! The Giambeeeeeno!

oh HELL yes

Giambino!!!! Woot!

Giambi!!!

Da Giam-bino!

welcome to NY Josh!!!!!

Giambino!

yeehawwww!!!!

WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!! giambino!!!

Giambi is definitely feeling the 3 hole!

And it's only the first inning.

Matsui, swinging 3-0?

Matsui is hitting ok lately, right?

Giambi doesn't play the game the right way; how dare he homer off of Beckett instead of striking out?

Almost as good as getting the early lead: Making him throw 30 pitches

2 runs and 30 pitches. Good 1st inning.

7 pitch inning for the Unit.

There's our boy, Wily Mo - swinging first pitch!

Kitty just nailed it. A 7 pitch inning by the Unit is the best thing to get Beckett right back out there. Work 'dem counts, Yanks!

Lots of grounders for RJ so far

78 He got the go-ahead because he's been hitting well. Didn't work out this time.

If the Sox had a slightly shorter 3rd baseman, Robby would've had a hit.

Bernie is having words with the umpire. Late call on that 3rd strike.

I hope the stadium cheers its ass off when Melky leads off.

Did the Gonzalez at bat just last longer than the entire Sox 2nd inning? Embarassing.

That's as bad as walking the pitcher.

walk to alex gonzalez....

are you kidding

Why is Randy throwing sliders to Alex Gonzalez with the count 0-2? This guy couldn't hit a beachball and it's Randy Friggin' Johnson on the mound.

If Randy walks youkilis I'm going to Pukeilis.

Nice diving catch by Matsui. Save a couple of runs.

That's the problem, it's not Randy Friggin' Johnson anymore. It's Randy Twilight of My Career Johnson. That's a whole other enchilada.

That looked like a great read on a tough ball by Matsui.

94 Nice Schteeeeeeeeeeeve.

Tough E. Fat Papi was k'd.

what's the word I'm looking for....Fuck! Yeah, that about covers it.

Nice walk to gonzalez there by the Stupid Unit!!

WTF?! Thank goodness I'm not watching this game.

Hey, now, it's Giveaway Day at the big ballpark. Geesh.

Randy really sucks. This is pathetic. Walking Alex Gonzalez. Throwing the ball over Posada. Nice work here. One and a half times through the lineup, no Ks.

lets get proctor in right now!!

Wonderful. Three unearned runs against the Red Sox. That's piss poor baseball by A-Rod and the Unit.

Well, this is horrific.

Arrgggh! Really, this is just some sickening stuff.

I'm really starting to buy into the whole A-Rod is a choker thing. He always picks the worst spots for errors. I know it happens to them all, but his really stick in my mind.

RJ is having a meltdown here. He's afraid to throw strikes.

I'm tired of watching Randy Brown.... er... Randy Johnson pitch. And we have another year of this crap.

Great. 4th walk. Our pen will to totally dead after this series.

This is making me cry. THROW A STRIKE, RANDY.

I mean, now we see why A-Rod sees a psychologist, don't we? He's very talented, but it's obvious he's neurotic as well.

Well, that was quick...this freaking sucks.

Aaron Small is warming.

Can someone describe A-Rod's error to me?

A strikeout?! From Johnson?! I didn't think he knew what those were anymore!

How do you go from a seven pitch inning to that f'n nightmare?

Well, RJ got out of it...barely.

109 I'm just sick of A-Rod. He's a big fool. He never says the right stuff, he routinely doesn't come through, and as Sterling just said, that was "one damaging error." Poor poor baseball against the Red Sox here.

Of course, that strike three non-call to Ortiz was pretty big too. That ball was literal right across the plate.

Finally, that disasterous inning ends.

Excuse me swing on ball 4. Perfect way to end the inning. Wow, RJ looks bad. Not even close to hitting spots.

116 The ball got past him. He seemed to be expecting it hop up higher than it actually did.

Rodriguez was playing way off the line for Ortiz. Ortiz hit a ball on the nose but it was right at Rodriguez. He fumbled the ball, and then couldn't locate where it was. By the time he picked it up--it was just a few feet behind him--and chucked it to first, even the heavy-set Ortiz had time to beat it out. It was a clear error, and obviously, with Johnson looking horrible again, it was costly.

113, 120 - I'm just sick of people ignorantly attacking A-Rod for being imperfect.

Let's go, Melky. Give us something positive.

Beckett's throwing some nasty breaking pitches to Cabrera.

Let's be fair. ARod has saved a ton of runs already with his glove. You guys have very short memories.

Melky almost had a single.

A-Rod's defense is not our problem. Nor will it be thru this and the next season the team is carrying Johnson around on its back.

125 agreed.

its was a tough luck error there, I would have given an infield hit.

A-Rod is really the Karl Malone of baseball in a lot of ways. But I digress. Clemens price just went up 3 million after that inning by the Unit. Do they have any choice but to sign him?

125 So be it. I've never vocally attacked A-Rod and I've had plenty of opportunity to do so. I'm just saying that I'm tired of his shitck. It wears thin. That's all. I've never been a fan of his. I didn't like him before. I don't need to like him just because he plays on the Yankees now.

That pitch was just called a strike against Jeter?!?!?! And the one to Ortiz was a ball? Please.

rilkefan -- right you are.

I like A-Rod, but I do think he tends to fold under pressure. He's hardly unique in that. NY is tough. And everyone notices when he screws up.

I do like having A-Rod on the team and obviously he is a great player, I'm just annoyed right now. But he is a perplexing guy--can anyone explain the blue lips deal in the playoffs yet?

What shitck (sp) is that? Playing close to GG 3rd base in his 3rd year at the position? Winning the MVP? Which shitck are you speaking of?

133 - I'm tired of the anti-Arod shtick. It wore thin a long time ago.

Saying he's got mental problems a la 113 is way beyond that into offense, though.

3 and 0 on Pena? Joe needs to yank his Big Unit until it gets Small-er.

Maybe it was just one bad inning for RJ.

He looked like a big league pitcher on that k.

5 walks. Just like his ERA

Another goddamn walk to a crap hitter.

He walked Dustin Mohr?

Is Justin Mohr now RJ's kryptonite?

31, yup. That game was amazing, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Actually much like the late 90s Yanks, when the Gunners were down at home, I knew they'd pull it through.

The difference in Europe is that there are really multiple large clubs so you have a constant shuttling between them (e.g. Ronaldo likely leaving Madrid, Beckham from Man U to Madrid, etc.) Arsenal is a bit smaller, but they have a ton of young talent coming up (Fabregas, Ebouy, Diaby, Walcott and more). Ok back to baseball...

138 I explained it. It's more his off-field antics. His inane comments to the press. All that stuff.

I'm happy he produces on the field, and yes, he does save more runs in the field than he gives up probably. Although it's debatable if a great play in the 8th inning in a blowout should be considered negating the error he made tonight.

But to me, ARod just symbolizes when George went nuts and lost perspective. It became about acquiring toys instead of pieces to win. But we're all going to have different views on it. You be sick of the anti-Arod contigency and I'll be sick of A-Rod. To each his own.

Maybe we can all agree to be sick of Randy Johnson giving up 0-2 hits to Alex Gonzalez after walking Dustin Mohr.

what a fucking mess

Alex freakin' Gonzalez?! I could get him out. Throw the ball down the middle of the plate, he'll pop out to center field.

We shouldn't have to suffer through this. We should be crushing these guys.

Does RJ get the ever-popular sarcastic standing ovation for strike out no. 2?

Another wild pitch from RJ.

Is he really going to walk Loretta to face Papi!?!?!@#$%^&(&^%#$

Get him off the mound!

I'm sick. I live in NH. I look forward to these series so I can see my boys on TV. Now, I can't even watch this.

Retire RJ's number... with him in it!

Loretta?! C'mon....getting crushed by Ortiz is reasonable if annoying. But 5 walks, Alex Gonzalez, this trade is looking worse and worse AND worse.

This is the f'ing bottom of the line up! RJ is just having confidence problems. He'll improve as the season goes on. I'm having faith in the dark times.

By neurotic I meant overanxious, doesn't mean mental problems per say. Now myself, I'm having mental problems. This is a joke.

Great job there Randy. Wonderful. So much for the 84 mph gimme strike on 3-0. That's some smart baseball by the Red Sox. Does he get the hook now or do we have to watch Ortiz hit a home run to drive the nail into this one?

This is a disaster.

Small's coming in.

Why is he still IN????

If the post season starts tomorrow: It's Moose and Chacon, and pray for a cyclone.

Dear lord, when wil it end.

It is a waking nightmare.

158 I think you're right. He doesn't trust his stuff.

"this trade is looking worse and worse AND worse"...
Aside from Kevin Brown, this is the worst move we have ever done. Who did we give up fir RJ? Remember?

A 3 year contract to an injured 39 year old?

Was George NUTS?

Ok, lets get out of this inning, minimize the damage. We can get 3 runs of Beckett and their bullpen.

this is a disgrace.

c'mon joe, GET HIM OUT!!!

i'm tired of this, why is it that it is clear to everybody that's watching the game that the Stupid Unit does not have anything today (or for the last 4 starts) and joe leaves him in so that the bosox get a nice comfy lead.

he's finally out, but 3 batters late!!

The Bad Unit followed by Small? Shades of ALDS Game 3. Not good memories.

I'm just curious. What 'piece' at third would the Yankees be better of with? And the notion that A-Rod only makes great plays in the field during blowouts is stoopid.

Meanwhile, across town, Pedro settled down nicely after a rough couple of innings and it's still just 3-0 Phillie.

That's really all you need to know.

that was so unbelievably painful

Procedural waivers - my understanding is that Choi would've passed though revokable major league waivers, meaning the Red Sox would've likely pulled him back, put him on the ML roster, and moved somebody else (waive Snow, perhaps?).

In return, the Sox would probably retaliate by claiming any players the Yankees put on revocable waivers, screwing with the Yanks roster. Thus, the existance of the Gentleman's Agreement. Apparently, the only time claims regularly get made on this type of waiver is after the trading deadline, when passing through waivers is a prereq for being traded.

As an aside, I remember Angelos debating whether to forfeit all games played with replacement players in 95 to keep Ripken's stream alive. While there was nothing the other owners could officially due to stop him, one of the talking heads said something along the lines of "the other teams could yank the Orioles around by the waiver wire" - essentially, doing the same thing I mentioned above and preventing the O's from sending players down.

167, Javier Vasquez plus others.

Great. Small vs Manny. It's batting practice. Why not bring Sturtz in and throw a keg of beer behind second.

Good thing Cora isn't playing, I'm sure he would've teed off on Johnson like the other bottom feeders did today.

I have zero confidence in Small

Who did we get for Nick Johnson?

159 - ok. Kind of day that strains everyone's patience, isn't it?

Has RJ pitched much better then Wright?

Has RJ pitched much better then Wright?

Has RJ pitched much better then Wright?

Sloppiness all around. The wild pitch...then Cano's awful throw to first which should have nailed Loretta.

Somewhere Beth is cheering!

No kidding. I think we all feel, maybe even know that the Yanks are a better team than the Sox (maybe not if Johnson is truly this bad now) and it's hard to watch them get stomped again. Ugh.

Sorry... cyber-blip

176, I was just thinking if they go down some more, put in Sturtze, Phillips and Bubba. Sturtze can roast out there and Andy can get some PAs. Useful and entertaining in a macabre sort of way for us.

181 Not lately.

But he doesn't pitch at his best until it's hot. Or so he says.

YOU have to be kidding me!

Wow.

Argggh. Melky dropped it.

The wind must be brutal out there.

the melkman is back!!!

Small comes in, battles the hell out of Manny, gets a lazy pop up to the infield and no one can catch it?!

What?!

This is bad. Time to hope Curt sucks tomorrow night.

This game is just one of those you have to chalk up to bad luck.

what the heck is happening? yanks seem totally unready tonight.

The wind was really bad. I thought Damon was going to get it, then I thought Cano. Melky ended up catching it...and dropping it.

Geesh, it looks like Melky's got a jai alai cesta on his catching hand.

There you go, better strike them out. Don't want to let anyone ball get anywhere near in play.

My bf (not a Yankee fan) was just saying, "Who's Cabrera??? Who's Cabrera??? Who's CABRERA???" LOL

196 that (arod, melky) and TERRIBLE execution by your ST.

This team is so bizarre. When they lose, it's like they go for broke and do it in the most disastrous ways possible. Hey, let's walk some guys hitting .220, make a couple three errors, some wild pitches, and call it good.

worst thing that could have happened to melky. i was so excited forthis game but from the start it has been frustrating. first mlb-tv was all screwed up. then my stupid cat was being annoying. (Giambi provides temporary reprieve). then arod. then randy walkson. and now melky. how depressing is this, like the yanks are all tightly wound or something.

196, why? I can forgive the A-Rod and even the Melky error, I really thought Cano had it and he backed off at the last second. But RJs performance? Part of being the ace is picking up your teamates. Remember Cone? Clemens? Petitte? If Brosius dropped a ball, Cone would go out and say not to worry and strike out the next hitter. Randy walks the entire freakin' bottom of the order. There's no excuse and its not bad luck.

No problem. Small will take it to FarnsMo and the Yanks will scrape back in it. Have faith.

Or, it'll be Sox 17-4.

I'll just be happy if Farnsworth hits a couple Red Sox hitters and settles some old scores.

This game is reminding me of the game in St Louis last season. What was it, the Friday game of the weekend series?

I checked in with Yahoo to see what was going on before wading into this thread and saw 'M. Ramirez safe at first on right fielder M. Cabrera's fielding error'. I thought "Oh my god! the Yankees traded for Miguel Cabrera!".

Then I woke up.

Ugh, just turned on the game, wow, looks like the bizzarro yanks are back again...easily going down on offense, sucking on defense, and unable ot pitch...

Agree re Melky. One more dropped fly ball and he'll be playing for Cincinnati (and playing well) next year.

Yeah, they catch it and don't even know how many outs there are...

206 Beckett will settle down the yanks in order for the next three innings.

the yanks may scratch a run off Seanez or whatever pitcher comes in when the bosos lead by 17-2 in the 8th.

let's hope the yanks come up swinging v merthiolate sock schilling tomorrow

Who to blame more: The 42 yo former ace or the GM that traded the house to get him?

Torre should threaten to wring all their necks. Maybe they'll wake up.

214 I'm going with the owner that nearly broke baseball's rules telling the world he wants the 42 year old.

So, umm, hey, nice game going on here. So, anyone have any thoughts on the new Pearl Jam or Chili Peppers CDs.

Oh, gawd. It's getting worse and worse.

Boston just seems to bring out the best in A-Rod, huh?

Oh my god...

217 the new TOOL CD rocks!

oh, and Randy Johnson is a tool!

219 can someone find out how many errors Arod's committed against the Sox compared to total since he's been a Yank?

Anyone watch 24 last night? Pretty intense, huh?

So, A-Rod had, what, two errors all season until tonight. He's doubled his number of errors...

So who is rooting for Barca or Arsenal in the Champions League final? I love both teams but my undying loyalty goes to Barca. Thoughts anyone?

Call up Russ Johnson to play 3B!

(btw, this is the poster formerly known as "yankz," i was having trouble with that username)

The Pearl Jam record is unexpectedly great. And pairs up nicely with Neil Young's CD that came out today.

217 This is a good time to discuss something that's been bothering me for a long time: When a pitcher is pulled and leaves runners on base, and they end up scoring — why should that pitcher absorb the earned run(s) (assuming they are earned) on his line. Why not split the earned run with the guy who came in and actually gave it up? Just wondering...

Um, Alex Gonzalez?

Just one of those goofy baseball things I guess. They must think the inherited runners stat takes care of that nuance. And then you have to deal with the different situations like coming in with zero outs and a guy on 3rd, and so on. But it could be done in these days and times.

What bugs me is that a sac fly is not counted as a plate appearance, but a grounder that plates a runner at 3rd does. I guess the argument would be fielder's choice, but usually (not always) their only play is to first anyway.

DID ALEX GONZALEZ, HE OF THE .207 BA, JUST STAND AND ADMIRE THAT HOME RUN ?????????

can we f&$@#n hit a Red Sox batter already??

229, you got confused that was Alex Rodriguez who's 2-2 with a walk, single and 3 run HR, oh no, wait...gee, how can that be?

Well, this is ugly. Gonzalez?

This is a joke, right? Alex Gonzalez? The man with less power than my sister?

This looks more like the Yanks of a few seasons ago who just looked so terrified of playing the Sox whereas the Sox always seemed to rise to the occasion...Thought we were past that...

Poor Melky. He caught a fly ball, and got long, loud, and very sarcastic cheer.

Maybe the Yankees rally? You never know.

Wow. This is painful.

I've already received two taunting calls. Let the record show I have never called a Red Sox fan to taunt them in my life.

Now AGonz is outhitting ARod. Sometimes you just have to chuckle in disbelief. Bad game. G'Night.

The Yanks basically need to win the next two and get over their Sox-phobia.

225 I'm rooting for Barca next wednesday. My boy rafa marquez is playing there.

Regardless of the result just having dihno and henry in the same field against each other in the final gives me chills.

should be a great game.

10-2, we should arrive to the 17-2 mark very shortly now.

I can't believe that it is only the 5th inning.

"I've already received two taunting calls. Let the record show I have never called a Red Sox fan to taunt them in my life. "

Get their phone#s. Call 'em in october when we're still playing, and they're not.

This is horrific. Tomorrow at work is going to be hellish, the gauntlet of Sox fans I'll have to walk. In the middle of Manhattan, I'll have no sympathy.

Time to check other games. Dammit, even my fantasy players are sucking it up tonight, I'm a combined 4 for 22, with Pedro poised for a loss. What a terrible night.

241, I'm just crossing my fingers that Messi is healthy. Man is he an absolute joy to watch. Though I love Henry at Arsenal, I can't get the picture of a Ronaldinho, Henry, Messi attack next year out of my head. Stick Puyol and Marquez in back, with Deco, Xavi, Edmilson, Motta all healthy. Dream Team, no question. Rikjaard is simply an amazing manager.

242 I remember thinking "This game is moving really quickly" around the middle of the 3rd.

238 I just got one from a Sox fan buddy, too. On the machine, I didn't pick up the phone. I never, ever, ever get into that during a game. If the Yanks come back and win, I've got him immortalized as the hat-rack baseball fan he is. Man, am I hoping for that to happen tonight!

247 you mean that 7-pitch inning where the announcers were saying how Beckett was forced to go back out so quickly after a 28 pitch first?

248, worse, my GERMAN friend just called to taunt me. He doesn't even understand baseball!

Is Susan Waldmann Canadian?

Melky! Some positive comes out of the night. Great hitting.

Base hit and RBI for young Melky!

nice piece of hitting by Melky!

Look out now! One here, ten there and we just might do this...

Hey, um, is this the "Lost" discussion board? Because I totally think Michael shot those people last week because he as brainwashed by the others.

Cano and Melky. We're watching our future!

That Melky RBI makes me feel a lot better about things, believe it or not.

Hopefully that gets him out of the doghouse with the Man Who Fills Out the Line-up Card.

246 the thing is, even if he's healthy I think Messi lacks the rythm to start.

I don't know if Henry will go to Barca, he loves it in Arsenal.

my guess is barca will get one of the three best players in the next WC and leave Henry with Arsenal.

By the way, what's up with the sarcastic cheer for Melky when he caught that ball? I mean, he's a 21 year old kid just up from AAA who's played one game at RF before. Its not like he's some overpriced megastar dogging it. Give the kid a break!

In other news, Small is reverting back to form. They need to monitor this closely.

I don't think he was brainwashed as he apologized to Ana before doing it and seemed conflicted. But he made a deal with the devil, so to speak. I guess either to set Henry free, kill Ana, or both.

250 tommyl — now that's brutal. We gotta have thick skin to live and die with the Pinstripes, that's for sure!

Questions I can't keep to myself...

1) Would Deion Sanders be a useful addition to the Yankees bench?

2) If the Cubs call Cashman about Mitch Jones to fill in while Derek Lee is hurt who should the Yankees ask for in return?

3) Will the Yanks make a run at Greg Maddux in '07?

261 I agree. Sometimes Yankee fan needs to pick their spots, or they might as well be Philly fan.

They should just make the Aaron Small movie before he screws it up

Aaaaand back the run goes.

Fer cryin out loud.

Um, ow, there goes that RBI. How close is Mendoza?

I'm beginning to think its time to give Bean and Smith a shot. They can't be worse than this. I'm really worried about RJ though, unless he's hurt this bodes very poorly for the next couple of years. He's a couple of bad outings from being akin to some other former WS pitcher we had with a bad back....

Dear Aaron Small,
Thank you for 2005. Here's your bus ticket back to Indiana, you have 15 minutes to clean out your locker.
Love Always,
New York

trade Small. Tomorrow. Don't let this turn into a Sturtze situation.

269 I'm terrified. RJ has shown NOTHING the past 4 starts to foreshadow a successful season. If he doesn't pitch well...well, maybe Paul shouldn't get their numbers 243.

Hey Cliff,

I remember you mentioning a while back a study showing that elder journeyman often have a single season like Small's in 2005 and then revert back to form. Where was it, or barring that can you give an executive summary at some point. Just curious.

Well, adding in my stolen ATM card with $900 worth of charges on it this is officially a crappy day.

Well if any team can come back from an 8 run deficit it would be this one. I think. I hope.

the silver lining tonight is that we are all getting a lesson on how to play the game right by mr. beckett.

we should all be very thankful.

Here's to hopin the Yanks finally tear into this Fish castoff.

264 at least the guy has a good sense of humor. For my birthday last year he got me a DVD of the Sox 2004 season and told me he wanted to watch it with me to learn about the game. That's so cruel its hilarious.

Small's ERA has actually gone down in the last 2.1 innings

Delgado ties it with a 2-run HR vs Gordon. Maybe the Mets will knock the Yanks off the backpage at least.

OK, a-rod get at least one of those errors back

Right on cue, Alex...

260 I disagree there. I've been watching Messi most of the year in the Spanish league and he's been nothing if not dynamic. Also, when he's in the game, the defense can't crash on 'dhino's side which frees him up some more and anything that gets Ronaldinho room to turn and run at the fullbacks is good. I think another year or so under Messi's belt and you'll seem a dynamic partnership.

BTW, where do you watch Barca games in NYC? I'm moving up in August.

Giambi is the man, isn't he? I walked away after the 1st inning thinking this game should be ok. And I came back in the 5th...so glad I made that decision, at least, I enjoyed my dinner.

Quite the game for A-Rod.

And then the nervous Arod. RJ is getting old, I get it. But why does Arod get nervous against the Sox?

Yeah, Melky.

Geez is it only the 6th?!

278 And he should be proud of his 14 ERA...I mean, I am truly grateful for last year...but C'MON!

Nice catch by Melky, he's really settled down I think.

Somebody has asked before, and apparently, Villion IS still on the team.

266 at least Yankee fans don't cheer for the Giants in June, like ahem...Phillies fans for the Eagles. Nothing like being at a baseball game and hearing, "E A G L E S, EAGLES!"

Hey, it's Ron Villone.

291 Didn't Sox fans do the same thing (but the other way around) at the Pat's opener last year.

How about being at a Super Bowl championship parade and hearing "Yankees suck."

293 Don't know, never been to a game in Fenway (unfortunately actually). I live in Philly right now but I'm moving back to Manhattan in August.

293 oops, never been to a Pats game either.

Hey! We got Ortiz out!

So maybe Villone can be Ortiz' arch-nemesis now?

282 Messi is great. I'm saying he'll be out of rythm because of his injury, he hasn't played in a while, my guess is he'll be a sub if the games call for it.

I live in Mexico and have no problems watching those games. When living in NYC I never got to watch the league games, but the Champions games were on ESPN in the middle of the day on weekdays. No chance to watch them due to work.

I know they're leading by a wide margin, but where's ManRam (worst nickname ever)?

I don't have the game on TV. Is he injured?

299
Ah, sorry misunderstood you. Yes you are right, I am thinking a possible super sub in the second half, but its doubtful. If he gets a few minutes this weekend he's got a shot. I've had a similar injury to him and it takes forever to heal. Its maddening and there's really nothing you can do for it.

I have GolTV on my cable system here, but I think Time Warner in NYC doesn't carry it. I'm sure there's some nearby bars that'll have a satellite link.

297 If Mo Vaughn wasn't good enough to be worthy of an arch-nemesis, Ortiz isn't either.

300 No. The Sox are starting to pull their first stringers out.

Ok, 298

Visca Barca! Just thought I'd throw that in since we have a simultaneous Champions League dialogue.

Now let's string some hits together if only to get into their pen.

Bernie just got ejected. He threw his bat down, then threw his helmet right at the umpire.

306 Don't know if it's bad news or good. With the way Bernie is not producing, maybe give Phillips or ? a try?

See how Villone actually gets ahem...OUTS?!

306 This game really couldn't get any worse then, can it?

It's sad enough Bern has to go out at the plate and in the field like he is, but going Delman Young on an Ump?

I want to be an optimist. But is the game over?

306 rare in bernie although that was clearly a ball.

i hope he gets the young treatment and gets a 50 game suspension there...

Heyhey...someone here had predicted, "with this rate, Ciaro will be replacing Arod at 3rd." Well...whoever called it, right on!

So do you start Larsson or Giuly? Edmilson or Motta? or neither with Xavi healthy and keep Iniesta in?

on the other end...

Henry obviously, but Van Persie? Reyes? Lunberg?

310 I would say yes, the game is over. Anything's possible, of course. We did have that one game last year where we scored, what, 11 runs in one inning?

But the Yanks look like they've given up. They're just killing time out there. They aren't hustling. They're letting balls go by that they wouldn't if the game were still close.

Bring in Tanyon! C'mon, lets get blackjack!

314 13 runs in the 8th inning, but that was against TB. Remember their bullpen? Unlikely with Sox.

315 You called it. Sturtze is warming.

Might as well put the second stringers in. At least they have reason to play hard.

Put in Phillips, let him get an AB in the 9th.

Maybe Villione can start for RJ next time?? I know...I know...just having a little dream here. I have decided Law and Order:SVU is a much better choice than this game in 5 minutes.

I Tivoed Love Monkey, that's what I'm turning to, likely after the Melky AB.

2-3 for Melky with an RBI.

Horrible game for the Yanks. Great 1st game appearance for Melky.

Bubba got plonked. Both sides have been warned.

322 Agreed. The Melkman stays. That error was freakish anyway, from what I hear on the boards.

A '70s style Yanks-Sox brawl needs to happen in this series. For the Yanks sake, this time.

324, yes it is sure freakish when you catch a pop-up right in your glove and drop it

325 Can RJ be Don Zimmer?

Crap. I can't believe Pena made that catch.

Hey, it happens

Hmmm...if Melky stays, just think how good the team can be when Sheff comes off the DL and DHs. Then Bernie is actually a bench player, a dangerous lineup gets even better?

I'm curious to hear Cliff's take on Melky's night as he was arguing he wasn't quite ready yet. Did the error screw him up? or he'll bounce back? Thoughts?

330 Kinda thought the error can actually take some pressure of Melky...since he's had a bad one already. At the same time, good AB should put some confidence in him, proving to himself that maybe...just maybe at this point that he can also hit in the Majors not just the Minor.
Well, after Ciaro...SVU, off I go.

17 is still a possibility...

15 runs even.

SHOOT ME

315 Definitely Blackjack!

For a second, I thought Mats was going to pick up his hat and throw that back...

It would be a silver lining if this could be the final nail in Tanyon's coffin

Those of you who had the over win.

Sturtz: "Why not make it memorable?"
Commercial break over, back to SVU.

16

Should they wait until he gets off the mound to officially release him?

17 is still in play. Any takers?

Is it wrong for me to be pleased about Sturtze getting slapped around here?

They're going to have to send Mike Myers in, or this inning will go on forever.

Everyone calling for Melky to stay.. then who comes off the 25 when Sheff comes back.. if Sturtze.. then who comes off when Pavano comes back... remember Pavano's clock started 2 days back.. Decision time... sadly it all points to Phillips..

C'mon, Alex! Prove the first one wasn't a fluke!

343 I'm feelin' ya, brah...

Its now 2 years in a row Boston has put a beating on us at the stadium... oh 5pm looks so long back.. i was boasting abt Yankees fire power with my Mets friend

If being pleased is wrong, then we can't be right. Or something.

Touchdown, 2 pt. conversion and a FG and we got some free baseball. No problem...

I was really looking forward to this game. The first couple of innings were so promising.

Sigh. We'll get 'em tomorrow.

Tanyon is in a pitched battle with Jose Lima for worst lifetime era for a pitcher with 10 years in the majors. Lima now "leads" 5.23 to 5.21

345 How about Aaron Small?

Pavano replaces Small.
Dotel replaces Sturtze.

Everyone wins!

353... aah forgot Small altogether.. but that sounds way too common sensical.. meaning.. might not happen

This game felt like it was about 20 hours long.

345 Can we get a Mendoza/Smith/Bean for Wright mixed in there?

Then how long until we're rooting for Rasner/DeSalvo in Pavano's place?

Still this pen:

Rivera
Farnsworth
Dotel
Myers
Proctor
Villone
Mendoza/Smith/Bean

Is mighty fine, even if it's one pitcher to large. Sturtze, Small, thanks for the memories.

Corporate shmucks or not, the Yanks fans were horseshit for booing a rookie tonight.

Low class.

Wow, I just saw Bernie throw his helmet at the ump on the highlights.

It was terrible that the fans booed Melky.

At what point does Randy Johnson just start balling on the mound, right in the middle of a game? I'm serious.

I thought Melky did good. They should have booed the pitchers for that booing matter.

357
I couldn't agree with you more. Booing RJ when he's a veteran and was brought in to be the ace (and demanded a contract extension) is one thing. Booing a rookie for making one error on a tough ball that looked like Cano was trying to claim anyways is just plain wrong. And people wonder why young kids don't ever get a chance here? Whatever else happens with Melky, I applaud the kid for coming right back out and having a few great ABs and hustling down the line. That takes character (and real character here, not the kind that gets you a hit in a tough situation), no matter what the results. I'm disgusted with the fans at the stadium frankly.

I've actually been thinking about this a bit. When Jeter, Bernie and co. broke in, the expectations were much, much lower. The Yanks made the playoffs for the first time in '95 in over a decade and people were happy to have winning seasons back then. As I recall Jeter had a few errors in the beginning (though my memory is hazy here). If you want young blood on the team you have to give them a chance to break in. No one is going to come up and hit a HR everytime and make diving plays all over the place right off.

I just got home and I'm pissed Yankee fans booed Melky too. 361 great job in expressing everything I was thinking.

agreed. A lot of Yankee fans are idiots lately. Melky did OK after that, though.

I havn't completely given up hope on Small yet but it doesn't look too good so far...

The bright side is he brings a bigger array of pitches and uses a formula that is far more likely to be effective than Sturtze..

Sturze is basically get ahead with fast ball and then finish with splitter... not a bad combo.. but inflexible espically when ur fastball is a low 90s strait arrow that gets teed off whenever it catches more than just the corner of the plate..

Small brings a larger array of stuff and most can be thrown for strikes, as long as he is throwing them for strikes and mix and match the pitches smartly enough he should be at least semi effective (this is easier to accomplish than trying to get ahead on the count with a HR pitch) ... but right now the problem seems to be his control is still a bit off and not getting enough things over the plate...

Beckett pitched well .. but he wasn't really anything over the top like some doom sayers are making it out to be.. he's still getting slugged hard and if it weren't for the horrible demoralizing effect of RJ and A-rod and the absense of Sheffield we most likely could have scored a couple more against him...

Also, the only REALLY bad thing I can say about the Yankees this game is RJ.... our ace sucking 3 strait game and 4 outta the last 3 is a very bad sign....

If he is hurt, he should take Sheffield's approach and rest it, it's early in the season and the Yankee pitching staff is much deeper than last year...

365 Yeah, he's even worse than humanly possible if he sucks 4 times every 3 games. (just a friendly chide)

Wow. Thank God for DVR! I didn't have to watch that in real time.

A few thoughts:

RJ isn't hurt, he's afraid. Afriad to throw strikes, afraid to have the ball hit, afraid to show his emotions, and most of all, afraid to admit his stuff isn't what it used to be and adjust. Barely above average last year and well below average to downright awful this year. If he doesn't change his approach, especially mentally, he's finished.

Good thing Boston was in town because our fans acted just like their counterparts in beantown. Absolutely low calss garbage booing Cabrera and sarastically cheering him later. I'm embarassed by it.

Arod had a bad day in the field, take it easy on the guy.

Just a bad day all around, but like I said, thank God for DVR. I again told my bro this morning I wont watch another RJ start in real time, and 4 of the last 5 I've been right to tape it! He is another Yankee-itis sufferer. No balls, no balls, no balls. How is his fellow testicular pruned counterpart doing in Chicago?

366 lol woops my bad ;) he is almost sucking that bad though lol!!!

The good news is Moose IS looking like a real ace right now.. and at least two of the three miracle mans last season (Chacon and Wang.. the more important two....) are showing enough to make us belive they are for real....

RJ need to get his act together soon though..

A week ago I would have traded Jaret Wright for some beer... right now though I'm seriously praying he keeps improving and at least be a servicable back rotation guy...

367 I agree. Randy's not hurt, and his skills have not declined that badly. He's just scared. Did you see him in the interview after the game? He looked lost, baffled, and, yes, afraid.

I don't believe he's injured, because he pitched very well last night - when he wasn't afraid to throw his fastball. He had that 1-2-3 inning. Even after he started to struggle, he looked pretty good the next inning (presumably after they told him to throw his @#$% fastball, even if it gets hit). But as soon as someone got on base, he started overthrowing that slider again. It reminded me of Al Leiter last year - no confidence in his stuff.

It was a tough night, and the fans were understandably upset. Still, it's kind of surprising they would be so hard on Melky, when he was just called up that night. Maybe they thought he was Miguel Cabrera. ;-)

I, too, had my doubts about debuting him in a game like this. But it worked out, aside from the error. Maybe it was a good thing for Melky that the game was a blowout. No one can blame him for the loss; it was a group effort. And since the game was out of reach so quickly, it ended up being a pretty low-pressure situation for the rook.

And hey, Melky's batting .667! Stud! ;-)

"Beckett pitched well .. but he wasn't really anything over the top like some doom sayers are making it out to be.. he's still getting slugged hard and if it weren't for the horrible demoralizing effect of RJ and A-rod and the absense of Sheffield we most likely could have scored a couple more against him..."

Beckett isn't clemens, but he's a damn good pitcher who's only 25. And with the yankees lineup, I can't complain with his performance. Get giambi in the first and he completely shuts down the yanks. Slugged hard? What game were you watching? Great trade for the sox.

RJ is going to have to change if he wants to compete against better teams. His stuff HAS changed. So he's going to have to change. And jesus, could he look any more pathetic on the mound? He use to look scary, now he just looks scary.

And the whole "absense of sheffield" line is sour grapes. You play who you got. We're missing coco. We don't even have the replacement for damon we traded for playing. Get him back, and youk goes into the bottom of the lineup. That's baseball.

This wasn't bad luck, this was an old fashioned ass whipping. It happens. But the yanks won 7 of 8 and now after one defeat the sky is falling? The yankees could win the next two and this site will be crowning them ws champions. It's a long season guys. Relaaaaax.

370 Yup, great trade. Keep telling yourself that when:

a) Beckett has his annual DL stint. Maybe if you're lucky, it will be right in the pennant race.
b) Lowell reverts to form. Then we can wait and see if your 1B joins the rest of the infield in the "Under .700 OPS Club"
c) Hanley is a legit ML'er - oh wait he already is (22 yo - .311 .387 .484 .870). Not that you need a SS or anything.
d) Anibal Sanchez becomes a legit major league starter. Not that he's headed that way or anything (22 yo - 38 SO to 12 BB in 37.2 innings).
e) Jesus Delgado becomes a legit major league reliever. Not that he's headed that way or anything (22 yo - 26 SO to 11 B in 20.2 innings)
f) Harvey Garcia becomes a legit major league reliever. Not that he's headed that way or anything (22 yo - 19 SO to 3 B in 16.1 innings)

Yeah, you're right. Great trade.