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Gitcher Brooms
2006-06-15 09:27
by Cliff Corcoran

Despite being arguably the American League's best pitcher thus far this season, Mike Mussina has pitched in a lot of hard luck. If you don't believe me, consider the fact that he and Randy Johnson have the same number of wins despite the fact that Moose's ERA is more than two and a half runs better than Unit's. Indeed, in his last start he lasted seven innings, allowed just six baserunners and struck out seven, but earned a loss as four of those six men scored and the Yankee bats could only muster up two runs in his defense. The Indians have scored just one run over the last two nights, and with Moose facing off against Cliff Lee (5.12 ERA, 1.44 WHIP) the sweep would appear to be in order, but for some reason my confidence is low. Then again, this team hasn't given me any reason to doubt them thus far.

With Derek Jeter having played the field the last two days and Bubba Crosby having homered to lead off the Clippers' contest last night, Bubba has been activated and Nick Green (I swear he really was on the roster for the past week) has been designated for assignment. Having Bubba's legs and glove around for the Yankees upcoming six games under NL rules should be handy. I can envision a reoccurring late-game strategy that has Bubba running for Giambi, then moving into right field while Andy takes over at first and hits in the right fielder's spot, or better yet, hits in the pitchers spot and a new reliever hits in the right fielder's spot. Throw in Kevin Thompson as a righty foil to Bubba's leftyness (though I'd prefer to see Kevin get a few starts, that would make Bernie the righty bat off the bench, which would be fine) and the Yankees have a pretty solid bench for their second interleague stint of the year.

Meanwhile, despite being hit on the elbow by Jason Johnson's pitch last night, Jorge is back in the day game after the night game, with Joe Torre posting the same line-up as last night (no start for Kevin today). Hey, it worked last night!

Comments (247)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2006-06-15 09:58:44
1.   Sliced Bread
Nice game set up there, Cliff. Great news re: Posada.

Is your sweep confidence low because the Yanks are facing a Cliff?

Here's hoping NY's Corcoran has a better afternoon than Cleveland's Lee.

2006-06-15 09:59:14
2.   Knuckles
In the interest of full disclosure, I will be following today's game via the gamecasts from: MLB.com, ESPN.com, SportingNews.com, CBSSPortsline.com, SI.com, and TSN.ca, lest I be accused of a conflict of interest.
2006-06-15 10:06:00
3.   Rob Gee
What's the matter Knuckles - are they sore from dragging on the ground or because you spend too much time on your knees?
2006-06-15 10:07:54
4.   Cliff Corcoran
1 Tangental to that, one of my favorite live baseball moments was in a Mets-Indians game at Shea when I saw Cliff Bartosh pitch to Cliff Floyd. Cliff Lee was also in the building that night. Curiously, I've never met another Cliff face to face in my life.
2006-06-15 10:08:43
5.   Cliff Corcoran
3 Okay, flame off. This ends now. I'm warning both dugouts.
2006-06-15 10:14:17
6.   Schteeve
I was just looking at some AL pitching stats, and Jeff Brantely asserted that because Ozzie Guillen is managing the AL All Stars, it's for sure that Contreras will get the ASG start because he's been the best pitcher in the AL this season.

I agree with the first part of Brantley's statement but not the latter.

Moose has been better in terms of WHIP, Ks, K/BB, K/9, Induced DPs, QSs, and wins than Contreras. The only thing that Contreras has going for him is a lower ERA and a goose egg in the L column.

Any thoughts on who has been the better pitcher, and is it a sure thing that Ozzie give the start to the El Enigma?

2006-06-15 10:18:39
7.   Cliff Corcoran
Being lazy and not rechecking . . . last time I looked El Titan de Bronze's peripherals weren't terribly impressive. I think Moose has easily been better. As for the AL start, if the game was next week I'd say Ozzie'd give it to his guy, but there's some time still. We'll see.
2006-06-15 10:19:35
8.   Dan M
Jorge's in the lineup, and Rooney's on the pitch. Good times.
2006-06-15 10:22:29
9.   standuptriple
Ozzie is a stubborn guy. I don't think there is any way Contreras doesn't start unless it's an off day for him and even then it wouldn't surprise me if they shifted something/someone to make it happen.
2006-06-15 10:22:36
10.   yankz
I almost would've preferred if Posada had the day off today.
2006-06-15 10:23:12
11.   Sliced Bread
For those not watching, Damon wuz mugged. Jason Michaels made a diving backhanded catch on a slicing line drive that could have easily resulted in a lead off triple.
2006-06-15 10:23:26
12.   Schteeve
Jeter, Posada, and Giambi are all having nice little seasons. I honestly didn't expect the production we've seen thus far from Jeter or Posada. I expected big things from Giambi and he's delivering. And Johnny Zone Rating has been better than I expected.
2006-06-15 10:23:36
13.   BobbyBaseBall
OT: I know Melky had a couple of good games leading off a few weeks ago, but why not put Robbie in the 2 hole? It adds a little more pop and (relative) experience to the top 3, and Melky seems to have cooled off a bit. It may be Joe not wanting to go L-L-R when it gets around to later innings, but with the way Cano has been hitting...why not?
2006-06-15 10:24:27
14.   BobbyBaseBall
11 Thanks Sliced. I tried getting some radio reception at my desk, but to no avail. I'm resigned to following the Banter and Gamecast.
2006-06-15 10:26:18
15.   Schteeve
I saw Ronnie Belliard on a plane once, and I assumed he was some rapper because people kept asking him for autographs. He does not look terribly athletic.
2006-06-15 10:28:27
16.   rbj
What does Jorge have to do to get a day of rest around here? Great production now, but I don't want him to be a shadow of himself in Sept. and Oct.
2006-06-15 10:29:56
17.   yankz
Uh oh...
2006-06-15 10:32:28
18.   Cliff Corcoran
13 It's all about the OBP. Melky up top and Robbie down below is the way to go. Melk's got some 50+ points of OBP on his elder youngster (again not bothering to check the numbers).
2006-06-15 10:32:43
19.   rbj
Looks like the Indians are doubling down.
2006-06-15 10:33:23
20.   Schteeve
No Uh-Oh, Moose is the one pitcher on the Yankees I trust to give up a run or two here and there, and buckle down and not let it turn into a big inning.
2006-06-15 10:35:43
21.   Schteeve
18 It's actually 24 points of OBP, not counting anything that happened today.
2006-06-15 10:35:52
22.   Mattpat11
Okay, got out of that with minimal damage.
2006-06-15 10:36:14
23.   BobbyBaseBall
18 Thanks Cliff. I knew Melky had a pretty high OBP, but I thought it may have come down a bit recently. Also, I didn't realize the numbers were that disparate. I just kept having flashbacks of the middle of last season with Cano batting 2nd, and being a bit overmatched as pitchers learnt how to get him out.
2006-06-15 10:36:47
24.   Sliced Bread
That zip to first was Moose's best throw of the inning. Served up a few softball sized meatballs there.

Nice barehanded play by Cano and glove save and a beaut by Phillips to stop the bleeding at two.

2006-06-15 10:36:56
25.   Schteeve
Melky .375
Cano .351
2006-06-15 10:38:15
26.   rbj
23 BBB
Ignore last season regarding Melky. He wasn't ready then. I didn't think he was ready this year either, but once again Cliff was right.

So Cliff, what are the next winning lottery numbers?

2006-06-15 10:39:27
27.   Schteeve
at bats like this make me think Giambi is the best hitter in the world.
2006-06-15 10:39:40
28.   Cliff Corcoran
21 I didn't realize Robbie's OBP had gotten that high, but it's all because of average. Robbie's OBP is 22 points above his batting average. Mekly's is 102 points above his BA. Robbie will cool off and his OBP will go with him. Melky has the OBP skills to keep getting on base even when he's not hitting. Where he got them from remains a mystery, as he didn't have them in the minors, but 100+ ABs into his season I'm confident that they're real.
2006-06-15 10:42:32
29.   Mattpat11
A-rod needs to stop taking fat pitches. It causes him to swing at slop later.
2006-06-15 10:45:56
30.   Cliff Corcoran
26 Thanks for the credit, but I doubted both Cano and Melky, thinking both were rush and dubious prospects at that. I'm pleased to be wrong, though I still suspect that Melky's tweener status (not quite the defender for center, not quite the bat for a corner) could limit his ceiling, while Cano could very well be a perrenial All-Star.
2006-06-15 10:46:25
31.   Schteeve
They should ask A-Rod if he wants to go down to Columbus to work on his swing. It seems to have helped Giambi.
2006-06-15 10:46:55
32.   Cliff Corcoran
By they way, you guys checking out this perfect game, Cliff Lee has going? Wowee. Even despite that long at-bat by Giambi, Lee is perfect through two.
2006-06-15 10:48:24
33.   Cliff Corcoran
Moose thus far:

Hits in the air.
Outs on the ground.

Hmmmmm.

2006-06-15 10:48:47
34.   RI Yankee
Moose is throwing a lotta balls . . .
2006-06-15 10:50:41
35.   Schteeve
cliff, i was just noticing that. No baserunners so far, no hits, no walks, nothing at all against Cliff Lee of the Cleveland Indians. Certainly not a third inning home run by Andy Phillips at all.
2006-06-15 10:51:01
36.   RI Yankee
I'm on MLB Gameday, how close was that to being out?
2006-06-15 10:52:00
37.   rbj
32 Quiet Cliff, otherwise you might ruin Cliff Lee's shutout, not to mention his perfect game.
2006-06-15 10:52:36
38.   Cliff Corcoran
Fly out by Martinez. Well, that one worked, even though I didn't mean it to. Nice 1-2-3 through the heart of the order after a two-run inning by Moose.
2006-06-15 10:54:39
39.   Schteeve
Bernie Williams is washed up, there's no way he's going to break up a no hitter by Cliff Lee.
2006-06-15 10:55:07
40.   Cliff Corcoran
37 I dunno, RBJ, he got Cano out to start the third, looks like that Perfect Game will survive just fine.
2006-06-15 10:55:17
41.   Mattpat11
well, there goes the perfect game.
2006-06-15 10:55:55
42.   Cliff Corcoran
I barely had time to type 40 before Bernie doubled. Nice one, Schteeve 39.
2006-06-15 10:56:07
43.   Sliced Bread
Ghost says "Boo!" Bernie bangs one off the bullpen plexiglass for his 3rd double of the series. Drive him home, Andy.
2006-06-15 10:56:11
44.   RI Yankee
nice job schteeve . . .
2006-06-15 10:57:39
45.   Schteeve
i do what I can. ;)
2006-06-15 10:59:05
46.   Schteeve
Looks like Andy's been chatting with G.
2006-06-15 10:59:12
47.   standuptriple
Yeah. Where is ESPN In-Game cut so they can spoil it. Oh wait, Bernie to the rescue!
2006-06-15 10:59:40
48.   Mattpat11
damn andy.
2006-06-15 10:59:47
49.   Cliff Corcoran
Helluvan AB by Andy there, even if he got rung up on a close inside pitch. Thus far two 9-pitch ABs by the Yankee 1Bs. Good stuff.
2006-06-15 11:00:45
50.   Mattpat11
i didnt know anyone enjoyed eating spam
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2006-06-15 11:01:30
51.   Schteeve
Cliff, do you have reason to think we can expect better plate discipline, more walks from Andy if he gets more regular playing time. How was his discipline in the minors?
2006-06-15 11:02:24
52.   rbj
Ah well, the no-no's broken up at least, now to the shutout.
2006-06-15 11:02:31
53.   Mattpat11
I think is is going to be one of those "Mussina does a great job and gets one run in support" games we see so often.
2006-06-15 11:02:47
54.   yankaholic
Regding Andy, how good is his off-speed hitting?? i know he turns on the fastball can he hit breaking pitches??
2006-06-15 11:06:52
55.   Mattpat11
54 Better than it was a month ago.
2006-06-15 11:08:57
56.   Cliff Corcoran
51 Yes indeed. First off, the figures for Cano (.022) and Melky (.102) in 28 are pretty much the extremes of Isolated Discipline (ISD = OBP - AVG). Andy's career mL ISD was .072, which is strong and representative of his last two killer years in Columbus ('04: .070, '05: .079). There's no reason to doubt that the more comfortable he gets at the plate, and the more confident he is that he'll continue to start at first, the more he'll work deep into counts and push that OBP up where it should be.

This might be a good occasion to remind you that my prediction for Andy, if given regular playing time, was .260/.340/.480. Prior to this game he was hitting .260/.283/.450, which includes a lot of scattered at-bats from early in the season in which he was pressing/lost.

2006-06-15 11:09:50
57.   randym77
50 I confess, I like Spam. I'm originally from Hawai`i, where they eat the most Spam per capita in the U.S., if not the world.

It's part of the military tradition, I think. There were a lot of military bases in Hawai`i, and in the old days, they ate a lot of canned food, including canned meat. It had to be shipped a long way, after all.

2006-06-15 11:10:25
58.   Mattpat11
Memo to Mussina:

Peralta sucks.

2006-06-15 11:11:13
59.   Mattpat11
Memo to Mussina:

Peralta sucks.

2006-06-15 11:11:45
60.   domvjr
65 pitches for Moose in 3 and a third. Looks like he's lost some of his command!
2006-06-15 11:12:16
61.   Mattpat11
So does Hollandsworth. get him out
2006-06-15 11:13:30
62.   Mattpat11
60 Bizarre strikezone. The whole thing is like down and to the left.
2006-06-15 11:13:38
63.   Cliff Corcoran
59 Early this year, yes. But overall, no. I think he just might be the next great AL shortstop and might have been the best SS in the AL last year.
2006-06-15 11:14:10
64.   RI Yankee
The Ronnie & Jhonny show . . .
2006-06-15 11:14:21
65.   BobbyBaseBall
Man, I really wish Gamecast told you what pitches were being thrown.
2006-06-15 11:16:17
66.   Dan M
Great. Peralta couldn't wait one more day to break out of his slump?
2006-06-15 11:18:16
67.   randym77
Melky's first homer!!!!
2006-06-15 11:18:38
68.   Shaun P
MELKY!!!!!!!!

The kid does have some power!!

2006-06-15 11:18:52
69.   Rob Gee
How's that for power?
2006-06-15 11:19:23
70.   RI Yankee
Melky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-06-15 11:19:41
71.   Shaun P
Now, why did the Cap'n swing at the first pitch? Sigh.

Here's hoping for a nice long Giambi at bat.

2006-06-15 11:23:17
72.   C2Coke
Melky just flashed a piece sign looking and smiling right towards the camera. He indeed is still a kid.
2006-06-15 11:23:18
73.   Max
So is Alex still getting booed?
2006-06-15 11:23:25
74.   rbj
The worst thing that can happen is the Yankees end the day tied with Boston for the lead.

Melky!

2006-06-15 11:24:19
75.   Schteeve
I think A-Rod is hitting like a guy who needs to get laid.
2006-06-15 11:24:55
76.   Sliced Bread
The camera lingered long on Melky smiling in the dugout, being congratulated by Cano, Bernie, Jeter, Damon, Maz, etc. It was a lot more fun to watch than A-Rod's at-bat. Woof, his swing's broken.
2006-06-15 11:24:59
77.   C2Coke
73 It sounds like the crowd was still excited about Melky's HR.
2006-06-15 11:27:05
78.   Sliced Bread
73 It sounded like the crowd reacted to A-Rod's "k" with more of a collective groan than a boo.
2006-06-15 11:29:25
79.   Dan M
Any commentary on Melky!'s dinger? (E.g., pulled vs. opposite field; bomb vs. just over the wall).

Regardless, good for him.

2006-06-15 11:29:45
80.   rbj
So what are the chances that Scott Proctor pitches today?
2006-06-15 11:31:38
81.   Max
Thanks guys...even on Gamecast, A-Rod's at bats look weak.
2006-06-15 11:34:56
82.   standuptriple
80 even odds?
2006-06-15 11:37:30
83.   domvjr
they are sure making it easy for Lee today!
2006-06-15 11:40:21
84.   RI Yankee
c'mon Andy!
2006-06-15 11:42:37
85.   randym77
79 It was just out. Didn't go very high. Sort of a line drive homer, if that makes sense. Landed on the netting on top the bullpen. (Which made retrieval easy. No bargaining with Ferengi fans.)
2006-06-15 11:45:12
86.   rbj
Man, that's the second time today Damon's ended an inning with a runner at second. Guy's just not clutch. boo. boo.
2006-06-15 11:45:57
87.   Cliff Corcoran
85 Sounds right. I don't expect Melky to hit many, and the ones he hits will likely be line drives that just make it like that one. Sorry I missed it though. I'll have to catch the highlights.

Here's to the top of the order getting this thing tied in the bottom of the sixth.

2006-06-15 11:50:40
88.   Mattpat11
Broussard's happenin shades make him a cool dude with attitude.
2006-06-15 11:51:49
89.   Schteeve
Belliard's picture on ESPN.com seriously make him look like he wants to stick a knife in someone.
2006-06-15 11:53:09
90.   domvjr
can't get him out today
2006-06-15 11:56:34
91.   yankz
The bottom of the lineup is tearing us up
2006-06-15 11:57:03
92.   Mattpat11
Oh Thank Christ. I thought he was going to get a lefty specialist for Todd Hollandsworth
2006-06-15 11:57:29
93.   Bama Yankee
89 Good one. I just hope it's not Moose that gets the knife.
2006-06-15 11:57:49
94.   randym77
Well, that sucked.
2006-06-15 11:58:03
95.   Mattpat11
TODD FUCKING HOLLANDSWORTH?

Disgusting.

2006-06-15 11:58:10
96.   yankz
He was bound to have a bad outing some day.
2006-06-15 11:58:14
97.   Max
Wow, you could see that disaster coming a mile away. 100+ pitches, couldn't get the bottom of the order out.
2006-06-15 11:59:38
98.   Mattpat11
Fuck off Kay.
2006-06-15 11:59:46
99.   randym77
They should have pulled him when he reached 100 pitches. That seems to be a pretty hard limit for him.
2006-06-15 11:59:54
100.   Bama Yankee
93 Wow, I just barely got the words typed and then....
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2006-06-15 12:00:15
101.   domvjr
I think you can take Moose out know, over 100 pitches, danger, danger!
2006-06-15 12:00:16
102.   Sliced Bread
Moo'see-ya. Ugh. Sweep is up to the bats and the bullpen now.
2006-06-15 12:00:55
103.   rbj
Um, you might want to pull Moose now, Torre.
2006-06-15 12:00:58
104.   Mattpat11
You could hear the giddiness in Kay's voice.
2006-06-15 12:01:00
105.   Alex Belth
Welp, Moose was due to get his ass kicked sooner or later.
2006-06-15 12:02:13
106.   yankz
105 Great minds, Alex. (See 96)
2006-06-15 12:04:30
107.   Mattpat11
Cant blame Mussina for one bad outing all year.

But Todd Hollandsworth?

2006-06-15 12:05:23
108.   Max
Weird game...before Boone's double off of a gassed Moose, it was just 3 batters doing all the damage. And Moose couldn't put any of them away with two outs.
2006-06-15 12:05:46
109.   Cliff Corcoran
87 still stands.
2006-06-15 12:05:52
110.   yankz
Moose's ERA is up over 3 now. ;(
2006-06-15 12:07:57
111.   yankz
jeter hasn't homered in a long time
2006-06-15 12:10:44
112.   Mattpat11
110 That's what next game is for. bring in back to mid-2s
2006-06-15 12:21:15
113.   Dan M
Actually, in his last 3 starts, Moose has 2 bad outings, and one mediocre outing. I'm starting to worry.
2006-06-15 12:21:36
114.   rbj
Well we've certainly quieted down. I think now would be a good time to sit Posada as well.
2006-06-15 12:23:21
115.   Mattpat11
I miss Broussard's hip and happening shades.
2006-06-15 12:28:04
116.   Cliff Corcoran
Three frames left, this ain't over.
2006-06-15 12:28:48
117.   Cliff Corcoran
That's one.
2006-06-15 12:28:57
118.   randym77
Now they're cheering A-Rod!!!

That one was huge!

And Jeter looks thrilled to pieces.

2006-06-15 12:29:00
119.   yankz
YES!!!
2006-06-15 12:29:17
120.   BobbyBaseBall
116 Thank you Cliff!!! That A-Bomb was all you.
2006-06-15 12:29:23
121.   yankz
Of course, they're going to say he only homers in blowouts.
2006-06-15 12:29:46
122.   domvjr
Okay, time to hear all the AROD padding his numbers whiners.
2006-06-15 12:30:12
123.   Sliced Bread
A-ROD! first home run since 1919. a monster shot over the left field wall.
2006-06-15 12:30:29
124.   yankz
Good lord, on ESPN Gamecast it looks like he hit it 500 feet. Did he?
2006-06-15 12:30:56
125.   yankaholic
121 its called the straw man argument

basically u have said.. what someone might supposedly say.... so it wont be quoted by u

i get a bit miffed at that

2006-06-15 12:31:08
126.   rbj
122 I was thinking the same thing. The Yankees can scrape 4 runs here.
2006-06-15 12:31:20
127.   yankz
A friend tells me the Braves are considering a firesale. Anyone want a Tim Hudson?
2006-06-15 12:31:44
128.   randym77
Boy, that was a weird one.

Bernie goes boom! But it looked like a fly out.

2006-06-15 12:31:48
129.   Tarheel
Did the crowd cheer Arod?
2006-06-15 12:32:16
130.   rbj
Bernie!
(yet another stat padder)
2006-06-15 12:32:34
131.   Mattpat11
What about that made Kay think Michaels had it? The cheering fans? the not holding the glove up?
2006-06-15 12:32:47
132.   bp1
118 "And Jeter looks thrilled to pieces."

Heh heh heh ....

Man - I hope someday that whole Jeter/A-Rod soap opera will just fade away. Seems every time one of them does something, they cut the camera to the other. Ok - so not every time - maybe it's just me - but it seems that way.

Let's hope this opens the flood gates for the MVP.

2006-06-15 12:32:54
133.   tommyl
C'mon A-Rod. You're supposed to come up to bat, walk, single, double, triple then hit a grand slam, all in the same at bat! Frankly, I'm disapointed in just a HR.
2006-06-15 12:32:54
134.   Sliced Bread
BERNIE! For those not watching Jason Michaels slammed into the wall attempting to catch that. While Bernie rounded the bases, Michaels was flat on his back on the warning track. The YES guys weren't sure if he caught it or if it was gone. Bernie's hitting for power these days.
2006-06-15 12:32:57
135.   Cliff Corcoran
That's two.
2006-06-15 12:33:03
136.   Mattpat11
Michaels hit that wall harder than he hits cops.
2006-06-15 12:33:17
137.   yankz
125 Are you implying that I consider Arod an unclutch stat padder? Well, you're dead wrong; I'm one of his biggest fans. Excuse me for predicting the inevitable remarks from #13's many critics.

If I actually thought Arod was unclutch, why wouldn't I just say it, rather than hide behind some straw? After all, no one on this board even knows who I am. The risk of an internet backlash doesn't really scare me.

2006-06-15 12:34:38
138.   randym77
124 Not 500 feet. It was a huge one, though. It landed around where Melky's did, but was a lot higher. Bounced off whatever's behind the bullpen, and then into the parking lot where the ambulences are parked.
2006-06-15 12:35:10
139.   Rob Gee
136 Nice.
2006-06-15 12:35:35
140.   yankz
138 Thanks.
2006-06-15 12:37:54
141.   Mattpat11
Lee's an ugly sob, aint he.
2006-06-15 12:38:33
142.   yankaholic
137 if u were not implying it.. i am at fault for over analysing it..

but for some reason i have found those kind of implied statements on so many fan forums..

mayb u wud just say it.. not many do..

2006-06-15 12:39:07
143.   randym77
Michaels ran into the wall like it wasn't even there. It was almost cartoon-like, the way he banged into the wall and fell over backwards. He lay there for a long time flat on his back, holding his glove as if the ball was in it. It wasn't.
2006-06-15 12:40:58
144.   yankaholic
btw, we are way over due for a big rally.. or even a walk off win.. has been 100 games since Jorgie juiced one
2006-06-15 12:41:59
145.   randym77
Uh-oh. Bubba's in. Is Johnny hurt, or is Torre giving up on this game?
2006-06-15 12:44:49
146.   yankz
Aaron Small figured out Peralta?!
2006-06-15 12:45:13
147.   Cliff Corcoran
144 What on earth are you talking about with that 100 games?
2006-06-15 12:45:42
148.   Sliced Bread
145 yeah, what up with Bubba in for Damon?

143 Jason Michaels hit the wall so hard Pavano got hurt.

2006-06-15 12:46:15
149.   tommyl
I want Matt Smith to finish the season with an 0.00 ERA.
2006-06-15 12:46:35
150.   Zavo
Slided, that was a hilarious comment, i.e. Pavano. Bravo!
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2006-06-15 12:47:00
151.   yankaholic
147 long time since his moon shot that completed that incredible rally against the rangers .. it feels quite sometime back
2006-06-15 12:47:39
152.   randym77
148 ROFL! Poor Pavano.

147 I assume that's just hyperbole.

2006-06-15 12:47:57
153.   Mattpat11
I don't care if he did the job. Why were Small and Bubba put in a close game?
2006-06-15 12:48:04
154.   Sliced Bread
150 Thanks, Zavo.
2006-06-15 12:48:35
155.   rbj
LOL 148
2006-06-15 12:48:54
156.   vockins
148 Ha, Pavano! Salut!
2006-06-15 12:49:22
157.   randym77
Much as I love Bubba, I'm a little perturbed that he's now our leadoff hitter. He was playing in Columbus last night, fer crissakes. Something must be wrong with Damon.

Come on, Bubba. Please leave your walkoff homer swing in Columbus, and just get on base.

2006-06-15 12:50:49
158.   randym77
157 Nevermind.
2006-06-15 12:50:59
159.   JohnnyC
153 Gravy game. Won the series already. This one's gravy. Ha ha.
2006-06-15 12:51:19
160.   yankaholic
157 feels strange with a 3 run lead.. but maybe Joe wants Bubba to get some ABs ..
2006-06-15 12:51:32
161.   domvjr
157, Bubba aims to please.
2006-06-15 12:51:36
162.   Sliced Bread
Thanks, guys.
Pavano would be happy to know he's still at least good for a laugh at Bronx Banter.
2006-06-15 12:52:09
163.   Mattpat11
160 Why would you want such a thing?
2006-06-15 12:52:33
164.   Bama Yankee
148 That's the best joke since... well, you know.
2006-06-15 12:52:46
165.   yankz
Torre looks like a genius for the Crosby sub, eh?
2006-06-15 12:52:48
166.   Sliced Bread
RALLY TIME! Jeter and Giambi are due today...
2006-06-15 12:52:52
167.   domvjr
OK, Capt. Clutch, time to tie the game up.
2006-06-15 12:53:00
168.   yankz
OK, the captain's about to tie this up.
2006-06-15 12:53:04
169.   rilkefan
Bubba's in for his bat.
2006-06-15 12:53:25
170.   randym77
160 If that was the case, I would thinking putting him in for Bernie would make more sense.

Though maybe Bernie's so hot Torre doesn't want to pull him...

2006-06-15 12:53:35
171.   Max
What's the likelihood of Matt Smith and some other youngun getting shipped off somewhere for a "proven veteran"?

I can't imagine George is happy with the Mets' success monopolizing the papers, and with the way we're treading water with our injuries, a dumb trade seems imminent. Even though it's amazing we're in first, a loss today means 4-5 on the homestand, and Toronto will be a game back.

2006-06-15 12:53:55
172.   rilkefan
Small could use his first win of the season...
2006-06-15 12:54:30
173.   yankz
WTF THIS MUST END
2006-06-15 12:54:30
174.   yankaholic
170 and maybe Joe was also thinking we may not get to Bernie's spot..
2006-06-15 12:55:16
175.   yankz
171 My fear exactly. Something like Hughes and Duncan and JB Cox for Soriano.
2006-06-15 12:55:53
176.   yankz
I want Giambi to K, and then Arod to hit the granny.
2006-06-15 12:56:25
177.   Sliced Bread
For those not watching Jeter was not beaned on purpose. and he's fine.
2006-06-15 12:56:59
178.   yankz
177 Thanks, but damn, he's had some bad luck.
2006-06-15 12:57:46
179.   Bama Yankee
177 Thanks. Where did it hit him?
2006-06-15 12:58:23
180.   Rob Gee
171 We're in first place right now. We haven't lost any thing today (watch the game!). We're lacking not one, but two All-star OF's until September. And it's June.

There's no reason for any panic trades - not now and not July 31st.

2006-06-15 12:58:27
181.   Sliced Bread
177 It's like he has a magnet in his elbow that attracts pitches.

he just got beaned by the throw to second. hit him square in the back!

2006-06-15 12:58:42
182.   tommyl
One in. Its A-Rod time.
2006-06-15 12:58:44
183.   Cliff Corcoran
that's three
2006-06-15 12:58:49
184.   randym77
Good grief. Jeter gets plunked at the plate, and then hit by the throw running to 2B.
2006-06-15 12:59:09
185.   Rob Gee
Uh, and why not send it Thompson for Giambi?
2006-06-15 12:59:17
186.   yankz
This is it...
2006-06-15 12:59:52
187.   RI Yankee
run Miggy, run
2006-06-15 13:00:10
188.   rbj
Unit just got a 5 game suspension -- basically for throwing inside. So it's ok to hit a Yankee, and hurt him, but not ok to stick up for them. What a f'ing joke.
2006-06-15 13:00:32
189.   monkeypants
Hmmm...Cairo not Thompson??? Of course, then he successfully steals.
2006-06-15 13:00:35
190.   yankz
Why the hell would you run with Cairo and not Thompson?!
2006-06-15 13:01:45
191.   yankz
Oh, darn.
2006-06-15 13:02:01
192.   Mattpat11
Le sigh.
2006-06-15 13:02:29
193.   Cliff Corcoran
Wow. I can only imagine the boos right now. Even despite the homer last time up.
2006-06-15 13:02:40
194.   RI Yankee
ugh
2006-06-15 13:02:43
195.   randym77
190 It must be house money day.
2006-06-15 13:04:26
196.   yankz
5 game suspension? Who decides these things, Larry Lucchino?
2006-06-15 13:04:27
197.   Cliff Corcoran
Yeah, nothing like having Miguel Cairo as your DH. Fun.
2006-06-15 13:04:55
198.   Sliced Bread
They just showed A-Rod in the dugout repeatedly trying to ram his bat into the rack in frustration, square peg into round hole style.

Let's go PO!

2006-06-15 13:05:22
199.   yankaholic
Lets hope Jorgie picks the runners up here
2006-06-15 13:08:16
200.   Sliced Bread
193 the chorus wasn't as loud as you'd expect, at least not on my set.

The image of him repeatedly trying to slam his bat into the slightly larger hole in the rack said it all.

Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2006-06-15 13:08:43
201.   randym77
Dammit. After all that, we only got one run.

But hey, welcome back, Bubba!

2006-06-15 13:08:57
202.   yankz
Bases loaded, no outs, and 4-5-6 manages a groundball RBI. That sucks
2006-06-15 13:09:53
203.   Rob Gee
Really house money day - Small's still pitching.
2006-06-15 13:18:16
204.   Mattpat11
Can we PLEASE CUT SMALL?
2006-06-15 13:20:26
205.   Zavo
I'm still not sure why Smith couldn't go more than an inning and we had to bring in Small in the first place. I thought he was only going to pitch long relief.
2006-06-15 13:20:43
206.   Zavo
I'm still not sure why Smith couldn't go more than an inning and we had to bring in Small in the first place. I thought he was only going to pitch long relief.
2006-06-15 13:22:15
207.   JohnnyC
196 No, not Lucchino but someone who's a very close friend (and business partner-wink-wink)...E. Bud Selig, Esquire. You can never hurt Steinbrenner and his team enough to make Selig happy.
2006-06-15 13:22:31
208.   Sliced Bread
If we're lucky, Ramiro Mendoza was just handed a ticket to Washington, and Small a ticket to Columbus.
2006-06-15 13:25:22
209.   randym77
I have a feeling Small will be Columbus-bound when Dotel is called up.

Peter Abraham says Bubba gave a Dotel scouting report today; sounds like he's almost ready.

2006-06-15 13:25:30
210.   Bama Yankee
204 According to Schteeve, Belliard might be able to take care of that for you.... Oh, you mean you want him to be released.... good luck with that one.
2006-06-15 13:28:02
211.   pistolpete
Batters 6-9 are 10-17 today....WTF
2006-06-15 13:32:08
212.   pistolpete
Why have I seen this game a few times before this season - fall behind by we get the bases loaded in the late innings, fail miserably, then the other team tacks on another 2-3 "F-You" runs to put the game out of reach in the last 1-2 innings...

Seems like it happens against Boston more often than anyone else...

2006-06-15 13:32:10
213.   JohnnyC
I wonder if Ken Macha looked on Sunday's game as a "house money" game? After all, he'd already won the series and, you know, with all the injuries and everything, a guy could get a great reputation as a manager just winning a series at Yankee Stadium much less getting a sweep. A sweep would be gravy. And, too much gravy is quite fattening. Best to avoid it, you know.
2006-06-15 13:32:49
214.   yankaholic
Big Time Rally needed.. come on guys clutch HBP n walks are needed
2006-06-15 13:33:14
215.   pistolpete
Correction: "fall behind by 3-4 runs, get the bases loaded in the late innings..."
2006-06-15 13:33:48
216.   JohnnyC
And when you're trying avoid the extra calories from that gravy, it's best to use your worst pitcher to try not to keep you in the game. Mission accomplished.
2006-06-15 13:34:47
217.   Rob Gee
Good thing he left in Small and now we only need 4 to tie. Not that a 6-4 game is in reach or anything.
2006-06-15 13:35:08
218.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Cano keeps the hit streak alive.
2006-06-15 13:35:30
219.   yankz
Somehow, Villone is going to be blamed for that, and never pitch again.
2006-06-15 13:36:16
220.   yankz
218 What's it at?
2006-06-15 13:38:08
221.   randym77
220 I think that was #13.
2006-06-15 13:39:43
222.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
220 yeah 13. He's yet to go hitless in the month of June.
2006-06-15 13:43:39
223.   pistolpete
Game over - sigh. This was one of those games that looked SO good on paper - Mussina is having a great year, Lee is having an awful year, and from the way Cleveland's looked the last few games, who'da thunk. And who'da thunk TODD FREAKIN' HOLLANDSWORTH would wake up today? Did his former self from the year 2000 slug him on the head in the clubhouse and switch uniforms or something?

Ah well, any chance the Twins sweep?

2006-06-15 13:54:57
224.   standuptriple
207 Correct me if I'm wrong, but he didn't hit him did he? This is garbage. How can this come down so swift? But Michael Barrett can punch a guy in the face and keep playing for a month.
2006-06-15 14:01:09
225.   JohnnyC
224 Yeah, but Selig wants the Cubs to win.
2006-06-15 14:04:25
226.   Cliff Corcoran
Calm down, guys. For a starting pitcher it has to be 5 games or they can just take the suspension in between starts (by appealing and dropping the appeal to start the suspension). This way he's sure to miss one start, though I expect Johnson and the MLPA will appeal and he'll get it reduced and then take it between starts or something. Suspending starting pitchers is a tricky business.
2006-06-15 14:09:32
227.   randym77
Torre just said Damon felt a twinge in his hamstring. He says it's not serious, and he expects to play him tomorrow. He just didn't want to take a chance with interleague coming up.
2006-06-15 15:04:07
228.   Dan M
My problem is with the suspension itself, not the length. He didn't hit the guy, and he got thrown out of one game as it is. I absolutely guarantee you that if Schilling does that, he gets nothing. Want proof? Compare the Varitek and A-Rod suspensions for Varitek's sucker-punch.
2006-06-15 15:57:16
229.   Simone
Let me get this straight, RJ was suspended 5 games for almost hitting Perez? Bob Watson has lost his mind.

Did you see Bud's letter to the fans? It is on MLB.com. After all the scandal, he now decides to communicate with the fans. Right.

2006-06-15 18:42:00
230.   randym77
Well, things aren't looking good for Boston tonight. Maybe it's the Twinkies who need to get their brooms...
2006-06-15 19:17:20
231.   kdw
Might be time to hold your breath. Things are getting a little tight now, 2 on, no out and Ortiz at the plate. Make that bases loaded with Manny at the plate, no out. Nathan coming in, tho.
2006-06-15 19:35:41
232.   randym77
Well, two runs scored, but he got out without too much damage, all things considered.

Hopefully Manny and Papi won't get another chance.

2006-06-15 19:52:23
233.   yankz
Jason Kubel for MVP! 3 homers in the series vs. the Sox.
2006-06-15 19:56:09
234.   kdw
And woefully, they do. Nathan looks so tired now. It just seems ripe for a disaster.
2006-06-15 19:57:57
235.   randym77
Very tough last inning, but...

Red Sox lost.

Jays won.

Yanks in first place, Sox and Jays tied for 2nd.

o_O

2006-06-15 19:58:03
236.   wsporter
Ta-winkies win. Ta-winkies win.
2006-06-15 19:58:34
237.   kdw
Wow, good job by Nathan, coming back to get Manny after 3-1 count.
2006-06-15 20:00:14
238.   wsporter
:)
2006-06-15 20:00:35
239.   randym77
Nathan was exhausted. He must have thrown around 40 pitches. He was gasping and sweating like a pig by the end.
2006-06-15 20:04:10
240.   Yu-Hsing Chen
Nathan threw 42 pitches, ouch, he had some serious balls.

The Socks problems are finally catching up to them, now it's the Jays turn.....

As for this game, the basic conclusion is.

A. Once Dotel comes back Small should be DFAed

B. Plz only play Bernie in RF when Wangs on the mound... cause then we rarely have to see his butcher defense.

2006-06-15 20:05:41
241.   randym77
240 And C., keep a couple of spare outfielders, because Johnny Damon is being held together with duct tape, chewing gum, and string.
2006-06-15 20:08:52
242.   wsporter
239 I think that was Nathan's 24th inning of the year. He looked completely blown, he could not hang here. Gotsta be a man to carry that Proctor load!
2006-06-15 20:16:05
243.   randym77
I wanna see the Jays pull ahead of the Sox now. >:->
2006-06-15 20:16:45
244.   kdw
So a couple of years back, did the Yankees come back on Nathan when he tried a 2-inning save in a post-season game in NYC? I think maybe the Twins were up by only a run and the Yankees ended up winning. Sound familiar?
2006-06-15 20:20:14
245.   rsmith51
So if Torre and Unit get a suspension, how many should Ozzie Guillen get?

"I have an idea, let's use our AAA guy to do our dirty work."

What a piece of work that Ozzie is.

2006-06-15 20:26:28
246.   Yu-Hsing Chen
Of course, at least relative to the other coach in that city, Ozzie may be a piece of work, at least he isn't a moron ...:P
2006-06-16 06:37:38
247.   rsmith51
246 Touche...

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