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The Seattle Mariners
2006-07-17 10:38
by Cliff Corcoran

The Mariners are a hard team to figure. They started the season on the expected course, going 22-32 over the first third of the season. They then won 20 of their next 28, briefly poking their heads above .500, only to have lost eight of their last ten. And so they sit two games under .500, but just four games out of first place in the AL West and with a winning Pythagorean record, but also in last place in an ugly division lead by the A's, who have the inverse record of the M's and are the only team in the West with a losing Pythagorean record. Got all that?

What it all adds up to is that the M's are a nearly perfect .500 ball club. They're in the middle of the pack in terms of hitting and pitching. Their lineup is well-balanced with a full supply of average players lead by the pesky, but not overwhelming offensive tallents of Ichiro Suzuki. After Ichiro, Raul Ibañez is their biggest threat. On the mound, 20-year-old uberprospect Felix Hernandez has struggled in his first full season, making the 43-year-old junkballer Jamie Moyer the team's ERA leader once again. In fact, the only dominant performances the team has received this season have come from the bullpen, with 29-year-old J.J. Putz and former prospect Rafael Soriano making Eddie Guardado expendable.

Really the Mariners are just dull. Ho hum. Here's hoping the Yanks don't suffer a let-down after this weekend's unexpected sweep of the World Champs.

Seattle Mariners

2006 Record: 44-48 (.478)
2006 Pythagorean Record: 46.5-45.5 (.506)

Manager: Mike Hargrove
General Manager: Bill Bavasi

Home Ballpark (2005 Park Factors): Safeco Park (99/99)

Who's Replacing Whom?

  • Kenji Johjima replaces Miguel Olivo, Yorvit Torrealba and Pat Borders
  • Jose Lopez inherits Bret Boone's playing time
  • Yuniesky Betancourt takes over Wilson Valdez's playing time
  • Carl Everett replaces Randy Winn
  • Adam Jones replaces Jeremy Reed
  • Eduardo Perez replaces Mike Morse
  • Jarrod Washburn replaces Ryan Franklin
  • Felix Hernandez inherits Aaron Sele's starts
  • Gil Meche takes back Jeff Harris's starts
  • Rafael Soriano inherits Eddie Guardado's innings, J.J. Putz takes over Guardado's job as the closer
  • George Sherrill inherits Ron Villone's innings
  • Jake Woods replaces Matt Thornton
  • Emiliano Fruto replaces Shigetoshi Hasegawa
  • Mark Lowe replaces Jeff Nelson

Current Roster:

1B – Richie Sexson (R)
2B – Jose Lopez (R)
SS – Yuniesky Betancourt (R)
3B – Adrian Beltre (R)
C – Kenji Johjima (R)
RF – Ichiro Suzuki (L)
CF – Adam Jones (R)
LF – Raul Ibañez (L)
DH – Carl Everett (S)

Bench:

R - Willie Bloomquist (UT)
L - Greg Dobbs (IF)
R - Eduardo Perez (1B)
R - Rene Rivera (C)

Rotation:

R - Felix Hernandez
L - Jamie Moyer
L - Jarrod Washburn
R - Joel Pineiro
R - Gil Meche

Bullpen:

R - J.J. Putz
R - Rafael Soriano
L - George Sherrill
R - Julio Mateo
L - Jake Woods
R - Emiliano Fruto
R - Mark Lowe

15-day DL: L - Chris Snelling, R - Sean Green
60-day DL: L - Jeremy Reed

Typical Lineup:

L - Ichiro Suzuki (RF)
R - Adrian Beltre (3B)
R - Jose Lopez (2B)
L - Raul Ibañez (LF)
R - Richie Sexson (1B)
S - Carl Everett (DH)
R - Kenji Johjima (C)
R - Adam Jones (CF)
R - Yuniesky Betancourt (SS)

Comments (262)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2006-07-17 14:38:48
1.   randym77
The Middletown Times Herald-Record often has "human interest" type stories about Yankees players. This week, it's about Chien Ming-Wang (mostly as told by his friend Bubba Crosby, presumably because of the language barrier).

http://tinyurl.com/h5u5c

====

Wang flung his glove in frustration, the ferocity of the act stunning Crosby as much as the pitcher's 96 mph fastball jolts hitters suckered into settling in due to his smooth, breezy windup.

"All of us were kind of like, '(Whoa),'" Crosby said. "We were all surprised in a good way. Obviously it showed that he cared. He was battling for us because we had a beat-up bullpen.

"It was nice to see him get a little aggressive. I can see him sitting at the end of the dugout. He keeps to himself. I know he's quiet, but he's (ticked) off inside. But that day, a walk-off homer, he couldn't keep it inside."

====

Oh, and some here will no doubt be gratified to hear that Wang knows enough English to tell Bubba, "You suck." ;-)

2006-07-17 14:55:14
2.   chris in c-bus
NEW YORK
1. Damon, CF
2. Jeter, SS
3. Giambi, DH
4. Rodriguez, 3B
5. Posada, C
6. Williams, RF
7. Phillips, 1B
8. M. Cabrera, LF
9. Cairo, 2B
2006-07-17 15:11:19
3.   randym77
No surprises there. With a lefty on the mound for Seattle and Wang on the mound for us, it had to be Andy at 1B and Giambi DHing. Which means Bernie in RF.
2006-07-17 15:35:45
4.   Schteeve
Nice link on the story about Tiger.
2006-07-17 16:06:07
5.   rbj
Wang vs. Ichiro. Should be good.
2006-07-17 16:18:25
6.   randym77
Arrgh. WTF was that??
2006-07-17 16:18:48
7.   Benjamin Kabak
I see "defensivie whiz" Andy Phillips is at it again.
2006-07-17 16:22:09
8.   randym77
Tiger gets the K. No harm, no foul.
2006-07-17 16:24:21
9.   BklynBmr
Both teams are probably drained from their weekend series'. This could be an ugly one...
2006-07-17 16:24:58
10.   randym77
9 And the heat probably doesn't help.
2006-07-17 16:28:13
11.   rsmith51
Hopefully Wang can take advantage of this low strike zone.
2006-07-17 16:28:42
12.   BklynBmr
Wow, Flash sounded like a genuis there for a split sec. I thought that was gone...
2006-07-17 16:31:29
13.   Benjamin Kabak
That is a special strike zone the ump seems to have tonight. Wang better just pound the zone low.
2006-07-17 16:32:24
14.   singledd
Giambi called out on stikes on an obvious ball 4.
Raise the mound? OK
Go to a 5 ball walk? OK
Tie the batters shoe laces together? I'll buy it.
But if the F'n ball ain't over the plate, it ain't a strike.
What's the point of having a great (batting) eye, when the umps are blind?
I hate it.
2006-07-17 16:38:43
15.   rilkefan
Wakefield gives up two singles, two walks, then a single - KC up 3-0.
2006-07-17 16:40:01
16.   C2Coke
Phillips really needs to be starting regularly.
2006-07-17 16:41:06
17.   randym77
Phillips has been starting regularly.
2006-07-17 16:41:51
18.   BklynBmr
We should turn the order upside down...
2006-07-17 16:42:15
19.   singledd
I can't imagine it holding, but the lowly Royals are up 3-0 at Fenway, after 1 1/2. Wake has 46 pitches.

Could today be the first day of the new order?

2006-07-17 16:42:16
20.   randym77
LOL! The bottom of the order comes through again.
2006-07-17 16:42:28
21.   C2Coke
What hole in the lineup?
2006-07-17 16:42:47
22.   BklynBmr
15 Sweet. I wasn't expecting any help from KC tonight...
2006-07-17 16:42:50
23.   C2Coke
17 Exactly my point.
2006-07-17 16:44:26
24.   Eirias
I heart the Royals.
2006-07-17 16:44:27
25.   Eirias
I heart the Royals.
2006-07-17 16:44:34
26.   C2Coke
I swear someone has a super loud cell phone in the Stadium, I keep hearing the rings.
2006-07-17 16:46:00
27.   BklynBmr
Go, Johnny, go, go!
2006-07-17 16:46:55
28.   C2Coke
9 Hmmm...
2006-07-17 16:47:03
29.   tommyl
Memo to Brian Cashman:

Do not trade Melky for Craig Wilson.

2006-07-17 16:47:05
30.   randym77
Gotta love these 2-out rallies.
2006-07-17 16:48:39
31.   rbj
D'oh! Oh well. I'll take three
2006-07-17 16:51:10
32.   claybeez
KC is not a gimme lately. They're scoring runs with DeJesus back and a resurgent Teahen.
2006-07-17 16:54:25
33.   tommyl
32 More importantly, the Sox seem to be coming back down to earth after that very lucky streak. The problem with KC though is still middle to late relief. The Sox could tack on a lot of runs later on.
2006-07-17 17:00:10
34.   C2Coke
Ponson can really serve as a great shade in this HOT day.
2006-07-17 17:09:47
35.   Eirias
Wang's efficiency is truly amazing.
2006-07-17 17:13:11
36.   Max
33 KC's blown a lot of leads. I wouldn't start a fan club for them yet. It would be nice, though, if their resurgent offense could get at Boston's bullpen, because they'll need more runs.
2006-07-17 17:14:43
37.   Mattpat11
SKIPPY!
2006-07-17 17:15:42
38.   BklynBmr
37 The A's gave Boston's pen a good workout over the weekend, which can't hurt...
2006-07-17 17:27:05
39.   randym77
Two errors for A-Rod.

Defense is not as crisp today, that's for sure.

2006-07-17 17:27:46
40.   rbj
How does Ichiro do that.
2006-07-17 17:30:04
41.   randym77
Ichiro must be the fastest guy in the game.
2006-07-17 17:31:22
42.   singledd
Ichiro is 28 for 30 in SBA? Amazing.
Wake out after 4 in Boston, with a continuing back problem. Remy thinks a stint on the DL will be necessary. Sox pen is bleeding heavily.

Now is the time to bury them!

2006-07-17 17:33:16
43.   randym77
Wake to the DL? The Sox are falling apart.
2006-07-17 17:41:04
44.   rbj
Giambiner!
2006-07-17 17:41:47
45.   singledd
G-bomb-i !!!!!!!
2006-07-17 17:42:01
46.   randym77
Giambino! Nice upper decker.
2006-07-17 17:43:23
47.   singledd
43 Not necessarily.. specualtion by Remy. But Wake has been bothered by his back for 4 weeks, and the ASG break still wasn't enough rest.
So.... maybe...
2006-07-17 17:44:34
48.   rbj
OK, so why does EI cut to a "we'll be right back" screen during some ads?
2006-07-17 17:46:19
49.   randym77
Two on, no outs for Delcarmen.
2006-07-17 17:50:49
50.   JeremyM
To those watching, is it time to pull Wang?
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2006-07-17 17:52:00
51.   3rd gen yankee fan
50 Yeah, is anyone warming?
2006-07-17 17:52:05
52.   rsmith51
Wang is very "Chacon"-like in my opinion.
2006-07-17 17:52:58
53.   Benjamin Kabak
52 You haven't been watching much of Chacon then, eh?
2006-07-17 17:53:11
54.   Marcus
52 In what way?
2006-07-17 17:53:37
55.   rsmith51
Gotta love that DP. Yankees' friend the last couple of games.
2006-07-17 17:53:41
56.   randym77
DP to get out of it.
2006-07-17 17:54:41
57.   rsmith51
54 Lots of base-runners in the innings that I have seen. That is the only thing I was thinking of.
2006-07-17 17:54:44
58.   SF Yanks
I think he was safe on that play.
2006-07-17 17:55:48
59.   C2Coke
What Chacon-like? Chacon can't throw mid-90 mile pitch for life.
2006-07-17 17:55:57
60.   rsmith51
The anti-clutch DP for big Papi.

He hit it very, very hard.

2006-07-17 17:56:42
61.   Chofo
I´m not watching, but I don´t think Torre will pull Wang out, yet. He´ll go as deep as he can (DP just hapened). With the pen usage yesterday, Ponson tommorrow and Wang with 79 pitches so far, Joe will not be scare for 3 singles, and I guess he will try to squeeze an eight inning performance from him
2006-07-17 17:56:48
62.   randym77
Lead off double for Jorgie!

I don't think anyone's warming for Wang.

2006-07-17 17:57:12
63.   rabid stan
Wang's been walking the tightrope, and he hasn't been helped by A-Rod.

So many baserunners, reasonable pitch count though.

2006-07-17 17:57:27
64.   singledd
4-0 after 6 in Boston.
Wka e with an upper-back strain.
Listed as day-to-day.
2006-07-17 17:57:43
65.   C2Coke
57 But with Chacon it's with a lot of runs in an inning.
2006-07-17 17:57:58
66.   JeremyM
Was that another first pitch swinging out by Bernie?
2006-07-17 17:58:47
67.   3rd gen yankee fan
Sweet, thanks... just getting a little nervous, only got GameChannel today...
2006-07-17 17:59:08
68.   rabid stan
They'll probably get another inning of Washburn now.
2006-07-17 17:59:16
69.   rsmith51
65 Very true...
2006-07-17 17:59:51
70.   randym77
That was first-pitch swinging outs by Bernie, Andy, and Melky.
2006-07-17 18:00:09
71.   rabid stan
Absolutely ridiculous, four 1 pitch AB's.
2006-07-17 18:01:14
72.   rbj
70 Kangaroo court's got to fine them.
2006-07-17 18:02:44
73.   BklynBmr
72 Absolutely. Put some cash in The Stupid Jar...
2006-07-17 18:03:21
74.   rabid stan
Bernie showing the wall what for.
2006-07-17 18:07:30
75.   singledd
I never thought my ears would hear my mouth say this, but I REALLY like the way Torre has been managing. I mean he has been pulling all the right strings, yes?
2006-07-17 18:07:54
76.   rabid stan
I love how that ball died in front of the plate. It didn't even bounce.
2006-07-17 18:09:24
77.   BklynBmr
Meyers and Proctor up...
2006-07-17 18:09:33
78.   randym77
Myers and Proctor just started warming.
2006-07-17 18:09:40
79.   C2Coke
Myers warming.
2006-07-17 18:10:08
80.   C2Coke
uh...and Proctor too.
2006-07-17 18:11:41
81.   randym77
What is it with A-Rod tonight? He looked so sharp yesterday.
2006-07-17 18:11:54
82.   C2Coke
Let's play tag.
2006-07-17 18:12:04
83.   rabid stan
So that was a hot shot, but damn. They had him work on his footwork, now somethings wrong with his arm.
2006-07-17 18:12:18
84.   BklynBmr
Maybe A-Rod hit the same rave last night Kay hit the night before...
2006-07-17 18:13:46
85.   SF Yanks
And the Royals pen melts down...
2006-07-17 18:13:58
86.   C2Coke
83 Apparently he does need all the attention...from fans or coaches.
2006-07-17 18:14:20
87.   SF Yanks
or was that the starting pitching?
2006-07-17 18:14:32
88.   Mattpat11
Jesus A-Rod.
2006-07-17 18:14:32
89.   mickey1956
Another good night in Trenton. Hughes pitched 5 innings, 3 hits, 1 bb, 9 strikeouts, and 0 runs. Duncan was 2-3 with a HR. I think everyone is signed but Chamberlin from this years draft. The Yankees may have a top ten farm system next year.
2006-07-17 18:14:47
90.   rabid stan
You have to give it to Andy and Miggy, they've made some athletic catches on A-Rods throws.
2006-07-17 18:15:24
91.   Marcus
87 Luke Hudson started tonight against the Red Sox.
2006-07-17 18:15:53
92.   rabid stan
Jeez. Are they going to let Washburn get into the eighth?
2006-07-17 18:16:17
93.   C2Coke
What's with all the 1 pitch swing??
2006-07-17 18:16:38
94.   mickey1956
92 This will be his last inning.
2006-07-17 18:17:04
95.   BklynBmr
OK, Yanks! Let's bullpen-proof this one...
2006-07-17 18:17:51
96.   randym77
Better to be lucky than good...
2006-07-17 18:18:05
97.   joejoejoe
How bad are A-Rod's throwing errors? I'm following the game online and can't see them. Is he having a bad night or is he air mailing them into the stands?
2006-07-17 18:18:05
98.   rbj
Is this leave your glove at home day?
2006-07-17 18:18:51
99.   BklynBmr
97 Visualize Steve Sax or Knobby...
2006-07-17 18:19:39
100.   Simone
I've been busy so I just checked out the GameDay. A-Rod has three throwing errors? What is that about? I'm just glad that the Yankees have the lead.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2006-07-17 18:19:58
101.   SF Yanks
tie game sux/royals
2006-07-17 18:20:59
102.   BayRidger
Raise your hand if A-Rod's errors bother you more than his supposed inability ti hit in the clutch? (Mine is raised)
2006-07-17 18:21:04
103.   yankz
I bet this is one of those god forsaken "Scouting report says swing on the first pitch" days.
2006-07-17 18:21:12
104.   Max
And on cue, the Royals give the Red Sox the boost of confidence they craved to get out of the doldrums...tailor made "inspirational" comeback against a crap team.
2006-07-17 18:21:19
105.   Mattpat11
I fully support contracting the Royals.
2006-07-17 18:21:27
106.   BklynBmr
A-Rod can make up for it here...
2006-07-17 18:21:46
107.   marc
I love A-Rod's attitude tonight. You want to boo me? I'll give you something to boo me. Of corse he might do something with the bat here.
2006-07-17 18:22:09
108.   randym77
IBB for Giambi, to face A-Rod. Make 'em pay!

A-Rod has been a mess tonight, at the plate and in the field. I think it's the old "taking his struggles at the plate into the field" thing.

2006-07-17 18:22:17
109.   Chofo
Time for A-Rod to make up for those throwing errors.
2006-07-17 18:22:56
110.   yankz
How is this strategic, unless theyre bringing in a ROOGY or something? Are they that scared of pitching to Giambi?
2006-07-17 18:23:10
111.   rbj
To me, it's not so much A-Rod's throws being bad, but that he lets the balls eat him up, and then he has to hurry the throws, making them bad.
2006-07-17 18:23:27
112.   rsmith51
110 Well, he did just hit a homer off of Washburn.
2006-07-17 18:24:50
113.   yankz
Oh, I guess it creates a DP possibility. Make them pay.
2006-07-17 18:25:10
114.   Benjamin Kabak
The Royals are horrendous. How can a team really be that bad?

And why won't A-Rod take a pitch off a guy who has 3.1 innings of Major League experience and is pitching in New York with the bases loaded? TAKE A PITCH.

2006-07-17 18:25:47
115.   Benjamin Kabak
112 None of those throws were hurried. They were lolly-gogged over to 2nd or 1st. That's where the errors came. Just throw it hard.
2006-07-17 18:25:55
116.   rsmith51
114 Well he hasn't pitched a strike yet.
2006-07-17 18:25:56
117.   yankz
OT, but has anyone see how hot the braves have been? I'm actually rooting for them to win the division, corresponding with a major Mets collapse.
2006-07-17 18:26:25
118.   3rd gen yankee fan
He took a pitch! yaaaaaaaaaaaay
2006-07-17 18:26:55
119.   rsmith51
5 balls ...
2006-07-17 18:27:02
120.   BklynBmr
116 LOL! Wicked. Just wicked.
2006-07-17 18:27:04
121.   Benjamin Kabak
Right there, I would say boo. Ball 1, ball 2, ball 3, ball 4. Too bad A-Rod swung at two awful pitches.
2006-07-17 18:27:13
122.   3rd gen yankee fan
nvm
2006-07-17 18:27:21
123.   yankz
Oh my god...
2006-07-17 18:27:23
124.   Marcus
Not a good day so far for A-Rod.
2006-07-17 18:27:27
125.   Mattpat11
Its one of those nights for Alex.
2006-07-17 18:27:34
126.   C2Coke
107 And there are his boos.
2006-07-17 18:27:36
127.   Chofo
How much are they booing him? He really deserves it tonight
2006-07-17 18:27:41
128.   JeremyM
This is why he's so hard to warm up to. He's just a nervous, anxious ballplayer.
2006-07-17 18:27:56
129.   BklynBmr
Show 'em how it's done, Jorgie...
2006-07-17 18:28:27
130.   Simone
Sounds like Alex is just having a bad night.
2006-07-17 18:29:54
131.   BklynBmr
Crap...
2006-07-17 18:30:37
132.   JeremyM
Yuck. A run or two would've been nice there.
2006-07-17 18:31:13
133.   C2Coke
127 Those are loud but not long boos.
2006-07-17 18:32:11
134.   Benjamin Kabak
Oooh. A-Rod's been benched.
2006-07-17 18:32:27
135.   C2Coke
Myers on.
2006-07-17 18:32:35
136.   BklynBmr
Injury to A-Rod? Only his ego...
2006-07-17 18:32:42
137.   Mattpat11
He pulled A-Rod?
2006-07-17 18:32:50
138.   C2Coke
Nick Green on 3B.
2006-07-17 18:33:05
139.   randym77
Whoa. Green's at 3B, Bubba's in RF?

Did Joe just pull A-Rod to upgrade the defense?

2006-07-17 18:33:11
140.   JeremyM
A-Rod was benched?!?! Yikes. Now this is getting ugly.
2006-07-17 18:33:33
141.   Mattpat11
Who's coming in? NoWorth or the Proctologist?
2006-07-17 18:34:23
142.   claybeez
128 Exactly how I feel. I like him and want him to succeed. It's just that he gives me that needy girlfriend vibe. You come away feeling like you need some distance.
2006-07-17 18:34:51
143.   rabid stan
Proctor to face Sexson. I think we're about to see how a .226 hitter can get 17 home runs.
2006-07-17 18:35:11
144.   kdw
126 Altho when he was batting the crowd was chanting "Let's go A-Rod" cheers, unless that was just to mock him...
2006-07-17 18:35:14
145.   Max
I'm not watching, but this sounds like an incredibly weird game. Are Farns and Mo available tonight?

Benching A-Rod...wow, I'm not sure what to say, other than I can't wait to hear the explanation (even though it's obvious to everyone).

2006-07-17 18:35:36
146.   mickey1956
Arod's OPS in July .992. I'm just saying.
2006-07-17 18:36:25
147.   randym77
Could he have been playing injured all along?
2006-07-17 18:38:23
148.   BklynBmr
I just hope the A-Rod thing does not spiral into a Nomar thing. I can't see that happening, though. But this is getting strange...
2006-07-17 18:38:51
149.   claybeez
146 A-Rod is a great player. It's just the drama.
2006-07-17 18:39:23
150.   rabid stan
147 He's not injured. Does he look like he's playing hurt? Has anybody suggested it in six weeks?

He's out because he shat the bed tonight. Hopefully being replaced by Nick Green will light a fire under him, but it could also send him into a shame spiral.

Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2006-07-17 18:39:43
151.   marc
I wish I saw that. A catch of a heicoptering bat in the stands. Sounds like he's bleeding.
2006-07-17 18:39:54
152.   BklynBmr
LOL! See that guy who caught the bat? They were escorting him out and stops to start chanting 'Boston sucks'. Older gentleman, too. Hilarious.
2006-07-17 18:40:23
153.   Bama Yankee
147 Just getting here, what happened to A-rod?
2006-07-17 18:40:52
154.   randym77
It's the Proctor we saw earlier this year. Maybe he was just overused.
2006-07-17 18:41:03
155.   rbj
This might be Proctor's shortest outing of the year.
2006-07-17 18:41:09
156.   Mattpat11
148 You mean act like a total jackass that pouts on the bench during big games?
2006-07-17 18:41:16
157.   Alex Belth
Kitty immediately mentioned Knobie, and said that once when Kobie had a bad game, Torre just benched him with the quickness. Kitty wasn't implying that A Rod is Knobie.

But if he benched him and it wasn't due to injury, it does suggest that Torre thinks A Rod was in such a fragile mode that he might continue making errors.

A Rod's seventh inning at bat was a letdown. He swung and missed at two nasty pitches but the one he missed for strike three was a mistake pitch, a bad slider up in the zone.

The reporters better roll up their trousers. The droll draining out of their mouths must be high and deep.

2006-07-17 18:41:39
158.   JeremyM
Baseball is a funny game. Nick Green, batting .100 or so and making the baseball players' equivalent of spare change replaces the $25 million man.
2006-07-17 18:41:54
159.   randym77
No one knows what happened to A-Rod. Is he injured? Or did Joe just pull him because he made three throwing errors tonight?
2006-07-17 18:42:16
160.   BklynBmr
153 A horible night at 3rd for A-Rod. Three throwing errors. Terrible AB with the bases loaded last inning...
2006-07-17 18:42:20
161.   C2Coke
Proctor just needed rest and then he can come out and break bats.

I think Mo is available. NoWorth doesn't seem to be. He pitched 0.2 inning and then 3 batters yesterday.

2006-07-17 18:42:36
162.   rbj
153 Bad defense tonight. 3 throwing errors. Plus Jorge caught Andy Philips napping on a throw to first and not the runner. Mariners defense sucked too.
2006-07-17 18:42:47
163.   Simone
Alex is benched? What is the story with the bat? Come one, help out that non-watching posters here.
2006-07-17 18:43:13
164.   Bama Yankee
159 Thanks Randy.
2006-07-17 18:43:51
165.   rabid stan
148 I agree. I don't think he's that guy either. I just hope he isn't driven out of NY because of that kind of thing.

The Yanks would never let him go to another AL team, but if he really wanted him to go, the big market NL teams would be stupid not to try to make room for him.

2006-07-17 18:45:43
166.   Bama Yankee
160 & 162 Thanks fellas. Wow, A-rod benched. Could be what he needs to get it going.
2006-07-17 18:46:04
167.   kdw
163 A-Rod is out, haven't said why yet but he had 3 throwing errors and a bad at-bat last inning.

Re the bat, swung at first pitch and bat went sailing into the crowd. Guy caught it and apparently hurt his hand. As he was leaving, stopped and started Boston sucks chant.

2006-07-17 18:46:15
168.   marc
I hope nothing's wrong with A-Rod. Giambi's the only other adult bomber we still have left
2006-07-17 18:46:52
169.   rbj
OK, there's something funny in the air tonight. It isn't A-Rod.
Go Melky -- er, damn
2006-07-17 18:47:11
170.   BklynBmr
163 Simone, a bat went flying hard and fast into the stands behind the dugout. Fan caught it. Guy looked to be in his 60s. Didn't look to be injured, but security escorted him somewhere and he stops to lead a 'Boston sucks' chant while waving the bat. Funny stuff...
2006-07-17 18:47:43
171.   yankz
How cool would it be if Papelboner blew a save to the Royals? I swear I would dance.
2006-07-17 18:48:08
172.   C2Coke
163 In simple explanation, Arod just plain sucked today, on-plate or fielding. Hence, Nick Green as an defense upgrade. If it wasn't for Cairo and Phillips trying hard to catch the ball plus Wang being solid. The scores won't be like this.
2006-07-17 18:48:17
173.   marc
Sterling says he doesn't expect this game to be shown to youngsters as instruction
2006-07-17 18:49:05
174.   randym77
LOL! Adult bomber? What about Jeter?

There is definitely something in the air tonight. Lot of weird errors.

2006-07-17 18:49:26
175.   Bama Yankee
Good to see American Idol winner Taylor Hicks (who is also from Alabama) at the game tonight.
2006-07-17 18:49:33
176.   rabid stan
Five errors by Rodriguez and Sexson alone.
2006-07-17 18:49:38
177.   C2Coke
Mo will be on.
2006-07-17 18:50:07
178.   Max
Sorry, I can't abide by the cheap shots and off-base comparisons to Nomar here. Nomar deteriorated physically and didn't handle it well, but he always played hard and almost never got booed at Fenway. He didn't get along with current Red Sox management and was a bit too moody for his own good, but I'd be happy to have someone like him on the Yankees anyday.

Completely different situation than what's happening with A-Rod.

2006-07-17 18:50:18
179.   rsmith51
Ortiz just stole second. Yes, David Ortiz.
2006-07-17 18:50:28
180.   BklynBmr
169 Humidity and stupidity. All around...
2006-07-17 18:51:00
181.   randym77
How on earth did Ortiz steal second?!
2006-07-17 18:51:43
182.   rabid stan
179 Yet another addition to the statue.
2006-07-17 18:52:42
183.   C2Coke
Same smile on Mo from his 1st save to his 400th.
2006-07-17 18:53:04
184.   rabid stan
Whoa! Goofy gun? 85 MPH on that first pitch from Mo?

Or is it that new change?

2006-07-17 18:53:10
185.   C2Coke
180 Can't agree more.
2006-07-17 18:53:57
186.   marc
174 I meant bomber also in the sense of HR hitter which Jeter ain't. Shit, why do I get the feeing we're going to lose a full game to the Sox tonight
2006-07-17 18:54:52
187.   Benjamin Kabak
I hate the Royals. I hate them. I hate them. What a waste of a baseball team.
2006-07-17 18:55:16
188.   Simone
Thanks 167, 170, and 172. The "Boston sucks" thing sounds hilarious.

I hope that Alex doesn't take his benching too hard. Does anyone remember Joe doing anything like this before?

2006-07-17 18:55:17
189.   rsmith51
186 And the game will end with Nick Green striking out?
2006-07-17 18:55:26
190.   randym77
They're saying "shoulder injury" for A-Rod.
2006-07-17 18:55:28
191.   Bama Yankee
Looks like BklynBmr & randym77 saw this Twilight Zone of a game coming back in 9 & 10
2006-07-17 18:56:42
192.   Benjamin Kabak
190 Who exactly is this "they" you are referring to? Because the TV guys were simply speculating. They had no solid information.
2006-07-17 18:56:43
193.   rabid stan
186 You're crazy. Maybe they get one run from this. Not two.
2006-07-17 18:57:31
194.   rsmith51
The pitch was better than Giambi's strike 3 earlier in the game.
2006-07-17 18:57:39
195.   rabid stan
Are you guys actually complaining that the Royals are losing?
2006-07-17 18:58:13
196.   singledd
Mo gets a K on a ball. Umps suck. They just want to go home.
2006-07-17 18:58:22
197.   Benjamin Kabak
195 It was 4-0 in the 7th. And the Royals are now losing. So yes, I am complaining.
2006-07-17 18:58:27
198.   rabid stan
I mean, is it some kind of surprise?
2006-07-17 18:58:42
199.   randym77
192 Radio report. Dunno if they're pulling it out of their butts or what.
2006-07-17 18:59:18
200.   rsmith51
195 Just them blowing a 4 run lead. Not that I am surprised, but it would have been nice if they could have held on to that lead.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2006-07-17 18:59:28
201.   singledd
Mo is tired. He could use a day or 2 off.
Remember, he didn't get much of an ASG rest.
2006-07-17 19:00:18
202.   Bama Yankee
199 A Pavano reference?
2006-07-17 19:01:55
203.   rabid stan
197, 200 I thought the Royals were beneath disappointment. They are the Royals.

Just assume the sweep.

2006-07-17 19:02:07
204.   marc
this is nerve-wracking again
2006-07-17 19:02:36
205.   rbj
1 down, 99 to go.
2006-07-17 19:02:43
206.   BklynBmr
Mo does it again!
2006-07-17 19:02:47
207.   randym77
MO!!!

Thank you....

2006-07-17 19:02:58
208.   C2Coke
Sell-out crowds. Mo does it AGAIN.
2006-07-17 19:03:10
209.   rsmith51
203 I assumed the Yanks would have to sweep the Mariners to keep pace with the Red Sox.
2006-07-17 19:03:50
210.   singledd
Sox win
2006-07-17 19:04:24
211.   Max
Wow, this game was like being in the passenger seat of a car with failed brakes on a dirt road on the edge of a cliff...with a pretty sauced driver to boot.
2006-07-17 19:04:37
212.   Simone
203 Yep, I was thinking sweep for the Red Sox also.

Nice win, guys! I'm hoping that Alex was injured. If not ... well, it will be ugly.

2006-07-17 19:04:46
213.   rsmith51
Well, the Yanks were tied with the Red Sox for about a minute.
2006-07-17 19:06:14
214.   C2Coke
212 Well...how about we assume dehydration is contagious.
2006-07-17 19:06:14
215.   BklynBmr
Our beloved rag-tag Pinstripers are playing .600 ball. Whodathunk it?
2006-07-17 19:07:18
216.   C2Coke
215 Plain awesome. And Wang got double digit wins.
2006-07-17 19:07:35
217.   BklynBmr
213 So technically, we caught them! ;-)
2006-07-17 19:07:43
218.   randym77
Yikes. I'm hoping A-Rod's not injured. The last thing we need is another injury.
2006-07-17 19:08:14
219.   marc
I'm going to hang around and listen for Suzyn's clubhouse report to find out about A-Rod unless someone finds out something definitive first.
2006-07-17 19:08:30
220.   rabid stan
It's nice to see Wang win hobbled by bad defense and without being razor sharp.
2006-07-17 19:10:20
221.   randym77
The bad news is tomorrow we have to win with Ponson on the mound.
2006-07-17 19:10:59
222.   BayRidger
175. Hicks from Alabama...makes sense.
2006-07-17 19:12:38
223.   rabid stan
221 Well, they do trot out Piniero.

Two thing are for sure tomorrow: it will be hot, and the pitching will suck.

2006-07-17 19:12:59
224.   DarrenF
157 If I remember correctly, Knoblauch asked out of the game and went home. I doubt very much if ARod asked out of the game.

Torre's answer will be two-pronged:

1) ARod did not look comfortable out there.

2) He didn't want to subject ARod to the impending booing.

That's my guess.

2006-07-17 19:13:21
225.   Yu-Hsing Chen
Nice solid outting from Wang again dispite showing a little rust... ERA under 4 and 10 wins... jeez I wonder who we payed 10 mil for to do this?
2006-07-17 19:13:29
226.   C2Coke
221 Let's hope the defense had enough rest today.
2006-07-17 19:14:28
227.   Bama Yankee
222 Ouch, that hurt. No love for us down here in dixie? Actually I wondered how long it would take for someone to make the "Hicks" joke.
2006-07-17 19:15:28
228.   yankaholic
226 and hope we hv left enuf men on base stranded for the series..

we cant leave 20 lobs tomorrow..

may need 7-8 runs

2006-07-17 19:17:25
229.   rabid stan
225 Earlier the boothe was all a-chatter about the M's signing Washburn for 4/35, or something like that, based on one 18-6 season.

They all agreed it was a mistake. No mention that the Yanks gave Pavano a 4/40 for a slighly worse year. A year in the NL too.

2006-07-17 19:17:41
230.   David
221 Ponson starting AND the relief pitchers overused. Who's available to replace Ponson when he blows up in the 3rd inning? Chacon, I guess.
2006-07-17 19:20:27
231.   Mattpat11
178 I lose any respect I ever had for Nomar on the July 1 game.
2006-07-17 19:22:32
232.   randym77
230 Wilson. They sent down Kevin Thompson to make room for Ponson, and kept Kris Wilson. I suspect Wilson is their emergency backup.
2006-07-17 19:25:11
233.   David
232 Thanks, Randy.
2006-07-17 19:25:32
234.   BklynBmr
Not a mention of A-Rod by Sterling in his game re-cap. I'm sure Waldman will have something...
2006-07-17 19:27:20
235.   Yu-Hsing Chen
228 7-8 runs is highly optimistic XD...
2006-07-17 19:29:11
236.   Max
231 I expected that Matt, and that's your right.

I see the world in more shades of gray, though, and there are many far worse people in sports than Nomar. The "Cap is God"/"Nomar is A Deadbeat" hysteria that came out of that regular season game pretty much exemplified the worst tendencies of Yankee and Red Sox fans (and the talk radio media that feeds them).

2006-07-17 19:29:34
237.   BklynBmr
Waldman: A-Rod fouled a ball off his left toe in the AB after Giambi's HR. It swelled and Joe told him to ice it. X-Rays tomorrow.
2006-07-17 19:30:19
238.   kdw
Post-game report, Torre said A-Rod fouled ball off left foot, which left big toe swollen and he can't put weight on it. Going for x-rays tomorrow.
2006-07-17 19:32:40
239.   rabid stan
235 It's Joel Piniero, according to the Banter Matchups.

This guy has pitched 106 innings, given up almost 140 hits, with a 48:37 K:BB ratio. This has lead to and ERA just under six.

There's no other regular starter that would clearly be better for the Yanks to face with Ponson on the hill. 7-8 runs may be optimistic, it's not really unrealistic.

2006-07-17 19:33:14
240.   BklynBmr
ESPN Harold Reynolds: "This was a bold move by Torre. I'm not buying the foot thing"...
2006-07-17 19:34:18
241.   Simone
I'm buying the foot thing because any other explanation isn't good.
2006-07-17 19:35:08
242.   rabid stan
240, 241 It's a better made up excuse than a shoulder injury, at least.
2006-07-17 19:35:39
243.   randym77
If they were making it up, surely they'd come up with something less silly than a swollen toe?

I know, I know, the toes are important...but "swollen toe" is right up there with "bruised buttocks."

2006-07-17 19:36:21
244.   BklynBmr
241 If I was A-Rod, I'd send a copy of the x-rays to Reynolds and tell him to keep his mouth shut until he has all the facts...
2006-07-17 19:37:58
245.   kdw
240 Caught only part of ESPN commentary. Were they saying this is a big deal, Yankees may need to deal A-Rod in the off season and now he's hurting his value and might be hard to move????
2006-07-17 19:40:14
246.   BklynBmr
If anyone here Tivo'd the game, check out A-Rod's AB in the 5th inning. That should show something...
2006-07-17 19:41:35
247.   rabid stan
245 That would be goddamn stupid. The only way an A-Rod trade wouldn't be the worst trade ever is if they nab Pujols straight up.

They have one of the best players in the league, possibly one of the BOATs, and they're not even paying his full contract.

2006-07-17 19:42:04
248.   marc
How the hell would Reynolds know one way or the other? If someone Tivo'd the game or if ESPN takes a look then we'd see if it looks like he got hit hard on the toe. If he ends up being out for a week because he can't put weight on the toe, is Reynolds going to say they had to keep him out to back up the story? Maybe we can send some insurance adjusters to follow Alex in a car and videotape how well he's putting weight on the toe when he walks.
2006-07-17 19:43:04
249.   BklynBmr
245 More evidence that the entire Baseball Tonight crew are mental retards. They've become unwatchable...
2006-07-17 19:43:27
250.   kdw
247 Not disagreeing with you, just trying to find out if that was really what they were saying because it does sound a little crazy and over the top.
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2006-07-17 19:50:36
251.   marc
The Baseball tonight bunch probably aren't morons but they feel they always got to stir up trouble and controversy to get ratings. Trading Alex is the most stupid ass thing I've ever heard. It would be like ripping out your heart and lungs in order to spite your pinky, or I guess your toe in this case.
2006-07-17 19:53:55
252.   randym77
A-Rod definitely did foul it off his foot and hopped around like it hurt.

But they didn't show it much. Too busy showing replays of Giambi's homer.

2006-07-17 19:57:10
253.   BklynBmr
251 OK, retarded is too harsh. But BT has almost reached the 'political flacks out-shouting each other' level of 'entertainment'. Say anything no matter how illogical it is, just to stir something up. Baseball does not need that.
2006-07-17 19:58:19
254.   BklynBmr
252 Thanks, randym. Makes sense...
2006-07-17 20:11:23
255.   randym77
So, if A-Rod's toe is broken...Nick Green starting tomorrow?

Or do you think Joe would consider starting Andy at 3B and Giambi at 1B?

2006-07-17 20:36:30
256.   Yu-Hsing Chen
239 I mean optimistic as in that's all we need ;) I know it's possible to get that much off him, but I fear the Ponson / Chacon /Wilson trio could do even worse.
2006-07-17 20:56:05
257.   Zack
Not sure if anyone posted this, but for some good news, check out this: http://tinyurl.com/kfxx2

Another great start for our boy Philip, and a 3-4 night with a HR for Duncan...

2006-07-17 22:29:35
258.   Stormer Sports
253 Agreed! ESPN has become a more high tech version of The Best Damn Sport Show. I don't take anything I hear there seriously anymore. If Skip Bayliss and Sean Salisbury get paid to do what they do, well, 'nuff said. Maybe he'll say "the tie goes to the runner" again tomorrow morning. Rules shmools I guess. Why would a sportswriter know the rules?

Did they really say "trade Arod" on ESPN? I watched the game on YES.

Arod: Arod did look like he hit the toe pretty bad. I have to say I doubt that was the reason he yanked him. Cleary Damon was gimping around all game, and he left him out there through nine. 3 errors in a game when it's 100 degrees. My guess is Joe had seen enough, clearly the errors and Ab's were in his head, the heat had gotten to Arod, and he sat him. It cannot be a good feeling for the once best player in the game to have Giambi walked AGAIN to face you, and you also K on three bad pitches. Just a bad night for Arod, nothing serious. I don't know if you guys watched closely, but a lot of our guys had the rosy cheeks of pre-heat-exhaustion. I wouldn't worry about it. There were 7 errors in the game.

Although I just don't get the rest of the year. He had his adjustment year, played great last year, and now this? His numbers are great for just about anyone else. He however, is not just anyone else, and that's why the fans get on him.

As for Joe. Good going leaving Farnsworth on hisass where he belongs! I would love to see the Yanks deal him in a package for a bat before he implodes on us like he did for ATL in the playoffs, and the Cubs before that. Don't let the numbers fool you with that bag of garbage. Deal him to KC for Sanders, and pay part of his salary. He'll post an ERA of 1.20 pitching for a team that plays no important games.

Thanks again Mo! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Team playing about as well as a unit since 2000. I like what I am seeing. Once Arod comes around, it will be a beautiful thing.

Here is too good thoughts for Ponson tomorrow! Good MOJO!

2006-07-18 01:40:03
259.   yankz
You gotta have heart...

I would be really embarassed if i was a Sox fan. Your ace pitcher sits around on blogs instead of, I don't know, working out or living the good life? I really hope no Yankees pop up here. Well, maybe Bubba, he can't embarass us much more. Although the man can field.

2006-07-18 02:26:24
260.   randym77
I am really not very optimistic about Ponson:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/bvsp?playerId=3823

I hope A-Rod's okay. I have a feeling we're going to need him, 16 errors and all.

2006-07-18 04:34:32
261.   Simone
Steve Phillip is a dope. He is on ESPN's Mike and Mike this morning claiming that the Yankees will have to trade A-Rod because he is getting booed so badly. He says that A-Rod will never go to the Yankees and request a trade because he couldn't live with that fall out so it is up to the Yankees to make the trade. Phillips has obviously lost his mind. No wonder he is no longer a GM in MLB.
2006-07-18 05:17:49
262.   Tarheel
Steve Phillips is a Yankee hater. He hates the fact that he had to play second fiddle to the Yanks while he was with the Mets. The Mets got rid of him. Now he has his chance to stick it to the Yankees on TV. ESPN is a joke. Arod had a great game on Sunday, everyone has a bad, bad day once and a while. My guess is he has a huge next game. They are not going to trade him. I think that he is somewhat immune to the booing now. I also think that the fans just boo now because it is the "thing to do" now. They cheered the hell out of him on Sunday. It has just become part of the game like the roll call before the game.

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