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2006-07-31 13:34
by Alex Belth

The Yanks have sent Shawn Chacon to the Pirates for 1B/OF Craig Wilson. Good job, Cash. Very nice get. According to Peter Abraham, Aaron Guiel has been optioned, Corey Lidle will start Thursday and Bonzone will go to the pen. My guess is that Bubba Crosby will be next to go, as the Yankees like Andy Phillips' ability to play second and third.

Comments (308)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2006-07-31 14:07:24
1.   randym77
Why not send Green down? How many backup infielders do we need, with Cano coming back soon?

I don't like the idea of Bernie as our only backup CFer.

2006-07-31 14:20:05
2.   YankeeInMichigan
Not that anyone really cares, but with Casey and Wilson gone, who plays 1st in Pittsburgh?
2006-07-31 14:20:30
3.   monkeypants
Wow, what a steal! If I am correct, Wilson was also the back-up or emergency C for the Pirates. If so, then then the Yankees have mutiple options when Fasano plays (like DHing Posada, or being able to PH more flexibly).

Bernie as back-up CF is not that good, though it was part of his original role this year, sort of. If you keep Bubba as a pure defensive player, then all the other dead wood has to go (perhaps including Cairo). Now I can't believe I am going to say this, but maybe better to keep Cairo than Bubba. Then, make Melky the CF on days when Damon does not play. (Can Thompson play any CF? If so, then swap Bubba for Thompson)?

Too bad Guiel gets axe--it's not really fair. Maybe keep Guiel over Andy? Or, make the radical decision to go to 11 man staff (gasp!).

2006-07-31 14:21:12
4.   BklynBmr
1 Thanks for the heads up on the thread...

Cashman has really rocked on these moves. Major kudos to him.

Don't know the depth of what the Sawx tried to accomplish, but heard it stated they feel they have enough to win as is. Objectively speaking, it's hard to say the Yanks moves did not tilt the odds a bit.

2006-07-31 14:22:42
5.   Simone
Poor Bubba. He and Phillips are just awful though. I don't want them on my team.
2006-07-31 14:23:38
6.   Ron Burgundy
We need to go back to 11 Pitchers. What the hell is the point of having 12 pitchers if one or two of them won't ever get used and one or two of them are completely useless?!
My Brain Will Explode if this continues!
I hate the fact that Joe has so much control over the roster.
2006-07-31 14:24:21
7.   randym77
From what I've heard, Thompson isn't very good in CF, though he has played there.

Does Nick Green still have minor league options?

Guiel does have minor league options still. I bet he'll be back when the rosters expand in September.

2006-07-31 14:24:53
8.   MVB
The only thing I didn't like about this trade is that Crosby wasn't sent to Pittsburgh along with Chacon.

The Yankee management love Crosby ( for some unknown reason) and will probably keep him around to nbother us.

2006-07-31 14:26:03
9.   Ron Burgundy
4 They have enough to win? Their CF has an OPS lower than Bernie's, their SS is crap, and with Nixon out, they have Willy Mo and Krapler as their RFers. And other than Papelbitch and Timlin, their bullpen is horrible, worse than ours. And their pitching staff is not that great. Shelling's ERA is closing in on 4 and Beckett is just plain bad.
2006-07-31 14:26:52
10.   Bama Yankee
Anyone think that Cashman's ability to get a good deal for Abreu caused other GM's to think they could get the same kind of deal for Soriano and thus dropping his value to the point that a deal could not be reached?
2006-07-31 14:28:03
11.   JohnnyC
4 That'll change quickly if Wells pitches like crap tonight...and at his age, with his physical problems, it doesn't look good.
2006-07-31 14:28:30
12.   monkeypants
Wow, what a steal! If I am correct, Wilson was also the back-up or emergency C for the Pirates. If so, then then the Yankees have mutiple options when Fasano plays (like DHing Posada, or being able to PH more flexibly).

Bernie as back-up CF is not that good, though it was part of his original role this year, sort of. If you keep Bubba as a pure defensive player, then all the other dead wood has to go (perhaps including Cairo). Now I can't believe I am going to say this, but maybe better to keep Cairo than Bubba. Then, make Melky the CF on days when Damon does not play. (Can Thompson play any CF? If so, then swap Bubba for Thompson)?

Too bad Guiel gets axe--it's not really fair. Maybe keep Guiel over Andy? Or, make the radical decision to go to 11 man staff (gasp!).

2006-07-31 14:28:49
13.   RichYF
We need a guy like Crosby on the team for PR/LIDR purposes. Who fills that role now? It seems like Bernie is the real drag here considering his defense is awful and he's only useful vs LHP. Oh well. Honestly, should what Bernie does in the OF be referred to as "playing?"
2006-07-31 14:29:15
14.   Ron Burgundy
11 But according to ESPN, he's still a big-game pitcher who will lead them to the playoffs.
2006-07-31 14:29:23
15.   monkeypants
3, 12 Whoa--sorry for the double-post. What happened there?
2006-07-31 14:30:57
16.   YankeeInMichigan
Defense counts for something, especially in center field, where chasing down a fly ball in the gap saves an extra-base hit. Bubba should stay around at least until Matsui returns. Then Melky can become the at-large backup outfielder.
2006-07-31 14:31:23
17.   JohnnyC
10 Bowden probably completely over-played his hand and ended up getting his bluff called. This is just stupid on his part. And, to compound matters, the time spent on trying to make a killing in a Soriano deal left other tradeable pieces on the board: Livan Hernandez, Tony Armas, Jr., Ryan Church...
2006-07-31 14:34:13
18.   YankeeInMichigan
14 I love the spin the media can put on these things. mlb.com reports that, with Wells and Perez gone, Chacon "will step in as the veteran member of the Pirate's rotation."
2006-07-31 14:34:56
19.   tommyl
13 Bernie still has use as a PH, which was supposed to be his role all along. Bring him in against lefties and he could produce some big hits. He just has no business starting in the OF, but we all knew that already. Will be interesting to see how long Joe sticks with this after Melky has an 0-5 night or something.
2006-07-31 14:37:48
20.   randym77
6 That's an idea. They should consider sending Beam back to Columbus, at least until the rosters expand. He's a nice kid. I like him. He's got great stuff. But he's not ready for prime time, and now is not the time to learn. I can't imagine a situation where I'd be comfortable putting him in.
2006-07-31 14:37:59
21.   seamus
Here is the blow: If Cleveland can defeat Wells and co. tonight, think about the psychological impact on Sox country! Yankees make all of the big moves and claim a first place lead (by percentage points) of the AL East with a Boston loss tonight. I shouldn't get my hopes up but that could be huge!
2006-07-31 14:39:56
22.   Stormer Sports
I love the deal. Anything that reduces Andy Phillip's plate appearances in great in my book.
2006-07-31 14:39:59
23.   YankeeInMichigan
9 But remember, Boomer's back :-)
2006-07-31 14:41:35
24.   tommyl
23 And I can't wait to see Haffner launch one into orbit off a hanging curve because Wells' back/gout/gut/knee got in the way.
2006-07-31 14:42:54
25.   Stormer Sports
23

I like Cleveland's chances. Wells throws strikes and Cleveland can score runs with the best of 'em. Go Tribe!

2006-07-31 14:54:59
26.   Ron Burgundy
What would you guys think of this roster (with Cano)?

[11 Pitchers, because we DON'T need 12.]
1. SP - Randy Johnson
2. SP - Mike Mussina
3. SP - Chien-Ming Wang
4. SP - Jaret Wright
5. SP - Cory Lidle
6. RP - T.J. Beam (He will be the mop-up man/blow out pitcher)
7. RP - Kyle Farnsworth
8. RP - Mariano Rivera
9. RP - Scott Proctor
10. RP - Mike Myers
11. RP - Ron Villone
12. C - Jorge Posada
13. C - Sal Fasano
14. 1B/OF/DH - Craig Wilson
15. 2B - Robinson Cano
16. IF/OF - Miguel Cairo
17. SS - Derek Jeter
18. 3B - Álex Rodríguez
19. 1B/DH - Jason Giambi
20. 1B/OF/DH - Aaron Guiel or Andy Phillips
21. OF - Bernie Williams
22. OF - Kevin Thompson or Aaron Guiel
23. OF - Melky Cabrera
24. OF - Bobby Abreu
25. OF - Johnny Damon

2006-07-31 14:59:22
27.   monkeypants
26 And don't forget that C. Wilson got into 19 games as C in his career. Jim Leyritz-Lite?
2006-07-31 15:01:45
28.   Ron Burgundy
27 That could be useful. But Joe would never go with less than 12 pitchers and would ever stand for a roster without Bubba or a roster with Thompson in it.
2006-07-31 15:08:49
29.   seamus
Thompson is simply an unncessary at this point (as is Crosby). With Wilson we now have 5 OFers. When Cano comes up, I expect that Green will go back to Coolumbus. Someone still needs to go for Wilson and that should be Crosby.

We can carry 12 pitchers this way if we want, and we may need to to deal with Wrights starts.

2006-07-31 15:10:22
30.   randym77
I think Bubba is a better fit now than Thompson, anyway. He can play CF, unlike Wilson, Abreu, Thompson, and Guiel. We have lots of offense with Abreu and Wilson and maybe SheffSui soon. What we need is defense. And Bernie Williams ain't it.
2006-07-31 15:24:00
31.   Ron Burgundy
29 Fair. Then on my roster, replace OF - Kevin Thompson or Aaron Guiel straight up with Guiel and 1B/OF/DH - Aaron Guiel or Andy Phillips with a pitcher.
2006-07-31 15:30:34
32.   YankeeInMichigan
From August 8-27, the Yankees play 21 games in 20 days, so they may need 12 pitchers. Then again, they can start with 11 and option one of their optionable position players (Crosby, Guiel) when the staff runs thin. Unfortunately, the most expendable position players at this point are Phillips, Williams and Cairo, and they are all out of options. Perhaps they can create an "injury."
2006-07-31 15:34:08
33.   randym77
Wilson should probably be considered a first baseman more than an OFer these days. He's really much better at first base. Good hands.

He hasn't been playing the OF much lately. His range isn't great, and his arm is weak.

Does Andy have any options left? I have a feeling he could be next on the chopping block once Cano comes back.

2006-07-31 15:36:17
34.   randym77
32 Guiel is already in Columbus. He was sent down to make room for Abreu.

Bubba is not optionable.

I think Andy is out of options as well.

Nick Green may still be optionable.

2006-07-31 15:36:21
35.   seamus
32 I don't think that really works. If you are going to use a pitcher during that stretch you want him working with the big club's pitching and pen coaches for as long as possible. At least, I think that would be the case.
2006-07-31 15:37:18
36.   markp
Bubba Crosby is not a good defensive CF. His RF are below average, and watching him play confirms the numbers. Unfortunately, there's no one in the system who can play CF even at his level.

I think Wilson replaces Phillips at 1B (as has been said), while being available for other roles when needed.

2006-07-31 15:41:24
37.   SF Yanks
I'll be afrid to see what happens if the Yanks lose tomorrow night. I bet the attitude shifts dramatically on the BB.
2006-07-31 15:44:14
38.   Ron Burgundy
37 Possible. BUT, if the Sawx lose tonight and tommorrow and we win tommorrow, we have a 1 Game lead and at least some relief for at least a day. A lot of ifs, but you never know.
2006-07-31 15:45:53
39.   Sliced Bread
Oh my. Just read the news re: Wilson.

Sing it with me:

We wish you a merry, Cashman, we wish you a merry, Cashman, we wish you a merry, Cashman, and a happy new team!

Season's beatings, Red Sox! Christmas in July! God bless us, everyone!

2006-07-31 15:47:01
40.   Ron Burgundy
39 Easy there. Let's first beat the Sawx. Here's to hoping we rape them in Fenway in August.
2006-07-31 15:47:05
41.   Sliced Bread
Wilson rakes southpaws. Thank you very much.
2006-07-31 15:47:13
42.   markp
I can't imagine anyone who's been watching baseball for more than a year or two would have much of an attitude change with one (or evem more) loss.
2006-07-31 15:50:31
43.   Bob Timmermann
For the morbidly curious, I believe the first baseman in Pittsburgh now will either be Xavier Nady or Joe Randa.
2006-07-31 15:50:39
44.   Ron Burgundy
Sawx pitching Wells VS. the Indians. If the Indians don't blow out the Sawx tonight, they are complete joke of a baseball team.
2006-07-31 15:56:29
45.   SF Yanks
42 I agree, but this board, including myself, tend to steer one direction when they're winning and another when they're losing. I know a lot of it is just the "frustration" speaking but it's still interesting to note.
2006-07-31 16:04:38
46.   rbj
18 Chacon will be a valuable veteran for the Pittsburgh pitchers. Every time he pitches, the pitching coach can point at him and tell the other guys "you see that, don't do it."

(Sorry Shawn, enjoyed your ride last year, but you've turned back into the pumpkin.)

2006-07-31 16:07:34
47.   seamus
45 live by the moment, die by the moment! :)
2006-07-31 16:11:04
48.   Ron Burgundy
Sawx - Indians under way...
2006-07-31 16:12:53
49.   Ron Burgundy
Oh, screw you Sizemore.
2006-07-31 16:13:17
50.   Sliced Bread
40 "Easy there. Let's first beat the Sawx."

You are a wise man, Mr. Burgundy, the wisest of all anchorman. Patience, as you have taught us, is a virtue. And if patience fails, stick it to 'em!

Sing it with me now:

Jingle bells, Theo smells, Cashman all the way! Oh what fun it is to ride..

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2006-07-31 16:14:03
51.   BklynBmr
46 Cold... but hilarious!

Best of luck to him and thanks for the great job in '05... I'll just remember that Chacon and leave it there ;-)

2006-07-31 16:14:53
52.   Ron Burgundy
Generally, when a washed up, obese, and injured pitcher throws you a pitch on a 3-1 count, you hammer it. The Indians don't know about this principle.
2006-07-31 16:15:11
53.   BklynBmr
Wells looks like he's down to about 450 pounds...
2006-07-31 16:15:54
54.   Ron Burgundy
He's throwing softballs and they're making easy outs. WEAK.
2006-07-31 16:17:07
55.   BklynBmr
Why the first three Indians did not bunt and make Tubby pull something waddling off the mound is beyond me...
2006-07-31 16:18:48
56.   Ron Burgundy
55 Because once he rolls off the mound, there's no telling in which direction he's gonna roll. You wonna risk that whale rolling straight at you?
2006-07-31 16:19:39
57.   SF Yanks
55 Tubby huh? I like it.
2006-07-31 16:20:12
58.   Ron Burgundy
55 What about Whale?
2006-07-31 16:20:16
59.   Ron Burgundy
55 What about Whale?
2006-07-31 16:21:59
60.   SF Yanks
56 Easy now... he was a member of our team remember? Ah forget it... drill into the sea donkey.
2006-07-31 16:23:50
61.   BklynBmr
56 Good point...
2006-07-31 16:25:08
62.   Ron Burgundy
Indians suck.
2006-07-31 16:26:00
63.   Stormer Sports
Manny goes deep. 2-0 Sox. No excuse to give up that HR with 2 out.
2006-07-31 16:27:50
64.   rbj
51 Thanks.
I'll remember Boomer fondly for what he did for the Yankees -- I just hope he loses everytime he's in a Red Sox uni.
2006-07-31 16:28:44
65.   Stormer Sports
The key to the Yanks success will be tiring starters by working counts. We have no choice. We don't have a hitter as good as Ortiz, and we don't have a hitter as good as Manny.
2006-07-31 16:29:25
66.   yankeemonkey
Is Manny still standing there admiring his moonshot? Why no one ever gives him any chin music I don't know. All this "Manny being Manny" BS is...well, BS.
2006-07-31 16:31:10
67.   rbj
Oh my god, Manny actually put work in this afternoon. He must truly be a god.

/sarcasm

2006-07-31 16:31:55
68.   Stormer Sports
66

Just one more reason we need to pick Sheff up. We need a hitter that strikes the fear of God in opposing pitchers, and without Sheff, we don't have that.

2006-07-31 16:33:11
69.   Ron Burgundy
Indians really suck.
2006-07-31 16:35:28
70.   Ron Burgundy
Thank you Casey Blake. Finally.
2006-07-31 16:36:33
71.   Stormer Sports
Looks like Wells is dealing.

I cannot believe Sox Nation is blaming the Yankees and their money for the Abreu deal. Are you kidding me? The Red Sox don't have 4 minor leaguers better than the ones we gave up, give me a freaking break. Don't blame the Yankees because your GM can't ever pull the trigger. With Manny and Ortiz sitting in the middle of that lineup, if I'm a Sox fan, I still like my chances.

Go Casey Blake! Hit another one off Boomer's kneecap!

2006-07-31 16:37:51
72.   Stormer Sports
Pitch count pitch count pitch count. Work it baby!
2006-07-31 16:38:30
73.   Ron Burgundy
Oh God, the Indians traded the Manny look-alike for Hector Luna.
2006-07-31 16:39:23
74.   Stormer Sports
Luna Eclipse!
2006-07-31 16:40:15
75.   BklynBmr
74 Almost a moon shot!
2006-07-31 16:40:19
76.   Ron Burgundy
My Hope: Those two ex-Sawx prospects hit HRs here. (OK, Marte was from the Braves, but still)
2006-07-31 16:42:30
77.   Ron Burgundy
That'll do for now, I guess.
2006-07-31 16:42:49
78.   rbj
Ah good. I get the Indians channel. No more Rick Sutcliffe.
2006-07-31 16:42:53
79.   Stormer Sports
I just hope Abreu and Wilson don't screw with the chemistry the Yanks have right now.

Lay in right in there Boomer.

Sutcliffe must be drunk, he thinks Abreu will lighten the load on Rodriguez.

Beat on the Boomer, Beat on the Boomer, Beat on the Boomer with a baseball bat. Oh Yea, Oh Yea!

2006-07-31 16:43:02
80.   seamus
77 well, if we have to put up with doubles I guess I'll go along...
2006-07-31 16:43:22
81.   Ron Burgundy
If the Indians score 10 or 11 more runs, I'll have just a bit of confidence in them winning this, and even then I'll be in doubt.
2006-07-31 16:44:59
82.   Ron Burgundy
79 First of all, I hate him for even bringing up A-Rod in this other than batting order questions. Second, how does that put pressure on A-Rod? Sutcliffe is a moron. And he's always drunk.
2006-07-31 16:45:19
83.   Ron Burgundy
79 First of all, I hate him for even bringing up A-Rod in this other than batting order questions. Second, how does that put pressure on A-Rod? Sutcliffe is a moron. And he's always drunk.
2006-07-31 16:46:27
84.   randym77
79 One of the sports writers at the Middletown Times Herald-Record said something similar in his column today:

>> Still, there was a part of me that was hoping the Yankees would pass today's 4 p.m. deadline without making a sound.

That this was a team that somehow has found a way to hang around in the hunt against all odds all season and eke out wins no matter what and didn't need a thing to possibly sneak into the postseason.

That they've already discovered the trick to playing nearly .600 baseball without Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui and Robinson Cano, despite Randy Johnson's all-too-frequent blowups and Alex Rodriguez's all-too-ugly all-around funks.

That messing with the special chemistry that's developed in that clubhouse this year, even a smidgen, would screw it all up.

I still worry about that.

But when you have a chance to get something for nothing, if not a lot for nothing, you go for it.<<

2006-07-31 16:47:02
85.   Ron Burgundy
Why am I double-posting?
2006-07-31 16:47:12
86.   Stormer Sports
Fucking Epstein. I hate this "long term plan" and "rebuilding garbage." The fans don't buy it, we don't buy it. It's a lie and a cop out. By now I think it's obvious that so called long term plans don't work

Just say you're a pussy and be done with it Theo. Maybe he was crying himself to sleep over Mel Gibson's comments to police. He could use that excuse too I suppose.

2006-07-31 16:47:32
87.   yankeemonkey
Now they're drooling over a routine grounder to 3B. Sigh.
2006-07-31 16:50:12
88.   Stormer Sports
84

I agree, and that is just one more reason I think the Yankees should just pick up Sheff's option NOW. Take any and all possible ditractions off the table. It's only 13 mil. for God's sake! Those on BBTN and on the Banter who think we should just let him go are diluting themselves.

2006-07-31 16:50:20
89.   Ron Burgundy
87 If it was up to ESPN, the Red Sawx infield and Varitek would all win GGs. Man-Ram would win a GG for being so nice and funny in the OF. Crisp would get a GG for having a funny name and Nixon would get a GG for playing hard.
2006-07-31 16:50:43
90.   BklynBmr
84 OT, but brings to mind the Frank Rizzo/Jerky Boys classic 'Car Salesman': "I had trouble in Middletown and had to get the hell out of that area".
2006-07-31 16:51:42
91.   Stormer Sports
90

Classic!!!!!!!!!!

2006-07-31 16:52:26
92.   BklynBmr
This is going to be a 5 hour game...
2006-07-31 16:52:29
93.   Ron Burgundy
Indians are infinitely bad.
2006-07-31 16:53:00
94.   Stormer Sports
Come on Byrd, just get through the botom of the order.

Ooops, I forgot which infield defense the Sox are facing. Not your fault Byrd.

2006-07-31 16:53:20
95.   Ron Burgundy
92 And the Sawx will probably win because Cleveland's bullpen (and entire pitching staff) is worthless.
2006-07-31 16:54:08
96.   Stormer Sports
Why the Sox thought Trot Nixon belonged out there instead of Pena is beyond me. This is the guy they should have been playing all along.
2006-07-31 16:54:38
97.   Stormer Sports
96

Like I said!

2006-07-31 16:55:42
98.   Ron Burgundy
96 Seriously, what's gotten into Pena? He's not swinging at bounced pitches and pitches to the backstop anymore.
2006-07-31 16:57:08
99.   Stormer Sports
Well, that was Byrd's doing. He threw a cookie in a pitchers count. It's the way of the new MLB. Always get beat on your second best pitch!
2006-07-31 16:57:23
100.   yankeemonkey
Why does ESPN even bother putting in its broadcasting crew? They could just pick up the NESN feed...and it would likely be just as objective.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2006-07-31 16:59:19
101.   BklynBmr
100 To their credit, the NESN crew is as objective as you could ask for. I'd take them over the four letter network anyday...
2006-07-31 17:00:12
102.   Stormer Sports
100

More Red Sox Fans than Indian Fans + Biased Commentary = More ESPN Viewers and More Revenue for Disney.

2006-07-31 17:00:30
103.   Eirias
It takes a lot for me to feel sorry for Joe Buck, but those commercials do.
2006-07-31 17:02:07
104.   randym77
Red Sox fan and SI football columnist Peter King mentioned the Yankees in his column last week:

>> Coco Crisp seems like a swell guy and he tries hard, but what four months of baseball has shown is that he's about 60 percent the player Johnny Damon was. And is. <<

Yup, I think they're regretting letting him walk...

2006-07-31 17:02:16
105.   Stormer Sports
Look at all those New England Anglo-Centrists enjoying a day at Fenway. Brings a tear to David Duke's eye.
2006-07-31 17:03:42
106.   Stormer Sports
Hafner has it!
2006-07-31 17:04:01
107.   Eirias
Pronk!
2006-07-31 17:04:16
108.   Ron Burgundy
That's better.
2006-07-31 17:04:16
109.   Stormer Sports
Manny has no Clue, none.
2006-07-31 17:04:43
110.   BklynBmr
102 All Disney did was bring the corporate media ethos to the sports department. Stir up some sh*t, (truth be damned), get eyeballs and sell advertising...
2006-07-31 17:06:46
111.   yankeemonkey
Yowza. This is getting uuuuuugly.
2006-07-31 17:07:05
112.   Stormer Sports
Wells, don't get frustrated! You couldn't even take a 5' 9" punk at a diner with a bodyguard there. I doubt you could take on even the oldest of MLB umps. Go sell a book and lie about your partying, you piece of garbage.
2006-07-31 17:09:24
113.   Stormer Sports
How can Sutcliffe talk with a beer, John Henry and Terry Francona's dicks in him mouth?
2006-07-31 17:10:51
114.   Stormer Sports
That NFL Sunday Ticket Commercial is awful. I heard Peyton Manning is blaming his offensive line for the production.
2006-07-31 17:10:54
115.   Ron Burgundy
What just happened? I was eating dinner!
2006-07-31 17:11:16
116.   randym77
The Boston Globe reports on how the Sox reacted to the Abreu trade:

http://tinyurl.com/r5jec

====

``What are we doing?" asked Boston designated hitter David Ortiz. ``Abreu is a great player. He can hit, man, and people forget he's a Gold Glove outfielder. Lidle is a good pitcher. When he's on, he can be nasty, man. What did they give up?"

When told, Ortiz's face dropped. ``That's all?" he said. ``Hey, that's a good deal."

That was the reaction across the Red Sox clubhouse.

=====

2006-07-31 17:12:25
117.   Stormer Sports
Jesus!

I'm telling you, Ortiz and Manny are enough to keep this race close right until the end.

2006-07-31 17:12:35
118.   yankeemonkey
Oh Christ. Someone give the ESPN booth-people a towel...they've soiled themselves...
2006-07-31 17:12:57
119.   BklynBmr
Papi took care of business on the first pitch because he knows Wells is at the clubhouse food spread...
2006-07-31 17:14:38
120.   Eirias
Yes, Steve Phillips is VERY aware that players can fall through the cracks...
2006-07-31 17:15:08
121.   seamus
this is the worse pitchers duel ever!
2006-07-31 17:16:01
122.   yankeemonkey
..."Pretty good starting rotation?" What are these guys smoking?
2006-07-31 17:16:50
123.   Stormer Sports
122

John Henry's cock.

2006-07-31 17:16:53
124.   BklynBmr
117 If Papi breaks his wrist in May, and Mats and Sheff don't — Sawx are in third place right now...
2006-07-31 17:16:58
125.   bobtaco
So is Varitek hurt now?
2006-07-31 17:19:09
126.   Stormer Sports
CWS, bases loaded no out in 1st. That game is over in the first inning.
2006-07-31 17:19:54
127.   Stormer Sports
125

I hope so.

2006-07-31 17:20:10
128.   Ron Burgundy
126 Hey, it's that fat pitcher we faced back in May!
2006-07-31 17:20:45
129.   yankeemonkey
For God's sake....At this point, they'll each have 20 runs by the 5th. Looks like one of those games that the team batting last wins. Unless Tribe put up a reeeeally crooked number, that is.

By the way, Paul Byrd sucks.

2006-07-31 17:20:57
130.   seamus
well, Wells is doing better than Schilling did last night!
2006-07-31 17:21:20
131.   Ron Burgundy
127 I don't. He's one of the worst offensive catchers in baseball. Every day he is in the line-up for the Sawx is another day when the oppositon has an easy out in the heart of the order.
2006-07-31 17:21:25
132.   Stormer Sports
They called a balk, one run in. No K for Dye. What a mess. No sense watching that game. Just assume a wild car tie going into tomorrow.
2006-07-31 17:23:26
133.   Stormer Sports
Out at the plate!
2006-07-31 17:23:32
134.   yankeemonkey
That was the saddest slide ever....
2006-07-31 17:23:36
135.   Ravenscar
Ugh - why the hell was Mirabelli sent?

Awful call.

2006-07-31 17:25:29
136.   yankeemonkey
So now that the trading season is over, can we count on seeing less of the esteemed Mr. Phillips? Please?
2006-07-31 17:26:46
137.   Ravenscar
Peter Angelos cost us Roy Oswalt?!?!

That bastard.

2006-07-31 17:28:07
138.   Ravenscar
And I'm with you, yankeemonkey.

The fact that he got a job after the havoc he wreaked with us is upsetting to me, smarmy irritant. I'm sorry to see Reynolds fired just because he would actually tease Phillips about Kazmir.

2006-07-31 17:28:44
139.   Stormer Sports
They have absolutely consider moving the Royals to another city. It's a joke. Maybe in a growning community down south like North Carolia, or even Portland, OR. The second weathiest owner in personal net worth in MLB and this is the team they field.
2006-07-31 17:29:38
140.   Stormer Sports
Reynolds, fired?
2006-07-31 17:30:23
141.   Ron Burgundy
Indians Suck. Why haven't they knocked him out yet?
2006-07-31 17:31:01
142.   Ron Burgundy
140 Dude, that happened about a week ago...
2006-07-31 17:32:41
143.   Ravenscar
My fantasy team would like to formally thank Trot Nixon.
2006-07-31 17:33:03
144.   Ron Burgundy
Did I mention that the Indians suck?
2006-07-31 17:39:37
145.   SF Yanks
144 the Indians don't suck. Mr. Bird or Byrd, however you spell it, SUCKS.
2006-07-31 17:42:59
146.   yankeemonkey
Bad News Bears make their appearance.
2006-07-31 17:47:40
147.   Stormer Sports
142

I dont watch BBTN anymore. Not since the Arod fiasco. Firing the only decent guy they had just solidifies my decision.

2006-07-31 17:48:05
148.   BklynBmr
While this slopfest drags on, I'm counting the days 'till the pre-game lineup reads a little something like this:

1. Johnny Damon, CF
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Jason Giambi, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Hideki Matsui, LF
6. Gary Sheffield, DH
7. Bobby Abreu, RF
8. Jorge Posada, C
9. Robinson Cano, 2B

No holes, I tell ya. No holes...

2006-07-31 17:48:47
149.   seamus
Wells has to be exhausted. 93 pitches and he hasn't pitched in over two months!
2006-07-31 17:48:57
150.   Stormer Sports
YES!
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2006-07-31 17:49:48
151.   Simone
Horrible game, but keep plugging away Cleveland.

What is Francona thinking keeping Boomer in the game? He is already out of shape and he is obviously laboring.

2006-07-31 17:50:12
152.   seamus
148 I do think folks need to stop putting lineups with Sheffield in them, and our highest OBP guy near the bottom. Sheffield is a huge long shot to play for two weeks, if at all, this year.
2006-07-31 17:50:38
153.   RIYank
Jesus, what a game. The pitching, the fielding, the base runnning.
With two outs in the fifth, the Bisons take the lead from the PawSox 7-6.
2006-07-31 17:51:09
154.   Stormer Sports
148

Bklyn,

Me too! I am a little befuddled by all the proposed lineups having Sheff 6 or 7. If he comes back healthy he has to be 3rd. A healthy Sheff is better than Giambi, better than Arod this year, why would he be 6th?

2006-07-31 17:51:31
155.   Ron Burgundy
Nice. Though I don't feel safe unless Cleveland has at least a 10-Run lead. And even then their bullpen might blow it.
2006-07-31 17:52:12
156.   seamus
Varitek injured his knee according to gameday
2006-07-31 17:53:24
157.   seamus
5 lead changes since boston took the 2-0 lead in the first.
2006-07-31 17:54:16
158.   Ron Burgundy
Can Cleveland keep this lead?
2006-07-31 17:55:46
159.   yankeemonkey
158 No.
2006-07-31 17:55:47
160.   BklynBmr
152 I haven't heard anything about his recovery that leads to a "huge long shot", but we'll see, won't we?

In terms of the order, you can just about pick those numbers out of a hat and it would work.

2006-07-31 17:59:52
161.   Stormer Sports
160

I understand. I just don't see keeping Arod cleanup if Sheff comes back. For the good of the team, you have to bumb Arod down to 6 or 7, especially with Mats in the lineup. I support Arod, but he isn't a cleanup hitter this year.

2006-07-31 18:02:44
162.   joe in boston
I love the fact that on an off-day for the Yanks, everyone is talking/trashing the Sawx.

Only the sox fans could cheer Fatty Wells as he exits giving up 8 runs. Nice comeback.

What will they do if 'Tek is down ? A little taste of what the Yanks have been challenged with all season...

2006-07-31 18:05:26
163.   BklynBmr
161 I agree, I just cut and pasted that lineup for the sheer joy of looking at those names. Sure, nudge this guy there and that guy here, depending on who's rakin' and who's not at that point.

But dayum — if the pitching holds up their end of the bargain, we're gonna be OK!

2006-07-31 18:11:31
164.   Stormer Sports
Looks like the Twins and CWS will both win tonight.
2006-07-31 18:13:57
165.   BklynBmr
162 We can thank Cashman for re-energizing the base yesterday and today. We have a little collective chest-puff going on, and seeing Wells fail is gravy — but the Tribe has to hang on to make the day complete!

Varitek sounds day to day at first reports, but myself, I hope he's OK. Nothing would be sweeter than taking the title with Boston generally at full strength all year while we held it together with alternately slumping vets, kids and castoffs.

Now let's go Tribe!

2006-07-31 18:15:32
166.   BklynBmr
164 It's gonna be Beantown's turn to watch the Wild Card standings...
2006-07-31 18:24:30
167.   phee
i love this banter but isn't a bit early to be scoreboard watching? We still have over 2 months left. Then again it is a SLOWWW Monday. I love the enthusiasm though. I missed what Fat Boy did. Did he give up all 8 runs the tribe have?
2006-07-31 18:25:13
168.   phee
Wells is already on his 4th beer.
2006-07-31 18:25:19
169.   yankeemonkey
167 Sure did. Some of them absolute moonshots.
2006-07-31 18:26:55
170.   pistolpete
167 It's more about keeping an eye on the Sox' pitching situation - if Wells came out and resembled the guy on the mound in 1998, the Yanks might have something to be concerned about.

Right now, it doesn't appear to be the case. ;-)

2006-07-31 18:30:10
171.   BklynBmr
167

With me, the scoreboard watching begins in April '-)

Well's line:

IP: 4.2, 8 hits, 8 runs (all earned), 2 walks, 3 K's, 2 HRs, Season ERA: 11.08

2006-07-31 18:33:12
172.   mehmattski
Is anyone else concerned by the list of "Similar Pitchers" on Cory Lidle's Baseball Reference page? Age 33 list includes: Paul Byrd, Jamie Moyer, Brian Moehler, and Dave Milicki.

Also, the man has worn many many uniforms: drafted by the Twins, traded to the Brewers and Mets before his debut, and was then scooped in Arizona's expansion draft. Then he went to Tampa, Oakland, Toronto, and Cincinatti before Philly.

Savior? Nu-uh. Fifth Starter? I hope so...

2006-07-31 18:35:07
173.   pistolpete
172 5, 6, maybe 7 innings of 2-3 run ball is the most I think anyone can hope for with Lidle.
2006-07-31 18:40:46
174.   yankeemonkey
6-7 innings of 3-4 run ball when/if the lineup comes together may even be acceptable.
2006-07-31 18:41:43
175.   BklynBmr
172 No one is calling Lidle a savior. I'd be concerned if he was the centerpiece of a deal, but as an afterthought, what the hay? Nothing to lose giving him a shot. Your question can easily apply to Small and Chacon last year, and if Lidle brings half of that to the table, I'll take it.
2006-07-31 18:41:56
176.   yankeemonkey
Sutcliffe sounds like he's hitting the bottle between innings.
2006-07-31 18:42:41
177.   Ron Burgundy
If he can just have an ERA of exactly 4.50, he'll do as a 5th starter.
2006-07-31 18:46:27
178.   BklynBmr
174 I'd take 6-7 innings of 3-4 run ball out of a starter with our current lineup ;-)
2006-07-31 18:47:23
179.   Ron Burgundy
When Cano gets back...watch out...
2006-07-31 18:47:42
180.   yankeemonkey
Crap, Tribe looks about ready to cough up the lead.
2006-07-31 18:48:39
181.   monkeypants
Unrelated: right now, the top two headlines in the "News" column on MLB.com are--

'Flurry of deals make it busy trade deadline'

'Inactivity at deadline is biggest news'

???

2006-07-31 18:49:44
182.   monkeypants
178 I'll take 6-7 innings of 3-4 run ball from any of our starters not named Wang or Mussina.
2006-07-31 18:51:04
183.   phee
I'll take 4 runs over 6-7 innings from Lidle. If he can eat innings, he'll help the BP so much. Funny stuff from u guys tonight. I only came to this site recently and it is a very funny and knowledgeable bunch of fans here.
2006-07-31 18:51:30
184.   BklynBmr
182 Better stated. Thank you!
2006-07-31 18:51:37
185.   Stormer Sports
This gets Ortiz to the plate in the 9th.
2006-07-31 18:51:38
186.   Ron Burgundy
In about a week or two, Lowell's OPS will be back down below .800.
2006-07-31 18:52:26
187.   pistolpete
Phewww....Betancourt gets out of it by forcing 'Trade Bait' to pop out.
2006-07-31 18:53:37
188.   Ron Burgundy
181 Indeed.
2006-07-31 18:53:54
189.   Stormer Sports
I'm just upset that Nixon got hurt. It forces Francona to play Willy Mo, a move he should have made long ago.
2006-07-31 18:54:47
190.   BklynBmr
181 Disney/ESPN just purchased Major League Baseball, that's the only explaination...
2006-07-31 18:55:12
191.   yankeemonkey
Wily Mo Kena is back!
2006-07-31 18:55:41
192.   Stormer Sports
Hey, did anyone grab Reggie Sanders? I see the Dodgers made a move that might just get them back in it, aquiring Lugo and Maddux. Even Greg Maddux can be effective in the Pacific Coast League that is the NL West.
2006-07-31 18:56:17
193.   mehmattski
I never thought he'd be a savior either, but some are saying that he's the better part of the deal, rather than Abreu. I can't agree with that, since Abreu's +RS occurs five times as much as any of Lidle's -RA might provide. I was just in a Cory Lidle researching mood after listening to Cashman completely shut down Mad Dog Russo on Lidle.
2006-07-31 18:56:19
194.   yankeemonkey
191 nevermind...
2006-07-31 18:58:14
195.   BklynBmr
The plot is unfolding to have Papi/Manny up in the bottom of the 9th...
2006-07-31 19:00:34
196.   Stormer Sports
God! This strike zone is tighter than Jorge Posada's ass!
2006-07-31 19:01:11
197.   Ron Burgundy
195 Sadly, that's probably true given how horrible Cleveland's 'pen is.

That great-hitting back-up catcher of the Sawx is hitting .188.

2006-07-31 19:01:53
198.   Stormer Sports
If only Manny ever ran hard enough to pull something.
2006-07-31 19:03:27
199.   BklynBmr
193 Yeah, meh, I caught some of that, too. Sounds more like a sportswriter looking for an uncharted angle on a story. I wish I could have heard Cash vs Mad Dog. Anyone know if that station is streamed over the 'net?
2006-07-31 19:03:50
200.   Stormer Sports
Now Sutcliffe thinks Mark Prior is a "big time" pitcher. I suppose if he ever took the mound, he might be.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2006-07-31 19:03:59
201.   monkeypants
186 I can't find any stats for this, but hasn't Lowell always really trailed off in the second half of the season, even in his great years? It just seems like that's what I remember.
2006-07-31 19:04:33
202.   seamus
193 I think some are saying that he fills a larger need for the Yankees in a 5th starter. I do knd of agree with this to a certain extent.
2006-07-31 19:04:52
203.   Ron Burgundy
Coco Crisp has an OPS lower than Bernie and Melky. The Red Sawx traded Andy Marte, Kelly Schopach (might've been useful now...), and someone else away to get him. Theo was a genius and Crisp was the next Willie Mays. Crisp reminds me more of Willie "Mays" Hays, only Hays eventually ended up having more power than my grandma, while Crisp remains unable to hit the ball farther than 300 feet.
2006-07-31 19:06:50
204.   yankeemonkey
Just after ESPN finishes bemoaning the fact Sox didn't trade for Mark Prior, they show him getting lit up by the 'Backs. Classic.

191 Guess I called it. Welcome back, Wily Mo K-ena!

2006-07-31 19:07:03
205.   Ron Burgundy
199 WFAN.com and under "Mike and the Mad Dogd" click on "July 31st - Chris talked to Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman."
2006-07-31 19:08:12
206.   Ron Burgundy
Hey, it's good ole Willy Mo K - ena!
2006-07-31 19:09:02
207.   Ron Burgundy
In the bottom of the 9th for Bahston, Cora-Youkillis-Loretta.
2006-07-31 19:09:13
208.   BklynBmr
205 Thanks, Ron B! Much appreciated!
2006-07-31 19:09:52
209.   yankeemonkey
205 It's asking for Real Player plug-in! Noooo....
2006-07-31 19:10:05
210.   pistolpete
1 more inning - 3 up & 3 down and no Big Poopi...
2006-07-31 19:10:28
211.   BklynBmr
207 Gotta keep it there. We know what happens after that...
2006-07-31 19:10:43
212.   Ron Burgundy
Oh, WOW. Am I watching ESPN or NESN here?
2006-07-31 19:12:17
213.   yankeemonkey
212 - I just asked myself the same thing. Disgusting.
2006-07-31 19:12:18
214.   pistolpete
205 Thanks for the tip - didn't think they'd have it up there so soon...

Russo's managed to tick me off in the first 30 seconds by calling it the 'Lidle trade'..

Idiot.

2006-07-31 19:13:36
215.   BklynBmr
Sh*t. Gotta smoke a cigarette now. Be right back ;-)
2006-07-31 19:14:26
216.   Ron Burgundy
Please keep this lead Cleveland!
Then we can have ESPN put the Sawx ahead of the Yankees in the standings again despite the Yankees having a higher winning percentage...
2006-07-31 19:15:52
217.   seamus
Boomer must have been awful if this Snyder guy can make Cleveland's lineup look this bad!
2006-07-31 19:16:43
218.   seamus
216 Not only will they do that, but they'll hvae the recap titled, "Boston retains AL East Lead with Clutch performance by Boomer Wells"
2006-07-31 19:17:36
219.   pistolpete
I'm dying over here listening to the Cashman audio - "You're irritating the heck out of me, Chris..."
2006-07-31 19:17:41
220.   seamus
ok, 2 run lead in the 9th and you put in a 5.6 ERA pitcher?
2006-07-31 19:17:41
221.   Ron Burgundy
Holy Crap, their closer has a 5.65 ERA.
2006-07-31 19:17:46
222.   SF Yanks
..........!!!!
2006-07-31 19:18:04
223.   yankeemonkey
Hmm. A closer with 4.27 ERA and a 1-4 record = good?

Ohshit. Please don't make it another Ortiz moment....

2006-07-31 19:18:06
224.   Stormer Sports
There is the tying run God Dammit!
2006-07-31 19:18:12
225.   Ron Burgundy
Here we go...
2006-07-31 19:19:01
226.   BklynBmr
Carmona needs to calm the F down...
2006-07-31 19:20:07
227.   BklynBmr
DP, Tribe, DP...
2006-07-31 19:21:17
228.   Ron Burgundy
Ah, the hell with it. He'll walk Youkillis and then the snowball will keep rolling...
2006-07-31 19:21:32
229.   seamus
i think tribe will lose this... :(
2006-07-31 19:21:56
230.   Ron Burgundy
Throw A (pardon the language) Dead Gum Strike!
2006-07-31 19:22:08
231.   yankeemonkey
Man, Indians SUCK!!!!
2006-07-31 19:22:17
232.   pistolpete
OMG, Injuns spitting the bit, BIG TIME.
2006-07-31 19:22:21
233.   Ron Burgundy
I don't think I'll be watching Baseball Tonight tonight.
2006-07-31 19:22:34
234.   SF Yanks
Is there any possible chance that this game won't at least be tied now? I highly highly doubt it. $#!+!!!
2006-07-31 19:22:36
235.   Stormer Sports
2 walks, this game is over. It's just a matter of whether Manny or Ortiz will win it. Wedge never should have brought this young kid into this situation.
2006-07-31 19:22:54
236.   Ron Burgundy
If you throw 98, you should be able to get 3 outs before giving up 2 (and then 3) runs.
2006-07-31 19:23:09
237.   RIYank
Looks like Papi gets a chance to win, not just tie.
Oh god, the Tribe is looking for the bunt...
2006-07-31 19:23:11
238.   phee
1st time I turn on the game all night, ugh. Nice, 2 guys on and no outs, woo hoo. I'm walking across the street to grab some beer. Can I get anybody anything? I can't watch. Hopefully it will be over either way when I get back.
2006-07-31 19:23:48
239.   Ron Burgundy
He'll walk the bases loaded and then give up a Grand Slam to Shrek, thus glorifying the ESPN-Led Legend and.
2006-07-31 19:23:52
240.   GoingDeep
Its setup for Papi now?
2006-07-31 19:23:59
241.   SF Yanks
Nice...
2006-07-31 19:24:01
242.   RIYank
Here we go, clutch time.
2006-07-31 19:24:22
243.   SF Yanks
and the drum roll..
2006-07-31 19:24:26
244.   Stormer Sports
Prove me wrong Tribe! Prove me wrong!
2006-07-31 19:24:34
245.   Ron Burgundy
Popping up Loretta. Now Ortiz will win this or tie this, right?

(And what if Ortiz GDP? What will ESPN do? Suck their thums?)

2006-07-31 19:24:51
246.   pistolpete
I would walk Papi, make Ramirez win it.
2006-07-31 19:25:04
247.   3rd gen yankee fan
just two more...
2006-07-31 19:25:13
248.   Stormer Sports
Keep the fucking ball down and away!
2006-07-31 19:25:22
249.   BklynBmr
Where was that pitch?
2006-07-31 19:25:52
250.   pistolpete
Ortiz struck out last night to end it- he's SO due. :P
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2006-07-31 19:26:18
251.   RIYank
Unbefuckinlievable.
2006-07-31 19:26:50
252.   3rd gen yankee fan
...
2006-07-31 19:26:53
253.   SF Yanks
That fat piece of $#!+
2006-07-31 19:26:53
254.   pistolpete
God damn it.
2006-07-31 19:26:54
255.   Ron Burgundy
Oh, for fuck's sake Cleveland. You guys SUCK.

ESPN is on FULL PAPI MODE for the next 72 Hours.

2006-07-31 19:27:02
256.   GoingDeep
F#$%^&@(())!!@!
2006-07-31 19:27:19
257.   Ron Burgundy
Oh, for fuck's sake Cleveland. You guys SUCK.

ESPN is on FULL PAPI MODE for the next 72 Hours.

2006-07-31 19:27:26
258.   Stormer Sports
There it was. Eric Wedge gives the game away. I don't care how many times he strikes out here, we don't have anyone who can even hold this guy's jock!
2006-07-31 19:27:36
259.   pmarcig
F'ing Ortiz.
2006-07-31 19:27:38
260.   seamus
damn it.
2006-07-31 19:27:59
261.   Ron Burgundy
Sadly, he'll win the MVP this year. A-Rod just isn't having an A-Rod year, and A-Rod is his best competition.
2006-07-31 19:28:34
262.   seamus
Papi is amazing! He hit a homer off of a 5.65 ERA pitcher!

seriously though, Papi really is a stud!

2006-07-31 19:28:36
263.   RIYank
I hate it.
But somehow it's a privilege to be watching.
2006-07-31 19:28:46
264.   BklynBmr
That's OK. The '06 Red Sox DVD will feature a lot of these, but no post season footage.

And — oh, yeah — no ESPN tonight for any self-respecting Yankees fan...

2006-07-31 19:28:55
265.   Stormer Sports
Look, ESPN has every right to talk all day about Ortiz. I don't like ESPN these days, but face it guys, he gets it done.
2006-07-31 19:29:39
266.   pistolpete
Whatever - we all know what happened in the first part of this game, no matter how ESPN spins it. David Wells ate it, big time - Sox without facing this awful Indians bullpen lose 8-4.

Personally, I can't wait to go into Fenway and demonstrate what a REAL team with a REAL bullpen can do.

2006-07-31 19:30:01
267.   Ron Burgundy
And we stay 1 game back in the AL East. And of course, this one game means that the Red Sawx will win the AL East, right ESPN?
2006-07-31 19:30:17
268.   GoingDeep
Everyone knows whats coming, yet no one can stop it. It pains me to say it but he is remarkable.
2006-07-31 19:31:29
269.   Ron Burgundy
266 For all intensive purposes, we should pretty much rape the Red Sox in August.
2006-07-31 19:32:02
270.   Stormer Sports
It's infuriating, but all we can do is play .650 ball down the stretch and wrap this up. It's all in our hands now.
2006-07-31 19:32:13
271.   yankeemonkey
Imagine this game with Rivera to close it out instead...Le sigh.
2006-07-31 19:32:41
272.   seamus
how soon is our series with the sox? I want them NOW!
2006-07-31 19:33:22
273.   BklynBmr
272 August 18th...
2006-07-31 19:33:44
274.   Simone
Come on, that was so predictable. The Indians' closer was horrific and scared. The Yankees have to handle their own business.
2006-07-31 19:34:23
275.   phee
UNFU__ING BELIEVABLE, I'm glad I missed that. I'll now polish off my 6 Sierra Nevada Pale Ales. Hey Wedge, you're fired. See ya.
2006-07-31 19:34:44
276.   seamus
273 not soon enough!
2006-07-31 19:35:12
277.   GoingDeep
#274 True
2006-07-31 19:35:38
278.   Alvaro Espinoza
One word for Papi: Fierce
2006-07-31 19:35:50
279.   pistolpete
Damn this team is absolutely nothing without those two guns in the middle of the lineup - how many teams rest all their hopes & dreams on TWO GUYS?!!!
2006-07-31 19:36:50
280.   phee
Hey Ron Burgundy, FYI, it's intents and purposes, not intensive purposes. Either way I hate the damn Sahx. That 5 game series in 3 weeks will be silly.
2006-07-31 19:37:04
281.   Ron Burgundy
ESPN really likes Ortiz. Last 6 minutes have been spent discussing Oritz and his clutchness.
2006-07-31 19:37:44
282.   BklynBmr
274 Dunno who else Wedge had in the pen, but that guy should have been yanked after Cora's base hit to lead off the inning. Guess it's a different story when you're 95 games out of first place before August...
2006-07-31 19:38:13
283.   Max
What 274 said. Give the man his props...he can keep this up and be mentioned in the same breath with Babe Ruth if he can will the team to the playoffs. He really is a force of nature.

But wins like this don't make me lose sleep at night. If they win more close, well-pitched games against top-notch competition, maybe I start watching the scoreboard more closely.

But let's take care of our own business and see where the teams end up in the standings when all is said and done.

2006-07-31 19:38:47
284.   Ron Burgundy
280 I can't believe I've been saying that incorrectly for the past 10 years...damn it.
2006-07-31 19:38:54
285.   RIYank
For a pick-me-up, go read Jay at Futility Infielder on the trade for Abreu

Nate Silver ran through various permutations matching up several teams with the potential acquisitions of Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Lee and Abreu to see which ones improved which team's Postseason Odds the most (nice visuals of the day-by-day Odds change by a BP fan here). Conclusion: the Yanks' addition of Abreu was a 14.2% upgrade -- the largest bump possible of the 21 scenarios he evaluated (he neglected to include Texas, whose chances with Lee must have jumped 10-12 percent) and that's without considering the effect of Lidle.

http://tinyurl.com/ld6w5

2006-07-31 19:39:15
286.   JohnnyC
Eric Wedge, with his four-day growth of Bowery Bum beard, looks like the Caucasian version of Jerry Manuel. And manages about as well.
2006-07-31 19:40:12
287.   Ron Burgundy
Theo Epstein is a bigger P***y than I thought. His explanation for not doing anything at the deadline was pretty weak.
2006-07-31 19:41:58
288.   RIYank
Hm, that was too much boldface by me at 285, and also I should have mentioned: hat tip to David Pinto at Baseball Musings.
2006-07-31 19:42:58
289.   Ron Burgundy
Oh, the poor Sawx have an injury. Suck it up assholes, we've gone without Cano, Matsui, Sheffield, Giambi, Jeter, A-Rod, Posada, Damon, and others throughout the season.
2006-07-31 19:44:19
290.   Ron Burgundy
Well, this ended up being a not to great of a day, but we shall prevail.

For all of us here at the Evening News Team,
I'm Ron Burgundy.
You Stay Classy, Bronx Banter.

2006-07-31 19:45:13
291.   phee
Lol, Ron Burgundy, I've done that with plenty of phrases, it happens. Wedge, bring your things and your playbook to the front office, u mutt. Granted, he has NOTHING but I'm pissed.
2006-07-31 19:46:10
292.   GoingDeep
Ca$h shouldve DFAd Myers after DaSawx got the leadoff single. Indians couldve claimed him and then send him back on waivers after the series and get claims by whoever plays the Sawx.
2006-07-31 19:46:16
293.   yankeemonkey
C'mon guys, we gotta take care of our own business...you can't count on anyone else's help. All Yanks need to do is stay within striking distance until they play the Sox. Cheer up, Yankee fans, it was a great day!
2006-07-31 20:00:09
294.   phee
Nice comment YM, I said that before. 2 months of baseball left, no need to scoreboard watch yet. Take care of our bizness and we are fine. I still abhor the 5 game series though.
2006-07-31 20:03:44
295.   seamus
293 294 while you two are right, i'm still going to scoreboard watch! :)
2006-07-31 20:05:31
296.   rabid stan
I turned off this game when I saw the graphic showing that Carmona only converted 54% of his saves. TJ Beam could convert 54% if the Yanks started closing with him tomorrow. They would have been better served trotting Betancourt out again.

Hats off to Ortiz, though. Even a bad pitcher doesn't give up many like that.

The Sox keep their honor against yet another sub .500 team. Everybody talks about the Sox having a losing record against winning teams, but they're up in the standings because the Yanks spit the bit playing a solid month of inferior teams during interleague play.

While the Sox did their jobs, the Yanks played .550 ball against the clowns in the NL East.

2006-07-31 20:10:45
297.   BklynBmr
293 If recent history is any indication, our remaining games with the Sawx will probably result in a push, a dead heat. The Yanks will have to beat the teams we're supposed to beat — no margin for getting swept by teams 20 games under .500 — and just grind it against the good ones. I think we'll be OK...
2006-07-31 20:22:43
298.   rabid stan
297 I'm predicting the Yanks go 2-3 in the August series and 3-1 in September. At the moment, the Yankee lineup is superior if depleted. It should be almost whole again in September, hence the difference in that series.

I really only trust Moose and Wang to take games in Fenway. Hopefully Schilling gets lined up opposite Wright or Lidle, so there's less of a chance the Sox pinch a win off one of the two really good pitchers. I'm not being optimistic about Randy, because I don't want to be crushed by the disappointment.

Overall, 5-4 in the second half season series, with two games of damage in the standings being done in Sept.

Pretty good for a close-fought affair.

2006-07-31 20:22:57
299.   monkeypants
Yeah, Cleveland blew this one. But this game is not the season--far worse was the Yanks godawful record in interleague, for example. The team is tied for first in the loss column, ahead by one loss for the WC. All they need to do is keep winning to make the play-offs; they control their destiny. No need to hope for stiffs like Cleveland to help out.

That said, it would be nice if when these teams rolled over and die for the Sox, that it wouldn't seem so scripted!

2006-07-31 20:27:53
300.   rabid stan
299 We can't expect the Indians to care about the AL East race, or even winning at this point. Their chances at the play-offs are somewhere between the Orioles' and the Royals'.
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2006-07-31 20:28:47
301.   Simone
296 Exactly. The Yankees are paying the price for losign to those horrible NL teams. Those losses really upset me. I don't expect the Yankees to win every game, but they have beat the bad teams at a high winning clip and be competitive against the good teams. Now they are up against it for no good reason than they couldn't beat crappy teams. We'll see what happens the rest of the way.
2006-07-31 20:34:33
302.   yankeemonkey
Could someone possibly explain how the waiver wire deals work? And when the waiver deadline is?
2006-07-31 20:47:08
303.   BklynBmr
302 This is a little long winded, but pretty much covers it...

----------

Waivers just might be the most complicated single aspect of the rules. In the rule book, a waiver is defined as "... a permission granted for certain assignments of player contracts or for the unconditional release of a Major League player ..."

If a player placed on Major League waivers is not claimed by another team during the three business days after waivers have been requested, then the players is said to have "cleared waivers," and the team has secured waivers for the remainder of the waiver period.

And what does that mean? Essentially, the team can do with the player's contract as it pleases. This generally means one of three things:

(1) They can send him to the minors (subject to his consent, if he's a "Veteran Player," more on that below).

(2) They can release him, which makes the player a free agent and thus available to sign with any team.

(3) They can trade him to another team, even if the so-called "trading deadline" has passed. Any trades made after July 31 may only involve players who have cleared waivers.

If a player doesn't clear waivers -- in other words, if he's claimed by another team or teams -- the club requesting waivers may withdraw the waiver request.

If the club doesn't withdraw the waiver request, the player's contract is assigned in the following manner:

(A) If only one claim is entered, the player's contract is assigned to that claiming club.

(B) If more than one club in the same league makes claims, the club currently lower in the standings gets the player.

(C) If clubs in both leagues claim the player, preference shall always go to the club in the same league as the club requesting waivers.

There are other, more esoteric rules involved here. For example, during the first 30 days of the season, the previous season's final standings are used to determine claim order, rather than the current standings.

Source: http://espn.go.com/mlb/s/transanctionsprimer.html

2006-07-31 20:47:59
304.   rabid stan
I think this is how it goes (could be wrong):

When a team designates a player for assignment or otherwise releases him, and he doesn't have a minor league option, all the other teams (from worst to first) have a shot at claiming him and adding him to their roster. If nobody bites, the guy winds up in the minors, or on the free agent market. See Hee Seop Choi.

The non-waiver deadline is important because a good player is A) rarely released or DFA'd, and B) if he were, the first team to have a shot at he in waivers would likely snap him up, so if you're not at the front of the line, you're outta luck.

There's another month until the waiver deadline, and waiver wire talent is decidedly a cut below non-waiver wire talent. Teams use it to fill some holes and shore up the bench, mostly. Waiver deals are rarely impact deals.

2006-07-31 20:50:39
305.   rabid stan
302 Bklyn says it first and better.
2006-07-31 20:57:32
306.   BklynBmr
305 No, no — mad props to you, rabid. I Googled, you let that fly. Good job!
2006-07-31 21:05:56
307.   rabid stan
306 Well, what's off about mine was I had the release or DFA coming before waivers, while according to the code in 304, waivers come first, then, only if he clears them, a player may be released, designated for assignment or traded. There's also the part about withdrawing waivers.

Thanks though.

2006-07-31 21:09:07
308.   yankeemonkey
303 304 307 Thanks a bunch!

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