Baseball Toaster was unplugged on February 4, 2009.
The Yanks and Sox each won a game yesterday as the Bombers magic number was reduced to four. If the Yanks sweep today's so-called double header, they will clinch the AL East (Cliff will be in the house for the second game). Josh Beckett survived a second inning jam, while Chien-Ming Wang was not particularly sharp as Boston beat New York 5-2 in the afternoon game. And though Randy Johnson wasn't brilliant either in the night game, the Yanks pulled out a 7-5 victory. (Johnson vs. Tavarez was some kind of fugly starting match-up, eh? Like Lee Van Cleef goes to Jurassic Park.) Derek Jeter had singles in each game, extending his hitting streak to 25.
I was at the matinee with my cousin and we sat in the rattle-your-jewlery seats, three rows behind home plate, where people are more interested in anything and everything but watching the game. Look, there's Spike Lee. Oh my god, is that Adam Sandler and Kevin James? There is a sign that reads "No Cell Phones," that is completely ignored. Oy. These seats are mostly populated by well-healed clowns dressed-down in fancy t-shirts and ripped jeans, sandals and designer baseball caps. Two rows in front of us sat the film producer Brian Grazer with his son, and a thin, blond man. The back of Grazer's neck looked like a piece of old leather--years of tanning by the pool. His hair was spikey, and he wore a black iozid shirt. His son wore a Che Guevara t-shirt. Grazer spent much of time on his cell phone and he was gone by the seventh inning. Two women behind us, with lungs that'd put Ethel Merman to shame, carried on at length about bridal showers, driving directions and how overpaid ball players are. "I don't even mind that they are so loud," my cousin said, "but at least they could be interesting."
The seats were spectacular (and they were free thanks to the generosity of another cousin), but the atmosphere was repulsive. I felt like I could use a shower when it was all said and done.
The highlight of the game for us came when Jim Kaat threw out the first pitch. Accompanied by his three grandchildren (two boys and a little girl), Kaat watched a video tribute and then tossed a ball to Mike Myers. His granddaughter, wearing a pink Yankee cap almost bigger than her entire body, ran off the field and slapped somebody five by the Yankee dugout. She threw her arms around her grandfather as he held her in his arms during the National Anthem and in that moment it was clear why Kaat is leaving the game. Some things are just more important than baseball.
Two mo' today. Let's go Yankees!
Too bad, Wang lost his chance at #20. But if he keeps being healthy, he's still got plenty of chances to do so, unlike the luck of Moose.
I hope by not watching Wright, he's gonna have a great game. Talk to you all later tonight.
Let's Go Yankees!
I already missed Katt's voice in the second game, and I wish him the best in his retired family life. He surely won't be forgotten.
If the Stadium crew posted a few well-placed mirrors around the joint, some of those folks might accidentally catch a glimpse of the game before they leave in the 7th.
It would be nice to clinch the division today, especially if the Mets do the same. I have to admit that 2 months into the season, I never thought that the Yankees were going to make the playoffs. I was just glad that Melky was getting a chance to develop. It amazes me how the season has just turned around. The acquistion of Lidle and Abreu combined with the Red Sox collapse changed the Yankees' fortunes.
Btw, what is the NY Daily News' obsession with Pavano's accident and his current girlfriend? They need to give it a rest and focus on the upcoming playoffs.
The Globe's Sunday baseball column has an excellent series of notes relating to the theme of good scouting (with several not so veiled shots at how Theo's crew has dropped the ball). Much love for Stick Michael, in particular, giving him credit since he's back in favor thanks to Cash's authority:
http://tinyurl.com/jfptf
You're right, Alex, seeing Kaat with his grandchildren made it clear why he's leaving. But there was an even more unusual aspect of the pregame festivities. That was when the major general in the Air Force came on the field and threw out "the second ceremonial first pitch."
The game was forgetable, but I'll never forget the B2.
Indeed, the Yanks need to root for the Devil Rays today, but at least if the Yanks win game one they will know if they can break out the champagne by winning game 2, rather than scoreboard watching.
Here's an interesting article by Dan Graziano over at the Ledger. He predicts a Yanks/Mets world series, and postulates what might happen in every game. It has a good result.
http://tinyurl.com/m8cwt
I have to mute any game he announces by the 3rd inning.
I even prefer Kay to him....and I think that says a whole lot.
Melky Cabrera LF
Robinson Cano 2B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui DH
Aaron Guiel RF
Craig Wilson 1B
Nick Green SS
Sal Fasano C
Jaret Wright P
I am pretty excited to see the Melky-Cano 2-3 combo. Seems like something we could see for years.
David Murphy CF
Alex Cora 2B
David Ortiz DH
Kevin Youkilis 3B
Trot Nixon RF
Gabe Kapler LF
Eric Hinske 1B
Doug Mirabelli C
Alex Gonzalez SS
Kyle Snyder P
In ten playoff games, the Hens hit 22 homeruns -- with 110 strikeouts. That pretty much mirrored their season, with 155 HR & about 1200 Ks in 142 games.
So I got home in time to see Proctor pitching last night. It seems that BB is taking the DD mantle from him; then I briefly switch to ESPN, and who is quarterbacking the Clemson Tigers? Proctor. Apparently SP is bored with daily doubling and wants to play two sports -- at the same time, in different states. (OK, it was Will Proctor, but still funny to see).
It doesn't "cheapen" it if he sits out. He still has to hit in 56 straight (and raise your hand if anyone thinks it will get this far (now raise your hand if anyone who thinks it will get to 56 it wouldn't have counted when Rollins was going for it over the course of two seasons)).
Quite frankly, it is silly to think that sitting out a day would cheapen the accomplishment.
Where did I read this a couple days ago- Joe Torre himself once lost a hit streak because he pinch hit and got out.
Well, my day of sports got off to a good start with an exciting finish to the Arsenal-Man U game. And then Jaret Wright ruins the mood with some wiplash. Grr.
It's a beautiful day outside. Guess I'll enjoy that fresh air and sunshine.
He can actually be fairly effective if he can spot his curveball. My observation is, he throws his curveball a lot.
I think if you simply look curveball on every pitch (maybe not w/2 strikes), you will hit the ball well or get a walk. I just tuned the game in. Has he thrown a lot of 1st pitch curves already?
Tonight's a tough one, though - at 8pm:
Cowboys/Redskins
Yankees/Sox
Simpsons/Family Guy/etc.
What to do?
After ten years, the Simpsons is once again better than Family Guy. I've been very disappointed since FG came back. South Park tore them a new one last season.
Well, I'm a 'Boys fan so unless they're losing badly I don't mind the chatter. Madden has become a caricature of himself, though.
http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/VNYA01941.htm
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/feats/feats3.shtml
Mauer .344
Cap .343
This is shaping up to be a disastrous sports weekend. Already ND have been trounced, Chavski have won, then United slept through the 2nd 1/2 against the Arse, conceding a weak ass goal, the Giants offense is going backwards, not forward, and the Yanks can't push one run across with the bases juiced and no outs. Ugh.
.34521099, etc.
There was one year in the 80s or 90s that went to I think 6 digits. I wanna say is was either Bernie or Mattingly. Have to look that up...
Wrights ERA is 1/3 run better then RJs
(no looking it up)
Cap .343
Cano .341
Cap .343
Cano .341
I have Jeter, Posdada, and Abreu on my fantasy baseball team, locked up in a tight battle on the last day of the semifinals. I hope they actually play in the second game, that'd be great.
Mauer .344
Cap .343
Cano .341
How many more excuses is Torre going to make for him?
He has either reverted back to previous form or Torre has destroyed him. Don't care which one.
Like I said, an absolutely dreadful sports weekend gets worse by the minute.
On the bright side, maybe Torre will think twice about turning first to Villone in the post-season...
OK, JD! Now let's get it going, Yanks!
This game is not over yet.
Cap .343
Cano .340
NEWSFLASH - this isn't the 7th game of the ALCS.
thanks for that....
T. Barber rushed up the middle for no gain"
I hope they have some %#$#%# timeouts left!
" 1st-10, Philadelphia 25
PHI committed 15 yard penalty"
Jorgie hit it on the nose.
That's baseball, as they say.
NCAA overtime is mickeymouse garbage. It's like schoolyard touch football.
169 Well, it would be different, since the visiting team would always go first, and would thus have a clear advantage. At least the coin toss is random.
Maybe the fairest way would be to let them play a whole OT quarter. Or maybe let the team that was scored against have ONE possession after the score (after a kickoff).
CBS gamecenter commentary said Manning had his helmet off and was giving it too the Philly crowd. Telling them to go home. I luv it.
E. Manning passed to P. Burress to the left for 31 yard touchdown
Wow! When, if ever, will Comcast Cable offer the NFL package? I can't get my Jints jones this way!
And I support the Knicks, Rangers, and Giants, not the Celtics, Canadiens and Cowboys -- so I'm not that bad of a frontrunner.
Also, "that's more like it, Coles!"
Melky Cabrera LF
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Jason Giambi 1B
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano DH
Bernie Williams CF
Nick Green 3B
Miguel Cairo 2B
Mike Mussina P
My girl is featuring Lena Horne in the background so I can't fulfill my unnatural fan-scination with the Jets, but what, is that really a bad thing? Be happy with a split everyone, I suppose that's my whole point here. At least the bench looks strong this year. Talk with you all on the weekday!
Coco Crisp CF
Mark Loretta 2B
David Ortiz DH
Mike Lowell 3B
Trot Nixon RF
Jason Varitek C
David Murphy LF
Dustin Pedroia SS
Carlos Pena 1B
Kevin Jarvis P
Mauer .344
Cap .343
Cano .340
Slightly OT, this from Joel Sherman (NY Post) today:
---
There are many unjust occurrences in sports, but here's the one that will be most unjust of all: Because he has been on the major league disabled list all year, Carl Pavano will receive a full share of any Yankees playoff money, including $300,000-plus and a championship ring should the Yanks win the World Series.
What would make it slightly more just is if Pavano donates any playoff share to medical science because, perhaps, a cure could then be found for so many of his mysterious ailments. If the Yanks were to win a title, it would be awkward for Pavano to receive his ring at a Yankee Stadium ceremony next year. But no worries, I am sure he will be in Tampa getting ready to throw off flat ground in a rehab from whatever is bothering him at that point.
In his honor, the 60-day DL is going to renamed The Pavano, as in, "The Nationals shifted Nick Johnson from the 15-day DL to The Pavano."
---
Mutter, grumble. IMO, T-Long and Erickson deserve rings more than Pavano.
Since the Indians beat the Yankees 19-1 on July 4, the Yankees have gone 43-21 and the Red Sox 28-37. New York has gained 15 ½ games in the standings over Boston in that time frame.
Isn't it odd, how scarce the Red Sox trolls have become these days...
And, yes. Where's the guy who was wondering about what us "girls" were talking about. No surprise. They never could handle defeat, they didn't handle their 15 minutes of fame very well, and they're back to what they've always been. No descriptive necessary...
Mauer .344
Cap .343
Cano .339
2006: 20 HR in 180.2 IP (now 21 in 182)
2005: 23 HR in 179.2 IP
2004: 22 HR in 164.2 IP
2003: 21 HR in 214.2 IP
Bern baby Bern!
But then again, I'm not an old-school baseball type.
Great play Miggy!
What a job by Moose to strand both runners! I hope Ortiz keeps arguing with the HP ump....he'll get the heave ho quick!
Does Joe ever do any pregame work?
Effin' Pena.
...but too good to pass up. From reader Ben, about Baseball Tonight on 9/13:
Jeff Brantley just said:
"The only way to beat the Yankees is to outscore them."
Other options:
1. Kidnap their players, causing forfeit
2. Tell them game is happening in Baltimore when it's really happening in Seattle, causing forfeit
3. Ask them politely to forfeit, causing forfeit
For ñ : hold down the 'Option' key, while hitting the 'N' key. Release the 'Option' key, then just hit the 'N' key in lowercase. Hope that made sense ;-)
Lessee....
ñ
Yay! Thanks!
This is the guy who came in with an ~8 ERA. Quit messing around and start hitting ball, people.
Kevin Jarvis..... has..... retired..... seven..... in..... a..... row....
the last.... 3 ..... with 7.... effin ..... pitches....
In the meantime, the other guys are working our frontline starters and punishing them for mistakes. 80 pitches for Moose, less than 50 for Jarvis?! Yeesh.
Miller: "Fifth strikeout for Mussina."
ESPN graphic: "7th strikeout."
Brilliant!
Makes me wish they'd go back to talking about Ortiz and Jeter again. :-P
Manny Ramirez looks like a combination tween Predator and Jar Jar Binx.
John Miller looks like The Skipper on Gilligan's Island.
and Joe Morgan has the cold dead eyes of a pit bull.
Oh Melky, bad Melky!
I'm surprised Moose is still in.
Abreu didn't really dive. He slid. That's not as dangerous as diving.
Mauer .344
Cap .342
Cano .338
Cap .341
Cano .337
I love it!
Alright, Scotty! Clutch DP.
Nothing look some good-old fashioned execution.
3-0.
25 games.
What to do?
Nice run!
Either way, it's been nice.
377 Yeah, and chanting "MVP."
I mean really, I don't care who was over fighting in the war, 56 games?
You know what?
I think it would make a great project, if it's not been done already, to document each day of those 56 games.
I mean, there's no way it hasn't been done yet, right? But still, I always hear about the fact of the streak, but never any of the quirky and dramatic details.
I do remember reading once something about how some team had determined to get him out the first time and then intentionally walk him the rest of the game, but of course he got a hit his first time.
The sheer vindictiveness of such a strategy boggles my mind, but there it is.
Speaking of which, remember how pissed Shilling was when that guy bunted to ruin his precious perfect game?
ha ha hah ah!!!
Fuck you, Curt!
I was all for that, because the other team (Padres?) was trying to win a baseball game, not cooperate with Shilling's bid to keep them off the bases.
That said, stopping DiMaggio's streak just for the sake of it is beyond the pale.
Anyway, the initial point was, imagine the uncanny turns of events that had to conspire with Joe to reach 56.
I wonder what the most freakish stroke of luck he had was.
Anyone?
If Papi ties it up here, there is a reasonable chance that Jetes get another AB.
Joe Morgan talking about Jetes streak... saying that it's a shame if you don't get a 'fair' number of official ABS...
and Jetes only got 2...
aah... 3 if you count the error.
I stumbled across this page earlier today (and by that I mean its the first google result for "joe dimaggio streak"), answering a question someone asked about the streak. It details his stats from each day.
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/feats/feats3.shtml
:)
:)
"He was the fourth man up in the eighth, against Eldon Auker, a submarine-ball right-hander. Johnny Sturm popped up, but when Red Rolfe walked, Tommy Henrich turned back from the on-deck circle and talked to Joe McCarthy. "If I hit into a double play," he said, "Joe won't get up. Is it okay if I bunt?" McCarthy agreed. After Henrich's sacrifice, DiMaggio doubled to left on Auker's first pitch."
It was his last chance, and he did it.
And now Dotel warming in the pen. Myers had better do his job.
You'll like this site, it uses info from Seidel's book:
http://www.brokencowboy.com/the_streak/index.html
You've heard that, right?
the michelin man is their pinch hitter
Indeed.
if this were a real game I would be very angry
Maybe the plan was to have a bigger target up there for the clutch HBP.
I'm feeling all loosy-goosey about a September game against Boston and just enjoying the time off until October.
Just as the players have earned their days off, so too the fans.
There will be plenty of stress to go around come October so just save up your reserves for then.
Randy allows 8 runs a game and still wins and Mike can't catch a break.
Never has, so long as he's been here.
It's his lot in life.
One wonders if its worth carrying Myers into the PS. After all, Papi won't be there.
well, let them enjoy September baseball. the yanks clearly have bigger goals.
BTW the yanks will rally in the bottom of the 8th. A-rod will contribute. they will bat around and jeter will get his hit...
you just watch and enjoy
I know this is a house money game and that the doubleheaders and injuries leave Joe few options, but it's still weird to see him channeling Grady Little with Myers. That inning really could have been worse, and should have ended better if not for the damned WP.
:)
I have all my hopes on you, since your wish came true yesterday and we walked away with a W.
What was it, 464 to leftcenter? That's a whole different ballgame.
Imagine how valuable good outfielders would be.
And how much more valuable speed.
And all those bloopers that would drop in.
Ah, the good old days.
I think I'd enjoy watching that style of ball.
Don't get me wrong, I agree that he pitched pretty poorly to some crappy hitters. But it seems like very Yankee pitcher has been afflicted with this disease lately.
Hear, hear.
When was the last time we could treat a September series against Boston as comic relief?
If A-Rod hits for Cannizaro, can he take over 3B and Cairo slides back to 2B?
And in comes Farnsworth to blow the game in the most excruciating fashion possible.
this game sucks
Fucking.
Believable.
Good thing this is just comic relief.
We NEED to dump this slug in the off season.
USELESS.
This is just putrid. Why are we insisting on making the Boston fans feel good about themselves?
That's hardly cause for indignation.
Worse, it makes me worry about what will happen in the playoffs, when tactical moves and roster decisions can have magnified consequence.
Good thing this is comic relief.
Getting rid of Kyle "DUUUUUUHHHHH I throw duh ball hard" Farnsworth is addition by subtraction.
not even a september series win will get their spirits up.
I mean really, we're on top of the world right now.
Enjoy it!
I know, I know, but he strikes people out and he's young, so we have to sit here and watch this for three years.
He can be effective and good relief pitchers do not exactly come a dime a dozen.
Yes, I was being slightly facetious, but only slightly.
Mostly, I don't care right now because this game means nothing.
I'm enjoying a very zen (ok, somewhat zen) approach to this phase of the Yankees's season.
But instead, Torre plays it half way. He rests starters, but the game stays close, so then he plays starters. But then when they could win, he uses players in weird ways (Meyers for six batters, Bernie in CF). He just seems to get caught betwixt and between game goals.
Just look at tonight. If you're going to use Farnsworth anyway, then why not use him in the eighth when it was clear that Meyers didn't have the good stuff? And what purpose does it serve to have the lefty specialist pitch to so many batters?
Let's go A-Rod, end this nonsense.
You're right, he does seem to play it half-way.
Funny, huh?
As to using Myers, yeah, I think that was absurd, but what about Morgan's musing that Joe's just trying to figure out who he can rely on in different spots?
Anyway, I'm zen, so what do I care?
I'll be more concerned in October.
Although, in fairness, Damon's arm's pretty weak itself, but of course, point well taken.
Have a good night!
Oh well, that game kinda sucked, but at least it made Miller and Morgan happy to pontificate on the MVP race for five innings.
The inevitble celebration will come later this wek, I guess.
That's how much confidence I have after watching this mess all weekend long.
We may have to clinch in Tampa, unless the Twinkies help us out. Oh well.
No, this one rests more with Torre+Meyers.
Myers still could have gotten out of it with minimal damage if Jorge actually blocked the ball.
Plus, you guys know that Myers would not have pitched the entire 8th inning, and Farnsworth would not have pitched the 9th if this was a meaningful postseason game. Rivera would have been out there. This is just delaying the inevitable.
Torre put him in against Ortiz, he failed. No big deal--you pull him. He should not pitch to RH batters, or six batters, especially in a close game. I mean, what's the point? Just to prove that he is no more than we know he is--a single batter lefety-lefty specialist?
Regardless, we were pretty screwed in terms of options. Farnsworth, the guy who can't pitch consecutive days, and who doesn't like to be brought in the middle of an inning -- I really don't think he would have been much better. And all our other arms are being saved for Toronto, or are gassed. I thought the use of Myers showed glaringly how little trust Torre has in Dotel.
The real issue is that we had our 4 best starters out there this weekend, and no one could get past the 6th. Basically, their scrubs were a lot better than ours.
And we still have a huge lead. I don't like Joe's bullpen management, but I'm not going to hang him over what he did with house money and 2 consecutive doubleheaders. There's plenty of time in the postseason to question how he does things, once we have Mo back.
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