Baseball Toaster Bronx Banter
Help
Splitsville
2006-09-17 04:58
by Alex Belth

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!

Comments (550)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2006-09-17 05:52:11
1.   C2Coke
I'd say the ones in the bleachers are the "real loyal fans." Guess going to a Yankees game in NYC is just the fashionable thing to do?

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!

2006-09-17 05:55:34
2.   C2Coke
By the way, Alex, it was more fun reading your summary than watching those two games yesterday...thanks.

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.

2006-09-17 06:15:09
3.   Sliced Bread
Yeah, Alex, I've been down in the primo seats a few times, and the silly social scene you described is impossible to ignore -- what with the kings, queens, princes, and princesses of the world all looking at each other, yappin' on cellphones, posing, etc.
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.
2006-09-17 06:29:44
4.   Simone
Ugh, sounds like you were definitely in the wrong section of the Stadium, Alex. During the playoffs there never seem to be enthusiastic fans in the best seats which were usually shown on FOX. Ticks me off that the people who can afford the best seats aren't even fun Yankee fans.

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.

2006-09-17 06:35:14
5.   Max
Sorry to hear about the bad experience with the ritzy seats, Alex. Drives me crazy to have people at the game who don't care about it.

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

2006-09-17 07:07:07
6.   randym77
Will we really clinch the division with a sweep? Didn't someone say the Jays would have to lose as well?
2006-09-17 07:09:20
7.   JL25and3
The crowd at the first game was surprisingly sedate - there was very little buzz. Maybe it was because the game was so stupefyingly dull. Honestly, the cell phone conversations might have been more interesting. The second game's crowd was a lot noisier and rowdier, though that wasn't altogether a good thing either.

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."

2006-09-17 07:11:13
8.   JL25and3
6 That's correct. A sweep today will eliminate Boston, but if Toronto wins the magic number will still be 1.
2006-09-17 07:14:40
9.   seamus
8 bottom line is that once toronto passes Boston, if it happens, a boston loss simply doesn't affect our magic number.
2006-09-17 07:21:15
10.   nemecizer
Alex, how can you not mention the B2 stealth bomber flyover? That was pretty amazing. Normally when one has the chance to see such a sight -- a B2 heading right for you -- it's a really, really bad sign of some really, really bad things about to happen.

The game was forgetable, but I'll never forget the B2.

2006-09-17 08:35:34
11.   mehmattski
Hey all... I'm ready for the best sports day in a long time... currently watching Arsenal take on Manchester United. That will lead right into the first slate of NFL games (Panthers/Vikings and Bills/Dolphins here) on TV and game 1 of the "two game thingee" on my computer. Then the Jets/Pats game will be shown here at 4:15, and finally Game 2 at 8 PM. My butt and my couch have never been such close friends.

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

2006-09-17 08:48:52
12.   Jeteupthemiddle
Out of curiosity, am I the only one quite happy to see Kaat and his boring, repetitive self leaving the booth?

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.

2006-09-17 09:14:21
13.   yankz
That is a great article about Jeter. History is going to remember him very, very kindly.
2006-09-17 09:18:04
14.   randym77
Johnny Damon CF
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

2006-09-17 09:20:48
15.   mehmattski
What?! Isn't the streak still going? After how bad Torre felt about taking him out before, how can he sit Jeter?!?
2006-09-17 09:22:17
16.   randym77
If he doesn't play in a game, it doesn't count, does it? Like walking four times doesn't count.
2006-09-17 09:24:05
17.   mehmattski
Yeah, I guess that's true. And I'm sure he could use the rest, late in the season. But as far as streaks go, it kind of cheapens the third longest hitting streak in Yankees history, if the guy sits out.

I am pretty excited to see the Melky-Cano 2-3 combo. Seems like something we could see for years.

2006-09-17 09:24:47
18.   randym77
And here's Boston:

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

2006-09-17 09:30:11
19.   rbj
I saw the Mudhens repeat as IL champs last night -- remarkable for a minor league team to do that, as good teams tend to lose lots of players. The stadium was packed to capacity, 10,300 and that's with no groups or season tickets. We all were in the game from the start; no talk about bridal showers or whatnot.

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).

2006-09-17 09:38:10
20.   LI yankee
I was just watching BBTN and their MVP debate. It's amazing that they didn't even talk about Jeter at all as a candidate. It's like they're in DENIAL that he's going to win. They kept pushing for Santana, Morneau, Dye, and even Ortiz.
2006-09-17 09:51:18
21.   rbj
20 Morneau or Dye I could see. Not Ortiz, as the Red Sox have faded. Not Santana, he gets the Cy; I'd consider a pitcher but he'd have to have an exceptionally outstanding season, say 25+ wins.
2006-09-17 10:00:54
22.   Jeteupthemiddle
15 16 17 The streak continues if he sits out (unless he pinch hits and doesn't get a hit).

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.

2006-09-17 10:04:02
23.   yankz
If Joe wants to protect the streak, he can't send Jeter to pinch hit. That gives him one chance to extend it, and if he gets out, it's over. Although, how cool would something like a PH walkoff homer be, to win and to extend the streak? (Hey, I can dream...)

Where did I read this a couple days ago- Joe Torre himself once lost a hit streak because he pinch hit and got out.

2006-09-17 10:11:19
24.   mehmattski
22Perhaps I picked the wrong words to use. What I meant was that I disagree with all the rules and exceptions regarding streaks. I don't think Jeter will get anywhere near 56, but it is the third longest streak in team history. To me, in this age of "walks' as good as a hit," on base streaks are really what should be viewed as accomplishments.

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.

2006-09-17 10:11:29
25.   randym77
Coco Pipped by David Murphy?
2006-09-17 10:12:25
26.   yankz
20 After last year's AL Cy Young travesty, I have no faith in the voters anymore.
2006-09-17 10:34:37
27.   JeremyM
If Wang is Worm-Killer then Wright is Bullpen Killer.
2006-09-17 10:35:18
28.   rbj
Crud. Game isn't on EI. As for football, I get a choice: Browns vs. Bengals or Lions vs. Bears. Oh my.
It's a beautiful day outside. Guess I'll enjoy that fresh air and sunshine.
2006-09-17 10:43:27
29.   yankz
Kyle "No hitter" Snyder
2006-09-17 10:49:02
30.   singledd
Living in NE and getting NESC, I have watched most RS games and have seen Synder a number of times.

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?

2006-09-17 10:50:43
31.   singledd
4 The only thing better then Sports is 'Sex and Sports'.
2006-09-17 10:51:44
32.   pistolpete
Game's on 'My 9' here in NY - so I get to see the Bullpen Killer in living color this afternoon. :)

Tonight's a tough one, though - at 8pm:

Cowboys/Redskins
Yankees/Sox
Simpsons/Family Guy/etc.

What to do?

2006-09-17 10:52:46
33.   LI yankee
32 Depends if we can clinch or not.
2006-09-17 10:55:11
34.   mehmattski
32 DVR is your friend. Which would be worse, hearing Madden/Michaels blabber about TO and Parcells, or Miller/Morgan blabber about Jeter and Ortiz?

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.

2006-09-17 10:55:13
35.   singledd
17 Do you know for a fact that Joe. D. didn't have a rest day sometime during his streak? It's a 'consecutive hits' (in official ABS, in games played) record, not consecutibe games played.
2006-09-17 10:58:48
36.   pistolpete
34 Yeah, FG really needs to get away from the 'quick-cut-to-the-unrelated-gag' formula and just write some funny stories.

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.

2006-09-17 11:01:01
37.   BklynBmr
There. Enough of this perfect game nonsense. Now let's work on that shutout!
2006-09-17 11:01:33
38.   mehmattski
35 The streak was in 56 consecutive Yankees games, including six doubleheaders:

http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/VNYA01941.htm
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/feats/feats3.shtml

2006-09-17 11:02:11
39.   BklynBmr
Melky for Mayor!
2006-09-17 11:02:16
40.   pistolpete
Melky is SO the man! I love speed on the bases!!!
2006-09-17 11:02:36
41.   mehmattski
I <3 Robby Cano and Melky Cabrera
2006-09-17 11:03:15
42.   BklynBmr
Sterling: "A ribby... for Robbie!"
2006-09-17 11:07:20
43.   singledd
Man... I don't know if ARod was fooled by that curve, but it was a cherry... had 500 ft written all over it.
2006-09-17 11:22:15
44.   singledd
Mauer: 1 for 2 - leads Jetes by 2 pts
2006-09-17 11:27:04
45.   mehmattski
Ken Singleton has "acrobatic" confused with "clutzy." At least he didn't dive 30 feet from the ball like he did a month ago...
2006-09-17 11:28:22
46.   SF Yanks
43 44 Dude, obviously no one wants to talk to you, quit posting. Just kidding, I think the Banter died today. Either that or everyone is out enjoying the day. But not me. There is a Yankee game on DAMMIT. I'm right where I should be, on my couch watching the game.
2006-09-17 11:28:46
47.   BklynBmr
44 1 for 3 now.

Mauer .344
Cap .343

2006-09-17 11:29:13
48.   LI yankee
Thank you Nick Green and Sal Fasano
2006-09-17 11:29:23
49.   SF Yanks
This is turning into a bad inning.
2006-09-17 11:30:52
50.   BklynBmr
45 That clip is hilarious. It's still on nomaas.org.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2006-09-17 11:30:55
51.   SF Yanks
What happens if Jete and Mauer tie at the end of the year? Do they do a swing off? Wonder if its ever happened.
2006-09-17 11:32:24
52.   LI yankee
51 I think it's pretty much impossible for them to exactly tie, unless they have the same number of hits and ABs.
2006-09-17 11:32:52
53.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Bases loaded no outs and we score nada. Jeez, even with Sal and Nick up I'd expect at least one run.

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.

2006-09-17 11:34:23
54.   SF Yanks
50 Where is that clip on there? I remember it, but just want to see it again and can't find it.
2006-09-17 11:35:13
55.   BklynBmr
51 They take to as many digits as needed to determine a winner, like:

.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...

2006-09-17 11:36:55
56.   mehmattski
53 I was actually rooting for Michigan, Chelsea, and Arsenal, so I was happy this morning. And the Yankees are still winning this game. There's a reason that Nick Green and Sal Fasano are bench players. The Dolphins are losing, and the Jets are going to knock off the Patriots this afternoon. Good times!
2006-09-17 11:38:22
57.   Max
53 I wouldn't get too worked about the bases loaded thing...you could see something like that coming the moment the lineup card had been written. Even in a month (and year) of house money lineups, this might be the worst bottom of the order I've ever seen for the Yanks. I predicted the Green popup and Sal strikeout even before they even came up.
2006-09-17 11:40:22
58.   singledd
True or False:
Wrights ERA is 1/3 run better then RJs
(no looking it up)
2006-09-17 11:40:57
59.   BklynBmr
54 Ahh, they must removed it. I saw it recently, but now can't find it on the 'View Past NoMaas Headlines'...
2006-09-17 11:41:54
60.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
58 I'm surprised it's not more than that.
2006-09-17 11:43:33
61.   mehmattski
57 Picking a game at random, from 16 years ago today, the Yankees sent a bottom third of Mike Blowers, Alvaro Espinosa, and Steve Sax at the Blue Jays on 9/17/1990.
2006-09-17 11:43:38
62.   SF Yanks
58 Tralse
2006-09-17 11:44:02
63.   BklynBmr
Anyone getting the Jints-Eagles game? What the hell is going on? 17-7 Philly at the half!
2006-09-17 11:44:55
64.   singledd
Robbie is 2 for 3. Should be at about .343
2006-09-17 11:45:36
65.   singledd
I believe Cano wins the batting title (if Torre gives him enough ABs)
2006-09-17 11:45:41
66.   SF Yanks
.341
2006-09-17 11:45:55
67.   BklynBmr
Mauer .344
Cap .343
Cano .341
2006-09-17 11:46:38
68.   Max
61 Wasn't Sax good once upon a time? :-)
2006-09-17 11:50:59
69.   mehmattski
With 14.5 games to go, Cano has 449 plate appearances. He needs 53 more plate appearances (3.65/game) to qualify at the end of the season. The exception to the rule is if he absolutely goes on fire but ends up with only 490 PA, for example... then if they add 12 AB and his batting average is still the best, he wins the title. Man, baseball has some weird rules.
2006-09-17 11:53:50
70.   pistolpete
Has Shawn Chacon possessed the body of Kyle Snyder? Wasn't this his m.o. as well - put 2 or 3 men on per inning and then somehow magically get out of it?
2006-09-17 11:55:31
71.   SF Yanks
.........
2006-09-17 11:56:22
72.   JL25and3
OK, this is amazingly immature, even for me...but did anyone else just hear Murcer's little discourse on boning bats?
2006-09-17 11:58:04
73.   mehmattski
72 Yeah, I was giggling a lot. "It was a really big bone. I couldn't stop boning my bat." I will now go play some manhunt and eat macaroni and cheese for dinner.
2006-09-17 11:59:22
74.   Simone
The Eagles are killing the Giants. Insane.
2006-09-17 11:59:35
75.   pistolpete
I was JUST about to post that Ortiz doesn't even look like his heart is in this AB. So much for my opinion.
2006-09-17 11:59:53
76.   Benjamin Kabak
Jaret Wright should be taken out back and shot. INEXCUSABLE to throw that to Ortiz. The fact that wright is on the Yankees is a fucking joke. I HATE THAT MAN. I can't wait until this schmuck is on another team.
2006-09-17 12:00:46
77.   BklynBmr
? Yahoo Sports had that on the scoreboard before it got over the fence...
2006-09-17 12:01:04
78.   Simone
Well, it is the 6th inning for Wright. Guess yesterday's rest revived Ortiz.
2006-09-17 12:03:27
79.   BklynBmr
74 Total yardage = 87 in the 3rd? Holy Sh*t!
2006-09-17 12:06:41
80.   BklynBmr
Mauer singles to center, 2-4...
2006-09-17 12:07:16
81.   BklynBmr
Mauer .345
Cap .343
Cano .341
2006-09-17 12:12:49
82.   Simone
Tiki Barber is killing my fantasy team.
2006-09-17 12:17:08
83.   pistolpete
It's so rare that you just LOVE watching a player. Melky has quickly become 'that guy' for me.
2006-09-17 12:17:38
84.   LI yankee
So Torre wants to replace THAT guy in LF?
2006-09-17 12:17:47
85.   mehmattski
82 McNabb is carrying mine.

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.

2006-09-17 12:18:12
86.   pistolpete
84 He'll get plenty of playing time, trust me.
2006-09-17 12:19:17
87.   pistolpete
85 My playoff run in FB is just about over- best I can hope for now is 3rd place. My pitching carried me last week, killed me this week. Can't expect to advance when you don't get any wins and about 20 K's the entire week.
2006-09-17 12:19:39
88.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
He walks bloody Mirabelli? My head is going to explode.
2006-09-17 12:19:58
89.   smingers
Mirabelli's putting up the kind of numbers that should make him the Yanks' top choice to back up Posada next year.
2006-09-17 12:25:15
90.   pistolpete
Are you F*CKING KIDDING ME, Crisp?!!!
2006-09-17 12:25:19
91.   Benjamin Kabak
Craig Wilson's gotta just make the tag there instead of whining about the baseline. That's a pretty poor move.
2006-09-17 12:27:46
92.   mehmattski
In scoreboard watching news, Ty Wiggington just got picked off of first to end the top of the 8th inning in Toronto. Game tied at 3.
2006-09-17 12:30:53
93.   BklynBmr
In the rear view mirror, O's just went ahead of Detroit, 7-6, Tigers batting bottom of the 7th...
2006-09-17 12:31:19
94.   Benjamin Kabak
This is amusing: The Mets went into Pittsburgh needing just ONE win (or a Phillies loss) to clinch the NL East. And now both are in doubt.
2006-09-17 12:32:31
95.   BklynBmr
Mauer grounds out with the bags loaded, 2-5...
2006-09-17 12:32:32
96.   BklynBmr
Mauer grounds out with the bags loaded, 2-5...
2006-09-17 12:32:43
97.   pistolpete
This type of battle never seems to end well for the pitcher. Usually ends in a walk.
2006-09-17 12:33:20
98.   Benjamin Kabak
Where was that pitch? Gimme a break. The umps are killing the Yanks this inning. I MEAN WHERE IS THAT?
2006-09-17 12:33:52
99.   BklynBmr
Sorry sorry about that...

Mauer .344
Cap .343
Cano .341

2006-09-17 12:34:00
100.   mehmattski
Well, the best player on the Giants today seems to be the ground. I think the Eagles defense needs some more fumble recovery drills.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2006-09-17 12:35:40
101.   Benjamin Kabak
This shit is really pissing me off. Home runs to Ortiz with the C Red Sox lineup. Bad calls at the plate and a piss poor play by Craig Wilson at first. Plus leaving the bases loaded. This is pissing me.
2006-09-17 12:37:58
102.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
I see a Youk grandslam in the future.
2006-09-17 12:38:31
103.   pistolpete
F*CKING CRAIG WILSON. HANG YOURSELF AFTER THE GAME.
2006-09-17 12:38:50
104.   Paul in Boston
Villone: Can you say regression?
2006-09-17 12:39:08
105.   SF Yanks
I'm F-in out. Screw this!
2006-09-17 12:39:42
106.   LI yankee
I think Villone should be given permission to shoot Craig Wilson in the foot.
2006-09-17 12:39:51
107.   bobtaco
I hope to NEVER see Villone in the post season.

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.

2006-09-17 12:40:02
108.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
102 close enough.

Like I said, an absolutely dreadful sports weekend gets worse by the minute.

2006-09-17 12:40:29
109.   singledd
Maybe Andy should be playing 1st.
2006-09-17 12:40:34
110.   Benjamin Kabak
103 Seriously. Get this clown off the team. That was like Knoblauch pointing at the ball in 1998. JUST TAG HIM, and it doesn't matter.
2006-09-17 12:41:48
111.   Simone
Do I even want to see the highlights of the Craig Wilson play?
2006-09-17 12:41:55
112.   LI yankee
Hell Giambi woulda tagged him.
2006-09-17 12:42:24
113.   randym77
Well, that was one ugly inning.

On the bright side, maybe Torre will think twice about turning first to Villone in the post-season...

2006-09-17 12:43:46
114.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Meanwhile Tiki Barber can't even gain a yard from scrimmage. 2nd and 2, and nada. 12 rushes for 19 bleeding yards. Someone put me out of my misery. Wayne Rooney plays like a corpse this morning, our bullpen walks Doug Friggin Mirabelli, and Tiki can't gain one bloody yard.
2006-09-17 12:45:18
115.   yankz
Ah well, Toronto's winning anyway.
2006-09-17 12:46:20
116.   BklynBmr
6 through 9 is killing us, but 1 through 7 ain't exactly playing up to par.

OK, JD! Now let's get it going, Yanks!

2006-09-17 12:47:11
117.   pistolpete
115 Does that even matter if we lose?
2006-09-17 12:47:22
118.   yankz
Mauer is at .344.
2006-09-17 12:47:48
119.   mehmattski
114 Cristiano Ronaldo probably should have put his shot somewhere other than into Jens Lehmann's face though...

This game is not over yet.

2006-09-17 12:48:00
120.   BklynBmr
114 ... and Stephon Starbury just missed an uncontested layup as the Knicks lose...
2006-09-17 12:48:51
121.   yankz
117 I'm just saying, a clinch wouldn't have happened today even if the Yankees sweep (assuming Toronto holds on).
2006-09-17 12:49:08
122.   LI yankee
Cano looks like he knows he's gonna hit it hard.
2006-09-17 12:50:22
123.   BklynBmr
Mauer .344
Cap .343
Cano .340
2006-09-17 12:50:31
124.   pistolpete
Jesus, Francona just let the guy pitch.

NEWSFLASH - this isn't the 7th game of the ALCS.

2006-09-17 12:53:23
125.   pistolpete
Wow, maybe I'd get excited over that if it was still 2-2 going into this half-inning.
2006-09-17 12:54:37
126.   Benjamin Kabak
Craig Wilson should be relegated to the scrap heap. Pathetic.
2006-09-17 12:54:44
127.   BklynBmr
Jints just punted from the 50, down 10 with 6:21 to play? WTF?
2006-09-17 12:58:05
128.   BklynBmr
Veras? Is there something wrong with Proctor?
2006-09-17 13:01:25
129.   Kirribilli Yankee Fan
did I read correctly that Pavano may get a start in Tampa ? that cannot be true...anyone else read this ?
2006-09-17 13:01:47
130.   Benjamin Kabak
WTF? Kapler just SCREAMED time out and no one blinked. God. Wake up Yankees.
2006-09-17 13:02:04
131.   Benjamin Kabak
129 Rehab in the bullpen with the team. No start.
2006-09-17 13:02:50
132.   Kirribilli Yankee Fan
131

thanks for that....

2006-09-17 13:03:07
133.   3rd gen yankee fan
Okay, Joe threw in Veras, and didn't argue this "balk." He must not care about winning this game.
2006-09-17 13:03:12
134.   rbj
Wow. Good thing I didn't spend the day in front of the tube. Yanks losing and Giants losing. Yuck.
2006-09-17 13:04:16
135.   randym77
129 Not a start. He'll pitch for the Yankees while they're in Tampa. Not pitch as in an actual game, but just so they can see how he looks.
2006-09-17 13:06:05
136.   Simone
Can the Giants rally?
2006-09-17 13:13:18
137.   Benjamin Kabak
Good to see GIDP Williams back at it. He hadn't done that in a while.
2006-09-17 13:13:29
138.   LI yankee
I thought Torre brought out Jeter for a sec with all the cheers
2006-09-17 13:14:17
139.   randym77
Ouch. Shades of the Sheff collision.
2006-09-17 13:15:21
140.   BklynBmr
136 Jints ball on the 20 with :58 left? C'mon Big Blue!!!
2006-09-17 13:16:22
141.   LI yankee
137 Bernie does what Sheff couldn't do in a collision at first
2006-09-17 13:17:14
142.   BklynBmr
" 2nd-10, NY Giants 40
T. Barber rushed up the middle for no gain"

I hope they have some %#$#%# timeouts left!

2006-09-17 13:17:20
143.   Benjamin Kabak
140 WTF is going on? I came in on the middle of this review debacle.
2006-09-17 13:19:00
144.   BklynBmr
143 Giants are making it interesting after being down 24-7...
2006-09-17 13:19:50
145.   Benjamin Kabak
It would be nice MIke Myers could buzz one on Ortiz right now.
2006-09-17 13:21:37
146.   weeping for brunnhilde
123 Does Cano qualify yet?
2006-09-17 13:22:26
147.   BklynBmr
Holy sh*t!

" 1st-10, Philadelphia 25
PHI committed 15 yard penalty"

2006-09-17 13:22:41
148.   Benjamin Kabak
The pitching line in this game should say, "C. Wilson L (0-1)"
2006-09-17 13:23:06
149.   Benjamin Kabak
147 Feely nailed the FG. It's tied with :07 left in regulation.
2006-09-17 13:24:00
150.   BklynBmr
146 No, I think it should be sometime later this week, though. Something like 3.3 ABs over the next 5 or 6 games...
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2006-09-17 13:24:30
151.   Simone
Good job by the Giants.
2006-09-17 13:24:53
152.   weeping for brunnhilde
Damn, that hurts.

Jorgie hit it on the nose.

That's baseball, as they say.

2006-09-17 13:25:56
153.   BklynBmr
149 Wow! I hate NFL OT, though. Coin flip usually wins it. Should be like college, both teams get a touch...
2006-09-17 13:30:45
154.   BklynBmr
Jints get the ball first? Like I say, I love NFL OT rules ;-)
2006-09-17 13:33:54
155.   randym77
Sacked. 3rd and 19. :-P
2006-09-17 13:35:14
156.   BklynBmr
Sacked again. 4th-25, NY Giants 32
2006-09-17 13:35:42
157.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Amnd the Philly defense wakes up, or should I say the Ginats line goes to sleep -- 2 sacks on the series, and a false start penalty.
2006-09-17 13:35:46
158.   randym77
The Eagles have 8 sacks today.
2006-09-17 13:36:01
159.   Simone
The NFL OT is fair. The defense just has to step up.
2006-09-17 13:37:13
160.   randym77
I don't think you can call it fair when 2/3 of the time, the winner of the coin toss is the winner of the game.
2006-09-17 13:38:11
161.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
38 yard friggin punt, 14 yard return. Philly with the ball on the Giant 45. This loss'll hurt even more after the comeback. Well, at least they didn't embarrass themselves, as was looking likely when it was 24-7.
2006-09-17 13:38:25
162.   BklynBmr
159 If they get the chance to step on the field. The kickoff return could put the opponent right in field goal position.
2006-09-17 13:39:45
163.   Simone
Good points.
2006-09-17 13:39:47
164.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Kickoff units and defenses are part of the team too. If they can't get a stop then a team deserves to lose.

NCAA overtime is mickeymouse garbage. It's like schoolyard touch football.

2006-09-17 13:40:12
165.   BklynBmr
161 That would suck. And all we'll be hearing about is the 0-2 teams that fail to reach the Super Bowl...
2006-09-17 13:42:31
166.   Simone
164 That is my point and I still like it.
2006-09-17 13:42:35
167.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Ohho. Philly goes backwards as well. WE get another chance. Whoohoo!
2006-09-17 13:43:19
168.   randym77
I like the way the NCAA does it. Makes for very exciting games. The Hawaii Bowl a couple of years ago they went five rounds, each side scoring, until finally Houston couldn't match Hawaii's TD. (Gives them reason to go for a TD instead of a FG, if they know the opponent is going to get a chance to match the score.)
2006-09-17 13:44:30
169.   BklynBmr
164 No different than the visiting team in baseball scoring first in the top of the 10th, and that's the game. You battle to a tie for 60 minutes, then let a coin flip put the odds at 66% for one team? How this game became 'America's Number One Sport', I'll never know...
2006-09-17 13:47:57
170.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
169 good idea, I like it. It'll cut down on the length of baseball games!
2006-09-17 13:48:27
171.   mehmattski
169 It's no cars driving in circles, after all.
2006-09-17 13:49:26
172.   BklynBmr
170 LOL! At least NY-Bos games should have that rule...
2006-09-17 13:49:51
173.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
On a serious note, if the the first team that got the ball in OT scored, and they were made to kick off again, to give the other team a chance, I'd be cool with that. It's the mickeymouse NCAA scheme of giving the ball to the teams on the 20, or whereever, that I hate.
2006-09-17 13:51:09
174.   randym77
Somehow, I can't imagine sudden death OT in baseball.
2006-09-17 13:52:12
175.   monkeypants
168 The NCAA OT is crap. It would be like switching to HR derby for extra innings in baseball. Either you play the same game (rules), or just allow ties.

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).

2006-09-17 13:52:26
176.   BklynBmr
173 I'd go for something like that. One possession for each for matter what happens, then sudden death...
2006-09-17 13:55:29
177.   BklynBmr
175 True on your second point. This is why baseball is far and way the perfect team sport. Everything (except maybe the DH) makes complete sense.
2006-09-17 13:57:23
178.   BklynBmr
Anyone watching the Giant game? What are we looking at, a 40-45 yd. FG?
2006-09-17 13:57:53
179.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
These friggin false start penalties are killing me.
2006-09-17 13:58:50
180.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Touchdown?!?
2006-09-17 13:59:29
181.   randym77
Unreal.
2006-09-17 13:59:31
182.   yankz
WOW! At least one team won :)
2006-09-17 14:00:41
183.   LI yankee
WOW looked like he just threw it up there!
2006-09-17 14:01:17
184.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Alright! I feel much better about ND, ManUtd, and the Yanks losing now! Whew. Go Big Blue!

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.

2006-09-17 14:01:19
185.   randym77
And the Eagles lost. :-) I'm not a Giants fan, but I really hate the Eagles.
2006-09-17 14:01:51
186.   BklynBmr
"I ain't here to start no trouble, I'm just here to do the Super Bowl Shuffle."

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!

2006-09-17 14:03:35
187.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
184 Man, do I sound like a front-runner with that collection of teams. But I swear, I started rooting for most of them when they weren't winning. And I've stuck with them thru thick and thin.

And I support the Knicks, Rangers, and Giants, not the Celtics, Canadiens and Cowboys -- so I'm not that bad of a frontrunner.

2006-09-17 14:04:06
188.   BklynBmr
184 I think Eli is a low-key bad ass. I'd take him in a fight against Peyton.
2006-09-17 14:04:55
189.   Simone
Take that Eagles. Good job, Eli.
2006-09-17 14:06:14
190.   Simone
187 Hey, I'm a Cowboys fan and we haven't won crap in years.
2006-09-17 14:06:19
191.   BklynBmr
Celtics were the only non-NY team I ever rooted hard for, mainly because they were the only ones who could challenge the Lakers, who I never could stand on any level...
2006-09-17 14:07:12
192.   yankz
188 Word
2006-09-17 14:25:15
193.   yankeemonkey
Looks like I made the right choice by spending this fine day out in the park, the home team stunk it up again....Too bad I missed all the Giants excitement, though. Ah well.
2006-09-17 14:31:20
194.   seamus
187 also a big ND fan. I had to leave a business trip early due to back problems and came home and got real depressed watching that ND game. Also Yankees losing and then the Giants getting blown out. Fortunately, that Giants OT win helped some. Eli really showed up today!
2006-09-17 15:39:00
195.   Eirias
JETS!
2006-09-17 15:48:20
196.   mehmattski
Is it safe to say that Chad Pennington is back, and he's better than before?

Also, "that's more like it, Coles!"

2006-09-17 15:52:48
197.   Simone
Steve Phillips is the biggest moron on BBTN.
2006-09-17 15:58:38
198.   Eirias
196 We still cannot stop the run, but Chad looks amazing.
2006-09-17 16:00:03
199.   BklynBmr
197 Oh, no. What's he up to now?
2006-09-17 16:14:45
200.   Simone
199 Everything Phillips says explains why he never got another job as a GM. The Twins better make the playoffs to stick it to Phillips.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2006-09-17 16:18:16
201.   yankeemonkey
200 What'd he say?
2006-09-17 16:19:46
202.   randym77
Here's the lineup for game 2:

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

2006-09-17 16:19:46
203.   mehmattski
Good game, Jets. That's the best you can expect against the Pats without any kind of pressure defense or a run game.
2006-09-17 16:19:54
204.   Chyll Will
Hey everyone, just dropped by to say hi real quick since I don't get on the CPU on the weekends much. Alex, good post as usual; reminds me of a Robert Altman film the way you talk about you and your cousin's experience back there.

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!

2006-09-17 16:29:31
205.   randym77
And here's Boston:

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

2006-09-17 16:31:07
206.   C2Coke
I have a feeling Alex's title for this game thread has already settled this weekend. Let's just wait and see.
2006-09-17 16:31:46
207.   BklynBmr
202 Robbie at DH! I love it. Here's the up-to-the-minute:

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."

---

2006-09-17 16:32:32
208.   LI yankee
201 He's been saying that the White Sox are gonna win the wild card, even after losing today. They are now 4 GB of the Twins.
2006-09-17 16:35:25
209.   randym77
307 Thanks, I was wondering about that.

Mutter, grumble. IMO, T-Long and Erickson deserve rings more than Pavano.

2006-09-17 16:37:58
210.   yankeemonkey
209 Hell yeah, they deserve it more! At least they tried!
2006-09-17 16:39:48
211.   mehmattski
207 Sorry Joel, the DL has already been renamed "The Prior and Wood Club."
2006-09-17 16:57:08
212.   mehmattski
So get this... I'm in the semifinals of my fantasy league... I ran away with the regular season, and its currently tied 5-4 as we enter the final game of the week, Yankees-Red Sox. We use OBP in the league, and its close, only .005 separate us. Here's the good part: I have Jeter, Posada, Abreu, and Mussina. My opponent, who also happens to be my younger brother, has Damon and Cano. So my entire fantasy season coms down to which Yankees do better in tonights' game. How's that for fantasy/reality conflict?
2006-09-17 17:00:44
213.   singledd
A quick happy thought:
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.
2006-09-17 17:05:15
214.   randym77
213 Heh. And I'm on the record saying the Sox were playing way over themselves, and were due to come back to earth.

Isn't it odd, how scarce the Red Sox trolls have become these days...

2006-09-17 17:13:42
215.   BklynBmr
214 Kudos to you, randym, I'm a witness to your early-mid season Sawx assessments...

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...

2006-09-17 17:15:41
216.   C2Coke
215 LMAO!
2006-09-17 17:16:24
217.   randym77
Ack. ESPN still hyping the Ortiz-Jeter thing. Enough, already.
2006-09-17 17:22:39
218.   C2Coke
217 In Peter Abraham's blog, as well as the FOX announcers yesterday noticed the interactions between Jeter and Ortiz. Those guys seem to be cool.
2006-09-17 17:29:26
219.   BklynBmr
Uffh!

Mauer .344
Cap .343
Cano .339

2006-09-17 17:35:58
220.   JeremyM
Moose looks like crap.
2006-09-17 17:38:26
221.   yankeemonkey
Was Moose always so prone to the gopherball? Seems like he's served up more of them this year...
2006-09-17 17:41:12
222.   BklynBmr
Only Miller can call a Boston HR with one man on base as a 'three run homer'... I know a lot of folks like this guy, but I've had enough of him living in SF for the last 10 years. He's a boob with timed releases of meth. That's the best description I can provide. Throw Morgan in the booth and fuggitaboutit...
2006-09-17 17:42:14
223.   mehmattski
221
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
2006-09-17 17:42:59
224.   yankeemonkey
222 Hahahahahaha! I like Miller, but not when he calls Yanks/Sox. Then again, I can say that about most of the ESPN announcing crews.
2006-09-17 17:44:12
225.   yankeemonkey
223 Thanks. So I guess he's pretty much on par with his recent years...maybe they go further this year or something. Effin' roiders!
2006-09-17 17:44:55
226.   randym77
Pedroia almost got another one. I have a feeling he and Murphy are could be making our lives difficult for years to come.
2006-09-17 17:46:32
227.   mehmattski
226 Yeah, but Melky and Cano will be making their lives even more difficult.

Bern baby Bern!

2006-09-17 17:48:44
228.   yankeemonkey
Oi vey, Green and Cairo in the same lineup. Isn't that like the 5th sign of the apocalypse or something?
2006-09-17 17:49:23
229.   Paul in Boston
I don't get the bunt there. Cairo is just coming off a long stint on the DL.

But then again, I'm not an old-school baseball type.

2006-09-17 17:50:11
230.   yankeemonkey
OMG! Cairo is useful!
2006-09-17 17:50:43
231.   mehmattski
229 I don't hate the bunt as much as I normally do. With a weak hitting lineup, moving a runner to third with less than two outs isn't so bad. Now, the fact that it's the 2nd inning bothers me more.
2006-09-17 17:51:08
232.   randym77
Miggy is clutch, I tell ya. He's going to make the post-season roster for sure.
2006-09-17 17:51:35
233.   JeremyM
Nick Green is one of those guys that sac bunts were invented for. I don't mind playing for one run with him and Cairo up at all.
2006-09-17 17:52:00
234.   C2Coke
That was a fast 3-pitch strikeout.
2006-09-17 17:52:31
235.   yankeemonkey
229 Your doubt is immediately answered. Torre is a genius, obviously.
2006-09-17 17:54:12
236.   yankeemonkey
With Green and Cairo coming up, the bunt was a good play, I think (and it worked out, obviously). Better than a 3-pitch K and a groundout...
2006-09-17 17:55:08
237.   Paul in Boston
235 So it goes. But a 2nd inning sacrifice?

Great play Miggy!

2006-09-17 17:55:45
238.   yankeemonkey
Miggy is feeling frisky tonight!
2006-09-17 17:57:59
239.   JeremyM
Is it true that Sean Henn is starting on Wednesday? If so, does that mean Robin Wright-Henn will be there as well?
2006-09-17 17:59:58
240.   yankeemonkey
Oh, dear....
2006-09-17 18:00:05
241.   BklynBmr
Nurse! I need a double play!
2006-09-17 18:00:44
242.   C2Coke
IS there some kind of poor-pitching epidemic going on this weekend with all the frontline starters? Besides our Wang, Unit, and Moose, I heard all the SP with leading winning percentages wll faltered this weekend?
2006-09-17 18:01:35
243.   BklynBmr
F ESPN's K-Zone... that wasn't even in line with the plate.
2006-09-17 18:02:07
244.   randym77
Don't worry, it's only the 3rd inning. Papi will wait until it's "clutch."
2006-09-17 18:02:16
245.   yankeemonkey
::hyperventilates::
2006-09-17 18:03:32
246.   yankeemonkey
Um....Loretta was SO out!
2006-09-17 18:05:16
247.   C2Coke
245 Go grab a paper bag. I heard breathing through it might help, if not, you can always use it for the vomit later.
2006-09-17 18:06:52
248.   Paul in Boston
Very clutch comeback for Moose. In the 2nd and 3rd inning he started like crap, but finished so strong.
2006-09-17 18:08:07
249.   yankeemonkey
247 I'm all better now, thanks :)

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!

2006-09-17 18:10:36
250.   singledd
Joe Morgan, in talking about what a good hitter Cano is, mentions that he is only NINE points out of the lead.

Does Joe ever do any pregame work?

Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2006-09-17 18:11:01
251.   yankeemonkey
The streak ends tonight...I can feel it.

Effin' Pena.

2006-09-17 18:12:36
252.   BklynBmr
Anyone remember dissin' Carlos Peña's description as a "sweet fielding" firstbaseman?
2006-09-17 18:13:59
253.   singledd
from FJM.com:
...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

2006-09-17 18:14:38
254.   BklynBmr
250 You have to ask?
2006-09-17 18:15:06
255.   yankeemonkey
252 How do I put the tilde on the n in Pena?
2006-09-17 18:15:59
256.   randym77
I don't remember dissing Pena, but I do wonder why we were so enamored of Andy Phillips that we didn't even consider bringing Pena up instead. He's younger, and he was really tearing it up in Columbus.
2006-09-17 18:16:06
257.   yankeemonkey
Joe: "No one's won (the MVP) yet." Wow...just, wow.
2006-09-17 18:20:45
258.   BklynBmr
255 I'm on a Mac, not sure if it's the same for a PC, but:

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 ;-)

2006-09-17 18:22:43
259.   yankeemonkey
258 I'm on a Mac too, perfect!

Lessee....

ñ

Yay! Thanks!

2006-09-17 18:25:08
260.   randym77
Dallas up 17-3 on the 'Skins. Still not Bledsoe-proof. :-P
2006-09-17 18:27:04
261.   yankeemonkey
260 I wish there were a way for both of them to lose....

This is the guy who came in with an ~8 ERA. Quit messing around and start hitting ball, people.

2006-09-17 18:27:40
262.   tocho
these at-bats are annoying....

Kevin Jarvis..... has..... retired..... seven..... in..... a..... row....

the last.... 3 ..... with 7.... effin ..... pitches....

2006-09-17 18:29:41
263.   BklynBmr
259 Cool! ;-)
2006-09-17 18:30:30
264.   randym77
Holy crap. Washington just had a 100-yard kickoff return. I can't even blame Bledsoe for that one.
2006-09-17 18:31:20
265.   Max
Did I miss something and had we already clinched while I was off doing something else this weekend? What little I've been able to catch, out at-bats against scrub pitchers have been remarkably indifferent...you'd think we just celebrated the day before.

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.

2006-09-17 18:31:39
266.   BklynBmr
260 I know someone (Simone) who is happy right now...
2006-09-17 18:31:40
267.   Simone
I'm being tortured enough by the Cowboys on tv, please don't add to it here:)
2006-09-17 18:32:05
268.   Max
265 woops, meant to say "our" (as in the Yankees') at-bats...
2006-09-17 18:32:36
269.   yankeemonkey
Feels like the Yanks are trying to end this game ASAP, whatever the score. Hence the horrible ABs...

Miller: "Fifth strikeout for Mussina."
ESPN graphic: "7th strikeout."

Brilliant!

2006-09-17 18:33:42
270.   atc
Is Jon Miller just humoring Morgan or is he really attempting to follow his argument (if you can call it that)?
2006-09-17 18:33:52
271.   BklynBmr
261 Exactly. NFC East should be a bloodbath this year...
2006-09-17 18:34:30
272.   monkeypants
Shut the f*ck up, MOrgan and Miller. For three innings these two idiots have been trading 'insights' about whether pitchers should or should not win the MVP. God, is Morgan getting dumber with each passing year?
2006-09-17 18:37:19
273.   monkeypants
Indeed, I would be satisfied if they just gave Ortiz the MVP for the next ten years if it would make this conversation stop.
2006-09-17 18:37:46
274.   BklynBmr
272 These two are the worst act since ______________ (fill in the blank)...
2006-09-17 18:40:36
275.   mehmattski
That was the most clutch ground out to catcher in the history of baseball.
2006-09-17 18:40:49
276.   yankeemonkey
Mussina says, "I've got your MVP right here!"
2006-09-17 18:42:34
277.   BklynBmr
Bwaahahahaha! Rather see that than a K. He has to haul those 380lbs. down the line for second or two. Fun to watch when you know he's out...
2006-09-17 18:43:07
278.   yankeemonkey
More than any other game in recent memory, these two have been impossible to tolerate.
2006-09-17 18:44:56
279.   mehmattski
MUTE!
2006-09-17 18:45:36
280.   BklynBmr
Is it me or did Bonnie hire a stylist lately?
2006-09-17 18:46:18
281.   randym77
Now they're talking about how amazing the Sox were to come back from 0-3 and win that playoff series.

Makes me wish they'd go back to talking about Ortiz and Jeter again. :-P

2006-09-17 18:47:52
282.   yankeemonkey
Cairo, of all people, with a good AB....ends with a K, of course. Infuriating.
2006-09-17 18:48:10
283.   BklynBmr
281 ESPN won't let that go until Boston's next championship — in 2104 or something like that...
2006-09-17 18:48:23
284.   kdw
So now I'm convinced that they're reading BB and doing this just to drive us crazy. And Morgan even managed to bring the discussion back around to the MVP discussion, while Miller just casually throws in references to the incidental game going on in the background.
2006-09-17 18:49:01
285.   nyyfan22
Three obesrvations:

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.

2006-09-17 18:49:47
286.   yankeemonkey
Is Moose done? If so, I hope they score for him here...
2006-09-17 18:50:43
287.   BklynBmr
'nuttin better than Jon Miller and Joe Morgan discussing the Yanks PS roster. I mean, if they don't know, who does?
2006-09-17 18:51:58
288.   mehmattski
One of the few redeeming qualities of the video game MLB 2K6 was that you could choose to have the sound options as if you were watching the game from the stands, or if you were playing in the infield or something. Bottom line was, you could enjoy the game without Miller and Morgan. I wish there were an option on TVs. Instead of an SAP button, a button that only mutes the announcers, but keeps the crowd/field noise.
2006-09-17 18:52:20
289.   yankeemonkey
Funny how they were babbling about Ortiz's leadership, completely ignoring the whole Varitek is the heart and soul of that team junk.

Oh Melky, bad Melky!

2006-09-17 18:52:34
290.   randym77
Cy Jarvis catching Melky napping.
2006-09-17 18:54:12
291.   yankeemonkey
Oi vey...
2006-09-17 18:56:05
292.   BklynBmr
Bobby with the glove! Yes!
2006-09-17 18:56:12
293.   mehmattski
Man, I always hold my breath when a fielder dives like that, ever since Matsui's injury...
2006-09-17 18:56:27
294.   yankeemonkey
Nice sliding catch by Bobby.
2006-09-17 18:56:58
295.   yankeemonkey
293 Ditto.
2006-09-17 18:58:36
296.   Mattpat11
Human white flags up in the bullpen.
2006-09-17 18:59:01
297.   yankeemonkey
Yeah, if Henn comes into this game, I'm going to bed.
2006-09-17 18:59:49
298.   Mattpat11
what in the FUCK was that, melky?
2006-09-17 19:00:14
299.   Mattpat11
297 Beam is significantly worse.
2006-09-17 19:00:34
300.   mehmattski
296 See fundamental rule of baseball, in 253. Someone's still gotta score runs. You would prefer another round of Villone and Farnsworth? Or EDSP? Someone's still gotta score the runs before the game is won.
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2006-09-17 19:00:41
301.   yankeemonkey
Good thing they didn't take an extra base on that.

I'm surprised Moose is still in.

2006-09-17 19:00:47
302.   monkeypants
Varitek with an Ichiro-impersonation-swing.
2006-09-17 19:01:57
303.   BklynBmr
Way to shoot 2 Yanks!
2006-09-17 19:01:59
304.   yankeemonkey
Yay! Once again, Moose gets out of it! Now score some runs for him, damnit.
2006-09-17 19:02:22
305.   randym77
I really think Melky's tired. He was supposed get tonight off.

Abreu didn't really dive. He slid. That's not as dangerous as diving.

2006-09-17 19:02:40
306.   kdw
Nice DP. Maybe now some scoring. By the Yanks.
2006-09-17 19:03:44
307.   BklynBmr
Hopefully these stats will change for the positive this inning:

Mauer .344
Cap .342
Cano .338

2006-09-17 19:04:37
308.   C2Coke
305 Melky looks like he's tired, Melky bats like he's tired, Melky fields like he's tired. But Torre decided Melky is the next iron man. No rest allowed.
2006-09-17 19:05:29
309.   Mattpat11
Jarvis does suck, right? Its nit just me?
2006-09-17 19:05:31
310.   yankeemonkey
SAFE! No hit though :(
2006-09-17 19:06:19
311.   C2Coke
Still no hit from our MVP.
2006-09-17 19:06:32
312.   BklynBmr
Yeah. That was an error... ^%$#!
2006-09-17 19:07:10
313.   BklynBmr
Good call, Mr. Torre!
2006-09-17 19:07:22
314.   randym77
308 I suspect he's decided Melky will have plenty of time to rest during the post-season. Otherwise, he wouldn't be doing this to him.
2006-09-17 19:08:04
315.   yankeemonkey
Hey, our friend Hansen is up in the pen!
2006-09-17 19:08:14
316.   C2Coke
314 I am in denial.
2006-09-17 19:08:26
317.   BklynBmr
Phone call, upper deck — Jason, it's for you...
2006-09-17 19:09:07
318.   C2Coke
EDSP is starting to warm up.
2006-09-17 19:09:38
319.   yankeemonkey
Argh, bad Jason!
2006-09-17 19:10:04
320.   Mattpat11
I don't give a shit if its two dh in a row. ITS KEVIN JARVIS. SOMEONE GET THAT RUNNER IN.
2006-09-17 19:10:17
321.   C2Coke
317 He may have to go up there in person...
2006-09-17 19:11:15
322.   yankeemonkey
He wouldn't know upper deck right now if it fell on him.
2006-09-17 19:11:59
323.   Mattpat11
JORGE~!
2006-09-17 19:12:00
324.   randym77
Jorgie comes through. He's been a roll lately.
2006-09-17 19:12:02
325.   BklynBmr
Jorgie is a "fly-ball type of guy in these situations" — Joe Morgan.
2006-09-17 19:12:09
326.   mehmattski
Hip Hip....
2006-09-17 19:12:25
327.   3rd gen yankee fan
YEAH!!!!!!!! IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!!!!!
2006-09-17 19:12:30
328.   kdw
Good job!!! Gets Moose the lead.
2006-09-17 19:12:40
329.   C2Coke
I am still amazed at how fast Abreu is.
2006-09-17 19:12:42
330.   yankeemonkey
Now we're talking! I guess the Sox LFers are Yankee fans ;-)
2006-09-17 19:13:41
331.   C2Coke
324 You mean this year?
2006-09-17 19:14:27
332.   kdw
321 Funny.
2006-09-17 19:15:08
333.   BklynBmr
Mauer .344
Cap .341
Cano .337
2006-09-17 19:15:58
334.   nemecizer
They intentionally walk Bernie to get to Green and Joe puts Hideki in to pinch hit.

I love it!

2006-09-17 19:16:14
335.   C2Coke
It's nice to see all the respect and love for Matsui a week after his return. I hope this continues until the end of this season.
2006-09-17 19:16:46
336.   mehmattski
Intentional walk to Bernie with 2 outs: Worst. Idea. Ever.
2006-09-17 19:17:36
337.   yankeemonkey
Hansen vs. Matsui. A 3-run dinger would be nice...
2006-09-17 19:18:33
338.   yankeemonkey
Hey, those goofy Japanese fans with Godzilla puppets are back.
2006-09-17 19:18:51
339.   atc
Here comes the pride of Glen Cove.
2006-09-17 19:19:27
340.   Mattpat11
Miller just tried to introduce Matsui to the fans, and he did it in a way that even confused me.
2006-09-17 19:21:04
341.   BklynBmr
338 They are our brothers and sisters, my friend...
2006-09-17 19:22:46
342.   pistolpete
I'm still shocked they're not talking about criteria for MVP...
2006-09-17 19:23:22
343.   yankeemonkey
That was a NASTY pitch from Hansen. Credit where credit is due...
2006-09-17 19:23:36
344.   singledd
Who's from Glen Cove?
2006-09-17 19:23:52
345.   yankeemonkey
Hansen.
2006-09-17 19:25:38
346.   singledd
I love it when the Yanks are on TV (Im not in the NY area)... but Morgan and Miller must be the worst announcing duo I've had the displeasure to listen to.
2006-09-17 19:25:40
347.   mehmattski
So, um... who pitches the 8th inning? I can't believe it would be Villone. Bruney?
2006-09-17 19:27:00
348.   yankeemonkey
Who are those dopes talking about now and why are they talking about him?
2006-09-17 19:27:15
349.   randym77
Henn? Beam? Dotel? Rasner?
2006-09-17 19:27:59
350.   yankeemonkey
Not Rasner...he's starting Monday or Tuesday...Probably Bruney.
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2006-09-17 19:30:10
351.   yankeemonkey
I'm nervous.
2006-09-17 19:30:12
352.   randym77
Bruney threw 41 pitches yesterday. In two different games.
2006-09-17 19:31:26
353.   yankeemonkey
352 When did that ever stop Torre?

Alright, Scotty! Clutch DP.

2006-09-17 19:33:37
354.   mehmattski
I wouldn't put 2 innings from Proctor past Torre either. My vote is Proctor for Loretta, Myers for Ortiz and perhaps left in for Lowell if its safe. If trouble, Farnsworth for up to 5 outs.
2006-09-17 19:33:49
355.   BklynBmr
Joe Moron. 'nuff said.
2006-09-17 19:33:53
356.   yankeemonkey
Hey, they went to commercials for God Bless America! For shame, ESPN, for shame....
2006-09-17 19:34:00
357.   C2Coke
I just want to stuck some sox into the mouths of the ESPN announcers.
2006-09-17 19:35:24
358.   yankeemonkey
354 He'll probably go Proctor for Loretta, then Myers for Ortiz, Lowell, Nixon. Farns sucks if he has to pitch more than one inning, remember?
2006-09-17 19:35:25
359.   randym77
Farnsworth can't get five outs.
2006-09-17 19:37:06
360.   BklynBmr
356 An ABC affiliate. Go figger...
2006-09-17 19:37:18
361.   yankeemonkey
An insurance run or two would help here...
2006-09-17 19:37:58
362.   C2Coke
Was that Cap'n's thumb that's bleeding?
2006-09-17 19:38:47
363.   yankeemonkey
Yeah. Joe Moron speculates he jammed it on the DP.
2006-09-17 19:38:49
364.   kdw
Pre-game, Torre said that Bruney is not available tonight after yesterday's games.
2006-09-17 19:39:02
365.   mehmattski
362 Yeah, and for all of Morgan's dumb comments all game, having a former player, and an infielder, was helpful in that situation. I wouldn't have known that its a common danger.
2006-09-17 19:41:08
366.   kdw
I know that's not how Morgan meant it, but it's not lack of toughness that can prevent you from bouncing back from cancer. You can be the toughest person ever and it can still get you.
2006-09-17 19:41:15
367.   yankeemonkey
364 Torre also had said he had no plans to put Matsui back in LF, so make of his comments what you will....
2006-09-17 19:41:44
368.   weeping for brunnhilde
Nice job, Melky.

Nothing look some good-old fashioned execution.

2006-09-17 19:41:46
369.   BklynBmr
Textbook, Miggy. Textbook.
2006-09-17 19:42:40
370.   yankeemonkey
I guess Melky finally learned how bunt.
2006-09-17 19:43:31
371.   BklynBmr
369 Make that 'Melky' ;-|
2006-09-17 19:43:53
372.   weeping for brunnhilde
Wow.

3-0.

25 games.

What to do?

2006-09-17 19:43:53
373.   yankeemonkey
He won't give him a pitch to hit, will he...that little bastard.
2006-09-17 19:44:23
374.   weeping for brunnhilde
Bravo, Derek!

Nice run!

2006-09-17 19:44:32
375.   yankz
Joe D used to have the green light sometimes.
2006-09-17 19:44:58
376.   yankeemonkey
Jeter swings 3-0 and the streak is (hopefully) over.
2006-09-17 19:45:13
377.   yankz
Is the stadium giving him an ovation?
2006-09-17 19:45:37
378.   weeping for brunnhilde
Who knows, maybe the boys can rally between now and next inning and give him a final shot.

Either way, it's been nice.

2006-09-17 19:45:40
379.   yankeemonkey
Yep. And another full-on "MVP" chant. Cool.
2006-09-17 19:45:47
380.   mehmattski
376 Hey, the Yanks could bat around!

377 Yeah, and chanting "MVP."

2006-09-17 19:46:00
381.   randym77
377 Hell, yeah. They're chanting "MVP." Really loud.
2006-09-17 19:46:03
382.   C2Coke
So that was probably it. 25 game hitting streak is still one strong record, but no catching the Babe.
2006-09-17 19:46:19
383.   yankeemonkey
378 I'd rather the Yanks hold the lead and win the game, frankly.
2006-09-17 19:46:22
384.   weeping for brunnhilde
377 Yeah, along with a lusty "MVP" chant.
2006-09-17 19:47:39
385.   yankeemonkey
380 Would be hard to bat around with 2 outs, though.
2006-09-17 19:48:05
386.   mehmattski
382 Would that be Babe Dimaggio?
2006-09-17 19:48:25
387.   yankeemonkey
Would be nice to get that run in...
2006-09-17 19:49:13
388.   BklynBmr
What was A-Rod munchin' on there?
2006-09-17 19:50:35
389.   mehmattski
388 The souls of kittens, probably. Or nachos. Either one, really.
2006-09-17 19:50:58
390.   randym77
388 I was wondering, too. What the heck is he eating? It looked green. Olives? Peppers?
2006-09-17 19:51:55
391.   BklynBmr
386 Babe is/was next in line with a 26 game streak...
2006-09-17 19:52:51
392.   yankeemonkey
Urk. Can't watch.
2006-09-17 19:53:11
393.   yankz
Thanks for all the replies.
2006-09-17 19:53:54
394.   BklynBmr
390 Just what I thought. Olives (green and round), or something... ?
2006-09-17 19:54:39
395.   weeping for brunnhilde
How in the fuck did Joe D. manage to hit in 56?

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?

2006-09-17 19:54:53
396.   marc
If Papi ties it at least Jeter may get another shot
2006-09-17 19:55:18
397.   randym77
Looked kind of big for olives. Maybe those round, green peppers they put on antipasto platters?
2006-09-17 19:55:59
398.   yankeemonkey
Joe Moron: "I don't understand how you can boo Big Papi, he's such a nice guy!" Joe, whatever you're smoking, please share.
2006-09-17 19:56:08
399.   singledd
Silver lining Dept:
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.

2006-09-17 19:57:38
400.   JeremyM
Why is Myers staying in?
Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2006-09-17 19:57:46
401.   yankeemonkey
This can only end badly.
2006-09-17 19:58:24
402.   BklynBmr
396 Here we go, Red Sox, here we go! Yankees suck! Yankees suck...
2006-09-17 19:58:47
403.   mehmattski
395 I remember Phil Pepe's history of the Yankees book had quite a bit on the streak. I don't know about every single day, but plenty of the drama about when the streak almost ended a bunch of times against the White Sox.

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

2006-09-17 19:59:09
404.   yankeemonkey
That ump is awful.
2006-09-17 20:00:48
405.   mehmattski
400 Because yankeemonkey predicted it in 358, of course. And, who else would you like to see there? Dotel? Veras? Beam? Juan Acevedo?
2006-09-17 20:01:07
406.   yankz
395 There's a book called Streak by Michael Seidel that accounts for every day and what was going on in the world/press on that day.
2006-09-17 20:01:58
407.   weeping for brunnhilde
403 Thanks, and well said.

:)

2006-09-17 20:02:39
408.   pistolpete
Ugly, but at least we got an out. 'MVP candidate' Ortiz forced out at 2B.
2006-09-17 20:03:05
409.   weeping for brunnhilde
406 Cheers!

:)

2006-09-17 20:03:31
410.   yankeemonkey
Oi vey.
2006-09-17 20:03:53
411.   yankz
395 My favorite:

"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.

2006-09-17 20:04:00
412.   randym77
Big Papi is not a clutch baserunner.
2006-09-17 20:04:10
413.   yankeemonkey
Krapler PHing...
2006-09-17 20:04:52
414.   markp
In 1941, when Joe D had his streak, the US wasn't in the war yet. It wasn't until that December that Pearl Harbor was bombed.
2006-09-17 20:05:47
415.   yankeemonkey
This is where I wish we had Mo...he could get 5 outs, no sweat...

And now Dotel warming in the pen. Myers had better do his job.

2006-09-17 20:05:49
416.   weeping for brunnhilde
411 Nice.
2006-09-17 20:06:40
417.   yankz
409 I really love talking about the streak.

You'll like this site, it uses info from Seidel's book:

http://www.brokencowboy.com/the_streak/index.html

2006-09-17 20:06:42
418.   BklynBmr
That popup was huge (I hope!)
2006-09-17 20:07:13
419.   JeremyM
411 I remember that story from "Dynasty"- a book about the Yankees, not the soap opera:) Great story. I'll have to look "Streak" up--right now I'm finally reading "A Hero's Life." Read the "Big Bam" and figured I might as well move on to the next big name.
2006-09-17 20:07:21
420.   weeping for brunnhilde
414 That's crazy, so where the hell has this story come from about how poor pitching due to much of the league's talent being overseas come from?

You've heard that, right?

2006-09-17 20:08:39
421.   yankeemonkey
1-run game...
2006-09-17 20:08:41
422.   Mattpat11
This team keeps letting Fairytek and his .245 BA beat them.
2006-09-17 20:09:18
423.   JeremyM
Myers almost got out of it. One more out...
2006-09-17 20:09:29
424.   tocho
the guy with the C comes through... pathetic

the michelin man is their pinch hitter

2006-09-17 20:09:34
425.   yankeemonkey
Torre is leaving Myers in still???
2006-09-17 20:10:08
426.   randym77
Mirabelli is pinch-hitting?
2006-09-17 20:10:09
427.   yankz
419 I really liked A Hero's Life. Especially the pics of Monroe ;)
2006-09-17 20:10:33
428.   tocho
man, are the yanks pushing the envelope here
2006-09-17 20:11:16
429.   yankeemonkey
Whoever said "I hope the boys rally here"....You have to be careful how you phrase these things, baseball gods have a funny sense of humor.
2006-09-17 20:11:31
430.   tocho
426 they wanted his speed on the bases.
2006-09-17 20:12:41
431.   weeping for brunnhilde
429 lol

Indeed.

2006-09-17 20:12:47
432.   yankeemonkey
ARGH!
2006-09-17 20:13:06
433.   tocho
hit by pitch.

if this were a real game I would be very angry

2006-09-17 20:13:41
434.   Max
Whether we're winning or losing this weekend, we're managing to do everything as ugly as possible.
2006-09-17 20:13:52
435.   yankeemonkey
433 I'm angry anyway. Mostly because I wanted Moose to get #15.
2006-09-17 20:13:55
436.   pistolpete
Ok, question - do you want the hit streak to continue or do you want to win the ballgame?
2006-09-17 20:14:23
437.   randym77
He's batting below the Mendoza line. At this time of year, I'd expect them to have someone better than that.

Maybe the plan was to have a bigger target up there for the clutch HBP.

2006-09-17 20:14:35
438.   yankeemonkey
436 At this point, win the game, no question.
2006-09-17 20:15:17
439.   tocho
435 good point, thanks, now I'm angry
2006-09-17 20:16:07
440.   weeping for brunnhilde
433 Isn't it lovely that it's not?

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.

2006-09-17 20:16:17
441.   yankz
399 In the game his streak ended, Dimaggio was walked once.
2006-09-17 20:17:29
442.   C2Coke
Why are the Yankees making a game with the Red Sox more unbearable than it already is? This just happens everytime.
2006-09-17 20:17:49
443.   ack
What a wonderful job by Myers, the specialist...
2006-09-17 20:17:50
444.   weeping for brunnhilde
It is a good point about Mike, but I think I'm just so used to this.

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.

2006-09-17 20:18:01
445.   yankz
Captain wasn't going to break the record, so I'd much rather win the game.
2006-09-17 20:18:07
446.   pistolpete
How's this - Jeter wins it in the bottom of the 10th with a walkoff solo shot, continues the streak...
2006-09-17 20:18:14
447.   singledd
Wow.. Posada tries to backhand it, instead of blocking it. Bad Jorge. Pena needs to work with him on that.

One wonders if its worth carrying Myers into the PS. After all, Papi won't be there.

2006-09-17 20:18:33
448.   monkeypants
Umm, what exactly is Torre's plan here? Keep Meyers in no matter what? To try to win? And if so, why four RH batters for an obviously uncomfortable Meyers?
2006-09-17 20:18:52
449.   yankeemonkey
Well done. Must...kill...something...
2006-09-17 20:18:54
450.   tocho
......

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

Show/Hide Comments 451-500
2006-09-17 20:19:14
451.   C2Coke
436 Somehow, I am thinking we will get both, by force...
2006-09-17 20:20:07
452.   Max
443 I don't really blame Myers for this, this isn't the sort of situation he's supposed to be used for.

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.

2006-09-17 20:20:19
453.   weeping for brunnhilde
450 Sounds like a plan.

:)

2006-09-17 20:20:49
454.   yankeemonkey
378 Thanks for nothing!
2006-09-17 20:21:31
455.   yankz
451 I'm thinking a walk off HR. I posted that earlier.
2006-09-17 20:21:59
456.   tocho
Is that Greg Louganis in LF?
2006-09-17 20:22:01
457.   pistolpete
F*ck your shift, Sawx. ;-)
2006-09-17 20:22:15
458.   singledd
O-2 on Miribelli.. hitting .200 or so, and hits him. 0-2 on a midget batting under .200, and throws a wild pitch. Not real quality from Myers... I wouldn't blame the situation.
2006-09-17 20:22:25
459.   C2Coke
yankeemoney, please repeat after me, "I want this game to end before midnight."

I have all my hopes on you, since your wish came true yesterday and we walked away with a W.

2006-09-17 20:23:32
460.   weeping for brunnhilde
Motherfucker.
2006-09-17 20:23:50
461.   pistolpete
Oh my dear Lord, I really want Crisp to DIAF.
2006-09-17 20:24:07
462.   randym77
Robbed!
2006-09-17 20:24:35
463.   C2Coke
I imagined that Coco Crisp made a Gold Glove play. Tell me I am imagining things.
2006-09-17 20:24:55
464.   yankeemonkey
Coco must die. Painfully. Right now.
2006-09-17 20:25:26
465.   randym77
Crisp has had a truly obscene number of WebGems this season. I suspect he just got another one.
2006-09-17 20:25:49
466.   pistolpete
Someone please hit one to the exact same place, only 6 feet further- NOW!!!
2006-09-17 20:27:12
467.   weeping for brunnhilde
They're talking about the old Stadium and you know what? I'd love for the new stadium to have dimensions like the old.

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.

2006-09-17 20:27:40
468.   pistolpete
This has to be the single most aggravating weekend of non-meaningful baseball I've ever witnessed.
2006-09-17 20:28:08
469.   singledd
Jeeeeeeeeez.... KT may have cost Jetes his streak.
2006-09-17 20:28:11
470.   weeping for brunnhilde
Maybe Joe left Myers in for Derek's sake.
2006-09-17 20:28:36
471.   Max
458 Except that Myers pitched earlier today. Yeah, he only threw 9 pitches, but he's the last pitcher I would use twice in one day for more than one or two batters.

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.

2006-09-17 20:28:37
472.   weeping for brunnhilde
468 ha ha hha ah.

Hear, hear.

2006-09-17 20:29:11
473.   tocho
450 provided that, coco doesn't get that...
2006-09-17 20:29:52
474.   weeping for brunnhilde
It's almost surreal just how non-meaningful it is, isn't it?

When was the last time we could treat a September series against Boston as comic relief?

2006-09-17 20:30:31
475.   yankz
Jeter can bat if two men reach base.

If A-Rod hits for Cannizaro, can he take over 3B and Cairo slides back to 2B?

2006-09-17 20:30:52
476.   Bob Timmermann
Jon Miller keeps calling Javier Lopez "Myers".
2006-09-17 20:31:15
477.   C2Coke
474 Comic?
2006-09-17 20:31:23
478.   Mattpat11
Farnsworth. Ugh.
2006-09-17 20:31:28
479.   yankz
@(#)@!)
2006-09-17 20:31:46
480.   Max
468 sign my name to what pistolpete said. :-)

And in comes Farnsworth to blow the game in the most excruciating fashion possible.

2006-09-17 20:31:47
481.   tocho
I think I'm going to watch West Wing 6th season now...

this game sucks

2006-09-17 20:31:50
482.   yankz
This means Ortiz will likely hit.
2006-09-17 20:32:37
483.   weeping for brunnhilde
Un.

Fucking.

Believable.

Good thing this is just comic relief.

2006-09-17 20:32:59
484.   C2Coke
Are we still watching a real game?
2006-09-17 20:33:23
485.   Simone
This game sucks. At least, the Cowboys won.
2006-09-17 20:33:35
486.   ack
The "most potent line-up in the Universe" managed 5 hits against some of the worst pitchers in this league. And we are stil watching...
2006-09-17 20:33:54
487.   Mattpat11
Gret job holding the score there, Kyle.

We NEED to dump this slug in the off season.

USELESS.

2006-09-17 20:34:45
488.   pistolpete
485 Hear Hear.

This is just putrid. Why are we insisting on making the Boston fans feel good about themselves?

2006-09-17 20:34:50
489.   weeping for brunnhilde
487 And replace him with whom, exactly?
2006-09-17 20:34:52
490.   randym77
Count that run to Bernie's arm. Though they might have run on Damon's, too. Where's Bubba when you need him?
2006-09-17 20:34:59
491.   Simone
I'm just glad that Farnesworth isn't the Yankees' regular closer.
2006-09-17 20:35:46
492.   weeping for brunnhilde
What did he do? He allowed a double and then an out that should have been and then another out with a run that scored because Bernie has no arm.

That's hardly cause for indignation.

2006-09-17 20:35:46
493.   pistolpete
Just hit it out Ortiz - put the icing on the shit cake.
2006-09-17 20:35:53
494.   Simone
Yep, the Red Sox can savor this win while they site on their couch watching the Yankees play in the post season.
2006-09-17 20:36:02
495.   monkeypants
Wow, these last two innings have brought out all of the Torre tactical-personnel weaknesses. I know, I know--game doesn't matter, rest the starters, etc. BUt this is so frustrating to watch.

Worse, it makes me worry about what will happen in the playoffs, when tactical moves and roster decisions can have magnified consequence.

2006-09-17 20:36:48
496.   pistolpete
OMFG even when we strike out Ortiz something BAD HAPPENS.
2006-09-17 20:36:50
497.   weeping for brunnhilde
lol

Good thing this is comic relief.

2006-09-17 20:37:05
498.   Mattpat11
489 Me? A rock? Dig up Walter Johnson? Does it matter?

Getting rid of Kyle "DUUUUUUHHHHH I throw duh ball hard" Farnsworth is addition by subtraction.

2006-09-17 20:37:15
499.   singledd
As meaningless as this game is, it's still making me sick to my stomach. God, I hope at least Jetes can salvage his streak. Friggin' KT really hurt his odds of seeing another AB.
2006-09-17 20:37:17
500.   tocho
488 dude, no red sox fan can feel good about himself after the humilation of the boston masacre II, their implosion the following weeks and the state of their team for next year.

not even a september series win will get their spirits up.

Show/Hide Comments 501-550
2006-09-17 20:37:20
501.   monkeypants
Oh, and this has been a tough night for Posada. Still, Ortiz showed great leadership by running to first on that K.
2006-09-17 20:38:26
502.   weeping for brunnhilde
495 You don't think Torre's conceding this game and many of the games we're going to see in the next two weeks in the interests of setting things up for the postseason?

I mean really, we're on top of the world right now.

Enjoy it!

2006-09-17 20:38:33
503.   pistolpete
500 Oh, you'd be surprised at the ability of a Sox fan to rub in a 'meaningless' series win.
2006-09-17 20:39:30
504.   C2Coke
I miss Mo.
2006-09-17 20:39:32
505.   randym77
KT didn't even bat. He was a pinch-runner.
2006-09-17 20:40:27
506.   JohnnyC
495 That's why this "meaningless" series isn't the least bit funny. There's nothing worse than having to face the fact that Torre is still clueless. God help us in the playoffs.
2006-09-17 20:40:32
507.   Mattpat11
492 He allowed a lead off double, which allowed the run to score on two sacrifice plays. He then threw a wild pitch that moved a runner to third and put another man on base.

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.

2006-09-17 20:40:36
508.   weeping for brunnhilde
498 Yeah, I just don't think he's that bad.

He can be effective and good relief pitchers do not exactly come a dime a dozen.

2006-09-17 20:41:08
509.   nick
man, I know, guys, house money and all today, but--all I can say is that it's a good thing I don't have small children, cause if I did, by this point in the Yanks' season, they would be certain that Kyle Farnsworth's middle name was "motherfucking"....
2006-09-17 20:41:46
510.   monkeypants
I think that Ortiz should get credit for an RBI for the run that scored before he came up...just because.
2006-09-17 20:41:58
511.   Mattpat11
Great job there Kyle. Hey, he got TWO strkeouts that inning. Since that's the only thing that matters, he must have done his job!
2006-09-17 20:42:23
512.   JohnnyC
502 You're kidding, right?
2006-09-17 20:43:00
513.   tocho
503 rub in. here are the numbers 10.5 games back, 11-8 series win, Another AL East, no playoffs, shelling of beckett, schilling and wakefield, blown save by papelbon. I mean c'mon.
2006-09-17 20:43:03
514.   weeping for brunnhilde
507 Fair enough, I'm just wondering who you want to replace him with--Jeff Nelson ca. 1999?
2006-09-17 20:43:05
515.   ack
OH!! Kyle, the power pitcher!!
2006-09-17 20:43:14
516.   marc
Jeter has a chance to end up winning the game with a hit
2006-09-17 20:44:05
517.   pistolpete
Let me put it on the record that I DESPISE Sunday night games when the Yanks are playing. More times than I can count, they end in defeat and so late that I lose sleep and wake up the next morning tired AND cranky.
2006-09-17 20:44:34
518.   yankeemonkey
Well, if that inning didn't illustrate why Bernie should NEVER EVER be in the field, I don't know what will.
2006-09-17 20:44:58
519.   Mattpat11
498 You're right. Lord knows its hard to find a right handed reliever with an ERA in the mid fours who can occasionally do thw job correctly.
2006-09-17 20:45:35
520.   weeping for brunnhilde
512 To be honest, I've not been paying close enough attention to his managerial moves to attempt to discern his strategy or lack thereof, so I'm just putting it out there.

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.

2006-09-17 20:46:05
521.   C2Coke
517 Don't forget those annoying big ESPN mouths.
2006-09-17 20:46:15
522.   ack
Let's see what we do against the fantastic Timlin...
2006-09-17 20:47:01
523.   monkeypants
502 No, I don't. If he's going to concede games, fine--then don't bother pinch hitting, or using overworked relievers (Villone, Proctor), or inserting PR, etc. Just play the scrubs and be done with it.

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?

2006-09-17 20:48:16
524.   Simone
Okay, rally time.
2006-09-17 20:48:29
525.   C2Coke
Damon!
2006-09-17 20:49:05
526.   monkeypants
502 Or here--if Torre is going to PH Damon, why not have him in CF the inning before as a defensive replacement (and he would have led off the ninth instead of batting second)? Once again, Torre seems to be playing it caught between conflicting game goals.

Let's go A-Rod, end this nonsense.

2006-09-17 20:49:45
527.   ack
Now Alex is gonna win it.
2006-09-17 20:50:02
528.   weeping for brunnhilde
523 ha ha hhah!

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.

2006-09-17 20:50:28
529.   Simone
Ummm...
2006-09-17 20:50:49
530.   ack
This game means nothing, so A-Rod will hit.
2006-09-17 20:51:15
531.   Simone
Ignore Miller, just win the game Melky.
2006-09-17 20:51:29
532.   weeping for brunnhilde
526 Indeed.

Although, in fairness, Damon's arm's pretty weak itself, but of course, point well taken.

2006-09-17 20:53:04
533.   weeping for brunnhilde
That sucked.
2006-09-17 20:53:15
534.   pistolpete
Pfft.
2006-09-17 20:53:37
535.   C2Coke
Wow.
2006-09-17 20:53:58
536.   Simone
Oh well. Toronto's turn for a butt whipping.
2006-09-17 20:55:13
537.   ack
We just got swept by a great Boston team, folks!
Have a good night!
2006-09-17 20:55:21
539.   singledd
KT costs Jetes a last AB.
2006-09-17 20:55:24
540.   monkeypants
532 True. Maybe if Bernie and Damon could play in CF together, they would combine for one whole arm!

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.

2006-09-17 20:55:25
541.   pistolpete
Sox just can't go down like the sorry losers that they are. NOTHING'S EASY.
2006-09-17 20:56:39
542.   pistolpete
Of course, you know this is going to come down to the very end of the season now. I'm talking last 2-3 games.

That's how much confidence I have after watching this mess all weekend long.

2006-09-17 20:57:39
543.   Max
536 Except we're going with Rasner, Karstens and Henn against Burnett, Marcum, and Halladay. Henn vs. Halladay has got to be one of the most monumental mismatches this season.

We may have to clinch in Tampa, unless the Twinkies help us out. Oh well.

2006-09-17 20:58:15
544.   Mattpat11
I hate Farnsworth. Hate him.
2006-09-17 21:09:14
545.   monkeypants
544 In fairness, this wasn't really Farnswhacker's fault. He DID give up the leadoff double. But Posada flubbed the bunt play, and Bernie practically rolled the ball in from shallow CF on the subsequent blooper.

No, this one rests more with Torre+Meyers.

2006-09-17 21:12:47
546.   randym77
Someone who was watching the Spanish feed said A-Rod was eating mamones. It's a fruit from Central America.
2006-09-17 21:17:38
547.   Max
Could someone please tell me who should have been out there besides Myers? Not saying he did well (walking Ortiz after the Loretta leadoff single was the beginning of the end), but what were Joe's options? Farnsworth in the eighth would have been no better, nor Dotel.

Myers still could have gotten out of it with minimal damage if Jorge actually blocked the ball.

2006-09-17 21:21:27
548.   LI yankee
I just found the entire game funny. Being up 10 games will do that to your mindset. I started laughing when Coco made that catch, because I'm sure Boston fans started thinking this would be the turning point in their season and they would come back or some BS like that.

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.

2006-09-17 21:22:32
549.   monkeypants
547 Farnsworth was definitely the better option. Look, Meyers whole reason to exist is to pitch to tough lefties in tough spots. Otherwise, he should only be in if it's a blow out.

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?

2006-09-17 22:20:07
550.   Max
549 Though I agree in theory with you, Myers has pitched in multiple batter situations a few times this season...though it's generally been in blowouts, he's shown he can be effective against multiple batters.

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.

2006-09-17 23:48:07
551.   GoingDeep
550 I would have thought that the 8th would have been a good time to test Dotel. After Myers walked Papi i would have liked to see Dotel. There is no point paying this guy $2M+ this season to do rehab. Especially with Villone imploding we need to exlpore Bullpen options before the PS. It seems like Torre has just written Dotel off and it doesnt make sense. Yes, he has struggled but youve just gotta see what youve got in him.

Comment status: comments have been closed. Baseball Toaster is now out of business.