Baseball Toaster was unplugged on February 4, 2009.
Rain delayed Friday night's game for just over an hour, and for the rest of the night, the field was swarmed by moths. I don't recall ever seeing that at The Stadium before. Time was called when a moth flew into Jorge Posada's eye, otherwise, they didn't interfere with the game.
I had a good feeling about the Yanks last night, didn't you? Soup to nuts, it just felt like a game the Bombers would win. I wasn't the only one feeling good--the crowd at the Stadium was intense, the atmosphere like that of a playoff game. Yankee fans know how important these games are, and remember the sting of losing to the Tigers last October.
After watching Mike Mussina flirt with the edges of the strike zone the night before, it was immediately comforting to see Andy Pettitte pound the strike zone, early and often. As a Yankee, Pettitte was 66-32 in starts after a Yankee loss coming into the game. When it was all said and done, the Bombers rolled to a 6-1 win.
The Yanks got the breaks. Down 1-0 in the third, the Yanks had runners of first and second with two out when Bobby Abreu's seemingly routine ground ball to short hit the lip of the infield grass and hopped over Carlos Guillen's glove, allowing the tying run to score. Alex Rodriguez hooked Nate Robertson's next pitch to left. On TV, I thought it might have gotten enough of it to poke it over the seats for a home run. But the ball hit off the end of Rodriguez's bat and didn't have the distance. However it landed just fair before bouncing over the fence for a double.
The Yanks never looked back. Andy Phillips, who has not been hitting at all recently, had three hits and two RBI. Jason Giambi hit a couple of long home runs. The second dinger went a-way up in the upper deck, a truly monstrous shot. Pettitte pitched eight innings and Joba Chamberlian cleaned-up the game in the ninth (he allowed a single to Magglio Ordonez and struck out Pudge Rodriguez with a slider to end the game).
Gary Sheffield was booed each time he came to bat. He was revered when he played in New York, in spite of what some fans thought about his mouth. And I think he would have been received much differently now if he hadn't blasted Torre in public.
Another thing that I've been meaning to mention, only because there haven't been any screaming headlines about it in these parts. In a contract year, Mariano Rivera is having the worst season of his career. I've been avoiding calling it like it is for a while now, but the numbers don't lie, do they?
Welcome Back to the Five-and-Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean
Finally, on a personal note, Cliff and I would like to echo Emma's recent comments about Bronx Banterite Jim Dean who passed away last month. Jim was watching the Yankee game, hanging in the Bronx Banter comments section when his heart gave in. Neither Cliff nor I were on-line at the time. Jim knew his baseball and loved to provoke conversation and arguments. I didn't know Jim personally, but my dad died earlier this year, so I'm familiar with the feelings that surround death these days.
I want to send our deepest sympathies to Jim's family. It is humbling to discover that one of our own has passed, especially in our midst, so to speak. It could happen to me or you anytime. The fact that he died while hanging with us on the Banter chokes me up. I don't know how to honor the moment exactly, but in a strange way--and I don't mean to sound trite--it feels like an honor that he would be with us during his last moments. His spirit remains with us. Next time Torre makes a lousy bullpen move, we'll be thinking of you, J.D. and how you won't be resting easy about it. We'll make sure to give 'em hell on your behalf.
Let's Go Yan-Kees!
If only he was still around to complain everytime Kyle is brought in and Britton languishes in the minors. At least he'd be happy to see Cairo DFAed.
wow.
Cameron Maybin, born 4/4/1987 ,
A+ (FSL) 304/.393/.486
Austin Jackson, born 2/1/1987
A+ (FSL) 325/.370/.552
Is it just me, or has Jackson gotten no respect. people rave about Maybin like no tomorrow.. but Jackson is hardly getting any notice.
"It does not matter if you are rich or poor, it's the people you know or whom you are acquainted with that makes your life what it is, for better or for worse. This is very apparent when you lose someone."
That said, we've all had a good life here, and I would hate to lose any of you. God Bless, JD, I'll be teasing you >;)
Even during his recent slump he's still walking and not striking out much, both very good signs that he'll get over it soon enough.
The game is on Fox and it should be shown to most of the country. I would assume the Midwest, aside from Michigan and Ohio, will get the Cardinals-Cubs game.
Cabrera CF
Jeter SS
AbreU RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui LF
Posada C
Giambi DH
Cano 2B
Phillips 1B
Clemens RHP
Let's win another one for Mr. Dean. I feel like there should be a black armband on every post, like the boys are doing for Lidle this year.
I would say that people (from what i've read on the inter-tubes) want to see it repeated before they consider the gains AJ's made as consolidated and a new level of performance established ...
wait and see, but his steps forward are a big boost to the hitter's side of the farm system
Anyone else think Jetes might need a day off? He's 4 for his last 25 (one of them being that walk-off dribbler past the mound against the O's) with 1 BB against five Ks and a handful of GIDPs. He just seems to me like he's not comfortable out there.
"I think they can pretty much pencil Melky in as the everyday center fielder for a number of years. Bobby (Abreu) becomes a free agent. (Hideki) Matsui is here for two more years. Jason (Giambi) is here for another year. We'll just kind of have to wait and see."
Manager Joe Torre said he would think the statement about Cabrera would be true, although he did mention another possibility in the developing Brett Gardner at Triple-A Scranton. And Torre understands why Damon would ponder where his career is going here.
i think we might see some gardner in september, in part to see if the Yankees think he's ready to contribute next year ... my gut says that unless abreu tanks horribly in september, he'll be around again for 1 more year, probably platooning with Duncanstein
i think it's better than even odds that JD is moved this offseason, we eat some contract and we'll get something decent in return ... i don't think he will complain at all if he goes somewhere decent and gets to start in return
myself, i'd target minnesota ... they're going to lose hunter, leaving them essentially 2 holes in CF and LF ... they don't really have anyone in the minors to take over, JD fits with their style of play ... hell, even if they resigned hunter, they'd probably be very interested in having him for LF ... this is a team that employeed Shannon Stewart in that spot, don't forget ...
Not only NOT trite, but you and Cliff created something truly important that witnessed a truly important moment.
The fact that Jim spent his last breaths here, gave Kate a place to come where Jim was part of a family. Gave her a chance to share her burden with us, and in return receive so many well wishes. A place to be able to trace Jims last minutes, and to know Jim was amongst friends and doing what he loved to do during his last minutes on earth.
It is so hard to deal with death, as Kate must be doing now. In a time of grief, you grasp at any shreds of solice you can find. And I believe Alex, you and the Bronx Banter family has given Kate a tiny piece of solice to hold on to.
So without me being trite, I will guess that Jim went out just like he came in... kicking and screaming, and literally as a true Banterer and a Yankee Fan to the end.
And the old joke is that every man, when he has to go, wants to 'go with his boots on', if you catch my drift. However, Jim found a pretty darn good close second.
Actually, if and when I have go go, I wouldn't mind following Jim's lead at all.
I think you should be very proud Alex. Bizarre as it is, I think you have given something important not only to all of us, but to Jim, and Kate, as well.
There were a number (of idiots?) over at Lohud that think JD should full time DH and Giambi should be used exclusively as a PH. Compained that be brought us 'bad chemistry' and that it's his presence that has cause our little mini-slump. That he was 'clogging up' the DH spot. (Excuse the 'idiots' remark, but I am in disbelief at much of what what said about Jason).
I personally think Shelly is a 'ShaneFlash-in-the-pan), but I do want to see what he can give us. Betemin also has value. Would Jim Dean believe we have TOO MUCH talent now on our JDMB... and that playing time would become an issue?
My thoughts are that I don't believe EITHER JD or Giambi can be really effective playing 1/2 time. I think playing them both, compromises them both. I think Jason has shown he MUST play everyday-ish as our DH, and at 1st when possible to get JD in.
As 27 states, while I don't want it to be so, I think JD is the odd man out. If he can TRULY maintain a positive attitude as a PR, PH and infrequent DH and OF, he definitely has value to us. But can he do that?
31 True... but just remember that not every team is the inept Pirates. I don't think there's a question that we'll have to swallow some of the paycheck, but I think you're right with the Twinkies. Plus, that do have an arsenal of arms over there, possibly some that could plug into our BP.
RIP Jim, you were a true presence, and that continues after your untimely passing. My sincere condolences to his loved ones.
http://tinyurl.com/37ty59
Of course, if he hits .230 for the rest of the season, this could change. But I expect him to finish around .270 with a respectable OBP. In other words, enough to maintain high value.
I don't think that's a word, but your point is well-made.
Lets say the Yanks picked up $3/m/yr.
While it's nuts, you can't get too many quality players for 2/$20 these days.
I don't think he's perceived like he was 2 years ago, but I believe he still commands some respect.
[/sarcasm]
meanwhile, if i hear one more talking head pontificating (as kevin kennedy just did) that joba's place is in the bullpen next year (as a fucking setup man) i'm gonna start channeling jim dean ...
you don't take a guy with the stuff and stamina to be the next roger clemens, who's done nothing but DOMINATE hitters at every level he's pitched, AS A STARTER, with almost no injury concerns ... and waste him to get three outs in your bullpen ... and you certainly don't before you at least you give him a chance to succeed or fail as a starter in the bigs ...
arrgh!!!
While I think his stamina is a valid point behind his being used as a starter, I don't think his potential value in the pen as an alternative should be overlooked. It isn't entirely unreasonable to see value in using him there.
That said, I expect him in the rotation.
Roger looks good, but that Sheffield guy can go get a low pitch, huh?
But I think it's probably true. He's more valuable as a starter... ASSUMING he can dominate starting the way he can in relief.
and besides, we are going to have a TON of bullpen options (and good ones) next year ... ramirez, henn, britton, bruney, veras, beam, ohlendorf, etc, etc, etc ...
i don't put starters (let alone somebody i think has the stuff to be a true #1) in the bullpen when there are viable alternatives ... if the yankees had brought up hughes and put him in the pen to solidify it, would you be arguing that he should be kept there?
But that's partly because we just don't know how good a starter he would be.
I was just thinking, "If he throws pitches like that to Giambi they'll end up in the stands."
Of course dat May'bin an out with a real outfielda'
Okay, how about a GIDP now.
Melk
leche!
i'm hoping the cubs-cards stay in a rain delay, 'coz wonderful FOX will switch to that here in atlanta as soon as it's a go : /
ok, back to lurk mode (practice mode, really). carry on...
That Hot Zone for Magglio was pretty impressive.
120 We have Vizcaino and Edwar available, though. Wow. No Mo, no Joba, and we still have the possibility of some good relief pitching?!?!
*unknown shitty pitcher syndrome
*not a fact.
Take that.
I apologize for that lurking comment, but that's just babyish on Clemens, in my mind. I hope Maybin hits a foul ball off Clemens' skull in the dugout next time.
Uh oh. Farnsworth is warming up.
180 Wait, Edwar's not going to come in?
Is my GameDay really far behind?
The Sox trolls only return when the AL East lead is >5 games.
We want Edwar!
I'm sorry that not kissing every member of your team's ass makes me unwelcome here and by default a Red Sox fan. Despite the fact that actual stats have not proven him to be as much of a headhunter as everyone says, he's never been known to control himself when people are able to hit him. Did he whack him on purpose? No. Did he have the ego to pitch inside and not care if he hit a rookie because he felt he could get the next guy out? That's not at all unusual. If that seems SO unlikely, I just don't think you've been watching him pitch for, say, the last 20 years.
Now, kindly eat me.
BTW, I love Edwar Ramirez, and felt awful the way Torre not-used and abused him last time.
Do you actually believe Clemens hit Maybin intentionally, with two on and two out in a one-run game, count 0-2?
Now, kindly go away.
What does that mean, though, that he had the "ego" to pitch the kid inside???
Oh, and I hate Jose Reyes. A-rod is the most "exciting" player in the game, whatever the fuck that means.
even though he's not a rookie anymore, i still like the nickname someone here at the banter came up with in his chase for rookie of the year:
Rob-Roy!
but he sucks
I guess Cashman is going to have to take away yet another Joe Torre Toy (JTT).
It's also cool that he sucks, though.
Knock on wood.
But you're right. Roger has no ego, he didn't care that a rookie got an HR off him, he's not like that.
Sorry to interrupt.
219 cool, indeed. on both accounts!
I think we get it. You have a grudge, and you took the opportunity to take a shot.
Knowing Joe, this isn't a good "situation" for Edwar so he'll bring in Villone after Farnsworth.
Mo could pitch, but Joe did say he wanted to give him a rest.
I think Farns before Edwar might mean that Edwar is ahead of Farns in the pecking order. Try to think like Joe thinks.
and the mayor gets impeached! there's 1...
Okay, but you figure Joe knew that? ;-)
Let's shoot Farns through waivers now, his trade value is positive!
impressive!
In light of this, what's 2 years of JD worth?
gotta say, that was one of the best baseball moments i've seen this year ...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GEd3pS1jXJ4
But, if Viz gets out with no damage, I bet it's Edwar.
and ... i want to watch edwar on TV for once, dammit!!!
God Bless Dion Sanderssss!!!!
IOW - I wouldn't mind "earthing" him.
angels up 1-0 over boston in the 1st ... let's go halos ...
see y'all later
I can only wonder what Jim Dean would have said about that. For those who don't remember, Jim was high on Carter and thought the Yankees should have gotten him in the Randy Johnson deal.
"According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox might be getting Arizona's Chris Carter from the Nationals in return for Wily Mo Pena.
Leave it to the Red Sox to try to turn a seemingly minor deal into a three-way trade. Carter, who turns 25 next month, is batting .328/.385/.531 for Triple-A Tucson. The first baseman is expendable in Arizona, so the Nationals might have a deal in place to get him in return for a pitching prospect. It's unclear whether the trade has any chance of being completed now or if it will have to wait until October, when waivers with no longer be a factor."
The kicker of course is that they may have only traded him for a prospect and thought an old Randy J. wasn't enough.
---Nicks and knacks: Derek Jeter is ailing somewhat, Torre said, though the captain isn't about to reveal much of what's bothering him.
While Jeter spends a fair amount of time in the trainers' room each day to prepare, a day off is in his near future. Entering play on Saturday, Jeter was hitting .323, but had just four hits in his last 21 at-bats.
"I think he's a little beat-up," Torre said. "He got hit in the leg the other day [against Baltimore], and that's been slowing him a little bit. We'll look to spell him here and give him a day off in the next couple of days."
The fact that any team would give the Sox ANYTHING for Wily Mo, let alone a decent prospect, amazes me. But Washington is hardly a real organization, and, as already said, Arizona certainly has shown itself willing to help the Sox before...
Effin Weavers. Everything they touch turns to crapola.
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