I'm thinking positive. The Yanks will win tonight. Here's why:

1. As a team, the Yanks only bat .265 against Escobar, but several guys have good averages including: (a) Jeter (.348); (b) ARod (.379); (c) Abreu (.333); (d) Matsui (.375); (e) Giambi (.353); and Cano (.375). Some are small sample sizes, but I'll take them.

2. As a team, the Yanks have a .348 OBP against Escobar.

3. Mussina's held the Angels to a .255 team batting average. He owns Vlad. Yeah yeah, I know that most of those numbers were created when the man was throwing in the low 90's but dammit, HE's DUE!

4. The Angels had an emotional win. The Yanks looked PO'd walking off the field, so there's the immeasurable and yet inevitable "LET DOWN" intangible factor. Don't y'all love intangibles?

5. Joba can go 2 innings tonight, Edwar can pitch too, maybe even 2 innings. I bet even Mo could throw an inning. That means Moose only needs to go 5 innings.

6. K-Rod (man I hate him) pitched 1.2 on Friday, and an inning on Sunday and again last night. He threw 20 pitches last night and looked just a little labored, which is why Darren Oliver pitched.

7. Because STONE COLD SAYS SO!

GO YANKEES!

"First, 15 of the 17 men who have tried to steal against Escobar this season have been successful, that's a tremendous 88 percent success rate (on his career, baserunners have stolen at an 80 percent clip)."

Great, so we can look forward to Scioscia calling even more throws over to first tonight from the mound and the catcher.

Note to Sonnanstine:

When Papi's up, and you have 3 balls on him, and first base open, just effin walk the guy.

Just posting so that people realize there are two different bombers fans in chicago

I'm the better looking one.

Bases loaded and one out in Tampa. Looks like another Sox win in the making.

Yeah, but I pull more tail.

Hey, Team, have I got a story for you.

I've been spending a lot of time in Brooklyn, lately, Park Slope, to be precise.

First of all, what is up with the fucking Boston caps in the neighborhood?

I was trying to be liberal and tolerant and multicultural, day in and day out, with each 'B'-cap I saw.

"That's weird," I'd remark.

Eventually, it ceased to be weird and became downright irritating.

What the hell? I lived in that neighborhood in the late
'90s and I never saw a Boston cap. Perhaps the odd cap that I wouldn't even have noticed because it was, in fact, the odd cap.

Tolerance, right?

So I'm wondering if anyone has an explanation.

Second of all, in the same neighborhood, I was made to feel uncomfortable in a sports bar for, get this, being too animated.

It was Sunday's game, and someone hit a ball just under Alex's glove in a big spot (Chien-Ming's start?) and I responded with my usual theatrics.

She snapped at me, "Dude, I like the Yankees too, but you're freaking me out."

Did I mention this was a sports bar?

What kind of world is it where someone makes you feel subconscious about caring about your team IN A SPORTS BAR???

Craziness.

Ok, so as for tonight, raise your hand if you have a good feeling about Mike.

(My hand is decidedly not raised.)

Yep.....one run in and counting.

1 You really think Joe will manage to use Joba for two tonight?

What if he uses him in the seventh and then goes, "You know, that Farnsworth's really showing me something...Chamberlain's arm...Two days off..."

I think we should start by scoring some runs and fixing the bad news bears defense before we worry about anyone having to hold down a lead. Please remember, its Moose tonight, which I think is a good thing, gulp. It's teams with actual hitters in the lineup that shell him, not lineups with only one slugger, I hope!

Two more runs in and counting, while Tampa has yet to record the second out.

Put the division out of your head boys and girls.

I am so glad I didn't shell out big bucks to get tickets and drive to Anaheim tonight.

12 Never say die!

12 Sheesh, if you are so doom-and-gloomy, why even bother watching the games?

In the spirit of optimism, I'd like to point out that Mike could, in fact, come up big tonight.

It wouldn't be unprecedented.

Meanwhile, gopher balls are once again flying out of the Metrodome...

Did you guys know Bobby Meacham is San Diego's first base coach?

Dude. I am not morphing into a Sox fan overnight. Get your hopes up only to have them dashed while standing near the pinnacle of achievement. Do I think they can win the division? You bet! Am I going to think about it anymore? No fucking way. I poo pooed Cliff and others all season for saying that the division was likely out of reach and calling it way too early, but be real man. It aint happening, barring some miracle.

Beltre HR. Jesus Christ! Seattle up 2-0, one out in the second.

Funny stuff though. I am watching the WSOP. Brad Garrett just got eliminated. I wonder if it was the sight of all those brown skinned people out and about in Vegas?

14 I am not doom and gloomy. I think the Yankees are playing pretty good ball. I just think it came about two months too late.

8) That is a great note about Park Slope. I lived in Carroll Gardens from 94-2000 and I knew of exactly one Red Sox fan in my neighborhood and he was a bitter dick. Brooklyn is not the only place where Sox fans have sprouted up like a weeds in NYC, but it is one of the most glaring. It's what happens when your team is good and a lot of young people who move to NYC have known the Sox only to be a pretty darn good team. I think the Red Sox heartbreak is much different for Sox fans who are too young to remember 86. The stuff in the late 90s early 00s to the Yankees wasn't fun but it wasn't crushing. Plus the Sox have just been a good, competitive team for a long time.

As for tonight, against all reason, I say the Yanks win pretty easily. Maybe 8-3, something like that.

You know what's funny about Sterling?

For a guy who's quick to understate the significance of stats, he sure talks about them a lot.

"I could give you stats all day, what do stats really mean, but Jorgie is now 24-46, 24-40 if you go back to July 3."

I don't know how the man fritters away his broadcasts, but it sure isn't by talking about the game at hand.

20 That makes a lot of sense. They're all, say, 35 and below.

Does that mean that if we crush Boston maybe a couple years running the caps will disappear in Brooklyn?

I'd say that's more incentive than a ring.

21 I love nothing more than stats from seemingly completely arbitrary dates.

The Yankees are the best team in baseball since July 22!

Where the hell does that date come from?

20 Alex, I would say it extends beyond just the Pats too. I notice the same thing with the Patriots, who, up until 2000, were the 4th most popular team in New England, behind the Sox, Celtics, and Bruins (if not even the Giants, who had a huge following up there). But with the popularity of football on the rise, and the history of the Pats in the mid to late 80s on being relatively successful, factored into the recent run, and its quite similar. Lots and lots of young, cocky Pats fans with a sense of entitlement not unlike certain yankee fans...

And on another note, the D-Rays suck. Why did we have to play the Angels while the Sox got the Rays?

24 that should say "beyond just the SOX too"

23 Yeah, that's what was funny about '98, with the 1-4 start.

Sterling kept having to factor out that 1-4 start (in Seattle, was it?) in order to make the team sound EVEN BETTER. He must have done that through the entire month of May, at least.

So, in other news, we're screwed, aren't we.

I'm watching an interview of Mike Sosia by John Flaherty.

I like Sosia.

He seems a very decent fellow.

29 Except when he's trying to get into a fight with Frank Robinson.

28 Only if you mean by losing tonight we will fall six games back o' the Sox and 2.5 games behind Seattle, Seattle with four fewer losses, then yes, we are.

30 Here here! I actually wrote a piece on that for my fantasy league. What made it worse is that Donnelly was obviously cheating, and Scioscia saw the need to challnge one of Frank's pitchers who was doing nothing wrong, in retaliation for Petroleum Jelly Belly Brendan Donnelly.

29 Ugh. Ask Frank Howard about that.

Meanwhile, to add salt to the wounds from last night, the Sawx somehow succeeded in turning Whiffy-Mo into an actual prospect, getting Chris Carter from Arizona via Washington. WTF!!!!

31 Six is all right. We're now in the 4-6 games back range whereas we were in the 7-9 games back range.

We've made progress.

If we can stay in the 4-6 rather than 7-9 range by the time we face Boston, at least we'll have a fighting chance, which is all I ask for.

At least Lester had another typical weak outing. 5.1 ip, 4 hits, 4 walks, 2 homers, 5 er.

Falling six games behind Boston doesn't bother me half as much as falling four games behind Seattle (in the loss column), for some reason. I like the way the team is playing and the schedule is favorable, but it sure would be nicer if we weren't constantly going uphill.

36 Get a lot of Mariners games on tv over here, and can confidently say there is no way they will keep it up. They still have Sexon in the lineup at under .200!

36 I know, but it's not that kind of a year.

Btw, anyone know where Mike's velocity was last game?

Last I recall, he was up to 88, even 89, in these past few weeks.

Wow, the Mets just win in dramatic style in the ninth.

That was nice baseball.

Damn it!

Tight defense, these Californias.

Well, that sucked.

And here comes Mussina.

Good, Bobby.

Get mad.

40 I was there. Stadium gun had 91 a couple times. I'd say he was sitting 89 most of the time.

Why?! man, bad start..

89 All right, well that's serviceable.

He can do this.

(You can do this, Mike.)

89 ?

I have no idea.

Figgins is the majors' best hitter since July 1.

:)

He better have that same strike zone to Moose..

Jeter's now slugging under .400 since the All Star Break.

48 At least July 1st is a normal start date. Its not June 19th.

Wow, that's a sharp break to the breaking ball there.

That's a good sign.

Ball four.

Well, here we go.

52 Throwing that breaking ball for strikes would be a good sign...

When Figgins walked, did someone fire a shotgun to signal the start of the track meet?

56 I mean handgun.

55 Indeed.

56 I heard a toilet flush

Oh, fuckkk.

He was out.

Can't even catch a break.

I see Mussina is employing the old "pitch around Figgins and Cabrera to face Vlad" strategy. I don't think he's really thought this one through.

57 No, you got it the first time.

Ball four, again.

Figgins was out by three feet.

Get Villone up.

62 ha ha hah ah aha h a.

64 It was there in time, but Jete missed the tag on the knee.

Two walks to start things. Awesome.

Hey, Vlad, welcome to the Hotel Mike.

Enjoy your stay.

Figgins was out...why no to do? That was a clear thrown out runner.

70 You expect Derek to actually, you know, argue about something? HAH. Comedian.

Dan Iassogna has butchered calls two nights in a row.

I wonder if Guerrero read the NY Times today?

Every bad call goes against the yankees..

God, I can't believe this is starting already.

Nice defense, boys.

Melky and Bobby have to communicate better.

What the hell is with Bobby? Is he blind now?

Cabrera and Abreu are playing like Bubba.

Here is MHO in a nutshell. The Yanks have to stop playing the Angels like a bunch of pu**ys. If you show fear...the dog drools, barks and eventually bites. Get over the bullshit psychological game Yanks and go after the Angels.

GET YOUR FUCKING HEAD TOGETHER BOBBY! WHAT A FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT HE IS OUT THERE.

Ok. I hate to complain about balls and strikes, but we're seeing two different strike zones now.

Why is it that Bobby's terrified of the wall, but not a full-steam ahead Melky?

Anyone, anyone?

This team is hopeless.

Man, that was weird.

Is it that Melky's just too young, and the veteran Abreu won't let him take charge?

Where was that fucking pitch to Anderson. Too down the middle?

82 No kidding. I understand he had a better angle, but it's the CF ball if he calls it. He can't keep getting in the way. Melky cleared called it from the beginning.

Ah shit. Dive for it, someone.

Bobby's reluctance to play right field properly is going to make Melky aprehensive and cost us more games!

Wow, that ball last night really was catchable

Fair ball, inside first.

Because everything this team does is ripped down the line.

Christ almighty.

Moose should stop whining about fair balls and should stop walking Orlando Cabrera.

Well at least walking the first 2 batters on 10 pitches didn't hurt us.

To be fair, Mike cannot expect to get calls when he cannot hit the broad side of a barn.

Anderson thought it was foul!

This is already rapidly approaching being not worth watching.

ha hah ah aha haha ah .

(Demonic laughter.)

What inning is this?

Bobby clearly had the easier path to the ball. That's a tough call. You know they talked about it last night and the first chance they get they both want to call the other guy off to ensure a catch, unlike last night. So who's supposed to catch that one? The CF who has the say or the RF who has the easier catch?

Well on the bright side, I can get to bed early tonight. Hey, I might even be able to watch a movie before bed if this keeps up.

Well at least they're not hitting the ball too hard.

Man.

Nice play, Mike.

They don't come easy, do they?

Two outs.

97 It's not that complicated, CF has right of way. full stop.

Someone should tell John Flaherty that Moose hasn't hid his best strike out pitch all season.

97 The CF. If he calls for the ball, its his. Just like the SS in the infield. Otherwise you have Gary and Bubba out there.

102 That's "had" not "hid."

Oh God.

What the fuck are we going to do?

OK, so it could have been worse I guess.

103 To be fair, Bubba seemingly went out of his way to run into people. Even if Gary backed up, I'm not sure Bubba would have stopped running into him.

102 ha hah ah ah aha ah .

No kidding.

ha hah ah.

What are the chances, ya think, that Moose retires at the end of the season? Ian Kennedy could match this right now.

Kay is getting better. He started screaming like it was a HR, but stopped when Melky caught it. Its usually two or three beats after that.

One of these days he'll be able to tell when the outfielder has a beat on it.

97 You're probably right. They were probably just overcompensating for last night.

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alex!!!!!

Every pitch Moose throws, I get this feeling it's going to be hit about 500 ft. That's not a good feeling to have for someone who throws every 5 days.

Okay.

Now Moose gives up three in the bottom half.

Nice, cut that lead in half on one swing.

How you like me now!

Yay, we made up one run. At least one of our guys can still play against the Angels.

109 David Wells could match this right now, and even the Padres dont want him.

That's a good sign, because I noticed that those balls to center and right center haven't been travelling as far as I've come to expect, lately.

Mike Mussina is a well below average pitcher who simply can no longer pitch to a good lineup. With Boston, Detroit and Seattle winning, the Yankees have to win this game...otherwise, this road trip could wind up getting pretty ugly.

How long is it going to take for someone to teach Abreu how to play the outfield?

A pitcher that I no longer have any patience for. 7 letters.
Nice homer, Alex,

113 Tell me about it.

Man, it sounds like Yankee Stadium. There must be a ton of Yankees fans there.

MLB Gamecast seems half an inning behind...annoying!
Was that A-Rod HR a blast?

Giambi crushes Escobar

112 Yep, exactly.

I think Jason might hit one out here.

118 um, that would be hyperbole. Mike IS stinking up the jernt, but Wells isn't a major league pitcher anymore. Mike's just a poor one. Too poor to play for a playoff team with this deficit.

At least Giambi is in the lineup... let her rip G'bino

ugh.

124 Right center.

Looked even to be slightly towards the end of the bat.

Perfect form.

114 You are an incredable downer.

130 I've heard this song before.

129 Indeed, a real no doubter. Thing of beauty.

Nice AB Rob.

Cano walked!!!!!!!

Come on Andy. Continue to kill any Stink return.

No Betemit against Esobar? Curious?

All right, well, one is better than none.

Let's go, Mike, figure it out.

136 Hot hand.

meh. not so hot. Shocker.

Escobar looks sharp. Outside of Alex, tjhis could be another long, frustrating night.

Aaaaarg! The Angel announcers are really terrible. They went on and on about Anderson's hit, when it was 95% good luck he made contact at all. Anderson hurts the Angels and I thought he looked awful in that at bat.

So, we just need Moose to get to the 5th. Then Edwar for 2, Joba for 1, Viz for 1, Mo for 1. Oh, and we need A-Rod to hit a HR every time up.

See I figured out a way to beat the Angels.

That first pitch strike to Phillips was called a ball when Moose was pitching..

Mike does have it in him to settle down and salvage a quality start. Deep, deep down in him, but maybe it'll appear.

Mike is a nice guy, and would make a good coach to be sure. What makes him so infuriating is that he thinks he is pitching to the same strike zone he was five years ago, and he isn't. What is that saying,"Adapt or Die?"

At least get Izturis out, Mike.

Ugh.

This is a mess.

Oh, God. I can't endure this.

Down the line, of course.

141 Viz needs a rest.

118 the same David Wells that got a 5.54 ERA in the biggest pitchers park in the game AND the weakest hitting division ? oh yeah, just like how you said 5+ guys could catch A-rod

Moose throws to damn SLOW to be effective any more... at least that's the way it seems.

144 He is playing in the same strikezone he had five years ago. He just doesn't have the skill he once had.

I've never seen a good pitcher get squeezed like Mike Mussina in his career.

Yeah. I'm such a downer.

I.

Feel.

Ill.

Can someone help Moose with the fork in his back?

God, Jesus, can't we beat this team, just once?

Well, I guess if I had Moose's stuff I'd throw a lot of balls too. Yeesh.

Wow.

Rock and roll.

terrible

Good job Moose. Good job.

And the shit of the Angels line up is CRUSHING Mussina this inning

114 Yeah, what he said.

This is 2002 all over again.

Fortunately, Moose is not pitching in the Boston series.

Or, is it possible the Angels know Molina's pitch calling pattern? This looks like BP.

160 No. I'm a downer.

The Yankees are stuck with Mussina this year, but they would be foolish to plan on having him in the rotation in 2008. They need to either trade him and eat the contract (maybe Pittsburh would be interested in a Morris-like trade) or simply release him.

This game is over...the Moose is afwul, but unfortunately, the alternative is Igawa. The Yankees now have to beat Lackey to salvage a game. If not, they could head into Detroit down 7/3.5. Everyone was anxious to get to the Boston series, but instead of making up ground, Boston could be in a position to drive a nail in the coffin.

I think I'm cracking up.

They may have to commit me before the night is through.

A nice sanitarium somewhere, with a farm with chickens and pigs.

Nothing fancy.

Foul ball.

I think the Phillies might take Moose, and he might agree to go there.

Whose idea was it to give Mussina a two-year contract?

163 I suppose the Tigers did too? This is just what Moose is these days. Flashes of competence, potential for averageness, mixed with total, Randy Johnson-like, ineffectiveness.

Who's the long man?

165 What? You serious? They are obviously gonna have Mussina in the rotation next year. They were planning on having Pavano in the rotation this year, there's no way they are gonna get rid of Mussina..

148 You do know I was joking about Wells right? Lighten up.

I've been a Mussina fan/apologist/whatever for years, but enough is enough. I've had it with the guy. And yeah, some calls don't go his way, but when you sit there and show up umps all year long, it's not going to make it any easier on you.

Is there any way on God's green earth that Moose can go to the pen, or be sat for the remainder of the season, or be traded soon, or get injured, or retire, or get abducted by aliens, or vanish from earth, or...

168 He's from PA and they may be without Hamels. It's an interesting proposition. This is the same team that picked up Moyer late last year. I'd almost be inclined to jetison Moose now if I had any confidence that Kennedy could step in now.

168 Now that IS a good thought. Really good one.

I wonder if Ian Kennedy will be up in September after all to take some starts from Moose.....

:::GROAN!:::: You know, I don't normally fish for birthday wishes, but DAMMIT, IT'S MY FREAKIN' BIRTHDAY (OK, only for about 12 more minutes!) AND I WANT A YANKEE WIN!!!
Moose ain't got it tonight!

173 I don't think Mussina is the same level of "can't admit a mistake" that Pavano was. If they cut ties with Mussina following this year, the whole Mike Mussina as a Yankee run will be looked upon positively.

Matsui caught the baseball.

It'll look like a weak-ass grounder in the boxscore.

One more, Mike!

Well, at least the outfielders are getting their sprints in...

Sooo...we just need the Angels to hit a bunch of line drives right at our outfielders...yeah...for 5 more innings.

Happy B-day Abby!

Moose is getting hit HARD!!!!

174 I'm a huge Mussina fan and I fully admit that he's done.

HOWEVER.

Any umpire that intentionally makes bad calls because he thinks he's been "shown up" needs to be fired immediately and blacklisted. No two ways about it

Maybe it wasn't a good idea for Mussine o publish how he pitches everyone in the NYT this weekend ;)

I've disliked moose for a few years. He's an almost guy. Strike that he was an almost guy, cause now he totally sucks.

Well what'd'y'a know about that?

Another one down the line.

Well, at least I can go to sleep before midnight tonight...

Why has Gator not been out to the mound

169 Moose had a fluke year in his walk season and the Yankees bit. If you look at the numbers from 2004 to 2007, last year is the clear outlier. I think it's safe to say that it's time for Moose to move to the National League.

I think Mussina will be pulled...like, NOW

Game.

Set.

Match.

188 They've given up on him already..

As I say, 2002, Game 4.

184 Yeah, but we know that doesn't happen.

Hey Old Yankee Fan.

I'm a downer right? Maybe I should find something positive to talk about!

I don't hate Moose, if anything I just feel bad for him right now. We're watching a career end before our eyes. Reminds me of Donnie.

"You gotta start thinking, maybe go to another plan," urges Flaherty.

ha ha haha ha hah a haha ah ah ah !!

Get him the fu*k OUTTA THERE!

I used to LOVE Moose.

Then it turned to NEUTRAL.

Then DISLIKE

Now it's approaching HATRED.

194 Because the Commissioner of Baseball is useless piece of shit and generally worthless human being that has no fucking clue what he's doing.

196 Donnie still had a home run and a .400 average in the playoffs in him though. Donnie went out like a man.

Maybe Torre is doing us all a favor and leaving Moose in there so we can all go to be early? Silly me...I keep think the Yankees need to treat these games with urgency, but over the past two weeks, they seem content to just toss games away. The Yankees did all this work to get back in it, but if the trend of this week continues, they could be right back where they started.

189 And, it was really not even all of '06, it was just the first half. That last flash of brilliance, and he really WAS good that half, with the changes to his, err, changeup that Po contributed to, but that's all it was. Clearly.

God. This performance just might result in a DLing of Moose (i smell a 'tired arm') and a Kennedy sighting.

196 You're such a downer.

THIS IS GOING WELL.

Good night everyone. I can't take this. Mike being Mike.

Ooooh, the ball got away from Molina!

Nice touch.

This is a fucking disgrace.

Kay wants 3 more innings from Moose... haha

This game is much better if I sit at the computer and just listen to it. Its sort of like the Arc of the Covenant, don't look directly at it or your eyes will melt.

Poor fucking Mike.

What a horror show.

Well, that went well.

I'm being positive!

daaaamn, Moose is pissed! Can't wait to hear the post game remarks...oh, wait - I'm going to bed shortly...never mind!

203 Hey, don't get mad at me, I agreed with you!

who was Moose barking at? The ump? Molina?

Wha happen?

196 I change my feelings of Moose to something similar to yours. My pissy mood is getting the best of me.

Matt,

He is definitely getting squeezed out there. I really like Moose, and do think he can still pitch, but some adjustments have to be made, and as for the Umps, nothing is going to be done about it, so maybe Mike should chill on the stare downs?

Mussina should retire, like, right now!!! Don't even think about taking the Yankees $$$ next year, just hang it up. I think I even could throw 85mph fastballs.

Well, they can pull A-Rod now instead of giving him the day off tomorrow and hurting us in a game we have a chance in.

I've honestly been a huge Moose fan for awhile, this hurts.

Two disaster outings in a row has got to force some kind of change. Someone convince me why Kennedy shouldn't be brought up.

200 Perhaps, but watching him strike out to Randy Johnson three times in that series was one of the most heartbreaking things I've ever had to see.

That was hard for me to watch.

How many innings can Villone go? I mean it, this is the kind of game that eats the bullpen up for days. The longer the better.

Can the Yankees just resign? It seems like a complete waste to continue playing this game.

It's amazing that the Yankees are right back to 4 games behind the wild card lead. It just goes to show you how difficult it is to dig yourself out of the gigantic hole that this team built for itself.

And we go to the top of the seventh...wait...what's that you say?

It's not the seventh?

I turned it off. I don't want a stroke.

221 Wait, really?

Four?

Just like that?

It was 1/2 like two days ago.

Daily Show just started...

220 I think Villone would bite the bullet and do what's needed. Too bad Boggs and his knuckleball isn't around to add some levity.

219 I hear ya, but it was Randy Johnson, non-Pinstripes model. It wasn't like Chris Bosio was striking him out.

I could watch that home run in game 2 on a continuous loop, and thanks to DVD, I can.

219 I don't see anything heartbreaking in a left striking out 3x against RJ in his prime. If anything, the fact that Donnie was in there against the Unit shows that man that he was.

224 it will be 2.5 GB. 4 in the loss - kind of misleading.

224 Read it and weep, brunnhilde :(

Nice job, Molina.

Let's get, say, three here, eh?

215 I think Selig needs to resign after the season for the good of baseball. Its under his leadership and with his full knowledge that the integrity of the game has come under question. I want him replaced that the umpires union doesn't have by the balls.

Well, maybe Escobar will implode too.

Right. But the dude did just walk CANO and MOLINA... Angels have a tired ass bullpen, and Escobar just coming out after a long sit...

PSYCHE!

That strike to Melky was a ball from Moose all game...I don't think it would have mattered though.

228 What's misleading about that? The loss column is what counts because you can't make those games up.

Sucks because I declared two years ago that Moose was my favorite pitcher. That continued until this horrific downfall of his career and the emergence of Hughes.

234 They still have to win those games.... when there's this much of a disparity (2.5 in standings, 4 in loss), I would rather just have all the information...

227 It was hard for me to watch at the time, is all.

Melky walks.

Ok, here we go.

Derek, please, please, snap out of it here.

OK - happy memory time. One year ago today, the Yanks completed a 5 game sweep of the Red Sox.

Aaah, memories...I feel better now!

Jeter will try to out do his last AB by hitting into a triple play, book it !

Just don't swing at the first pitch, Cap...

Not the time for a DP...Jeter needs to snap out of his funk asap.

Yesssss!

Thank you, Derek.

Come on, Team.

Step up.

Just keep the line moving boys.

XBH gets us right back into this...

bases loaded! cmon lets get it to A-rod for an Ayyyyyyyyy-bomb...

Bobby, man...keep your cool! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!

Ohhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

Yeaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy111111111111111111111

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It ain't over yet.

If only Torre didn't leave Moose out there to wither on the vine...

I love you Bobby, plz exercise the option Cash

That really almost went out.

Fatty Mcfatterton out to gripe.

What is Socisia arguing about???

I'm glad Torre pulled Moose when it was still a close game. Oh wait.

Well sumbitch.

That ball was catchable. Matthews did us a favor there.

252 SO close...

remember answering 8 runs in one inning with 8 runs in one inning? wasn't very long ago...

Damn, what the hell was he doing there?

I thought that was through for sure.

I'll take it, though.

Melky woulda caught that.

257 That was a tough play.

Most centerfielders don't make that play.

Come on A-Job

OK - I just realized what time it was...I still have 51 minutes left on my b-day, not the 12 I said before. YAY! Maybe my wish WILL come true!

Great 1-0 swing by Matsui there.

Matsui has to get this run in.

Can someone explain to me how Jeter didn't score on Abreu's very long developing double and why Abreu wasn't on third and scoring on AROD's ball?

Wow!!!!!!

Nice fucking work, Team.

I'm very impressed.

266 Jeter didn't score because Melky had to hold up to make sure Matthews didn't catch it. Jeter nearly passed Melky on the basepaths.

Abreu was on third and did score on A-Rod's groundball.

258 I remember that. I also remember it didn't end well. :-P

267 Indeed, bases loaded no outs, every single one brought home+

Lots of time left in this one...but how far can Villone go? Will Joba and the Phantom be able to go 2 inns each??

Jason's totally hitting one out today.

He looks so confident.

Now we just need to stop about thirty more runs from scoring and we got a shot.

269 Don't be a downer. :P

I'm glad that they're not laying down and dying. Come on Giambi.

Maybe the Yankees can take Funky Cole Mussina off the hook?

I fear turning this back on.

Wow, according to Rex Hudler, Escobar's negative body language has given the Yankees the ability to come back. Just thought you'd like to know why this is happening.

I'll take that strikeout.

He's locked in.

278 I was thinking more along the lines of Escobar's feng shui, but I'll take negative body language too.

soo.... how are we gonna work the pen here... after villone.. try to burn Henn as much as possible and send him down afterwards for Britton?

278 I hope it continues because Ron Villone gives me some pretty negative body language too.

278 It's tought to believe that anny announcer could be worse than Sterling, but here you have it.

Wish we had El Duque in the pen, like old times.

271 first of all, you have an awesome handle - Mr. OK Jazz Tokyo - is super cool!

secondly, thanks for using The Phantom - me likey! : )

let's keep 'em at 7 and take this game, dammit...

285 Seconded.

What. The. F**k is Chamberlain doing? Hah.

Oh crap. I'm a jinx. Back to who wants to be a superhero

282 He is doing great for the Mets, and I am happy for him. The Yankees thought one million was too much, but hey, why not pay Lieber and Dotel to recover for years and let Duque go, right?

287 What was he doing?

Villone with the reality check...it's going to take a lot more than 7 to win this game.

I'm having scott procter flashbacks.

Ron Villone is seriously a waste of a roster spot.

How do these people ever lose?

And why does everything they hit fall in?

290 Flipping his hat and trying to get it to land on his own head. It was self-ring toss.

Dis every other outfielder in the NL have Lepracy the year that Abreu won the Gold Glove?

Any more runs here and the momentum from that inning is gone...the showed a shot of Escobar being consoled in the dugout...they were probably telling him, "don't worry, Villone is pitching".

285 & 286, thanks. if i can self-publicize, check out my site at www.tokyojazzsite.com
also, am being real dense but can't seem to get the underlined tihng happening on the numbers...

How many times can Henn be brought back up without being out of options though??

294 That fell in because Melky misplayed it, like last night. Sometimes, instead of attributing luck to the Angels, you need to examine the Yankees poor execution.

Again, over-occupied with runners and bunts, giving the pitcher a bad count hole to dig out of.

297 LOL, thanks for that.

298 One option burned per year, max.

298 One option lasts for the entire year...it doesn't matter how many times you are brought up/down over the course of one "option".

Matt,

I hope you didn't turn it back on?

298 i'll check out your site, for certain!

just put the number in brackets like this: [#] and you're all set.

gamecast is frozen. what's going on? i'm almost afraid to ask... : ~

I think the Angels sent a fake memo to the Yankee clubhouse: "Batting Practice postponed until 7PM PT".

way to go Ron...

Chris Britton today: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 2 K. But hey, he's no Ron Villone.

Who didn't see that coming

MotherTYF^%^$.

304 I'm weak.

After the last few disasters, the silver lining was a complete waste of space was jetisoned. Hopefully, tonights game will accomplish that with Villone.

Walking two men after the Yankees rallied is inexusable. I would go to the mound and not only lift Villone, but DFA on the spot. Absolutely awful!

OK- goodbye Villone...not acceptable you pussies...let's just fucking keep me up till 3:00 am again tonight - I don't think so.

308 Yeah, but he doesn't look as good in pinstripes.

Seriously, that pitching line, and this Villone performance, make me want to puke.

305 Villone walked the bases loaded. Figgins is up.

Any relief pitcher who walks the leadoff man or the 9 hitter should be immediately burned at the stake.

Moose to pen, Kennedy up. Britton up, Farns shot into space, Villone sent after him.

DFA HIM NOW!

OK- down 3-0 to Figgins- This can't end well. Goodbye again.

371 now now now now now now now

308 That infuriates me...what the F$%^ is Cashman waiting for?

Speaking of waiting, what the F$%^ is Torre doing? The Yankees not only have to battle the Angels and their lousy pitchers, but their manager as well.

OHHHHHHHHHHH GOD

He doesn't want to use Henn? He threw about 10 pitches...Torre is a clueless.

305 Thanks.
My Gamecast down too...but is Edvar warming up???

315 oh, fun! sorry i asked. : /

to echo the sentiments of the last 24 hours - I HATE THE HALOS!!!

Villone chewing his gum like mad

Oooph.

That looked fair to me.

Foul ball.

Wow.

Is there any question that Shelley Duncan would be the best option to pitch among the position players?

On a night when the Yanks need 3 scoreless innings from a long reliever, Chris Britton is just poking us in the eye.

full count on figgins, he hits one foul to left field. phew.

what's going on?

Our pitchers are worthless today.

322 I think he may not want to use Henn because Henn sucks.

328 None.

329 Cashman really should've made all his moves at once, he was so close.

oh, thanks 3rd gen

Here comes the Edwar, the kid.

what's the current situation. Gameday is down and I'm in PA with no tv access....

331 Villone walked a run in. Bye Ron! Who's coming in?

329 ...While the Angels are poking us...

Another walk. Shock.

OK. this is a positive. There is no way Cash sits on his hands after these last two games. The changes made over the last few weeks got us 85% there, now it's time to cut the last bits of {cancer|fat|shit|} out.

There isn't enough offense in the league to overcome the Yankees pitching staff.

338 Bases juiced up, Edwar coming in, no outs, their number two guy coming up to the bat.

Bottom 3.

What must A-Rod and company be thinking right now..."Hmmm' is it even worth it to try to come back...? " Three walks after we post a four spot...why bother.

Villone threw 27 pitches and has one out for his efforts. Wow.

Is it 8-5 now?

338 Villone just walked Figgins, forcing in a run, to make it 8-5.

Great idea Joe...instead of brining in Edwar to start the inning, you let Villone give up a run and load the bases. That's a very effective use of the pen. Hopefully, Joe will also find a spot to get Mo and Chamberlain some work because I am sure Farnsworth can handle the closing duties on Wednesday.

Clearly, when your pitchers suck, it's hard to win, but when you have a manager who can't tell when they do, well, that makes things a lost cause. I'd like to DFA Joe right along with Villone.

Boy, the Vlad at bat is going to be quite a thing.

I say Edwar for 3, Joba for 2 if we stay in it, the Viz, then Mo each 1.

Phantom coming in. cool. hopefully he k's the next 3...

get rid of ron and henn. bring up britton and kennedy?!

Edwar's first pitch fouled back, 0-1 to Cabrera.

0-1 fastball rocked but Matsui chases it down in the corner.

Very, very nice play.

I thought it was a bases-clearing double off the bat.

YES MATSUI!!!! That could've un-did Edwar...

Who has a throw day today?

Oh what a catch by Matsui!

Stupid Joe or no Stupid Joe this game belongs to Mike Mussina who shouldn't be on this team next year if we can work that out. Buy him out.

Wang
Pettitte
Hughes
Joba
Kennedy

Vlad fights off a changeup in on the hands, 0-1.

was mats able to hold the runner at 3rd?

1 out?

There isn't one Yankee fan that couldn't live with it if we didn't make playoffs this year if we decided to clear the bench for Kennedy, Chamberlain, Ramirez, Britton. If we don't make it with this guys...we can all sleep well at the end...if we don't make it with Farn'whaker, Villone, Moose and co...it will be a restless winter.

Amazing effort by Matsui!

Who's throw day is today? Wang?

355 nice, and all homegrown - wow!

357 hell no, sac fly. Matsui at a dead sprint. 1 out, vlad up, 9-5

Oooh, a very, very nice changeup diving in towards Vlad's ankles, down and in.

Vlad swings right through it, 1-2.

Nice. Struck out Vlad.

358 Word.

Same pitch, same result.

Two outs.

Does Vlad scare everyone as much as he scares me? If he makes contact with that change-up...

Just made Vlad look pretty foolish twice... wow.

357 No. He scored. Mats was going full out toward the left field sideline. His momentum prevented a quick throw to the cutoff man.

357 Nah, he scored, easy.

367 He did, and he foul tipped it for strike 3:)

The Fucking Angel announcers...The great thing is how the Angels come back after their opponents score...What game are they watching...what did the Angels have to do? Stand there and wait for a strike that never comes. Great skills.

358 Ditto.

hopefully the long innings will continue to affect escobar and his 'negative body language'. i still want this game. we can pull it out. keep it at 9 Phantom Warrior!

1-1 to Anderson.

Flaherty suggests Anderson's sitting changeup in this ab.

355 We came to that conclusion earlier in the thread :)

Sure, the games on Mussina, but Joe let Moose give up two more runs than he should have. Also, leaving in Villone after walking the bases loaded likely cost at least 1 extra one. In total, Joe's slumber cost the team 3 runs, which is pretty significant in a 4 run ballgame.

Good managers help teams win games when things aren't go well. Anyone can push buttons when the team is firing on all cyclinders.

Edwar Ramirez looks like he needs a big steak or something to eat.

3-2 on Anderson.

Aw shit. There goes this one.

Changeup is golfed over the right field wall.

12-5.

One too many change ups.

One to many change-ups kid.

F.

Yeah, Joe is past his expiration date. Moose is just so infuriating though. He's a sourpuss. That works when you go 16-7, but falls flat when you have an ERA over 5 and can't win a single ballgame in a sprint to the playoffs.

christ. poor edwar. fuck this, goodnight.

bollocks. thazzit. carp.

This game is officially over, in the third inning. Pathetic.

Fuck...the one pitch Anderson could handle...Well..it's game over now. At least we'll get some sleep after all.

Of course, Joe will now let Edwar pitch 8 innings.

382 too*

Ah well. Nite all.

I can't get mad at Edwar though, he really was put in a bad spot. And he almost made it.

Come on Edwar, settle down buddy.

What?? Just lost the radio feed!!! HR by Anderson??? damn....

I just hope all the relievers' arms don't fall off trying to finish this shit out while I slumber.

edwar will not be happy that this happened vs. the halos in anaheim. poor kid.

let's somehow salvage the series tomorrow and take down the tiggers again and blow up boston. finish the month strong. here's to hoping...

From LoHud:
Meanwhile, this could be arrivederci for Ron Villone. His last 7 appearances: 8.2 14 7 7 6 7.

Ai yi yi yi yi yi yi yi. SECOND inning they've batted around???

SHUT UP MICHAEL KAY!

Now the kid's rattled. FU*K!!! This is a friggin Nightmare! OMG, this season is fading quickly.

what happened now SF?

391 You know, bases loaded isn't easy. That doesn't mean you need to let the corpse of Garret Anderson hit a HR.

Its not like he gave up all the runs on outs and errors.

395 No kidding. The poor bastard's set up to fail at every turn.

This is SO not Edwar's doing. If he gets sent down again or rots on the bench, Torre needs to be fired.

Villone needs to be DFA'd, then he needs to DIAF.

jesus christ.. hey... at least it'll be fun to watch Derek Jeter make his major league debute as a pitcher today!!!

still though, Edwar's K on Vlad was awfully impressive

Now Molina should know better than to call for nothing but changeups, for God's sake he was Anderson's teammate.

400 He just walked the next batter looking like he was losing it, but he settled down a tad. I just hate when these kids let the team down because I want so badly to see them do good that it hurts when they don't succeed.

I can just envision Mussina in the Clubhouse right now talking to himself, "I could go with the...I didn't get a couple of calls early...or...this is all on me...or I just didn't have a feel tonight...or I felt good, I just couldn't make the big pitch at the right time...no, no, I'll go with somedays you feel great in the bullpen and you get on the mound..."

395 He pitched poorly the last time he faced LAAAAAG. Maybe he's trying to hard against them.

What the hell is Molina doing letting him throw nothing but changeups, btw?

Who's in charge, here?

401 Yeah, the kid made a mistake. Humans make mistakes. Sure you'll throw this back up in my face, but you know what, shit happens. I know ALL of us are frustrated, but a little perspective. I am not going to hang Edwar for this game or Torre.

This one is on Moose and Villone. Gotta put this out of our mind and try to get'em tomorrow.

Was Anderson the one who caught that long fly ball Derek hit at the Stadium in 2002?

410 Yeah, there is no way this is on Torre. If anyone puts this game on Torre then there's something wrong with them. It's clearly on Moose and Villone.

Yeah, I can't really criticize Torre, how many managers can get there team out of a spot where their starter and potential long man completely implode? Not even the genius Mike Scioasa.

Chirp chirp?

I got no problem with Edwar there None at all- He was competing- going after hitters with his best stuff in a tough nearly impossible situation...Mussina and Villone didn't compete at all...they spotted hitters 3 balls actually 5 balls every at bat (including their own) and were really wussy at a time when their team needed them to be bulldog.

is the damn inning over yet? gamecast/scoreboards completely frozen. must be too many runs scored... : ~

Yeah well, maybe we'll all go to bed and the Yanks will come back and we'll wake up like kids on christmas morning. Wouldn't that be cool?

K, i actually agree with kay that we might see a fielder pitching this one. so... who do you wanna see ;) I wanna See Shelley Duncan come in and take someone's head off

If nothing else, I have seen at least fifteen dfferent spellings of Mike Scioscia's name on this thread.

410 Yeah, but the pitch itself was actually quite good. Good location, good movement.

Poor selection, great execution.

The bottom line is (and has been since June) The Yankees need a lot of teams to play bad to make the playoffs AND the Yankees have to win every series. It's a lot to ask for.

i just saw the lowlight of anderson's homer. the changeup seemed to drop pretty big. not a bad pitch. he kinda golfed it outta there. this one's definitely on moose and The Villain...

420 Agreed. Total mental error by a young kid and a once a week catcher.

This team hits at will.

It's really uncanny.

Wow, checking in on this game confirms a few things for me: I hate Mussina, I hate the Angels, and this Yanks team ain't winning no division.

The WC is still in play, unless Seattle doesn't ever lose again, which seems to be possible the way things are going.

F'ing Angels...Drop down dead against the Sox, somehow play way over the heads against us...

424 They have left a total of three men on base.

421 it can still very well happen. we've got 8 tough games starting tomorrow. we go 6-2 - hey, it's possible! - and we'll all be singin' a different tune. as pete abe pointed out, seattle has a tough schedule and a lot of road games, where they're not so great. still hope. just not for tonight...

Wow, Edwar actually throws 90?

Then what the hell?

Why the reluctance to throw a tough fastball to Anderson?

427 Yep.

shit, how'd it become 13? inning ever end???

Nice catch, Robby!

GOod play, Team!

Wow, Cano actually closed the glove before the ball got there, lol. Way to pay attention bud.

Maybe Cano can pitch and then someone can make a bunch of errors behind him tonight so he can see what it feels like.

421 I agree, when your closest competitor is sitting on the verge of a six game winning streak, and you are sitting on the verge of getting swept, and you are four losses behind, it doesn't take a lot of math to see the writing on the wall. It will be a couple years--I hope sooner--before the Yankees have the pitching to win anything of note. It doesn't matter how good your offense is, when you have the staff that we have. At least we got to watch Clemens pitch in pinstripes again before he retires for good.

Another one just falls in.

433 that's some funny shit, dude!

And another fine offensive play by Cano. Man, he's just displaying some stellar D this series!

427 Oh, Dude. It's totally possible they make the playoffs. My comment was more to the people who think making the playoffs is a birth right. After the hole they dug you can't expect them to make the playoffs, but you can damn sure HOPE and root that they do!

435 so, is it 14? what is going on? are we outta the 4th yet???

Only counts as one loss, but the question is will it trash our bullpen for the rest of the week?

what's the over/under on Angel hits tonight- 37?

438 werd.

436 ha hah ahah.

Yes, it is.

Edwar strikes out Vlad again.

Nice.

He's a good kid.

Man, I hope this adds several hundred points to Edwar's BFOG rating with Joe.

438 I totally agree that they can do ot. It is just that Seattle is running like finely oiled machine, and we keep hitting the wall in turn three.

not often you see Vlad K in two strait inning to the same guy

That's what Edwar needed to do from the get-go. Mix in his fastball a bit more. Not throw 4-5 straight changes.

Yeah.

Are we going to the fifth?

Edwar struck out Vlad for out number three.

Mike Soshia. Just because.

445 There is still three head to head with SEA right?

I wouldn't say the Angels lay down dead for Boston. They took two of four.

Now we have to play the Angels, while the Sox beat up on Tampa. Sigh.

449 With Wasabi on his belly fat!

Top five, Melky at the bat, 1-2.

450 Yes. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Melky pops up a high fastball.

One out.

445 Yeh Seattle is playing like we were right after the ASB. I still don't believe they will keep it up. I have no evidence to back that up, I just don't believe they will. My only hope is that the Yanks can play .650 ball from here on out, cause that's what it might take.

449 lol

Sew-cha? (as in Chone Figgins?)
given up listening to the game at this point..work is almost more appealing

Sew-cha? (as in Chone Figgins?)
given up listening to the game at this point..work is almost more appealing

Derek lines a single into left.

Nice hit.

454 The team will look a lot better with Britton in the pen and Villone DFA'd. Cash needs to figure out what to do with Moose, because it is critical not to have guaranteed suck 1 out of 5. Paging Ian Kennedy...

seattle at the stadium sept. 3-4-5. labor day...

419 That's by design on my part, I can't stand the guy and don't think he's really worthy of having his name spelled right.

thanks to those who are updating. please keep it up for a spell if you can stomach it...

459 The LAA announcers say Figgins got hurt earlier, did the YES broadcast mention this?

Abreu K's looking.

465 Nope. Kay is too busy describing the interlocking N-Y.

Bobby should have gotten himself ejected there

That was no strike.

But whatever.

456 I'd like to agree. But while we were dropping from the sky while our offense was struggling, they were able to keep themselves in it somehow. Now that there offenese if finally clicking, you are seeing teh team that they thought they had. They are also rock solid in the infield, and very good in the outfield. With average pitching, I don't know if we can catch them. The Yankees couldn't keep themselves in the race when they were struggling, couldn't win a few of those close games, that's what is coming home to roost, and now have they to play .700-.800 ball just to make the Wild Card, and honestly, even that winning percentage might not get it done.

Alex fouls out, inning over.

465 Yes. He sprained something on a check swing.

469 .700 gets it done. But I hear ya.

the two comebacks (Shelly's bomb vs. O's) and last night are the game you HAVE to win.

who's gonna pitch the 5th?

Man, Cano has mentally checked out of this game already.

I can't believe Bowa hasn't had a stroke tonight.

472 And the only games like that I can remember winning were the couple that Arod hit walk-offs.

If there is any truth to what Hudler just said, concerning Bowa saying Cano tends to give in to showboating on purpose, sit the fucker for a week and see how he likes that.

Henn is pitching.

I keep a close eye on this heart of mine.

I keep my eyes wide open all the time.

how many errors for robbie?

sorry for all the ?'s, i've got nothing here online to go on. : / (ah, probably a blessing in diguise...)

476 I put a lot of stock in what Hudler says. He can really read body language ya know...

Wow. The Angels didn't score.

480 Probably just one?

I think the first flyball he dropped was charged an error, but the other two were just shoddily played.

Oh, wait, did he boot a grounder, too, or am I making that up?

Damn, just tried the CBS broadcast on MLB.com, couldn't even get through an inning of Sterling! Who's that terrible guy on the White Sox tv broadcast...reminds me of him....

481 SportsCenter has a lot to do with it. They talk about the plays that might make it to air in the clubhouse. And Cano does tend to try to make it look prettier than it has to be. Don't jump all over me guys, I know he's a kid, but to quote George, showboating and costing the team runs is not the "Yankee way." In fact, it is something that a good old school manager will take you right off the field in the middle of an inning for, and should in fact do such a thing. It's not the NFL for crying out loud.

I almost want to see Henn get shelled to see who ends up pitching late in the game. I bet it's Johnny Damon. Any takers?

480 I don't know if he has any. He hasn't played well, but I don't know if he got any actual errors.

The first one, the fly ball he dropped, was ruled a fielder's choice, no error, because he picked up the ball and got the out at 2B.

The second one was not an easy catch. It was wide receiver, over the shoulder type deal, and he missed it.

The third one was a bobbled grounder. I don't think it was ruled an error, either.

485 I don't think he does it on purpose, it's just the way he plays. He's not doing the equivalent of the Rickey Henderson, one handed snap catch.

Matsui is really battling Escobar, 2-2 count. 9 pitches so far.

Matsui K's swinging, one out.

484 you're thinking of Hawk Harrelson. he's god awful...

thanks for the 411 on robbie's fielding.

All right guys, good luck to all of youse who are staying up! I'm out

488 Oh, I don't think it's malicious. I think he might believe it is a way to get himself noticed in the national media and ESPN, which God knows why, but it's a feather in the cap for a lot of young guys. I don't think it is purposefully selfish.

487 That's right. No, the bobble wasn't an error; the play was made, barely.

Giambi K's looking

493 It's amazing that you can be the 20-something starting second basemen for the frigging NEW YORK YANKEES and not have enough attention, right?

Maybe this is what it feels like to fall from 40,000 feet in a busted plane. First you scream and panic, cry and shout. You try to figure a way out, but find none. Eventually you just sit there calmy waiting for the impact, conceding the likely outcome, otherwise at peace due to the exhaustion.

Thus is how I feel about this season. I'm calm now, relatively emotionally accepting of any outcome.

497 That's the way to be. The zen of the yankee fan...

You can't control anything, you just sit and watch.

If Pettitte has a strong game against Lackey, things will look up. You knew Moose was going down in flames tonight.

496 Well, the media chooses its stars. There are many who eat up chunks or air time on ESPN that aren't even in the top ten at thier position, in any sport.

497 I've felt that way, but tomorrow is another game.

498 I am actually putting a lot of signifigance on that game tomorrow. Pettitte has always been our stopper while in pinstripes, and if he faulters as well, I am afraid the effect that could have on the team. He needs to right the ship. We're one of George's old big boys, tewenty five decks on this one. The hatches have been closed on the lower ten decks to hold seal the water the ship is taking on. A poor performanve by Andy may send water into the engine room, and we'll be dead in the water. Like the USS Indianapolis, no one is sending any help.

Yea...keep throwing Cabrera belt high fastballs all night. See how that works out for you.

497 It's like that sure but the plane is on fire and so while in screaming burning pain I just hope that the end comes sooner.

Serenity Now!

503 On fire? But the body's shock response doesn't handle burning well. The pain can still be felt.

Yankees Classic? Um. no.

Go Garrett go! Pay back for getting no attention for the eight years you were the second best hitter in the league!

Crap. The friggin' Angels are going to set a record if they keep this up.

The pen needs work, right? Viz just has to work through that dead arm of his. Think Joe can get the whole posse in the game before it's all over? 3.3 innings remaining and four in pen - great night for a workout.

Nice. A slam.

Kill me.

Itsjustonegame.

what's happenin' now?

weeeeeeeee, time for Derek Jeter's major league debute as a pitcher.. or maybe Shelley Duncan? ;)

508 They just did. Anderson just set a record for 10 RBIs in one game.

509 Can Proctor drive down the 405 and get there for the 8th?

511 That fire in LA in Griffith Park was right down the street from my apt. this summer. The authorities told us not to go look at it, but I couldn't help it. I cannot turn this off either.

511 Itsjustonegame + Itsjustonegame + Itsjustonegame = crap

515 He'll make better time on the 5.

I bet melky could pitch an inning - he's got a hell of an arm.

You know, I think that good 3rd inning was a bad thing in the end. It gave us hope. It gave Torre hope, and rather than leaving Villone in to take one for the team, he put the kids in. Now the pen's going to be exhausted.

514 I mean a Yankee record. For most runs scored against us.

Larry Bowa, Tony Pena, Ron Guidry, Joe Torre, Don Mattingly, and $190,000,000. Priceless!

520 Or Villone will be cut and Britton will meet the team in DET. Half full?

I am watching "God's Warriors" on CNN. It's pretty good in that it is an equal opportunity offender. Tonight's episode is "God's Jewish Warriors". The Muslims get the treatment tomorrow, and the Christians get their turn on Thursday.

Tomorrow I think I am going to go watch the US Men's Senior National basketball team take Venezuela to the woodshed in the opening games night of the FIBA Americas tournament. The US team has to finish in the top two in order to qualify for the Olympics next year.

523 Villone would be cut anyway, IMO.

524 Thank's for reminding me! I almost forgot to set to DVR that. I don't want to miss the only three hous of CNN worth watching in the past five years.

526 Six hours. Tonight's episode is two hours, and I would assume the other two episodes are as well, especially tomorrow since as we all know there is no shortage of subject matter regarding Muslim warriors these days.

527 Agreed. It will be nice for some on this side of the pond to get a little perspective on Judiasm and Christianity.

This show is very good so far, I think. Ms. Amanpour appears to be covering all the bases tonight in the Jewish episode.

Betemit looks good at SS

527 I'll sit down with some Grolsch in honor of Theo Van Gogh, and watch the muslim episode on friday.

Kinda sad coming here during a loss.

You'd think from the way some folks are talking that we'd just lost 10 in a row or something.

Not.

Instead we lost a heartbreaker in extras last night, and got shellacked tonight.

By a team that has the best home record in baseball -- 42-17 -- by a friggin lot.

Has everyone forgotten that we just trounced the Tigers in a 4 game series only 2 days ago?

And no, we won't have to play .700 ball from here on out to make the playoffs.

Sure, Seattle's now 4 up in the loss, but we get them at home, on our turf, for 3.

And they have a ridiculous schedule coming up. They will not keep up this pace.

And, even if they do, it probably means they catch the Halos, who are only 2 games in front, with 6 games to play against each other.

In addition, we may be 6 games behind Boston now, but we were in the same position this time last week after losing 2 of 3 to the O's, and by Sunday night we were 4 back again. I'm still not giving up on the division. We're going to beat the snot out of the Sawx in our head to heads, count on it.

I feel like Don Corleone talking to Johny Fontaine here. "What's the matter with you? Is this what you've become, some Hollywood finnochio that cries like a woman?"

Snap out of it folks.

529 Thanks again for reminding me. I don't know if America is ready to hear the real story of Isreal quite yet.

532 Serenity Now!

I think what's so depressing is the way we lost this game. Not the score - that happens. The problem is Mussina sucking like a black hole, and what that likely means for the rest of the season, and the post-season (if there is one for us).

I think Giambi almost thought about the head first slide.

535 Clone Joba?

Vizcaino's in. The pen's going to be trashed for a week.

I would say I follow international affairs closer than most people, and I have to say there is a good amount of information in this show that is news to me. That's one sign of a great documentary.

535 Extra days off in the post-season this year might just get Joe off his five man playoff rpation that he adores so. Well, if we make it that is.

539 Anything on the USS Liberty?

How much do you think Vizcaino's arm is going to fetch on ebay after it flies into the stands tonight? What the hell?

Using Viz is exhibit A on why the Yankees would be much better off if Torre was fired. Only two days ago, Viz was asking for a day off and just yesterday he struggled, so using him in an 18-5 is pure incompetence. You either have force to force Farns out there or go to a position player. Instead, Viz will throw 20+ pitches and be ineffective for a week. The Yankees have already lost more than a few games before of Torre's inability to manage the pen, and it looks likely that they'll lose a few more. If the Yankees miss the playoffs, the one move the team should regret is its decision to not cut ties with Joe.

542 Ask Tanyon Sturtze

I don't think Torre wanted to use Viz. He just doesn't have anyone else.

I wonder who's pitching the 9th? Farnsy?

543 Amen.

Sean Henn should've finished this one out. The long reliever has to take one for the team. That's his bleedin job. At the very least Henn needed to take another inning. And then maybe whoever is on a throw day, or which ever infielder can throw a breaking pitch.

539 I certainly used to. With the internet, Al-Jazerra for another perspective, I also subscribed to the CSM and the Economist. The Nation just tells me what I already know. If there is something new--well not new--that I didn't learn in college or since, I can't wait to see it. It is odd that we ingore our own indoctrination and national propaganda. It took me a long time, many years, to shake free from what I actually believed to be true. National heathcare is socialism, regualtion of the economy is communism, Europeans are backwards non shavers, and the like. We do a lot of things well here, but owning up to what we do to our children is not one of them.

545 He could throw Henn out for another inning, use Farnsworth or allow a position player to throw BP. He doesn't have to use Viz...he is doing so because he doesn't have a clue.

545 I vote for a position player, Cirillo just threw for Milwaukee yesterday so why not one tonight?

I'm sorry but you walk Anderson here. No way you let him set a friggin rbi record against us. No way.

There has been no mention of the USS Liberty, but the episode still has 50 minutes to go. They did mention a Jewish terrorist plot to blow up the Temple Mount. That such a plot ever existed came as news to me. The terrorists were apprehended prior to executing the plot. That's what I mean about this being an equal opportunity offender. Ms. Amanpour doesn't appear to be holding back. She's not being malicious at all, far from it. She's backing her reporting up with facts.

Honestly, guys, can the politics here.

Gawd, it's late. They won't need a pitcher for the 9th. But why not Farnsy, then? I know he doesn't like pitching two days in a row, but hey, sometimes you gotta take one for the team.

Adding insult to injury, I guess Britton wont be summoned after this debacle because some genius decided to use him for 3 innings today. That's absurd. The Yankee organization has dropped the ball repeatedly this season...what a shame.

So Mussina is going to be 8-9, think he'll get 10 wins this year?

548 Clearly you're not aware of the Farnsworth rules.

552 Agreed...let's keep it to sports.

555 I do. If only by accident.

How many wins does Viz have? Doesn't he have 8 too.

551 "She's not being malicious at all, far from it. She's backing her reporting up with facts."

And you're certain its being aired on CNN :)

552 Oh, come on. Considering how the game went tonight, discussing international affairs is much more relaxing than discussing the Yankees.

561 Agreed. That's what makes this blog great: Things are discussed routinely, music for example, other than the Yankees, and it rarely degenerates into a "We suck" or "He Sucks" shouting match back and forth.

560 That's the thing! This is showing the quality of reporting CNN is really capable of. It's a shame they don't put this on display on a daily basis. Sometimes they come across as more tabloid than serious global news channel.

That's the second time tonight Arod has halved the lead with one swing.

Damn, if Torre had let A-Rod play shortstop, that would've tied the record:)

I'm fine with the discussion of other things, for those who care:)

The stat-padder strikes again. ;-)

552 And serioulsly, saying we should walk a guy so he doesn't set a record against us is extraordinarily unsportsmanlike, and not something a team like the Yankees should ever do. I find that terribly more offensive than politics.

Who is sticking around to watch Moose's post game interview?

563 Mike T.

Yea, I'm not sure if it is the chicken or the egg. Do people not want to watch real journalism, and they give us what we actually want--the Michael Kinsley theory? Or are we simply too lazy to look elsewhere, and we accept the cheap flashy alternative and allow them to rake in the cash at our expense?

Rather can come off as well, rather condescending sometimes, but if you haven't caught it, you should watch his show on HD Net. I had almost forgotten what high budget investigative journalism looked like. Last weeks piece on the voting machines, and the sub-par paper purposfully used in Palm Beach, Florida in 2000 was an eye opener.

Ok...time to watch The Bronx is Burning on DVR. At least I know there are going to win this one.

They've moved onto the second intifada now. They just showed video of a terrorist bombing. Not the aftermath, but the bomb actually going off. That's intense. They're showing an interview with an Israeli terrorist who, along with a few others, had plotted to blow up a Muslim girls' school.

damn. and we end up with 9 runs. only halfway to tie. yikes. we need to be winning games in which we score NINE runs...hello!!!

at least betemit proves to be a good pickup. we should see britton and bruney replacing villone/henn rather soon, methinks.

at the very least...GO ANDY!

569 When it comes to news, too many Americans accept what is presented to them without question. We, we being American society, are at fault for the quality of a lot of what passes as journalism these days. There is a lot of good journalism out there, but the cable news channels have largely devolved into the same thing as almost every other tv channel, that being a vehicle with which to sell advertising.

573 You can't get news on TV. Gotta get the real info online... for now.

573 Thanks for the heads up and the conversation. Have a good one.

Ugh! Watching TBIB. News notwithstanding, it is also a shame how bad the coverage of the playoffs has become. Fox is to blame on so many levels :)

561 Especially as you guys were keeping it civil.