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The Boston Red Sox
2007-08-28 11:42
by Cliff Corcoran

The Yankees and Red Sox last met in Boston in early June. To illustrate how long ago that was, Jason Giambi had just hit the DL and Roger Clemens had yet to throw a major league pitch this season. Entering that series, the Yankees were seven games below .500 and in fourth place in the AL East, 13.5 games behind the Red Sox. It was then that I became convinced that the Yankees only hope for the postseason was the Wild Card.

A lot has changed since then. The Yankees took two of three in Boston that weekend and have gone 50-30 (.625) over the last three months to pull their record 13 games above .500. They've passed six teams in the Wild Card race and shaved five games off their deficit there, while moving comfortably into second place in the East and decreasing their deficit there by 5.5 games. However, they're still eight games behind Boston, which has gone 44-35 (.557) over the last three months and is coming off a four-game sweep of the White Sox. A lot has changed, but with just six head-to-head games left against the Red Sox, the Yankees still only have one route to the postseason, and that's the Wild Card.

That doesn't mean these three games against the Sox are meaningless or pointless. Every game counts, and the Yankees need a strong performance to bounce back from their 2-5 road trip. Prior to the Yankees' home series against the Tigers two weeks ago, I looked ahead at the "very tough stretch of fourteen games that begins tonight against the Tigers, continues on a road trip through Anaheim and Detroit, and concludes with three against the Red Sox back home. If the Yankees can't at the very least split those 14 games, all the good work they've done since the calendar turned to July might have been for naught." Thus far the Yankees are 5-6. They would have to take two of three from the Red Sox in order to have split those 14 games. Looking at it now, I won't say that a 6-8 record in those 14 games would be the death knell of the Yankee season, but the three games by which they trail the Wild Card-leading Mariners in the loss column loom large, as do the three games they will play against Seattle at the Stadium beginning a week from today. It would be hard to have much optimism regarding either should the Yanks lose their third-straight series to a contender.

As for the Sox themselves, they not only have the best record in baseball and the biggest lead of any team currently holding a playoff spot, but they just beat the everloving snot out of the White Sox, taking four games in Chicago by a combined score of 46-7. They're also coming off a day of rest while the Yankees took a night-game beating at the hands of the Tigers, then had to fly home on the red eye. If ever there was a test of the Bombers' resolve, this has to be it.

Fortunately, the Yankees send their stopper to the mound tonight. Since the All-Star break, Andy Pettitte has gone 7-1 with a 2.67 ERA in nine starts, averaging 6 2/3 innings per start, and striking out 7.71 men per nine innings. The Yankees have gone 8-1 in those nine games, rallying to win Pettitte's one no-decision by a score of 3-2, and failing to do so in Pettitte's lone loss, a 4-2 defeat in Baltimore. Pettitte is 1-1 with a 5.01 ERA in four starts against the Red Sox this year, but, again, a lot has changed since then, and his last start against the Sox at the stadium was a seven-inning, one-run gem.

On the hill for the Red Sox will be Daisuke Matsuzaka. Matsuzaka hasn't dominated in his first major league season, but, if not for Josh Beckett making the leap, he'd be the Red Sox's best starter. As it is, his hit and strikeout rates have been outstanding (he is one of just four qualifying starters in the American League to have a K/9 rate over 9.00), and his 3.76 ERA works out to an impressive 120 ERA+ given that he pitches his home games in hitter-friendly Fenway. Matsuzaka has turned in quality starts in 17 of his 26 games including five of his last six.

If anything, Matsuzaka's biggest problem has been putting runners on base via walks and hit-batsmen. On its own, Matsuzaka's walk rate isn't particularly troubling, but when you factor in his eleven hit-batsmen (the fourth-highest total in the league), you get 3.92 men reaching base without a hit per nine innings, which is a bit much, especially facing a team like the Yankees that's third in the majors in walks and fifth in the majors in being hit by pitches. Matsuzaka has faced the Yankees twice this year, doing so in back-to-back starts in late April. He walked five and hit two in those 13 innings (4.85 BB+HBP/9), posting a 6.92 ERA, but striking out 14 and winning both games, the first of which was the game in which Chase Wright allowed four consecutive home runs, the latter of which came against a poor Pettitte outing in the Bronx.

On a final housekeeping note, as expected, Sean Henn is on his way to Scranton, and Chris Britton is, at long last, back in the Yankee pen. If Torre needs Britton tonight, however, something's likely gone wrong.

Boston Red Sox

2007 Record: 80-51 (.611)
2007 Pythagorean Record: 85-46 (.648)

Manager: Terry Francona
General Manager: Theo Epstein

Home Ballpark (2007 Park Factors): Fenway Park (102/101)

Who's Replaced Whom?

Bobby Kielty replaces Wily Mo Peña
Kevin Cash (minors) replaces Doug Mirabelli (DL)
Eric Gagne replaces Brendan Donnelly (DL)
Mike Timlin (DL) replaces J.C. Romero
Many Delcarman (minors) replaces Joel Pineiro

25-man Roster:

1B – Kevin Youkilis (R)
2B – Dustin Pedroia (R)
SS – Julio Lugo (R)
3B – Mike Lowell (R)
C – Jason Varitek (S)
RF – J. D. Drew (L)
CF – Coco Crisp (S)
LF – Manny Ramirez (R)
DH – David Ortiz (L)

Bench:

L – Eric Hinske (UT)
L – Alex Cora (IF)
S – Bobby Kielty (OF)
R - Kevin Cash (C)

Rotation:

R – Josh Beckett
R – Curt Schilling
R – Tim Wakefield
R – Julian Tavarez
R – Daisuke Matsuzaka

Bullpen:

R – Jonathan Papelbon
L – Hideki Okajima
R - Eric Gagne
R – Mike Timlin
R – Kyle Snyder
R - Manny Delcarmen
L - Javier Lopez

15-day DL: R – Doug Mirabelli (C)
60-day DL: R – Brendan Donnelly, R – Matt Clement

Lineup:

R – Dustin Pedroia (2B)
R – Kevin Youkilis (1B)
L – David Ortiz (DH)
R – Manny Ramirez (RF)
L – J. D. Drew (RF)
R – Mike Lowell (3B)
S – Jason Varitek (C)
S – Coco Crisp (CF)
R – Julio Lugo (SS)

Comments (409)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-08-28 13:14:36
1.   williamnyy23
This is the least excited I've been for a Yankees/Red Sox series in 10 years. Instead, the presence of the Red Sox is a nuisance, as it doesn't help the cause to have another good team on the schedule.
2007-08-28 13:19:18
2.   standuptriple
If Jesus isn't too busy with Vick, do you think he'd mind helping us with a sweep?
2007-08-28 13:21:37
3.   C2Coke
Cliff, thank you for the summary that's as excellent as always though a little intimidating. Thanks for preparing us?

1 Know what you mean. At least the Yankees have the three best starters going on the mound.

2007-08-28 13:23:32
4.   williamnyy23
By the way, with all the focus on Seattle now, don't lose sight of Detroit. 18 of their remaining games are against Texas, Oakland, KC and Chicago. Yikes...talk about easy. The Yankees really missed an opportunity to open up some space between the themselves and the Tigers.
2007-08-28 14:04:28
5.   Chyll Will
I hope Weeping comes through during this series. What we need is some pure, unadulterated optimism up in he'ah!

By the by, for those who have time to kill, I'm finally posting my comic strips; I've got a big ReadMe leading it off and the cartoons will follow shortly. Gotta dash home...

2007-08-28 14:20:58
6.   debris
I wonder if the Yanks will have trouble focusing on the Sox, what with looking ahead to Seattle.
2007-08-28 14:50:47
7.   Zack
Woah, a debris sighting! Somethings not right, here you hung around us all the time while the Sox were losing to the Yanks the last few years, and then when you could finally rub it in, you disappear?? You sir, are not like most Sox fans :)
2007-08-28 15:11:37
8.   Zack
Although not surprising for its Ortiz-man love, I found this ESPN article on Cookie Monster actually informative and interesting, which seems to be a rarity these days over there:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/3cjjg9
2007-08-28 15:44:56
9.   Chyll Will
8 What; informative and interesting about Ortiz, or informative and interesting, period?
2007-08-28 15:49:18
10.   Zack
9 About Ortiz I suppose, the latter would be far too much to ask of ESPN. It just gives some interesting insight, if true, into the state of Ortiz's body, which, as a 32 year old, overweight player, may be failing him. Especially the stuff about his crouch, and how it has helped him but now is hurting him...
2007-08-28 16:14:39
11.   Chyll Will
Seven pitches. Show em how it's supposed to be done, Andy!
2007-08-28 16:15:44
12.   Zack
Chyll is it just me and you here tonight?
2007-08-28 16:16:14
13.   vockins
Is it me or did Ken Singleton get stuck with the Radio Shack microphone?
2007-08-28 16:16:56
14.   Zack
13 oh good, some company! I think Kay is just hogging BOTH mics...
2007-08-28 16:17:08
15.   Chyll Will
12 I guess not, but I'm not gonna be able to stick around long, either :(
2007-08-28 16:17:21
16.   OldYanksFan
I wish Jetes would sit. He is hurting us now, and is hurting us worse for the last 2 weeks... but not resting.
2007-08-28 16:18:24
17.   OldYanksFan
I wish Jetes would sit.
I really wish Jetes would sit.
2007-08-28 16:18:56
18.   Chyll Will
Ew, that mike is horrible...
2007-08-28 16:20:45
19.   Chyll Will
17 Be a little more specific, OYF. That leaves too much to chance...
2007-08-28 16:22:46
20.   Zack
Nice AB by Bob Abreu there...
2007-08-28 16:23:08
21.   Chyll Will
Nice! Ducks on the pond... Man, i guess he wanted no part of A-Rod.
2007-08-28 16:24:51
22.   Chyll Will
Gojirah needs to wait for the ball to come to him. Your pitch, san!
2007-08-28 16:25:02
23.   Vandelay Industries
20 Well, the Ump certainly made it easy for him.
2007-08-28 16:25:19
24.   Chyll Will
Okay, I'll take the run...
2007-08-28 16:26:00
25.   Zack
Groundzilla legs it out and a very nice play by Youk there...
2007-08-28 16:27:05
26.   seamus
I thought that hit hip hip
2007-08-28 16:27:15
27.   Chyll Will
Is Dize nervous? Even a little?
2007-08-28 16:28:09
28.   seamus
HIP HIP!

HA!

2007-08-28 16:28:25
29.   Zack
Jorge!! Aww, I thought they would send Hideki!
2007-08-28 16:29:12
30.   Vandelay Industries
Jorge!
2007-08-28 16:30:13
31.   Chyll Will
Damn! That looked good. Cano's not missing by much, that's for sure...
2007-08-28 16:30:16
32.   seamus
damn! Cano gave that a ride.
2007-08-28 16:30:31
33.   Zack
The curse of Michael Key's fly ball calling strikes again...

Damn, we really shoulda scored more there.

2007-08-28 16:31:42
34.   Chyll Will
Man, i gotta go. I'll try to get back later on; keep it coming, people! Kick em in the neck properly...
2007-08-28 16:32:35
35.   Chyll Will
32 ,33 Jinx! >;)
2007-08-28 16:33:39
36.   randym77
Manny being freakin' Manny.
2007-08-28 16:33:52
37.   Vandelay Industries
That was short lived.
2007-08-28 16:33:53
38.   Marcus
Gotta keep the pressure on Daisuke.
2007-08-28 16:34:03
39.   Zack
Ugh, that was not needed there Andy...
2007-08-28 16:35:49
40.   Zack
Lowell benefiting from the Fenway factor...
2007-08-28 16:42:33
41.   Zack
Ok boys, lets get that run back!
2007-08-28 16:43:27
42.   alterity
whoa, was that a tumbleweed? awfully quiet in here. . .
2007-08-28 16:47:11
43.   seamus
this is going too quick so far in this inning.
2007-08-28 16:47:37
44.   Zack
Ugh, please don't let us settle in now...
2007-08-28 16:48:27
45.   OldYanksFan
Dice-K does NOT throw strikes. His strikeouts are almost always on balls out of the zone. You have to take a lot of his pitches and let him get behind in the count.
He's very ballsy. He doesn't even always throw strikes with a 3 ball count.

It you can be very patient, you can beat him good. And make him throw lots of pitches.

2007-08-28 16:49:14
46.   Vandelay Industries
A couple nice plays by the Oompa Loompa.
2007-08-28 16:50:32
47.   Zack
Pedroia is exactly that kind of player Sox fans love to love, the Eckstein/Varitek, I'm gonna make sure everyone knows that I play this game hard" type.

Nonetheless, nice inning for him...At this point, there seems to be no reason why every batter shouldn't be working the count to 3-2

2007-08-28 16:51:41
48.   Vandelay Industries
Ok ok. Now let them tie the game, but nothing more.
2007-08-28 16:51:58
49.   randym77
Well, that was ugly.
2007-08-28 16:52:18
50.   Zack
Another pathetic play by our defense aka keystone cops...And Lugo runs like a girl
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-08-28 16:52:18
51.   monkeypants
Hmmm...do players only hit triples against the Yankees now?
2007-08-28 16:53:20
52.   Zack
This sure is shaping up to be what we've come to expect, one of "those" games. Score an early run or two but leave men on, then settle in and suddenly we haven't scored in 5 or so innings...
2007-08-28 16:53:26
53.   fansince77
I have seen more singles turned to doubles, doubles turned to triples or homeruns and I am sick of it...hell- Sean Casey scored from first on a bloop single to right last night...Yankee outfield needs to wake the f... up!
2007-08-28 16:53:46
54.   monkeypants
50 He did have a rather amusing gait.
2007-08-28 16:53:55
55.   Zack
Well thank you Dustin...
2007-08-28 16:54:02
56.   randym77
That was embarrassing. Did Melky think Damon was going to get it or something?
2007-08-28 16:54:36
57.   Zack
54 There was something to that left hand swinging out to the side, palm down, that, well, you know...
2007-08-28 16:55:11
58.   monkeypants
Is Kay seriously asking about bringing the IF here?
2007-08-28 16:57:17
59.   monkeypants
56 I think he was hoping Melky would get it, or else he'd have to make the throw. Imagine the aesthetics of that play: Lugo 'hustling' to third and Johnny tossing one of his lollipops in from the gap.
2007-08-28 16:59:54
60.   randym77
59 I think Damon is learning to let someone else get it if they can, precisely because his arm not good.

But why did Melky miss it?

2007-08-28 17:00:58
61.   monkeypants
60 He was watching Lugo?
2007-08-28 17:02:34
62.   Zack
Well, theres the tie
2007-08-28 17:03:02
63.   Zack
Scary, ugly route to the ball by Damon there, who always seems to be turning the wrong way in LF
2007-08-28 17:05:32
64.   monkeypants
Well, that coulda been worse. Now, let's see if the O can mak Dice-K at least work a little.

With Andy's pitch count rising, we might see Joba in a meaningful game situation for a change.

2007-08-28 17:09:30
65.   Zack
Yup, shaping up into one of those games...Had the SP on the ropes
2007-08-28 17:10:51
66.   randym77
61 That would have been difficult, since he had his back to the infield.

I think he was expecting Damon to get it or something. It just rolled right under his glove.

2007-08-28 17:11:14
67.   monkeypants
66 I was joking.
2007-08-28 17:11:23
68.   Zack
After totally different 1st innings, Pettitte has now thrown more pitches than Dice-K
2007-08-28 17:14:13
69.   Zack
Pathetic
2007-08-28 17:14:54
70.   OldYanksFan
We will not win without Giambi in the lineup, batting 5th.
What the fuck is wrong with Torre?
2007-08-28 17:20:42
71.   Vandelay Industries
70 He is still living in the fatasy world where the Yankees make the playoffs, and doesn't want him to get hurt before then.
2007-08-28 17:23:44
72.   Zack
Is there anything creepier than Michael Kay checking out a cute girl in the stands? "That is a NICE smile!" Shudder...
2007-08-28 17:24:47
73.   Vandelay Industries
72 I have some licorice in my pocket.
2007-08-28 17:25:06
74.   Zack
73 Ewww, stop
2007-08-28 17:25:53
75.   bartap74
72 To be fair, that was an exceptionally pretty girl. Also, the cameraman seemed intent on keeping the camera on her until someone said something.
2007-08-28 17:26:02
76.   Zack
Finally, Damon and Melky don't screw it up :)
2007-08-28 17:26:53
77.   Zack
75 No doubt, no doubt. But come on, its Kay. Its gross.
2007-08-28 17:28:47
78.   Zack
DON'T SWING AT THE FIRST PITCH!
2007-08-28 17:32:39
79.   williamnyy23
I guess the Yankees missed the scouting report about getting Dice-K into the stretch.
2007-08-28 17:34:13
80.   Zack
Yup, its the offense has officially gone stagnant...
2007-08-28 17:35:03
81.   monkeypants
79 I bet his ERA is much higher in the stretch than it is in the windup.
2007-08-28 17:35:37
82.   williamnyy23
Damon doesn't look comfortable in left.
2007-08-28 17:35:43
83.   randym77
Damon getting a workout tonight in LF.
2007-08-28 17:35:49
84.   tommyl
Freakin' Lugo is ripping the ball tonight.
2007-08-28 17:36:08
85.   OldYanksFan
(sigh).....
2007-08-28 17:36:09
86.   Zack
Another Kay home run fly ball out
2007-08-28 17:36:18
87.   Marcus
Does anyone get that "playoff atmosphere" feeling watching this game? And by that I mean the "eliminated in the first round" type?
2007-08-28 17:36:53
88.   OldYanksFan
81 Bet he gives up more runs too.
2007-08-28 17:37:04
89.   seamus
86 he called that as an exciting, deep fly which it was.
2007-08-28 17:37:27
90.   OldYanksFan
pastahurtin' Jeter
2007-08-28 17:38:06
91.   Zack
yup, that Pedroia hit woulda been an out if hit by us
2007-08-28 17:38:41
92.   williamnyy23
87 Nope...8 games out took care of that. The feeling I am getting is how are they going to lose this game.
2007-08-28 17:38:51
93.   Emma Span
That squirrel on top of the foul pole is making me nervous... first of all, because I've had bad experiences with squirrels (long story), but also because it reminds me of that crow that appeared at Fenway last year just before the Sox collapsed:

http://tinyurl.com/2yzw2n

Um, not that I'm superstitious or anything.

2007-08-28 17:40:10
94.   monkeypants
86 89 I turned the sound down in the second inning--it's been heavenly.
2007-08-28 17:40:43
95.   Zack
89 Kay started to go into his HR call. The problem is that Kay has no "exciting, deep fly call" nor does Sterling
2007-08-28 17:42:06
96.   monkeypants
95 They have the advantage--being there live--of watching the fielders. After all these years have they figured that little trick out?
2007-08-28 17:42:09
97.   Zack
93 Squirrels are way way luckier than Crows...
2007-08-28 17:42:25
98.   Vandelay Industries
94 I am jumping between this and the Cubs game. I need to watch at least one game today that has playoff implications.
2007-08-28 17:42:29
99.   williamnyy23
What an ass. Michael Kay just struck out Ortiz.
2007-08-28 17:42:47
100.   seamus
95 they are supposed to be the same, otherwise where is the suspense? Your homerun call and deep fly out call should sound exactly the same - until a result.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-08-28 17:43:01
101.   Vandelay Industries
97 Well, we have no deal with them.
2007-08-28 17:43:37
102.   bartap74
93 I think the poor thing is terrified. Every time it tries to get down, all these people start screaming.

I wish him a safe return to solid ground.

2007-08-28 17:43:56
103.   Zack
They should make Ortiz stay in his crouch as long as possible if its uncomfortable for him
2007-08-28 17:44:49
104.   Zack
Don't see Ortiz look that foolish too often
2007-08-28 17:46:45
105.   williamnyy23
Another first pitch out...is that the plan?
2007-08-28 17:47:27
106.   Zack
For the love of God stop swinging at the first pitch
2007-08-28 17:47:59
107.   mehmattski
105 He hit a meaty pitch right back up the middle... 80% of the time, that's a base hit.
2007-08-28 17:50:18
108.   randym77
93 Not all animals are bad luck:

http://tinyurl.com/yw5bsp

2007-08-28 17:50:22
109.   Eirias
Jeterian.
2007-08-28 17:50:44
110.   Zack
Andy has been living on the edge since the 2nd, whereas Dice-K has been mowing the Yanks down...
2007-08-28 17:50:51
111.   Emma Span
It's aliiiiiiiiiive!
2007-08-28 17:50:55
112.   monkeypants
Ha!
2007-08-28 17:50:58
113.   Zack
I'm glad I wrote that when I did :)
2007-08-28 17:51:00
114.   JL25and3
95 That would involve calling the play as it developed. But they both have to rev up for their home run calls, gearing for them well before the ball goes out. Or doesn't.
2007-08-28 17:51:08
115.   Marcus
Get that guy some rest.
2007-08-28 17:51:21
116.   mehmattski
Not lying: I was at that moment looking up when Jeter's last homer was (August 1). I take complete credit.
2007-08-28 17:52:29
117.   Marcus
116 When was Abreu's?
2007-08-28 17:53:42
118.   yankz
Do you think Joe Torre has read Moneyball?
2007-08-28 17:56:13
119.   JL25and3
I have to give Girardi credit (it is Girardi, right? I sometimes confuse him with Flaherty on the air) for a kind of subtle, underplayed joke earlier. It was when the ump asked to see the baseball, and Matsuzaka - for reasons known only to him - threw the ball all the way to the backstop. As Girardi described it: "He just took aim at the Bank of America sign and threw."

Of course, the Bank of America sign only exists on TV.

2007-08-28 17:56:14
120.   Emma Span
108 'Dude, you've got a bat on your foot' is just not a phrase you see often enough in sports pages these days.

118 No.

2007-08-28 17:58:14
121.   mehmattski
117 August 22... but I didn't check it in time, oh well.
2007-08-28 17:58:33
122.   williamnyy23
119 Actually, those signs exist in the ball park. I believe they only use the blank screens when there is a national game.
2007-08-28 18:00:25
123.   Vandelay Industries
If Pettitte can get through this it has to be Joba Joba Mo, right? Or does Joe grow some balls and let Pettitte pitch the seventh?

Gabba Gabba Hey!

2007-08-28 18:00:40
124.   yankz
Drew has a .638 OPS vs lefties.

Pettitte's at 99 pitches.

2007-08-28 18:02:46
125.   mehmattski
123 How about Joba, Edwar, Mo? The contrast could be killer. I could also support Farns, Joba, Mo, depending on when Ortiz bats, since getting Ortiz out is one of Farns special abilities.
2007-08-28 18:04:02
126.   yankz
125 One of three. The other two are making animal noises and quoting Vin Diesel.
2007-08-28 18:05:19
127.   williamnyy23
Incredible.
2007-08-28 18:05:38
128.   monkeypants
123 Unfortunately, Joe can't use Joba except to start an inning, so he can't try to go batter-by-batter with Andy. I would go Joba for two, but he hasn't been used for two innings in some time now.

Hopefully a run or two will take some of the tension away (A-Rod didn't help there).

2007-08-28 18:05:41
129.   Marcus
125 Not a bad idea, but don't you want to see Joba make Papi look silly?
2007-08-28 18:05:53
130.   yankz
Pettitte is clutch. At 103 pitches, I say he gets taken out. Let Boston feel the wrath of Joba.

Also, I hope Mo has figured out his Boston struggles (11.57 ERA in 4.2 IP this year).

2007-08-28 18:07:36
131.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
Can someone explain to me why Farnsworth or Joba cannot be brought in the game in the middle of an inning?? Am I missing something here...shouldn't a bullpen guy by definition be available at ANY time??
2007-08-28 18:08:53
132.   monkeypants
131 Farnsworth can't because he's a delicate flower. I'm not sure about Joba, other than they want to keep him in his normal windup as much as possible.
2007-08-28 18:09:24
133.   mehmattski
130 Not sure the "Boston" modifier is necessary given that Mo gave up a home run to Marco Scutaro in that period. I'm more concerned about his recent shaky performance than what happened in April.

Also, to add to 125 , I hope that Joba is used for only one inning so that he can be used again on Thursday.

2007-08-28 18:11:04
134.   Hocakes
Mr OK Jazz TOKYO

Joba- b/c the Joba rules say so and ain't no one fuckin' with the Joba rules, son.

Farnsworth - He just stinks.

2007-08-28 18:11:13
135.   monkeypants
Manny being Manny? Manny being Hideki? Manny being Melky?
2007-08-28 18:11:55
136.   yankz
PUNISH HIM!
2007-08-28 18:12:40
137.   mehmattski
https://humbug.baseballtoaster.com/archives/601521.html
2007-08-28 18:13:03
138.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
134
I humbly bow my head in silent comprehension regarding the Joba rules.

Can the new Farnsworth rule be he never pitches again??

2007-08-28 18:14:46
139.   monkeypants
138 Ah the siren's song: farnsworth has been pretty good lately. Unfortunately, what's the alternative? Vizcaino (who's been a bit shaky), and it gets worse from there.
2007-08-28 18:15:21
140.   monkeypants
Now THAT was a bad swing.
2007-08-28 18:15:29
141.   williamnyy23
Awful AB by Cano...had seen one of those in a while.
2007-08-28 18:15:34
142.   yankz
Gameday makes strike 3 look about a foot high.
2007-08-28 18:16:19
143.   seamus
142 gameday is correct.
2007-08-28 18:16:35
144.   williamnyy23
Yankees need 7 from Andy today.
2007-08-28 18:17:40
145.   JeremyM
141 From gamecenter, it seemed like a good at-bat until the inevitable swinging strike three...
2007-08-28 18:19:12
146.   Marcus
I hate Varitek.
2007-08-28 18:19:14
147.   williamnyy23
0-2 Andy!! Why would you throw a fastball!
2007-08-28 18:19:28
148.   mehmattski
Well... hittrackeronline.com gets to put another in the "Just Enough" homers category. Sigh.

and from the bullpen discussion... Viz it is.

2007-08-28 18:19:29
149.   yankz
I hate Jason Varitek.
2007-08-28 18:19:39
150.   JeremyM
God dammit.
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-08-28 18:19:41
151.   monkeypants
And the game is tied on a 325 foot blast. Sigh.
2007-08-28 18:20:57
152.   monkeypants
147 Oh come on, it wasn't realy a bad pitch, and it wasn't really hit all that well. Yankee Stadium/Fenway Park giveth, and they taketh away..only in different ways.
2007-08-28 18:21:09
153.   yankz
Alex has destroyed Boston this year, he'll win this game.
2007-08-28 18:21:23
154.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
I really HATE Varitek and that stupid 'C' on his uniform...
2007-08-28 18:22:09
155.   Marcus
152 Although Pettitte's his velocity on his fastball has dropped over the course of the game from about 91-93 to 87-89 (according to Gameday).
2007-08-28 18:22:30
156.   Vandelay Industries
If Pettitte gets out if this and Joe goes to Viz instead of Joba, I'll scream!
2007-08-28 18:23:09
157.   williamnyy23
152 When you are ahead 0-2 you don't throw a fastball over the plate. Period. It was a bad pitch because it was very hittable. Pettitte had at least one pitch to make him chase. Now matter how you slice it, that HR was the product of poor pitch selection.
2007-08-28 18:23:11
158.   OldYanksFan
As the ball hits the foot of a fan sitting in the front row. Was that catchable by Damon?
2007-08-28 18:23:58
159.   monkeypants
Is it still Joba for one (8th), or do you plan to pitch him two innings with the tie (unless the Yank's score)? Or do you go with Viz in the eighth?
2007-08-28 18:24:00
160.   JeremyM
On the bright side, Rick Sutcliffe isn't calling the game to remind you of how great "Tek" is, and how "Tek" is the MVP and the heart and the soul and the pinkey and left foot of the Red Sox.
2007-08-28 18:24:13
161.   Vandelay Industries
158 Yea it was. But you can't expect him to make tnat play, it would have been a really nice catch.
2007-08-28 18:24:19
162.   mehmattski
158 It was, Damon mis-timed his jump and the ball cleared the wall as Damon was coming down.
2007-08-28 18:24:31
163.   williamnyy23
156 The Joba rules really hurt in this game. The Sox can ride out Dice for one more inning (thanks to the Yankees showing no patience) and the roll out Okajima and Papelbon for 3 innings. Before you know it, it will be extra innings with Krazy Kyle on the mound.
2007-08-28 18:24:49
164.   JeremyM
I hope they take the lead here and get Pettitte this win, he deserves it.
2007-08-28 18:25:58
165.   JeremyM
163 I'm thinking they should go to Gagne, this is why they acquired him, for the big games.
2007-08-28 18:26:24
166.   monkeypants
157 I guess. I thought the whole point of pitching was keeping the batter off balance, you know, like avoiding obvious patterns (NEVER throw a fastball 0-2). He hit essentially a pop fly. A few feet to the right and we would all praise the efficiency with which he dispatched the captain.

158 He could have gotten it, but it was a tough play, especially since the wall is so high there.

2007-08-28 18:26:38
167.   Marcus
157 According to Gameday the count was 2-1. Is that wrong?
2007-08-28 18:26:44
168.   williamnyy23
165 Wrong manager.
2007-08-28 18:27:19
169.   Vandelay Industries
How the fuck do you not pinch hit Giambi here?
2007-08-28 18:27:34
170.   monkeypants
Now, I would PH for Phillips here.
2007-08-28 18:27:52
171.   williamnyy23
167 I saw it as 0-2.
2007-08-28 18:28:17
172.   mehmattski
Would taking more pitches really have knocked Matsuzaka out of the game? This is the guy who routinely threw 150 pitches a start over in Japan... I think he'd still be in there if he were at 104 instead of 94.
2007-08-28 18:28:25
173.   Vandelay Industries
So much for all Joe's bullshit he spouts about righty lefty matchups.
2007-08-28 18:28:28
174.   Marcus
166 I remember Matsui stealing a homer from Kevin Millar on opening day 2005 at that same spot. Definitely a nice play, nicely timed by Matsui in that case. Randy Johnson vs. David Wells game.
2007-08-28 18:28:32
175.   Shaun P
C'mon offense!
2007-08-28 18:28:43
176.   williamnyy23
169 You need defense for extra innings...so what's the point of trying to win in extra innings.
2007-08-28 18:29:37
177.   JeremyM
I'll be honest guys, I dislike Phillips as a player as much as you guys disliked Doug out....
2007-08-28 18:29:41
178.   yankz
Joe really needs to read Moneyball.
2007-08-28 18:29:44
179.   Vandelay Industries
176 And the myth that Giambi is much worse defensively than Phillips continues.
2007-08-28 18:30:30
180.   Vandelay Industries
Betemit? Seriously? Is Giambi dead?
2007-08-28 18:30:30
181.   monkeypants
Andy Phillips...you can only hope to contain him.
2007-08-28 18:31:01
182.   monkeypants
180 You would PR Giambi for Phillips?
2007-08-28 18:31:03
183.   yankz
Oh my- Phillips is at .699 OPS on the season. I had no idea he was that abysmal.

Anyway, nice job AP. I still think Alex wins this one.

2007-08-28 18:31:06
184.   williamnyy23
172 Yes...it could have...he has only thrown 120+ on five occassions and hasn't gone past 113 in his last nine.
2007-08-28 18:31:48
185.   Vandelay Industries
Johnny Damon!
2007-08-28 18:32:01
186.   williamnyy23
179 I was being sarcastic but fouled up the joke by repeating extra innings.
2007-08-28 18:32:02
187.   mehmattski
Any homer you can hit, I can hit shorter!

Ghost of JD > Ghost of Tek!

2007-08-28 18:32:05
188.   randym77
I think Damon's coming around.
2007-08-28 18:32:08
189.   monkeypants
HA!

Trading 300 foot wall scrapers!

2007-08-28 18:32:28
190.   JeremyM
OH HELL YES!!!!!!!!
2007-08-28 18:32:31
191.   williamnyy23
Dueling cheap homeruns...I'll take that trade off.
2007-08-28 18:32:45
192.   vockins
I remember a Damon in HR in almost the same spot, but I'm digging this one more.
2007-08-28 18:33:01
193.   yankz
YES!
2007-08-28 18:33:03
194.   Zack
I just got back, can I take credit for that HR?
2007-08-28 18:33:17
195.   mehmattski
I'm confused... does that count as "Smallball" or not?
2007-08-28 18:33:18
196.   monkeypants
187 Funny!! ; )
2007-08-28 18:33:21
197.   vockins
192 "Damon in HR"

you know what I mean

2007-08-28 18:34:05
198.   yankz
JobaMo JobaMo JobaMo
2007-08-28 18:34:21
199.   monkeypants
195 Yes, because by moving the runner to second, you clear the otherwise clogged bases. Those were pretty much manufactured runs there.
2007-08-28 18:34:36
200.   yankz
Dice only has 2 K.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2007-08-28 18:34:57
201.   williamnyy23
KC 3 - Detroit 0

Kind of weird to be scoreboard watching in a Yankee/Red Sox game.

2007-08-28 18:35:01
202.   mehmattski
197 I remember one in the same spot, just about 200 feet higher. Unless I'm blanking one another homer that was erased from my memory...
2007-08-28 18:35:07
203.   JeremyM
192 No idea what you're talking about. Never happened.
2007-08-28 18:36:05
204.   JeremyM
202 That one didn't happen either.
2007-08-28 18:36:15
205.   mehmattski
199 But, by bunting, you're playing for The One Run (To Rule them All, and In the Darkness Bind Them). Damon, instead of a seeing-eye single, hit a home run instead. Does that mean he failed?
2007-08-28 18:36:19
206.   Zack
So, Joba for the 8th?
2007-08-28 18:37:23
207.   Marcus
206 Hey now, the 7th isn't even over yet. We still have time for a Gagne implosion.
2007-08-28 18:37:31
208.   JeremyM
205 He was trying for a sac fly to advance Betemit to third with 2 outs, so it counts.

206 How about the 9th as well?

2007-08-28 18:37:45
209.   mehmattski
Bring on the Del Car Man!
2007-08-28 18:38:32
210.   monkeypants
205 It all depends on his moral character and his intent. If he tried to go the other way or square up a line rive, but was true of heart, you have to give him the benfit of the doubt and just be happy with the result.

If on the other hand he intended to pull the ball or sought selfishly to drive the ball hard for extra bases (why do they think they call them "extra"?), well, then I think it's kangaroo court time.

2007-08-28 18:39:36
211.   monkeypants
208 Right, good call on the sac fly attempt. I forgot to mention that in 210 .
2007-08-28 18:40:26
212.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
119 pitches for Andy? Yikes. I know we need this game, but we also need Andy strong for the next few weeks. He's easily been our most consistent pitcher. That's the type of start that can affect his next few starts for the worse, especially given his age.
2007-08-28 18:40:44
213.   williamnyy23
Pedroia and Lugo are really awkward.
2007-08-28 18:41:04
214.   monkeypants
Come on A-Rod, let's take the drama out of this.
2007-08-28 18:41:08
215.   OldYanksFan
I must say Dice-K is extremely cool. His reaction to JD's HR was hardly descernable.
I hate to say it, but with a 2 run lead with the top of the 8th coming, with MoJoba well rested, leaves me feeling cautiiously optimistic.

Let hope for an ARod in HR here.

2007-08-28 18:42:32
216.   Marcus
Wow, a LOOGY who actually gets left handers out.
2007-08-28 18:43:07
217.   williamnyy23
212 He has a 114, 116 and 117 under his belt and was ok after each.
2007-08-28 18:43:24
218.   monkeypants
215 I feel guilty, but I am weirdly uncomfortable thinking about Mo coming into this game. I know it's wrong...
2007-08-28 18:43:42
219.   mehmattski
I apologize for 209 , I did not realize that there was more than one Del Car Man.
2007-08-28 18:44:04
220.   pistolpete
218 Don't be, a lot of us feel uncomfortable with Mo after what happened a few weeks ago...
2007-08-28 18:45:05
221.   williamnyy23
I don't think we need to worry about Mo...whether he is pitching well or not his mere presence makes me feel comfortable.
2007-08-28 18:45:07
222.   C2Coke
218 And here I thought I was alone and too guilty to admit it.

But man, it's Joba now.

2007-08-28 18:46:15
223.   Zack
This should be interesting, no matter the result!
2007-08-28 18:46:21
224.   ny2ca2dc
Honestly, i hope Joba goes 2 - I'm ashamed to be scared of Mo right now. This match up, Ortiz v Joba, is going to be epic.
2007-08-28 18:46:32
225.   pistolpete
What channel is this game on, btw? I've been avoiding it until now to keep my stress level down...

And now I can't find it.

2007-08-28 18:46:32
226.   yankz
Dice5ERonly2K
2007-08-28 18:46:58
227.   mehmattski
221 Indeed. I think if my girlfriend were to call and say, matter-of-factly "We need to talk," but then Mariano Rivera walked in, I'd feel comfortable.
2007-08-28 18:47:02
228.   ny2ca2dc
222 220 218 Looks like we're not alone
2007-08-28 18:47:03
229.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
217 Thanks. Good to know. Couldn't find a game log for him that included his pitch counts, and I was too lazy to look up his starts one by one. I knoew he'd been over 100 a bunch of times, but I didn't know he'd been over 110 so many times.
2007-08-28 18:47:11
230.   JeremyM
Why did they pull Manny? Did he have to use the can and couldn't find one in left field? That's a break.
2007-08-28 18:47:35
231.   Zack
225 I have it on mlb.tv but i think in nyc its on 9
2007-08-28 18:48:00
232.   C2Coke
224 But then he won't come on again in the next two days.

225 My9.

2007-08-28 18:48:05
233.   monkeypants
230 Back spasms.
2007-08-28 18:48:30
234.   Zack
Tino is sitting with some fugly guys
2007-08-28 18:48:44
235.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
230 Gameday says injured back -- but I think he's afraid of Joba.
2007-08-28 18:48:52
236.   Zack
Come on Joba!
2007-08-28 18:50:05
237.   C2Coke
235 Thanks for cracking me up in this intense moment.
2007-08-28 18:50:20
238.   monkeypants
I guess they read the scouting report on the slider...
2007-08-28 18:50:26
239.   yankz
Euclis.
2007-08-28 18:50:31
240.   williamnyy23
Crap...now I'm uncomfortable...you really have to wonder about that pitch selection.
2007-08-28 18:50:48
241.   Zack
Get those nerves together man
2007-08-28 18:51:03
242.   mehmattski
Well, that was an anticlimactic at bat.
2007-08-28 18:51:10
243.   pistolpete
Damn it, I REALLY wanted to see Big Poopi strike out. :)
2007-08-28 18:51:18
244.   monkeypants
Not so much drama in that AB. That's ok by me.
2007-08-28 18:51:26
245.   C2Coke
I saw the walk coming as soon as Michael Kay said "he only ever issued two walks in all his appearances." Michael Kay and his mouth.
2007-08-28 18:51:44
246.   Zack
Wow, that was easier than i thought it would be...talk about anticlimactic
2007-08-28 18:51:49
247.   tommyl
My9
2007-08-28 18:51:49
248.   pistolpete
Manny had lower back Mannyisms.
2007-08-28 18:52:08
249.   Marcus
Well that was anti-climactic.
2007-08-28 18:52:35
250.   mehmattski
As the opening to a show with Jerry O'Connell and Kari Wuher would say...

SLIIIIIIIIIDERSSSSS!!!!

Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2007-08-28 18:52:52
251.   pistolpete
The Kielty K sorta made up for it. Let's all imagine that was Manny.
2007-08-28 18:53:03
252.   yankz
OH MY GOD
2007-08-28 18:53:13
253.   Zack
FIL-THY!
2007-08-28 18:53:22
254.   C2Coke
Goose Bumps.
2007-08-28 18:53:22
255.   pistolpete
if he K's Lowell, I'll kiss the TV.
2007-08-28 18:53:46
256.   yankz
Three of the best pitches I've seen in a long time.

I think I say that all the time when Joba pitches.

He has 2 sliders, eh?

2007-08-28 18:53:57
257.   ChrisS
Poor Hinske, that really wasn't fair.
2007-08-28 18:54:27
258.   williamnyy23
Damn Lowell.
2007-08-28 18:54:29
259.   pistolpete
I say the Joba rules get thrown out for any team in front of us for a playoff spot.

Good, my TV was pretty dusty anyway.

2007-08-28 18:54:33
260.   yankz
Weak.
2007-08-28 18:54:37
261.   monkeypants
Nice hitting by Lowell.
2007-08-28 18:54:46
262.   Zack
That was a pathetic attempt by Jeter...
2007-08-28 18:55:50
263.   pistolpete
Yeah, Jorge, we're all with you. WHERE WAS THAT?
2007-08-28 18:55:56
264.   Zack
256 Like Hughes, he adjusts the break to the pitch count (different pitches of course). They both throw a lazier, softer break early, and then a much much sharper, harder one with 2 strikes...
2007-08-28 18:56:00
265.   monkeypants
That...was...a...ball??
2007-08-28 18:56:04
266.   tommyl
Was that too over the plate or something?
2007-08-28 18:56:06
267.   C2Coke
262 Don't think that warranted as an "attempt" at all.
2007-08-28 18:56:41
268.   Zack
One more Joba!
2007-08-28 18:56:53
269.   pistolpete
This ump is trying to prove a point.
2007-08-28 18:57:04
270.   Marcus
Dialed it up to 99 on that one.
2007-08-28 18:57:11
271.   Zack
Kay just can't control himself with those 100 MPH pitches
2007-08-28 18:57:30
272.   mehmattski
SLIIIIIIIIIIIIDERSSSSSSSS!!!!!
2007-08-28 18:57:32
273.   williamnyy23
Devestating.
2007-08-28 18:57:43
274.   pistolpete
HA! I hope every Sox fan is cursing Joba right now for that fist pump...
2007-08-28 18:57:51
275.   tommyl
Screw the ump, just make'em swing and miss.

This kid is something truly special.

2007-08-28 18:57:53
276.   alterity
woohoo!
2007-08-28 18:57:57
277.   yankz
OH MY GOD
2007-08-28 18:58:01
278.   Jersey
Sick.

Just sick.

2007-08-28 18:58:01
279.   Marcus
Wow, this Joba kid is something else.
2007-08-28 18:58:03
280.   C2Coke
Joba throws 100 mile like he's eating candies or something. Easier than eating a piece of cake.

Man. He's awesome.

2007-08-28 18:58:05
281.   Zack
YYEEEAAH
2007-08-28 18:58:08
282.   williamnyy23
And that was his worst outing by far.
2007-08-28 18:58:30
283.   yankz
How bored must he be by now? I bet he let those guys get on, just because the game was getting too routine.
2007-08-28 18:58:37
284.   SF Yanks
How beautiful it is!
2007-08-28 18:58:56
285.   Zack
I'll chalk the walk up to nerves and the hit up to Lowell being his pesky self
2007-08-28 18:59:47
286.   williamnyy23
KC 6 - Detroit 1
2007-08-28 19:00:16
287.   pistolpete
Did anyone ever think, at the beginning of this season, a Yankee pitching prospect could make us all forget Phil Hughes? ;-)
2007-08-28 19:00:20
288.   ny2ca2dc
285 Roger that - and now he's over the nerves. sweet.
2007-08-28 19:00:28
289.   tommyl
Please, please let Mo hold it.
2007-08-28 19:00:29
290.   ChrisS
10.0 IP / 17K / 0R

Seems like a decent prospect.

2007-08-28 19:00:44
291.   monkeypants
283 Yeah--he actually relishied the ump forcing him to throw five strikes to Drew! Bring it on!!!
2007-08-28 19:00:45
292.   Chyll Will
[269} That was the best way to tell the ump, "kiss my a$%!"
2007-08-28 19:01:10
293.   tommyl
285 Lowell is a damn good hitter. He's the first one I've seen to hit the slider.
2007-08-28 19:01:13
294.   williamnyy23
From Lohud:
Daisuke Matsuzaka in three starts against the Yankees this season: 19.1 19 15 15 8 16. That's a 6.98 ERA.

That line looks eerily like Mike Mussina's last three starts.

2007-08-28 19:01:35
295.   monkeypants
289 Please let them score two or three and let Viz close it out.
2007-08-28 19:02:32
296.   williamnyy23
Matsui has had his worst ABs of the season in this game. I wonder if the added scrutiny in Japan played a role?
2007-08-28 19:03:19
297.   pistolpete
287 Unless, of course, he sits next to him on the bench.
2007-08-28 19:03:36
298.   Knuckles
294
'Cept Moose's last 3 outings totalled about 9 IP...

But yeah, it's nice to not fear facing Matsuzaka down the line.

2007-08-28 19:03:44
299.   JeremyM
294 Except you have to add 11 to the ERA....
2007-08-28 19:03:57
300.   C2Coke
287 I had never even heard of anyone named Joba in my life.
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2007-08-28 19:04:23
301.   tommyl
294 Um, except for the 19.1 innings pitched.
2007-08-28 19:05:05
302.   tommyl
298 You mean in one more game, maybe?
2007-08-28 19:05:50
303.   pistolpete
Ugh - I'd almost rather have Mo face the middle of the order. It's those 'dink n dunk' hitters that scare the piss out of me against Rivera.

I bet money at least one of those guys gets on and steals 2nd.

2007-08-28 19:06:05
304.   tommyl
Weaver going for the M's tonight. C'mon Jeff, help us out a bit!

Also, how far behind is Cleveland from the Angels?

2007-08-28 19:06:23
305.   Zack
When did Delcarmen get good?
2007-08-28 19:06:52
306.   williamnyy23
294 was not meant to be taken literally...
2007-08-28 19:07:34
307.   tommyl
Cano!
2007-08-28 19:07:49
308.   JeremyM
304 If it was Weaver v. Weaver, I think the world would spin off it's axis.
2007-08-28 19:08:19
309.   monkeypants
PH Giambi for Betemit?
2007-08-28 19:09:22
310.   monkeypants
309 I guess not. I wonder if Giambi and Britton are rooming together now.
2007-08-28 19:09:55
311.   williamnyy23
310 Could they be the same person?
2007-08-28 19:10:43
312.   tommyl
Well here we go...I'm beyond nervous.
2007-08-28 19:11:37
313.   Zack
Come on Mo!
2007-08-28 19:11:47
314.   JeremyM
Anyone ever heard this rap lyric:
"NY Rappers, Labels sign then trash them/
Cause the only one moving Big Units out of New York is Brian Cashman"
2007-08-28 19:13:38
315.   Chyll Will
314 say word...
2007-08-28 19:15:16
316.   Zack
Ahhh, my mlb.tv just freaked out!! nooooo!
2007-08-28 19:15:29
317.   Zack
ok, whew, its back
2007-08-28 19:15:48
318.   Chyll Will
Mo! If nothing else, I'm very happy to see that!
2007-08-28 19:16:15
319.   monkeypants
I'm sorry Mo, I doubted you. Please forgive me.
2007-08-28 19:16:38
320.   Chyll Will
Who didn't see the cutter coming... oh yeah, haha!
2007-08-28 19:17:50
321.   monkeypants
WTF with the strike zone, ump?
2007-08-28 19:18:11
322.   Zack
Come on Mo!
2007-08-28 19:18:16
323.   Marcus
How was that a strike and the last one wasn't? Weird.
2007-08-28 19:18:30
324.   Chyll Will
HA!
2007-08-28 19:18:50
325.   Zack
Awesome Mo!
2007-08-28 19:19:21
326.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Coco Chanel with the bat glued to her friggin shoulder huh?
2007-08-28 19:19:25
327.   C2Coke
319 Same here. Mo, I am sorry too.
2007-08-28 19:19:30
328.   Zack
its like Kay WANTS to jinx the Yanks
2007-08-28 19:19:48
329.   tommyl
YES!!! Its the normal version of Mo
2007-08-28 19:19:53
330.   pistolpete
Ballgame over. Yankees win.

Th-huh-huh-huh-huhhhhhh....

2007-08-28 19:20:07
331.   Chyll Will
Yes indeed! Yoo-Hoos for everyone!
2007-08-28 19:20:15
332.   williamnyy23
That was rested Mo!

I guess he can pitch on 3 days rest. Hopefully, Joe was paying attention.

Go Angels/Royals.

2007-08-28 19:20:23
333.   Mattpat11
Matsuzaka against the Yankees

19.1 IP, 19 H, 15 ER 3 HR 8 BB, 16 K, 2 HBP

6.98 ERA 1.5 WHIP.

But because he's 2-1, with the Red Sox winning in spite of him. he'll be called a Yankee Killer.

2007-08-28 19:20:30
334.   Knuckles
Gracias Johnny, Joba, Andy, y Mo.
Buenas noches.
2007-08-28 19:20:35
335.   C2Coke
Good pitching day is just beautiful to watch.
2007-08-28 19:20:48
336.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Order restored in the universe.

Now we need to put the smack down on Mr. Playsthegametherightway and Roger needs to take care of bidness on the mound.

2007-08-28 19:21:04
337.   Zack
NIIIICE..Somehow Andy came through despite living on the edge the entire time. Andy, Joba, Mo, we love ya!
2007-08-28 19:21:09
338.   monkeypants
That game was pretty much blue print. Now, no Joba tomorrow; hopefully the offense takes care of business.
2007-08-28 19:21:53
339.   tommyl
1.5 back. C'mon LAA
2007-08-28 19:23:45
340.   tommyl
I wish we had never let Pettite get away. Man, just amazing.
2007-08-28 19:23:52
341.   williamnyy23
337 On the edge? He only had 8 baserunners in 7 innings and all three runs came very quickly (2 HRs and 1 3B). Except for one very bad pitch to Varitek, I think he was very good...better than Dice-K for sure.
2007-08-28 19:24:05
342.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Damn Angels get 1st and 2nd one out top 1, then Scioscia "puts pressure" on the M's defense and runs into a strike em out/throw em out dp.

Ichiro then leads off the bottom of the first with a triple.

Dagnabbit.

2007-08-28 19:25:08
343.   Shaun P
340 But the draft pick the Yanks picked up for losing Pettitte to the Astros was used on Mr. Philip Hughes!

I know what you mean though, I wish the Yanks could have held on to Pettitte (and gotten Hughes, of course).

2007-08-28 19:26:18
344.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
even more excited for Wang vs. American Patriot Schilling on Thur. Let's go for the sweep!
2007-08-28 19:26:26
345.   williamnyy23
Damn...Ervin Santana is pitching on the road...they'll be no gaining ground today. M's are already up 2-0...definitely takes the fun out of the win!
2007-08-28 19:29:55
346.   Knuckles
Would really like to see Roger plunk someone early on tomorrow to set the tone...
2007-08-28 19:30:23
347.   williamnyy23
4-0 Mariners...oh well...so much for the good feeling from this game.
2007-08-28 19:31:01
348.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
345 Wtf is up w/ Santana's home/road splits?

Dude is stellar at home, but ops against on the road, to pick just one of his many awful stats is .992!

What is he, afraid to bring his blankie on road trips?

2007-08-28 19:31:18
349.   monkeypants
346 What tone? The "getting tossed and then suspended so Matt De Salvo can start tone"?
2007-08-28 19:31:36
350.   yankz
Pete Abe: "Chamberlain is going to give up some runs and probably sometime soon. "

Blasphemy.

Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2007-08-28 19:31:58
351.   monkeypants
347 Patience, grasshopper.
2007-08-28 19:32:20
352.   yankz
347 Good god dude, I hope your misery doesn't extend to other aspects of your life.
2007-08-28 19:32:21
353.   tommyl
340 Really?! Ok, nevermind then. I like Phil!
2007-08-28 19:32:34
354.   mehmattski
345 You would prefer the Yankees don't win on the days the Mariners do?
2007-08-28 19:32:59
355.   williamnyy23
5-0 Mariners...f#%@ing Angels...why can't they throw Santana against the Yankees!
2007-08-28 19:33:02
356.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Crap, it's Moose-esque in Seattle. Why do they even use Santana on the road?
2007-08-28 19:33:07
357.   Zack
341 I was mostly referring to the innings I saw, which were 1-5. But its more of just the way Andy goes about it. Lots of pitches, some hard hit balls, and always just seeming to be teetering on the edge of a big inning yet not. He's never dominant, never overpowering, never even really seems sharp per se, but just gets outs. I love it, but it can be tough to watch, no?
2007-08-28 19:33:55
358.   JeremyM
350 I admit someone may make it to third on him someday, but all the way home? I dunno....
2007-08-28 19:34:40
359.   williamnyy23
352 Luckily no, which I guess is why I have the luxury of focusing so much attention on the Yankees.

354 You inferred that how?

2007-08-28 19:34:55
360.   monkeypants
358 With Jorge catching there is always the chance of a passed ball.
2007-08-28 19:35:23
361.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
And . . . Santana lasts .1 inning.

2 triples, a double, a single, a walk. 5 runs.

2007-08-28 19:35:26
362.   OldYanksFan
Jesus... Seattle with a 5 spot in the 1st. OUCH!
2007-08-28 19:37:07
363.   Zack
And to think, people were talking about trading Santana and Figgins for A-Rod...
2007-08-28 19:38:52
364.   Mattpat11
Its not unheard of for Jeff Weaver to lay an egg.
2007-08-28 19:39:04
365.   Chyll Will
362 Personally, I think it's collusion, but I'm not all there to begin with.
2007-08-28 19:39:22
366.   yankz
Mike A. over at RAB posted this comment:

"Did Mo just break out the changeup for that 2nd strike to Varitek? I do believe he did…"

Can anyone confirm? It'd be pretty badass if he has that pitch down.

2007-08-28 19:41:48
367.   markp
Looked like a 2-seamer to me.
2007-08-28 19:42:17
368.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
363 I dunno. He'd come in awfully handy in a playoff series against the Halos given his record in that park. We could have him pitch in AAA almost all season, throw him once against the Angels when we go to Anaheim, and then have him ready for the playoffs if we have to play them. If they had homefield and the series went 5 he could win 2 games for us there!
2007-08-28 19:43:51
369.   monkeypants
Hey, WasWatching has an article up on Hughes' velocity. I'm surprised he hasn't posted on that before.
2007-08-28 19:43:59
370.   ric
first time i saw joba- nasty, but hittable i guess.
2007-08-28 19:46:18
371.   JeremyM
369 Yeah, I like the site, but he has his quirks (obsessions) at times.
2007-08-28 19:46:48
372.   Zack
370 That's what they said about Cy Young too :)
2007-08-28 19:46:54
373.   Knuckles
349 I was thinking more along the lines of the "Hit them and get the benches warned before they do the same to us, thus taking some of the inside part of the plate away from Beckett (and possibly Schilling)" tone.
2007-08-28 19:54:43
374.   yankz
I believe 370 is Sox fan speak for "I can't believe I thought Lester was good."
2007-08-28 19:56:15
375.   yankz
RAB says BBTN says Kennedy's coming.
2007-08-28 20:02:24
376.   thelarmis
joba is the 1st pitcher since 1900 to begin his career w/ 8 scoreless appearances w/ at least 1 strikeout each time. or something to that effect. courtesy of bbtn...

oh, and someone before mentioned his name. it was a nickname bestowed by a relative on his cousin justin but for some reason it stuck for our joba. i think his real name was Jonathan. again...or something like that.

nice win! let's take 'em again tomorrow. and the next day... : )

2007-08-28 20:06:41
377.   yankz
Pete confirms it: Kennedy's starting. No Moose.
2007-08-28 20:07:38
378.   monkeypants
375 Lo Hud confirms, supposedly straight from the Torre's mouth...
2007-08-28 20:11:22
379.   monkeypants
This is not meant to insult those who have passed on--but I wish Jim Dean were here to comment on some of these pitching moves. Not every choice has worked out, and some have been down right stinkers. But I would argue that the organization is using MiL resources quite unlike what we have seen in past years. Now, whether it is cashman who deserves the credit (or blame), who really knows?
2007-08-28 20:12:07
380.   ric
374
take it easy, i said nothing inflammatory...just an observation like, phil franchise is mediocre
2007-08-28 20:14:55
381.   yankz
379 I think he's done a solid job WRT to the pitching this year. Clippard, DeSalvo, and others have sucked, but cost little (for the Yanks at least) and he refused to trade away for some mediocre pitcher at the deadline. He chose the cheaper route to plug the holes that all those injuries caused. Igawa was a huge mistake, but IMO that's the only huge one.

Can anyone answer this question: Does someone who gets called up for only a short period, i.e. Clippard, get an entire year's worth of ML salary? Or is it adjusted for the number of games he's on the ML roster?

2007-08-28 20:15:08
382.   thelarmis
i'm very impressed with the organization making these moves. i'm super glad hughes, joba and now kennedy are here. it's nice britton is finally up, too. alongside cano, leche and wang is kinda neat. even better, we still have jetes, mo, jorgie and andy's back. me likey. let's rack up some W's!

detroit just lost, so at least there's a 2-game difference there...

2007-08-28 20:15:22
383.   monkeypants
380 We all knew he was hittable--his BAA was .103, so someone got a hit off of him.
2007-08-28 20:16:00
384.   yankz
380 I'm joking around too, I think everyone around here has a shitload of respect for Lester.

Please keep thinking Joba is hittable and Phranchise is mediocre. It'll make the next decade all the more enjoyable.

2007-08-28 20:19:22
385.   monkeypants
381 It depends on their contract. I could be wrong, but MLB players are payed monthly (or maybe bi-weekly). if a minor leaguer is called up, I think he gets paid for the two week s(or month, or whatever the smallest division is). But some MiLers have specific contracts (an extreme example is Igawa), so they would continue to be paid according to their contracts.

BTW--back-to-back jacks and Seattle's lead is down to 5-3. Again, patience.

2007-08-28 20:20:02
386.   yankz
385 Thanks.
2007-08-28 20:35:23
387.   monkeypants
Everyone has gone to bed, I guess. Too bad, since Weaver just got knocked out in the fifth...
2007-08-28 20:35:44
388.   Raf
369 He's posted on his velocity before
2007-08-28 20:38:31
389.   monkeypants
388 That was sarcasm.
2007-08-28 20:45:53
390.   Raf
389 Ah, it's hard to convey over the net...
2007-08-28 20:48:38
391.   thelarmis
387 i'm up, i'm up! yeah, knotted up at 5 after 5. go halos! (damn, that sounds weird...)
2007-08-28 21:14:39
392.   yankz
Yeah, I'm up, but tomorrow is one of those rare early mornings, so I'll see (well, not technically) you all tomorrow (although technically, later today).
2007-08-28 21:19:27
393.   tommyl
And I was just offered tickets for Saturday's game...hmmm...shall I see the President debut in person?
2007-08-28 21:20:51
394.   tommyl
Angels take the lead. Man do I feel better than last night.
2007-08-28 21:28:05
395.   Vandelay Industries
Holy shit! They actually did it! I really thought they would leave Kennedy down there. Having that college experience must have made the decision easier.

Well, they are doing all they can. It is in the players' hands now.

I smell Rocket Fuel tomorrow!

2007-08-28 21:30:34
396.   Vandelay Industries
Where is Mazzone? Do we have our Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux in the Bronx?
2007-08-28 21:33:08
397.   tommyl
396 Plus 1:

Hughes, Wang, Chamberlain, Kennedy

wow, I'm actually shocked. Who would have thought in April that our starting rotation on 9/1 would be:

Wang, Pettite, Clemens, Hughes, Kennedy

with Joba in the BP as our ace reliever.

Did Tabata really have surgery? or is he going to sneak in to play 1B or something? :)

2007-08-28 21:35:37
398.   thelarmis
ack. ichiro! just singled in the tying run. 6-6, 1 out, bot. 7th...
2007-08-28 21:36:26
399.   tommyl
What is Kennedy's postseason roster status?
2007-08-28 21:44:54
400.   tommyl
Angels retake the lead, threatening for more :)
Show/Hide Comments 401-450
2007-08-28 21:50:12
401.   rconn23
Just watched Joba the Great on the ol' DVR.

First time I've seen him. WOW. I know we sometimes overhype guys on these threads (Edwar, anyone?)but Joba's skill set is amazing.

1.)Youklis had a good at bat. Give him credit, but it was clear the kid was jacked and had a case of the nerves.

He attacked Ortiz with a 98 mph fastball in on his hands a little bit. Gutsy and I liked it.

Poor Hinske had no chance. Simply outclassed.

Lowell is a very good hitter and hit a very good pitch.

Drew should have been out on three straight strikes if not for a terrible call on by the ump. Still he dispatched Drew with relative ease.

I was so impressed and glad to see everything I heard was not hype.

2007-08-28 21:52:05
402.   3rd gen yankee fan
WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!

ok gnite.

2007-08-28 21:54:36
403.   thelarmis
399 i'm not positive, but i think it bodes well that he will be up and pitching before the september call-ups. i think that's part of the front office strategy here. since he's not an injury replacement, i think once they make a 40-man roster change, kennedy will be eligible.

buuuut, we should leave that for a more informed, smarter baseball mind than mine! : )

yeah, 7-6 halos! bases jammed, 2 outs, pitching change...

2007-08-28 21:55:35
404.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
How did Morales not score from 2nd on a 2 out single?
2007-08-28 21:56:24
405.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Doesn't matter, as Vlad cleans up with a 2-run single.
2007-08-28 22:00:02
406.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
403 Ah, but Saturday is September 1st.

(Also, not sure if the Yanks want him on the post-season. He's already nudging his innings cap iirc. Say he finishes the season in the rotation, then he'd be well over: plus you only need 4 starters in the playoffs.)

2007-08-28 22:05:34
407.   thelarmis
doh! i thought, sept 1 was sunday. my bad. see, leave it for someone brighter! ; )

10-6 halos.

2007-08-28 22:20:16
408.   tommyl
Nice time for Shields to remember how to pitch, eh?
2007-08-28 22:36:34
409.   Mattpat11
401 Ball four to The World's Ugliest Man was probably the worst pitch I've seen him throw to date.

And I mean that as a compliment. Both that he so rarely throws bad pitches and that he was able to quickly recover.

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