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Lightning McQueen and the Quest for More Meat
2007-09-13 14:07
by Alex Belth

I love to root against A.J. Burnett. There's just something about the looks of him that turn me off. It's the body language, the same thing that I don't like about Farnsworth--though Burnett is a far superior pitcher. He's the guy with the million dollar arm, ten cent head, the guy with great stuff who is only a great pitcher sometimes. He is able to get by with his natural gifts because he's been blessed.

Burnett will dominate a game for six innings and then not be able to finish. Or he'll go on a run for half a season where he's overpowering from start-to-start, and then he gets hurt or fades somehow. And always with the great stuff. But there's always something. And you don't know what that something is only that it is there. He's elite talent but not an elite pitcher, not with a career record of 67-65 over 9 seasons. Burnett has never won more than 12 games in a season. I know you can be unlucky and injured but you can't be that unlucky and injured.

He's a maddening pitcher because he isn't as good as he should be. Plus, just look at him, snarling, throwing that nasty stuff, always with some kind of stupid facial hair, man, it's just easy to think the dude is a dick. His 2007 season sums Burnett up pretty well. Guy starts the season and pitches from April through the middle of June injury-free. Then he gets hurt. What's new? After his start on June 12th, he pitches again on the 28th and then not again until early August. From April through June, Burnett was a disappointing 5-6 with an ERA of 4.31 ERA in 94 innings. Though he struck out 106 batters, he also walked 40 and gave up 15 dingers.

Yet since returning from injury on August 12th, Burnett is 3-1 with a 1.94 ERA in three starts, just over 42 innings. He's k'd just 38, and allowed 16 walks, but just 2 in his previous two starts. He pretty much gives up a homer a game--5 in 6. But he's gone at least 6 1/3 in each start and looked great. His last start, against the Devil Rays, was his best: 8 innings, 3 hits, a walk and a run, with 8 Ks.

So which Burnett are the Yankees going to see tonight? A closer, a legit wingman for Doc Halladay, or the latest incarnation of Nuke Laloosh? Which one is it, chief? Regardless, the Yanks are likely to hit at least one dinger and I wouldn't be entirely shocked if Alex Rodriguez is the guy to do it. Like to see him leave Toronto with at least one bomb, right? Leave them with something to remember him by. It'd also be cool to see Matsui get off the schnied.

Third big league start for Ian Kennedy tonight. He's been appealing so far. The Yankees have already won the series but since when isn't a sweep even nicer? It'd make the trip down to Boston a whole lot more comfortable for the team and also make it easier for me get a good night's sleep.

Let's Go J'an-Kees.

Comments (250)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-09-13 15:24:00
1.   Zack
Plus, a win tonight puts the Yanks 4.5 behind but just 4 in the loss column, meaning that a sweep of the BoSox puts them but 1 back in the AILC...Crazy...
2007-09-13 15:25:21
2.   Zack
I'll also be making the long x-country flight for a wedding right in the heart of "the nation" this weekend. Should be interesting to say the least.

If the wedding is not my own and not even my friends (the gfs), is it within proper protocol to keep myself informed of the score throughout the wedding?

2007-09-13 15:35:13
3.   unmoderated
zack, i can tell you from experience, it's ok to check.

i checked during my wedding, which happened to be the last game of the year in '06.

:(

2007-09-13 15:37:59
4.   Cliff Corcoran
I say it's okay to check during a wedding if your a guest, but not if you're in the wedding party (groomsman, bridesmade, or esp. bride or groom).
2007-09-13 15:38:25
5.   Mattpat11
I want this sweep really badly.
2007-09-13 15:43:17
6.   murphy
this discussion is one of the reasons i opted to get married during the off-season.
2007-09-13 15:49:25
7.   Alex Belth
Funny, but when I got married earlier this year, I was on my marrymoon with my wife and the Yanks got swept in Boston. We watched portions of each game together and were content with watching A Rod do so well. Then we turned the game off and had fun.
2007-09-13 15:52:37
8.   Zack
7 Ah, how things change, eh?
3 4 Thats what I figured. of course, I will be 100% surrounded by Sox fans, so as the Wedding, um, goes later into the evening it could get ugly :)
2007-09-13 15:55:57
9.   yankz
I'll never forget the day AB got married, it was the Cleveland walk-off game.
2007-09-13 15:56:18
10.   yankz
The game I refer to whenever I say, "REMEMBER CLEVELAND!"
2007-09-13 16:02:29
11.   Zack
Girardi looks like a goon
2007-09-13 16:02:48
12.   Max
4 I'm a photographer with my fair share of weddings on the weekends, and I can tell you that in Sox territory, not too many people follow this rule. It's fun to see people sneak off to check the score, or pull their PDAs out of their pocket to provide an "update" to other guests.

It's going to be even worse next month -- the DJs will probably provide semi-regular updates. I admit that since I got an iPhone as an anniversary present, I'll discreetly check mlb.com once or twice during the reception.

2007-09-13 16:07:54
13.   Zack
Why is Bobby in RF and Damon in LF?
2007-09-13 16:08:43
14.   Zack
Okay, wait, ignore that...
2007-09-13 16:10:26
15.   Mattpat11
AJ's due for a clunker.
2007-09-13 16:17:11
16.   Alex Belth
Nice play by Kennedy there.
2007-09-13 16:18:01
17.   Zack
Wow, Alex you are way ahead of my mlb.tv...
2007-09-13 16:23:29
18.   monkeypants
Hmmm...
2007-09-13 16:23:47
19.   Zack
I thought for sure Melky would catch that
2007-09-13 16:25:50
20.   randym77
I must say, I like Kennedy's stirrups. You don't see too many players wearing those any more.
2007-09-13 16:31:50
21.   monkeypants
Does anyone know the tradition of baseball dugouts being, well, dug out? My wife asked me when/why they are partly below the playing surface, and I had no answer.
2007-09-13 16:33:25
22.   yankz
Yanks have yet to hit the ball in the air tonight.
2007-09-13 16:34:05
23.   yankz
Does Arod look homer happy? It might be just me, but it feels like he's taking less pitches.
2007-09-13 16:34:09
24.   williamnyy23
Not much hustle from either Matsui or Cano on that double play. I hope they aren't already headed for Boston.

By the way, if you want to listen to an eye opening interview, go to wfan.com and listen to today's interview with Torre. Joe's complete lack of clarity on the Joba rules was shocking (and scary).

2007-09-13 16:37:23
25.   pistolpete
24 Joe's got a lot on his mind, and as long as Nardi has them straight, I'm not too concerned.
2007-09-13 16:38:40
26.   williamnyy23
25 Yes, but Nardi isn't making the decision about whether it's wise to use Joba for two innings in a 4-0 game, which means you lose him for the next two.
2007-09-13 16:41:29
27.   randym77
21 The Baseball Hall of Fame research department has not been able to find a definitive answer. I've heard three explanations, and no one is sure which is correct.

1) So the view of the specators won't be blocked by the players.

2) To protect the players from foul balls.

3) In the old days, baseball fields doubled as skating rinks in the winter, and having the dugout below ground provided warmth and shelter to the resting skaters.

2007-09-13 16:43:41
28.   monkeypants
27 Thanks!

Het, Betemit is in--that's smart: resting Jeter against a tought RHP, er...

2007-09-13 16:44:21
29.   Zack
Molina is a doubles machine
2007-09-13 16:47:08
30.   williamnyy23
How's this for a headline: Former major leaguer Mel Hall indicted on child sex charges

http://tinyurl.com/2a4sku
2007-09-13 16:48:27
31.   williamnyy23
4 I say it's ok even if it's your wedding. Heck, one time I carried a walkman in my back pocket at a wedding.
2007-09-13 16:49:25
32.   randym77
Nice to have Molina. I noticed Kelly Stinnett starting for the Cards today (with teammate Miguel Cairo). Same old Stinnett, below the Mendoza line.
2007-09-13 16:50:54
33.   Zack
Great inning by MM
2007-09-13 16:51:17
34.   seamus
Just showed up for this inning. Kennedy looked good.
2007-09-13 16:57:54
35.   OldYanksFan
Betemin at 1B? I'm glad Jeter is playing SS against a righty so Giambi can rest his sore knee.
2007-09-13 16:59:28
36.   OldYanksFan
Doc's sinker is filthy today. Gonna be tough to score runs if he keeps this up.
2007-09-13 17:01:36
37.   Zack
36 Not Doc but the ever annoying Burnett.
2007-09-13 17:04:39
38.   monkeypants
35 Hey, you're stealing my material 28 !

: )

2007-09-13 17:06:39
39.   rbs10025
35 Likely Giambi's hammies and that they're playing on carpet. I was surprised to see him start at 1B earlier in the series.
2007-09-13 17:13:15
40.   monkeypants
Jays announcer talking about HAH! yet AGAIN...
2007-09-13 17:15:06
41.   williamnyy23
The Yankees keep working Burnett to three balls and then letting him off the hook. If they would stop swinging at balls, Burnett would be handing out walks left and right.
2007-09-13 17:16:48
42.   hensley
Betemit didn't give himself a chance there.
2007-09-13 17:17:17
43.   monkeypants
41 He's throwing some tough pitches tonight--easier said than done, I think.
2007-09-13 17:18:27
44.   OldYanksFan
41 It hard to lay off those pitches. That's what makes him a good pitcher.
Everyone out tonight? Getting drunk for the Bush propaganda later tonight?
2007-09-13 17:19:35
45.   OldYanksFan
Meanwhile IPK looks like the real deal. Man, we're going to have good pitching for the next 10 years!
2007-09-13 17:19:39
46.   williamnyy23
43 44 I buy that when the hitters are behind in the count, but there have been a few futile hacks at curves on 2-0 and 3-1.
2007-09-13 17:21:40
47.   JeremyM
This kid must really look sharp. This is great.
2007-09-13 17:22:02
48.   monkeypants
46 So you are advising that they never swing tonight when ahead in the count? Or is the advice that they should recognize curveballs and stop missing them?
2007-09-13 17:22:24
49.   tommyl
Christ this kid is good tonight. He just needed Big Moose to prod him a bit. Wow.
2007-09-13 17:22:45
50.   Jeb
20 I like Kennedy's stirrups too...very 1978...perhaps an omen..

I also like the fact that he throws strikes.

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-09-13 17:23:42
51.   ny2ca2dc
This is really impressive, Kennedy might be more than advertised (maybe more like a #3 than a #4 or 5). whatever, who know, this is a lineup missing glaus & wells, but this is a hell of a performance. First inning over throwing, but now, damn!
2007-09-13 17:23:59
52.   hensley
Wow. This is the first game I've been really impressed with Kennedy. That changeup to Overbay was badass. Thomas is the only one who's really hitten him hard (twice) and his double could've been a flyout if Melky hadn't missed by a few inches.
2007-09-13 17:24:00
53.   williamnyy23
48 I think major league hitters should be disciplined enough to look for fastballs when they are ahead in the count. Also, yes, when you are leading off and have a 3-1 count, a take wouldn't be the worst thing, especially as Burnett can't hold runners.
2007-09-13 17:25:39
54.   monkeypants
51 Yeah, he got a little wild an put one guy on. It's also too bad Melky missed Thomas' long fly--it was a long run, but he got there and then sorta missed the ball. Otherwise we'd be looking at a tie game right now.
2007-09-13 17:26:42
55.   Zack
Man, thank you JD!
2007-09-13 17:26:49
56.   williamnyy23
54 I am not sure it's fair to say Melky missed that one. It would have been a spectacular catch punctuated by a collision.
2007-09-13 17:27:02
57.   JeremyM
I'm not up to speed on prospects, but my understanding is that Kennedy forecasts higher than a 3, i.e. there is a reason he was taken before Joba.
2007-09-13 17:27:38
58.   monkeypants
53 So, then it is lack of discipline that makes a batter mistake curve balls for fastballs?
2007-09-13 17:28:10
59.   Jeb
"Burnett will dominate a game for six innings and then not be able to finish."

Almost 6...

:)

2007-09-13 17:28:21
60.   monkeypants
Yay, Johnny--make me eat all those mean things I said about you earlier this season!
2007-09-13 17:29:18
61.   Vandelay Industries
Johnny D!
2007-09-13 17:30:21
62.   williamnyy23
58 No...it's a failure to adjust to what a pitcher's doing to get you out. What makes the curve so effective is you aren't sure when it's coming. If you recognize he isn't throwing the curve for strikes, you can put it out of your mind and focus on the fastball. I am not saying it's easy to do, but making adjustments is part of hitting a good pitcher.
2007-09-13 17:30:26
63.   JeremyM
I really like having Johnny in left, he's kind of like Tim Raines was in the mid-90s, with more gas in the tank (and a bigger paycheck).
2007-09-13 17:30:27
64.   monkeypants
56 He would have hit the wall either way, but the ball went right past his glove. Tough play for sure, but he did the hard part by getting there.

In any case, all is forgotten now with Johnny's big fly.

2007-09-13 17:31:04
65.   williamnyy23
57 Kennedy came out of a major program (USC) and Joba had both signability and injury concerns.
2007-09-13 17:31:26
66.   Jeb
Arod lifetime against Burnett:

.364 / .364 / 1.364

2007-09-13 17:32:50
67.   monkeypants
62 My question, and this is not a challenge and comes from someone who has not played much ball--how easy is it to identify a good curve? Is it that the players are not making adjustments, or that the tight spin on his curve tonight makes it difficult to distinguish from a fastball?
2007-09-13 17:33:27
68.   Vandelay Industries
Kennedy looks great, Wells and Troy "Pharmacy Online" Glaus notwithstanding.

I do wonder what Joe will do if we make the playoffs. This is a strange situation for him. Normally he would just stick with his rotation no matter how old or incapable they have been in the recent past. The Bill Parcells of MLB. Although Joe has won a playoff series in the last decade, so he hasn't quite reached Parcell's level of overratedness. Will he actually let any of these rookies see the light of day in the PS, or will he just run the same tired old arms of "veterans" out there?

2007-09-13 17:34:06
69.   Vandelay Industries
That's the fifth fastball right in the zone that Arod has let go by. What gives?
2007-09-13 17:34:20
70.   Jeb
66 D'OH!
2007-09-13 17:34:26
71.   williamnyy23
67 To my understanding, the curve isn't the pitch that mirrors the fastball. That's the slider. The curve should be distinguishable from the fastball.

Alex...two fastballs down the middle...don't guess!

2007-09-13 17:36:35
72.   monkeypants
68 He'll use Joba--the fact that he's bitching about the "rules" means that he's just itching to burn his arm out. Otherwise, it depends on the playoff schedule. If they need to use four starters, it will be Moose, Hughes, and Kennedy for one spot, unless Clemens is really injured. It will be interesting to see, no doubt.
2007-09-13 17:36:59
73.   williamnyy23
Damn it...that was a big opportunity.
2007-09-13 17:38:20
74.   monkeypants
71 Wait a minute--that's really only ONE fastball. The first one he should have taken, since he was ahead in the count?
2007-09-13 17:38:29
75.   williamnyy23
At least Burnett is up to 93 pitches and probably only has another inning left. It was looking like he'd go 9 innings.
2007-09-13 17:39:31
76.   williamnyy23
74 If you go back and read what I wrote, I said they should be sitting fastball ahead in the count. It looked like Arod was more concerned about the breaking ball, which is what I suggested they shouldn't do.
2007-09-13 17:39:41
77.   monkeypants
75 Yep! Hopefully Kennedy keeps up his efficient pace and they can win the BP battle.
2007-09-13 17:40:17
78.   Vandelay Industries
72 I guess I have little confidence. Joe has had opportunities to use guys on short rest before in the playoffs and went instead with "veteranness." I have a funny feeling that the reason why Farny can't pitch back to back days has nothing to do with himself, but a pretty good tactic to prevent Joe from using him up completely before his contract expires, and was part of the consideration he made when signing with the club.
2007-09-13 17:41:55
79.   monkeypants
{76] "Also, yes, when you are leading off and have a 3-1 count, a take wouldn't be the worst thing, especially as Burnett can't hold runners."

It's a quiet banter night; I'm just yanking your chain.

2007-09-13 17:43:24
80.   monkeypants
Come on Torre, don't panic now...
2007-09-13 17:43:39
81.   williamnyy23
Not the guy to walk...Rios and Thomas are really the only major threats to worry about.
2007-09-13 17:44:09
82.   williamnyy23
79 Was Arod leading off with a 3-1 count?
2007-09-13 17:45:06
83.   williamnyy23
79 Ah...missed the chain part...just don't yank so hard.
2007-09-13 17:45:29
84.   JeremyM
I'm really pumped about the way Kennedy is pitching, I'm kind of forgetting that we need some runs here.
2007-09-13 17:46:40
85.   williamnyy23
84 Hopefully, they can push one across. With Joba, Farns and Edwar unavailable, there aren't many options if this goes long.
2007-09-13 17:47:36
86.   williamnyy23
Then again, if the Yankees keep hacking, Burnett might be able to go 8.
2007-09-13 17:47:36
87.   Vandelay Industries
The thing I like about Kennedy is that he has the least trouble pitching with runners on of all the rookies. Well, subtract Joba. Of the starters, only Pettitte isn't on the verge of a complete collapse once runners get on. I think this will be helpful in the PS, as we will be facing better clubs. If we face Anaheim, I don't think you can let Hughes anywhere near that series unless he improves his handling of those situations down the stretch.

I don't know if anyone is watching the Toronto feed, but that mother in the front row ought to be taken out and taught a lesson, how you deal with children.

2007-09-13 17:49:42
88.   williamnyy23
7 pitches...those were pretty lousy ABs.
2007-09-13 17:49:55
89.   JeremyM
Boy, this was not a good matchup for Betemit, was it?
2007-09-13 17:51:05
90.   Vandelay Industries
And Matsui is still sitting in the first base dugout on his follow through.
2007-09-13 17:52:47
91.   monkeypants
That's Betemit's MO--tons of Ks. But sure has looked bad tonight, no doubt.
2007-09-13 17:53:39
92.   williamnyy23
89 I was thinking the same thing. Betemit loves hard stuff. If anything, Giambi would have been a better start just because he would likely have seen a lot more pitches.
2007-09-13 17:53:56
93.   monkeypants
90 He at least had a couple nice swings in that last AB--line drive foul and then line out to first.
2007-09-13 17:54:05
94.   bartap74
Is it too late for the official scorer to give Melky an error on Thomas' double?
2007-09-13 17:54:28
95.   seamus
kennedy is efficient with his pitches, eh!
2007-09-13 17:56:00
96.   monkeypants
A-Rod is going deep next AB. I'm calling it here.
2007-09-13 17:57:04
97.   williamnyy23
My goodness those two pitches were close!
2007-09-13 17:57:11
98.   seamus
damn, i say he is efficient and then he has that long at bat ending in a walk.
2007-09-13 17:58:49
99.   williamnyy23
For some reason, you can't see any balls once they leave the bat. That always seems to happen at the SkyDome. Anyone else having that problem?
2007-09-13 17:59:11
100.   monkeypants
Would you bring Kennedy out for the 8th, or try milking the BP to get to Mo? Will Torre go to Mo in a tie game tonight?
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-09-13 17:59:52
101.   ny2ca2dc
IPK, no question. He's only at like 90 pitches
2007-09-13 18:00:09
102.   williamnyy23
100 Kennedy...Edwar, Farns and Joba are already off limits and this game could be going extras.
2007-09-13 18:01:06
103.   williamnyy23
Sit fastball....sit fastball....sit fastball.
2007-09-13 18:01:31
104.   monkeypants
101 Normally I agree without hesitating. But long AB+walk+loud foul+line drive+Frank Thomas coming up = I'm probably overreacting.
2007-09-13 18:02:10
105.   williamnyy23
104 Thomas isn't coming up...he lead off that last inning.
2007-09-13 18:02:38
106.   Sliced Bread
Some of the waitresses behind home plate are wearing vests tonight instead of the standard issue polo shirt.
It's throwing me off my game.
Good thing Kennedy isn't as easily distracted as I am.

Oh, we're going to win... 'case you're wondering.

2007-09-13 18:03:09
107.   Jen
Wait a minute... it's the 8th already? I just home from work. This can't be right. Did we turn the clocks back tonight or something?
2007-09-13 18:03:20
108.   monkeypants
105 Ack...of course.
2007-09-13 18:03:49
109.   Sliced Bread
107 game's in Canada. metric time or something.
2007-09-13 18:03:52
110.   williamnyy23
107 No, but both teams are definitely playing like it's get away day.
2007-09-13 18:03:59
111.   Eric
99 Yes, I thought it was just me being near sighted.
2007-09-13 18:04:07
112.   monkeypants
107 Yeah, we turned back the clocks...to 1967!

yuk-yuk-yuk.

2007-09-13 18:05:32
113.   williamnyy23
They probably wont get anything out of it, but Molina and Damon have had nice ABs. If they had used the same approach all game, AJ would be long gone.
2007-09-13 18:08:35
114.   yankz
Um...Ian Kennedy has just matched one of the hottest pitchers in the bigs.

How studly is our rotation going to be in 2010?

2007-09-13 18:09:53
115.   yankz
Burnett hit 98 on pitch 118.
2007-09-13 18:11:45
116.   williamnyy23
115 With his stuff, it wasn't likely that they'd score many runs. Still, with a more disciplined approach, he would have been out of the game in the 6th or 7th. Hopefully, Kennedy can hold the fort one more inning and at least give the offense one crack at the bullpen.
2007-09-13 18:12:45
117.   yankz
Also, I like the chances of an Arod bomb in his specialty inning.
2007-09-13 18:14:17
118.   yankz
And here's to IPK and Phil having a long dinner together after the game.
2007-09-13 18:14:19
119.   Sliced Bread
Fuck is right, kid. Lead off walks suck.
Great job, though.
2007-09-13 18:14:30
120.   williamnyy23
Ughhh! Not only is the lead off walk bad enough, but it forces Joe to his gag reflex. Now the game is in the hands of a pitcher coming off a bum shoulder and who hasn't pitched in a week.
2007-09-13 18:14:45
121.   tommyl
I have a bad feeling about this...Viz, hasn't pitched in a week, was bad last few times out.
2007-09-13 18:14:51
122.   monkeypants
Let's see if the BP can keep its act together this inning. Is it Viz, or is he still shut down?
2007-09-13 18:15:51
123.   yankz
122 Viz
2007-09-13 18:16:41
124.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
If Viz hangs a loss on the kid's neck by letting the inheritted runner score . . . grrrrr.
2007-09-13 18:17:03
125.   Mattpat11
Stink in the game?
2007-09-13 18:17:04
126.   williamnyy23
Kennedy ends with 93 pitches... I think pulling him here is a mistake.
2007-09-13 18:17:21
127.   nemecizer
120 Too true.

But a 1 hit 7+ inning outing from a rookie is something I'll always want. I actually thought we could have gotten swept this series. It turns out we are fighting for a sweep, with a 22 year old going against a veteran.

I'll motherfucking take it!

2007-09-13 18:17:57
128.   tommyl
Not good. C'mon Viz, hold it down.
2007-09-13 18:17:58
129.   yankz
Via Pete: Some fans hung a sign in right field that says "A-Rod We Hate You."

First of all, how fucking lame are BJ fans?
Secondofly, how fucking babyish are BJ fans?

2007-09-13 18:18:04
130.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Halos losing tonight. If they lose and we win, iirc we're 2 games back of them, 1/2 game of Cleveland.

What happens if we're the wild card but have a better record than our playoff opponent? Do we get homefield?

2007-09-13 18:18:25
131.   Mattpat11
130 No.
2007-09-13 18:18:26
132.   williamnyy23
127 I had the same trepidations, but with Detroit playing well you can't settle.
2007-09-13 18:18:59
133.   Sliced Bread
126 I agree on pitch count, but he lost the zone pretty quick. Wasn't close.
Joe tends to be quick with the hook on kids.
I might have given him one more, but fug it (gulp) let's see what Viz has.
2007-09-13 18:19:05
134.   williamnyy23
130 The WC never gets homefield...never ever.
2007-09-13 18:19:18
135.   williamnyy23
134 Except the World Series that is!
2007-09-13 18:19:25
136.   yankz
What the HELL died on Johnson's face right before his Gameday pic???? Or is that a Dirty Sanchez gone horribly wrong??

I can't look, someone please tell me when his AB is done.

2007-09-13 18:19:58
137.   Chyll Will
So I've got the game on in the back and my roommate is puttering around, and I hear that Minky's in the game, so I say out loud, "Aw crap, they put Scrabble in..."

She immediately perks up, "OMG, Scrabble?? Ooh, I love Scrabble!"

I forgot to tell her that when I say Scrabble, it's his nickname... >;)

2007-09-13 18:20:05
138.   williamnyy23
133 The ball 4 fastball was very close. Only the curve that slipped from his hand missed by alot.
2007-09-13 18:20:20
139.   tommyl
One more Viz. C'mon.
2007-09-13 18:21:28
140.   yankz
I dared looked back. I saw that he K'd, so I felt safe to remove my hand from the right side of the screen. The shit (and I'm quite possibly being literal) was still on Johnson's face.
2007-09-13 18:21:37
141.   tommyl
Man, he's missing his spots. Just don't miss over the middle Luis.
2007-09-13 18:23:04
142.   tommyl
Ok, I was happily wrong. Nobody beats the Viz.
2007-09-13 18:23:25
143.   yankz
YES!

Viz to IPK: "I'll show you efficiency, kid."

2007-09-13 18:23:27
144.   Eirias
141 That there was the perfect place to miss his spot.
2007-09-13 18:23:39
145.   nemecizer
Viz gets it done.
2007-09-13 18:23:48
146.   ny2ca2dc
Methinks the rest did the Viz good
2007-09-13 18:24:00
147.   Sliced Bread
138 you're right ball 4 was close.

Whew... we got out of that one.
Thanks, Viz.

2007-09-13 18:24:34
148.   williamnyy23
Nasty...I have to admit when it happens, but Joe was right. I'd imagine Viz was throwing well in his side sessions, giving Torre confidence to make is first outing back a high leverage one.
2007-09-13 18:26:09
149.   williamnyy23
Come on Casey...you owe us one!
2007-09-13 18:28:03
150.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
136 Is it possible for a Dirty Sanchez to go right?

(Looked to me like a weasel or ferret was attacking the dude's face when they snapped the pick.)

Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-09-13 18:28:45
151.   williamnyy23
Arod just missed a hanger!
2007-09-13 18:29:29
152.   monkeypants
96 Or not.
2007-09-13 18:29:48
153.   yankz
ha :(
2007-09-13 18:29:48
154.   williamnyy23
Not one of Arod's better days.
2007-09-13 18:30:21
155.   williamnyy23
Jansen looked like he had nothing...you hate to let him leave with an out.
2007-09-13 18:30:21
156.   Sliced Bread
The BJ's pitched Alex very well this series.
Gotta tip yer cap to these fuckers.
2007-09-13 18:30:35
157.   yankz
Is Duncan available?
2007-09-13 18:30:51
158.   monkeypants
144 That's kooky talk. Do you mean that relief pitchers can't throw ever single day? I don't buy into your "rules."
2007-09-13 18:31:24
159.   rabid stan
151 That one had a noose around it.
2007-09-13 18:33:10
160.   monkeypants
157 Or Posada could PH here.
2007-09-13 18:33:12
161.   williamnyy23
156 The last two ABs are on Alex, but he's more than earned it.
2007-09-13 18:33:12
162.   yankz
Oh my stars and stripes, I just noticed that IPK only gave up 1 hit!
2007-09-13 18:33:16
163.   Sliced Bread
C'mon now, Ziller!
2007-09-13 18:34:35
164.   williamnyy23
Yanks need Matsui to get going.
2007-09-13 18:34:36
165.   yankz
Mink could potentially bat, with bases loaded and 1 out. I'm not sure Joe would send Giambi.
2007-09-13 18:34:59
166.   Sliced Bread
161 yeah, but they took him out of his groove, made him antsy. I credit that to good pitching. They gave him nothing up, nothing to drive.
2007-09-13 18:35:16
167.   rabid stan
Matsui doing his impression Ichiro swing again.
2007-09-13 18:35:53
168.   monkeypants
Well, that wasn't a blast, but...

: )

2007-09-13 18:35:56
169.   Sliced Bread
A thrilla by Godzill....

oh, we'll take it.

2007-09-13 18:36:05
170.   williamnyy23
166 And yet, he has had a hit in every game...that's how good he has been.
2007-09-13 18:36:58
171.   yankz
PATIENCE, ROBINSON
2007-09-13 18:37:16
172.   williamnyy23
Come on Cano...yuo don't have to swing at everything!
2007-09-13 18:38:26
173.   yankz
He swung at 3 pitches that were all inside (according to GD)
2007-09-13 18:38:30
174.   williamnyy23
172 I stand corrected...I guess he does.
2007-09-13 18:38:33
175.   tommyl
I don't understand. A ground ball was hit left of SS. Isn't that an automatic hit?
2007-09-13 18:39:00
176.   williamnyy23
DAMNNNNNNNNNNNN!
2007-09-13 18:39:04
177.   rufuswashere
175 No kidding.
2007-09-13 18:39:40
178.   yankz
Shit. Now pray for extras, and that Joe knows what to do there.
2007-09-13 18:39:44
179.   JeremyM
I was sitting high up for the Saturday game against KC and was stunned when I saw our shortstop make an average play to his left.

Somehow I missed the announcement that AG was in...

Well, that stunk.

2007-09-13 18:39:45
180.   tommyl
Sigh, now we do get the new and improved Joe Torre? or do we get Jeff Weaveritis?
2007-09-13 18:40:06
181.   williamnyy23
The Yankees should have more than 1 run in this game. They'd been winning these ones of late...I would hate to give this one away.
2007-09-13 18:40:12
182.   yankz
Robbie and Melky, in the crucial AB's of the game, saw 5 pitches combined.
2007-09-13 18:40:19
183.   Sliced Bread
what is this thing you call defense?

fuggin Canadians have a different word for everything.

2007-09-13 18:40:28
184.   Yankee Fan in Chicago
Melky and Cano are killing me. Was even one of those pitches to Cano a strike? Not according to gamdeay. And Melky? Runner on third less than 2 out is friggin kryptonite to the dude lately. Get it to-friggin-gether kids!
2007-09-13 18:40:37
185.   rabid stan
Britton or Veras will be our guy in the 9th.

I don't like it.

2007-09-13 18:41:01
186.   ny2ca2dc
Man, Yanks really victimized by some good Jayz playz. Err, the "YankZ"...
2007-09-13 18:41:59
187.   tommyl
Ah, its Jeff Weaver syndrome! I like Britton, but his place is not tie game, bottom of the 9th. That is Mo time.
2007-09-13 18:42:04
188.   williamnyy23
It takes 5 months to get him up here and now he is a tie game in the 9th...ironic. I have a feeling there wont be a 10th.
2007-09-13 18:42:27
189.   monkeypants
And this is how they are to lose?
2007-09-13 18:42:55
190.   Sliced Bread
Hi. My name is Chris Britton. I don't pitch very often so I'm going to start with something soft, and slow... right down the middle, just to see if I can find the strike zone again. Please don't hit it..

aww, I asked you not to swing...

2007-09-13 18:43:07
191.   tommyl
189 Yes
2007-09-13 18:43:18
192.   yankz
186 Now you owe me a dime.
2007-09-13 18:43:20
193.   williamnyy23
One precious game in the loss column about to go bye bye.
2007-09-13 18:43:43
194.   fansince77
I was gonna say- with that leg kick - there is no reason to throw...Britton is not the guy...this game is over.
2007-09-13 18:44:00
195.   Vandelay Industries
Now pitching and coughing up the lead for the New York Yankees, New York Giants QB J.Lorenzen,
2007-09-13 18:44:08
196.   Jersey
Maybe Joe forgot they're trying to make the playoffs.
2007-09-13 18:44:12
197.   nemecizer
I think this game is going to be a loss. What a shame. What a great outing by Kennedy.

Prove me wrong, Yankees!

2007-09-13 18:44:12
198.   monkeypants
{184] "And Melky? Runner on third less than 2 out is friggin kryptonite to the dude lately."

There were two out when Melky came up, no?

2007-09-13 18:44:27
199.   tommyl
Good thing we saved Rivera for the 11th when we take the lead.
2007-09-13 18:44:57
200.   fansince77
nice job Britton. Thanks for wasting my evening.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2007-09-13 18:45:05
201.   yankz
Dammit. Dammit dammit dammit. Robbie, Melky, and Britton owe IPK an apology.
2007-09-13 18:45:20
202.   Sliced Bread
the throw is.... not in time!

wow, I'm so fucking surprised. they scored a run off a guy who hasn't pitched since...

aw, fuck it.

2007-09-13 18:45:54
203.   Mattpat11
Oh well.
2007-09-13 18:45:58
204.   rabid stan
Blech.

One run off a guy who had trouble throwing half his pitches for strikes. They had this coming.

Britton will never be heard from again.

Robby may be dinged on top of it.

2007-09-13 18:46:06
205.   williamnyy23
This wasn't a very good effort by the Yankees...and Torre's end game strategy proved costly yet again. This was a game the Yankees should have won...it's a shame they didn't. Hopefully the bats show up in Boston and the Twins show up against the Tigers.
2007-09-13 18:46:27
206.   Vandelay Industries
199 NO! Joe thinks we have already made the playoffs, therefore you shouldn't use Mo, right?

And yet another pitcher refuses to go inside on Frank Thomas.

2007-09-13 18:46:47
207.   Max
The loss felt completely inevitable once we couldn't score the last two innings. Time to move on to Boston. At least this didn't take extra innings.
2007-09-13 18:46:55
208.   Jersey
You could see this one coming from a mile away.

Does this count as a Torre Loss? Seems like anytime Jeff Weaver syndrome appears, it should qualify.

2007-09-13 18:46:59
209.   fansince77
I am sorry...Yanks bats deserve that loss also. AROD sucked tonight (no I don't want to dfa him) and Melky needs to come through just once every ten games.
2007-09-13 18:47:04
210.   Mattpat11
199 Then you'd just be sending Britton out there in the 11th. Might as well end this before ten o'clock.
2007-09-13 18:47:36
211.   williamnyy23
I would like to see a list of pitchers who have lost games in a walk scenario...off the top of my head you have Proctor, Henn (2x) and now Britton.
2007-09-13 18:48:13
212.   Sarasota
Melky gets the horns for this one.
2007-09-13 18:49:01
213.   nemecizer
Meh.
2007-09-13 18:49:26
214.   Jersey
Could've been worse. IPK could've gotten lit. Hell of a start.
2007-09-13 18:49:59
215.   rabid stan
209 I think A-rod is officially off his hot streak with this series. Hopefully facing a few of his favorite pitchers over the weekend gets him back on track.

Or October could follow September like May followed April.

2007-09-13 18:50:16
216.   williamnyy23
212 I wouldn't single Melky out...most of the team looked like it had boarded the plane to Boston a couple of hours ago.
2007-09-13 18:50:24
217.   yankz
214 I'm not TOO pissed, considering there was a decent chance the Yankees got swept.
2007-09-13 18:50:32
218.   seattleyank
I love Melky's youth, enthusiasm and defense, but his bat is really hurting this team. When he's going good, he's an asset. But when he's not, he's a AAA hitter.

If Arod leaves, we could have a lot of nights like this next year.

2007-09-13 18:50:40
219.   tommyl
210 How do you know? Maybe we score 7 runs in the top of the 10th? or 11th? The point is to put your team in the best position to win. Mo was available, its a walkoff situation, the highest of leverage. You go to him.

209 You have to be kidding me. Burnett was lights out, the credit has to go to him. A-Rod had a couple of bad ABs, he did also get one of the few hits. Melky has come through before, and will again, it took a great play to save the runs there.

2007-09-13 18:52:15
220.   Mattpat11
210 I have full faith in the goofs after Rivera giving up a seven run lead. They almost did it the other night.
2007-09-13 18:52:17
221.   williamnyy23
Before piling on Melky, I think it's about time for the captain to start contributing.
2007-09-13 18:52:33
222.   yankz
I wish there was registration for being a Yankee fan. Via FJM: http://tradearod.com/
2007-09-13 18:54:29
223.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
Missed the whole game, but looks like Kennedy pitched a gem at least...
2007-09-13 18:54:54
224.   tommyl
222 Yeah I saw that. You just have to laugh. At Rosh Hashanah dinner last night, this guy told me Joe Torre was the greatest manager ever. Sigh. I love when I mention things like WHIP or OPS+ to people. They think I'm from Mars.
2007-09-13 18:56:08
225.   Sarasota
The Melkman did not deliver. Should have caught the Thomas ball and his throw to Molina was not that great. That said too many LOB tonight as well.
2007-09-13 18:56:20
226.   JeremyM
Obviously, I'm not happy about losing, but this is one that doesn't eat at me. Now I just hope the bats don't sleep through the weekend based on one tough pitcher.
2007-09-13 18:56:50
227.   williamnyy23
Even though Viz did a great job, I wonder if it wouldn't have been better to let Kennedy finish the 8th and go to Viz in the 9th? I guess this one isn't so clear cut, but still, this game seems like one the Jays were willing to lose until the Yankees refused to take it.
2007-09-13 18:58:18
228.   williamnyy23
I liked the sound of a 5 game loss column lead...4 doesn't seem so safe. The same is true for the division lead.
2007-09-13 18:59:19
229.   JeremyM
228 Yeah, Detroit still makes me nervous as well.
2007-09-13 19:00:18
230.   Start Spreading the News
This is the difference between the yanks and red sox: bullpen.

Whoever the sox bring in keeps them in the game where the yanks have limited options.

What i dont understand is why britton didnt pitch the eighth? Why vizcaino first and then britton? If you are going to use a pitcher that is good then you should use rivera. Otherwise if you are going to use an unknown, then use them early so you dont waste a good arm.

2007-09-13 19:04:17
231.   JeremyM
I'm going to be honest, I agreed with using Britton at the time and it didn't work out, so what can you do? He did pitch last Saturday, it hasn't been THAT long, really.
2007-09-13 19:09:13
232.   randym77
Eh. That's baseball. Can't be too unhappy. If you'd offered me 2 out of 3 before this series started, I'd have taken it.
2007-09-13 19:56:43
233.   rsmith51
I didn't expect them to win yesterday. Too bad Joba wasn't available for today's game.
2007-09-13 20:14:15
234.   weeping for brunnhilde
0 I know I'm always gushing over Alex' writing, but hot damn, this is delicious:

"He's a maddening pitcher because he isn't as good as he should be. Plus, just look at him, snarling, throwing that nasty stuff, always with some kind of stupid facial hair, man, it's just easy to think the dude is a dick."

2007-09-13 20:22:22
235.   weeping for brunnhilde
He's a strong man, that Frank Thomas.

(I'm watching the recast--I missed the game tonight.)

2007-09-13 20:23:02
236.   weeping for brunnhilde
Ack!

Melk could have caught that.

Not should, of course, but could.

2007-09-13 20:24:44
237.   weeping for brunnhilde
Oh, right, Kennedy does that Mike bend thing from the stretch!

Ha ha ha hah aha !

2007-09-13 20:29:08
238.   weeping for brunnhilde
24 ha hah ah ah aha ha h ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joe doesn't know the Joba rules!!!!!!!!!1

ha ha hah ah ah a

"I think," says Joe!

Haa ha hah ah ah ah aha !!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Who's running this fucking team?

ha ha hah ah!!!!!!!

"I'm pretty sure, I'll double check on that...the kid feels great..."

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

2007-09-13 20:37:50
239.   weeping for brunnhilde
That's one sharp-ass break to Burnett's slider.
2007-09-13 20:53:40
240.   yankz
If anybody cares...here's Jose Molina's postgame:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=IQE4j1Z2i6M

2007-09-14 04:58:28
241.   Sliced Bread
Good morning, all. No Maas was quick to chalk this one up as a Torre Loss, as Joe, once again, "failed" to use Mo in a tied game on the road.

In this case, it was not a bad move by Joe to save Mo for tonight's game, especially with Joba not available until Saturday.

It was a house money game, and Joe has to see who he can count on down the stretch. Even though Britton doesn't pitch very often, he wasn't a bad choice. He didn't get the job done (grrrr). Britton's probably completely out of Torre's dime-sized circle of trust now, which is unfortunate for him, but whatever. That sucked.

Moving on. Wouldn't mind seeing the 'Dorf tonight.

2007-09-14 05:03:07
242.   monkeypants
230 What difference does it make to use Viz then Britton or the other way around? In fact, isn't better (though counter to current baseball wisdom) to use your better pitcher in the higher leverage situation, even if ealier in the game, then "saving" him for later?

Using Britton in the 9th was not inherently a bad move, though it is not exactly how I would have played. I would have gone to Mo for the 9th, especially with the middle of the lineup due up. Now, if it was determined that Mo was not available for the game, I would have stuck with Kenedy in the 7th, at least for another batter, or pitched Viz for two innings.

2007-09-14 05:06:43
243.   monkeypants
241 Man, I thought I was bantering early! As I said in 242 , I would have gone to Mo. On the other hand, Mo pitched the day before, so he probably would not be available for today's game. Depending on Farnsworsth's back, that would mean Joba, Mo, and Farnsworth would be unavailable tonight.

It's too bad Kennedy seemed to run out of gas so quickly--if he could have stolen an out or two before Joe hooked him, then maybe Viz stays for the 9th.

2007-09-14 05:07:25
244.   Sliced Bread
Mo got the final 4 outs the previous night. Threw 19 pitches which isn't a ton, but Joe was right to save him for Boston especially with Joba only available for the Saturday game.
2007-09-14 05:13:41
245.   Rob Middletown CT
This was not a "Torre loss." The only thing I'd have changed is that I'd have played Giambi (either DH, 1B or at least pinch hit with him).

Mo got a 4-out save last night and the team is heading into Boston with Joba unavailable for game 1. Not using him is understandable.

Britton is a guy that lots of people (coughNoMaascough) have argued belongs. Ok, having gotten 7 from the starter, 1 from Vizcaino... Britton was not a bad move.

The bats didn't deliver. Burnett was filthy. Melky apparently (I didn't see it) missed a catchable ball. I'd put all of those things above Britton when assigning blame.

2007-09-14 05:13:56
246.   Chyll Will
My guess is that if Melky had come through with a hit in the top of the ninth, Torre's strategy would have been hailed as rare (for him, from what I gather with everyone here) genius. He gambled on a couple of runs and would have brought Mo in for the clinch, but it failed and he was left with Britton, saving Mo for the more important Sox opener. As annoying as a loss is in this situation, I don't blame Torre for taking a chance. We're still in a good position to clinch the postseason, even if we never catch Boston, so pass...
2007-09-14 05:15:30
247.   Rob Middletown CT
Oh, one other thing I'd have done differently - I'd have left Kennedy in. That isn't 2nd-guessing, since I was saying it as Torre pulled him.

Of course, that decision of mine may have lead to a loss as well. :)

It's hard to win when your offense produces 1 run.

2007-09-14 05:16:17
248.   Sliced Bread
243 I agree Joe was a little quick with the hook on Kennedy, but Viz was a good call, and proved Joe right.

Viz for the 9th? The guy had just come off a much needed vacation, which ended with a tweaked back. Yeah, he only threw 9 pitches in the 8th, but I can understand why Joe didn't want to push the envelope there.

Unfortunately, Joe's best "big picture" options were the dregs of the bullpen.

I didn't think of it before the 9th last night, but all week I've been saying the Yanks should use Rocket for an inning in Toronto. Instead of having him go "all-out" in yesterday's bullpen sesssion, would have been better to see him work against live batters, in order to get a better idea of what to expect from him on Sunday.
Anyway, the 9th inning of a tied game, 3 days before his next start probably wouldn't have been the best situation to use him... then again, the game could have ended differently, and probably wouldn't have ended as quickly as it did. Oh wells.

2007-09-14 05:25:02
249.   Sliced Bread
247 "It's hard to win when your offense produces 1 run."

That really is the bottomline, isn't it, especially the way this team is constructed.

245 "I'd put all of those things above Britton when assigning blame."

yeah, Britton doesn't get enough work to deserve blame, but good gawd, the only way he could have been less effective was if he blew the game on fewer than the 5 pitches he managed to throw. He pitched like he had no idea that he might possibly be used, and it's his job to at least appear prepared.

2007-09-14 05:41:51
250.   monkeypants
248 The problem with using/not using Viz for the 9th is (and I admit to wild speculation here) that it has nothing to do with Joe not wanting to push the envelope. If he wants to protect his relief pitchers, he should use them less frequently--having Viz go two innings, especially after the efficient 8th, followed by a couple days off is likely a lot less damaging then having him throw one inning eight games out of ten.

He still doesn't really grasp this. he seems grudgingly to follow the "Joba rules" but not understand the undergirding logic. If he applied such rules to ALL of his relievers not named Mo, then he might have a stable of relievers who could go one or two innings every night on a rotating basis (well, accept the delicate flower Farnsworth).

That said, choosing Britton was not the worst move, and was probably the best way to go once it was determined to opt for the second tier. Who else could he have chosen--Bruney?

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