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Rays Redux: Woe Is We Edition
2008-04-14 12:05
by Cliff Corcoran

The Yankees wrapped up four-game split with the Rays just a week ago, but the Rays have undergone a lot of changes since then, most of them injury-related. Matt Garza didn't pitch in the Bronx and wasn't scheduled to pitch in the brief two-game set against the Yankees that opens at the Trop tonight, but it's still worth noting that the team's big off-season addition hit the DL with a nerve issue in his pitching elbow and is expected to miss at least four weeks (home-grown pitching prospect Jeff Niemann pitched well in his place last night as the Rays beat the O's 6-2). In addition to Garza and catcher Dioner Navarro, who hit the DL in the Bronx after slipping and cutting his hand in visitor's dugout, the Rays have also had to place DH Cliff Floyd and third-baseman Willy Aybar on the DL. Floyd, who is one of the most fragile players in the game, has a tear of the medial meniscus in his right knee. Aybar strained his left hamstring.

There's irony in the latter injury as losing Aybar to the DL has forced the Rays to promote top prospect Evan Longoria and install him at third-base, where he's likely to remain well into the next decade. Longoria should have opened the season in the majors, but, best I can tell, the Rays were hoping to delay the start of his arbitration clock. The Rays could have continued with that plan by installing Eric Hinske at third--Hinske did start two games at third in place of Aybar before the latter was officially placed on the DL--but it seems the Rays are quickly tiring of seeing Hinske in the field. Hinske started in right field in three of the Rays first six games, including two at Yankee Stadium, but hasn't played the outfield in any of the team's six games since. Instead, with Floyd on the DL and Longoria at third, it appears the Rays have adopted platoons in right and at DH with lefty Nathan Haynes and righty Justin Ruggiano splitting right field and the lefty Hinske taking Floyd's place in the DH platoon with righty Jonny Gomes.

The end result is improved team defense, but a decrease in offense. There's no comparison between Longoria and Aybar long-term, but Aybar was swinging the bat well in the early going, hitting .292/.370/.500 before hitting the DL. Longoria, who is 2 for 6 with a pair of walks after two major league games, could match those numbers, but as a 22-year-old rookie, he'd be hard pressed to surpass them. Hinske and Gomes are also swinging well, but squeezing them into one spot to make room for the punchless Haynes is sure to have a negative effect on the offense. What's more, after a hot start, catcher Shawn Riggans isn't hitting a lick. Still, the Rays have played .500 ball since leaving the Bronx and have scored 5.17 runs per game against the Mariners and Orioles while allowing just 3.83 runs per game.

Things aren't going much better for the Yankees in terms of player injuries. Jose Molina strained his left hamstring sliding into home last night and, though he stayed in the game for several innings, now joins Jorge Posada as a catcher who can't catch. Posada can at least hit and has gone 5 for 15 with a homer and a pair of walks as the DH over the last four games. Molina, because he can't run (which was always true figuratively, but is now true literally), can't even hit, which is surprisingly disappointing as he's been perhaps the team's hottest hitter, hitting .421 with five doubles in the last five games. The Yankees are thus forced to not only call up Chad Moeller, but to start him behind the plate. The 33-year-old Moeller is 3 for 22 on the season for triple-A Scranton and is a career .224/.284/.346 hitter in the majors.

Here's the fun part. Molina, like Jeter and Posada before him, may not need to miss a full 15 days, so the Yankees are not putting him on the DL to make room for Moeller. Remember when Alberto Gonzalez was called up and we briefly thought the Yankees were going to put Morgan Ensberg on the DL with an ankle sprain which seemed to come out of nowhere? Well, to make room for Betemit, the Yankees are placing Wilson Betemit on the DL due to conjunctivitis (pink eye). Betemit pinch-ran last night and pink eye goes away in a few of days if properly treated. If Betemit was at risk of infecting his teammates, he wouldn't have been around to pinch-run last night, and it's highly suspicious that he suddenly came down with conjunctivitis in time for this unanticipated roster move. It sounds like a prank, but this one's for real.

I had expected either Molina to hit the DL or Alberto Gonzalez to be demoted in anticipation of Derek Jeter's return to the lineup tonight. Of course, Gonzalez is another of the team's hottest hitters (5 for 13 with a pair of doubles and a pair of walks since being recalled) and will thus give the struggling Robinson Cano a night off at second base tonight with Jeter returning to shortstop. Ensberg hasn't played since the team left Kansas City and has only seen action in three games all year, but I suppose with the catching situation the way it is, he couldn't be the DL fall-guy as he may be needed as the emergency fourth catcher. With Betemit on the DL, Ensberg will be forced into action this week as Alex Rodriguez is expected to miss a few games as his wife is due to give birth to their second child. That would leave Gonzalez and whichever of the team's four outfielders is rested in order to make room for Posada at DH as the team's bench during those games, as Molina will be taking Jeter's place as the unusable player on the bench.

As if that wasn't enough, Joba Chamberlain has been placed on the bereavement list as he attends to his father Harlan, who is in critical condition following a collapse at his home last night. Putting Joba on the bereavement list allows the Yankees to call up another reliever in his absence (which they have, bringing back Jonathan Albaladejo), but also comes with a minimum three-day absence for the bereaved player (but no maximum). We're, of course, hoping that Joba isn't actually bereaved, but merely worried, and that Harlan returns to healthy quickly for his sake more than for that of the team.

In the meantime, by mid-week the Yankees could be starting a back-up third baseman and a third-string catcher with a catcher-free two-man bench to back them up, and be without their game-changing setup man to boot. The Yankees looked to be pulling out of their early offensive slump (they've averaged 4.5 runs per game over the last four compared to 2.78 over the first nine), but Molina and Gonzalez have been a big part of that, and even without Molina's injury, that was unsustainable. Now they have to find another way to solve their offensive struggles, and they may have to do it without Rodriguez and with Moeller in the lineup.

Not so fun fact: Joe Girardi has not used the same nine men at the same nine positions in any two games this year, and with Moeller catching and Gonzalez at second, he has posted his 14th unique lineup in 14 games tonight.

Tampa Bay Rays

2008 Record: 6-6 (.500)
2007 Pythagorean Record: 7-5 (.623)

Manager: Joe Maddon
General Manager: Andrew Friedman

Home Ballpark (multi-year Park Factors): Tropicana Field (98/100)

Who's Replaced Whom:

Evan Longoria replaces Willy Aybar (DL)
Justin Ruggiano replaces Cliff Floyd (DL)
Jeff Niemann replaces Matt Garza (DL)

25-man Roster:

1B - Carlos Peña (L)
2B - Akinori Iwamura (L)
SS - Jason Bartlett (R)
3B - Evan Longoria (R)
C - Shawn Riggans (R)
RF - Nathan Haynes (L)
CF - B.J. Upton (R)
LF - Carl Crawford (L)
DH - Jonny Gomes (R)

Bench:

L - Eric Hinske (4C)
R - Justin Ruggiano (OF)
S - Elliot Johnson (IF)
R - Mike DiFelice (C)

Rotation:

R - James Shields
R - Jeff Niemann
R - Andy Sonnanstine
R - Edwin Jackson
R - Jason Hammel

Bullpen:

R - Troy Percival
R - Al Reyes
R - Dan Wheeler
L - Trever Miller
R - Gary Glover
R - Scott Dohmann
L - J. P. Howell

15-day DL: L - Scott Kazmir, R - Matt Garza, S - Dioner Navarro (C), L - Cliff Floyd (DH), S - Willy Abyar (IF), S - Ben Zobrist (IF), L - Kurt Birkins, R - Chad Orvella
60-day DL: R - Rocco Baldelli (OF)

Typical Lineup:

L - Akinori Iwamura (2B)
L - Carl Crawford (LF)
L - Carlos Peña (1B)
R - B.J. Upton (CF)
R - Jonny Gomes (DH)
R - Evan Longoria (3B)
L - Nathan Haynes (RF)
R - Shawn Riggans (C)
R - Jason Bartlett (SS)

Comments (363)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-04-14 13:57:59
1.   NetShrine
Note for Alex:

Your friend, Bill,
http://tinyurl.com/63rzvb

just made the NYT:

http://tinyurl.com/5eo3vj

FYI.

2008-04-14 13:59:50
2.   tommyl
Hahahaha, according to the Yankees, to make room for Moeller on the 25-man, Wilson Betemit has been placed on the DL, with...wait for it....pink eye! Apparently, he's too busy scratching to take ABs.
2008-04-14 14:01:13
3.   Alex Belth
Yeah, I saw that. Missed the meeting last week. Just when they go big time! LOL. I'm so pleased for them. Nice piece.
2008-04-14 14:01:57
4.   Cliff Corcoran
2 What do you mean "wait for it"? I wrote about that in the post above.
2008-04-14 14:15:47
5.   Just fair
Think before you speak, read before you post.
A strong start from Kennedy would help erase last night's bad taste. I am interested to see Mr. Longoria. I have wondering what all the fuss is about.
2008-04-14 14:17:20
6.   yankeemonkey
Conjunctivitis can, in fact, occur suddenly. I can confirm it as someone presently recovering from it...So while the timing might look suspicious, it might be well be true.
2008-04-14 14:17:21
7.   tommyl
4 Sorry, I rushed to post it before reading your whole entry. I'll duck my head in shame now and take a timeout.
2008-04-14 14:19:24
8.   Cliff Corcoran
7 :) (speaking of pet peeves)
2008-04-14 14:23:07
9.   tommyl
8 Sorry, was in the middle of a confusing calculation and wanted to the post the news on the latest thread. Didn't realize your pregame would have it. I'm a moron, I'm sure my gf would agree :).
2008-04-14 14:23:15
10.   wsporter
DL'd for Pink Eye is a step up from being DL'd for acute flatulence; a small step but a step none the less.

Couldn't they at least have given him a sprained toe or something and let the guy preserve some dignity?

2008-04-14 14:26:50
11.   willdthrill
Didn't George Brett go on the DL for hemorrhoids? OR was that just the commercial?
2008-04-14 16:01:52
12.   monkeypants
So, to review..they made room for a player by DLing a suspected healthy, useful player, while keeping the injured player on the bench.

That said, if AG can play some 2B, his value shoots up.

2008-04-14 16:07:30
13.   rbj
12 Yup. Welcome to Bizarroland Yankees.
2008-04-14 16:11:04
14.   rbj
Woo hoo, Damon!
2008-04-14 16:11:35
15.   Just fair
First no Michael Kay, now a leadoff hr from J. D. Beautious.
2008-04-14 16:15:14
16.   rbj
And a no doubter from A-Rod!
2008-04-14 16:15:48
17.   SF Yanks
Yankees, meet bad pitching. This is what you do with it.
2008-04-14 16:15:59
18.   quacks25
In order for a player to be placed upon the DL, do the Yankees have to prove that the player is in fact injured, or can they place a perfectly healthy player on the DL?
2008-04-14 16:16:32
19.   ny2ca2dc
10 It's better than Anal Fissures...
2008-04-14 16:17:11
20.   OldYanksFan
Looks like the heat's on in Florida.
2008-04-14 16:17:31
21.   monkeypants
And after I read JD his last rites and buried him a couple of posts ago. Where's Horace? He must be smiling...
2008-04-14 16:17:59
22.   ny2ca2dc
Is MLB.tv messed up for y'all?
2008-04-14 16:20:11
23.   monkeypants
18 In theory, I thought, they had to prove it. But does anyone in the league ever press the issue?
2008-04-14 16:21:44
24.   horace-clarke-era
Dunno, dudes, do the boys read us here? I mean half an hour after I post a calm, judicious defense of Johnny he goes yard. Same day I offer the soberly observant take that Alex isn't pressing at all, he goes massive yard.

I need to get here more often? Nah.

But it does lead me to a query for those hanging through the game ... Does anyone have the utterly perverse belief that what they do AFFECTS things on the field? Do you have talismans, rituals, things you MUST do (tv sound off, leave the room, stand up) to help the Yankees at critical moments?

Um, I hold my breath, yes. And uncross legs and fingers. Wanna make something of it? And yes, fine, the breath-hold must begin while the camera is on the Yankee batter not the pitcher or anyone else. No, I don't do it while we're pitching, You think I'm crazy or something? My brother has his hold-on-stomach pillow for playoff games.

2008-04-14 16:22:36
25.   horace-clarke-era
Yo, Monkey. Wassup?

The Demon Damon Rises From the Tomb.

2008-04-14 16:23:12
26.   monkeypants
24 see 21 ; )
2008-04-14 16:23:36
27.   monkeypants
25 see 21 ; )
2008-04-14 16:29:27
28.   rbj
So this is what offense looks like.
2008-04-14 16:31:32
29.   ny2ca2dc
Longoria seems to at least look the part
2008-04-14 16:31:33
30.   monkeypants
In my defense, I did call for Ensberg to get a start!
2008-04-14 16:35:26
31.   OldYanksFan
I love our Pitching! Hell, I'll even include Moose for old time sake.
2008-04-14 16:39:07
32.   weeping for brunnhilde
28 Actually, not really.

This is what bp looks like.

Not the same thing at all.

2008-04-14 16:44:21
33.   OldYanksFan
ARod hits the ball so hard, infielders duck!
2008-04-14 16:44:44
34.   williamnyy23
11 It wasn't the DL, but I believe he missed time in the playoffs for that reason. Ouch!
2008-04-14 16:46:14
35.   weeping for brunnhilde
33 Like little league.
2008-04-14 16:47:17
36.   tommyl
Anyone else think Moeller does not exactly look like a baseball player? I sort of expect him to be teaching 8th grade chemistry or something.
2008-04-14 16:48:11
37.   williamnyy23
34 And here's the confirmation. It was the 1980 WS.

Man, I never thought I'd post a link the following website: http://tinyurl.com/e44rw

2008-04-14 16:48:33
38.   williamnyy23
I miss Bengie.
2008-04-14 16:50:48
39.   ny2ca2dc
38 You mean Yadier.
2008-04-14 16:51:13
40.   Just fair
My dad always told me if I wanted to make the Bigs I should be a catcher. I kind of wish had been more insistent.
2008-04-14 16:53:48
41.   OldYanksFan
Off topic: Is there a reason we dont have more 5 games series? Teams could play the other divisions 10 games (works nicely), each team would use their full SR in each series, and it should cut down on travel days.

Yanks would play the West (40 games), Central (50 games) and 4 teams in the East (18 games each).

Seems like better series and less travel.

2008-04-14 16:58:51
42.   monkeypants
41 I guess 3 game series are a relic of the old days. It might be hard to fit the long series around weekends and still keep travel/off days somewhat regular, but otherwise there is no fundamental reason they should not work.

BTW, your scheme left out those pesky interleague games.

2008-04-14 17:01:17
43.   williamnyy23
That's good baseball!!
2008-04-14 17:01:38
44.   Zack
hey look, someone else messing up a pitch out!
2008-04-14 17:01:39
45.   weeping for brunnhilde
I can't believe what I just saw!

Crazy!

2008-04-14 17:01:44
46.   williamnyy23
39 Yes! Why can't I get this down! Jose damn it!
2008-04-14 17:01:50
47.   claybeez
Nice job by Moeller.
2008-04-14 17:02:26
48.   weeping for brunnhilde
44 Someone else?
2008-04-14 17:05:28
49.   Zack
The offense lives!!
2008-04-14 17:05:34
50.   williamnyy23
Runs...what are those?
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-04-14 17:05:41
51.   tommyl
Oh, so this is offense?
2008-04-14 17:06:38
52.   tommyl
Maybe next year they should have spring training in Maine. That way no matter where else they play it will seem warm.
2008-04-14 17:06:46
53.   horace-clarke-era
Demon Damon Rides Again!

Makes Ol' Hoss Proud.

2008-04-14 17:07:46
54.   williamnyy23
Captain Crunch!
2008-04-14 17:08:06
55.   monkeypants
53 see 27 ,26 ;)
2008-04-14 17:08:08
56.   rbj
Me likey.
2008-04-14 17:08:44
57.   horace-clarke-era
Stuck that one where the Sonnanstine!

Have to lay this at the feet of Moeller. Hitting a pitchout? That was VLAD Moeller.

2008-04-14 17:09:15
58.   OldYanksFan
Sox up 1-0 after 3. Lester with a no-no so far.
2008-04-14 17:09:32
59.   horace-clarke-era
Monkey, I know you've not been so happy to be wrong in awhile. :)

L'il heat thas all the boy needed.

2008-04-14 17:10:18
60.   ms october
55 guess i owe jd a bit of an apology too.
but to slightly rain on the parade this poor guy sonnastine had almost nothing. but, these are the kind of games that help get timing/comfort/confidence up, so i likey too.
2008-04-14 17:11:15
61.   monkeypants
58 Hughes sucks!!!
.
.
.
Sorry about that.
2008-04-14 17:11:22
62.   OldYanksFan
This is really shitty. Basically nothing to complain about tonight. Must give Mattpatt a real headache.

Maybe Joe will throw us a bone and let Farns have an inning or 2.

2008-04-14 17:14:40
63.   rbj
62 I'd like the Giants, err, Yankees score another touchdown before Farnsy shows up.
2008-04-14 17:16:25
64.   SF Yanks
There has to be a correlation between weather and Yankee offense. Cold in April, May, heats up, cold in October... ring any bells? Wait, that sort of sounds like the Yankee offense.
2008-04-14 17:24:36
65.   williamnyy23
Damon giveth...and Damon taketh.

That is not a 2B!! Kennedy doesn't deserve an earned run.

2008-04-14 17:25:27
66.   bartap74
How was that not an error on Damon?
2008-04-14 17:26:15
67.   OldYanksFan
Can I complain now?
2008-04-14 17:27:02
68.   claybeez
66 I think they've done away with errors. Makes for more simple record keeping.
2008-04-14 17:28:30
69.   Zack
Wait, Ensberg is playing? Wow, and he has a hit! Maybe he can play more now...
2008-04-14 17:28:49
70.   OldYanksFan
Are the official scorers homers? It hit off his glove and he wasn't running full out.
2008-04-14 17:32:19
71.   ms october
68 70 i think the official scorer is the one banging on that cowbell
2008-04-14 17:32:20
72.   monkeypants
68 From a philosophical standpoint, I've wondered if they really shouldn't just do away with errors. If you hit it and get on base, it's a hit. If they ever develop more sophisticated defensive metrics, errors as a measure of defense would be basically irrelevant. the only people who would complain are the pitchers--I wonder how many unearned runs Ps give up per season, on average?
2008-04-14 17:33:41
73.   monkeypants
70 "Are the official scorers homers?"

Aren't all official scorers homers? They are employees of the home team, after all (or has MLB started to use official league scorers?).

2008-04-14 17:39:08
74.   nyyfan22
Waldman was saying "there's signs here... More Cowbell.." she can't understand it. Uhhh - ever heard of SNL, Suzyn?
2008-04-14 17:39:19
75.   Jeb
hey gang. I normally only come on here when we lose, but how are we looking tonight? More importantly, how's IPK doing?
2008-04-14 17:40:03
76.   ChrisS
I wonder if this is the year that Melky breaks out and puts up an OPS+ over 100?

In any event, I like that the Yankees are putting up some runs.

2008-04-14 17:40:18
77.   OldYanksFan
Oops
Lester loses the no-no... and the shut out... and the lead. Tribe up 2-1 after 4.
2008-04-14 17:41:29
78.   ny2ca2dc
77 Oh Nhoes, You Jinxed It!
2008-04-14 17:42:35
79.   ChrisS
75 If he can cut down on the 6-pitch strikeouts, he'll should be able to see the 7th.
2008-04-14 17:42:35
80.   ChrisS
75 If he can cut down on the 6-pitch strikeouts, he'll should be able to see the 7th.
2008-04-14 17:42:47
81.   Jeb
72 that would inflate averages, which is unfair to historical players unless you want to rewrite history and we can just talk about that year Ted Williams hit .415
2008-04-14 17:44:07
82.   ChrisS
Yikes, the dreaded double post. And at least IPK seems to be mostly missing down, which makes for fewer bombs.
2008-04-14 17:44:18
83.   Jeb
76 he's at 128 right now. decent start anyway.
2008-04-14 17:45:22
84.   monkeypants
81 I bet it wouldn't affect averages too much, and one always could adjust the historical numbers or use something like BA+ (adjusted for context) Remember, walks used to count as hits once, and balls that bounced over the fence counted as homers. Yet we and the record books survived.
2008-04-14 17:45:33
85.   ny2ca2dc
I wish the Rays' broadcast would turn down the audience mic. I hate how the dopes' voices always carry.
2008-04-14 17:46:36
86.   Jeb
84 I didn't.
2008-04-14 17:47:47
87.   OldYanksFan
Funny... when Big Papi is hitting under .100, he kinda looks like... well... Fat Papi.
2008-04-14 17:47:47
88.   rufuswashere
I am extremely happy with Kennedy's pitching tonight. I now see why he's compared to Maddux in the latest ESPN mag.
2008-04-14 17:47:49
89.   Jeb
guys I just flipped it on MLBTV. Do y'all think IPK can go 7?
2008-04-14 17:48:55
90.   ChrisS
76 Didn't B-R.com used to update stats only after the end of the season? Or am I mis-remembering?

Hell, IPK might get that ERA down in the 7s tonight.

2008-04-14 17:50:02
91.   ny2ca2dc
89 He's at 71 pitches (45 strikes BTW), so a nice 14.2 pit/in, which if he can hold works almost perfectly to 7 innings for 100 pitches. So I'd say ya, if he can keep this up.
2008-04-14 17:50:13
92.   Jeb
Buff Bagwell and the Nasty Boys will be a Tropicana this weekend? HOLY SHIT those people will do anything to put fannies in the seats.
2008-04-14 17:51:27
93.   Jeb
90 I think you're right, except last year they did do standings and pythag projections. Now they're updated daily.
2008-04-14 17:54:14
94.   ChrisS
89 how is mlb.tv? I travel a bunch for work, mostly west of the Mississippi, and I was thinking of picking up the subscription so I could the watch the Yanks in laptop glory.
2008-04-14 17:56:05
95.   williamnyy23
Alright...who is goign to say it first?
2008-04-14 17:57:35
96.   williamnyy23
90 Last year, B-R started updating stats, including OPS+, daily.
2008-04-14 17:58:02
97.   ChrisS
95 Is there a hold-up with the game?
2008-04-14 17:58:15
98.   williamnyy23
94 It's usually great, but for some reason it's not working today.
2008-04-14 17:58:27
99.   Yankees Brasil
89 Mlb.tv working with you? Here it's not even showing the "watch" icon.
2008-04-14 17:58:44
100.   ny2ca2dc
94 It works fine if you can get a decent internet hookup in your hotel - which can be a challenge, at least for me.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-04-14 17:59:08
101.   Zack
Lester having another typical, look great for three and collapse in 5 after throwing tons of pitches type star...4-1 Cleveland in 5th and threatening for more...
2008-04-14 17:59:16
102.   rbj
Heh, so Longoria tries to steal first.
2008-04-14 17:59:17
103.   williamnyy23
97 I meant who was going to say AG would have had that ball?
2008-04-14 17:59:30
104.   ny2ca2dc
MLB came around today for me about 20 mins into the game. Before that it wasn't coming up.
2008-04-14 18:00:31
105.   ChrisS
100 I have a sprint mobile broadband card, which typically provides a solid connection (locale dependent).
2008-04-14 18:01:07
106.   williamnyy23
Thank you BJ Upton.
2008-04-14 18:01:20
107.   ny2ca2dc
103 I think Jeter is looking reasonably spry - I'm glad he got to that ball at all... Upton is, uh, kind of fast, after all. So I cut Jete some slack there. There was a play up the middle earlier I was a little surprised he made so cleanly.
2008-04-14 18:01:31
108.   ChrisS
ESPN Gamecast is stuck on Jeter coming to the plate.
2008-04-14 18:01:36
109.   rbj
Yes, Chad, way to leave them hanging in Florida.

(Well someone had to say it)

2008-04-14 18:02:29
110.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
92 Buff Bagwell???? Huh??
2008-04-14 18:02:40
111.   ny2ca2dc
What an idiot. Stealing third with a 5 run deficit? Bench that dude.
2008-04-14 18:03:15
112.   OldYanksFan
Lester out. Bases loaded, 1 out, Tribe up 4-1.
2008-04-14 18:03:42
113.   ny2ca2dc
Just like that.
2008-04-14 18:05:04
114.   williamnyy23
107 I agree...Jeter has looked better on defense...before and after the injury. Still, I was really impressed by AG, especially his arm. I was skeptical of the reports touting him as a top defender, but he turned me around.
2008-04-14 18:05:16
115.   Zack
Nice sequence there Kennedy. Call it a day, goo djob
2008-04-14 18:05:38
116.   rbj
Good game by IPK. I would not have him start the 7th. Let the kid end on a high note.
2008-04-14 18:05:45
117.   monkeypants
I'm "watching" the game on Gameday--what the hell is going on?
2008-04-14 18:05:47
118.   williamnyy23
Kennedy is pitching a nice game...and he is actually throwing better than the numbers indicate.
2008-04-14 18:05:50
119.   Eirias
I like the four straight changeups. Interesting idea.
2008-04-14 18:05:53
120.   Yankees Brasil
Nice sequence there, 4 straight changeups. Dude swung through 3 of them.
2008-04-14 18:07:04
121.   ny2ca2dc
114 That's cool - I hadn't really noticed one way or another. Think he's good enough on D to be worth a spot over Betemit? Betemit (maybe plus something smallish) ought to fetch a nice lefty reliever if AG were worth bringing up. I would guess no though, I'm a Betemit fan.
2008-04-14 18:07:29
122.   williamnyy23
119 Jim Kaat would be happy. Each one was better than the previous. That's very impressive.
2008-04-14 18:08:36
123.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
Gamecast still frozen!
2008-04-14 18:08:53
124.   OldYanksFan
Considering JD's flub was an obvious error, IPK's line should be 1 ER, 6 hits in 6 IPs. That's pretty tasty.
2008-04-14 18:09:21
125.   ms october
114 agree with william on what we have seen so far from the ag - 121 probably still a little too early to tell, but it needs to be at least considered - since he can play ss and 2b and ensberg can play the corners
2008-04-14 18:09:52
126.   williamnyy23
121 I like Betemit too...AG isn't going to be useful unless he is playing defense and with Jeter healthy, that isn't going to happen enough to justify a roster spot. Of course, AG has also looked good with the bat. Still, I really like Betemit as a LH, so I wouldn't discard him just yet.
2008-04-14 18:10:34
127.   monkeypants
123 I second that. What the hell is going on?
2008-04-14 18:12:02
128.   williamnyy23
I would suggest using Yahoos! game channel. It uses a different feed than MLB.com.
2008-04-14 18:12:51
129.   ChrisS
Thank you Hideki.

Yes, I'm greedy. I want runs.

2008-04-14 18:12:51
130.   ChrisS
Thank you Hideki.

Yes, I'm greedy. I want runs.

2008-04-14 18:13:40
131.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
Matsui with the tater??
2008-04-14 18:14:01
132.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
128 thanks, will try it now
2008-04-14 18:15:12
133.   Jeb
is IPK still in the game? Will he come out for the 7th?
2008-04-14 18:15:15
134.   OldYanksFan
Lester walks 5 in 4+ innings. 3 of those walks score. Gotta throw strikes kid. Watch IPK.
2008-04-14 18:15:16
135.   rbj
131 Sadly, no. It was a weird DP almost a liner to 2B, but it was short hopped. A-Rod didn't run (wouldn't have mattered anyhow) because it looked like a line drive.
2008-04-14 18:15:20
136.   ny2ca2dc
131 GIDP. sorry...
2008-04-14 18:15:26
137.   ChrisS
Sorry, sarcasm, Godzilla with the GIDP.
2008-04-14 18:16:48
138.   rbj
Wow, the Tiggers have scored 4 runs so far tonight. Still losing, 5-4.
2008-04-14 18:17:23
139.   Just fair
Shake it off, Prez.
2008-04-14 18:17:33
140.   Jeb
Suzyn says that Jorge was throwing.
2008-04-14 18:17:59
141.   williamnyy23
Talk about leaving him in for one batter too many.
2008-04-14 18:18:30
142.   ny2ca2dc
mother of god NO
2008-04-14 18:18:59
143.   monkeypants
126 It's that damn extra pitcher, or else you could carry AG and Betemit, especially if AG flashes the leather at 2B. But you are right--if Jeter starts, then there is not a lot of room for AG.
2008-04-14 18:19:06
144.   Just fair
Every silver lining has a dark cloud. Shite.
2008-04-14 18:19:11
145.   Yankees Brasil
Talk about bad luck.
2008-04-14 18:20:11
146.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
As usual behind on these things...but the Indians play in "Progressive Field"?? What the hell is "Progressive"?? When did they stop being Jacobs?? honestly don't think I can name more than 10 stadiums anymore..
2008-04-14 18:20:26
147.   williamnyy23
The ball hit him on hip...not the right arm, so at least that's a silver lining.
2008-04-14 18:20:48
148.   ChrisS
Did IPK get hit?
2008-04-14 18:21:36
149.   ny2ca2dc
146 car insurance company. I saved $200 by switching from geico to progressive :D
2008-04-14 18:21:50
150.   ChrisS
146 insurance

147 Thanks

Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-04-14 18:21:50
151.   rbj
146 Progressive is an auto insurance company. I am real happy the Yankees did not sell naming rights.
2008-04-14 18:23:23
152.   williamnyy23
146 Insurance company...this is the first year that Jacobs has not been Jacobs. I guess $3.6mn means more the commemorating Mr. Jacobs.
2008-04-14 18:23:51
153.   williamnyy23
148 Yes...line drive off the hip.
2008-04-14 18:24:21
154.   tommyl
Oh no. Not good.
2008-04-14 18:24:39
155.   ny2ca2dc
152 Geez, is it that little dough? I thought the ballpark for naming rights were more like 10-20 mil.
2008-04-14 18:24:42
156.   williamnyy23
Damn...and that gets tacked onto IPK's record.
2008-04-14 18:25:01
157.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
152 that's all they get for naming rights? that won't even get you a utility infielder theser days..
2008-04-14 18:25:19
158.   williamnyy23
155 Yep...$3.6mn, but for the next 16 years.
2008-04-14 18:25:21
159.   Yankees Brasil
I was about to write that Traber was looking like a great pickup.
2008-04-14 18:25:27
160.   ny2ca2dc
I didn't know Mike Meyers was back on the team.
2008-04-14 18:25:38
161.   rbj
I knew Kennedy shouldn't have come out for the 7th.
2008-04-14 18:26:05
162.   tommyl
Only possible silver lining is that it hit him in a relatively meaty area. Hopefully its just a bruise/charlie horse and they took him out to be cautious. If we have another player on the DL, sigh.
2008-04-14 18:26:10
163.   ms october
159 and i was thinkig it - - - damnit
2008-04-14 18:26:12
164.   monkeypants
156 And this is suddenly a game, with compromised BP and bench. Let's keep it right here, boys!
2008-04-14 18:26:50
165.   williamnyy23
155 In bigger cities, they get that much. Some economist suggested the naming rights for Yankee Stadium could range between $30mn and $40mn.
2008-04-14 18:27:14
166.   Just fair
Sounded like the bat. He sure as hell did not shake his hand like it hit him flush.
2008-04-14 18:30:16
167.   Zack
This is disgusting
2008-04-14 18:30:18
168.   williamnyy23
Yikes.
2008-04-14 18:30:30
169.   tommyl
Oh fuck. That's the Brian Bruney I remember.

Any word on IPK yet?

2008-04-14 18:30:37
170.   Eirias
162 It is not like they were going to keep him in the game, IPK was only in for the righty batter.
2008-04-14 18:30:40
171.   rbj
Auuuggggghhhhhhh!
2008-04-14 18:30:53
172.   Just fair
0-2 homeruns are a pet peeve of mine. Well done, Bruney.
2008-04-14 18:31:04
173.   Yankees Brasil
Oh my god, bad time to come back to '07 form.
2008-04-14 18:31:09
174.   Zack
Well, I guess now that the team has hit a bit, the BP has to return into a pumpkin
2008-04-14 18:31:24
175.   tommyl
170 Well, its not like things have been breaking our way so far...
2008-04-14 18:31:24
176.   williamnyy23
Kind of wish they didn't stop scoring now.
2008-04-14 18:31:54
177.   williamnyy23
And here comes the Bruney walkathon.
2008-04-14 18:31:57
178.   fansince77
Such a heady two strike pitch - what fast ball in the wheel house...good smarts.
2008-04-14 18:32:05
179.   Jeb
FUCK FUCK FUCK SO NOW WE LOSE AGAIN?
2008-04-14 18:32:33
180.   williamnyy23
You have to have someone warming here. Bruney is more than capable of imploding.
2008-04-14 18:32:36
181.   Just fair
F.U. Bruney.
2008-04-14 18:32:46
182.   Yankees Brasil
The game is not even over but it feels like a loss already.
2008-04-14 18:32:49
183.   monkeypants
Might this be time for a two-inning Mo save?
2008-04-14 18:32:55
184.   tommyl
You have to be fucking kidding me. This inning started with IPK cruising and a 5-run lead. 10 minutes later, Kennedy is hurt and its a tie game. Disgusting.
2008-04-14 18:33:09
185.   Zack
Is it just me or have the Yankees given up every Ray's first HR?

Freaking awful. Just when you think the games couldn't get less watchable

2008-04-14 18:33:10
186.   rbj
Jeebus F'ing Cristabol! What a waste of a decent start by IPK.
2008-04-14 18:33:17
187.   monkeypants
Woops, too late for that idea.
2008-04-14 18:33:28
188.   fansince77
wow- that's enough to cut a guy. That's pathetic.
2008-04-14 18:34:03
189.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
WHAT HAPPENED??? they tied it??? I still can't get Gamecast or Yahoo working
2008-04-14 18:34:08
190.   Eirias
Epic fail.
2008-04-14 18:34:19
191.   Zack
You should only be allowed to call for a curtain call if you can break the 30,000 mark in attendance
2008-04-14 18:34:40
192.   fansince77
Well - on that bright side, it's a chance to see if the Yanks have ANY nads and disallow this game to be taken from them!
2008-04-14 18:34:43
193.   williamnyy23
189 Bruney spit the bit...HRs to Upton and Longoria.
2008-04-14 18:34:49
194.   Just fair
Ex players are always talking about whether or not their first hit or hr. was off a brand name pitcher. So, too bad, Mr. Longoria.
2008-04-14 18:34:54
195.   JimCobain
This is where you miss Joba. And where you miss a catcher like Posada and Molina, not sure they would have called the fastball on 0-2.
2008-04-14 18:34:58
196.   tommyl
189 Yes, Bruney came in and gave up two HRs in a row. 7-7. I'm sure soon to be 8-7.
2008-04-14 18:35:32
197.   fansince77
IS Bruney still in there to set a record?
2008-04-14 18:35:40
198.   Jeb
is the whole MLB site down?
2008-04-14 18:35:57
199.   williamnyy23
Bruney and Farnsworth are not pitchers...they are throwers. You can't have two of them in your bullpen. I'd much rather have a guy like Britton.
2008-04-14 18:36:14
200.   JimCobain
Al Reyes is coming in, there is a lot of hope right now.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-04-14 18:36:59
201.   Yankees Brasil
Thank God mlb.tv is broken. Imagine if I had to watch this..
2008-04-14 18:37:27
202.   williamnyy23
200 Will he be spitting blood?
2008-04-14 18:37:47
203.   OldYanksFan
Longoria looks like a real stud. The DRays do have a lot of young talent.
2008-04-14 18:38:25
204.   williamnyy23
This is the type of game that put the team in a tailspin. I don't think this is too early to suggest losing this game would be a serious blow.
2008-04-14 18:38:28
205.   OldYanksFan
My MLB.TV has been fine all evening.
2008-04-14 18:39:08
206.   JimCobain
202 Nope he'll just be bringing his 8 ERA.
2008-04-14 18:39:27
207.   SF Yanks
Fantastic how IPK can't get the win now... lovely.
2008-04-14 18:39:27
208.   51cq24
204 i think it is too early
2008-04-14 18:40:05
209.   williamnyy23
207 At this point, I'll take a team win.
2008-04-14 18:40:08
210.   Just fair
Why do I wait 6 months for this? Ugh!!!
2008-04-14 18:40:33
211.   williamnyy23
Really sucks to have Moeller leading off after you give up 5 runs.
2008-04-14 18:40:50
212.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
208 But it shows some serious bullpen problems...
203 yep..very dangerous lineup for sure..Upton and Longoria are for real
2008-04-14 18:41:11
213.   SF Yanks
Pinch hitting ice-cold-cano, for hot-AG? I do not like.
2008-04-14 18:41:20
214.   williamnyy23
VERY BAD JOB by Girardi. You can't let AG reach the box and then take him out. I am a little concerned by Girardi these past few games.
2008-04-14 18:41:42
215.   tommyl
204 Lets step away from the ledge guys. This happens. Also, Bruney has been unbelievable before tonight. Some course correction for him was in order. He is not the second coming of Mariano Rivera, but he's also not this bad. Relax.
2008-04-14 18:41:45
216.   Jeb
a homer by Cano might make me quit hating him.
2008-04-14 18:41:59
217.   rbj
Not only are there bullpen issues, there is a short bench the next few days.
2008-04-14 18:42:40
218.   tommyl
THANK YOU ROBBIE CANO!!!
2008-04-14 18:42:45
219.   Just fair
That was pretty cool.
2008-04-14 18:42:53
220.   williamnyy23
215 It's not a ledge, but a loss like this could spill further into the week. I didn't mean to suggest it would wreck the season...just that it could have a hang over.
2008-04-14 18:42:55
221.   claybeez
Still wanna bitch about Girardi?
2008-04-14 18:43:04
222.   Zack
ROBBIE!
2008-04-14 18:43:05
223.   JimCobain
Thank you Robbie, thank you Al Reyes.
2008-04-14 18:43:23
224.   SF Yanks
What I meant to say was... Ahem...Giardi is a genius...
2008-04-14 18:43:24
225.   Jeb
216 Robby I still love you.
2008-04-14 18:43:24
226.   rbj
Wow.
2008-04-14 18:43:45
227.   Just fair
Quick, get up Farnsy. : )
2008-04-14 18:43:47
228.   Knuckles
Boom btch!
2008-04-14 18:43:56
229.   williamnyy23
221 I don't think the decision was a bad one...but you still can't have your batter reach the box before you makke the decision.
2008-04-14 18:43:58
230.   tommyl
Maybe next time it gets cold the Yankees should get golf club head covers. Hats for bats. Keep bats warm.
2008-04-14 18:44:05
231.   rbj
So, Moose for the 8th.
2008-04-14 18:44:07
232.   Yankees Brasil
Girardi pulling the right string there :D
2008-04-14 18:44:16
233.   Jeb
216 um...guys...who got the karma going here?
2008-04-14 18:44:22
234.   JimCobain
227 Don't joke about that. Who's left in the 'pen tonight other than Mo for 2?
2008-04-14 18:44:37
235.   williamnyy23
229 And Girardi seems to be acknowledging that, so that's a good sign.
2008-04-14 18:44:39
236.   rbj
I meant ? at the end of 231
2008-04-14 18:45:21
237.   Jeb
suzyn said that Giradi hugged Gonzalez...what? NO tongue?
2008-04-14 18:45:24
238.   tommyl
234 Albaasdafasdfasdf is still available.
2008-04-14 18:45:46
239.   tommyl
So, what's the big deal about AG getting to the box?
2008-04-14 18:45:57
240.   51cq24
229 why?
2008-04-14 18:46:02
241.   Jeb
234 fuck it. Mo for 2.
2008-04-14 18:46:14
242.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
wow, dinger for Cano..let's give Farnsworth one more chance to be the bridge to Mo??
2008-04-14 18:46:15
243.   Yankees Brasil
Our bullpen was looking so good before tonight's game.
2008-04-14 18:46:29
244.   JimCobain
338 His flight arrived? ;)

No one warming, guess it's Bruney, let's hope he can steal some outs.

2008-04-14 18:47:42
245.   williamnyy23
239 240 Singleton and Flaherty were just talking about it, and YES showed footage of Girardi kind of apologizing. It's kind of baseball code that you don't embarass a hitter by letting him step in the box and then call him back Also, it makes it look like Girardi wasn't prepared for the eventuality.
2008-04-14 18:47:54
246.   tommyl
244 Well, Bruney batter to batter I guess. Not a bad move, give him some confidence back and show Girardi still has a bit of faith in him. Maybe Mo for a 4-5 out save?
2008-04-14 18:48:49
247.   OldYanksFan
237 Cano got the tongue.
2008-04-14 18:48:52
248.   tommyl
245 Or that AG ran out there, being the excited rookie. Being PH for by Cano is no insult. I remember last year when Kyle got mad that he was being lifted for Mo, guess his ego is too big.
2008-04-14 18:49:11
249.   SF Yanks
Where's Alby? Is he with the team yet?
2008-04-14 18:49:17
250.   51cq24
245 i really dont think it's a big deal. certainly not a "VERY BAD JOB"
Show/Hide Comments 251-300
2008-04-14 18:49:55
251.   tommyl
249 We need a nickname for Alby. I can't spell his name if my life depended on it.
2008-04-14 18:50:06
252.   williamnyy23
248 Usually, managers will give hitters a heads up beforehand so that doesn't happen. Being PH hit for is not an insult, but pulling a batter from the box is probably a little embarassing.
2008-04-14 18:51:00
253.   williamnyy23
250 I disagree...and I'm sure Girardi would say as much. It is a very bad job because it is an easy mistake to avoid.
2008-04-14 18:51:05
254.   tommyl
252 I think he'll get over it. He's been the starting SS for the Yankees for the last week.

Ok...A-Rod, lets make it 5-5 now.

2008-04-14 18:51:44
255.   OldYanksFan
Cleveland is the process of coughing it up.
4-2 Tribe, top of the 7th.
First and second, 1 out, Papi up.
1-2 count. Papi hangs tough. 3-2 count.
Papi STRIKES OUT swinging.
Manny up.
I can't bear to watch.
2008-04-14 18:51:48
256.   williamnyy23
254 Of course he will...and I'm sure Girardi wont let it happen again.
2008-04-14 18:51:51
257.   Just fair
252 AG was sleeping on AAA buses last week, he'll get over it.
2008-04-14 18:51:58
258.   JimCobain
246 Not a bad move unless Bruney gives up another homer. But I will first guess and say that I like the idea of trying to steal outs in the 8th.

OK, ARod, 5-5 will look nice the box score.

2008-04-14 18:52:05
259.   tommyl
253 Eh, or maybe Thompson was supposed to tell him and forgot. I'm not going to lose sleep over it.

Does anyone have anything on IPK? Bruise and he's fine? he's hurt and going to the DL? Anything?

2008-04-14 18:52:38
260.   Jeb
Isn't this how the Sox won 5 games last year against the Rays? They lead big, Rays come back and take the lead, and the human nut-filled-turd Reyes would give up a walk off homer to Papi or Manny? Maybe I imagined it.
2008-04-14 18:53:45
261.   williamnyy23
259 No one should lose sleep over it. Girardi already acknowledged it and I'm sure AG understands. Still, a manager needs to look out for things like that.
2008-04-14 18:53:59
262.   JimCobain
259 They can't possibly know if it's anything serious yet. He walked off the field. Unless he somehow fractured his hip (god forbid). It'll just be a bruise and it depends on the swelling and stiffness the next couple of days.
2008-04-14 18:54:06
263.   tommyl
Gary Glover? off his last movie?
2008-04-14 18:54:11
264.   Just fair
I am going to go on a limb and say IPK will have a black and blue mark and be just fine.
2008-04-14 18:54:18
265.   williamnyy23
260 Nope...it happened...and Mr. Reyes did the honors then too.
2008-04-14 18:54:24
266.   SF Yanks
251 Alby works for me. Simple. Effective.
2008-04-14 18:54:37
267.   JimCobain
260 Nope. You're rights. Al Reyes owes us. This is 1.
2008-04-14 18:54:45
268.   OldYanksFan
Manny down looking. Exhale.
2008-04-14 18:54:57
269.   Mattpat11
Its Gary Glover! Yankees brass is probably keeping an eye om him tonight.
2008-04-14 18:55:14
270.   tommyl
Oh no, A-Rod is pressing ;)
2008-04-14 18:55:20
271.   rbj
So is Bruney in line for the win now? That just ain't right.
2008-04-14 18:55:57
272.   rbj
263 As long as it isn't Gary Glitter.
2008-04-14 18:56:07
273.   Jeb
265 just as I thought. I want to win 10 to 0 but it would be delicious to beat the Rays this way and grind them down to the cellar after that piece of shit hurt Cervilli (who we really need right now) and their 7 fans have been running their mouths.
2008-04-14 18:56:22
274.   williamnyy23
Man...they could have used some insurance there.
2008-04-14 18:56:57
275.   SF Yanks
Why did I just yell, "You suck!" at ARod? Especially after getting 4 hits?
2008-04-14 18:57:05
276.   Jeb
Maybe we could trade Farnsy for Reyes? They're equally reliable. Then we flip Reyes for Gagne.
2008-04-14 18:57:18
277.   williamnyy23
271 Actually, it's more like he is standing in the way of a win right now :)
2008-04-14 18:57:58
278.   tommyl
5 more
2008-04-14 18:58:57
279.   SF Yanks
Bruney! Easy! Stop that!
2008-04-14 18:58:57
280.   JimCobain
It's more like Grand Larceny than stealing outs with Bruney tonight.
2008-04-14 18:58:59
281.   williamnyy23
Yikes...Bruney is awful tonight.
2008-04-14 18:59:26
282.   Just fair
15 hits and we're up by a run. Bullocks. A near homer to Bartlett, yikes.
2008-04-14 18:59:55
283.   ny2ca2dc
Holy god
2008-04-14 19:00:05
284.   williamnyy23
2-3-4-5 in the Rays lineup is very scary now. Might be the best in the AL outside of the Yankees when everyone is healthy.
2008-04-14 19:00:22
285.   SF Yanks
Bruney doesn't suck guys, he has a 2.16 ERA. Geez...
2008-04-14 19:00:26
286.   monkeypants
I guess rested Mo can't be used for more than three outs in the 9th? Hmmm...we've heard this song before...
2008-04-14 19:01:08
287.   tommyl
Still Girardi's BP management is way better than watching Scott Proctor implode followed by Farnsy imploding after the Viz's arm falls off.
2008-04-14 19:01:55
288.   OldYanksFan
286 Word
2008-04-14 19:02:00
289.   Max
Bruney's been that bad that Mo needs to get a four out save against the Rays in April? This has been a strange game.
2008-04-14 19:02:01
290.   tommyl
285 Exactly. He had an off night, lets see him suck for multiple games in a row before we throw him to the wolves.
2008-04-14 19:02:12
291.   williamnyy23
285 But 4.70 for his career. He doesn't suck, but he very shaky and inconsistent.
2008-04-14 19:02:47
292.   SF Yanks
I wait for the day we have a homegrown stud bullpen....with no Worthless in it. I wonder if either will ever happen.
2008-04-14 19:02:50
293.   tommyl
286 Except he just got the last out of the eighth? Girardi used Bruney till he gave up another deep flyball. I'm fine with that.
2008-04-14 19:03:31
294.   ny2ca2dc
Love Mo.
2008-04-14 19:03:54
295.   tommyl
292 Its called next year. The only FA reliever under contract for next year is named Mariano Rivera. Farnsy and Hawks are off the books next year. As is Moose, Giambi, Abreu, Pettitte...
2008-04-14 19:04:00
296.   OldYanksFan
Mo is rusty. Needed 2 pitches there.
2008-04-14 19:04:23
297.   ny2ca2dc
293 Bruney was pitching to the bottom of the order, Mo came on to face the top. I kind of likey
2008-04-14 19:04:39
298.   williamnyy23
293 That was a proactive hook. It sure beats that game last year when Farns game in and basically got three outs on rocket line drives and men taking extra bases.
2008-04-14 19:04:48
299.   Just fair
I can only imagine Sterling on that one.
2008-04-14 19:04:53
300.   williamnyy23
Damn I thought that was out.
Show/Hide Comments 301-350
2008-04-14 19:05:02
301.   monkeypants
293 I'm following on frozen gamecast and/or Yahoo Sports--so I seem to be well behind any BP moves. If he brought in Mo, then my bad and well-played by Girardi.
2008-04-14 19:05:04
302.   ny2ca2dc
297 is agreeing with 293 , of course.
2008-04-14 19:05:53
303.   monkeypants
301 In fact, Yahoo Sports does not show that Mo entered into the game.
2008-04-14 19:06:01
304.   hensley
299 Sterling is killing me. That's the 2nd time he's gone apeshit on Matsui flyballs tonight.
2008-04-14 19:06:05
305.   ny2ca2dc
that's 2 for Matsui tonight that would've been out in Yankee Stadium.
2008-04-14 19:06:19
306.   tommyl
297 298 Exactly. Mo for four outs means he's available tomorrow night. Mo for 6 means he's not. I much prefer trying to stretch out other relievers a little bit than the Torre panic of going straight to Mo as soon as a single batter reaches base.
2008-04-14 19:06:42
307.   SF Yanks
295 Hopefully. However, I see them signing a "veteran" to get some "experience" back there. I rather take my chances on our guys in the system.
2008-04-14 19:08:05
308.   williamnyy23
307 Cleveland is enjoying that now. Betancourt, Peres and Lewis is a pretty fancy trio.
2008-04-14 19:08:10
309.   JimCobain
307 One of those kind of guys isn't so bad. I have faith. Cash said in spring training that we was modeling the 'pen after the Indians last year. Young live arms from within. With any hope that's the 'pen in August.
2008-04-14 19:08:38
310.   51cq24
307 i'm fine with signing a veteran as long as (1) he doesn't suck and (2) they don't use the money they spent on him as a reason to keep using him when he does suck
2008-04-14 19:09:32
311.   Just fair
That Jeter commercial with him as the car salesman is pretty funny. If he had played 40 years ago, maybe that would have been his winter job.
2008-04-14 19:09:50
312.   tommyl
307 Depends who's available. Cash has shown he won't sign for more than a year at this point (hence not going after Viz). There's plenty of guys we have in there right now, Ollie, Alby, Joba. Traber was a pickup, but a cheap one and so far a pretty good one. Hawks is fine for low leverage stuff (and if he's decent may net us a sandwich pick next year). The only glaring sucky guy is Farnsworth. But I have to hope in my heart that if he continues to suck, they'll cut him loose or trade him soon. Hell, ship him off for a 1B or C prospect.
2008-04-14 19:09:52
313.   williamnyy23
310 Or yield a draft pick as compensation.
2008-04-14 19:10:29
314.   williamnyy23
Keep Crawford off the bases!
2008-04-14 19:10:35
315.   51cq24
313 true
2008-04-14 19:10:40
316.   OldYanksFan
Mo with some serious work to do here.
2008-04-14 19:10:41
317.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
Any sign of Humberto Sanchez joining the show anytime soon? Could be a good set-up guy...
2008-04-14 19:11:28
318.   williamnyy23
317 Most optimistic estimate is he'd be ready by July/August.
2008-04-14 19:11:34
319.   tommyl
317 He's on the 60 day DL and not yet throwing to live batters yet. I don't you're going to see him before september if at all this year.
2008-04-14 19:11:38
320.   JimCobain
317 he was moved to the 60 days DL to make room for Chad Moeller on the 40 man roster. He just started his throwing program.
2008-04-14 19:11:49
321.   ny2ca2dc
313 Wouldn't it be awesome if Hawk yields a type-B at the end of this year. That would be a good racket to look for each off season.
2008-04-14 19:12:18
322.   51cq24
mo is getting away with missing his location on just about every pitch
2008-04-14 19:12:24
323.   ny2ca2dc
That was fucking filthy
2008-04-14 19:13:05
324.   tommyl
322 Really? He's up and in with vicious movement.
2008-04-14 19:13:34
325.   ny2ca2dc
I wonder if Moeler even knows where to set up, or if it matters.
2008-04-14 19:13:54
326.   williamnyy23
322 Are you serious? His location is perfect to this point.
2008-04-14 19:14:36
327.   51cq24
324 looking better now but that first pitch to pena looked right down the middle, and a couple of the high pitches to crawford were not where he wanted them
2008-04-14 19:15:21
328.   tommyl
Chad Moeller, one day he's riding the bus in Scranton, the next he's catching the greatest relief pitcher in history.
2008-04-14 19:15:35
329.   Just fair
Low stress 9th. Well done, Mo.
2008-04-14 19:15:35
330.   williamnyy23
327 The first picth to Pena busted him in on his hands. Crawford swung through two high fastballs. That looked like great location to me!
2008-04-14 19:15:43
331.   ny2ca2dc
got away with one down main street
2008-04-14 19:15:58
332.   rbj
Thank God for Mo. Or should that be Thank Mo for God.
2008-04-14 19:15:59
333.   JimCobain
Good win.
2008-04-14 19:16:09
334.   williamnyy23
Mo just cut through three good hitters like a knife through butter.
2008-04-14 19:16:49
335.   51cq24
330 they worked out but i actually think pena just missed that pitch, which i assume was supposed to be further inside
2008-04-14 19:16:49
336.   williamnyy23
331 Got away with it? He blew him away. You have seen Mo pitch before?
2008-04-14 19:16:59
337.   ny2ca2dc
domination. 334 3 good hitters and one not bad one.
2008-04-14 19:17:22
338.   Yankees Brasil
Mo with a 14-pitch lesson for guys like Bruney and Farnsworth. Gotta love him!!
2008-04-14 19:17:24
339.   williamnyy23
335 Looked like a dominant cutter to me...guess we just saw it differently.
2008-04-14 19:17:30
340.   51cq24
anyway, nice game in the end. hopefully kennedy's fine.
2008-04-14 19:17:43
341.   ny2ca2dc
336 I'm on a delay - was talking about the one BJ fouled off. MLB.tv's high quality stream seems to be like 30 seconds or more late
2008-04-14 19:18:22
342.   51cq24
i wonder if this is the year mo doesnt give up any runs
2008-04-14 19:18:52
343.   tommyl
338 I dunno if that is a lesson. Mo has tremendous command but he also has the greatest pitch in baseball. You can't really teach that.

Maddux on the other hand, he's someone you can really learn from.

2008-04-14 19:19:00
344.   williamnyy23
341 I thought you meant the last one. Even the one he fouled off looked good to me. Just up enough in the zone that the hitter cant turn it around. Rivera has used that pitch since 1996.
2008-04-14 19:19:28
345.   OldYanksFan
I see our competition as Boston, Detroit, Cleveland and maybe Toronto in the rear view mirror.

We are now 7-7.
Toronto lost tonight and is 7-6.
Sox current at 7-6, but 1 run down after 8.
Cleveland at 5-7, hopefully looking at a win.
Detroit with 6 runs in the 8th and should be 3-10.
Considering our early schedule, no days off, horrid weather and these current injuries, if we can stay close to our competition, we are in fine shape.

2008-04-14 19:20:16
346.   williamnyy23
Huge comeback for the Tigers...they scored 6 to go up 11-9.
2008-04-14 19:20:33
347.   tommyl
345 So long as IPK is fine. If Kei Igawa is in the rotation, well, no one is ok.
2008-04-14 19:20:59
348.   51cq24
343 i don't think you can teach mo's command either.

344 i agree he looked good against upton.

2008-04-14 19:30:47
349.   SF Yanks
So let me get this straight. Not only does Bruney screw over IPK by not allowing him to receive the win, but he steals his win from him too?
2008-04-14 19:33:35
350.   pistolpete
349 Technically he gets the win, but I don't think any Yankees fan watching would give him an ounce of credit for it.
Show/Hide Comments 351-400
2008-04-14 19:33:51
351.   pistolpete
Tied up in Cleveland, damn it.
2008-04-14 19:35:48
352.   Just fair
Joe Borowski is not effective tonight. I can't believe he can't shut out the top of the Red Sox order with 84 mph fastballs. Give me a break.
2008-04-14 19:36:21
353.   SF Yanks
350 Just goes to show that somewhere lies a serious flaw in this Win business.

WOW! 2 outs in the 9th and you can't win? Ugh!

2008-04-14 19:36:56
354.   cult of basebaal
meh ... joe blowkoski just blew the save against boston

...

...

...

and now the game

lovely

2008-04-14 19:37:07
355.   OldYanksFan
2 run bomb by Manny. Still 3 out to go for Cleveland, but I give this one to the Sox.

Borowski? HA!

2008-04-14 19:37:42
356.   pistolpete
F*CKING MANNY.
2008-04-14 19:38:51
357.   Just fair
I just don't like Manny Ramirez.
2008-04-14 19:41:51
358.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
Why the !"#$ does Joe Borowski still get sent out there to "close"? I don't understand how Eric Wedge can be considered a good manager when he uses this guy to close..Cleveland just giving the game away..
2008-04-14 19:44:10
359.   51cq24
358 i won't complain when we play them. but it is absurd when the opposing team looks forward to the closer coming into the game.
2008-04-14 19:45:55
360.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
359 Really, how do you leave him in there to face Manny when 5ft 6 Pedroia hit a deep fly ball and then Ortiz singled?? Managers just give games away by sticking with "closers", it's pathetic..
2008-04-14 19:51:49
361.   Zack
Well looks like Cleveland picked up right where they left off against the Sox. And looks like maybe both our and their offenses were ignited tonight.
2008-04-14 20:03:13
362.   cocorn
"Considering our early schedule, no days off, horrid weather and these current injuries, if we can stay close to our competition, we are in fine shape."

The problem with your thinking is that other teams are going through injuries also. They're going through long travel too. They're going to be better too. You seem to ignore that.

2008-04-14 23:18:44
363.   Schteeve
348 You're right. If you could teach people to be like Mo, Mo wouldn't be special. He's going to the hall of fame on the first ballot because he's a freak of nature.

As for the April 15th scoreboard watching, I don't know what to say. I mean, it's April 15th for pete's sake. There is a hell of a long way to go, save yourselves the ulcers until July at least.

We seem to not take much joy in winning and it's pretty sad.

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