Baseball Toaster Bronx Banter
Help
Home Run, Javy?
2008-04-23 14:07
by Cliff Corcoran

Having taken the opener of their three-game set at Phone Field, the Yanks hope to clinch just their third series win of the season (in eight tries) tonight. Taking the hill for New York will be Mikey Moose, who will be happy not to have to face Manny Ramirez. Moose faced a far weaker White Sox offense at the Cell twice last year, one good, one bad. The third time he faced the Chisox, back in the Bronx, he pretty much split the difference with a solid quality start.

The Sox have moved ex-Yank Javy Vazquez up a day to keep him on normal rest after Monday's off-day. He has faced his old team twice since being traded to Arizona for Randy Johnson. In 2006 he survived six walks and a Jason Giambi homer by striking out eight and holding the Yanks to two runs (both scored on that dinger) over five innings in a slim 5-4 Chicago win. Last year, he struck out seven Yanks in six innings, walked just three, and kept the ball in the park, but gave up four runs and took the loss as his punchless offense conjured up just one run against Chien-Ming Wang, who pitched a complete game. Thus far this season, he's picked up where he left off with his comeback 2007 season, striking out 27 in 25 1/3 innings against just 6 walks and holding his competition homerless.

Joe Girardi has posted the same lineup he ran out there yesterday, which marks the first time all season that he's repeated a lineup exactly. That means Posada's back behind the plate, and Morgan Ensberg's still at third base in place of Alex Rodriguez, who is conveniently resting his sore quad while basking in the arrival of his second daughter. The Sox attempted no steals against Posada last night, in part because they just don't steal. They have three stolen bases in five tries on the season, both marks dead last in the majors. All three successful steals are by Orlando Cabrera. Cabrera singled twice last night with no one on base ahead of him, but did not attempt a steal.

Comments (245)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-04-23 15:52:47
1.   mehmattski
Shouldn't that be Phone Phield?

I will miss tonight's game, to go to a concert that features the following:

Third Eye Blind
The Roots
Carbon Leaf
Frontiers (a Journey tribute band)

Hypothesis: Phil Hughes in 10 years = Javy Vazquez. Thoughts?

2008-04-23 16:07:23
2.   Cliff Corcoran
1 The Roots have fallen hard and fast, haven't they? Ouch.
2008-04-23 16:22:38
3.   ny2ca2dc
BBTN saying Oswalt may be on the block. IPK + Tabata + ?(Betances? Marquez?) for him? Schweet?

Anyone else want to see Miranda up to replace Giambi the first time Jason needs to go on the DL? (assuming it happens)

2008-04-23 16:24:10
4.   Zack
1 2 Yeah, wow, that is rough. Nobody should be relegated to playing with a Journey tribute band (how do they even deserve a tribute band??)

3 Oswalt's #s have been in a steady decline for some years now. he's still good, but decidedly not for a package like that...

2008-04-23 16:25:59
5.   Zack
4 Let me rephrase that. His peripheral #s have been in decline, indicated that a pitcher like him, slight who relies on strikeouts, may not have too many good years ahead of him...I'd much rather wait for CC
2008-04-23 16:31:27
6.   ny2ca2dc
4 5 You may be right. I just looked at Oswalt's stats & PECOTA projection, and my concept of him had gotten a little out of whack with reality, it seems. Plus coming over to the AL. Maybe not worth a guy with Tabata's potential plus others.
2008-04-23 16:57:29
7.   Sliced Bread
no Manny to terrorize Moose tonight, but facing Thome might not be therapeutic either.
48 AB 6 HR 15 RBI 1.006 OPS

hat tip to Michael Kay's radio show

2008-04-23 17:02:31
8.   rbj
1 Gee, I think I've heard of Third Eye Blind, but none of the others. And Journey sucks.

Now if you'll excuse me, the damn kids are on the lawn again.

2008-04-23 17:06:37
9.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
{8] "Rupert! It's too loud down there!" Journey better than REO SPeedwagon though
2008-04-23 17:09:32
10.   dianagramr
9

REO Speedwagon had that hit .... Roll with the Changeups ...

2008-04-23 17:19:14
11.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
Ok, I've got 455ft for the distance on Thome's first homer off Mussina.
2008-04-23 17:19:37
12.   rbj
9 I think I'd prefer Styx to either of those, but that ain't sayin' much.
2008-04-23 17:22:58
13.   OldYanksFan
"Let me rephrase that. His peripheral #s have been in decline..."
This is true, but the decline is very gradual and somewhat slight. Maybe he is not a Top 10 pitcher anymore, but his numbers are still very good.

He's not a big guy, listed at 285 lbs, so maybe he won't age (as a power pitcher) well. IPK + Tabata + ?(Betances? Marquez?) might be a bit much, but i think he's worth consideration.

Moose with a perfect game through 2 batters. PULL HIM NOW!

2008-04-23 17:24:18
14.   OldYanksFan
(Is Giambi watching?)
2008-04-23 17:26:02
15.   ms october
14 hopefully thome was explaining it to him
2008-04-23 17:28:42
16.   rbj
Oopsy, Cabrera (the right Cabrera)
2008-04-23 17:29:13
17.   fansince77
Hey guys just came on.

I really like JD's ab and approach. I felt like we are seeing a true leadoff hitter reemerge- he just has some kind of confidence suddenly.

Moose looked great- he was dealing that outside corner beautifully.

Got a REAL GOOD FEELING about tonight and the next five or so! Here we go Yankees are back!

2008-04-23 17:31:37
18.   fansince77
Wow Dr. Dumbass Morgan just said a quad takes longer to heal than a hammy? What a moron- hamstrings can end seasons, Quads are a week or two usually.
2008-04-23 17:32:10
19.   seattleyank
Dammit! Posada is seriously trigger happy this year.
2008-04-23 17:34:32
20.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
anyone got the stats on GIDP this season for the "Good Guys"?
2008-04-23 17:36:21
21.   fansince77
I feel like with Vasquez tonight it's like - OK Javi you may have gotten by these early season games but remember WE KNOW YOU! - YOUR SIMPLY NOT THAT GOOD!
2008-04-23 17:38:12
22.   fansince77
19 That's a tough one to put on Posada that was hit on the screws right up the middle- For Giambi that's going the other way.

Actually, some really good AB's so far...things are looking good - lots of pitches for Javi V.

2008-04-23 17:38:47
23.   rbj
Vasquez is a control specialist?
2008-04-23 17:39:30
24.   fansince77
Another quality at bat and more pitches more pitches more pitches - Yankee baseball!
2008-04-23 17:40:10
25.   fansince77
That all started with a Cano walk...good times.
2008-04-23 17:43:52
26.   OldYanksFan
44 pitches thru 2 for JV.
2008-04-23 17:45:14
27.   Shaun P
23 Only 6 walks in 27 IP this year before tonight. So, yes. But I'm glad he's lost the plate tonight.

21 Actually, he is good. The 900+ innings he threw from 2000-2003, his age 23 to 26 seasons, eclipsing 110 pitches in almost half his 130 starts over those years, is likely why he faded so badly after the ASB in 2004 - and continued to pitch poorly in '05 and '06.

2008-04-23 17:46:14
28.   fansince77
Great to see Moose go in and tight to get a broken bat- "It's a heavy 84 mph"
2008-04-23 17:49:11
29.   fansince77
27 Shaun, point taken but all star break 2004 is a long time ago...no? I remember how excited I was to learn Vasquez was coming to NYC and then how disappointed I was each and every start. I thought he would be a great fit for the Yanks but he busted big time. ONe of the biggest disappointment of the 2000's for me.
2008-04-23 17:51:10
30.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
Crede has 19rbi?
2008-04-23 17:51:28
31.   fansince77
Man Moose is dealing with that WTF I got nothing to lose attitude.
2008-04-23 17:53:44
32.   fansince77
Wow - Moose just fooled the shit out of the Umpire - that was strike three. I know K - Zone had it an inch outside but he has gotten 3 pitches worse than that so far. CONSISTENCY!
2008-04-23 18:15:00
33.   Simone
Can Mussina get through the White Sox line up one more time? We can only hope.
2008-04-23 18:17:22
34.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
quiet here..i'm hoping too the Angels can hold off Bos so we can pick up a game..
2008-04-23 18:28:18
35.   ms october
that was nice - moose needed an easy inning
2008-04-23 18:28:19
36.   OldYanksFan
The Moose.... IS LOOSE! Yahoo!
2008-04-23 18:41:51
37.   Simone
Yeah, Jorgie! Nice job.
2008-04-23 18:41:53
38.   Just fair
What, did the FCC put some of the posters on double-secret probation due to last night's excitemrent?
SWEET 3-0. Thatta boy, Jorge!
2008-04-23 18:43:43
39.   Just fair
Whatever Moose took a sip of before tonight's game, he should give Robbie some.
2008-04-23 18:44:31
40.   RIYank
Got here just in time for the Posada double. Yum.

Looks (from your comments) like Moose is pitching well.

2008-04-23 18:47:25
41.   rbj
Springer is from Cleveland.

And Jerry, here's a tip: pay the ladies in cash.

2008-04-23 18:48:19
42.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
38 "Bueller? Bueller?"
looks like we can get at least 6 from Mussina tonight
2008-04-23 18:50:26
43.   RIYank
Ouch. Left that one a little too high, and right down the middle.
2008-04-23 18:50:39
44.   Simone
Ugh. I hope this isn't the beginning of a Mussina meltdown. Start warming up someone in the bullpen, Girardi.
2008-04-23 18:52:48
45.   Shaun P
40 FWIW, from what I've seen on Gameday, it looks like Moose is getting the benefit of a rather wide strike zone. I'm not sure if Vazquez is getting the same or not, been working instead of paying close attention. =)
2008-04-23 18:53:37
46.   RIYank
Torii Hunter drives in Vlad (who stole second) with a single in the ninth, 6-4 Halos.
2008-04-23 18:54:37
47.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
46 Vlad stole a base?? nice..one of my favorite players to watch in the last 10 years
2008-04-23 18:55:09
48.   RIYank
Nick Swisher earns his name!
How many K is that for Moose?
2008-04-23 18:56:57
49.   RIYank
47 Yah. Singled, stole second, knocked in by Hunter; Torii out trying for second.

Now Mr Francisco Rodriguez making short work of the crimson hose.

2008-04-23 19:00:25
50.   Zack
13 As I said, he's still good, but I don't think he will be for much longer. And I think any package is probably too much for him, especially if Sabathia is available for cash. I know you and others are against him, but I cant for the life of me figure out why...
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-04-23 19:00:49
51.   RIYank
And after (Varitek back-up) Cash flies out, Jacoby whiffs and Dusty grits out to third, and down go the Sox. So this is shaping up to be a very good evening (knock on wood).
2008-04-23 19:01:35
52.   Just fair
This game has turned beautiful.
2008-04-23 19:02:00
53.   yankster
Hell yeah. pile it on...
2008-04-23 19:02:42
54.   RIYank
That was an odd play. (Damon's double.)
2008-04-23 19:08:07
55.   RIYank
The Tigers are winning 18-6.
2008-04-23 19:11:44
56.   fansince77
Moose dealin'...lovin' it! Damon was spark then a flicker, now a full fledged lead off hitter.

Yankee baseball is back!

2008-04-23 19:13:40
57.   fansince77
I could see teams with a "shift guy" leaving that grass behind second base "extra-long" to slow down that ground ball to right thing.
2008-04-23 19:14:13
58.   OldYanksFan
50 I think we would all love CC, it's just that we don't want to get Zitoed with a 7/$120m contract.
2008-04-23 19:16:15
59.   fansince77
Moose has really thrown a gem tonight! Not a "he got away with a couple" gem but a true gem- I've watched every pitch and he has thrown fat cookie. The key is he has come inside a few extra times with a heavy ball.
2008-04-23 19:16:56
60.   RIYank
Is Moose really throwing this well, or do the White Sox suck?
2008-04-23 19:17:34
61.   OldYanksFan
Super quality start from the Moose. JD getting hot. JG with 2 hits in 2 games. Can Cano be far behind?
2008-04-23 19:18:40
62.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
58 I am also worried about being "Zitoed"! stay away from CC please...
2008-04-23 19:19:05
63.   OldYanksFan
And Po finding gold going the other way. Nice!
2008-04-23 19:23:16
64.   Shaun P
55 How long until the Yanks play the Rangers?
2008-04-23 19:23:22
65.   RIYank
Check out the Tigers sixth inning tonight:

BB
single
sac
double
BB
homer
HBP
single
BB
HBP
single
double
sac fly
single
fly out

2008-04-23 19:25:28
66.   RIYank
That worked out, but I don't see the percentage in walking Giambi.

Oh, wait. White Sox. No explanation necessary.

2008-04-23 19:28:30
67.   RIYank
Detroit now has 19 runs on 14 hits. Walks and HBP galore. In the seventh they scored by drawing four walks. The Rangers' pitching is beyond awful -- can you imagine having eleven hits and trailing by 13 runs?
2008-04-23 19:33:47
68.   tommyl
Did Moose just keep himself in the game again? I love that.
2008-04-23 19:34:21
69.   OldYanksFan
That should be it for Moose. An excellent outing, and he lives to pitch another day.
2008-04-23 19:34:55
70.   Shaun P
67 No. I wonder, though, if Volquez would be pitching nearly as well if he was still in Texas. Hamilton is hitting, but man could the Rangers use a pitcher, or 10.
2008-04-23 19:36:13
71.   Shaun P
69 Excellent, yes, but I saw at least 7 pitches on Gameday that were way outside that the ump called as strikes. I'm glad Moose was able to take advantage, but it doesn't leave me feeling great about his future prospects.

Joba for two now?

2008-04-23 19:36:44
72.   pistolpete
68 When Moose feels good, you can be damn sure he's staying in as long as possible. It doesn't happen every start, after all.

Maybe, what, one out of every 10?

2008-04-23 19:37:44
73.   RIYank
70 No, probably not nearly as well. But yeah. They could even use half a pitcher.

That really was a great Moose outing. Makes me a lot more optimistic. Now if Phil can have a really good start, I'll be able to listen to sportstalk radio with a smug grin as the nitwits once again assure the public that Boston will run away with the division. (You should hear the locals slobber over Ellsbury. No, you shouldn't, actually, it's more than a strong man's stomach can take.)

2008-04-23 19:38:16
74.   tommyl
71 Joba threw 1.2 yesterday (and that .2 was with the bases loaded). I think up 4 runs you can go to Hawkins and mabye Bruney unless Mo needs some work.
2008-04-23 19:38:24
75.   weeping for brunnhilde
Well, Team, this is a happy state of affairs!

Mike actually pitched a good game and we managed to score 6 runs?

Things are looking up, eh?

2008-04-23 19:38:26
76.   tommyl
71 Oh...or Dorf.
2008-04-23 19:38:57
77.   tommyl
75 Lets just hope for a good start from Hughes tomorrow and all will be well with the world.
2008-04-23 19:40:49
78.   RIYank
75 I knew you'd like this game. Not like that horrible game yesterday soiled 8/9 of the runs coming on homers.
2008-04-23 19:41:20
79.   Shaun P
74 Thank you. I missed last night's action, so . . .

75 Let's hope the barrage continues into Cleveland . . .

77 Well, if Hughes really is death vs RHB, tomorrow should be a good night for him.

2008-04-23 19:41:30
80.   weeping for brunnhilde
77 How 'bout 7/4ER?

Let's have that be the goal.

2008-04-23 19:42:44
81.   weeping for brunnhilde
78 Heh heh. I've actually been out all night, so have no idea what's been going on.

How's Robby looked?

2008-04-23 19:43:34
82.   SF Yanks
80 I want no more than 3ER.
2008-04-23 19:45:13
83.   RIYank
81 Bad. He had a good walk, but bad in general.

Well, that's it, the Tigers are going to finish their game with 14 hits and 19 runs. I wonder when was the last time a team had five more runs than hits??

2008-04-23 19:45:24
84.   OldYanksFan
Did you guys see Prince Fielder? He is 24 and he is Fat. I mean FAT! Huge! Fat! You wonder how good he could be if he lost 40 lbs. (Man, is he fat!).
2008-04-23 19:46:47
85.   weeping for brunnhilde
83 Ok, well at least that's something.
2008-04-23 19:47:03
86.   fansince77
I have to say once again - Jeter ranging so much better this year. Last year on that last ball hit up the middle- I am already at the fridge getting a beer- this year suddenly this guy number two is on the tv screen along with second base.
2008-04-23 19:47:22
87.   OldYanksFan
Ok.... just don't walk the leadoff man...
2008-04-23 19:47:42
88.   RIYank
Oh, god, this is Nick Swisher. Just throw him strikes. Jeez. Yuck.
2008-04-23 19:49:19
89.   RIYank
86 I know. It's position, I'm told. I can't see it.

Weeping, the really good news is Posada and Damon both thwacking the ball nicely.
And Moose.

2008-04-23 19:50:07
90.   pistolpete
out out out OUT TAKE HIM OUT.
2008-04-23 19:50:16
91.   tommyl
Oh c'mon guys, do not ruin a good Moose outing.
2008-04-23 19:50:24
92.   fansince77
ok - ONE MORE OUT AND THEN- GOTTA GO TO MO!
2008-04-23 19:50:25
93.   weeping for brunnhilde
Nice hitting by Cabrera.
2008-04-23 19:51:20
94.   Shaun P
88 LaTroy's 3rd pitch to Cabrera was a strike for Moose all night.

Traber time?

2008-04-23 19:51:31
95.   RIYank
I'd have Billy the Kid pitch to Thome.
2008-04-23 19:52:48
96.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
I am not sold on Traber...
2008-04-23 19:53:05
97.   RIYank
94 Hm, maybe, but Cabrera is a good hitter. To Swisher you really have to throw strikes, fo-sho strikes.

Yep, there's Billy.

2008-04-23 19:53:05
98.   weeping for brunnhilde
89 Ah, well Damon is very good news, indeed. Jorgie I expect to have another great season because from the little I've seen so far, he's spraying the ball around nicely.

Good for Damon. Let's hope he can not cause himself major injury and maybe he'll be of some use to us.

2008-04-23 19:53:53
99.   weeping for brunnhilde
Oh, it's Thome, of all people?

I don't like this...

2008-04-23 19:54:29
100.   pistolpete
so much for that.
Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2008-04-23 19:54:33
101.   tommyl
Can't blame Traber for that one. Catlike out there from Giambi. Doh.
2008-04-23 19:55:08
102.   RIYank
Wow. Mo time?
2008-04-23 19:55:15
103.   weeping for brunnhilde
Here comes Mo.

Good.

Why fuck around?

2008-04-23 19:56:01
104.   fansince77
GIAMBI IS SO USELESS. Can't we switch him to third when lefties are up? OK just saw the replay...aligator arms didn't really have a chance but he wouldn't have got it anyway.

BTW - Should Girardi have started the inning with Defensive replacements? Betemit or Gonzalez at third and Ensberg at first? no?

2008-04-23 19:56:39
105.   Shaun P
102 Yes. Perfect usage, BTW. Mo pitches to their best remaining hitters, Konerko and Dye.

If only the Yanks would score 5 runs in the top of the 9th so that someone else could come in to pitch the last of the 9th . . .

2008-04-23 19:56:46
106.   pistolpete
I agree with this move - because you're probably looking at Ollie, Bruney and maybe Joba if Hughes only goes 5 or 6 tomorrow.
2008-04-23 19:56:50
107.   Just fair
This is effin' nonsense. Sure I'd like to win the game. But bringing Mo in here smacks of desperation.
2008-04-23 19:56:59
108.   RIYank
Ahhhhh. So, New Joe is indeed an upgrade.
2008-04-23 19:57:02
109.   Zack
104 Mr. Betemit has the pink eye...
2008-04-23 19:57:22
110.   wsporter
We all know Giambi is a statue out there but I didn't quite realize that statue is Venus De Milo. That was pathetic.
2008-04-23 19:58:01
111.   fansince77
Great job Mo. One more to get here.
2008-04-23 19:58:01
112.   RIYank
Yeah, not only does Mo now pitch to the best hitters, but he does it in the highest leverage of the game, with two on and one out. Very good move.
2008-04-23 19:58:10
113.   williamnyy23
101 That's an easy groundball. I think it is getting close to a serious re-evaluation of the Giambi as 1B experiment. You simply can't have easy groundballs getting through the infield.

LaTroy Hawkins should also be on thin ice. He seems to throw the ball right down the middle most of the time. With better arms in the minors, I don't see what his purpose is.

This should not be a game.

2008-04-23 19:58:32
114.   pistolpete
Alright Mo, three or four pitches, max.
2008-04-23 19:59:14
115.   fansince77
107 I disagree...gotta go to mo here- well rested- lots of guys for tomorrow + play for this win.
2008-04-23 19:59:46
116.   Zack
Yeah I have no issues with Mo here. Its the right move. This is where one of those firemen like Patterson or even Albaladejo would be great--guys who just come in a pour on the strikes...
2008-04-23 20:00:21
117.   tommyl
109 Worst case of pinkeye in history.
2008-04-23 20:00:26
118.   pistolpete
"Release Thome at first."

LOL

2008-04-23 20:00:51
119.   tommyl
Perfect usage of Mo so far.
2008-04-23 20:00:52
120.   fansince77
different formula - same results for mo.

SWEET!

2008-04-23 20:01:00
121.   weeping for brunnhilde
Nice job, Mr. Mo.

Nice job.

2008-04-23 20:01:07
122.   RIYank
Whew. Too bad it wasn't the pop and then the fly, but this is okay. Fire's out.
2008-04-23 20:01:32
123.   Zack
See, ideally, Mo would ALWAYS be coming into these situations--your best reliever for the moments the game is on the line...

But, as I said, if not Mo, an dif not Joba since he will be a starter (period), then you want a guy like Patterson, who will come in and just throw strikes and, most of the time, get guys out...

2008-04-23 20:01:41
124.   fansince77
OK back to Giambi who might as well be carrying a spear and fishing net at first...What do you all think?
2008-04-23 20:02:24
125.   wsporter
The janitor cleans up the mess. Way to go Mo!

I am so sick of Giambi I wanna puke. The guy is really getting on my nerves.

2008-04-23 20:02:41
126.   tommyl
Girardi's pen usage has been a huge upgrade from Torre's so far. He correctly uses Farnsworth and Hawkins in low leverage situations. Uses Traber when he should. Bruney and Dorf in higher leverage ones and has shown the willingness to go to either Joba or Mo in the highest of leverage situations. Everyone in the pen has been used, but no one excessively so far. If this was last year, EDSP would already have 18 appearances.
2008-04-23 20:03:12
127.   Zack
Is there any rule about the size of a fielder's glove? Could they just send giambi out there with a ginormous glove to at least knock things down?
2008-04-23 20:03:42
128.   Just fair
It reminds me of too many games last year where a game seemed relatively in hand going into the eighth. A game in which Mo should not even have to put his spikes on, and before you know it, here he is in the eighth, again. Who would have thought we should have left in Mussina. HA.
2008-04-23 20:04:13
129.   tommyl
Um, YES gun a bit off? I don't think Jenks is throwing 87.
2008-04-23 20:04:39
130.   weeping for brunnhilde
Is that a beard on that man's chin?

Wtf is that?

2008-04-23 20:04:48
131.   tommyl
Oh dear lord, I would cut Jenks for that soul patch crap. That thing is hideous.
2008-04-23 20:04:56
132.   fansince77
Jenks throwing a change up is like Prince Fielder bunting.
2008-04-23 20:05:09
133.   wsporter
Did someone left their merkin on Jenk's chin. What the hell is that?
2008-04-23 20:05:40
134.   pistolpete
127 The Luis Polonia special, perhaps?

Did Jenks have some oatmeal before he came out of the pen? He still has some on his chin...

2008-04-23 20:06:28
135.   weeping for brunnhilde
Why are you trying to hook that pitch, Hideki?
2008-04-23 20:06:32
136.   RIYank
Why is Jenks even in this game?
2008-04-23 20:06:33
137.   wsporter
Dude can't really think that looks good can he?
2008-04-23 20:06:55
138.   williamnyy23
129 It's been off since yesterday when Contreras' fastball was 85 and Wang topped out at only 91.
2008-04-23 20:06:58
139.   Just fair
127 There is a maximum inches in lenght, don't ask me what it is. I do know Luis Polonia had a glove that was about 72 inches long, much longer than the max.
2008-04-23 20:07:03
140.   pistolpete
Here goes Cone again with the 'jerking' talk. What is on his mind, anyway?
2008-04-23 20:07:43
141.   tommyl
Jorgie Porgie, doubles again. Love it.
2008-04-23 20:07:47
142.   weeping for brunnhilde
Oooh, Jorgie!

Wow, really?

4-5?

Go Jorgie!

2008-04-23 20:07:50
143.   williamnyy23
Welcome back Jorge...now let's get this run in.
2008-04-23 20:07:56
144.   wsporter
I think Jorge is feeling better. Hip, Hip ....
2008-04-23 20:08:02
145.   RIYank
Damn.
Jorgie hasn't really missed a stride.
2008-04-23 20:08:25
146.   fansince77
Jenks looks like a rabid swollen man-goat!
2008-04-23 20:08:46
147.   tommyl
138 Prediction on LoHud for tomorrow: Hughes is only hitting 89 with his fastball!
2008-04-23 20:08:52
148.   weeping for brunnhilde
God almighty, Robby.

Jesus.

2008-04-23 20:08:55
149.   williamnyy23
Cano simply does not hit the ball hard...ever.
2008-04-23 20:09:21
150.   RIYank
142 4 for 5 and three of them doubles!
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2008-04-23 20:09:27
151.   Zack
133 What is a merkin?

139 I figured as much, but never heard that about Luis, how fitting! "I swear, I thought it was 18!"

2008-04-23 20:09:37
152.   tommyl
Are the white sox unaware that Jason Giambi sucks?
2008-04-23 20:09:40
153.   weeping for brunnhilde
They're walking Giambi???

Wow!

They're scared of Jason!

2008-04-23 20:09:45
154.   wsporter
This is the only way Giambi gets on base in this spot.
2008-04-23 20:09:50
155.   pistolpete
Why are they walking Giambi? Does Ozzie Guillen think it's 2001?
2008-04-23 20:10:51
156.   RIYank
This is the second IBB for Jason.
Guillen is an idiot, that's the explanation.
2008-04-23 20:10:53
157.   fansince77
OK - I know I'm gonna get shit for this but Cano's problem seems obvious. He is stepping and swinging in one motion. He is completely commiting his hands as he strides- no room for error- timing has to be perfect and pitchers are smart enough to keep him off stride. He needs to have an earlier softer stride and keep his hands back and go the other way. It's like he is commiting to the pitch the millisecond it leaves the hand. HE GUESSING.
2008-04-23 20:11:24
158.   weeping for brunnhilde
145 Jorge!
2008-04-23 20:11:28
159.   Zack
133 Nevermind, I just looked it up! Yikes!
2008-04-23 20:11:30
160.   Max
Giambi is rightfully getting a fair amount of crap, but Robbie is the one that is really getting my blood pressure going.
2008-04-23 20:12:05
161.   fansince77
Has Guillen NOT picked up a newspaper in two years? Giambi is no Captain Clutch.
2008-04-23 20:12:07
162.   Just fair
I am not a morning person. I'll never get over it. Cano is not an April hitter. Will he ever get over it? Coffee helps me a bit. Would some wool long-johns help him?
2008-04-23 20:12:23
163.   wsporter
Is Ensberg awake?
2008-04-23 20:12:40
164.   Mr OK Jazz TOKYO
wait, there must be some mistake on Gameday. it said Giambi stole second..hah hah, that's a funny giltch...anyone know what really happend?
2008-04-23 20:12:50
165.   williamnyy23
157 He had the same problem last year. It's not a matter of what he is doing, but why.
2008-04-23 20:13:16
166.   fansince77
159 I'm guessing Something About Mary?
2008-04-23 20:13:37
167.   wsporter
151 A pubic hair piece.
2008-04-23 20:13:39
168.   tommyl
164 I believe the term is defensive indifference.
2008-04-23 20:13:40
169.   williamnyy23
164 He took second base on the next to last pitch to Ensberg.
2008-04-23 20:13:58
170.   Shaun P
Perhaps Jenks's numbers vs LHB are bad.

136 Ozzie trusts no one else in his bullpen and wants to try to keep it close?

2008-04-23 20:14:17
171.   williamnyy23
Another wasted opportunity late in the game...hopefully Mo prevents that from coming back to haunt us.
2008-04-23 20:14:29
172.   weeping for brunnhilde
160 I know, it's excruciating to watch. But at least we know that once he gets going he'll be a force of nature.

I hope to God he'll learn to be consistent, of course, but at least we know he'll hit the fucking cover off the ball eventually.

Giambi, on the other hand...

2008-04-23 20:15:02
173.   wsporter
151 Merkin Muffly - Dr Strangelove. Get it?
2008-04-23 20:15:41
174.   RIYank
170 I guess.
But now, even though they did keep us off the board, Jenks has to be very questionable for tomorrow, no? He threw 22 pitches. (Well, four of them were for the IBB, so maybe really 18.)
2008-04-23 20:15:57
175.   Shaun P
162 You know, Bernie was that way for years . . .
2008-04-23 20:16:13
176.   wsporter
Zack - How's the Pup?
2008-04-23 20:16:30
177.   pistolpete
Man, seems like every throw Ensberg makes looks like it's going to sail into the stands.

A-Rod sure makes it look easy, don't he?

2008-04-23 20:16:31
178.   tommyl
Watching Ensberg throw makes me realize just what a cannon A-Rod has.
2008-04-23 20:16:38
179.   williamnyy23
172 Mattingly used to always struggle in April too, but Cano is giving new meaning to the term. A career OPS below .700 in both April and May is just awful. If Cano could ever start strong, he would be Chase Utley good.
2008-04-23 20:16:52
180.   fansince77
You mean,

Morgan "just ate a pufferfish" Ensburg!

2008-04-23 20:17:17
181.   Shaun P
174 If Jenks is unavailable tomorrow, all the better for the Yanks.

This should go quickly . . .

I'm glad we're going to get close to 200 comments. It was awfully damn quiet here tonight.

2008-04-23 20:17:52
182.   fansince77
162 Steel wool.
2008-04-23 20:18:05
183.   wsporter
180 Sleepy looking dude isn't he?
2008-04-23 20:18:07
184.   tommyl
181 Sorry was watching on DVR so took me awhile to catch up.
2008-04-23 20:18:21
185.   Zack
176 She went peacefully on Friday after a bout with stomach cancer. Had a vet come to the house and put her to sleep (which I would highly recommend to anyone). I miss my girl, but am glad she went out on her terms.

Thanks for asking, was a rough weekend and missed flying home for passover too...

2008-04-23 20:18:26
186.   fansince77
Rivera has the same effect on hitters that playing baseball has on Ensberg.
2008-04-23 20:18:34
187.   pistolpete
Ha, Mo is going to get 50 saves this year...
2008-04-23 20:18:35
188.   weeping for brunnhilde
Nice win, boys, nice win.

Mo and Jorgie.

2008-04-23 20:18:39
189.   tommyl
Um, Mo is good. like really, really good.
2008-04-23 20:18:48
190.   Just fair
Hey, it beats losing.
Phil + strikes = sweep.
2008-04-23 20:18:53
191.   RIYank
181 But all the stupider for Oz.

God. Pitching is just so freaking easy. I don't know why our other guys can't just do that. Duh.

2008-04-23 20:19:43
192.   wsporter
Mo is so choice.
2008-04-23 20:19:44
193.   weeping for brunnhilde
185 Oh, Zack. I'm sorry. My condolences.
2008-04-23 20:19:49
194.   williamnyy23
God save Mariano Mariano.

Very nice to see Moose pitch a very good game and silence his eager critics for at least another start.

2008-04-23 20:20:02
195.   fansince77
185 Zack, so sorry - we just lost our cat of eleven years within two days of getting sick-still miss her.
2008-04-23 20:20:08
196.   tommyl
185 Sorry to hear that Zack. Glad she passed with those that loved her.
2008-04-23 20:20:47
197.   RIYank
That was a very good evening. And for me also some good extra-baseball stuff. I'm exuberant. I think I'll remember this evening for a long time.

Zack, sorry about the dog.

2008-04-23 20:21:15
198.   weeping for brunnhilde
Wow, Jorgie really scorched the ball. That double to left-center looked sweet.
2008-04-23 20:21:47
199.   wsporter
185 Sorry Zack I know how rough that is. Sorry I brought it up. Hang in there man.
2008-04-23 20:22:00
200.   monkeypants
Hello all. Late to the party tonight...looking at the box score, does Traber actually ever do his job as a LOOGY?
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2008-04-23 20:22:11
201.   tommyl
191 Yeah...why can't everyone throw the greatest single pitch in baseball on a dime every single time? Its so easy.
2008-04-23 20:22:50
202.   tommyl
200 He induced a very, very weak grounder to first from Thome. Catlike Jason watched it go by. It could have been a double play ball.
2008-04-23 20:23:53
203.   RIYank
200 Traber is now a LOOPY. (One pitch only.)

201 It sure looks easy when he does it. You think it's not?

2008-04-23 20:23:55
204.   monkeypants
202 Ah, I see. Is that the same cat-like Giambi who had a stolen base tonight? This must have been some sort of bizarro game.
2008-04-23 20:25:22
205.   wsporter
200 Well he got a ground ball hit almost directly at our designated statue at first. Unfortunately gravity couldn't get Giambi to the ball fast enough so it passed unmolested under his extended alligator arm. Other than that Traber was a disgrace.
2008-04-23 20:25:32
206.   RIYank
204 Defensive indifference, as you will have guessed.
Another bizarre play: Melky advanced from second to third on Johnny Damon's double.
2008-04-23 20:27:17
207.   tommyl
203 Sure, I have the same feeling when I look at Wiles' proof of Fermat. Its so obvious, why didn't I think of that?
2008-04-23 20:27:19
208.   Zack
197 199 Thanks, but no worries. Not painful anymore, just a bit lonely! A Yankee win does wonders :)
2008-04-23 20:27:19
209.   Adrian
204 One is Jason Giambi. The other is a cat named Giambi that was lured to second with a dead mouse.
2008-04-23 20:28:07
210.   wsporter
202 Look at it this way: if Giambi fields that ball and tries to turn the DP Chisox would have wound up with runners at 2nd and 3rd after he threw the ball into left field potentially hitting Damon in the throat and killing him. I'm satisfied with the way it worked out.
2008-04-23 20:28:52
211.   weeping for brunnhilde
You think maybe Jason was blocked by the runner?

Just saw it again and maybe that accounts for it.

2008-04-23 20:29:27
212.   Eirias
Wow, Maddux is truly an artist.
2008-04-23 20:29:48
213.   wsporter
208 Get a puppy; it's great medicine for that empty feeling. :-) We'll help you name it!
2008-04-23 20:30:16
214.   tommyl
211 You think he'd be sort of used to it by now, having played 1B his entire ML career and all. My point was that you can't blame Traber for that one. He came in, threw a good pitch, got the Sox best hitter to hit a weak ground ball to first. I'm not sure what else you can ask of him.
2008-04-23 20:30:53
215.   tommyl
212 Against SF I could be a Cy Young pitcher.
2008-04-23 20:31:44
216.   Shaun P
185 Sorry for your loss, Zack.

200 Traber is, so far, worst on the team in preventing inherited runners from scoring. So, if you figure his job is to come in and prevent a lefty from knocking in the guys on base, he's not doing his job. However, he keeps having these non-LOOGY appearances, so it's a little hard to tell for sure.

Small sample, but he's 4th on the team in WXRL. He's also 4th in terms of leverage appearances, at .80. tommyl was right in 126 - Girardi's pen usage is excellent. Here are how the Yanks relievers break down by leverage score:

Mo - 1.81(!)
Joba - 1.35
Bruney - 1.09
Traber - 0.80
Ohlendorf - 0.60
Hawkins - 0.53
Farnsworth - 0.52
Albaladejo - 0.31
Edwar - 0.07

That list is basically perfect. The two worst relievers in the pen, Kyle and Hawkins, pitch the lowest leverage innings. The two guys who have been up just to be innings sponges - Albaladejo and Edwar - have done that.

2008-04-23 20:32:46
217.   weeping for brunnhilde
210 Agreed.

Giambi should have has own special rule: no throwing the baseball.

Ever.

It he finds himself in possession of a baseball that needs to be transferred to another place on the field, he may toss it underhand to the nearest fielder so that he may attempt the necessary throw.

Otherwise, Giambi may return the ball to the pitcher, no questions asked.

2008-04-23 20:33:15
218.   tommyl
216 And every reliever has between 7 and 9 appearances. EDSP btw already has 10 and tonight's game isn't over there yet.
2008-04-23 20:33:26
219.   Shaun P
210 MFD, you're channeling Sliced Bread tonight! I was LMAO at that - Damon dead from a throw to the throat.
2008-04-23 20:33:37
220.   tommyl
216 Oh, where did you get those leverage numbers?
2008-04-23 20:34:57
221.   weeping for brunnhilde
214 Oh, don't get me wrong, Jason sucks and the out should have been recorded.
2008-04-23 20:35:04
222.   wsporter
217 It must be why you never see him toss the ball to a fan. I'm sure he's afraid he'll maim someone.
2008-04-23 20:36:56
223.   Shaun P
220 BP's stats page (subscriber only) - under "Reliever Expected Wins Added"

The Dodgers' leverage numbers are about right - Saito with a LEV of 1.89 (though the worst WXRL in their pen), Broxton next at 1.15, then EDSP and Beimel (their LOOGY) both at 0.91. EDSP also has a negative WXRL.

2008-04-23 20:37:07
224.   wsporter
219 Slice is cleaning my house as we speak.
2008-04-23 20:38:34
225.   tommyl
223 And EDSP on target for 80+ appearances sounds about right too ;)
2008-04-23 20:41:08
226.   weeping for brunnhilde
What the hell was hat Mr. Peanut business all about?
2008-04-23 20:41:37
227.   weeping for brunnhilde
that
2008-04-23 20:43:23
228.   Zack
213 Don't think I wasn't surfing petfinder already today! But we're trying to wait another two months or so after a double wedding trip we have in June...Would love another Shepherd though...

216 That list is amazing, really. Couldn't ask for anything more

2008-04-23 20:45:05
229.   weeping for brunnhilde
How come no one likes to throw to Jorgie?

Coney said he had problems with Jorgie at first too and that Jorgie took it personally.

2008-04-23 20:45:40
230.   monkeypants
206 I would have loved seeing that.

216 Maybe selective memory is kicking in with me. I thought I recalled Traber always allowing the LH to get a hit, but I looked at his game logs, and in 9 appearances only a couple appear to have been total failures. I don't have the energy to look more closely at all the games/batters/results. I guess it's just the last couple of times where he failed to get the LH out, and tonight this appears to have been Giambi-aided.

2008-04-23 20:46:03
231.   Shaun P
225 Unfortunately the Dodgers seem to have a number of guys who've made relief appearances despite being starters (Billingsley, Park, Loaiza), so its hard to tell if Torre is ignoring the bottom guys in the pen.

Saito (their closer) has but 6 IP.
Broxton (setup guy) has 8.1.
EDSP has 8.1
Beimel (the LOOGY) has 7.
Loaiza has 12.7 relief innings - he must be the long man?
Or is that Park, who has 11 IP, all in relief?

So maybe Torre is spreading the work around?

2008-04-23 20:47:40
232.   fansince77
206 When you say "defensive indifference" are you speaking of Giambi's fielding or his advancement to second base?
2008-04-23 20:49:35
233.   wsporter
228 We wanted to rescue a Shepherd but ended up going through a breeder. We have so many kids running through the house we decided a puppy from a known source was best. We got a great girl from a lady who has been breeding and showing them in PA for years. If you want her info let me know, I'll get it to you. Great dog, best pet I've ever had. She's sitting right here watching me type. She's a Big Yankees fan ;-)
2008-04-23 20:58:15
234.   weeping for brunnhilde
"Wow, I must be getting old."--Mike on hearing he only reached 100 pitches twice last year.

He also reported that Jorgie told Joe, "He's got nothing" which is why Joe started to summon help from the pen.

"I heard him plain as day, he said, 'He's got nothing.' That's why it looked like it did. Something was lost in translation, I guess, because he meant to say it, it just came out wrong. I don't think he was playing a joke."

2008-04-23 21:07:35
235.   tommyl
Best line from Girardi, "Sometimes you have to save the game before the ninth inning."

Damn if that man doesn't actually understand how to use a pen.

2008-04-23 21:08:11
236.   tommyl
Is Lowe hurt or something? 5 innings, 1 run, 67 pitches and Torre lifted him?
2008-04-23 21:09:44
237.   tommyl
Man I hope Maddux gets the win. Classy guy, unreal he's about to get win #350. Unreal.
2008-04-23 21:11:36
238.   tommyl
Just lifted this from RLYW:

Sterling and Waldman were talking about David Cone's perfect game against the Montreal Expos. The Expos' pitcher was Javy Vazquez. The reason why he was starting? The original starter was scratched with an injury. Said original starter?

Carl Pavano.

Wow, you can't make that stuff up. That is hilarious.

2008-04-23 21:33:02
239.   Zack
233 Thanks, but in addition to being but a poor student, I am a bleeding heart sucker for charity cases. Thus, Sophie, the Shepherd, was adopted as a senior. I'm sure the next pup will have some disability of some sort. Nothing against breeders and totally understand your reasoning, but I'm a pound puppy man all the way :)
2008-04-23 22:12:16
240.   Mattpat11
Wil Nieves got two hits at the game I was at
2008-04-23 22:46:41
241.   Shaun P
238 240 And, of course, who does Wil Nieves play for now, but the descendants of the Expos, the Nationals.

Its hard to believe that Pavano was once the centerpiece of the Sox's trade for Pedro. He and Tony Armas, Jr. I wonder sometimes how important Armas Jr was to that deal happening; he was a PTBNL so he couldn't have been that imporant. Still, Armas Jr was once a Yankees prospect, dealt to Boston in '97 to get Mike Stanley back. Wouldn't it have been something if the Sox never got Pedro because they didn't have Tony Armas Jr?

Or, more likely given events of the last few years, that Pavano tripped over his own shadow and broke something before the trade went down?

2008-04-23 23:11:31
242.   Yu-Hsing Chen
Carl Pavano's minor league track record was pretty darn good. in terms of prospect. he's really just a knotch below Hughes (age) and Kennedy ( progression speed)

He's never been able to stay healthy long enough. but there were prefectly legitimate reasons to belive that he could be a good pitcher .

As for the Dodger pen, Loaiza started as the 5th starter with Park / Kuo being the long man. then they flipped Kuo and Loaiza after Loaiza pitched like himself and they realize Kuo's a lefty with good stuff and not old.

EDSP's been horrible so far. at this rate he'd be off the team pretty soon.

2008-04-24 06:34:04
243.   Sliced Bread
224 surely, you've been duped by an imposter, friendo.
2008-04-24 09:24:11
244.   wsporter
239 I know what you mean and feel the same way. This is probably our last breeder dog cause the kids will be grown (hopefully) when it's time for her to pass the torch. We had folks in from GS rescue who advised us about the kid traffic when we were going the rescue route. Good luck Zack and again sorry to hear your news.
2008-04-24 09:26:00
245.   wsporter
243 :-)

Comment status: comments have been closed. Baseball Toaster is now out of business.