“I’ve never hit a walk-off homer, ever, in my whole life, not even in Little League,” Crosby said. “To do it at Yankee Stadium, this time of year, when it counts, it just doesn’t get any better than this.”
(N.Y. Times)
C.W. Wang pitched his best game since returning from the DL last night, holding the Orioles to two runs over eight innings. He was a little shaky in the first three innings but after that, he cruised, getting Baltimore to hit ground ball after ground ball. I can’t recall him throwing harder either. The YES broadcasters said his fastball was hitting between 93-96 mph. Wang had nine assists himself (two shy of the League record). He left the game after eight fine innings with the score tied at two. The Yankees blew a scoring opportunity in the third inning (Gary Sheffield, depleted of his power, grounded into an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded) and left nine men on base in total for the night. However, they managed to score two runs in fifth (RBI single by Alex Rodriguez, RBI ground out by Sheff) to tie the game at two.
Mariano Rivera pitched the ninth. After striking out Jay Gibbons (check swing) for the first out, Javey Lopez popped out to Tino Martinez. Actually the ball was in foul territory up the first base line. Crosby raced in from right and Cano motored over from second. Cano almost collided with Tino, who was once again called on as a defensive replacement for Giambi, but Martinez held onto the ball for the out. B.J. Surhoff followed and hit the first pitch in virtually the same spot. Actually, this play was even easier for Martinez but an overeager Cano bumped into him and the ball dropped out of Tino’s glove. (Martinez shot Cano a look that said, “Now, listen here, son, lemme ‘splain something to you…”) Surhoff worked the count full before lining out to Hideki Matsui in left.
Bubba Crosby, who already had two hits, led off the bottom of the ninth and plastered a 1-0 breaking ball deep into the right centerfield bleachers. Crosby, who hasn’t hit a home run in well over a year, knew it was gone immediately, and went into style-mode. He practically froze at the plate, like he was doing a dance move, admiring his unlikely moment in the spotlight.
With the 3-2 victory, the Yanks crept a game closer to the Red Sox, who, despite another monstrous game from David Ortiz, fell to the Devil Rays, 8-7. Meanwhile, the Tribe held off the White Sox to maintain their game-and-a-half wildcard advantage.
After the game in Tampa, Ortiz told Gordon Edes:
“Crazy, man,” Ortiz said quietly, then sighed deeply. “It’s not getting any better, you know. This was a game that we had to win, we needed it. It ain’t gonna get any closer than that.
“I still say this was the season for us to be 10 games up on the Yankees. They can’t play no worse than they did at the beginning of the season this year. And they’re not going to play any worse than that, guaranteed. To have a team starting like that and by this point you’re not at least 10 games up…”
Tough night for Sox fans in both Chicago and Boston. But those hard feelings can easily turn around today, and Indian and Yankee fans could be suffering tomorrow morning. Anyone getting any sleep around here?
1. I just love watching Wang pitch. He doesn't get upset over giving up a hit or a run, he just goes after the next hitter and has faith in his fielders. Absolutely he needs to stay in the rotation, as does Chacon. Maybe Small or Wright to the pen, though based upon performance you could say the same about Unit or Moose.
2. I went to bed last night right after the Crosby blast. The tribe was down and the Sox were down. This morning, I thought I was going to be able to gloat to all the Cleveland fans around the office, but no luck. I still think we have a better shot at the division than the WC, but what I'm hoping for is a major Boston collapse that lands them out of the playoffs.
As for postseason rotation, I think it has to be:
Johnson
Moose
Wang
Chacon
Small has earned it, but we know he's effective out of the pen, can't say the same about Chacon. Sticking Wright in the pen is a risk also, but if he can come in and throw in the mid 90s for an inning, that's better than having Embree blow it (even if he is a lefty).
3. Forgot to add:
Of course, that's assuming we make the postseason
4. Well I think the point is a bit moot with Wright still hurt. Does anyone know if he's projected to miss a start or not?
Its a tough decision, because on one hand you want to go with the guys who are pitching well and on the other there's the guys who have pitched in the postseason and done well before.
If it were up to me (which, thankfully it is not) and all were healthy I'd go with:
Unit, Moose, Small, Wang, Chacon
down the stretch. But a point can be made for a 6-man rotation with no days off and people a bit banged up. As for the postseason rotation (if we make it that far), I don't want to think about it yet.
5. jdb,
As I recall Small has been off and on out of the pen. I remember a game or two that he came in and couldn't get outs right away, though this could be selective memory. Does anyone have stats on this?
6. One last point about the WC. I think at this point the Yankees will have to catch Chicago for the WC. Cleveland just seems to be steamrolling and are only 2.5 games back at this point.
Wow, two things I didn't anticipate at the all star break: arguing the merits of Small vs. Wang vs. Chacon and wondering when the Indians will catch the chisox.
7. Small was ineffective in one outing after sitting for 10 days, the rest of his performances escape me but I think they were good. I think one of his wins came from the pen as well.
Small's performance tonight may tell the tale for the rest of his season, let's hope he does well!
8. Alex, you have a future as a headline writer for the Daily News ("Hubba Bubba").
Wright said he will make his next start because "it is not the time of year to call in sick".
9. And for what it's worth, Wright is claiming he'll be ready for his next start. I hope our offense is ready as well!
10. The team needs to be up one game in the division by the time this homestand is done. That's all I'm asking for. A 1 game lead or better by the time the weekend is over would be fantastic.
Even though the Boston papers are saying the Red Sox are cooked, I think the Yanks can't go into their last 7 games (all on the road) tied or behind in the standings.
11. I feel like a dying a breed. As one of the last few and remaining Torre supporters (sure seems that way), I was glad to see this piece today:
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/348040p-297026c.html
Wang was awesome. I would give my left arm, right nut and small toe, to know what it felt like to hit a homerun like Crosby did yesterday. It's such a good story, it was like watching Rudy.
12. Yikes, what a great finish, maybe Bubba will get the start in RF for the rest of the season. Man, is this thing heating up or what ?! The Sawx are reeling....starters not getting the job done, no one hitting except for Ortiz, no middle relief, questionable defense WOW
13. Oh, and I found it hard to let go of some of my characteristic pessimism when I saw our offense squander yet more opportunities to drive in runs last night.
Then I realized after the game that we've won 3 games in just over a week by 1-0, 1-0, and 3-2, this after we couldn't buy or steal a win when scoring 3 runs or less for most of the season. We've won 6 of our last 7 games decided by one run, 8 of the last 10. (We were 16-14 in such games all season prior to our recent streak) I like it.
14. Well, that headline was pretty easy to write. It was either Hubba Bubba or Bubbalicious. But Emily said that it should be Hubba, Hubba Bubba, so the credit goes to her. Crosby is her new favorite Yankee. She loves the underdog don't you know, though her favorite player last year sure ain't playin' like no underdog this year. Go Tony Clark. Good for you.
15. Waswatching used bubbalicious.
Schill goes for the Sawx tonight. Pinella should have his team bunt, bunt, and bunt some more on him, then hit, hit, and hit some more.
16. Alex, my wife is a fan of Bubba as well. We've started calling our 3 year old son "Bubba" too.......
17. What a night. With the help of my new 42" HDTV, a hair trigger clicker finger, and MLB Extra Innings, I was able to catch large parts of a ton of sports last night:
1. Yankees. Wang looks so composed out there, completely unruffled. I actually was thinking about the number of putouts a pitcher had ever gotten in a game when the MASN (boo) guys brought it up. Bubba!
2. Giants over N.O. Eli resembled Wang. Cool and confident in the pocket, moving his feet well and waiting to release the ball until he had a man. Spread the wealth around. Shockey looks like a force, Plax is a threat every time downfield, and Toomer had a nifty feet-drag for a first down in the 3rd qtr. I think Jacobs should get more touches, esp late onces the game's decided, rather than ris a Tiki injury.
3. Bosox loss. Tampa should have had about 4 more runs to go with their 18 or 19 hits. I hope this is the start of Boomer hitting the wall.
4. Chisox loss. The Tribe's offense is relentless right now- def wouldn't wanna face them in the playoffs.
5. Skins and Cowboys. Living in DC, I hate the Redskins with a passion, so this was a disappointment. This truly is a one team town, and every yahoo (and Wahoo, unfortunately) down here woke up this morning convinced the Deadskins are SB XL bound.
Play today. Win today. Tha's it.
18. Does Torre even pay attention anymore? Is there ANYONE who has more confidence in Jaret Wright than Chacon or Wang? At least Johnson and Mussina have earned a benefit of the doubt.
You can't make your rotation based on what each pitcher is being paid. Chacon and Wang should both be starting.
19. It was reported that Posada told Bubba to look for a breaking ball; he deserves props for that.
Bubba is en fuego in September. He needs to play even if he has an 0fer or two or three.
I would definitely leave Wang and Chacon in the rotation. It sounds Chacon may be shifted to the pen.
It also appears that Leiter will be used as a LOOGY, and that he has moved ahead of Embree, although Torre only mentioned Franklin by name.
20. If things come down to the last game of the season, Torre will run any and everyone out there (a la Moose in Game 7 2003 ALCS) to get the win. That would throw any previous plans into the wood chipper.
Makes it nice to conceivably have SIX different effective starters, no?
For now, I think if Moose is capable of pitching OK on Friday, you let him. But only if Wright is also capable of pitching. Have Wright shadow Moose in the pen, ready to enter the game if needed. If you need him, he's ready, and we don't have to see F-Rod, Franklin, DePaula, Mendoza etc in the 3rd. If you don't need Wright, sit him at the first opportunity and have him ready to shadow Small on Sunday.
Creativity isn't Torre's strong point, but why officially send anyone to the pen? Why not make use of what you've got, six potentially effective starters?
21. Props to Leiter for volunteering to be the LOOGY. I think he could do it well. He's so blah against righties, though, if the opposing team countered with a RH pinch hitter, you'd have to sit him.
22. ShaunP, if they use 6 starters then you know that'll affect RJ starting on 5 days rest. We can't change RJ's method to his madness.
23. Sorry...I meant starting every 5th day.
24. I recommended this last night and I stick by it. Moreover, I think we should move to it now, rather than in the post season, assuming we get there.
This will never fly, but I like a 4 man-right now. Considering the junk in the pen, I think it's wise. I implore you to listen Joe, I am channelling it to you right now.
Randy
Moose
Chacon
Small
Move Wright up if Moose can't go, but I gots' me a good feeling about Mr. Northern Exposure.
Wang, Leiter, and Wright in the Pen to get to GorMo. This also provides some needed rest for Gordon. Wang can go long if necessary. I know, I know, you're thinking, didn't you see Wang last night? Well yes, yes I did, and at 96 MPH, with solid fielding and a near mechanical ground ball machine for an arm, I think he makes more sense in the pen, especially in games that Chacon or Small start. It's much more difficult for hitters to adjust from a steady diet of beaking pitches at 70-85 MPH, to Wang's $5 a Gallon GAS. If Small deteriorates, bang, there is Wang to pick up the pieces. If that occurs more than once, you can move Small to the pen, but I stand by my 96 MPH ground ball gobblin helping where we need him most.
Leiter for lefties in necessary, and Wright when Gordon and Mo need a rest, he can go 6-9, give or take, and keep Mo resting when the lead is 3 or more. I don't want to get to the post season with a less than 100% Rivera, do you?
Use Mendoza and Sturtz only in emergency, never use Embree, Hernandez, Franklin, or Proctor. I know they're on the roster, but next year would be a much more apt time to "fiddle" with their mechanics. The devil aint going down to that bullpen, lookin' for a lead to steal.
Bullpen problem solved!
Stormer Sports for president, "No New Taxes, Ok Ok, No New Ticket Prices at the Satduim!"
I need your vote.
Thoughts?
25. Did I see see someone say Randy can't go on 4 days?
That is how he wants it! "Hooper, aint you been watchin it!"
Just one more reason the above rotation is belisimo.
26. Stormer,
I can't believe that I'm typing this....
but I think I agree with you
27. Does that make Crosby the "Gumfighter?"
28. Joe,
Thanks, I have moments of lucidity, actually pretty darn often, but they usually are overcome by reactionary gibberish. The war within, as Dr. Phil would say, only the insurgents are winning.
Are you volunteering on my campaign? I have buttons . . . buttons!
$20 Box Seats in every pot!
29. I want Wang in the rotation over Small.
30. What a season:
Hello: Leiter, Small, Wang
Good bye: Pavano, Wright (for awhile)
Thanks: AROD, Tino (earlier), Cano, et all
You know what kills me? Those guys who say that a loss in May doesn't mean that much. Man, I'd take a couple right now. I still can't get over the Sox' problems right now. Some people think they are all done: won't make the post season....
31. Related to my previous comment about the Sox - check this out :
http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSox/view.bg?articleid=103419&format=text
Hmmmm...interesting
32. I actually do not mind Proctor as an early-inning eater in the unfortunate instance of a starter imploding in the first two or three innings. But I agree that he should be left out of any late inning crucial or semi-crucial situations, even deficits of 3 runs or less.
I don't want Mendoza, Franklin or F-Rod to get any innings, period. I don't want Embree, but we all know he's there and is going to be called up at least two or three more times in the next couple of weeks.
Given Gordon's dead arm and the fickle state of the starters generally, this may be all moot. We're going to see guys we don't like, in situations we don't like, at least a few more times before the season is over.
33. Joe, it was premature when a bunch of Sox fans came tap-dancing on graves around here after our last series loss to Tampa at YS. I'd say it's a bit premature as well for Yankees fans to be doing the same, especially since we're still behind.
34. Shaun,
Where was Moose last year in Game 7? No way to predict what Joe will do, hell, he might start Frank Torre, he's back to full strength.
Torre always uses too many starters in the PS, and it burys us. We need 3 in the ALDS, 4, but preferably 3 in the ALCS, 4 but preferably 3 in the WS, that is all, that leaves the best guys (your remaining starters) in the pen to be ready.
If Joe moves Chacon to the pen, he's lost his mind. I say again, he is our best starter, why can't the team see that? How was Randy doing before he got tossed? Moose may be a question mark. Chacon's era is less than 3.00 away from Coors and with the Yankees, how can he even be considering it?
Ortiz had a moment of lucidity, and he was correct, they should be 10 games up on us right now. I don't quite get it, they have Wells, Clement, Arroyo, Wakefield, and now "The Schilling," how can they be whining about pitching?
35. Matt,
They can call Bubba "the Babe" for all I care, so long as he starts!
36. If we make the playoffs (don't want to jinx it) . . .
Bubba Crosby 2005 = Brian Doyle 1978?
37. Given his September stats: .379 .379 .552 .931, let's just hope Torre doesn't bury him if he has a few bad games.
If he continues to get regular PT, who knows?
38. Max, I agree. I'm not THAT confident. Not at all. If Manny and Varitek start hitting, and Schilling/Wells come back strong - they could gain the momentum to add to their lead. It is kinda fun seeing them sweat abit. No way am I screaming from the rooftops though....
I may hang my Yankee flag on the garage tonight tho....
39. Today in Reactionary Sportswriting.
End might just be near: Struggles snowball for weary Red Sox
By Tony Massarotti/ Baseball
Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - Updated: 06:26 AM EST
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – "Personally, I think they're cooked. And deep in their heart of hearts, you can only wonder if the Red Sox know it. . . . It is not over yet, of course, but it is sure starting to feel that way. Once the possessors of a 5 1/2-game lead in the division, the Red Sox are now holding on by the slimmest of margins. And with each passing day, the Sox seem to deteriorate just a little bit more, to disintegrate just a little bit further. . . . Really, how much more can go wrong? Embarrassed by the Oakland A's Sunday in their castle known as Fenway Park, the Sox were continuing to take on hits even before last night's game began. Trot Nixon was scratched from the lineup due to illness. Tony Graffanino left the game in the third inning with a strained left groin. Wells was gone shortly thereafter, having somehow managed to allowed 12 baserunners and four runs while recording just eight outs. . . . Much to their dismay, the Sox then went out and turned in a stinker. Wells was terrible. The bullpen failed to hold down the Devil Rays. The defense continued to falter. And through the first five innings, it seemed as if Johnny Damon and his injured left shoulder were required to make an endless succession of throws back to the infield.
The past? It means nothing this year. These Red Sox are no more connected to the ones of 1948 or 1978. Nor are they connected to the Sox of 2004, as best we can tell.
``The ways those guys are playing over there right now, you've got to put a lot into it to beat 'em,'' Ortiz said of the Devil Rays, though he just as easily could have been referring to the Yankees. ``You've got to bring your `A' game.''
Or, quite simply, you can kiss the playoffs goodbye."
I thought they couldn't lose Massarotti, make up your mind, it's only been a week since you said that!
40. Joe in Anglocentral USA,
Mr. Gorbachev, "Don't take down that flag!"
Joe, You have to be like Ghandi!
Hang that flag. . . . and if they scream and taunt, you stand steadfast and say nothing!
If they tear it down, you hang a new one!
If they tear that one down, you put up yet another.
Go Yankees!
41. Stormer, nice article, let's just hope it is true.
Wang must stay in the rotation. He can go 8 - 9 innings, so you don't need to touch the bullpen at all on those days (except maybe for Mo). The best response to having Embree, et al., in the bullpen is a complete game.
42. FWIW, the Postseason Odds report over at Prospectus has the Yanks' odds of winning the division higher than it has been at any point this season.
Counterbalance - Red Sox have better odds than we do, unforunately.
I'm not sure how much faith I have in it, because it still has the White Sox's odds of winning the AL Central greater than Cleveland's.
I'm sure the methodology is beyond sound, but I just don't see the Sox (of either color) holding on to their respective leads.
43. rbj,
I think that makes some sense, I do. I just looked at all the alternatives and scenarios, and concluded that Wang's GAS out of the pen is more valuable to the team than Small's rather light stuff. I also looked to the adjustment opposing hitters will have to make from our starter, to Wang, and I like keeping them off balance.
I could be wrong, but like New Orleans, we have to shore up our weakest points first, and that my friend, is the bullpen.
44. All the Red Sox doom and gloom is very easy to explain: They are hoping that by pronouncing the Sox "dead" that they will either motivate their team and get them into gear, or they will work some mojo a la the playoffs last year.
I can't imagine the Sox needing any extra motivation, but you never know, teams are funny that way. And with Schill on the mound, why, this is the type of situation that he lies awake at night fantasizing about, the chance to save the team!!
45. Stormer:
Loved your reply. Not "Anglocentral USA" - but Red Sox Nation. Not easy being a Yankee fan up here !
46. Shaun P, I was just about to cite the BP post-season odds, but you beat me to it. They are based on a million computer simulations of the remaining games, factoring in strength of the opponents (hence why the Indian's postseason odds are so much higher than the Yanks despite "only" a 1.5 game lead), the home-away splits, runs scored/allowed, etc. I think they're fascinating.
That the Yankees are now above 50% for the first time this year is very very heartening, and you can feel the excitement. However, we're still 5th out of 6 teams in the list, and you have to be in the top 4 to play after October 1!
One other observation: isn't the manic-depressive nature of a pennant race amazing? Imagine if we'd lost last night (after all those scoring opportunities) and the Sox won -- both were 1 run games, after all, it could have happened easily. It's scary even to think about it ...
47. Even if Mussina is deemed to be 100% healthy here on out, I wouldn't be so quick as to lock him into the #2 spot in the playoff rotation. His batting average against this year is the worst of his career, and his current K/BB rate is his worst since his early Oriole years. The guy is a proven, gutsy postseason performer so I'd probably give him the nod but with the poise and confidence Wang and Small have been displaying out there, Moose could end up the #4 guy. Hopefully Moose will start another game or two before the season's out and change my mind.
48. Stormer, I think you should always play to your strengths first. Get our five best starters out there for the rest of the season, whoever doesn't get a chair goes to the pen and pitches out of there.
Then in the post season, go with four starters.
Both times we'll be adding a better arm to the pen than what currently resides there, even if it's Wright or Chacon or Small.
49. Joe should have started Moose in game 4 on normal rest and Duque in game 5. Then Moose would have been available for game 7. Moose still would have been able to start gm 1 of the W.S. either way, but I digress.
50. rsmith,
We shouldn't cry over spilt milk, we have a pennant race after all. However, if I ever have children, I will tell them that Joe Torre starting Kevin Brown in Game 7 was the worst managing blunder I've ever seen. Wall punching, back spasiming, era on apmphetimies, shhesh. Moose, smart, deliberate, game controlling, coaching LISTENING! Duque, just a big game, smart pitcher.
The Worst decision I've ever seen, bar none.
Worse than the handling of the Cardinals following the "Steve Bartman" like bullshit blaming the umpire in game 6 debacle.
Worse that Grady Little and Pedro.
Worse that the Phillies refusing to use starters out of the Pen and getting beat by the Jay's.
Just, the worst!
51. I think putting in Jeff Weaver in 2003 w.s. takes the cake for Torre's worst decision.
Forward to this year. Go Yanks!!!!
52. rsmith . . . .point taken.
However, at least Weaver had a chance, Brown had none from pitch 1, shit, he had none from the time I opened the paper in the morning.
Tonight, Tonight, It's going to be tonight!
.5 up baby, here come the Sharks!
Maria! Maria! Maria!
53. Just watched the replay on mlb.com (hey my inlaws are still visiting....and I missed it last night). I loved the way Bubba stood and watched the homer, only for a second, then realized he'd better get running. He booked it around the bases !
Loved the pile at home plate. Wouldn't you give anything for that to be you ?
54. Joe,
Come on man. Tell me Boston is not the whitest, preppiest, insestuous, most nepotistic city in the US, dude, I've spent enough time there. For God's sake, they had their first black player 11 YEARS! after Jackie played his first game. They were the last, by a long margin.
Until Theo, the prior year, they had 1 non-hite position player who started, 1, well maybe 2, but I think Manny was the only guy.
right white
center white
1st white
2nd white
short white
3d white
catcher white
pitchers-all white but 1
Manny- thats it
Dude?
Boston makes Chicago and St. Louis look like Ellis Island.
Don't live in denial.
55. Stormer -
Agreed. I never really thought about it. Not on my radar with a 3 year old and a 1 year old running around the house.
Abercrombie and Fitch/Gap nation around here.
Same at Fenway when it comes down to it
56. Joe,
These are the things we pittiful single people think about. It's sad, really. I have never really thought about it until ESPN did a piece on baseball integration.
57. I suspect Boston's reluctance to integrate had a lot more to do with their 86-year drought than any curse.
It was awfully nice to see Bubba hit that walk-off homer last night. Everyone was so happy for him. He seemed overwhelmed. "As far as thinking something like this was going to happen, I thought those days were over with."
He gave credit to Jorge Posada. He said Jorgie told him to wait for a breaking ball, and when he got one, to hold off until the last minute, then hold off some more. Gee, maybe Posada should be a hitting coach. ;-)