Jeter
Damon
Tex
Swisher
Cano
Po
Cabrera
Molina
Berroa

Molina catching Hughes after a day off y'day for Po? Hmmm...

: )

Almost two off-days, as Molina started Saturday, though Posada entered the game in the late innings.

Tonight included, Posada has made 60 percent of the starts behind the plate. Over a full season that would be 97 games. Throw in 18 at DH (he has 3 already; three more per month = 18 total) and that's 115 games, which sounds about right.

I don't know if that's why Molina is catching tonight Cliff (the ERA/BAA factor), or that's the Po DHing against a lefty in favor of Matsui factor, or a little of both?

*shrug*

64 and sunny here. Chance of rain Wed & Thurs, otherwise sunny & 60s for the week. Ah, spring.

[3] I vote for a little of both.

Did I say something about ERA/BAA? I'm not even sure what you mean, PJ. Do you mean catchers' ERA? At any rate, it's absolutely the lefty on the mound that has Molina in the lineup. Molina can kinda hit lefties, but can't hit righties. A great time to get Jorge one of those half days off.

Via Peter, Joba's mom was busted for selling meth. I know they don't speak, but still gotta be hard on him.

Just glad I got out of that stuff before meth came along.

[6] I was referring to the differences in the Yankees pitchers' ERA and BAA when Molina catches them, versus the same stats when Posada catches them. Apparently, that's not a factor at all.

I thought as much, but wasn't sure.

Thanks for answering!

[7] I don't know what's worse, RBJ. Joba being estranged from his mother, or her being arrested for selling meth...

Both are tragic, indeed!

Are they playing tonight or is it rain-delay/out?

Delayed.

Delay thus far. They seem to be holding out hope that the system will pass and they can play through after a delayed start. Thus far they've been delayed 80 minutes.

Time to make dinner then...

[8] I think it's strictly a match-up issue. In 12 PAs, Molina has an OPS of 1.100 against Lester. Matsui, on the other hand, has K'ed in 2 of his 3 ABs.

I think the best way to utilize Molina is to get him starts in spots where he has a chance to contribute on offense, instead of simply looking at if from a "when does Jorge" need a day off. In the long run, I think Jorge will get the rest he needs, and Molina will be a little more productive.

Looking at CERA, Posada's is 7.71 while Molina's is 3.06, but Posada started in the three games that Wang was lit up, so I'm not sure how meaningful it is.

Maybe Molina is starting to prevent SBs?

I hate, hate that Berroa is starting.

Agreed, William, and that matchup advantage extends to Molina's career rates vs. LHP (though not Matsui's, as he's done well against lefties over his career).

Ham:

UPDATE, 8:19 p.m.: Still raining, tarp still down, grounds crew no longer mulling around. At this point, it would take at least 45 minutes to get the field ready. So the game is not starting any time soon, if at all.

Are they still expecting to get the game in?

Around 8 on YES they showed some radar imaging that seemed to show a clearing just south of Philadelphia. Apparently they're counting on that holding up and starting whenever it arrives.

Rich, I almost wonder if Girardi is recognizing that Peña is locked in batting lefty to a degree that's entirely unexpected (.313 avg, .371 OBP) and doesn't want him to lose that groove by hitting righty. I can't entirely blame him for that, but if it's simply a case of thinking Peña can't hit lefties, I say why not let him try in order to keep his glove on the field (even though I'm not convinced Peña can hit anyone over a larger sample).

Rich, can you factor out Wang's innings and earned runs and recalculate Posada's CERA? (not that catcher ERA really has much science behind it, Baseball Prospectus largely disproved it as a valuable statistic in Baseball Between the Numbers)

[17] I'm looking at the radar on the NWS website and I'd be shocked if they played today.

[18] On weather.com, there does appear to be a large non-precip hole between Philadelphia and Richmond. Doesn't seem to have moved since 8ish though and who knows if it's big enough. Well, someone knows, but not me.

[13] That's actually what I meant with [5]

If you're not sick of ARod/SRob read Steve Goldman's latest on pinestriped bible. It's pretty much what many of us are saying (in part).

[19] Cliff,

I completely agree. Girardi has disappointed me this season, and that's after thinking that he was the perfect manager for this team before he got the job.

I didn't calculate the CERAs, I got them from ESPN. I went to law school because I'm not that good any math anymore.

I will, however, purchase that book.

Ham:

UPDATE, 8:51 p.m.: First pitch at 9:20.

Thanks guys!

I appreciate that information!

Time for Hot Dog Soup!

Yes, Hot Dog Soup!

They sure are trying to get this one in...

If they wait any longer, it'll be past Phil Hughes' bedtime!

: )

Pete sez first pitch will be 9:20.

Like Rich said . . .

They showed the tarp off the field and Phil Hughes getting ready on ESPN.

Dude WTH is hot dog soup?

[29]

Weren't they a New Wave group?

[22] one other interesting note regarding selena roberts before actual baseball displaces that crap - in his chat today, buster olney, who reiterated that he worked with her at the nyt and is friends with her, basically stated (several times) that he did not think there was enough information in the book to sustain the allegations that he used peds in high school and was pitch tipping

[31] It's really funny how this issue has set up as an ESPN vs. MLBN/SI battle, with ESPN forced into taking the high ground.

Hot Dog Soup (Frankfurter Soup)

One Small Onion Diced
One Can Tomato Soup (We use Campbell's.)
Two Cups Beef Stock
Two Potatoes Diced
One Package of Hot Dogs Cut Into Bite Sized Pieces
Pepper to Taste

In a saucepan, sauté onions and hot dog pieces in butter or Crisco, until onions begin to caramelize and hot dog pieces get some color on them. Add everything else, stirring to combine, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to simmer until potatoes are done.

This is a very old recipe and very good with bread or crackers on the side. You can also add shredded cheddar cheese on the top of your bowl.

Enjoy!

: )

meanwhile, zack greinke is teh awesome!

UUUUUUUGGGGHHHHHHEEEESSSSS!!!!!!

[34] He really looks unhittable right now. Who knows...maybe the Royals can be a factor in the AL Central. It's funny how one bonafide ace can really turn your team around.

Cue the rain.

i hope kc does well this year - even though they continue to make poor baseball/financial decisions (eg. kyle farnsworth) i enjoyed the days when they were a good team and had a good rivalry going with the yanks

Lately, it seems like this team doesn't play well when they see Boston. There's almost a triangle at work in which the Red Sox seem to beat the Yankees, the Yankees beat Tampa and Tampa beats Boston.

fucking great Molina.

Whoa, I missed the beginning -- I figured they wouldn't play.
This doesn't look so good. The Ortiz double, okay, but the two walks, not okay.

wild pitch, my ass.

hit molina's glove and never hit dirt???

passed ball.

Hughes is throwing great, but with 25 pitches spent, the bullpen is sure to be a factor. I kind of hope it starts to rain soon...and heavy.

Lots of empty Legends seats for a Red Sox game ... rain or not.

Ump is squeezing the plate..only one run there but 30 pitches in the first on a rainy night..i fear we will see the VerasMarte-asaurus monster tonight..

[41] The walk to Pedroia was a case of nibbling when they should have gone right at him. The walk to Drew was the case of an umpire not liking pitches right on the corner.

Better.
Ah, so it was a PB.
Still, Phil must be having control problems,14 balls and 14 strikes.

nice to see Hughes getting squeezed on 2-2 to Drew.

[/sarcasm]

The lousy homeplate umpire and Molina's PB cost Hughes a bunch of pitches.

Raise your hand if you think Lester throws less than 15 pitches in the bottom of the inning...

Man, Hughes has good stuff tonight. Wish he didn't nibble after leaving one over the plate to Ortiz.

Boy Wonder Lester and his 5.40 ERA on a rainy night..prediction: pain..

Ptiches are moving so well even Molina was fooled. :)

Isn't this what Hughes used to do? Take 30 pitches to get out of the first inning, then buckle down after that?

Okay, I see. All caught up now.

[44] I had the chance to sit in the section behind the Legends seats and people were coming and going quite frequently. I have a feeling a good amount of the seat holders are holed up in some restaurant.

[50] *raises hand*

[55] EDIT

After those ball/strike calls???

*raises hand*

[54] they need to hire seat warmers, like they have at the Oscars ...

Not exactly an encouraging start.

man, tex is JUST missing pitches ...

Anyone know a rain dance?

time to put the coffee on...

bUGHerfuck.

cripeys.

this best not be a 5 inning game the yanks lose 1-0.

Why does Tex take pitches that are right down the middle??

Lester's curve is excellent tonight.

[57] Do you mean they don't have heated/cooled seats in that section?

Shocking!

I bet they got 'em in the Home Clubhouse!

;)

[64] He went to the "Gardy School of Not Hitting?"

The NOAA forecast shows very little rain ahead. I mean, there's going to be rain, but very light.

[65] He only threw one all inning. He basically pumped fastballs in there and all three hitters looked over match. I hope that's not a case of the Yankees not being ready for this game to start.

for the love of...

[62] yeah, just repeat that.

well they aren't going to lose 1-0

Fug.

Ok, this is a game you can tell we're going to lose and lose badly..Lester Ks the side and Hughes down 2-0 with 35 pitches already..

That's the Lowell we had at one time .... :-(

The scorer seems to have changed the WP to a PB.

I think there's a good chance that the Red Sox are going to take the Yankees to the woodshed again. I am really starting to get the feeling that the Yankees play the Red Sox looking over their shoulders.

Dead red FB hitter and Molina calls a first pitch FB.

That one didn't even go out via the right field wind tunnel.

Who here is watching the ESPN broadcast of this?

[78] It was a get me over 91 mph fastball too...not smart at all.

[76] He did.

[80] Got the YES feed on tv here.

[77] Just the better team, I fear..much more depth and a better lineup so far..oh A-Rod, please come back soon.

So, when is Wang coming back?

Melky gets a much better jump than Gardner.

Nick Green to the warning track..not a good sign..

Boy, Hughes does look very good against bad hitters, that's for sure. If only all batters were Jason Varitek.

Holy crap. Nick Green almost homered. Reminds me of Green's first at-bat as a Yankee. I think he homered to the deepest part of the park.

The old park, of course.

[83] I don't think they are a better team though. They don't have more depth and they don't have a better lineup. Their advantage is in the pen, but that hasn't really come into play that much.

[80] I am. I was watching other games on ESPN, and just didn't bother to change the channel.

Why would you not throw a 3-2 pitch to Ellsbury right down the middle?

When did YES turn into FOX with the "unbearable closeups" and not showing the catcher's signs? I really need to see Varitek's and Green's mug in HD?

Et tu Yes?

*sigh*

I'm avoiding Michael Kay when I can .... so its ESPN for me tonight.

I no longer have the Jays/Indians game on my computer...I have the NWS radar and I'm rooting on a storm front that is just over Baltimore.

The decision to not skip Hughes is looking really bad about now.

Maybe we can all stand on the roof at YS and "piss on them" so they'll think it's rain and call the game!

The umpires can't see that well anyway...

I predict that the Yankees will have a lead after six innings. I'd love to have a rain-shortened game, so we don't have to watch Bullpen Roulette.

Looks like you'll get your wish soon
http://www.findlocalweather.com/radar_loop/ny/new+york.html

Nick is a grinder.

[95] William,

Are they skipping somebody, or giving everyone the extra day?

[98] Looks like a lagging radar. That front has already passed. It's the one over Baltimore that we need to root on. I don't it will make it before the 5th inning. Where's Mike Hargrove when you need him?

http://www.weather.com/weather/map/interactive/10451?from=_topnav_undeclared

Talk about luck, Green sucks.

[100] Everyone is getting an extra day. I was hoping to have AJ Burnett pitch in this series.

is it the yankees who play the sox looking over their shoulders or is it the fans? the pessimism here is unbearable, especially in these sox games.
nice throw by pedroia there.

damn rain slowed that ball down - and where's julio lugo when you need him?

[101] Hargrove, nice one!

Great play or just soggy infield slowing the ball down?

there we go, man on 3rd, one out..i call a...foul pop-up to first base, no one advances??

Charge the mound!!!!!!!!!!!

[105] It's not exactly pessimism. Some fans just kind of enjoy moping.

[105] It wasn't the fans who coughed up three leads last weekend in Fenway.

it takes every fiber in his body - but melky is laying off that pitch much better this year

[109] Moping...or accurately making a prediction as in [107]?

Melky. Ugh.

[112] Wait, do we call it "accurate" when what he predicted did not happen? I need a new dictionary.

That was a great pitch to strike Melky out, ya gotta admit.

Wasting good opportunities is becoming a Yankees staple against Boston.

Molina looked lost

The lineup is ridiculously short, which is why I'm surprised they decided to play the game.

Wow..Lester is really, really good.

[114] The tenor of the prediction was accurate...the Yankees would futily squander another scoring opportunity.

[115] It was a good pitch, but I'm not sure how you take a 2-strike fastball in the strike zone.

[120] Oh, I get it.
You take the part of the prediction that's true, and ignore the part that's false.

[119] Against Molina, he really is!

[119] He wasn't before these last two innings...of course it helps when the opposition takes three called strikes.

Looking at weather.com again, this game is gonna go in the books. Yanks need to get to work.

Really, really doesn't help that Hughes gave up two early. It would have been nice not to have to play from behind. Although I think the Yanks scored first in all three Fenway games.

[122] I think my point is very obvious, but it's really not worthy of a debate.

yes william, the yankees were swept last weekend. that probably means they'll never beat the sox again.

[124] No chance the rain saves them. The Yankees are going to need to hit and the bullpen will need about 4 good innings.

[126] Is that what means?

Well, at least Hughes is getting his work in. Love them 100 pitch 5 inning starts. grrrr.....

[125] It is very obvious, indeed. It's just that it happens to be untrue.

Watch this prediction:
JD Drew grounds out to second base.

Good thing they called up Aceves...he is going to pictch alot tonight.

The squeeze is on the low pitches. The high pitch calls are accurate.

[130] If he grounded out to first instead, I'd say you did a good job predicting the outcome. You can stick with your literal interpretation, and I'll stick with the practical.

Sweet.

[125] no one wants to debate the accuracy of pessimistic predictions, but i think you in particular should understand that not everyone wants to have to read all doom and gloom after every little disappointment. while it's true that some of it is warranted, some of it is obviously over the top. see [60], [69], [77], [94], [95]...

Grandpa to Cano to Tex. That would make a good poem. : )

what the fuck those were both strikes

[133] Uh, I hate to break it to you, but not one single prediction here on Bronx Banter is "practical". They have no practical value whatsoever.

There, see! I knew he'd hit the ball near second base.

[138] I meant to say: well, JD Drew, Kevin Youkalis, no big difference. It amounts to the same thing, practically speaking.

His command isn't great and the ump isn't helping him on close pitches.

[135] Losing a game isn't doom and gloom. If I was a betting man, I would put my money on the Yankees to lose this game because all the tea leaves are pointing in that direction. You can't always be optimistic when the signs are pointing the other way.

Yeah, the first pitch to Bay (lowish) was definitely a strike. The second was high, I think.

[138] I have no clue what your point is there, so I'll just let you have the last word. I can't explain my point any better.

If you were a betting man you would rely on tea leaves! I guess that's the difference between us.

I would bet against the Yankees because they are behind by two runs. I would ignore the tea leaves. (But I don't bet either.)

If the ump didn't call that a strike I was going to drive to the stadium with felonious intent.

The first two pitches to Lowell were definitely strikes.

[104] Thanks!

[129] At this rate, we'll be lucky to get three innings.

[144] Another literal interpretation? I hope Obama nominates you for the Supreme Court.

Luck sucks.

[149] I think you unwittingly revealed more about your predictive tendencies than you intended to reveal.

[141] there's more than just pessimism or optimism

[148] Regardless of the Varitek AB, I would lift Hughes after this inning. No need to expose Hughes to an embarassing outing.

[152] Like reality. Score some freakin' runs.

[153] Who would you put in? Lifting Hughes means surrendering the game. I'm not ready to do that, myself.

That rinky-dink single to Lowell really hurts..almost got out of the inning there.
Hope he can get a 7 pitch 4th then at least give us 5 innings..

78 pitches in three innings. Hope the pen is nice and rested.

Hughes will probably go one more, and then Aceves.

Then hope the luck turns and they get a big hit.

[152] There is, but in this game, I get the strong feeling that the Yankees chances of winning are slim. Does that mean they wont? Of course not...otherwise I wouldn't be watching. After all, I though Saturday was a slam dunk, no doubt about it win, and look how that turned out.

william, while i agree with you much of the time, the problem i have is that you are constantly saying negative things, many of which are completely obvious and don't need to be said. maybe it makes you feel better when the yankees are losing to say something like "the tea leaves don't look good," but i would say it makes some of us feel worse.

[151] I feel like Piazza to your Clemens...everything you are saying is going right over my head.

[160] I just watched some of Pete Seeger's 90th birthday celebration concert, so am feeling lots of love & peace. You guys play nice an let's all sing "Go Team!"

[156] Oh, jeez. I was thinking that *was* the fourth inning! It's just hit me that we will need five, or in the best case four innings from the bullpen, even assuming we can start hitting Lester. Sinking feeling.

[155] Aceves. Hughes probably has an inning at most and he isn't pitching that well as it is.

[161] That happens to me a lot.
But I swear, I never use intellect-enhancing substances.

Berroa blows, but we knew that, right Joe?

Helluva basketball game on, by the way.

[164] Check out his last two outings

[164] How many can Aceves go, though? Two? An extra inning of Hughes makes a significant difference.

Do you guys think this start is mental for Hughes? He just needs to decide not to nibble?

Or do you think he is missing?

Tex..now batting .179..i would say this qualifies as a very slow start. Let's see some tater power Tex! 3-2 then we rattle Lester!

Lester is getting a lot of compliments for getting out hitters that haven't been hitting.

[160] I am constantly saying negative things tonight because that's kind of how I see that game going. I honestly didn't think doing so would make people feel badly...I figured the Yankees play took care of that just fine. I'll keep that in mind though.

[170] The strike zone is small today, that's part of it.

[170] Despite the command issues, no PB, no first pitch FB to a dead red hitter, and no bloop single, and he hasn't given up a run.

[173] of course that's true, it's just hard to take both sometimes

Hoops is over. Dramatic. Celtics were down 18 at the half, mounted a huge comeback, fell short.

22 pitches to tthe magic #. Go 5 young man. Get all Maddux on us for 2 innings. Is Tex a poor hittter in May, too? Oy!

[164] That depends on pitch count. Of course, the whole bullpen could probably use an inning to work things out anyway, so even if Aceves only gives you 2-3, it wouldn't be a disaster.

Well, at least tex swingswangswung the bat..I hate called 3rd strikes..

[170] I think it's a little of both. The way he tentatively pitched to Pedroia was a bad sign for me.

Another thing. Lester is facing a far weaker lineup.

You know, an interesting solution would be: Joba. For the rest of the game, I mean. Seriously, why not?

[176] It's hard for me to take too! I'd much rather be talking about good Hughes looks (like last game), or how Tex is starting to come around, but that's not what they're giving us tonight.

Molina is just killing us tonight.

[182] Not really -- the Sox were silenced by Tampa's pitching. Yes, Youkalis is arguably the best hitter in baseball right now, and Lowell's had great power, but the Sox haven't been scoring a lot of runs.

Aw cmon Molina!!! You ain't playing for your goddamn bat, you have to catch that one!

Molina: "I only cost you one pitch, foo', now shut up."

[183] Because you'd be wasting him...I'd rather just skip him and use him in two 8th innings before his next start.

When the Yankees defense has a bad game...boy do they have a bad game.

[186] Molina, Berroa, a slumping (and probably injured) Damon, and Tex (whatever), I don't think it's close.

[188] I'll buy that for a dollar..not make sure to throw out Ellsbury at 3rd!

Jeez. Damon's going to kill himself.

melky's arm is insanely good

You know you it's not your night when...

That looked almost exactly like the last hit Big Poopy had.

Singleton is calling Molina an idiot.

[191] Well, the Yankees have scored one more run in one game fewer than the Sox, so the line-ups really are pretty comparable.

This is the bad, nibbling Hughes. How many full counts have we seen?

I am glad SO GLAD Ortiz is coming around. It's such a shame for baseball when he isn't being clutch. Shite and Bollocks.

Silent, rainy stadium, Berroa & Molina in the lineup, Lester looking good...am searching for positives here. oh, Michael Kay just said "this game is far from over" so we got that going for us!

[200] He isn't As Singleton said, they have basically told me to only look inside.

I really think Hughes should have been patted on the back after that third inning. Not only is the game further out of reach, but this now feels like more of a bad start than before he entered the inning. I hope Hughes doesn't feel that way too.

you guys should try muting the tv and watching youkilis get ready to hit, the dance is so funny without sound

[178] Isn't it clear to everyone that Tex needs some time on the DL?

[204] It's like scratching a blackboard with your fingernails with or without sound.

[204] Shake shake shake..shake yo booty..

Sox first base coach just called Girardi a "fucking prick".

oh please give us a coaches' brawl

Someone should fight that jerk.

FIGHT!!!!! He's droppin' Fuckin' Prick bombs on Girardi.

Tim Bogar has quite the potty mouth

nice changeup

I didn't hear that!! Was that on ESPN feed?

Attaboy, Phil.
He needed that.

What are they fighting about?

[214] YES.

[216] Seems Girardi thinks Bogar was tipping pitches.

Maybe that little exchange will fire the Yankees up...something has to.

[218] Angel Berroa could get on then steal his way aorund the diamond? That would fire 'em up!

[219] The sad thing is getting on bases is probably the hardest part of that equation.

ooh now singleton calling kay an idiot, deservedly

Hughes hasn't gotten that call.

That storm front over Baltimore is slower than Jose Molina!

Apropos of nothing, I remembered a recent year when the Yanks shit the bed to start the year vs the Sox. 1-6 in 2004. That.....was not a good year.

[223] it would take molina about 3 months to run from baltimore to the bronx

[224 Next time this team gets to the playoffs, they're winning the WS.

Wow, great curve ball.

Cano takes strike 3 and Kay plugs the Mohican Sports Bar..ok, I'm out of here. Go Team!!

[226] Esp. if they get up 3-0 in the ALCS...

Now Cone, by implication, is calling Molina an idiot.

Tonight has nothing to do with Lester. It is the pure genius of having such an amazing reciever as Varitek behind the dish.

[231] Way to stretch a point into oblivion.

Speaking of the sports bar, why didn't they build a stadium-seating sort of riser/steps into the front of it? If you're not up against the window, you can't see the field.

ooh that was a strike

Shut up, Kay.

I wonder if Zack Greinke is already clearing out space on his mantle for the Cy Young award?

[233] i think they must have been drunk when they designed that thing

[234] Not today. That pitch has been a ball all day. Everything at the knees is a ball.

The first pitch to Melky, too. That was especially egregious.

[238] no, this is lester pitching

Hughes didn't get those last two calls.

I wonder is NASA would be interested in doing some research on the bottom of today's Yankee lineup?

Melky is being careful to avoid injury. All sorts of bad things can happen if you swing the bat.
Oh, there's one -- careful, Melk!

[242] Or Jules Verne.

[242] NASA? You need an oceanographer -- nay! a geologist to find things that sink so low.

By the way, how mad is everyone that Nick Green has turned into the best shortstop in the American League?

No, seriously, the low pitches have been called balls for both pitchers. The high ones, strikes. I'm pretty sure it's consistent.

[244] You beat me.

[245] I was thinking along the lines of a black hole, but I am open to suggestions. The task seems too difficult for SABR.

[233] I thought they did. The picture I saw reminded me of my college lecture hall. Only there's a baseball game down front, instead of some old guy trying to explain Fourier transforms.

Molina and Berroa are complete washouts, but Melky is hitting well. So, careful with that 'bottom of the order' stuff.

[250] I was referring to Molina and Berroa...no one is a bigger Melky fan here than I am.

Greinke: 6-0, 0.40 ERA, 45 IP, 30 H, 8 BB, 54 K

(shudder)

Wow, good stuff. That cutter "inside" could have been strike three, too.

It must be comforting for the Red Sox, when they're slumping, to see the Yankees upcoming on their schedule. There, at least, will be an oasis where their pitchers throw shutouts and Big Papi time travels to 2005.

[254] Especially Lester.

Ah the Phil Hughes we know and love. Thought he turned the corner? Then I guess he turned another one, cause he's back to a million pitches, multiple runs and out after 4 innings ... Sheee-it.

Uh.
The strike zone has expanded.

i highly recommend the dark chocolate chipotle hazelnuts at trader joe's. just don't eat too many.

[256] Sorry, one bad start means nothing to me, especially when with a little luck he gives up one run.

[258] I'm allergic to hazelnuts.

Christ, Aceves is looking good.

I was glad to watch this game to prevent me from playing MLB The Show, which has been driving me nuts lately. What was I thinking? This is ten times worse. Plus I gotta go to sleep.

I'm very disappointed in Hughes.

[258] It would only mean more crunches and more jumping rope.

[259] No need to apologize. I want my pitchers to be "lucky" too.

[264] The kid is good and will show it over time.

I'l be more careful with my chose of words.

ESPN showed the tunnel where they dug out the Ortiz jersey. It's still open. They haven't filled in the hole yet.

*choice*

[260] just hazelnuts or all nuts?
[263] no, it will mean feeling like you can't move for a little bit too.

Molina owns Lester!

Not a MLer, Joe!

I hate to pick on him, but why, oh why, is Berroa playing?

berroa almost got the dp by slowing down at the end there

[268] Just hazelnuts. Weird, huh? In a bowl of mixed nuts I have to keep watching what I'm grabbing, instead of scooping fistfuls and shoving them in my mouth, as God intended.

[269] Outs own Berroa

[265] I think he'll be good too. It's just that after last week's game, which really was a great moment, I'd hoped for better. From him and the Yanks, but especially Hughes.

Did Kay just say Berroa has speed? Really? Maybe in 2003, but certainly not now.

Oh, come on. Now the strike zone really has expanded.

[273] weird, but at least you can enjoy the other ones. hazelnuts go great with chocolate, but by themselves i don't think they're close to as good as almonds, pecans or cashews.

[276] No, he said Berroa should *take* speed.

total shit

Kick some dirt, Joe. This game blows.

I'll say this about Lester, he had command issues his entire mL career, but somehow straightened them out last year, which speaks well of their pitching coach.

This umpire is 50% responsible for this loss.

Berroa playing is another instance of Girardi over-thinking things. Just let Pena play for god's sake.

***

This is the only thing I really like about Girardi, when he flips out. He should have gone on longer.

Wow that overhead replay is brutal.

That's not a strike.

Girardi has to be frustrated with how poorly his team has played against the Red Sox. Even if the Yankees were ahead in the standings, there's something disconcerting about getting beat up by your rival.

Ha! It worked.

Johnny gives me the finger and I love it.

Girardi must lead the league in ejection induced rallies.

Now it blows less : )

[278] I have no trouble at all with processed hazelnuts. Gianduia ice cream (sp?), for instance, so, yeah, with chocolate.

Sweet!

well so much for switching to Letterman in 10 minutes

Whoa. Teixeira did something???

Boy, that was nice, but also annoying -- Jeter drew five balls, after all. Deprived of a run there, at least.

Here's the beauty of circumstance...if the umpire doesn't call Jeter out on a ball inside, then the Yankees don't get back-to-back jacks.

How much do those seats cost that Tex just hit that HR into?

Really liked seeing Tex do that RH.

Whoa. [294] was sent *just* before Tex's blast.
I feel much better. But, I was thinking of heading off to bed, and now I can't.

if we lose this game but teixeira gets going, that's ok by me

what the fuck how is that a strike???

[296] More now.

[295] [294] Hmmmm.
Okay, I'll buy that.

[296] $90...I sat there for the Cubs game...it's a pretty good view.

[294] [295] Now there are two different ways of looking at things! I'm going with [295] for now.

dang, even Long is getting into the act. This coaching staff is gonna lead the league in righteous indignation.

A lot of believers here of Kay's "fallacy of the pre-determined outcome." : )

Tea leaves looking better all of a sudden...

This ump is on the Sox payroll, no doubt about it.

Come on, pen.

Lester has pitched well, but the Yankees have taken way too many hittable fastballs. I think this is more a case of the Yankees hitters over thinking than Lester being dominant.

I dunno, I thought Swish just got fooled. Not the ump's fault.
Has Lester emptied the tank? Not by his pitch count, but that was a pretty bad inning for him.

[59] not anymore ...

[307] Sadly, not that much better when you factor in what's need from the bullpen, but for now I am going to hold out hope that Aceves has a few good innings in his arm.

[307] ;-}

Wow, Imus is back. That was pretty easy.

He looks like such a douche in his little cowboy outfit.

[312] Leader in the clubhouse for Longest Backreference prize...

[315] He's been back for well over a year...I think almost 2.

i went to the stadium for friday's game and was really impressed. i'm not sure i would like it as much during the day because it is very gray inside (particularly in the bleachers, which i think should be painted blue), but it's so much nicer in person than on tv. which i think is the opposite of the old stadium, which was 10 times nicer on tv. we sat almost at the very top down the 3b line, and the facade really frames the view beautifully. and the bathrooms are so clean it's hard to believe you're in yankee stadium. everything is nicer. i think they'll have to close off some of the open concourses because you can really feel the wind blowing through, particularly in the upper deck, but i don't think that will be too tough.

Damn it Jeter! That's such an easy throw to make.

This hasn't been a good day for Jeter.

The Yankees have really be done in by errors like that one...hopefully Aceves hasn't gotten the memo.

Swisher has fun playing, and that's very comforting as a fan. I am not sure why though.

[317] I knew he was back, but that's the first commercial I've seen.

For all the talk about Teixeira struggling and the pitching having the league's worst ERA, this team's biggest problem has been absolutely awful defense. Just about every loss has involved a key error or two (or three) that has led to game being broken open.

The Yankees have to lock down the defense because it continues to haunt them.

uh wow

Grandpa!!

michael kay is going nuts over a pretty routine play

Gotta give him love when he comes through...way to play that one Angel.

Excellent. I was just about to say, "It's okay, Alfredo, you can go ahead and attack Ortiz."

Calculated risk by Berroa. Glad it worked out, as I'm sure he is too.

So, we'll need a nickname for Aceves. Start thinking.

That play will likely wind up being the lone highlight in Berroa's Yankee career.

[331] Other than "Ace"?

[296] Diane,

Sections 135 and 136 (LF Outfield seats in front of bleachers next to visiting bullpen) front rows are $125 Advanced, $150 Gameday. Behind them are $90/$95.

Same with Sections 103 and 104 on RF side (seats in front of bleachers).

Source Fan Guide so it's pre adjustment prices...

: )

[329] With the shift used last year, that would have been a hit.

This is gonna have to be my last 1/2 inning. I hope something good happens!

[333] It just doesn't feel right.

[335] Jeez, that's true.
Although, with runners on first and second they never overshifted.

What???
Did Youk get hurt?

It would be a shame if Youkilis were horribly injured

(note: it would not be a shame)

[340] You never root for injury. You just hope that they get traded to the Seattle Supersonics.

Now Lester is great? Whoa. Kay sucks.

[340] Not seriously injured...just a minor injury that forces him to make an out in every high leverage situation.

not to be hard hearted or anything, but what exactly is the shelf life on the Lester cancer anecdote?

[344] Just fire Kay.

Nice AB, Jorge

Needed that.

Now we need an eleven pitch walk for Melky. Or a double.

Jorge really wanted to K in that AB, but somehow still made enough good contact to get a hit. That's when you know you're hot.

Way to work the count, Melk.

Thank you for the info on those outfield seats guys. I just got these.
Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees
Date: 06-08-2009 07:05 PM EST
Quantity: 2
Section: Field Outfield 136
Row: 14
Price Per Ticket: $55.00

Ok Jose...it's time to do your thing against Lester.

That's acceptable, too.

[344] at first glance i read that as "antidote" and i thought it was hard hearted indeed.

Youk aggravated his back with Princess Fiona last night. Shit. Just missed it.

Ugh, terrible call by Kay on that fly out

gotta get Jorge out of this game, his hammy's hurtin'

Very bad sign from Jorge...he kept feeling for his hamstring.

[353] The sarcasm didn't come out right there.

Jeez, Lester was at 98 pitches with one out and a runner on first, and Melk and Molina go down on one pitch apiece. Now Lester starts the seventh, for sure.

[360] Scary stupid by those two.

[351] I think you may be very near where Tex hit that bomb!

: )

[360] No! Those were productive outs. Melky moved Posada to second and Molina moved Posada back to the dugout!

That should put Drew out of commission for a few weeks.

Ah, if you're going to plunk a guy, get more than shirt. : /

bed time

You suck.

Un-fuckin-believable.

[351] Great deal...I've seen $350 seats selling for as low as $100. With all the talk about how the Yankees were pricing out regular fans, it seems like they have as good as opportunity as ever to score good seats.

sigh ...

ok ... g'night folks.

Oh well...so much for that. Just knew that HBP would be costly.

Yeah, might have left Ace in a little too long.

We need a third catcher.

Molina needs to go.

I have to get up at 5:30AM...I wish I could turn this sloppiness off.

Shut up. Kay.

[369]

Well, then you add on the StubHub 10% fee, and $4.95 for eDelivery (gimme a break) ...

But still, those are $75 seats normally.

NOW I'm going to sleep.

[374] Molina: "One extra pitch, so shaddup."

Who's the emergency catcher? Is that in Swisher's resume, too?

[377] do they seriously charge $5 for emailing it???

[351] I'd have waited, Diane! In another couple of weeks those will go for $35... a pair!

: )

I'm still mad at Pittsburgh for giving Boston Jason Bay.... That's 90 cents on the dollar and they didn't even get Manny in return.

[379] Berroa. I mean why not?

[380] I think it's per order, not per ticket, but still.

[379] posada catches and swisher comes in to pitch so you don't really lose the dh.

[382] I have always wanted to know if Cash inquired about him instead of the Marte/Nady mishap.

I don't know why, but when the Yankees have a bad top of the 7th, GBA really pisses me off.

[386] I'm convinced Marte was one of those THINGS you do to yourself. Like Randy Johnson. Or eating ice cream for dinner.

You've spent so long thinking about it that you just have to do it even though you know you'll take no pleasure from it.

[387] I think it's played, but that's just me.

[386] I've wondered that too, but the Pirates did get a pretty good prospect in LaRoche from LA. I wonder if the Yankees could have enticed them with IPK in addition to the package they sent.

[388] Someone I know calls him Cashman's white whale.

[387] honestly i don't really give a shit if they want to play that song every game. what does piss me off is that yes has to stay on for it, so that it can't be just part of the normal 7th inning stretch commercial break, but is an additional 2 minute break.

[385] I asked b/c Posada appeared to have a hitch in his giddyup. I don't think he'll be catching? He probably could.....but I'm just conjecturin'. If Molina got knocked out for whatever reason.

Why not hit for Berroa?

[386] Tabata + Ohlendorf > Andy LaRoche + Craig Hansen + Brandon Moss + Bryan whatever

[394] The handedness obsession.

Oops, I meant 390.

[394] why not have a bench?

[395] I disagree...LaRoche is (or at least was) a much better return than Tabata and Ohlendorf.

We'd have added to the package, but at least Bay is good, unlike Marte/Nady.

[396] Pena is a switch hitter.

[401] My bad.

There are people here who think you should never criticize Girardi, but I think it's unavoidable.

This is such a frustrating team. Just when you think they are ready to get on a roll, they lose to a journeyman/Sabathia matchup and then drop another to Boston. Just like this year, this team takes 2 steps forward and 1 step back. Frustrating.

Bah, Cue the radio for bedtime. Too many "New Yankee Stadium Firsts" are turning into real bummers.

[402] i think it's somewhat avoidable when he isn't managing

Again I ask, why is Berroa playing??

I think the real reason Joe got tossed was that the pie he ordered from the "Food Room" just got cool enough to not melt the ice cream "too soon"...

: )

[403] wouldn't that be a 108-54 record?

[408] Literally, yes, but that was kind of a figure of speech.

[408] I think he meant one step forward, two steps back...

[405] Really? I thought assessing a manager's performance between games, if necessary, was what blogs are for.

Great game for Molina. The Yankees defense is a major problem that has the potential to derail them this season.

Cool.

[409] yes, i was joking
[411] i meant that he isn't managing now because he was thrown out. but he did start berroa so he certainly isn't blameless.

[414] Oh....................

michael kay is so pissed to be there past his bedtime. what a tough job!!

Especially since Kay sucks at it.

These unbearable close-ups are quite... you know...

Can we please dispense with them, Mr. Director in the truck?

Moron...

: /

Is Aceves related to Colon? Or did Colon accidentally get run through the dryer?

Aceves was great today. One mistake to Bay looks like it will be the death knell. I would have liked to have seen him enter the game an inning earlier. I would also have liked to have not seen Berroa. Not sure if it would have mattered...beating the Red Sox seems like a monumental task right now.

They better find a way to pitch to Bay even if it means regularly making him eat dirt.

TEX!

Welcome to May, Teixeira.

again, this could be more important than one win or loss

It will be interesting to see if Bay gives Boston the discount on a contract that they expect from all their players.

[423] If the Yankees lose, they'll be 2 games in the loss column from first. So, yes, you can lose the battle and win the war at this stage. I jus tthink they need to get a win against Boston sooner than later.

[420] He is a good hurler. I was referring to his appearance. I mean we certainly got a good look at him from every camera angle possible!

: )

We gave up Ramirez for Chacon, but we needed him at the time.

Teixeira is the 3rd Yankee switch hitter to homer from both sides of the plate this season.

[428] And that 10th all-time.

Oh great, Po is hurting.

uh oh

I will not, however, give the Yankees a pass for trading Navarro.

[423] Crap... a Posada injury would be more impactful than a win! Damn it.

[432] Navarr of the career OPS+ of 81?

This game is kind of setting up as a reverse of the Fenway opener. The only problem is the Yankees have Molina and Berroa lurking (which is really, really depressing).

Losing Posada's AB is a huge blow to this game; losing him to an injury would be a major blow to the season.

Just when you want to take something positive from this game, the negatives overwhelm you.

[434] That's him. I do not trade the only credible back up catcher in the system with the primary catcher entering his mid-30s.

[432] Worst move during Cashman's tenure as GM, IMHO... without peer.

Makes the Pavano signing look like the Varitek trade...

[437] Cash was out of the loop. George wanted RJ. Cash wanted to use the money to sign Beltran.

[436] Even though Navarro has not been very good and Posada had been highly productive with the exception of last season? I wouldn't lose any sleep over Navarro. He's exactly the player you trade when the chance to get a Randy Johnson comes up.

HIt a HR, you get your contract extended!!!!!!!!!!!

[437] Is this the same Dioner Navarro in TB?

[439] I was adamantly opposed to trading for a pitcher in his 40s with pre-existing knee and back problems.

[437] *nods*

Oops [441]

[442] Who was coming off an ERA+ of 177...don't forget that.

Must be tough to hit Papelbon off the bench. I wish Posada could have had a crack at those fast balls.

Melky needs to know the lineup here...you can't take a 2-0 fastball down the middle.

[445] If it was a one year deal, and there wasn't a choice of allocating the money to him or Beltran, maybe, but I wanted to keep Navarro.

The important point is that again aging pitchers with multiple pre-existing injuries tend to break down.

Remember they could have had Cano and Wang, so the deal could have been epically bad. Randy Levine negotiated it.

This is so demoralizing!

[448] Right...it could have been bad, but it wasn't Johnson pitched well in 2005 and probably was the reason the team won the division and made the playoffs. If Navarro ever turns it on, you might be right, but as things stand, it wasn't a big deal.

sad

No chance...to be in that position is really, really inexcusable. This game reflects very badly on the entire organization.

[448] Except it cost them Beltran, who they desperately needed because Bernie was in freefall. They still haven't replaced him. That's a big deal.

Sorry. [450]

well at least molina won't be leading off the 9th

[453] It didn't cost them Beltran...just like signing C.C. didn't cost them Teixiera. Not signing Beltran is another mistake that didn't have to be dependent on Johnson.

has mo pitched within the last week?

Kay said Melky is the only current Yankee to hit a HR off Papelbon.

Huh?

Didn't Alex hit an oppo bomb at The Fens off him during an ESRSN game?

I thought so...

[455] True...oh wait...Berroa will :(

[458] He isn't on the roster.

Is Pena playing 3B now? If not, he should be. Not only is he a much better glove, but you have to think he'll be leading off the 9th, right?

[456] Cash has said that there was enough money being allocated by George to get one or the other. George insisted on RJ. So the facts are distinguishable from CC/Tex because we got both. In fact, after they signed Tex, Cash said that part of the reason he was able to get Hank to make the outlay was to invoke the Beltran failure.

[459] well i mean at least it won't be molina/berroa leading off the 9th

[462] Right...so not signing Beltran was a bad decision all by itself. It shouldn't have been dependent on the Johnson deal.

[464] It shouldn't have been, but according to Cash it was.

I would much rather have Navarro today, than not have him, and not have RJ.

I'm just sayin'...

As the prick GM from the D'backs traded him back to the AL East! I'm surprised he didn't trade him to Boston!

IMO, it's still the single worst move during Cashman's GM tenure, whether he was outside the loop or not...

I still can't believe Molina took that AB... for the Yankees to have played all these games with no bench has been folly, especially with Robertson never pitching.

[466] I think Navarro went to the Dodgers first.

[466] That's fair. I'd rather have that 2004 division title though than have Navarro be the Yankees back-up catcher.

Classic Girardi overmanage here...no reason to lift Aceves.

[460] Bah, stupid technicality! He's still gettin' paid, though...

The person who decided to play this game should be fired.

[469] Make that the 2005 division title.

[468] January 11, 2005: RJ Traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks to the New York Yankees for Brad Halsey, Dioner Navarro, Javier Vazquez and cash.

[466] personally, I'd rather have Soriano in centerfield and Cano at second and someone besides the trainwreck playing third.

And I'm not in the "dump" Alex or "trade" Alex crowd; as far as I'm concerned he's a true Yankee because he wears our team's uniform. I just wish we could go back and keep Soriano (who was younger and, ultimately cheaper) and not get Alex in the first place. (Plus we could still have Cano at second).

[469] pena is ostensibly the manager right now.

[467] it's absurd that we're carrying 13 pitchers.

Not to beat a dead horse, but bring in Edwar is an awful move. Awful. Girardi has exhausted my patience. His one strength last year has turned into a glaring weakness.

[473] No, I mean before the Rays.

January 11, 2005: Traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks with Danny Muegge (minors), William Juarez (minors) and Beltran Perez to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Shawn Green.

[475] wink, wink.

Floating strike zone

[468] My bad... you're correct... he went to the Dodgers later...

[474] i agree. as great as he is, i wish we had never gotten him.

[474] I'm sure the Cubs would love to make that trade. At least having no Arod would have ensured no playoff dissappointment...the Yankees probably wouldn't have gotten that far.

where the hell was that pitch?

[482] Nice.

I would love for A-Rod to be up in the 9th.

Ok guys, I've had enough punishment for this evening...

Take care until next time!

: )

Amazingly, the Yankees still have a chance to win this game, but for some reason Girardi seems intent on making that impossible. At some point, Girardi has to get better at managing the game or the Yankees need to get a new manager.

This is nuts. Why put Coke in such a tough spot. Same as putting Melancon n with the bases loaded. Look ahead, dammit.

Joba is going back to the bullpen.

[482] well, I'm not sure that I agree with your point. It's speculation that no-Arod would mean no playoffs from 2004-2007, just as it might be speculation for me to claim that not having Arod would lead to 1 title in that time period (and I'm really not claiming that).

The Yanks won 4 WS titles from 1996 to 2000, so I suppose it's actually POSSIBLE to make the playoffs on a wing and a prayer without actually having Alex Rodriguez at third base. Obviously, those teams were built on pitching and that's where Cashman took his eye off the ball (just look at the Yanks ERA+ from 1996 to 2003 and compare it to 2004 to 2007).

NOW, I don't blame the lack of pitching on Arod, I don't blame Arod for much of anything. I'd just like to have the trade back and invest more into pitching. AND I'm just tired of reading about all of his exploits. It wears on me.

By the way, the last time the Yanks made the series, Soriano was on the team (and he was uber stinky in the series).

[489] That's up to Hughes.

berroa BETTER not be coming to the plate to leadoff the bottom of the 9th. i'll lose my shit if he does...

[490] Dude, the reason they haven't won since 200 was their pitching and so crazy managing in 2004.

[490] hey man - are you planning on coming to the Atl in June for the Yanks series?!

[490] No one knows what the roster construction would have been without Arod, but I am pretty comfortable assuming the team would have taken a big hit by subtracting a two-time MVP from their lineup.

[491] Unfortunately, the pen looks so bad, that it might not matter.

Sori hit the HR in game 7 of the 2001 WS that put us up by 1.

is gardner really a better option than pena here?

what a great bench we have! : /

[496] Arod would have been the 2004 ALCS MVP. I guess it sucks to be an offensive hero in the rare time Mo doesn't do the job.

.421 .476 .737 1.213

A-Rod v. Minn. in the 2004 ALDS.

But for that, they may not have been in the 2004 ALCS.