"A New York Treasure" --Village Voice

Back For More

That was a tough one yesterday. But I ain’t ascared. The Yanks are gunna come out gangbusters today.

It’s hot. Time for more fireworks.

subway13

Ka Boom.

Share: Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via email %PRINT_TEXT

349 comments

Show/Hide Comments 1-100
1 rbj   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:03 pm

And congrats to Roger Federer. Never thought I'd see someone tie Samparas

2 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:13 pm

Joba still refuses to throw the fastball on 3-2. It's very strange-- slider and changeup there to Bossman Junior

3 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:16 pm

nice 1,2,3 inning

[2] i think joba is in love with his slider. it has been such an effective pitch for him - i can see why.

4 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:18 pm

That's because Joba's slider is his "go to pitch" that he uses to ensure his release pernt is in the correct position for his fastball.

It has always been so with him...

: )

5 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:19 pm

Joba has allowed a first inning run in four of his eleven starts this season, and none in his last five starts including today. Can we stop with the "Joba troubles in the first inning" meme already?

6 51cq24   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:24 pm

[5] ok, but why doesn't he ever come out throwing gas like garza just did?

7 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:26 pm

[5] "Can we stop with the “Joba troubles in the first inning” meme already?"

Was that for Kay and all of his "velocity talk," or for me?

8 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:27 pm

ouch for pena - settle back in joba

9 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:29 pm

[6] He was throwing 96 in the first inning against the Indians last week, so it's not like it's never happened.
[7] I was responding to Kay, who as the "voice" of the Yankees tends to perpetuate quite a number of myths. If the 4 run first inning back in May was against a team other than the Red Sox, we would never be discussing it. In fact, he's only allowed an earned run in the first inning in three of eleven starts, since Ellsbury scored on a passed ball in April.

10 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:31 pm

[7] Okies... just checking...

These days, Kay=Francesa in the "shit stirring department."

: )

11 51cq24   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:33 pm

[9] true, but it would be nice if he were a little more consistent with the fastball, and if he threw it a little more. otherwise it worries me that he's still being careful with his shoulder.

12 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:34 pm

good job after the hit batter

for those who love thinking about whose team it is and that it is no longer jeter's but arod's - my belief is it is more and more becoming tex's, fwiw

13 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:35 pm

cone's zany tales are hilarious to me

14 51cq24   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:41 pm

what a joke that an outfielder can look like a complete idiot and still not get an error called on him

15 rbj   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:51 pm

[12] With plays like that, yes. I approve of good fielding first base men.

16 51cq24   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:56 pm

wow that's the best play i've seen him make in years

17 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 1:59 pm

Swisher barely hit the cutoff man on that double. He makes Johnny Damon look like Raul Mondesi.

18 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:01 pm

[17] yeah swisher's arm is pretty shitty

alright let's get to garza

19 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:03 pm

yeah swish - i knew you'd get to one of your true outcomes soon!

20 RagingTartabull   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:04 pm

nice Swish

if I have to stare at Rudy and Palin for 3 hours, I better at least get a win out of it

21 51cq24   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:04 pm

[17] damon's arm is definitely the worst i've ever seen.

22 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:04 pm

Woohoo Spanky McSkittles!

: )

23 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:05 pm

Another 3-2 breaking ball from Joba. Now, the results have been good so far, but I would think that the other teams would pick up on it....

24 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:05 pm

Swisher--what a waste of money. Cashman is a joke.

25 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:06 pm

damn foul ball

[23] cone was talking about his tendency to throw the slider on 3-2 a few innings ago

26 51cq24   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:08 pm

[23] the rbi double was on a 3-2 fastball

27 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:10 pm

wow that was close

28 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:11 pm

[26] Good call. Fastball on 3-2, but in the middle of the plate belt high. Location, location, location.

29 51cq24   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:12 pm

[28] definitely bad location, but i think the problem is more that he isn't throwing enough fastballs in any count

30 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:17 pm

nice play alex - he is looking much better in the field

31 51cq24   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:17 pm

2 very nice plays today

32 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:18 pm

[30] Yes, that barehanded play to get "The Speedy Carl Crawford" was definitely a great sign!

: )

33 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:19 pm

[29] Hoping that he compensates by pitching longer into games...

34 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:20 pm

Wow, I went to get a drink and I missed the top of the fourth. Just 57 pitches... I guess Joba has learned to be more economical. But we should stick him back in the pen, just in case, right?

35 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:24 pm

[34] Oh, indubitably; in fact he should be groomed as Mo's successor for after the All-Star Break! >;)

36 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:24 pm

just as part of the 3-2 stuff for joba - he has gone 3-2 on (to my count) 5 of the 15 batters he has faced -
pretty economical though - and as cone pointed out using all of his pitches pretty well

37 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:28 pm

Just to convince myself that 57 through 4 innings is above average, apparently the major league average for pitches in a game per team is 147.

38 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:29 pm

I just wanna rip that shyt off of Garza's chin, don't you?

39 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:30 pm

[38] i wanna rip that damn twitchy glove off of his hand

40 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:31 pm

Baseball cliche #428: "He let the ball play him."

41 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:33 pm

[38] I gave up on baseball players serving as examples of "style" and "fashion" long ago Chyll Will.

I think it was around the time players tried unsuccessfully to force Angela Davis sized afros into caps and batting helmets and coupled those with mutton chops...

: )

42 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:33 pm

Hm, Dice-K not the same pitcher, or the league finally figured him out?

43 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:35 pm

[41] Never took my fashion cues from the players, man; at least not on the field. Some of them could really style in street clothes, though.

44 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:36 pm

"I just don't know where it's going... I wouldn't dig in too much if I were you..."

45 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:36 pm

Ugh, Jorge. Wake up.

46 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:37 pm

Can the Yankees set the MLB record for consecutive errorless games AND consecutive errorful games in the same season?

47 Just Fair   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:38 pm

[42] All that. Plus, I gotta think his arm is on borrowed time.

48 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:38 pm

We need corner outfielders. We have a stockpile of youngsters in the minors. Can we make it happen?

49 cult of basebaal   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:38 pm

ah, the fond memories of the 18 game errorless streak ...

50 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:39 pm

[42] Well, he was pretty average (and amazingly overrated) his first year. He had almost exactly the same--or worse--peripherals his second year, but was just about the luckiest SOB in the league. And he seems simply to stink this year. All in all, he has never really been all that good.

But he does have...the GYROBALL!!!!

51 cult of basebaal   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:41 pm

good job to work around the error.

way to gun it, cap'n!

52 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:41 pm

[48] Both starting corner OFs are slugging over .500. I'm not sure corner OF is a real problem. Or do you mean for next season?

53 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:41 pm

[42] He's got a 28 year-old arm, with a 40 year-old's innings.

I'm just sayin'...

: )

54 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:45 pm

[53] GYROBALL!!!!!

55 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:46 pm

[54] Didn't Sidd Finch have one of those?

: )

56 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:47 pm

[52] Yes, next season. I can't imagine wholesale changes right now.

[53] Seems like especially now the Japan Leagues are using up their best players, knowing they're more likely to go to the MLB as soon as eligible. Not saying they do it to harm their chances out of their league, but that they certainly have in mind to get the most out of them before they go, and consequently it takes a toll on them before they get here. Ichiro being a notable exception as all leagues have...

57 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:50 pm

[56] Agreed...

I mean, in the case of Hideki Mastui, while productive with the Yankees, came to them with arguably his best seasons behind him...

58 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:51 pm

Joe looked like he was about to die because Jeter didn't get the bunt down...

59 cult of basebaal   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:51 pm

melky's lucky he didn't get the double play called on him with that slide.

60 Just Fair   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:53 pm

HORSESHIT

61 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:54 pm

Bad luck, but good that Swish was able to stay in the rundown as long as he did...

62 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:54 pm

Bah @ Spanky McSkittles...

63 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:54 pm

[57] I've never figured out Matsui, though. His power numbers were tremendous in Japan, but he never hit with that sort of power in MLB. His GB rates were much higher in MLB as well. I think with Matsui it was the case not so much that his best seasons were behind him, as much as his numbers suffered from competing against much, much better pitching.

Ichiro is really the "exception that proves the rule" (I hate that phrase)--his game is built so much on contact and speed--two skills that seem to transcend the difference in talent levels. I would argue, in fact, that Ichiro is the ONLY player from the Japanese leagues to play at the same or higher level in the MLB (at least for any extended period of time).

64 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:56 pm

Hey, Team! I *finally* got my cable and can watch along with you fine-feathered folks. I was looking forward to watching Joba, but unfortunately, the installation took forever. Oh well, four full innings left to enjoy.

65 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:56 pm

Didn't see that one coming... damn. Shouldda let him walk you, Tex.

66 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:58 pm

[56] I like Swisher in RF or LF. That leaves only one corner spot to worry about. I'm not too worried, though...corner OF should not be too hard to fill with someone who is at least reasonably productive.

67 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 2:59 pm

Hey, Dave Winfield, Jr.! (though Dave's bats generally ended up around 2nd base...)

68 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:00 pm

[63] You are correct on both players, however you neglected to consider the wear and tear on Matsui's knees of playing for years on fake grass in the outfields of the Japanese League... and much shorter fences there, too.

He's like Big Papi, only an infinitely more fundamentally sound athlete from his background in his homeland.

69 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:00 pm

Wow, look at that. Joba's pitch count is crazy low. He must be cruising.

70 cult of basebaal   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:00 pm

[56] I doubt things have changed much at all. There's always been a very different attitude in Japanese baseball towards throwing programs, injuries and especially workouts.

Japanese teams work out for HOURS before EVERY game and that's nothing new.

I recommend reading "You Gotta Have Wa" which is really good look at the history of the NLB and especially the experiences of American players adapting (or failing to) to the Japanese version of the game.

71 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:01 pm

[68] Shorter, are you serious? How short can they be?

72 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:02 pm

[63] Yes about the shorter fences...though wasn't there an article a few years back that showed the distances were not so different since MLB parks were generally smaller? I'll have to find that. But besides that, the biggest difference is that Matsui hit into so many more ground outs. I the primary difference was the distance to the fences, he would have hit a lot of warning track outs, rather than turning into Groundzilla.

73 Just Fair   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:02 pm

Grow an inch, Robbie!!

74 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:03 pm

[66] Yeah, but the same argument was made for 1st base and you can see what a difference that a 1st baseman with good defense and "reasonable" production has made overall. Is it not reasonable to seek the same for the corner?

75 Just Fair   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:05 pm

[67] Speaking of Dave Winfield, they showed Austin Jackson for Trenton pre-game. He was sporting #31. Hmm....

76 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:06 pm

Ooooh, look at Melky!

77 cult of basebaal   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:06 pm

phew, that had double written all over it

78 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:06 pm

Fabulous! The kid's got his game back on this year...

79 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:09 pm

[75] I wouldn't mind that; at least they'd reclaim it from the relievers...

Joba's not doing so good now. I hope he doesn't come out of this meeting throwing a change-up...

80 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:11 pm

Tiring? He's losing the fastball...

81 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:11 pm

cripes

82 cult of basebaal   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:11 pm

buggerfuck.

83 Just Fair   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:11 pm

Effin' Gross. C'mon!!!

84 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:11 pm

[68][63] Japanese parks are a bit smaller, especially the older ones that tend to be c. 300 down the line and <400 in CF. However, most of teh newer parks are basically comparable to MLB dimensions--

http://baseballguru.com/jalbright/stadiums.htm

Stadium LF_Line LF LF_Gap CF RF_Gap RF RF_Line Wall_Ht FYear
Hanshin Koshien Kyujo 315 370 390 394 394 370 315 7 1921
Hiroshima Shimin Kyujo 300 330 360 380 360 330 300 8 1957
Meiji Jingu Kyujo 297 335 368 393 368 335 297 6 1926
Tokyo Dome 318 338 360 400 360 338 318 13 1988
Nagoya Dome 318 344 360 400 360 344 318 13 1997
Yokohoma Stadium 309 340 365 386 365 340 309 10 1978
Osaka Dome 330 350 375 400 375 350 330 12 1997
Chiba Marine Stadium 328 350 381 400 381 350 328 13 1991
Fukuoka Dome 328 355 387 400 387 355 328 19 1993
Green Kobe Stadium 311 350 383 400 383 350 311 13 1988
Seibu Lions Kyujo 311 350 373 394 373 350 313 10 1999

85 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:12 pm

Bleh. Why all the fastballs?

86 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:12 pm

fuck. and, at the same time, boston gets a hometown call and it cost Texas a run. total bollocks.

87 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:15 pm

Fine. Now let's get those runs back.

88 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:15 pm

Well so much for economical. Any time the Yankees would like to score some runs, it would be fine by me...

89 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:15 pm

[74] Huh? Teix is is slugging over .600 and has a 1.000+ OPS. That is far more than "reasonable" production and, frankly, is far more important than his slick glove. I mean, if you're saying that the Yankees should have a 1.000+ OPS player and slick fielder at every corner position, yeah that would be great.

I was thinking a little more realistically, that getting a player who can OPS .800+ and play competent defense in the corner is not that difficult to find. And yes, I am willing to trade defense for offense in the corner.

90 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:16 pm

nice k pitch - but ugh

91 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:16 pm

"quality start". 6 innings, 3 runs. 4:1 K/BB ratio. 100 pitches.

92 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:17 pm

Why pull Garza?

93 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:18 pm

It wasn't great, but hey it was a "quality start" from Chamberlain. He still tends to get bogged down like he did in the sixth, but at least it wasn't in the fourth. It's frustrating cause it looked like he might cruise through seven, maybe even eight.

94 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:20 pm

[71] Back in Sadaharu Oh's days, they were short enough for American baseball not to give much credence to his World HR Record.

[84] Couple those distances with inferior pitching and you get Godzilla...

They should have taken Joba out when he loaded the bases, in my opinion...

95 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:20 pm

How did Robbie miss that 1-1?

89, right over the dish.

96 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:20 pm

Oh and the Yankees need to win this G-D mother****ing game.

97 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:23 pm

what a feeble inning that was. : /

98 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:23 pm

[93] I'll take a QS from Joba every time out and "be laughin' mate!"

: )

99 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:25 pm

Soooo...I guess Hughes is really buried in the pen. Unless he is being "saved" to shadow Pettitte or Wang.

100 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:26 pm

[89] Easy now, killer. I put "reasonable" in quotations, hoping you'd recognize the facetiousness, but never mind. Tex is an outlier this year, and a premier 1st baseman in any year. I agree with you on the target offensive marks for the corner, but let's agree to disagree on the importance of defense. Finding a Johnny Damon and Nick Swisher for the corner is much easier than finding a Dave Winfield or Paul O'Neil.l

Show/Hide Comments 101-200
101 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:26 pm

hopefully Ace can "vulture" another win...

102 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:27 pm

So.... why is Phil Hughes in the bullpen, if he's not going to pitch in scenarios like this? This is the second time in four games that the starter's been pulled relatively early and they went to Aceves. He hasn't pitched in a week. What's the point of keeping him in the majors?

103 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:27 pm

not a very good start...

104 randym77   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:28 pm

[99] That's what I was thinking. Probably the smart thing to do, under the circumstances.

105 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:29 pm

yes, they could have a dp if swisher could throw

106 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:29 pm

[99] Clearly not, since Aceves relieved Wang on Wednesday, despite it being Hughes' normal days of rest.

Good lord Swisher's arm is sooooo bad.

107 Just Fair   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:29 pm

Flip it to the Melk, Swish. Your rainbow arm ain't making that play.

108 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:30 pm

That could've been an easy double play.

109 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:32 pm

[100] Damon in the corner is not bad (range wise)...arm, not so good. Yes, we'll have to agree to disagree on corner defense. It has been fun seeing/hearing Teix play defense, but it his .600 slg that really counts. If Giambi batted 1.000+ OPS every year f his contract, no one would have cared much about his poor defense.

As for the corner OF, defense again is nice, but you can't sacrifice too much offense there.

My main point is that overall (defense + offense) corner OFs are not as hard to find than other positions. I would be comfortable going into next season with Swisher in one of the corners, leaving only one corner OF position to fill.

110 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:32 pm

I guess he didn't "Reid" Aceves too well there.

111 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:32 pm

Wowzers, you need to get your uniform dirty, kid. How do you go back to your bench after that?

112 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:32 pm

well, sorta like a double play! ; )

113 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:33 pm

hugues wasn't available until friday

so he wasn't getting in yesterday with cc - but today could have beeen a good time to let him get in

114 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:33 pm

another terrible call by blue - this time a triple for the brew crew vs. the braves. pretty egregious error. it was an obvious out. amazingly, Cox did NOT get tossed...

115 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:34 pm

[104] I sure hope that is the thinking. Otherwise, I'm getting that feeling that Hughes is the odd man out, basically lost in the BP because he doesn't have a "role" or is not "trusted."

116 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:34 pm

{mute}

117 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:34 pm

[109] I would have cared, just ftr.

118 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:35 pm

[113] Why was he not available, given that he missed his regular start? I'm not disagreeing with you...I'm just curious the logic.

119 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:35 pm

{/mute}

120 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:37 pm

[117] Yes, yes, you would have. And you would have booed every HR because his approach was wrong (swinging for the fences rather than just trying to place the ball for a single, striking out instead of batting near to 1.000 by making contact).

; )

121 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:37 pm

wow. Doc Halladay with another "complete-game shutout". he's 10-1 w/ a 2.52 ERA. threw 97 pitches, struck out 6, walked none. he gave up 7 singles...thazzit.

now, Sweet Lou is arguing a call at 3rd. he's pretty calm, actually...

122 Just Fair   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:37 pm

If the boys don't pull this out, they'll be 2-10 vs Tampa and Boston. That's ugly.

123 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:38 pm

[118] [113] No, she's right, Hughes pitched five innings a week ago, so he would not be available out of the pen until he had his four days' rest, so on Friday. I messed up and thought that Wang replaced Hughes' regular turn, but that was not the case-- CC was pushed back to take what would have been Hughes' start.

124 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:39 pm

[120] I'm glad we understand each other. :)

125 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:39 pm

[123] Ah, yes. I made the same mistake.

126 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:39 pm

Can the Yanks score some frigging runs already? For ****'s sake.

127 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:39 pm

[123] [125] okay - you got it - was looking up his last start to be sure

128 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:40 pm

Le sigh.

129 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:41 pm

Did the Yankees even come to bat the last two innings? That was sure fast.

130 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:41 pm

wow. Fat Papi just tried to steal a base. pitcher spun and threw him out easily!

131 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:41 pm

[126] Guess not >:'

132 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:41 pm

[122] It's driving me nuts just thinking about it. I am growing concerned about the Yanks being a paper tiger. Need to win this game, and tomorrow.

I mean, these at bats have been terrible the last two innings. So detached-looking.

133 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:41 pm

this is sucking, big time.

134 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:42 pm

[121] Thank you for putting that in quotes.

It irritates me to no end and speaks to something like grade inflation in baseball, as if anything less than a complete game shut-out is any kind of a shutout.

One day we'll be talking about complete perfect games.

135 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:42 pm

[121] yeah, halladay is having a tremendous first half.

[129] just some puppets carrying bats

136 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:43 pm

Hey, that used to be my Allstate location (the agent's new, tho...)

137 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:44 pm

"Aceves has got some pitches." - David Cone.

138 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:45 pm

Coney just referred to that changeup down and away as "walk the dog."

That's a new one on me.

Anyone?

139 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:45 pm

[137] Coney has got some style.

140 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:45 pm

[134] yer welcome! but i put the period outside the quotes, like the British do! : )

142 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:48 pm

[141] Much respect; beat me to it >;)

143 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:48 pm

[140-142] Heh heh heh. Nice.

144 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:48 pm

I liked Cone's reaction to Kay's gross propaganda re: Joba's performance.

145 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:49 pm

[144] Yes, "nowadays."

146 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:50 pm

nice work aceves

147 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:50 pm

This guy really is a good pitcher. First I'm seeing of him.

Great change.

Nicely done.

148 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:50 pm

[142] I almost posted the Aerosmith version; that would have gotten me less respect, I bet :-)

Al Aceves, meanwhile, get some respect from me. Strikes out the side!

149 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:51 pm

Aceves high!

150 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:51 pm

Ace "literally" striking out the side - in order! he has as many K's in 2 innings as Joba had in 6.

whoa! Nelson Cruz just hit one onto Landsdowne Street...

151 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:52 pm

Aceves is like the pitcher Edwar Ramirez could have been, had his fastball had any movement on it.

152 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:53 pm

Score. Some. Runs.

Win. The. *******. Game.

153 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:53 pm

[132] I just don't worry about it on a game-to-game basis. Right now the Yankees are basically tied for first--it doesn't mater to me whom they beat to get there. It's a 162 game schedule--if they are smoke and mirrors they be revealed by the end of the year. If, on the other hand, they have been "unlucky" or had "bad match ups" early in the season, things will level out by the end of the season. But I don't get caught up in the "need to win this game today" perspective, at least not at this point in the season.

154 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:53 pm

[148] I do respect Aerosmith, but yes. Good job >;)

The Pepsi Throwback commercial only makes me miss Barry White all the more :(

155 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:53 pm

All right, boys, let's get it on.

156 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:53 pm

[148] you would not have gotten less respect from me! Aerosmith are cool.

[149] you may not have intended it, but...Iron Maiden are MUCH cooler!!! : )

157 rbj   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:53 pm

Runs, please.

158 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:54 pm

Damn. I'm surprised Jeter was swinging 2-0.

159 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:55 pm

[153] That must make for a very pleasant existence.

160 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:56 pm

[158] I'm not liking the look of the at bats through the last few innings.

161 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:57 pm

Damon's so good. I knew he'd get a hit, watching him foul those 1-2 pitches off.

Nice fucking hitting, Johnny.

162 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:57 pm

!

It's almost surreal. A palpable hit.

163 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:57 pm

Yay, a hit! Now would be a good time to take the lead in the home run race, Tex.

164 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:57 pm

[159] It helps. Really, though, baseball is a marathon rather than a sprint. You have to pace your frustration. I try to save the "we need to win today" angst for football.

165 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:57 pm

hey, whaddya know - a hit!!!!

now, steal and score!!!

166 Just Fair   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:58 pm

[153] I hear ya'. I'd simply prefer that the Yanks top 2 rivals in the divsion did not have their # thus far. : /

167 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:58 pm

David Cone doesn't have a good voice, but everything else about him is great to listen to. He's a character.

168 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:58 pm

I'm almost expecting a "jerk beef" comment from Cone at any moment...

169 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:59 pm

I just think it's such a beautiful thing to watch a guy down 1-2 and yet be in complete control of the ab.

Everyone should hone that skill.

170 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:59 pm

Right the fuck on!!!

Come on, Alex, do it, man, do it!!

171 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 3:59 pm

[163] Eh, close enough. Now A-Rod needs to hit the ball in the air, please.

172 Just Fair   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:00 pm

Tex looks pretty good in pinstripes. : D Your turn, Alex.

173 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:00 pm

Blast. If they don't score with a HR it *seems* like they don't score. Please let A-Rod pick up this run.

174 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:00 pm

[156] (heh-heh, that was a secondary thought...)

Okay, time for Alex's obligatory strikeout/dp here and then we get on with winning!

175 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:00 pm

[164] To be fair - to myself - I can take most losses in stride. But after yesterday, against this team, with the record thus far, in Yankee Stadium - I feel some intensity.

A Rod. Please for the love of god, you don't need to hit a home run. (It's okay if you happen to, though)

176 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:00 pm

[167] Almost as much as Hernandez. Almost. Hernandez is the king on that count.

177 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:00 pm

it always comes down to Alex.

PLEASE come through!!!

178 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:01 pm

Holy smokes, Kay's little speech almost made me throw up.

179 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:01 pm

He's jumpy.

He almost fished after that slider in the dirt.

Come on, Alex, calm down.

180 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:01 pm

[176] Absolutely, it's not even close.

181 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:01 pm

nice patience alex

182 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:02 pm

He's always jumpy lately. I really think he benefitted from being away from the game. It was almost like he couldn't get too wrapped up in his own head.

183 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:03 pm

We just need a base hit. Or a walk. It doesn't have to be heroics, A Rod, just keep things moving.

184 Just Fair   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:03 pm

CRIKEY! Let's go, Cano.

185 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:03 pm

Well done, Alex. Well done.

Next head case!

186 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:03 pm

that he didn't swing at those breaking balls away is big

187 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:03 pm

Awesome job by A Rod. Very encouraging.

188 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:03 pm

Is this the loudest you've heard it on TV this year?

I think Cano takes Howell this time...

189 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:04 pm

That was a good at bat for A-Rod. Didn't chase the breaking balls. Should have crushed the 2-0 belt high fastball, but didn't lose focus. I'm okay with the walk.

190 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:04 pm

[186] It's true though I don't think any of them were very close.

191 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:05 pm

Alex really has been getting on base at a great clip. we MUST tie this game, at the very least...

192 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:05 pm

I'm not feeling confident based on Robbie's last ab, but here's hoping.

Breathe, breathe (to all of us)...

193 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:05 pm

Now Cano needs to exercise some patience. Isn't he the guy who's no good with bases loaded? Come on, Robbie, let it come to you.

194 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:05 pm

[186] INdeed. After the first pitch I was nervous. He rallied, though. NIce job, Alex.

195 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:06 pm

[192] Agh, you're right about hat last AB. I wish you hadn't reminded me.

196 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:06 pm

That first pitch looked good to me.

197 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:06 pm

Good break!

That looked like a strike to me.

198 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:06 pm

[186] lol for some strange reason >;)

199 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:07 pm

I would really like to see them patient enough to get some runs walked in...

I wager they would do it if the Yankees let them!

: )

200 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:07 pm

I actually would have more faith in Melky getting a walk here than Cano.

Show/Hide Comments 201-300
201 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:07 pm

Yes. 2-1...

202 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:08 pm

Yeah Gameday said that the first and second pitches were in basically the same spot....

203 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:08 pm

Good, Robbie, good!!!!

204 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:08 pm

Come on Robbie! No DP at least!

205 Just Fair   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:08 pm

I'll find a hat to eat if Cano walks.

206 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:08 pm

Let him walk you, Robbie!

207 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:08 pm

There is a god.

208 Just Fair   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:08 pm

Yummy. : )

209 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:09 pm

Yay!

210 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:09 pm

Hot damn!!!!

Beautiful, Robinson.

Hats off.

211 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:09 pm

Oh. My. God.

212 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:09 pm

A walk is as good as a hit! Somewhere Weeping has a warm afterglow...

213 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:09 pm

cano walked - how is this possible!?!

yeah though!

214 cult of basebaal   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:09 pm

c'mon Cletus!

215 OldYanksFan   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:09 pm

OK.... time to take a break from work.....

216 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:09 pm

yeah, Robbie!!!

keep it up, fellas!!!

217 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:09 pm

[205] I hear they're rather nice sauteed.

218 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:09 pm

Hip Hip?

219 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:10 pm

Woohoo!

220 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:10 pm

It seems like the trend, especially late, in situations like this, is for pitchers to miss low. Everyone's afraid of the bandbox factor and trying to keep the ball on the ground. It happened with Jorge yesterday, though cause of the ump he didn't benefit from it.

221 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:10 pm

yes!! that's some revenge on aybar!

222 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:10 pm

[218] Jorge?

223 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:10 pm

OhHHHHHHHHHH!!!

HE DROPPED THE FUCKING BASEBALL!!!

HA!!~!!!

224 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:10 pm

Das Boot!

225 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:10 pm

OK, the Rays are throwing this game away now. It would be nice if the boys can really capitalize.

226 cult of basebaal   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:10 pm

that about gave me a heart attack ... thanks big willie!

227 OldYanksFan   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:10 pm

Sometimes it is better to be lucky.....
(I feel a little guilty).

228 Just Fair   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:10 pm

That's what you get for hitting bullshit 3 run homers. Ha.

229 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:10 pm

Can't throw what you haven't caught...

: )

230 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:11 pm

Park it, Hideki.

231 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:11 pm

Aybar saved Jorge from the goat horns.

232 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:11 pm

Do the hustle!

233 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:11 pm

wow - matsui beat a ball out - coupled with robbie taking a walk - the yanks must win!

234 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:11 pm

Wow!!!

Hideki beat it out!

Robby walks and Hideki beats it out!

Look for locusts!

235 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:11 pm

Sterling: "...and Matsui beat the throw."

Huh?

Wha?

236 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:11 pm

Yeah, this is the least exciting 3 run inning ever.

237 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:11 pm

Ugh, the Yanks are doing everything they can not to score, but they still score. Geez Louise.

238 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:11 pm

wahoo!!!

even lines = 3-6-1

let's take the lead, then...WIN!!!

239 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:11 pm

How about a bit more patience please to increase the lead...

240 OldYanksFan   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:12 pm

Was that Jorge with that TERRIBLE BASERUNNING!!!!! God! How DUMB!!!!

241 rbj   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:12 pm

Thanks for listening to [157]

Man, Matsui beat out the DP?

242 Just Fair   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:12 pm

Posada always willing to show how terrible he is on the basepaths. Yikes.

243 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:12 pm

I think someone's due to score on a wild pitch. Or a balk. That would be fitting.

244 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:12 pm

YEAH!!!

we're winning!!! : )

245 cult of basebaal   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:12 pm

well, we gave the rays two consecutive double play balls with our two slowest runners at the plate ... and they gave them right back.

big exhale.

c'mon nick, a cushion would feel good.

246 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:12 pm

[236] I'm listening on the radio, but it sounds as though the Yankees' strategy has been to kill the Rays by hitting as many DP balls as possible. Quite canny, really.

247 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:12 pm

It would be cool if someone actually came through here, instead of leaving it to fate. I think they need more runs.

248 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:12 pm

C'mon Swish, nuthin' but net!

249 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:13 pm

Keep the bat on your shoulders Melky!

Meltdown in progress!

250 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:14 pm

I mean, the Yankees got lucky there, but at the same time, they did draw two huge walks to load the bases/walk in a run.

251 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:14 pm

Wowzers...

252 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:14 pm

[246] That is exactly what has happened. It's sort of embarrassing but I'll take it.

253 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:14 pm

[236] No, it's great! It shows how fundamental baseball can yield results.

Nothing flashy, just tight baseball.

254 cult of basebaal   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:14 pm

LEGS Berroa!

255 OldYanksFan   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:14 pm

That was such a HORRIBLE play by Jorge, I'm having trouble enjoying this lead. How can a veteran make such a BAD TERRIBLE SHITTY job running to 2nd?

256 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:14 pm

Break it open!!!

257 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:14 pm

An Angel Berroa sighting...

258 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:14 pm

Haven't we established that Berroa isn't really much faster than Matsui?

259 OldYanksFan   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:15 pm

Melkdud NEEDS to work a walk here.....

260 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:15 pm

jorge has always been a reckless baserunner

[258] where's pena?

261 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:15 pm

Wait for it, Melk... wait for it...

262 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:15 pm

I'd like some more runs, please...

263 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:15 pm

[253] Ha, it actually shows how non-fundamental baseball from the other team yields results!

264 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:15 pm

[253] I'm not sure that poor baserunning, DP balls, and relying on opposing errors is what I would precisely call "tight baseball"...

265 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:15 pm

ah, that's why berroa's on the team. i was wondering. thanks, joe.

266 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:16 pm

Feh...

267 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:16 pm

How the hell was that a swing?

268 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:16 pm

Bullshit, he didn't go.

269 OldYanksFan   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:16 pm

THIS IS WHY YOU LOOK FOR THE BB!!!!!!!!! ARG!

270 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:16 pm

Bullshit call (same ump?)

271 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:16 pm

who's warming in our pen?

nick really knows how to get on base!

c'mon Melk!!!

272 Just Fair   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:16 pm

[255] He's a total blockhead out there.

273 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:16 pm

[260] I assume that the PR move is irrelevant, and that's why Girardi went with the otherwise useless Berroa. He's probably saving Pena for something, anything.

274 rbj   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:16 pm

BS call, blue.

275 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:17 pm

[270] prolly not. don't they usually switch around the field during series?

276 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:17 pm

[263] Right, exactly. Look to your own game, play tight baseball and wait for the other team to crack.

It's a good baseline to have for those days when you don't have an honest rally in you.

277 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:18 pm

[264] You're missing what our team did to set all that slop up, starting with Damon's great ab.

278 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:18 pm

Player of the game should be Wilie Aybar

279 cult of basebaal   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:18 pm

[260] he's more feckless than reckless

280 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:19 pm

Come on Mo, prove the yearly "What's Wrong With Mo?" columns wrong.

281 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:19 pm

let's go Mo!!!

3 outs, NO runs!!!

make it quick 'n easy.

i'm guessing he pitches to Longoria, at some point...

282 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:20 pm

[276] I know we are all having good fun, but how is hitting consecutive double play balls and making horrid baserunning errors (I'm looking at you Po) "looking at your own game" and "playing tight baseball"?

283 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:21 pm

[281] I hated that they had him put Longoria on base yesterday. Let Rivera go after him, it's not like he's David Ortiz or something. ; )

284 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:21 pm

Hmm, maybe Longoria is a no-go, since there's nothing that makes more sense than pinch hitting for Gross. I guess Navarro too, but most managers hate pinch hitting for the catcher.

285 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:21 pm

1 down...

286 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:21 pm

Right on, Mo!

287 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:21 pm

moliness

288 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:21 pm

[277] No, I'm not missing anything. There were a lot of positive things in that inning. But overall the Yankees did not, in my opinion, play particularly "tight" baseball. But they got a bit of luck, and that's ok.

289 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:21 pm

1 more...

290 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:22 pm

[281] here we go

291 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:22 pm

K, never mind I was wrong about Longoria.

292 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:23 pm

here's the matchup. evan hasn't swung in awhile and can't really run. go after him Mo!!!

293 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:23 pm

It *does* appear uncanny how Mo *seems* to pitch so much better in a save situation.

294 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:23 pm

[282] The abs (Damon, Tex, Alex, Cano) were high quality.

The team seemed extremely focussed to me.

295 Just Fair   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:24 pm

A Gift-Wrapped W. We'll take it.

296 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:24 pm

"Won't you help me sing...
This song of freedom
Is all ever had...
Redemption Song!"

Thanks, Mo >;)

297 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:24 pm

Ahhh...that was better...

298 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:24 pm

all praise to mo - all is right with the world again!

299 rbj   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:24 pm

Now that's my Mo!

300 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:24 pm

Excellent, excellent win, Team!

Well done, Mo.

Johhny Damon, player of the game.

Down 1-2, fought his way on.

That was the ballgame.

Show/Hide Comments 301-349
301 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:25 pm

that pitch looked pretty good...

nevermind, game over!!!

c'mon Texas, 3 more outs!!!

302 PJ   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:25 pm

Yay!

I'd rather be lucky than good!

Take care until next time, folks!

: )

303 RIYank   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:25 pm

[281] Nice call.

304 cult of basebaal   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:25 pm

puir little Rays, Mo'd down in their prime.

305 RIYank   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:26 pm

[299] Stealing my lines...

306 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:26 pm

[293] i haven't looked this year, but last year in *all* those tie games mo blew, he gave up almost no walks and was just pumping strikes in - could be he was being less *careful* not sure if the same has happened this year

307 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:27 pm

[303] they don't call me Nostralarmis for nuthin'! ; )

Vulture picks up his 4th win.

2 out at the Fens. bottom 9. Fat Poopi up.

308 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:27 pm

Fatty strikes out to end the ballgame!

back in 1st place!!! : )

309 mehmattski   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:28 pm

And Ortiz drops to a .197 batting average with a strikeout. First place again!

310 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:28 pm

[308] HA!

311 RIYank   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:29 pm

[308] He did raise his batting average with another 1-for-4 day, though.

Have you guys seen the Yanks Fan Sox Fan story about Manny and Ortiz? It's excellent.

312 RIYank   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:30 pm

How did everyone think Joba pitched today? The 3-run inning wasn't a bad inning for him, except for the walk, which was definitely bad.

313 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:31 pm

[311] I have not. Does it involve steroids, which we all know don't really help give these sluggers an advantage, so there is no reason to be suspicious about Big Papi's absolute and sudden evaporation so far this season?

314 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:31 pm

it was also nice seeing the home plate ump call Pukilis back to the plate after he completely threw his elbow pad into a pitch and tried to take 1st base...

315 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:33 pm

[312] He was really very good until that inning, but that inning was pretty bad. Any time you throw 30+ pitches, load the bases and give up a 2 out hit, it's not good.

316 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:33 pm

[312] it was his only walk, which is somewhat encouraging, methinks.

[311] he also got thrown out stealing, which i thought was kinda hilarious!

317 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:33 pm

Jeter gets a demerit, btw, swinging 2-0 like that, and yes, Jorgie's running was terrible, but I'm one happy guy.

I think I'm most pleased because we won with two of our guys overcoming their major deficiencies, Robbie walking with the bases loaded and Hideki beating out the dp. Alex, too, to a lesser extent, by working the walk instead of chasing, which we've seen him do so many times. Really good, triumphant baseball, if you ask me.

I'm really proud of them.

318 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:34 pm

There's a thing on SI where a scout is saying no way is Ortiz 33. He sure looks older, so I wouldn't be surprised if he's just deteriorating from age

320 OldYanksFan   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:34 pm

Halliday gets his 10th win in the Jays 60th game. That's kinda sick.

321 rbj   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:35 pm

[311] Very funny piece.

322 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:36 pm

[318] bill simmons is trying to push that bs too - i think to take away from the steroid suspicions

323 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:37 pm

[318] That's a pretty precipitous decline, whatever the reason.

[317] I can't fault a player with a .300+ BA and .800+ ops too much for swinging 2-0, which is, errr, a hitter's count. Bad result does not always mean bad decision.

324 OldYanksFan   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:37 pm

[318] I think that at his 'age', the hurt wrist, causing a long spell of not playing, is what killed him. He was off the field for a while, and simply is too old to get back on.

325 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:37 pm

[322] Both can be true.

326 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:39 pm

[323] I don't fault him *too* much, but I was surprised he was swinging.

327 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:40 pm

[323] I guess I'd be more comfortable with it had there been a risp, but whatever.

328 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:41 pm

[322] It does sound like BS. Let's assume that he's, say, 2 years older. That means his offensive leap didn't occur until his age 29 season, and his peaks seasons at 32 and 33. That's preety unusual, no? So if we explain away his apparently rapid decline with "age", then we still have to account for his highly peculiar offensive explosion at a relatively late age.

329 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:41 pm

[325] yeah, i think he's definitely older AND off the juice. yup, and the wrist thing is in there...

how 'bout Padilla? he gift-wrapped our victory the other day, then shut down Boston today. way ta go, man! : )

331 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:42 pm

[325] yeah i agree - but i think it is funny that the ortiz lovers will do anything to keep his name linked with steroids

alright hopefully the magic won't roll over again tonight and tomorrow andy pettite will pitch better and andy sonnastine will throw his usual crap

332 ms october   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:43 pm

[331] i left out the word from - they will do anything to keep his name from being linked to steroids -

333 Chyll Will   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:47 pm

Wow, Atlanta's threatening to be a hotter mess than the Mutts... Glavine might file a grievance for being released on the eve of his comeback (and automatic $1 million payout). Braves front office seems to be scrambling a lot since Frank Wren became GM. Sad.

334 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:48 pm

[333] They should just pay him the million and then still cut him.

335 RIYank   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:49 pm

Jeez, I didn't notice that the YFSF bit was from The Onion.

I'd be surprised if Ortiz really is older than he says. He grew up in a middle class family, there are genuine records. The Dominican is essentially a 3rd world country for the poor, but not for the middle class.

336 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:49 pm

yikes, Soriano's OBP is .299

[333] yeah, it's a buzz here. the grievance won't fly. they didn't treat smoltz or glavine very well. frenchy might get gone soon. chipper is signed though. he had a great game today and the braves had a nice comeback win w/ their kid pitcher tommy hanson on the hill.

it's gorgeous here - i should really get outta the house...

337 RIYank   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:50 pm

We're playing the Braves this month, right? It's the AL East and then the NL.

338 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:50 pm

[334] i'll head down to The Ted and pick it up for him! ; )

339 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:51 pm

[337] yes. here in Atl. June 23, 24, 25. i hope to go Thurs the 25th. i teach the other 2 nights...

340 RIYank   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:52 pm

[339] Lots of tickets available?

341 RIYank   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:53 pm

Oh, I wanted to say: my favorite plate appearance of the night was Cano's RBI walk. That was awesome. Nothing wrong with Swisher's bomb, of course.

342 thelarmis   ~  Jun 7, 2009 4:55 pm

[340] i'm not positive, i think so. at first, there was all this bollocks that you had to buy tickets in blocks of SIX. that is just ridiculous. i went online yesterday and it seemed as though i could buy an individual ticket. there was a dugout seat for $75, with taxes/fees. of course, i'd be fine with a $5 nosebleed seat. i may wait a bit and just do that...

343 The Hawk   ~  Jun 7, 2009 5:36 pm

I certainly didn't bring up Ortiz's age to discount steroid use, necessarily, but I think at the same time his being older is more likely than the idea that he's coming off the juice, or whatever. Again, not to say he wasn't juicing, but it seems the age thing is almost definitely true. They both could be, sure.

I bet he's over 35. His offensive coming of age also just happened to coincide with hitting in front of Manny. Look what happened to Teixeira once A Rod came back.

344 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 6:01 pm

[332] Actually, you left out the word "being."

(Sorry, couldn't resist the pedantry.)

345 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 6:57 pm

[343] If he's older than 35, his offensive peak looks even more suspicious (and this still does not explain the massive fall of). And I'm not buying that his tremendous offensive production is because of protection in the lineup, especially since everything I've read suggests that protection does not really exist. Fro example:

http://www.baseball1.com/bb-data/grabiner/protstudy.html

346 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 7:18 pm

[345] I'm not trying to be a contrarian, but how can a study that purports to be scientific use a hitter's "reputation" as one of its two metrics? I mean, I'm not denying that pitchers are more afraid of some hitters than others, even despite comparable numbers, but what place does such an unscientific variable have in an otherwise scientific study?

"Another classic protection situation. Joyner usually batted third with
Dave Winfield cleanup, and there were some games in which Joyner batted
second with Winfield third. When Winfield wasn't in the lineup, the
batter behind Joyner was usually Dave Parker or Gary Gaetti, neither one
of whom struck fear in the hearts of opposing pitchers."

How does one substantiate such a thing?

Again, not trying to be contrarian, but doesn't the reliance on whether or not a hitter strikes fear into opposing pitchers completely undermine the scientific credibility of the study?

347 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 7:43 pm

[347] Well yes, sloppy language. The point is that in study after study, no one has found any consistent, measurable "protection effect."

348 monkeypants   ~  Jun 7, 2009 7:46 pm

[347] Meanwhile, one of my comments is "awaiting moderation"--in it I cite three other studies. I'll try again, this time including only one link, which includes the three subsequent links:

http://tinyurl.com/ltve9c

349 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jun 7, 2009 8:47 pm

[347] I'm not disputing the conclusion that there is no "protection effect" (not here, anyway), but I do think it's more than just "sloppy language." Whatever term you want to use, it's a fundamentally unscientific premise!--unless it's the product of interviews or questionnaires of the pitchers in question. The author offers nothing whatever to substantiate his claim that some hitters are more feared than others and therefore should be chosen as test cases not just according to slugging percentage.

I don't dispute that study after study has demonstrated your point, only that this study should *not* be considered sound evidence due to its patently unsound methodology.

And thanks for the other link!

feed Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via email
"This ain't football. We do this every day."
--Earl Weaver