Florida Marlins
2009 Record: 33-35 (.485)
2009 Pythagorean Record: 31-37 (.456)
2008 Record: 84-77 (.522)
2008 Pythagorean Record: 81-80 (.503)
Manager: Fredi Gonzalez
General Manager: Michael Hill
Home Ballpark (Park Factors): Dolphin Stadium (99/99)
Who’s Replacing Whom:
- Emilio Bonifacio replaces Mike Jacobs
- Chris Coughlan replaces Josh Willingham
- Ross Gload and Brett Carroll replace Luis Gonzalez
- Ronny Paulino replaces Matt Treanor
- Alejandro De Aza is filling in for Alfredo Amezaga (DL)
- Josh Johnson and Chris Volstad inherit the starts of Scott Olsen
- Sean West is filling in for Anibal Sanchez (DL), who inherits the starts of Mark Hendrickson
- Leo Nuñez replaces Kevin Gregg
- Dan Meyer, Kiko Calero, and Brian Sanches replace Doug Waechter, Joe Nelson, and Logan Kensing
- Cristhian Martinez is filling in for Renyel Pinto (DL)
25-man Roster:
1B – Jorge Cantu (R)
2B – Dan Uggla (R)
SS – Hanley Ramirez (R)
3B – Emilio Bonifacio (S)
C – John Baker (L)
RF – Jeremy Hermida (L)
CF – Cody Ross (R)
LF – Chris Coughlan (L)
Bench:
L – Ross Gload (1B)
R – Wes Helms (3B)
L – Alejadro De Aza (OF)
R – Ronny Paulino (C)
R – Brett Carroll (OF)
Rotation:
R – Josh Johnson
R – Chris Volstad
L – Andrew Miller
R – Ricky Nolasco
L – Sean West
Bullpen:
R – Matthew Lindstrom
R – Leo Nuñez
L – Dan Meyer
R – Kiko Calero
R – Burke Badenhop
R – Brian Sanches
R – Cristhian Martinez
15-day DL: CF/UT – Alfredo Amezaga (knee contusion); RHP – Anibal Sanchez (shoulder sprain), LHP Renyel Pinto (elbow inflammation)
60-day DL: RHP – Scott Proctor (Joe Torre surgery), LHP – Dave Davidson (shoulder)
Typical Lineup:
L – Chris Coghlan (LF)
S – Emilio Bonifacio (3B)
R – Hanley Ramirez (SS)
R – Jorge Cantu (1B)
L – Jeremy Hermida (RF)
R – Dan Uggla (2B)
L – John Baker (C)
R – Cody Ross (CF)
The Marlins generated a lot of buzz by starting the 2009 season 11-1, but six of those games came against the Nationals, and since then the Fish have gone just 21-34. The Marlins’ .382 winning percentage since those first dozen games would be the second-worst in baseball.
Similarly, Emilio Bonifacio, who stole three bases on Opening Day and went 14-for-24 (.583) over the first six games of the season, has swiped just eight more bags and hit .211/.259/.242 since. Despite that performance, Bonifacio remains the Marlins’ third baseman. It’s not because of his defense, which has been poor, in part because he’d never played the hot corner as a pro before this year. It’s partially because Wes Helms has done little to recommend himself for the job (he’s hit .246/.298/.351 over the last three years and is slugging .307 this year). Still, current first-baseman Jorge Cantu was no worse defensively at the hot corner last year, and Yankee killer Ross Gload (.403/.430/.653 career vs. NYY) is available to slot in at first base, as is Gaby Sanchez, who is hitting .326/.391/.496 in Triple-A.
Bonifacio, who hits second in the lineup, is killing the Marlins’ offense, which is otherwise made up of a bunch of slighty-better-than-league-average hitters and Hanley Ramirez. The one benefit Bonifacio’s presence has had is that it finally got the fish to drop Hanley to the third spot in the order, where his .325/.393/.506 line best fits. Of the league-average hitters, Cantu and center fielder Cody Ross hit for power but won’t walk, rookie left fielder Chris Coughlan has a .385 on-base percentage but no power, second baseman Dan Uggla draws walks and hits for power but is hitting .218 with 52 strikeouts in 65 games, right fielder Jeremy Hermida has eight homers, but just eight other extra-base hits, and John Baker is hitting just .244/.335/.413, but he’s a catcher, so he’s right around league average at those rates.
On the mound, the Fish have a solid bullpen thanks in part to surprising performances from reclamation project Kiko Calero from the right side and former Braves starting prospect and Tim Hudson trade bait Dan Meyer from the left side, both former A’s. They’ve also gotten good work from 30-year-old never-was righty Brian Sanches and currently injured lefty Reneyl Pinto (the latter of whom was acquired back in 2005 along with Ricky Nolasco and current SWB Yankee Sergio Mitre for Juan Pierre in what could yet prove to be one of the better deals of the last five years).
In the rotation, the Fish are enjoying a fantastic comeback season from 25-year-old Josh Johnson, whose 2007 Tommy John surgery many blamed on then-Marlins manager Joe Girardi, who sent Johnson back out to pitch after an 82-minute rain delay in September 2006. Johnson, who will start Saturday’s game, is 13-2 with a 3.16 ERA in 28 starts since rejoining the Marlins last July.
Twenty-six-year-old Nolasco, whom the Yankees will miss, followed up his breakout 2008 campaign by posting a 9.07 ERA over his first nine starts this year, but in three starts since a brief late-May demotion, he’s posted a 2.50 ERA and struck out 18 men in 18 innings against just four walks.
The Marlins have also been pleasantly surprised by the performance of tonight’s starter, Sean West, a 23-year-old, 6-foot-8 lefty who underwent labrum surgery in 2007, but has his velocity back in the mid-90s and has posted a 3.00 ERA over his first five major league starts. West is only in the rotation as an injury replacement for Anibal Sanchez, but he seems likely to stay past Sanchez’s return. Then again, he also seems headed for a fall given his terrible 1.15 K/BB ratio and sub-Mendoza BABIP. Fortunately for the Fish, his minor league performance suggests he could correct those poor indicators before the league is able to capitalize on them.
Despite all that, and in part because of their poor team defense, the Fish are second only to the Nationals with the most runs allowed per game in the NL, but given the arrival of West, the fixing of Nolasco, and the impending return of Sanchez, I expect that to change in the near future. If the Fish wise up and boot Bonifacio from the lineup, they could still salvage a winning record, but even in the weakened NL East, they’re not a playoff team.
The Yankees counter West tonight with Andy Pettitte, whose 1.52 K/BB thus far this year is the second worst of his career (behind only his ugly 1999 campaign), and whose 98 ERA+ is tied with his identical mark from last year for his career worst. Since posting a 2.96 ERA in his first four starts, Pettitte has posted a 5.33 mark and allowed opponents to hit .318/.396/.479 with nine home runs over his last nine starts, in which he’s averaged less than six innings per start. This will be Pettitte’s first start against the Marlins as a Yankee since the final game of the 2003 World Series. None of those things make me happy, nor does the thought of the Yankees facing a hard-throwing rookie left-hander in the middle of a team-wide offensive slump. Then again, the switch-hitter-heavy Yankees have been better against lefties than righties thus far this year.
Derek Jeter’s back in the lineup, but Alex Rodriguez, who grew up in Miami and has played every day since returning from the DL, will miss the first two games of the series (save perhaps for a pinch-hitting appearance) due to fatigue. Since going 5-for-5 against the Rangers on May 25, Rodriguez has hit .176/.337/.297 over 21 games, all starts. Angel Berroa starts at the hot corner tonight because that will fix the Yankees’ hitting slump. Oy.
60-day DL: RHP - Scott Proctor (Joe Torre surgery)
LOL
i'll just bait the wolves with dog meat and leave ...
UPDATE, 4:54 p.m.: Alex was in the lineup. Then it was decided he was “fatigued” and needed two days off. Girardi admitted he should have given him time off before this.
UPDATE, 5:37 p.m.: Meanwhile, Alex told us that he went to see Girardi after the game last night and asked for time off. But he was in the lineup today. Then, after a conversation that included Brian Cashman, not only was he out of the lineup today, he’s out tomorrow as well.
(from Petey)
Great!
Tonight they have a lineup that couldn't win 80 games in the NL East...
Dollars to donuts Pettitte hurts his back swinging the bat if he hasn't already taking batting practice recently!
LOL @ Posada "hitting" cleanup! He's five for his last 31!
: /
Holy crap. Players never ask for time off. If A-Rod asked for time off, that means he really needs it. And Girardi ignored him and put him in the lineup anyway?
That was the knock on Girardi when he was in charge of the Fish. It wasn't just that he didn't get along with the owner. They felt he abused the players.
[4] yeah arod's body must be really hurting. his performance and him not stealing is indicative of that.
maybe girardi is feeling the pressure and believed he should keep alex in the lineup. but he has to know alex is another one of those guys that wants to play all the time so if he asks off and with jeter back in the lineup, he should have given him the day off.
the media is going to be all over this story since cashman had to get involved.
The media (or at least the YES announcers) were all over this yesterday, talking about how A-Rod was playing every day when they said he'd play only five days a week. I wondered at the time if that was the front office, speaking through Kay & Co., as is rumored.
Whatever. It's pretty sad when Girardi has to be told he's overusing his most expensive player by the media.
Just woke up to read that A-Rod won't be playing, Angel Berroa may get playing-time, the Red Sox game is on tv here this morning and not the Yanks, and I've got a bout of "second-day-drunkeness" as they say here...sigh..
Well, that was disappointing. I was hoping for more.
Carmine said one out, Spanky McSkittles makes two!
[8] But I don't think it was inexcusable or unacceptable. Was it? Maybe I've become desensitized.
Hey, did Fredi Gonzalez read Cliff's write-up? Because Bonifacio isn't playing.
I guess they are saving supersub Pena for.....
Truth is, Berroa needs 1 AB per month to stay in form.
Hard to believe about Girardi. We have always complained when he rested JD, and Giambi and others. Now he is overusing an obviously ineffective ARod? Doesn't make sense.
does this umpire even know where the strike zone is?
[10] The only thing inexcusable and unacceptable in my book is playing gimpy A-Rod every day for a month. Now he's getting two days off when the team's playing in his home town. He had 100 tickets for his family and friends tonight. Poor planning, to say the least.
I gotta think that means Girardi is really feeling the heat. He's afraid to sit A-Rod, even against the worst team in the league.
Michael Kay thinks we probably haven't heard of Hanly Ramirez.
[14] I honestly don't think Berroa is a big step down from A-Rod tonight. A small step (probably won't draw a walk).
[12] Before the game, they said it was Berroa instead of Pena because Berroa's numbers are better against lefties.
Just got in. Wow, A-Rod had to ask for time off, and then get Cashman to tell Girardi to give him some time off? Things might be frosty between the manager & third base man. Why wouldn't Joe just give him a regular day off once a week or so. He's gotta see that Alex's bat isn't where it should be. Play Berroa once in a while, and if that is a glaring hole, then that's on the GM. A manager can only play the players he has.
[14] poor arod, this is the only place he would get a nice warm reception, including Yankee Stadium.
[15] Ahem.
Starting Berroa. Brilliant!
ARod, meet Wally Pip.
Berroa's been juicing! Test him!!
Isn't that like a solar eclipse or something?
Whoa.
This is freaky.
beisbol is a funny, funny game.
Now I get it.
Williamny is right: Girardi has been awful. Berroa and Pettitte should be batting 4th and 5th.
Holy crap. Even Pettitte is hitting. I guess this pitcher just sucks.
So, the scuffling offense is cured by inserting Berroa and Pettitte into the lineup. You know, you just can't predict baseball.
A double, rbi & rs for Berroa. Probably the highlight game of the year for Angel.
And if Andy can get an rbi double, Yankees have to win.
[23] well, if beckett hit a HR, angel can to
TRADE BERROA WHILE HIS VALUE IS UP!!!
[28] I have a job for you. You do radio?
Holding Andy -- good.
If Pettitte had tried for home, Williamny would have exploded.
And for what it is worth, I actually prefer the NL rules.
Where is everyone? You can tell I miss william, but I'd also like weeping4bru to come comment on his boy Pettitte.
obviously, this last week was all arod's fault ...
[34] Yes, which would have been amusing in its own right. Still, probably best to take it easy with Pettitte given how the bats are swinging so far. Stay safe, William!
good to see my prediction (shared with no one) that the yanks would play well today is off to a nice start
Jeter running very gingerly. Actually, it looks like he is wearing cement boots.
[32] Let's leave it at this: I have a perfect face for radio...
[36] yeah weeping hasn't had a chance to call andy a golden god yet this year
I've been to that stadium. It plays big for baseball!
The arepas are great!
PeteAbe on ARod:
"He said the original plan was to take a day off once a week when he returned but that he asked to stay in the lineup. A-Rod also talked about missing spring training. “That’s a holy time for me,” he said."
(bold is mine)
[35] i prefer the nl rules in theory, but it's kind of a joke when there are so few pitchers who can hit
[39] Oh, sure. Very believable.
Jorge can't hit...
[44] I figured that was probably it. (Like Ms. Oct., I keep my interesting predictions to myself.
I just realized that Paul O'Neill sounds like Woody Harrelson.
No-one's gonna believe me but I had a good feeling about Berroa when he came to the plate.
[40] Peña should come in soon if this hitting keeps up.
the cubbies came back from 7-0 to beat cleveland. gotta love that bullpen.
Dice-K's first inning v the braves: HR, single, double, walk, walk (brings in a run), K and a DP. only 2 runs scored. the story of matsuzaka.
[48] Doesn't matter. Of course players want to play every day. That doesn't mean you let them.
[48] i have been trying to place o'neill's voice for quite sometime - there is some woody harrelson twang in there.
[49] No-one's going to believe me but I had a feeling you would say that...
it is not surprsing that arod asked to play everyday.
but management should have given him a day off or at least just dh'd hime at some point.
and not giving him a day off when he sked for it is not good.
oh and you got to hand it to espn - their scroll is "arod benched for two games" - way to frame it assholes
Contreras is starting for the Pale Hose tonight.
Oh, perfect.
I'm getting that Phil-Hughes-back-in-the-rotation feeling...
Michael Kay finally makes a good, amusing point!
[57] Well, you know, monkeypants, in life, unfortunately, all good things come to an end.
nice pitch andy
Hey, Team.
How are we doing?
Swisher's the only one who can't hit this guy.
Wow, look at Melky.
melky with a hr
here comes berroa, brace yourselves for impact!!
[61] You'd be so proud, weeping!
Andy doubled, RBI and Run Scored.
[61] pretty good. andy has pitched 2 solid innings and even doubled. the offense is alive.
[61] Let me put it this way, Berroa had an rbi double, then Pettitte doubled him in.
Andy doubled???
Gtfoh!
[62] Jeter has Swisher's hit. If he hadn't taken that hit from Nick, everyone in the line-up would have exactly one.
Hey Weeping! Andy not only got a hit and scored, he caught a spike in the mound, almost fell on his ass and hurt his back again!
: )
[69] yes - and it was to the opposite field to boot - actually quite a nice hit
well andy has given up his requisite hr
I was going to say it wasn't that bad a pitch, but I guess O'Neill is right that Pettitte's good pitches are down in the zone. That cutter was high and tight.
Teix still flawless.
Marlin's announcers saying that Tex is one of the best fielding 1Bman's of the era. I know he's good, but he is really an elite fielder? He is not as graceful as Mattingly or Hernandez, but he does catch just about everything that comes his way.
Andy's pitch count is getting up there.
Singleton likes berroa...
[53] I believe you. Do you believe that?
[75] yes.
[75] "I know he’s good, but he is really an elite fielder?"
61 games coming into today without an error... at 1B...
You tell us.
: )
Man, going to a game in Miami must be easy. Stadium looks 2./3rds empty. I'm surprised that they don't get more fans. Too hot?
[76] and he's sweating like there's no tomorrow
Last Yankee C to win a GG? Did Thurman?
[83] jeter, methinks ... bernie before.
[81] Too much sports in Florida, I think. The Marlins' AAA team sells more tickets than the Marlins do.
This is actually a huge crowd for the Marlins. Lots of Yankees fans in Florida.
[83] doh! you said C ... nevermind
98 pitches without a swing and a miss?
That's freakish.
[81] Lack of interest. They didn't even sell out regular season games in '97 when they went on to win the World Series.
That's why John Henry tried and failed to own that team. He lost money like Wayne Huizenga before him.
We went to the Inaugral Interleague games there against the Yankees. Joe DiMaggio threw out the first pitch, very nice times. They still didn't get much over 40K on those games... mostly transplanted Yankee fans like us...
: )
[69] your golden god gave up his 10th homer in 10 games. other than that, he's doing well!
i'm surprised Andy never started against the Fish during his tenure in Houston.
[75] yes, he's an elite fielder. i loved watching him here in his short time in Hotlanta. and good lord is it HOT here!!! : ~
Braves now up 4-0.
bah - awful throw jeter
UZR-150 be damned!!!
Back in those days, an average crowd was 22K-ish... like the 19K tonight.
As with George M. Steinbrenner Field, you really had to check the sun chart prior to choosing your seats.
Two plus hours in direct tropical sunlight is quite dangerous, no matter how dark you are.
Man.... a lot of good looking women in Miami. Too hot!
So, I'm guessing Andy will not start the seventh inning. If we get a couple more runs, how about Tomko?
Yeah, South Beach is shall we say, "eye opening"...
That's about a half hour south of that stadium by I-95...
Dice-K after 4
4.0 7 4 4 4 2 1 64-37 7.71
Braves up 4-0.
[94] At least he should be able to get through the sixth. Andy has, unfortunately, not given the innings at the back of the rotation that I hoped he would.
Wow, back to back doubles to start the fifth for the Braves, and and Tito is rolling the Dice-K. Or, the Dice man craps out. Choose your stupid dice metaphor/pun.
Nice rip, Swisher.
Hopefully, the Yankees will be back in first place after this nine-game NL road trip!
And hopefully, the rotation will remain intact from all of the hitting and baserunning, too.
: )
stuck here all morning! http://tinyurl.com/mqpvz
what did i miss? must be some glitch on Gameday, says Berroa doubled and got an RBI..that's funny..so what really happened?
Dice-K got knocked around, Braves up 5-0 on tv here..thelarmis, you watching that?
6-0 Braves.
[101] You think that's funny... check out the RBI and R for the guy below him in the order.
[101] yeah man, i'm watching. masterson just got outta the inning. 6-0, bottom 5.
how's the 2nd day drunkeness, my friend?! : ~
[101] Oh, that sucks. Hard drive?
right now the yanks and o's are the only al east teams winning
jesus christ robinson golf is being played on li not at the baseball stadium
I'd feel a lot better if the Braves got "boxcars" off Boston pitching tonight!
[103] Wow..
Pinto pitching..Flounder up next?
Dissing Angel! Make them pay, dude.
[105] Nah, slow roller.
Ha ha ha hah!
I kill myself!
[106] "jesus christ robinson"
That sounds just like Mrs. Robinson's drill instructor, Ms October!
: )
[104] all gone now, thanks to the fresh-fruit-in-blender gods! instant vitamins.
[105] laptop keyboard/mouse problem..it's acting like the mouse button is alwyas being pressed ao it just froze up for ages..methinks Mr, OK Jazz Jr. had something to do with it, found him pounding on the keyboard several times now..
there's the Berroa we know...
Update on the $17m dollar man:
4.0+ IP, 8 H, 6 ER, 6 4 2 1 67-39 8.23
Eck now talking about Dice-K to the pen, on better yet, the DL.
Theo still the Wonderboy?
I say stay away from Japanese pitchers.
[110] {rolling eyes}
[106] Jays just tied the Nats at 1.
[108] I think Bluto is warming...
"Forget it, he's rolling"...
Oh well. At least Andy put it in play.
[114] Kawakami kicking ass tonight at the Fens. and his name is fun to say!!!
[114] Yeah, I was just thinking, "Cashman +1".
[114] "I say stay away from Japanese pitchers."
Even Yu Darvish?
Gasp!
[121] Darvish may have thrown 7 million pitches by the time he makes it to the US..must be careful..if he came over now though he'd be an ace.
[121] Yes, even me... and don't call me Darvish!
(Rim shot please, thelarmis)
[114] For too many Theo will always be the wonderboy. Because, you know, he filled his club's roster only with players who know how to win, have true grit, take the right approach in all circumstances, do not quake in fear of their opponents, etc.
[119] I'll have a spicy kawakami please.
[108] hey! are you guys playing baseball???
[123] done! : )
Damon looking for throwing tips?
[124] Wonder why no one gets on Theo for filling his roster with gritty, bearded white men, while Omar Minaya takes crap for acquiring Latin players...
[125] comin' right up! : )
andy got that curve working tonite
Nice start for Andy. Let's tack on a couple more runs and give some garbage innings to garbage pitchers.
Andy's a Golden God! (hi weeping!!!)
[131] Jimmy Herring's playing by you tonight. you should really go. he's AMAZING!!! and his band is absolutely stellar...
[132] perfect thought, i'm scarfing down a 'garbage' burrito right now!
Andy nose pitching in Miami!
[134] heh, where by "by" do you mean?
rough times for the phillies.... now losing to the o's
[135] and i'm having a Moe's burritos + chips & salsa! beer later! : )
Am i correct that in Japan, they pitch once every SEVEN days? The best come here, have 2 or 3 good-great years, and then flame out big time. It's happened over and over again. Is there any Japanese pitcher that was still well above average after 3 years? Nomo maybe?
And Yu Darvish? You want to pay $50m just to talk to him, and another $50+m to sign him? Too risky. I mean, Matsui was Babe Ruth over there. Japanese players are trained to slap the ball. Look at Ichiro. He can hit HRs and STILL prefers to slap. The pitchers there just don't have to worry as much about 'power' hitters.
I don't know if Japanese pitchers can stand up to the meat-and-potatos MLB hitters.
(Yeah... now someone call me a racist)
[130] thanks, and hold the igawa.
love it when dice-k gets knocked around.
[137] House of Blues, West Hollywood. 8pm show.
[140] I don't follow the NPB nearly as much as MLB but pitchers don't throw as often as in the US, that is true. There are usually only 2 or 3 power threats in each lineup (current Yomiuri Giants excepted)..as for "slapping" at the ball, I really don't know how much that is intentional and how much just a result of the common batting stance/swing..if that makes sense...
[140] I think Darvish becomes a FA in four or five years. He will be 26-27?
That's not that old, and once he's a FA, MLB teams don't have to pay the "speak to him" downpayment, right?
OK Jazz, a little help there on the correct age and rules and such, please?
Bay goes yard. 6-2.
[140] Not even Nomo was above average after three years, though at least he lingered around for a long, largely sub-par career.
I would push your observation even further: the pitchers don't come to MLB and flame out. Rather, the most successful have some sort of quirk or goofy delivery (or the GYROBALL), and it simply takes the league a season or so to figure it out. In the end, Dice-K may end up being the best of a very unimpressive lot.
I stand by observation from a couple of weeks ago. Ichiro is the only Japanese player to meet or exceed expectations (despite what I think about his game when compared to the game's greats).
Hey... what ever happened to that intelligent guy who blogged about Japanese players... and used to Banter frequently. He loved Dice-K and thought he would be elite here. Wonder where he is these days.
(more Miami women....wow)
Fat Papi struck out...again! man, he's a FUGLY sunuvabitch! him, pukilis, dustbin. ICK!!!
[148] wish i could see. instead, i'm watching CSI:Miami. god, i'm completely in love with Emily Procter!!! : O
[147] he had website devoted to dice-k. really nice guy and had a lot of knowledge of Japanese players.
what might be an interesting "test-case" is that kid that the red sox signed from japan that raised a bit of criticism because he was just an amateur.
i haven't heard anything about him lately, but if he comes up through the minor leagues, he might turn out differently that the other japanese players that come over here later in their careers.
granted it is just one player, but could still be interesting to see.
[147] Mike Plugh. Yeah, he stopped adding content to his blog.
[144] How old will his arm be? I mean, if they are around $10-$12m total, you consider it. But I don't think you pay big bucks.
[133] :)
Yes he is!
Ooooh, beautiful big ass breaking ball on the outside corner.
[144] Yes, after his 8th season (I think) he will be a free agent and can come to the US if he wants. Before that his team (Nippon Ham Fighters) will likely let him go so they can cash in on the "posting fee" with a US team..he came into the league at 18 I think (as did Dice-K) so if he waits he'll be about 27..up to now he has been very mum on a move to the MLB but everyone here expects it at some point..there's no way Nippon Ham will lose out on that payday!
good work, Andrew!
hanley has a beautiful swing
[140] Oh yeah, I forgot, you're a racist.
; )
[150] You prefer booze over weed, and blonds over brunettes?
WHAT KIND OF MUSICIAN ARE YOU ANYWAY?????
Well done, Melky.
Hmm..Andy perhaps running out of gas, but that big ballpark helps him out.
That's-a big a ballpark. Phew.
Yeah, Melk.
Brett would have caught the ball but hit the wall at 35 mph.
andy may be tiring a bit in the heat-
Andy!!!
Now I regret [165]. Get well soon, Gardy.
[161] i didn't know musicians did NOT like booze & blondes!!! but, yes, blondes always, Always, ALWAYS!!! : )
I think Mike P. ended up moving back to the States. Maybe that's why he's no longer blogging about Japanese players?
Gotta admit, he was right about Igawa.
[153] Good find! Here's a comment from his most recent post:
桃園搬家的搬家流程
台北搬家的搬家流程
石門搬家,三芝搬家,八里搬家,林口搬家,五股搬家,蘆洲搬家,,泰山搬家,新莊搬家,鶯歌搬家,樹林搬家,板橋搬家,土城搬家,三峽搬家,烏來搬家,石碇搬家,深坑搬家,汐止搬家,萬里搬家,金山搬家,平溪搬家,雙溪搬家,貢寮搬家,桃園搬家,新屋搬家,淡水搬家,中和搬家,永和搬家,三重搬家,新店搬家
I'm not sure I agree.
They had to call Cashman to give Alex a day off?
[171] Oh Bugger.
Will/should Andy start the seventh? I think it's a close call. With a four run lead (or more), i would let him hit the air conditioning.
[174] Quit while we're ahead. Goodnight, Andy.
[171] it says all GOOD musicians prefer booze & blondes!!! : )
[170] Even my elderly father was right about Igawa, and that was due for the most part because of the $50M posting fee...
: )
how dare he! it looks like alex has been out in the sun.
[172] I have this image of Cashman on the phone, twirling an evil handle bar mustache, snarling: "Yes, yes, give Mr. Rodriquez a day off...but I want you to fire that goldbricker Mr. Cratchit!"
[171] you're cheating..that's Chinese!
[174] I'd let Andy have the rest of the night off.
[177] It wasn't the cost Mike was concerned about. He said Igawa was very inconsistent, and always would be. When he's good, he's so good people can't resist thinking they can fix him. But they can't.
[172] Yup. Read the first page of comments in this thread.
[177] I think the posting fee was more like 25 million, but that only dulls the pain a little..very little.
Jesus, that fucking mouthwash spot *has* to go.
I had much trepidation turning on the radio after a 3 hr rehearsal dinner. Ugh. I'm glad the boys were kind enough to treat me to a 2nd and 3rd, no out situation and not score. At least they're up.
: D
Maybe A-Rod is going to Star Island to *make up* with Madonna...
Clearly that would take a couple of days!
: )
[179] Heh heh eheh he hah aha hah aha !
I'm now looking back at the Swisher GIDP with some wistful regret.
[174] I'd prefer that he stay in, since Yankees starters so rarely see the seventh. But he looked a little gassed last inning and the lead is only 4 runs. If they were up more, I might let him go a couple more batters.
[185] Yup. I won't buy that product.
wow, the C&C Boyz with back-to-back walks! : o
[182] My dad is old. That's why that much money turned him off on the Igawa deal...
: )
Walk Angel, please! I want to see Hideki!
petey says aceves is warming up
Damn.
[195] Whoever pitches goes just one inning (at most), because the pitcher's spot leads off next inning.
[189] you and me both...
[194] Girardi said today he will only use Matsui in a double switch in this series as he's not gong to allow him to play in the outfield and "blow his knee"...
[197] yeah true - thanks a lot angel.
Come to think of it... Joe could have pinch hit for Berroa. Why not? I guess he's saving Matsui to bat for the pitcher.
Hey, Andy!
[197] Forgot about that, though frankly, with a big lead I would just let the reliever stand there with a bat on his shoulder. Ahhh, Andy starts the inning, hopefully rendering this mute.
Andy back out there?
Nice.
I was at a Scranton game a couple of weeks ago, when a really tall Asian guy sat in front of me. He was videotaping the batters. I realized it was Kei Igawa.
So at least he's making himself useful down in Scranton. The Yankees are getting something back for teh $47 million they spent on him.
[199] Wait, you mean, he won't use him in a double switch, right? I was just thinking he could pinch hit for Pettitte if Andy came up.
Wow.
That Teix.
very nice play all around
Nice play by Berroa-Teixeira, probably let Andy finish the 7th. Of course, with a lefty up, they could opt to go with...COKEY!
Nice play by Berroa, too.
[199] Meanwhile that goldbricking A-Rod should be playing all 9 innings.
Nice dealing, Andy.
Great night.
[205] weird. there's something sad about that photo.
[205] poor guy - even though that he sucks is so madenning - i feel a bit bad for him - he certainly didn't think he was coming over to the us for that
there's your cue, weeping!
yeah weeping we have been waiting all year for your proclamation!
[213] Yeah, in that it's sad that someone is making 20 million dollars to videotape minor league baseball way.
OK, I'm being snarky. It is a sad case of failed expectations, presumably on all sides.
I feel bad for Igawa, too. I even feel bad for Daisuke. It's not his fault he was overhyped and over-paid-for.
[217] Hm, I feel less bad for him now.
they should really think about putting gardner on the dl and calling up shelley for this stretch - give gardner a chance to recover and see if shelley can ph for a week
Angel Berroa as player of the game? Is that even remotely thinkable? Certainly couldn't be predicted.
[211] I would argue the only thing A-Rod should be doing is going to the opposite field with outside pitches instead of trying to pull them...
: )
[215] [216] Heh heh heh heh!
I'm afraid it'll take a little more than a fine performance against Florida to elicit that. That epithet is reserved for Big Games, or at least, Getting Out of Jams Unscathed.
[220] Not a bad thought -- esp for a good PH bat during the trips to NL parks.
On the other hand, the DL would be an awfully long time -- isn't Brett supposed to be back shortly?
[220] I agree. It would also like to see them go with one fewer pitcher for interleague games, especially since they are now carrying three long relievers.
What was Mariano laughing about? Did YES show that? I was looking at the Marlin broadcast for a few minutes.
I was in Sranton this winter. Nice place to visit. But, man! To be a transplanted Japanese player. Can he really be enjoying himself?
[221] I would just as soon predicted Igawa to win the Cy Young!
: )
[221] You know, you just can't predict...
Brett would have had a double on that.
[213] dude's REALLY friggin' rich though...
[223] well this was his best performance of the season - stingy.
[224] just prefer the yanks (or really anytime as i think it is an issue of player health) to be conservative with a concussion - look at what the mets did to church last year
and on a more practical level it is a waste of a spot when phs are needed if gardner is out a few days
[231] Maybe he's trying to figure out his new camera...
[232] i meant any team not anytime
Igawa was pitching very well for Scranton. The fans seemed to like him. They kept coming up and asking for autographs, congratulating him on how well he pitched, and wishing him luck in getting called up soon. He signed everything they asked him to. (I wondered if he would sign in English or Japanese. He signed in Japanese. Just one kanji.)
[232] Heh heh. And so it was. Andy's a golden godlette.
So assuming the Yankees win, that leaves me somewhat confused. Is it good that they beat a team they should be beat, or does it not count as much because they only won by four runs against a bad team? Does this vistory show that they have grit and resilience, or only reinforce that they can;t beat teams like Boston. Have they seized momentum by winning after three straight losses, or does the momentum scale get reset after each series (except for sweeps by the Sox, which have an automatic negative momentum tailspin factor)? Finally, who should be fired after tonight?
Help me out.
[237] It doesn't make any difference. The Red Sox have already won the Division.
Pay attention, please.
[232] On concussions, yes. No need to screw up someone's brain for the rest of his life. I would suggest that baseball have a 7 day concussion DL, strictly for concussions to give the brain a chance to calm down.
[232] I agree again. Like Madden, I don;t believe in the notion of a "mild concussion." Plus, if A-Rod is hurting (which he is), as is Jeter, they are better off bringing up someone who not hurt to fill out the bench.
[237] isn't pretty damn clear arod should be fired?
[238] Oh right, sorry.
[237] Bah! They just got a case of the "red ass" from the flight down to Miami last night, MP. That's all...
: )
[239] There's no need for a 7 day DL, the 15 day works just fine. It's just the Yankees are loathe to DL players.
[237] 6 more outs, Mp! That bridge is down the road a piece. : )
[244] my turn to agree - exactly!
Kay wishes it was Joba, you can tell.
All right you guys, all this agreement is making me sick. Somebody get william or bumrush in here asap.
Gardner says he doesn't have a concussion. They tested him, and compared the results to his baseline from spring training, and the verdict was no concussion.
I could have sworn he'd have at least a mild one, given how dazed he looked, but I guess the doctors know what they're talking about.
[237] if they were really a good team, the Marlins would have forfeited in terror before they left the dugout.
Flogging's too good for these bums, decimation all around!
[249] Interesting. By "test" do you mean an EEG? I didn't realize they could test for concussion.
Bravo, Rob.
Nice play, Robbie.
Ole!
[250] you're supposed to be at the House of Blues, why you still here?!
[248] It doesn't even matter if they win. A-Rod is out on a 200+ million payroll team and who's filling in. Angel Berroa. Cashman's head should roll. Eiland is a genius tonight. but Girardi's misunderstanding of A-Rod's hip shows completete dysfunction. phewwww........
[250] Heh eh heh ha hah ah ah ah !
Oh, nice.
It's good to have the Brunester back.
BREW-ney!!!
Cheers.
8-2 Braves, headed to bottom of 9th...
[251] I would guess they gave him an ImPACT test.
[255] Thanks, I really needed that. Feel much better now.
no concussion for gardner , though they don't say the specific tests
i think in the nfl does an mri or brain scan
[255] That reminds me: I don't think anything inexcusable has happened all game, has it? randym77 noted that Girardi's handling of A-Rod was plainly unacceptable and inexcusable, but that was pre-game.
[251] Yeah, exactly. My favorite part: Gardner said he doesn't have a concussion. Well, that's enough for me. Just like when Sheff said his wrist was fine.
This guy has too many moving parts. Reminds me of that Rodriguez clown.
Just throw the fucking ball.
[248] I agree. We need some gratutious criticism here. It just... doesn't feel... quite right. People enjoying the game and the thread. It just doesn't sit right.
I mean... did you see the 2nd swing in Posada's 3rd AB? For that, we're paying $13m? Someone MUST be held accountable.
[255] wait i'm confused
cashman - bad, check
girardi - bad , check
eiland - good?
[262] How about not having a pinch runner for Matsui. Maybe the team is short a player or two, but that's due to inexcusable roster formation by Cashman.
(I'm clutching at straws here)
[263] yeah seriously - gardner is a good source - and girardi citing that he knew where he was as evidence of no concussion, whoopty fucking doo - that was a hard impact on a hard surface
[263] That's why the ImPACT test. You can't fake it. It measures concentration, memory, and reaction time down to hundredths of a second.
Ryan Freel failed his ImPACT test earlier this year. He was very upset because he wanted to play, but they wouldn't let him.
[266] What are you, out of your mind? Some of us prefer accountability. If you want to wear rose colored glasses, I guess that's your prerogative.
[262] It's inexusable that this team has the most embarrassing series lost in franchise hisory to the worst team ever only to turn it back on and bang out 5 runs tonight. Ha. This is all b.s..
Takes too much work. : )
[267] "Clutching At Straws" = absolutely brilliant album by MARILLION!!! : )
riki-tiki time!
The thing is, a concussion is a bruise. Maybe it doesn't show up functionally, but the bruising still means there's a weak, vulnerable spot on the brain.
I'm being a little silly about this; I'm sure the test is reliable. I'd just like to understand why.
[268] Agreed, and frankly, saying "the United States? could have been a guess.
[268] Ha ha ha! Well then, I guess he's fine! He knew where he was.
and...Florida Evans strikes out - for the 3rd time - to end the game! Braves win!!!
Does anyone else hate that Dell spot as much as I do?
Papi K for the loss in Fenway.
[277] Explain. I don't get the Florida Evans thing.
[275] "United States" = GREAT rock album by Paul Gilbert & Freddie Nelson!
i'll go with some Indian rhythm syllables:
ta-ka-di-mi tomko!!!
[277] Mean! (heh) >;)
[278] yes. what the hell is that song? is it english?
[278] I'm sure I would if I'd seen it. I mute all spots, which is why it bothers me so much when they slip them into the broadcast.
I feel much better! When Kay started talking about save situations I started getting nervous. One out, now I feel like it's in the bag.
hey, our mop-up man didn't walk the 1st batter of the inning ... my head is spinning!
[280] Fat Papi looks exactly like Florida Evans, from the show Good Times!
[280] Florida Evans was the Mom from Good Times. (still laughing...)
[280] many people say papi looks like florida evans (the mom from good times)
keyboard/mouse combo not working here..just watched Big PooPoo strike out to end the 9th for the BoSox, we 2 games back now? hope I can get into mlb.archive later but looks like a trip to the Mac store is inorder...
[287] Jinx...
well damn
[287] did an image search. that's funny.
[286] too much beer. i hope my head is spinning later! : )
[287] [288] [289] This harmony thing has got to stop.
Anyway, yeah, I should have realized: who else has ever been named "Florida"? I forgot their name was "Evans".
Clean inning for Tomko!
Nice game, folks.
nice win team - all evening games this weekend
Nice bounce back win!
Nice win tonight, Team.
Very nice little win.
(Andy's a golden god.)
Player Look-Alikes
[289] the resemblance is uncanny!
[291] root beer! i just had 2 cans of Barq's... now on to the "real" beer! : )
[300] waaaaaaay ahead of you, 'fraid i won't make that show at the HoB.
Well... this thread was far too pleasant for my taste. Will I have to experience this again if the Yanks win tomorrow? Jeez....
kim jones rocking the dress made from 70's polyester curtains ...
this is awesome! scroll down just a lil' bit for the Ortiz/Evans photos...
http://www.sonsofsamhorn.net/wiki/index.php/Player_Look-Alikes
Damn. Derek (re: the ankle): "Fine."
And walks away.
That sure was curt.
Monkeypants, give us a "The-he-he-e-e-e-e Yankees, WIN!"
[302] Moan moan moan.
[283] I have a friend who is a comedienne, and occasionally she'll break out that voice to say something ironic (being Chinese, she often gets away with it...), but I doubt there's any irony in the way they use that jingle. That doesn't bother me nearly as much as the squeeking and the hipster attitude, bleah...
[301] looks like randym is waaaay ahead of me, too! [299]
remember, people: i'm s l o w !!! : ~
[299] 1st one is clearly the best. in fact i think it's the only good one. interesting that they put clemens in with the yanks.
Hey the Yanks won! Therefore, there are no problems with the team ... I mock anyone who suggested there were: Hahahahaha!
I feel light as a feather!
[302] do you prefer "horrormony" over "harmony"?! hardy-har-har!!!
What's the big deal with Gardner? With that mega dome of his, I'd be checking the plexiglass wall for a concussion, or at the very least a hairline stress fracture!
Yay @ the win!
Have a great evening everyone!
: )
[299] Just too funny. Cano and Jorge have me falling off my chair!
[310] matsui and shemp is pretty damn good, too!
Randy Johnson and the tortoise. The resemblance is uncanny.
[310] actually the 2 mussina ones are pretty good too.
[310] No, there are lots of good ones. Bernie and Arthur, that's awesome. (Some are very stupid thought.)
[311] You are way, way behind on the mocking thing. You'd better mock like crazy to catch up.
[311] "Light As A Feather" = awesome Chick Corea 'Return To Forever' album!!!
[314] that look-a-likes page is a few years old. i've had it bookmarked for ages. it's been changed since i last looked. there used to be some good Torre ones there...
Hey, can anyone spare some loose change? I wanna buy an NHL team and move it back to Canada...
The look-a-likes are pretty great. There are a few that are a stretch but some are very imaginative and work really well.
[305] And Kim was expecting it. She said she knew it would be the last question.
[319] Yes, someone posted the link here years ago, which is how I found it.
Nice that they are keeping it updated.
[320] i'm looking for the 1st new quarter of this year - Wash. DC w/ Duke Ellington on the back. the 1st new penny of this year, too. there are gonna be 4 new Lincoln pennies and 6 new quarters this year. yes, i'm a geek!
Happy Juneteenth, btw >;)
Hey, anyone see this? Next time a URP is throwing a no-hitter at us, somebody could try this maneuver (start a good ol' fashion beanball war, get the pitcher off his game, voila! No no-no >;)
[302] Now you stop that!
[325] dude would prolly be great at stick tricks! (drum stix, that is...)
[327] Wonder if he can do that stick bounce that Sheila E used to do before Prince turned her into a failed singer. Remember Leyritz' bat twirl whenever he took a pitch? That was disorienting too...
[328] i've seen Sheila E, but don't know the stick bounce you speak of. yeah, i didn't like "The King's" bat flip. as annoying as he is...
Sheila E is still drumming - recovered from that singing career I guess. I saw her, I believe, in Ringo Starr's band.
[330] Not live, mind you ...
[330] yeah, i saw her group a few years ago. i never thought she stopped performing as a drummer/percussionist. i had NO idea she was with Ringo Starr. last i knew, Gregg Bissonette was the drummer. maybe she's playing percussion? Jack Blades was playing bass and singing. Night Ranger!!!
[332] Yeah she wasn't the kit drummer ... I'm pretty sure I saw her stick bounce and twirl move. I may have imagined the whole affair though.
[333] she's definitely better off the kit, just as a percussionist. i'm not familiar with her patented "bounce and twirl move", if it's a trademark of hers. i can do a coupla things, but i'm not very showy/flashy, when it comes to "tricks." and the twirling stuff doesn't "record" very well! ; )
[334[ She bounces a stick off the drum and spins around then catches it.
Any protege of Prince's is gonna do some tricks, that's for sure. Always moving - it's the whole showman thing ... I doubt she does it in the studio!
[334] you listened to 'The Sword' yet?
[335] ah, i see. i can probably do that!!! seriously. i can do that kinda thing with brushes. and i can play a 1-handed roll, using the rim as a "crutch"...
well, i think it's time to head up the street to the watering hole. gotta get the hell outta the apt...
[334] shit! no, i haven't. i don't even think i mentioned it to my brother. i'm an asshole!
been listening to the cd's that non-stop keep showing up in my mailbox! now, i'm having to learn about 2.5 cd's worth of material for upcoming jobs, so i'll be spinning that stuff...
to...Beer! : )
cult - btw, the drummer at HoB tonight used to play some with Trey Anastasio...
[338] heh ... listening to 'teh phish' right now ... following the tour show by show.
[339] i recently put a Rift poster (album flat) up at my drum studio. i tell some of my students to get that album. is soooo awesome!!!
and with that...off to the pub!
mmm...beer.
[340] Would have loved to have gotten your opinion on Dethklok >;)
[341] Gene Hoglan on drums! he's a motherfucker! i like his stuff with DARK ANGEL the best. i don't know the Dethklok material, at all. i've heard about them a bunch though. i'm all kinds of confused about it. something to do with a cartoon, or something. so, i don't really know about that band per se, but the drummer is a badass player/guitarist/lyricist/musician...