Chicago White Sox
2009 Record: 51-51 (.500)
2009 Pythagorean Record: 51-51 (.500)
Manager: Ozzie Guillen
General Manager: Kenny Williams
Home Ballpark (multi-year Park Factors): U.S. Cellular Field (105/105)
Who’s Replaced Whom:
- Chris Getz (minors) replaces Orlando Cabrera
- Scott Podsednik replaces Nick Swisher and Brian Anderson
- Gordon Beckham (minors) replaces Joe Crede
- Jayson Nix replaces Juan Uribe
- Mark Kotsay replaces Ken Griffey Jr.
- Ramon Castro replaces Toby Hall
- Clayton Richard and Jose Contreras inherit Javier Vazquez’s starts
- Tony Peña replaces Nick Massett
- Randy Williams replaces Boone Logan
25-man Roster:
1B – Paul Konerko (R)
2B – Chris Getz (L)
SS – Alexei Ramirez (R)
3B – Gordon Beckham (R)
C – A.J. Pierzynski (L)
RF – Jermaine Dye (R)
CF – Scott Podsednik (L)
LF – Carlos Quentin (R)
DH – Jim Thome (L)
Bench:
L – Dewayne Wise (OF)
R – Jayson Nix (IF)
L – Mark Kotsay (1B/OF)
R – Ramon Castro (C)
Rotation:
L – Mark Buehrle
R – Jose Contreras
R – Gavin Floyd
L – Richard Clayton
L – John Danks
Bullpen:
R – Bobby Jenks
R – Octavio Dotel
L – Matt Thornton
R – Tony Peña
R – Scott Linebrink
R – D.J. Carrasco
L – Randy Williams
15-day DL: RHP – Bartolo Colon
Typical Lineup:
L – Scott Podsednik (CF)
R – Alexei Ramirez (SS)
R – Jermaine Dye (RF)
L – Jim Thome (DH)
R – Paul Konerko (1B)
L – A.J. Pierzynski (C)
R – Carlos Quentin (LF)
L – Chris Getz (2B)
R – Gordon Beckham (3B)
The White Sox were my pre-season pick to win the AL Central. It was a default choice (I didn’t expect Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson to be as great as they’ve been for the Tigers), but not a knee-jerk one. Yes, the White Sox are the defending division champions (thanks to their one-game playoff victory over the Twins), and the list of player replacements above is uninspiring at best, but they still had one of the divisions best lineups, an impressive lefty duo atop their rotation in Mark Buehrle and John Danks, and a solid bullpen led by closer Bobby Jenks.
So how’s that going? Well, the Sox are right in the thick of the division race, three games behind the Tigers despite their .500 record, and their rotation has been the third-best in the league by ERA despite their hitting-friendly ballpark, but their bullpen has been shaky, and their offense has been the fourth-worst in the AL.
Among the problems has been left fielder Carlos Quentin. An MVP candidate a year ago, Quentin got off to a slow start, then missed two months due to a torn tendon in his foot and hasn’t hit much since his return. Similarly, Alexei Ramirez, the Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2008, has seen his power numbers dip significantly (though his defense at shortstop has been much better than it was at the keystone last year). Mix in gaping holes in center field and at third base (the latter due to Josh Fields continuing to disappoint), and the Sox really only had half a lineup.
They’re working on that, however. They’ve filled their center field hole with a rejuvinated Scott Podsednik, whose .301/.357/.392 line thus far represents a huge improvement over the performances of Dewayne Wise (perfect-game saving catch aside) or Brian Anderson (who was just flipped to the Red Sox for Mark Kotsay). And they’ve filled their third-base hole with Gordon Beckham, who was drafted eighth-overall as a shortstop out of the University of Georgia in 2008. Beckham’s hitting .300/.374/.469 on the season and .329/.392/.541 in July.
With Quentin back from the DL and Beckham and Podsednik in place, the White Sox lineup would seem more dangerous now than it has been, but Quentin is still hurting, Ramirez left last night’s game with a sprained ankle and won’t play tonight, and Jim Thome, the team leader in on-base percentage, has been out with a bad back (though Thome is back in the lineup tonight).
Meanwhile, Jenks has had an awful month. He’s allowed at least one run in five of his seven outings this month, posting a 8.59 ERA and blowing his last two save chances. Similarly, new pickup Tony Peña has posted a 10.20 ERA since the beginning of June and has allowed four runs in two of his six outings for the Pale Hose.
So it all comes back to the rotation, which is weakened, but still high on Mark Buehrle’s record string of 45 straight batters retired. With Bartolo Colon back on the DL, everyone moves up a day, setting up a matchup of ace lefties in Sunday’s finale: Buehrle vs. CC Sabathia. That’s a must-see, as is Saturday’s matchup between Danks, who had a rough May, but has a 2.53 ERA over his last eight starts, and A.J. Burnett. Friday matches up the fifth-starters, Sergio Mitre and tall lefty Clayton Richard, who has aced his last two starts (8 IP, 1 R both times) but had a 5.75 ERA from his other dozen starts this season.
Tonight, the Yankees and Andy Pettitte face Glavin Floyd. A 17-game winner a year ago, Floyd seemed headed for a fall given his high home-run and fly-ball rates and low strikeout rate and BABIP. This year, however, he’s reduced his home runs, increased his strikeouts, and avoided a major correction in his BABIP (up to a still-below-average .284 from .259 last year). The result has been another solid season. In fact, Floyd was awesome in June (5-1, 1.28 ERA, all six outings quality starts), and got back on track in his last two starts (13 2/3 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 14 K, both quality starts).
Andy Pettitte has had a nice start to his second half as well. Yes, he took the loss in his last start after a sore Alfredo Aceves melted down in relief with one out in the seventh, but he had a quality start prior to that and in two starts has struck out 15 against just three walks and 11 hits in 13 2/3 innings.
Jose Molina catches Pettitte tonight and hits ninth, everyone else is in the usual places.
OK, I tried this on another thread, but it was swallowed up by various steroid and political discussions. Two observations:
1. The Blue Jays have an off day, so I get to watch the Yankees on Rogers Sports Net tonight. Yay! Hen the Jays have an off day or play on the west coast, it's like Christmas in July!
2. I have come around to the idea that the Yankees should call up AJax for a couple of weeks, to replace Gardner and give the team some bench depth.
[1] "...When the Jays..."
[1] so what do you think steroids have to do with the Jays having an off day?
[3] You gotta buy your PEDs sometime.
Those outside of NYC/NYS lacking EI/MLB.TV - tonight's game is on MLB Network. And, apparently, FiOS at least carries WGN America, which will tomorrow night's game and Sunday's game as well. 4 straight days of watching the Yanks - woohoo!
Tyler Kepner just tweeted: "Wang out 'up to 12 months' until return to MLB"
Scott Podsednik is one of those players that irritate the hell out of me. Not because he's any good, but because people think he is
[3] All the available evidence indicates that teams with fewer steroid users have just as many off days as teams with more steroid users.
[6] I just hate his name. I also hate Jhonny Peralta for the same reason.
I really should hate Buehrle, but for some reason I don't. Sue me.
[8] I filed a complain with the District Court of Rhode Island. You should be served soon.
[9] brrr. complaint. not complain.
[5] My God, what language is that?
I must be getting old.
[11] tweeting is something to watch, for sure.
I'm still not sure what Kepner was trying to say. Sounds bad, though.
I just tweeted making fun of John Henry
[12] Actually, it was the following that I found amusing:
Those outside of NYC/NYS lacking EI/MLB.TV - tonight’s game is on MLB Network. And, apparently, FiOS at least carries WGN America...
It sounds like the way my HS buddy started talking once he joined the Marines.
I'm ready for those fuckers to grab a whole lot of bench!
Bring it on, I'm fired up.
[9] I should hope I'll be served soon. I ordered more than 45 minutes ago. The service here is terrible.
Per Pete:
I know it doesn't matter a whole bunch, and the team keeps winning, but is there any legitimate reason that the team continues to carry 13 pitchers? I mean, I am starting to ind the daily "right handed bat" batch somewhat humorous.
[14] "Excuse me sir. Seeing as how the VP is such a VIP, shouldn't we keep the PC on the QT, because if it leaks to the VC, you could end up an MIA, and then we'd all be put on KP." - Robin Williams as Adrian Cronauer in Good Morning Vietnam
: )
[17] Jesus, I gotta proofread more...
..."find the daily 'right handed bat' watch somewhat humorous..."
[16] Hey, RI, you went the the NewStadium last week, no? How was it?
In SI this week there is a 3 frame picture of Dewayne Wise's catch. It's him with his glove over the wall. What caught my eye was a dude in the first row. It's happening right in front of him and isn't even looking . He is either staring face down or is passed out. Nice work, brother. I still cant' get over that play. And it was the 1st time Beurhle and the catcher ever worked together. Amazing.
We're going to get a good start from Andy tonight.
I can feel it in my bones.
Do a significant number of fans actually like–or even prefer–announcers such as Kay and Sterling? Or do networks simply enjoy mocking their audience, knowing that we’ll watch/listen no matter how bad the announcers are?
Tarp = Bollocks.
[23] I wish I knew. Kay is so much better than Sterling, at least. Sterling's homerism is repellent. All we ever hear about is how great the team is, how many tickets they sell, how terrific it is that everyone across baseball gets jazzed up when the Yankees come to town...
I wish the guy could just get another show, devoted exclusively to propaganda, and let an actual play-by-play person call the games.
Good broadcasters call things like this: "And there's a long drive to center, Cabrera turns to his left, turns to his right, reaches up, makes the catch." And then the other guy talks about where Cabrera was positioned before the play, what kind of jump he got, why he had to twist and turn...
Sterling: "Hit in the air to center, Melky...makes the catch. As I was saying, I know the Yankees aren't selling quite as much as they would like, but hey, there is a recession going on, so I mean, they're doing pretty terrific, all things considered."
Oh, fuck, a rain delay?
[25] Brilliant impersonation! My favorite is when there is a pregnant silence in the middle of the play, followed by orgasmic shouts of "ohhhh, whaaaattttaaaaa play...did you see that Susan...you'll never see a play like...you just can't predict baseball..."
Then about three minutes later, you actually learn that the runner was thrown out....and then even later, after the commercial break, if you are lucky, Sterling actually describes the play. Just in time to not describe what's going on the following inning.
rain delay?? Unacceptable..
apologies for kicking off a storm of Steinbrenner debates a few threads back! I hang my head in solemn contemplation of my misdeeds..
Sliced Bread, you win comment of the year so far for informing us about the sequal to "Fever Pitch"..."Steroid Rash"...spit up my espresso in uncontrollable laughter when read that!
[27] :)
What are we going to do with them?
And indeed, who actually makes the decision to hire them?
Weeping, yes, I did attend.
I liked it. From my grandstand LF seats, it was redolent of the old stadium but more open, broader. Of course, in that way it's lost a distinctive element.
The concessions, the space behind the seats, the approach, they're all great. Those were the things that most needed updating and upgrading, of course.
The restaurants and glassed in spaces I could do without. They seemed weird and out of place, exclusive in a way inimical to baseball.
But overall I did like it. My kids really loved it.
Oh, and, I got to see the divine backward K for the last out, so, perfect!
Of course, it took a Bruney meltdown. I started a "We want Mo!" chant in my section when the second Bruney Bomb left the field.
[23] I watch/listen for the games, not for those who call (or do not call) them.
Odd, isn't it?
I haven't enjoyed announcers calling baseball since Scooter retired, which additionally speaks volumes.
FWIW, from ESPN: Trade talks for Toronto ace Roy Halladay are "dead," but the club remains willing to listen to offers leading up to Friday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, Blue Jays general manager J.P Ricciardi said in an e-mail Thursday.
I don't want to trade for Halliday, I just don't want the Roid Sox to get him.
[22] golden, perhaps?! : )
weeping's take on good vs bad announcing actually opens up a good topic. Me, I prefer a guy announcing on television, which has - ahem! - images, to just say 'and ... he makes the catch'. I do not NEED someone to tell me he turned left and then right in the play by play. Generally I am LOOKING! After it is over, a commentator can point out that the CF made an easy catch look harder, or showed inexperience with the wind, or got a bad jump ... or whatever, if he's making sense. But I really dpon't value being told what I can see in such detail.
This is, actually, linked to my pleasure in most UK soccer announcers who will let YOU draw conclusions as to what you are seeing, as often as not just naming the player with the ball. Cano ... long ball to Chamberlain. Robertson. Through to Posada. Lovely cross for Jeter!
Radio is an entirely different announcing game.
[34] Note to Girardi:
Use the good (and fresh) pitchers in your bullpen when Andy's gassed instead of talking to him and listening to his "horseshit," innings incentives be damned...
That would be "golden"!
: )
[32] exactly! That's why Sterling's calls, which force the listener to try to glean a few precious details about what is actually happening on the field, is so irritating. Actually, I never really cared all that much for Scooter (gasp!) for the same reason! He was a great color man, so long as White or Messer was actually telling me what was going on.
[35] I saw a nice interview with Vin Scully several years back where he described the difference between announcing on radio (giving play-by-play) and on TV (where the announcer only "frames" the image, but largely let's the image do the work).
[30] So glad you had a good experience. I'm working up towards thinking about taking my first grader. He really wants to go, so I guess if I were a good father I'd figure out a way to make it happen this season. It's not $200 a ticket for the cheap seats, right?
[32] I really liked Bill White, too.
[34] Well...I'm not sure about all that, but "good," at any rate. Possibly golden, but it's fucking hot and he might have to labor.
9:15 1st pitch.
[35] Well said. I think whatever the broadcaster can do to let the game speak for itself is optimal. Of course, some commentary (on tv) can always help to deepen one's appreciation of the game, so long as (obviously) the commentary is juuust right.
As for the radio, I want the graphic details of a novel. I want to know who's tired, who looks fresh, who flops around, who runs like a gazelle, who lunges at pitches, who screws himself into the ground, who looks scared to be up in a big spot...
All of it. And I want particularly sharp details about each and every play. How the ball bounces, whether the fielder's feet are set when he throws, who double-clutches (even if the double clutch has no bearing on the outcome, because ideally, the broadcaster is simply reporting the action as it unfolds).
[41] Alleluia.
[41]10:15am here! Got to split at 1:30 so can they finish within 3 hours please?
[44] :)
Derek could have injured himself running to first, there. He took a funny, desperate leap to beat the throw. Good thing he didn't come up lame.
Man, Dye is good. Still producing.
Very, very nice pitching by Andy. Had Dye very off-balance.
[44] in the meantime, i will soon start drinking beer for you - give you a head start and all that! ; )
No, weeping, they were $50. Still a bunch for a family, for sure.
[46] i remember when he came up as a kid, here in Atlanta. then he got shipped off to KC. he's been good everywhere. solid overall player w/ good career stats and WS MVP to boot!
[45] Yeah, I thought he looked awkward at the end.
Does it *seem* like Jeter is jumping on even more first pitches than normal? I don't have the energy to calculate his rate from the data on baseball-reference.
[39] Yep yep!
: )
[49] when do you leave for Oz? i almost got to tour there about 4 years ago. i was just joining the group as they were on their way over there for 2 weeks. i wasn't familiar with the material yet and didn't get to go there... my bass player is working with a group that's going over there this fall. lucky bastard. i've filled in with that band, but am not a permanent member, so once again, i won't get to go...
i know it's terrible to stereotype, but pretty much EVERY single Australian i've ever had contact with, in any medium, has been super nice!!! i'm sure they're are mean people there - like everywhere - but i've never encountered one in all of my experiences. i hope you have a wonderful time!!! : )
[49] Ooof. That's doable, but man. I was hoping more like $25.
[50] My chief memory of him is of him breaking his shinbone in that game against us in, what, 2000? 2001? When he fouled it off his shin, went down, and didn't come back. I remember feeling like we got a huge break but also feeling really bad because he seems a stand-up, likeable guy.
Bleh!
[51] Haven't been watching closely enough lately to have noticed.
[48] Enjoy the pale ales! My lady's b-day tonight, beers and sake all around. grilled eel on rice for her, anything else that's edible on the planet for me instead.
Oh, man, Thome.
I don't like his presence. He's ridiculously strong.
While I am waiting, of course, for the Score Truck to arrive, right now I would be happy just to catch sight of the Hit The Ball Hard Truck.
[58] I've never seen a player hit more HRs to absolutely, dead center field.
Michael Kay just called A-Rod "dumb."
[61] Well, you would argue with that conclusion?
[15] Hoo-rah! ;)
Forgive this engineer-turned-attorney - acronyms are my second and third languages. A hard habit to break, losing the acronyms.
I maintain that tweeting language is sometimes incomprehensible.
[60] I know. He's prodigious. I saw him at the Stadium, probably 1999, hit a grandslam to left-center off El Duque. The thing is, he swung the bat and it never occurred to me it was going out. It was such a lazy, easy swing, and the ball was just a flyball, but it just kept carrying and carrying. It was really amazing. He hit that homerun with his arms alone, it looked like.
[54] oh yeah! when he was rockin' the green & gold. that's right. OUCH!!!
[58] he's a monster. i hope he makes it to 600. him and Junior - clean as a whistle (as far as we know...)
[53] Tomorrow.
Yeah, they're really all a bunch of assholes. And they don't speak with that cute accent, just regular. It's all a put-on. Jerks.
[52] You can get cheap ones for $25 or so. I wandered over to the bleachers, excellent. Next time I'll go for bleachers.
Nice job, Andy.
[62] Um...no comment. It just seems rather impolitic for a YES announcer to say that.
i'm glad we didn't get Mike Gonzalez the other year, as a lefty reliever, from Shitsburgh (sorry seamus!). he was pretty good before he got injured, and his #'s aren't terrible now, but every time i see him pitch, he's causing jams and giving up runs - inherited or his own. and i can't stand that super strange rocking bullshit he does on the mound before he throws. feh!
[63] Ha-ha. Anyway, it brought me a smile after all the gloomy discussion on the previous threads.
[68] Michael Kay once said that Jessica Simpson was "hot"..so i think his judgement on any subject must be called into serious question..
[69] I don't like acquiring any relief pitchers. They are so regularly a disappointment the next year, next season half, whatever. Seriously, think about it. Tom Gordon was the exception, I guess. Same with the Red Sox, they haven't traded for a reliever who worked out in my memory.
Oh, yes. GG Andy.
i'm a drummer-turned-...um...drummer! guess that puts me on par with A-Rod from [61].
[61] ouch! that's gotta be worse than Hawk calling that reporter "honey" after the perfect game.
[66] you're absolutely right! i was speaking in opposites. like tweeting! btw, what the FUCK is "twitter/tweeting"?!?! i haven't a clue! ya know what - don't even bother, i don't wanna know. screw it.
i've gotta make a beer run. anybody want anything?
Shaun - you ever get into King's X ?
[72] Which makes the Dodgers acquisition of Sherrill all the stranger . . . until we realize that Torre is burning through all their bullpen arms, and we all know how he does with kid relievers . . .
[70] My pleasure. I still get a kick out of Sliced's "s is for steroids" song. We're a creative bunch, aren't we?
Melky turns the ignition...
Well done, Melkman. Nice, quick swing.
[71] you HATE blondes!!! she is - well, was - hot. please tell me you think Christie Brinkley is hot?! (she is) Heather Locklear, is beyond gorgeous...
Leche!!!
[76] i see where you're going with this...
...and i like it!!!
Oh, Derek.
molina = unacceptable
Jeez, I missed the last two at-bats. How did Melky get to third?
[78] I don't hate Blondes at all..but Jessica Simpson..nothing attractive about her.
Christie Brinkley in "Vacation" driving the red convertible...my god, how many times did we watch that when in Junior High School??
C'mon Damon, warm up the Truck..
[74] Nope, thelarmis - they've been a perennial resident of my "boy I ought to listen to those guys" list though, along with the Stones and the short-lived British band "The Darkness".
Lame.
Gawd @ the suckage!
Grrrg.
Nice play.
[83] "How did Melky get to third?"
Luck, apparently...
[83] He didn't, did he? Molina, Derek and Damon all bounced feebly to the left side.
We're as off-balance as Pettitte's making their guys. Going to be tough to score like this.
Andy's working fast and is 0-2 on everyone.
Melky went to third on Derek's 6-3.
God, Swisher really sucks out there.
0-2.
I miss the old Comiskey out of all the now defunct parks. YS 2.0 not included.
[84] i do. blondes have wrecked my life and MANY occassions!!! : /
[85] do it! and waaaaaay before any of those british bands!!! the first 5 king's x albums are AMAZING. if you just want one, i'll try to recommend. i've been into them since day 1, but haven't liked them much the last 15 years, or so. i'm on a big kick of their early albums right now and they've stood the test of time and then some. just found out today they'll be playing here in 3 weeks! i haven't seen them live in 12 years, so i'm a-gonna go! : )
i'm also gonna go to the store to buy beer. but no one answered me, so you all get nothing...and like it! : p
lotta pitches for andrew so far...
Oh my God, poor Wang. Twelve months? Damn.
Beautiful pitch, Andy.
I'm way behind, watching on MLB Network . . . Costas and Jim Kaat. Props to Costas for just talking about Swisher's OBP being awesome and having lots of value because of that, even though his batting average isn't very good.
Negative props for talking about the Yanks bringing up "former Cardinals' OF Chris Duncan." Cripes.
Hey everyone. Late start on the ol game, egh? Andy ain't exactly economical tonight, egh? 46 pitches through 7 outs. At least he's spotting well.
[74] hey man - I'm a bassist.
0-2 again.
[96] thelarmis with the Judge Smails smackdown! Grab a Guinness for me and hold it till I get off the clock!
[98] Did Costas have anything to say about his "fielding?"
I like Shelley Duncan, but I'm not too enthused about his being called up. The Yanks really need a guy who can play CF. If Melky is injured, it's Damon in CF.
Agggh, fuck.
[96] Got a soft spot in my heart for the British rock bands . . . but lately all I hear is kiddie music, thanks to the little ones, so we'll see what I get to first.
And I'm enjoying some Sam Adams Summer Ale, so I don't need any beer - but thanks for the offer.
Come on, Andy. Get Dye here. Let's get out of this thing.
[97] Oh my God, poor Wang. Twelve months? Damn.
look man, it's a dry spell, alright? i know it's awful and no one feels worse about it than me, but c'mon! it's not like i'm not trying... : /
Please don't put Dye on for Thome, Andy.
Good, Andy.
score truck is driving down the highway on the wrong side of the road!!!
[101] you got it, my friend! : )
[99] rock on! we need to talk. i'll be back soon... do you play professionally, for a living?!
[102] Nope.
Costas and especially Kitty are raving about Pettitte's velocity - Costas even talked him up a bit as a possible Hall of Famer.
I'm at 2 outs in the bottom of the 2nd inning though, so take that for what its worth.
[110] Oh, man. My fault???
[112] Andy for the HOF, seriously?
I mean, no one loves Andy more than I do, and yes, he's a golden god (on his good days! :) but he's not a HOFer.
[111] Speaking of Caddyshack..now THAT was a blonde you and I can agree on, thelarmis..Lacey Underall..can you believe she would be in her early 50s now??
Is this game as boring on tv as it is on Gameday?
This guy's pitching well.
This guy has some pretty wicked, late movement on his fastball/slider pitch.
Andy's just got to hold them at 1. They're bound to crush this Floyd punk next time around.
The Yankees seem to be swinging at balls and taking big looping curve balls over the plate.
[103] I'm not worried about Melky getting injured. If he gets hurt during a game, the worst case scenario is that Damon/Swisher replace him for the rest of the game, and then someone (AJax?) will be called up the next day. So I have no problem calling up Duncan if they want some RH thump off the bench.
If I ran the universe (bwah-ha-ha), I would only carry 11 pitchers, and call up Duncan AND a BUCF.
[111] Do play professionally but not my full-time. Small groups and sessions here and there, mainly on upright. Play in a rock group in the city,
Pfft. Kay was raving about US Cellular. We went there last summer on the ol' MLB baseball trip. Sat behind the plate in the upper deck -- musta been 45 deg or less down to the field. I'm not even scared o heights and was like whoa. But the beer sets you straight.
Good morning, good afternoon, good night Mr. Thome.
We'll need Hughes for two innings. (He could even pitch more, but I'm trying to be realistic.)
[118] I think so too.
I feel like one big reason Andy's pitch count is so high now is: fouls. Fouls galore.
Another fishing expedition induced by Andy.
[125] That's been a problem for him all season...he definitely has less hit-and-miss stuff.
[114] Let's say he pitches one more year and ends up with around 240 wins, .600+ winning %, ~115 ERA+. That's not the worst HOF resume. His overall career numbers are not that far off from Schilling's, who is widely considered a borderline HOFer. Schilling has better peak numbers, Andy has very so slightly better career win and win % totals.
Here's a question, who would be a less deserving HOFer: Jim Rice or Andy Pettitte.
I kid. Sort of.
Better Andy...
Swisher fucking sucks.
Did you see him hop, there?
He has no idea where the ball is going.
Swish can field! Now trade him away...
[115] Cindy Morgan (Lacey Underall) will be 55 this September, OK Jazz...
: )
[130] After watching Jack Cust "try" to play RF this afternoon, I have a much better appreciation for Swisher. The Red Sox didn't win the game...Cust gave it to them.
[127] You think that's it?
His K/9 is just about in line with his career avg. And if you think about it, a foul hit just a little bit better is likely to be an out. So if he were fooling the hitters just a little less well today, he'd have a lot fewer pitches.
And why does he try to hit every ball to Mars?
Someone sit down with this guy and tell him to just cool out.
Hm, that was a little too cool.
At what point will Yankee batters start looking for the curve?
That was close enough.
[135] Demon long ball gets everyone, sooner or later. Just say no.
[128] Rice, by far.
If Jim Rice is a Hall of Famer, Dewey Evans is a Hall of Famer. And probably Dawson (shudder). And Harold Baines. And (best of all) Bernie definitely is.
Rice had a ridiculously tiny peak, and no longevity - I still don't get it. Oh yeah, he was "feared". So was Genghis Khan, and I don't see his mug on a plaque in Cooperstown.
Don't forget Pettitte's many postseason accomplishments, which seem to carry extra weight with the voters.
Meanwhile, Robbie has been at .308 for the past two months, it seems. He really seems to have found consistency (knock on wood). Much as I'd love to see him go on a tear, I'm very happy with the consistency.
[132] speechless...
[134] I could be wrong, but it seems as if Pettitte relies on his breaking ball alot more...and most have his K's seem to come on that pitch. He seldom gets a swing and miss on his fastball. Because of the cut, however, the contact doesn't always result in a ball in play.
[140] Ha ha hah ah !!!
Genghis Kahn for the HOF!
Fuckin Al Leiter is amazing. I think the guy writes encyclopedias on his days off.
Fffffffff.
[145] Heh he he hee heh heh.
Kind of wish Molina had bunted now...
Costas now singing A-Rod's praises - gritty, hard worker, always doing things to get better, etc etc etc.
[148] Dammit...I almost wrote that! You win again, William...but next time you will not be so lucky...
[149] He is a very good baseball player.
[144] Yeah, but Kahn wasn't clutch. He never could deliver against the Uyghurs.
[152] ha hah ah ha ha hah ah ha h ah ah ah ah ha a a a ha h !!!
Another nasty K on a half swing on a slider in the dirt.
Andy's a golden god.
[152] Oh, bullseye!
anyone see Big Mouth Schilling's comments on Big Papi? Hysterical, along with the usual swipe at Bill Clinton (way to keep it timely there Schill!)
[144] That's what the argument was. You should have seen the spew coming out in (especially) Shaughnessy's columns in the Globe about how "Jim Ed belongs in the Hall of Fame because everyone was scared of him" - not to mention the Red Sox's PR campaign for Rice.
In the right situation, I'll bet there are a lot of hitters who were/are scared by Krazy Kyle Farnsworth - dude might take a hitter's head off with his high heat - but that's no reason to put him in the Hall of Fame. Yet there is Jim Ed Rice, feared hitter.
[150] I was really surprised by that decision. I am usually anti-bunt, but Molina is an out waiting to happen anyway.
Lacy Underall smoked pot. thelarmis. But she was not a fan of bras. : D
All right, boys, time to feast on this motherfucker.
[152] And his propensity for breaking his prisoners' backs lacked execution...
[156] No. I applaud his work on ALS money-raising, and his wife's work on skin cancer education and money-raising - but otherwise I avoid the guy. Don't care to hear what he has to spew.
I did find Papi's statement to be pretty funny. "You guys know me". No, David, actually we don't.
Bunt that! I would run for Molina here.
Thank god that bounced over the wall.
Oh, hell yes!!!
Jose!
Come on boys, this is it!
Go for the jugular.
[158] "Molina is an out waiting to happen" EAT YOUR WORDS NOW!
Derek, would it kill you to take a pitch here?
Fuck.
[161] He never broke backs the right way.
I was actually serious about pinch running for Molina here. It pretty much will take two hits to score him.
[158] Molina has his revenge?
Meanwhile, I was going to ask if they should PR for Molina, before Jeter lined out. Now, probably not a reasonable option (if it ever was).
Woohoo Damon!
[170] Wrong again!
Whoot-Whoot. Nice slide, JD. Yikes.
Oh, yes, Johnny!
Well done, Johnny Damon, well done!
No way! Molina scored from second on a double!
[170] You sonofabitch--you got me again [171], while I explaining "inside the park HR" to my wife!
[173] But as Al is saying, you were in a sense right -- Dye could have nailed him. Incredible.
Let's go, Teix, keep it going.
[176] Wheels Moly!
[177] Want me to do it for you?
[145] Leiter's the greatest. I probably like him more than most but I think he always informative. Plus he has a calming voice.
[169] He never broke backs the *Yank-ee* way!
What exactly is Tex looking for against Floyd? It seems to me as if he has taken very good pitches to hit.
[181] I'm surprised you hadn't done it already!
Come on, Alex.
Focus. Nice short swing.
Easy basehit.
yuck..Six "He Gone!"'s for Floyd tonight..
[182] An added bonus is Kay seems to do his "best" work with Leiter.
[169] Too much maple, which shatters and splinters violently instead of ash, which breaks more cleanly.
He always took too many steppes, as well...
[185] I know my place.
Oh, Alex.
We really could have used a single there.
Oh well.
Floyd making Teix and Alex look absolutely foolish. WTF!!!
I thought they'd totally zoned in on Floyd, but apparently Teix and A-Rod are in a different zone.
Weird inning...not sure if I should be pleased Molina of all people helped build a run or upset that Tex and Arod had awful ABs with the go ahead run on second.
[188] Yep. I don't get to many games, but he has a relatively easy rapport with Leiter. I don't like the ribbing/tension/one-upsmanship (real or contrived) between him and O'Neill.
[193] EDT?
All right, Andy, keep it together.
There's another one for Andy.
Oooh, nice big breaking ball for called strike one.
Beckham sure looks like a good player.
Another one for strike two.
Oh, that was a terrible pitch!
You can't throw three breaking balls like that.
Damn.
Really poor seleciton.
[200] had he already singled when you wrote that?
Four straight curves? Not sure that's the smartest thing to do.
Danger zone here. Can Andy keep 'em down for two more outs?
[203] No...before. Hope I didn't spur him on.
As well as Andy is pitching, I am ashamed to admit that pending doom always seems to be just around the corner with him.
[203] No, two called strikes, one ball, then a hard single on the same pitch.
[200] Yeah but his entourage is too big, and I suspect he really wants to head back to AC Milan..
[205] Yaaaaayyyyyyyy!!
Lovely. Jeter double-clutched, but he had time.
[209] And his wife is a real bitch!
Well turned, gentlemen. Now, let's give these rapscallions from the Windy City some what for.
[209] Good thing Landon (Powell) isn't on the White Sox.
[207] Yeah, but hasn't it always been thus with Andy?
[209] I really think of him more as an ambassador.
I remember when Chicago had a soccer team called the Sting. They sure knew how to put on the red light!
God, can't you tee-off on that breaking ball by now?
[216] In the sense that through well-placed connections, he got a highly-compensated position overseas where he appears in the media a lot while doing nothing of any significance? Sounds accurate!
"Nick Swisher's not really a centerfielder."--Kay.
Floyd must hide the ball extremely well along with having some pretty good stuff.
[219] Yeah, and the hair.
I think there is a disturbing amount of soccer talk cropping up during this crisply played pitchers duel. I object, most indubitably!
All right, Robbie, hit the fucking thing out.
[217] Those days are over.
[223] Heh heh.
[223] I think it's the 1-0 score that's doing it. As soon as the Score Truck rolls around we'll be talking football.
Dammit.
Oof. At least it looks like he's okay.
One more, Andy.
Oh, fuckfuckfuckfuck.
(At least Thome didn't hit it out, but still.)
Fuckfuckfuckfuck.
[223] Why do Brazilians have so many kids? Because they can lob (David) Seaman from 30 yards! (obscure World Cup reference just for you!)
That's just pathetic...if the Yankees lose this game because Andy can't pick up a damn ball!
Calling Dr. Hughes??
[227] It's 1-1...I think you missed the last delivery!
The pen best be stirriing. Ah, there they go.
Nice pitch, Andy. Another one.
He still looks good.
I am glad that there seems to be a small but growing, reasoned criticism of pitch counts as they are employed these days. Maybe we will see a bit of a corrective in teh next few years. Or, we will see 14 man pitching staffs.
[234] Wow. No idea what I was thinking. I don't even know who iI thought was winning!
[223] What if we talked about that thrilling match between the German and Greek Philosophers?
Agggggggghhh.
No.
No.
No.
Hmmm..I thought pitchers' duels were supposed to make the defense more alert and taut.
Unbelievable.
Crap...the defense has gone AWOL.
Way to flash the leather, guys.
C'mon boys, double play!
[240] Well played--
http://tinyurl.com/4zl35m
Philthy Phil to face the dangerous Quentin?
Those were just two awful errors.
No.
Damn it.
Oh well, at least it's Hughes. He's going to attack these mofos; they won't know what hit 'em.
Nice game by Andy. He is, in fact, a golden god.
I really don't understand pulling Andy here. Or, I understand--a couple of guys, so go with your lockdown reliever (if it's Hughes). BUt Andy is at like 90 pitches and has not been hit hard. It seems like he is being sent off (to use the soccer term) because his defense let him down.
I don't know, maybe with 13 pitchers you err on the side of caution here, I guess.
[242] Heh he heh eh he he heh he heh!
Yes, Gameday Existentialism returns! "Pitcher Phil Hughes replaces Phil Hughes"..love when that graphic comes up!
[251] OK, 101 pitches.
Let him pitch, Jose!
[251] I think he was closer to 100 pitches. He didn't do anything wrong, but I think the fear of the damage that one hanging curve could do forced Girardi's hand.
[253] I wish we had two. That would be awesome.
[256] Agreed.
[257] If we had two, would you start one, or use them both in the BP?
If you throw a cuveball, bury it low.
c'mon DP
[259] I'd keep one and trade the other for Halladay.
Quentin is really having good swings.
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jesus Christ.
boooooooooooooooooooooooo
[263] fouled off 3 95mph fastballs...
Incredible...that's on Arod more than Cano. What a travesty of an inning.
I preferred Python to this comedy of errors.
FUCK AJ.
Bullshit inning.
Andy's on the line for the L because of this horseshit?
[271] I kind of hope there's a close play at the plate soon...
And Damon catches the baseball.
Motherhumping motherfucker.
Hit the fucking baseball now, Team. Now I'm pissed.
[272] Well, the run that scored was his error, which was the easiest play of all. He has no one to blame but himself...and Arod...and Cano.
If they lose this game, it will definitely be unacceptable.
"It's enough to drive a man to drink," he says, pouring himself a glass of Magic Hat #9.
I can't believe not one Yankee has decided to sit on that hit me curve he keeps throwing early in the count.
[275] Running down a tweener on wet grass with a 250lb train running at you is less than easy.
PH for Molina?
[270] Me too, Shaun...
[275] I know, it's true. He set the tone, for sure.
Who the fuck is this guy, Sandy Koufax?
It's easy for me to say, but I am not convinced the slide had that much to do with it--Cano just yanked the throw.
[279] Yes, but the train was in slow motion.
It's been 8 innings and the Yankees haven't figured out the curve yet? Incredible.
I'm sorry, we *CAN'T* lose this game.
We cannot afford to lose winnable games like this one.
[287] Let's not get too dramatic, now. They're not six games out struggling to stay in the race. Overall this team has a fine record in one run games; they've won their share of winnable games, I think.
I just don't want them to make a habit of games like tonight.
[284] Cano makes that play in his sleep. He's not used to making the pivot and being face to face with one of the games biggest dickheads.
Gavin fucking Koufax.
The Yankees are losing this game because of stuborness. Floyd keeps throwing the same pitch and the Yankees just watch it go by.
Send Jeter ASAP.
[283] methinks Barrett's strike zone is pretty liberal tonight, making this pboy a lil more Koufax-esqe. The sox just adjusted to it more, hence all the foulies on Pettitte tonight.
[288] I'm just saying, a great performance out of Andy, we're on a hot streak, Boston won today already...
I want to win this motherfucker because we can and ought to.
[289] Where is Shelley Duncan on 1B when they need him?
[291] It's hard to swing at pitches a few inches off the black when you've been trained you whole life not to.
[291] Yeah, I don't think it's stubbornness.
The pitch is hard to pick up coming out of Floyd's hand, because of his motion. That's how Leiter explained it.
[293] Yeah, sure, the strike zone's liberal, but the guy's hitting his spots, so I can't blame the ump. I think William has it right, that the bats failed to adjust.
Patience, Johnny.
[296] I am not even talking about the ones of the black. In almost every AB he just looped a curve over the plate and the Yankees never swung at it. By the 8th inning, I'd like to think someone would be looking for it?
Teix and Alex are proverbially (new word) due.
Johnny looks lost here...I dont have much confidence.
FUCK YES, Johnny.
Nice, nice hitting.
Beautiful.
Come on, Teix, please. Please.
I'm really surprised Jeter was not running with 2 strikes.
Jeter stops at 2B? How can that be? Running with 2 outs and he can't get to third?
[302] Your reverse jinxes have been excellent today.
Tex message on the way...
Teix has been tied up all night.
I think he missed his pitch!
[302] "Johnny looks lost here."
(Insert your own joke.)
: )
Wow...Tex just had an awful game today.
What a sickly hack.
God, I'm going to cry.
That was horrible.
Grrrrrr.
Tex Tex TEX - sigh.
Fortunately, Jenks has not been automatic this year.
Is this Teix's worst game at the plate this year? U-G-L-Y
Ugh, I hate the check swing K. Tough game tonight.
I guess Hughes wont be available for the rest of the weekend now. Kind of sucks to waste him in a loss.
[318] It's not a loss yet. 2-1 is a very high leverage situation. This is the kind of situation we want him to be pitching in.
Ozzie sticks with Thornton since the Yankees have no RH on the bench?
[320] Interesting. I suspect you're giving him too much credit.
[319] Agreed .
Strike three.
Beautiful pitch, Phil Hughes.
Can't complain about our pitching this evening.
[319] I am not criticizing the move...just saying it would suck to waste Hughes in a game they lose because they kicked the ball around for an inning.
[318] If he is following Joba rules, he can pitch two tonight and two on Sunday. That's not much different from one tonight (still a "waste" if this is a loss) and then one tomorrow and probably two off days, or one on Saturday and (probably) and off day on Sunday.
[320] Or because Jenks has been awful. Luckily, Matsui seems to hit guys like Thorton, so maybe he'll be a trap.
[321] Probably, But it seems as though Jenks has not warmed up, so he's going with his gut or whatever. And in any case, it would be nice if there WAS a RH on the bench.
Come on, boys.
Show some magic.
[327] Have the Sox pitchers thrown any balls tonight?
Let's go Arod
Pathetic AB...fitting for this game.
Whoa.
I'm not convinced Shelley could touch Thornton, anyway.
Doesn't look like we have much of a chance, does it.
[333] Neither am I. But maybe tonight will finally convince the Yankee brain trust that 13 pitchers and zero bench is not the best arrangement.
Ozzie is obviously a genius.
asshole ump didn't even check with 3B
[335] I dunno. We need those guys in the bullpen to cheer Phil and Mo.
How do you like that Ozzie!!
FUCK YEAH
Sweet, sweet redemption!
Holy MOTHERFUCK!!!!!!!
I TAKE IT ALL BACK, SWISHER!
Swish!!!!
old stompin grounds for the swish
Redemption!
C'mon Swisher, stick it to these guys, they traded you for Wilson Betemit!
!!!!!!!
THAT A WAY!!!
SWISHEROOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES!!! Screw Ozzie Nick!
One more out of Phil?
I wish Ace was feeling healthy.
Hughes for three?
The Yankees never strikeout, but have K'ed 14 times in this game. Yeah, I think the umpire sucks.
[349] Dream on.
[350] I believe he is healthy now.
Dude thinks he's Jim Leyritz.
Hughes for another inning? Please??
STICK WITH PHIL.
[351] Has to be...with no Ace, the only other option is Robertson.
I'll be really, really surprised (and happy) if Hughes comes back out.
Hughes only threw 24 pitches so far.... hmmmm
[353] :)
[349] He has thrown 24 pitches. I would send him out there to steal and out or two, up to about 40 pitches. But then, my ulterior motive would be to keep stretching him out.
Oh, and we're stretching out Hughes, nice...
YES! HUGHES REMAINS!!
Yes, he's back!
Come on, Phil, nice and easy.
Hey, Joe! This is good. And a good sign.
[357] Still noe Ace? I thought he was ready tonight? If he's out again, maybe the DL is the way to go?
Hughes fastball at 93mph...he might be feeling a little fatigue.
Dye's a good hitter.
Umm, why is Bruney warming up? Why would Girardi let him anywhere near this one?
I'll take Robertson or Albaladejo over Bruney. Or Melancon, for that matter.
[368] You keep saying that. You sound like Rain Man.
Dye's a very, very good hitter.
[367] Hit 95 mph there.
Dye is making him work. This might be his last batter no matter the outcome.
[372] Welcome back.
[371] Dye is, but he's sitting his butt on the bench now.
Whew.
Huge out right there.
I didn't know how Hughes was going to get him out.
Ok, it doesn't get any easier...
[371] Yeah, definitely, definitely good hitter. Yeah.
Wapner time.
[374] Thanks I think, was out at a party with some friends. Clearly I'm the good luck charm ;)
Beautiful first pitch strike on the outside corner.
Keep throwing that pitch...it's about 6 inches off the plate and is always a strike.
Why don't the Yankees shift for Thome?
Oh, fuck. A groundball past the vacated right side of the infield.
I don't know why, but that hit seemed pathetic.
The shift giveth, and the shift taketh away...
This has to be the last batter for Phil methinks, he's at 34 pitches.
If Hughes gets another out, I wonder Girardi goes straight to Mo for four outs?
Mo, Mo, Mo...go to Mo. Right now.
[383] That's an odd shift though...they move Robbie to the OF but keep Jeter on the SS of 2B.
I think Hughes ran out of gas.
Bear down, Phil!
Uh oh. Cokey??
[384] That was a quick batter--I would go with HUghes for one more batter. Nope, Girardi is going with Cokey.
This does not feel good...
I thought Cokey had sinus problems.
[389] Taking out Phil I'm ok with, his location was starting to get all over the place. I'd have gone straight to Mo here though.
[370] ha hah ah ah ah ah ah ah !!!!
hah ah ahh ah ah ah ah !!!!!
[387] Tough to say. Konerko's was the only ball hit hard. Then again, he worked pretty hard against Dye.
If there is a God, AJ will ground into a dp. I hate that effing @$$#@$@%@#%# douchebag.
Aside from when Mo is pitching, having the walkoff run at 2B never feels good.
[391] They found some sudafed, from the DR ;). Ok, I'm typing too much...must stop drinking caffeine so late.
Come on Cokey!
Two outs.
That's one.
One more Cokey....come on!
And sometimes it rains.
Leiter getting on AJ. I prefer he just say, "AJ's a scumbag kids, don't be like him."
[391] That's what Girardi *said.* What that means is either:
a. there is nothing wrong with him, but I need some reason to carry 13 pitchers; or
b. he has a torn rotator cuff
Get Wise, Cokey.
Please do not walk Wise.
C'mon Coke, this guy is not a major league hitter, and he's a lefty. Get him.
One more strike, Coke.
[403] Isn't AJ a "gamer" who "knows how to win"?
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK
Seriously, Dwayne Wise beats us? Really?
Bizarre karma that the .190 hitter won the game.
Wow...that really sucks. This game was totally inexplicable.
You have got to be fucking kidding me.
Fuck everything.
Damn.
Well, sometimes that happens.
Tough game. See youse.
Melky was playing too deep.
He cut down on his swing and hit it up the middle.
I feel ill. That totally sucked ass.
After seeing the replay, that was really a terrible pitch. The ump is calling balls 6 inches off the plate and he throws a fastball down the middle.
just sucks to drop game one.
See you all tamara.
Larry Dewayne Wise strikes again.
Any team with Sox in it make me ill. Shite and Bollocks. Get 'em tomorrow.
Today started with Papi on roids, the Sox down by 3 runs and ends with a game shaved off the lead and Halladay possibly on his way to Boston. Kind of like a roller coaster.
Oh well..one loss not a big deal, we'll get 'em tomorrow! Yankees are the best team in baseball, and Don'tchu Forget It!
From ESPN, Jose speaks again:
"And I'll tell you this, Major League Baseball is going to have a big, big problem on their hands when they find out they have a Hall of Famer who's used."
"If you were in the game in the last 20 years, there's a 95 percent chance you were knowingly using something,'' Canseco said. "I said 80 percent back then because that was the number of players that I knew were on. But that number was greater.''
I'm really not a Phil Coke fan
[424] At this point, hard not to believe him!
I know 1 dog that sleeps on my bed. So I guess 100% of dogs sleep on my bed. HA. Jose''s been a pretty good whistle-blower, but he's still an asshat. : D
[427] Good one!
As blase as I am abotu roids...still hope Jeter and Mo are not on the list..
[428] My dad doesn't say much, but he said Pujols coming up dirty would really put him over the edge.
You just know Pettitte's kids get away with murder when he's got them at home if that's how he gets mad! He straightened up the cooler he knocked over for Christ's sakes!
LOL!
They'll clean it up and play better during the next three. I believe that was a bit of a letdown after the Tampa series win... nothing more.
G'night everybody!