What Jorge did that was imprudent was coming back to fight the guy. But that's it.
The "elbow" was *nothing* -- watch the replay and you will see that he barely brushed the guy's glove. He's coming in to score at full speed and the guy is in la la land -- not where he's supposed to be. Not backing up the throw, that's for sure. What's he doing there? Why is he offended and yelling about a player brushing his glove while he's in his path?
I thought I was having some weird Seinfeld flashbacks until I realized there are some funky bass grooves in that video. Bass grooves, right. Or am I that musically challenged? : ) Back to work so I get to assault my ears with The Fan as I grade. Most people seriously need to have their telephone privileges revoked.
[1] I think he did more than barely brush his glove. He elbowed him, and you can see it push the guy's shoulder back.
And the umpire ejected Posada immediately. I think that's what started the brawl. Jorgie decided to get his money's worth, if he was being ejected anyway.
I gotta say...it was pretty funny, seeing 150-lb Edwar dragging 250-lb Barajas away. I didn't know the kid had it in him.
Jorgie get suspended? Mr, OK Jazz Singapore today, only soccer on tv... [2]FJM stuff, got to go check it out!
Anyone else just a leeeeeeetle bit nervous about the Red Sox recent hot streak?
FJM clip "True story: when I graduated from college, I told my parents that my dream was to one day write an angry rant about Terry Pendleton's naïve comments about the late Farrah Fawcett that originally appeared in an online article written for mlb.com. Livin' the dream, Ma!)"
[6] I don't think that necessarily follows, at least if you're talking starting the fight. Shelley Duncan also got a three-game suspension, but he had nothing to do with starting the fight.
I love FJM as much as anyone. But does anyone else get the sense, and this might just be a little Yankee homerism on my part, that the whole "if you think Jeter should win MVP then you must be a flat-Earther who couldn't find his way out of a Bill James essay" meme is rapidly turning into (as Christopher Hitchens would say) "the joke that stupid people make"??
[2]Jesus Is The Derek Jeter Of Christianity
The case against Derek for MVP is very true. I love the guy, but he's got the 2nd worst OPS of any starting position. I mean, he;s still been great but really...
We know how vital Posada is to this team, with his .850-.900 OPS.
Now... add 100 OPS pts, make him faster, greatly improve his defense...
and you have Joe Mauer. MVP. There should not be a question.
[10] I don’t think that necessarily follows, at least if you’re talking starting the fight.
If Carlson hadn't made the conscious decision to stand at homeplate while Posada scored, Posada wouldn't have been able to brush him with an elbow. Plus, just because you are brushed with an elbow, it doesn't give you license to yell invectives at a person.
So again, I really think that both are equally at fault, and apparently, so did Big Bob Watson.
[13] Jeter also has the 2nd best OPS among AL SSs. A player's position does provide context. Of course, that doesn't mean that he deserves to beat out Mauer, because he doesn't.
[14] Maybe it was both their faults, but I don't think you can say the suspensions and fines say anything about who started it.
I think Carlson got three days and the largest fine because he's the one who punched Girardi in the face. Hitting another player is one thing, hitting a manager is something else.
[15] Clearly, and I'm not taking them to task at all...seriously I think those guys are great.
but something like the piece Tommy Craggs did a few days ago is done with a completely straight face. (http://tinyurl.com/kujaox)
it becomes off-putting after a while. I'm not saying that Jeter MUST win the MVP, I'm just saying it is possible to make the case and not be a complete moron.
[29] I don't think Carlson did anything that could be called unsportsmanlike or a cheap shot before the brawl. Was he an angel? No way. He threw behind Posada, and I absolutely believe it was intentional.
But that's part of baseball. Look at it from their side, and it seems totally justified. We plunked Encarnacion after he homered off us, then we hit their star player. You knew retaliation was coming.
Pity poor Melancon. I'm sure he didn't mean it, but if he keeps doing it, no one's going to believe him.
I like how Gaudin is trapping the batters into hitting the ball hard and a long way, so that our outfielders can make catches near the wall. Hairston seems to have missed that page in the playbook, but still.
Okay, I think I'm prepared to commit myself: Teixeira is a better player than Hairston. I know these things are very subjective, but I'm pretty well convinced.
The Reds are honoring Hall of Fame writer Hal McCoy tonight. McCoy is a victim of the newspaper problems we've sometimes discussed here. His paper, the Dayton Daily News, will no longer be covering baseball for financial reasons, and so they don't need their beat writer any more.
Hal McCoy is legally blind. He almost quit when he lost his vision. He likes to tell the story of how Aaron Boone convinced him not to. He likes to think Boone's walkoff homer for the Yanks was his reward for that.
Plus, just because you are brushed with an elbow, it doesn’t give you license to yell invectives at a person.
Awww, po widdle Posada got his fee-wings hurt?
He should've left it at the bump. He got his "shot" in, there was nothing further to do or to prove. Instead he goes after a scrub reliever. Now he has a stiff neck. At least he has time off to rest... And seeing that Joba, the consistently brittle AJ, Teix, and CC were all in the middle of the scrum, a lot could've gone wrong over some picayune bs.
[56] On the other hand, as I frequently tell my Orioles fan friends ( I live in DC, I run into them) it has been since the addition of Mike Mussina that the Yankees have failed to win the World Series. I'm thinking good karma for the Bombers this year.
Speaking of DC, home of the team who allegedly tried to get Tex, Adam Dunn, the second prize, actually has more home runs. Oh, and an often woeful glove, but still.
[69] Game's tied, 1-1. Scranton lost the first game. I was thinking of going to tomorrow night's game. If they lose tonight, tomorrow might be the last game of the year.
[66] Just a factual statement. Although, I do think that going after Mussina was part of the back-to-the-future Steinbrenner big money moves that contradicted the philosophy and the results of the Steinbrenner-banned-from-baseball era.
[79] Playing teams like Baltimore and Toronto should have been the Yankees chance to lock up the division. Losing four of five and (four of six over all to Toronto) would be a major missed opportunity. This team is playing and being managed like they've already got the playoffs, division and home field wrapped up.
Does Joe Girardi realize that if he doesn't start stepping on the gas, they are going to be the author of an epic colapse? Why is Damon sitting, Hairston batting 2ND and Hughes not in this game?
This team is playing and being managed like they’ve already got the playoffs, division and home field wrapped up
I will be very surprised if the Yankees miss the playoffs. As for the division and home field, given the random nature of the playoffs I don't think they make that much of a difference. IIRC, there isn't a correlation between wins and playoff success.
The Yanks aren't going to miss the playoffs- no chance. But I'd still like to wrap the East up a little tighter before throwing games away. I do think playing either 3 games or 4 games at Fenway could make a huge difference.
[88] When you consider who the Yankees play over the last 9 games, I think it is unnecessarily high. The Yankees were a locomotive and Girardi decided to stop stoking the coals. It's really a shame that the Yankees championship aspirations are seriously impinged by the incompetence of their manager.
[94] If you think (and it seems like Girardi agrees) that the division and homefield are not important, fine. I just hope that by the time the Yankees start trying to win again, we haven't created a situation we can't dig ourselves out of.
Wow...Boston is now up 5-3. In a few innings, the lead will be down to 5.5. Someone better get word to Girardi that this race for the division isn't over...almost entirely because of how he has handled the last week.
[100] There are two ways to do this. Go full gas until you have a lock-safe margin beyond all doubt. Start easing up when the odds are in your favor and if things start to pull in on ya (which is NOT when the division lead is still >5 games in my opinion) gear up earlier than planned. Either way, you want to gear up that last week of the season imo. I just prefer the latter approach. I think it is smarter. But I think both have merit.
[102] It's not very important. This is pretty clear. The Yankees have an excellent road record. There's plainly some advantage to playing a seventh game at home, but let's face it, the chances of playing a seventh game in the ALCS are small to begin with.
[89] Well, hopefully they'll be nice rested for a first round series against Anaheim. Then, after they get bounced again, they can rest all off season. That formula has certainly worked for this team in the past.
[100] By playing the B team, using the C relievers and generally playing like shit against lousy baseball teams, we've turned a laugher of a race competitive. Why should I believe that will just stop when the Yankees need to get going again?
[103] I'd say they have at least a 30% chance of blowing this. The impingement stems from more than that though...if the Yankees aren't on the very top of their game, I expect Girardi's poor management to cost them in the playoffs.
My point is that the Yankees would be better off if they drafted better. You can't rebut that.
To answer your new question, being able to get players of Clemens, Wells, and El Duque's character is part luck and also a function of lack of true revenue sharing in prior CBAs.
Because that changed, Weaver, Vazquez et al were the best options.
As I have pointed out to you before, one of the best features of growing your own is that they learn to play in NY at a very early age. They never know another situation. With the Weavers and Vazquezes, whether or not they can play in NY is all projection.
Again, drafting well increases the margin for error.
[114] You think the Yankees have a 30% chance of losing the division???
Seriously, is there any way we can actually bet? I'll give you 10 to 1 (and feel like I'm stealing your money).
[112] Its one thing to play listlessly. Its another to punt games almost intentionally. How many times have we seen fringe major leaguers like Edwar, Bruney and Dunn this week? Why is Jerry Hairston batting second?
[108] The Yankees have an excellent road record, but not at Fneway or Anaheim. If the Yankees don't think the homefield is important here (not to mention having to play both Boston and Anaheim), they'll be watching the ALCS from home. This team does not have the pedigree to coast into the playoffs. They need every advantage they can get.
[117] If the Yankees continue to play and manage as if the games don't matter, why can't they blow this? Or do you think we'll hit a predetermined point where Girardi is going to say "okay, now we try to win again?"
[117] If Girardi keeps managing to rest players and not to win, then yes, I think the chances are that high. Boston has 7 games coming up against Baltimore and KC. The Yankees go to the west coast and face King Felix in one game. A 2-4 / 6-1 swing would yield a lead of 2 games!!!
[119]The Yankees have an excellent road record, but not at Fneway or Anaheim.
Small sample size.
If the Yankees don’t think the homefield is important here (not to mention having to play both Boston and Anaheim), they’ll be watching the ALCS from home.
So you are absolutely certain they will be playing a fifth game in the Wild Card game. (Because otherwise home field advantage will make no difference.) That's prescient.
This team does not have the pedigree to coast into the playoffs.
[122] There's no middle ground between full gas and rolling backwards downhill? At the time, I had no problem with playing Friday's game like we had a nine game lead, because we did. I also never assumed we would continue doing that for the rest of the week.
[126] Baseball Prospectus thinks there is a 3% chance that the Yankees fail to win the Division. So I figure giving you 10 to 1 odds gives me a nice cushion and still pretty much fleeces you. (If I get pot odds like that in poker, I have to strain to keep myself from drooling.)
My point is that the Yankees would be better off if they drafted better. You can’t rebut that.
Of course I can. How many pitchers have made it that have been drafted?
Because that changed, Weaver, Vazquez et al were the best options
Weaver, Vazquez and Brown were salary dumps
With the Weavers and Vazquezes, whether or not they can play in NY is all projection.
The "some players don't have what it takes to play in NY" meme again. So did Weaver bomb in Anaheim, Seattle and St. Louis because he couldn't handle the pressure of playing with them?
Again, drafting well increases the margin for error.
Tis but a small part, one that is often overplayed. There have been more players that have drafted and failed than succeeded.
[130] When BP runs their projections, do they assume each team is fielding their best team? I realize you like to look at generalizations when making your point, but the context in this situation is clear. If the Yankees continue to treat these games as warmups, they'll be hoping on a flight to Anaheim to open the playoffs.
[129] umm we're still 6-4 inour last 10 games and we still have a 6.5 game lead in the division and a 6 game lead on homefield advantage. There are ONLY 16 games left. The odds of losing either lead or really small even for the Nationals. I think we're ok. Could lightning strike and have us lose one or both? yes, but I don't bet on it or strategize for it.
[139] Take a look at the schedule....it tilts toward Boston after this series. The Yankees really needed to win this game, and the way to do that was not to play a quasi-A team today.
[135] Of course sample size is relevant. It's always relevant. I must be misunderstanding you.
I do think the Sox and Angels are better at home. Whether they're "much" better depends on how you'd quantify "much", I guess. I would say it's a small advantage. Against the Yankees, they might be 55-45 at home.
Of course I can. How many pitchers have made it that have been drafted?
How does that alter the unassailable fact that the Yankees would be better off if they drafted well?
Weaver, Vazquez and Brown were salary dumps.
So was Clemens. Salary dumps like Clemens are rarer under subsequent CBAs. That's my point.
The “some players don’t have what it takes to play in NY” meme again. So did Weaver bomb in Anaheim, Seattle and St. Louis because he couldn’t handle the pressure of playing with them?
I never said it was the only hurdle, merely another one. Ask Randy Johnson, although granted, he was a physically diminished pitcher in NY.
Tis but a small part, one that is often overplayed. There have been more players that have drafted and failed than succeeded.
Who knew?
Drafting well helps ensure success. It's not really that complicated.
[140] That's also the point...part of the "odds" of the Yankees holding on also include a tight last 10 games, which clearly wouldn't allow the Yankees to tuneup before the playoffs at the right time. So, basically, they would rest in mid-September, but have to step it up later on. Makes no sense.
[141] The team we put on the field isn't as bad as the order we put them in and the fact that Bruney was allowed to come in and make the situation worse.
[140] No but it probably won't happen. If we play .333 ball the rest of the way our magic number cuts in half. If we play .500 ball it cuts in 2/3. I might get hit by a car tomorrow but I don't plan for it.
[137] Well, they assume that the teams field the teams they've been fielding. Nobody puts their best team on the field every day. (Notice that the Red Sox are playing without Martinez and Youkalis today, and also yesterday.)
Nope, batting Hairston second wasn't a big deal...not at all. Who could possibly foresee a problem using one of your weaker hitters at the top of the lineup.
[148] And what point do you think we'll start playing to win games again? Or do you think we'll just win enough by accident in that time to make the series irrelevant?
[152] I don't understand why Hinske wasn't the guy in that situation. He's a lefty with pop who could easily take over LF for Hairston (or Damon could and Cervelli could plop into the two-hole.
[157] already stated earlier that you rest until the lead is no longer >5 games. If you can't crank it up then and win the handful of games you need to win, you aren't going to win in the playoffs anyhow. ok off for real.
[163] I am not really interested in the BP odds...just in the Yankees trying make every reasonable attempt to win this game. Girardi has done several things in this game (and many recent games) that can't be justified.
This just in.. the sky is also nearly falling on the Angels, Tigers, Cardinals, and Dodgers. Lots of 6.5 to 4 game leads as well as 6 and 5 back in the division all disappearing tonight. I know.I know. "Why should I care about any other team beside the Yankees?" : D
How does that alter the unassailable fact that the Yankees would be better off if they drafted well?
Because you're putting too much stock in the draft. Especially considering that the Yankees, who have used a combination of drafting, trades, and free agency to put together a run where they were one of the top teams in the league since 1994
So was Clemens. Salary dumps like Clemens are rarer under subsequent CBAs. That’s my point.
Really? Abreu & Lidle were dumped on the Yanks a couple of years ago. The Jays dumped Rios on the White Sox this year. Kazmir was dumped on the Angels this year. I would say that teams are unloading players at the same rate, and if they aren't, the difference is negligible.
Drafting well helps ensure success. It’s not really that complicated.
Name these well run teams that have drafted so well that they sustained a playoff run like the Yanks, or even remained competitive for that period. Off the top of my head, I can only come up with the Braves?
[176] We had a double steal the other day. We weren't actually going to try to steal a base late in the late innings of a game for the rest of the year anyway. We still have Pena to pinch run and stand there if the situation calls for it
[183] BP odds are fun, but their relevance pales in comparison to an assessment of the specifics. The next week's schedule is much more important to me than an over generalization.
[186] No, you are completely wrong about that. Your subjective assessment of the specifics is interesting, but it's kids' stuff compared to BP odds.
Baseball Prospectus knows next week's schedule, by the way.
193
weeping for brunnhilde
~ Sep 16, 2009 10:07 pm
Because you’re putting too much stock in the draft. Especially considering that the Yankees, who have used a combination of drafting, trades, and free agency to put together a run where they were one of the top teams in the league since 1994
No, I'm not. I'm merely arguing that drafting well confers a benefit. You still haven't rebutted that.
Really? Abreu & Lidle were dumped on the Yanks a couple of years ago. The Jays dumped Rios on the White Sox this year. Kazmir was dumped on the Angels this year. I would say that teams are unloading players at the same rate, and if they aren’t, the difference is negligible
All but Kazmir aren't top notch starting pitchers, and Kazmir is fragile.
We got Cone and Clemens as salary dumps. Nothing you mentioned compares.
The original issue was Mussina was a bad signing. I think that's dumb. So I'm not sure what Abreu and Lidle add to the conversation.
Name these well run teams that have drafted so well that they sustained a playoff run like the Yanks, or even remained competitive for that period. Off the top of my head, I can only come up with the Braves
Wait. Because other teams haven't drafted well it negates the need to draft well?
[185] Apparently, you can't see the difference between the two situations, so it's probably a worthless debate. I am in the camp that says you don't ease up with three weeks left. If you, like Girardi, think simply making the playoffs is the goal, then I wont try to convince you otherwise.
[194] I think it hardly matters at all. The team is definitely better with Swisher second, but it's better by a tiny amount, and we're going to win the Division.
[192] But it doesn't know how long Joba will go, if Andy will start and how unlucky Mitre will be. It also doesn't tell you if the Yankees will have to over extend themselves holding on to the lead. As someone earlier mentioned, I am sure BP couldn't fathom the Mets collapsing two years in a row, but those actually watching the team definitely got a sense of what was coming. You can have your BP odds, but I prefer to deal with the here and now.
[197] The goal is to win the World Series. There is no other goal.
If you think that's not Girardi's goal, then you're in Fantasyland (as long as we're slinging stupid insults).
[203] mitre is guaranteed to be unlucky - hell in the game he was throwing a perfecto he got drilled in the arm - so i am sure all projection systems have his unluckines factored in :}
[206] If the goal is to win the WS, then winning the division and homefield should be a priority. I think Girardi's goal is to win a championship, but think his approach is awful. Similarly, when he bunts with a Nick Swisher, I am sure he is trying to win the game, but the approach is idiotic.
But it doesn’t know how long Joba will go, if Andy will start and how unlucky Mitre will be.
But neither do you.
The difference is that BP's projection looks at all the various things that could go wrong or right and plugs them in, then runs ten thousand simulations. Sometimes various players are lucky, sometimes a whole team is unlucky... all that's factored in. Whereas you just give your subjective assessment.
Obviously, you're entitled to do that, but it's not very rational.
You can have your BP odds, but I prefer to deal with the here and now.
[214] A subjective assessment isn't rational? Maybe they should just run simlations then instead of doing something irrational like actually play these games.
No, I’m not. I’m merely arguing that drafting well confers a benefit. You still haven’t rebutted that.
And I'm asking you to show a team that has this ability to draft well, that has had the success the Yanks have had. Fine, teams need to draft well in order to maintain success. You don't think GM's don't know this? Name these teams that have drafted well.
All but Kazmir aren’t top notch starting pitchers, and Kazmir is fragile.
What difference does it make? They were salary dumps, which according to you don't happen because of the new CBA's
Nothing you mentioned compares.
They compare, because they were salary dumps.
Wait. Because other teams haven’t drafted well it negates the need to draft well?
That’s awfully circular
Well, you said it yourself that "drafting well confers a benefit." I'm sure if it were that easy that teams would be falling all over themselves to have great drafts. So based on the number of teams in MLB, I'm sure you have an example of a team that has drafted well, and has maintained success. You make it sound so easy.
[215] You think that's an insult? You compared the Red Sox losing a game to the argument citing specific examples why Girardi wasn't fielding an optimal team. If you "can't see the difference between those two situations" then the difference in opinion is so fundamental that a debate is worthless.
[216] Huh?
That's like saying, subjective assessments of the weather are just as rational as scientific predictions, because otherwise they could just run simulations instead of having weather.
What does one have to do with the other?
Yes, I think relying on subjective assessments in the face of serious, evidence-based, objective assessments, is not very rational.
So, Hughes for only one. I guess the same holds for Mo. With Cervelli and Gardner coming up, that makes it likely the Yankees will have to rely on Albaledejo even if Mo gets out of this inning.
223
weeping for brunnhilde
~ Sep 16, 2009 10:21 pm
[217] In your opinion. I have a different one. As long as your position is that winning these games isn't very important than I can agree to disagree. If, however, you think Girardi is going all out in these games, well, then I would strongly object.
[224] Obviously, it wasn't. If you took it as one, I gladly apologize, but it certainly wasn't intended that way. Now, it is kind of insulting to be called disingenuous.
[231] Another fundamental disagreement then. One is comparing the actions of humans and the other is trying to predict natural events. There is no relevance between the two, IMO.
[219]And I’m asking you to show a team that has this ability to draft well, that has had the success the Yanks have had. Fine, teams need to draft well in order to maintain success. You don’t think GM’s don’t know this? Name these teams that have drafted well.
Over the last ten to fifteen years, Minnesota. Tampa Bay. Atlanta. San Francisco. Oakland.
Lately, Boston, Detroit, and to some extent NY.
You also need to be able to keep your players as they approach arbitration and supplement the draftees with good trades and smart free agent signings.
The Yankees have a huge payroll advantage. It's not like it's a fair regular season competition.
What difference does it make? They were salary dumps, which according to you don’t happen because of the new CBA’s
To answer your new question, being able to get players of Clemens, Wells, and El Duque’s character is part luck and also a function of lack of true revenue sharing in prior CBAs.
I forgot to mention Cone. So my point was about being able to get very good pitchers who could handle NY. Part of the reason they could do that was the salary dumps of high caliber pitchers. It wasn't about any salary dump. Obviously, you'd rather dump Abreu or Lidle than Cone.
They compare, because they were salary dumps.
I have already rebutted this misconception.
Well, you said it yourself that “drafting well confers a benefit.” I’m sure if it were that easy that teams would be falling all over themselves to have great drafts. So based on the number of teams in MLB, I’m sure you have an example of a team that has drafted well, and has maintained success. You make it sound so easy.
Who said it was easy? I said it was important.
I actually said the opposite. That is, Mussina was a great signing because they drafted poorly. Granted, there were multiple reasons for that.
[260] Both unpredictable. Each complex in its own way.
You don't try to predict what a particular batter will do on a particular occasion (Sterling's Law!), and you don't try to predict what a particular water molecule will do either. You go with the trends and make your predictions about the long run.
[310] Did you see that Bobby is second in doubles for the decade?
(Verducci published his "team of the decade" column with leaders in various categories.)
I should add that Abreu is also second in BB, to Barry Bonds, of course (and not exactly a close second), and second in times on base. Hell of a decade for Bobby.
Well, they could bring Abreu back next year as an OF/DH if they decide to let Matsui and/or Damon go. Personally, I think they are making a mistake looking at the DH slot as a place to simply rest the regulars and hope they back off of that approach, if that is really how they are leaning.
Over the last ten to fifteen years, Minnesota. Tampa Bay. Atlanta. San Francisco. Oakland.
Lately, Boston, Detroit, and to some extent NY.
Of the teams mentioned, only the Red Sox and Braves compare WRT on field success. To boot, they've also been fairly active on the FA market.
So my point was about being able to get very good pitchers who could handle NY
That's the thing. If they have game, they can pitch anywhere. If a pitcher fails in NY, I'm pretty sure that there are other, more concrete reason for them failing. Pitchers fail elsewhere, and it's attributed to those reasons, why should NY be any different?
Part of the reason they could do that was the salary dumps of high caliber pitchers.
Ok, so then you change the names to Colon, Vazquez, Santana, Sabathia, Bedard, etc. Point still stands that high salaried players/pitchers are still moved for relief
I said it was important.
And I understand that. My overall point is that it doesn't happen too often for a number of reasons. Of the teams you listed, only the Yankees, Braves and Red Sox have had sustained success. And for all the Braves' success, they're going on their 4th consecutive year where they'll be on the outside looking in.
These teams may have drafted well, sure, but they were active players in the FA market, and they were also positioned to take advantage of smaller market teams. Why do they get more credit for players that they've drafted as opposed to players that were acquired from outside the organization?
Suzyn asked Girardi the obvious question, and Girardi answers:
If Hinske had pinch hit for Hairston, the Angels would have brought in Downs, and Accardo doesn't have big L/R splits this year.
[332] Fitting yes..but, on paper, both outcomes should have been foregone conclusions. Of course, that's why they play the games and why you should field an optimal lineup when doing so.
Incredible...why can't the Angels play like this against the Yankees. The Red Sox just sent up 3 of the worst hitters you can find and still tied the score. Anaheim can't beat them.
there are two things that make me feel kinda-sorta semi-confident about the possibility of an ALCS against Anaheim (hypothetically of course, seeing as how we haven't seen an ALCS since Mark Bellhorn was a everyday major league ballplayer)
- 1 is that it would be a 7 game series, which is a whole different ball of wax from an ALDS where the slightest little mistake means the end of your season.
- 2 is that the Angels bullpen is clearly not what it used to be.
Red Sox win...something tells me the Yankees will need to win next weekend. Boston is charging now and the Yankees really had to scrape by to beat a crummy Jays team. The schedule favors Boston, so the Yankees better flip the switch back on soon or they'll be sorry.
What a joke by that umpire. Just terrible umpiring, that pitch was a perfect strike, not even debatable. And what an effort to get the ball by Juan Rivera. Way to let the ball drop in front of you- hey, you stayed in front of it and didn't give up a double, nice job!
[369] If Dice-K is healthy, that shouldn't be a problem. There really is no reason to think that Boston wont go 7-1 or 6-2 at least over the next 8. Meanwhile, the Yankees are a good bet to go 3-3 or even 2-4. At best, that would leave the division lead at 4.5 games, but if the worst case scenario holds (which isn't far fetched), the Yankees see their lead would shrink to 2 games in the loss column. That's way too close for comfort.
Listen, the Red Sox are likely to keep winning, but don't forget, that team kind of sucks balls on the road. Against anybody. Away from Fenway, deprived of the advantage of stealing signs and shoving the visiting team into a phone booth-sized dugout, they suck balls.
[371] Baltimore and KC are shutting down pitchers left and right. I don't expect them putting up much of a fight. Hopefulyl Boston stumbles against them like the Yankees did, but I don't expect Francona to treat the games as lightly as Girardi did.
Btw, I know teams change in September, but the truth is that the home and road winning percentages of teams still are pretty revealing about what a team is going to face. Now, the Yankees are about to face a nasty short stretch (but then again, the Yankees aren't frauds on the road like the Suck Sox are).
Check back later tonight - if you recall, I run remaining opponent winning percentages viewing opposing teams as their home and road versions. I'll tell you the *true* remaining opponent winning percentages.
The team versions the Red Sox face aren't *great*, but, again, the Red Sox are paper tigers when separated from their scummy confines.
Who exactly has been shut down? I've been busy and, like Girardi, briefly turned my attention to other things (College Football, in my case). Unlike Girardi, I'm not being paid stupid money to follow my Yanks.
[373] Boston is 5-1 at Baltimore this season, so I am not sure why their overall road winning percentage would be more relevant in that case. KC is just awful. Against all teams (mostly weak Central foes), they are 30-44. If the Red Sox lose more than 1 game in those two series, I'll be shocked. The Yankees dropped 5 games to Toronto and Baltimore over the past 2 weeks and that could come back to haunt them. Had Girardi not broken things down, I think they would have won 2 or 3 of those games. I hope that's not the difference.
One thing that is true is that Yankees and Red Sox games at Baltimore don't fit the traditional definition of road games. Still, I'm not granting the Red Sox anything.
[374] The Royals have shut down Banister and Meche. The Orioles have shut down Matusz are considering doing the same with Tillman. Those two series should be ugly. The Yankees are going to definitely face some pressure this week and the schedule isn't cooperating.
[375] Whether I relax or not is irrelevant. The fact that Girardi has relaxed is what's troublesome. It's evidence of the same poor judgment that leaves me scratching my head during games and has been very worried about the role he'll play in the post season. Girardi has been and remains the team's greatest weakness.
What Jorge did that was imprudent was coming back to fight the guy. But that's it.
The "elbow" was *nothing* -- watch the replay and you will see that he barely brushed the guy's glove. He's coming in to score at full speed and the guy is in la la land -- not where he's supposed to be. Not backing up the throw, that's for sure. What's he doing there? Why is he offended and yelling about a player brushing his glove while he's in his path?
Please, I beg you all - if you haven't already, go to Deadspin and read all the pieces the FireJoeMorgan guys wrote today, including the ones that take apart articles written about Derek Jeter. Especially those ones. So hilarious, my sides still hurt.
As for tonight - cripes I hope its a crisp, clean game with no fights.
I thought I was having some weird Seinfeld flashbacks until I realized there are some funky bass grooves in that video. Bass grooves, right. Or am I that musically challenged? : ) Back to work so I get to assault my ears with The Fan as I grade. Most people seriously need to have their telephone privileges revoked.
[1] I think he did more than barely brush his glove. He elbowed him, and you can see it push the guy's shoulder back.
And the umpire ejected Posada immediately. I think that's what started the brawl. Jorgie decided to get his money's worth, if he was being ejected anyway.
I gotta say...it was pretty funny, seeing 150-lb Edwar dragging 250-lb Barajas away. I didn't know the kid had it in him.
Ted Blagojevich going with the Sonny Crockett facial hair today, I see.
[2] God I missed them
That each player received a three game suspension supports the view that both were 50% at fault, which seemed obvious to me.
RIP Henry Gibson, dead at 73.
(fond memories of Laugh-In)
Jorgie get suspended? Mr, OK Jazz Singapore today, only soccer on tv...
[2]FJM stuff, got to go check it out!
Anyone else just a leeeeeeetle bit nervous about the Red Sox recent hot streak?
FJM clip "True story: when I graduated from college, I told my parents that my dream was to one day write an angry rant about Terry Pendleton's naïve comments about the late Farrah Fawcett that originally appeared in an online article written for mlb.com. Livin' the dream, Ma!)"
too funny!
[6] I don't think that necessarily follows, at least if you're talking starting the fight. Shelley Duncan also got a three-game suspension, but he had nothing to do with starting the fight.
Holy cow. Edwar was fined? That doesn't seem fair. He was trying to break up the fight.
I love FJM as much as anyone. But does anyone else get the sense, and this might just be a little Yankee homerism on my part, that the whole "if you think Jeter should win MVP then you must be a flat-Earther who couldn't find his way out of a Bill James essay" meme is rapidly turning into (as Christopher Hitchens would say) "the joke that stupid people make"??
[2] Jesus Is The Derek Jeter Of Christianity
The case against Derek for MVP is very true. I love the guy, but he's got the 2nd worst OPS of any starting position. I mean, he;s still been great but really...
We know how vital Posada is to this team, with his .850-.900 OPS.
Now... add 100 OPS pts, make him faster, greatly improve his defense...
and you have Joe Mauer. MVP. There should not be a question.
[10] I don’t think that necessarily follows, at least if you’re talking starting the fight.
If Carlson hadn't made the conscious decision to stand at homeplate while Posada scored, Posada wouldn't have been able to brush him with an elbow. Plus, just because you are brushed with an elbow, it doesn't give you license to yell invectives at a person.
So again, I really think that both are equally at fault, and apparently, so did Big Bob Watson.
[12] It is obviously intentionally over the top.
[13] Jeter also has the 2nd best OPS among AL SSs. A player's position does provide context. Of course, that doesn't mean that he deserves to beat out Mauer, because he doesn't.
[14] Maybe it was both their faults, but I don't think you can say the suspensions and fines say anything about who started it.
I think Carlson got three days and the largest fine because he's the one who punched Girardi in the face. Hitting another player is one thing, hitting a manager is something else.
[15] Clearly, and I'm not taking them to task at all...seriously I think those guys are great.
but something like the piece Tommy Craggs did a few days ago is done with a completely straight face. (http://tinyurl.com/kujaox)
it becomes off-putting after a while. I'm not saying that Jeter MUST win the MVP, I'm just saying it is possible to make the case and not be a complete moron.
Hey. Where's the damn game thread???
[17] Usually the aggressor gets a longer suspension. That no one did is telling, imo.
Girardi told Francesa on WFAN that he was elbowed by one of his own players.
WTG, Gaudin.
Oh, that Chad Gaudin.
welp say hello to Aceves
3 hard hit balls including a shot off his arm. Ugh. Hang tight, Gaudin.
Yeesh.
I wonder if there's an actual Major League Baseball game on somewhere.
Not too lucky.
[20] Carlson did get the larger fine, though, according to AP.
AP also quotes the umpire as saying Posada's elbow shove of Carlson was "very unsportsmanlike" and a "cheap shot."
And he ejected Posada immediately, before there was time for "invective."
And Posada has a stiff neck because of the fight. Just great.
That's more like it. Good play.
[27] So Carlson was > 50% at fault? ;)
That comment was a joke.
I'm not saying that Posada is smart.
A-Rod's defense has been much improved lately.
Myles Brad died today...I really hope that, for his own sake, Bobby Knight keeps his mouth shut
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/sports/17brand.html?ref=sports
[29] I don't think Carlson did anything that could be called unsportsmanlike or a cheap shot before the brawl. Was he an angel? No way. He threw behind Posada, and I absolutely believe it was intentional.
But that's part of baseball. Look at it from their side, and it seems totally justified. We plunked Encarnacion after he homered off us, then we hit their star player. You knew retaliation was coming.
Pity poor Melancon. I'm sure he didn't mean it, but if he keeps doing it, no one's going to believe him.
I like an ump who calls a strike even when the pitcher misses the target by a wide margin. Just sayin'.
Hairston continues to show that he is a bad defensive player...at a variety of positions.
Jeez. Jerry needs to change his cleats or something.
I like how Gaudin is trapping the batters into hitting the ball hard and a long way, so that our outfielders can make catches near the wall. Hairston seems to have missed that page in the playbook, but still.
Giambi-esque. : O
Almost any time a player of Teix's caliber as a FA, the Yankees need to sign him.
Okay, I think I'm prepared to commit myself: Teixeira is a better player than Hairston. I know these things are very subjective, but I'm pretty well convinced.
[37] Giambi would have missed home plate by 20 feet.
[37] True, Teix's throw (from his knees) was very comparable to one of GIambi's throws.
I think Melky is better at coming in on balls, and Gardner is better going toward the wall.
By the way, our Magic Number for the PS as the WC is 6 (Texas)
[40] yeah but he probably would've said or done something hilarious in the process
The Reds are honoring Hall of Fame writer Hal McCoy tonight. McCoy is a victim of the newspaper problems we've sometimes discussed here. His paper, the Dayton Daily News, will no longer be covering baseball for financial reasons, and so they don't need their beat writer any more.
Hal McCoy is legally blind. He almost quit when he lost his vision. He likes to tell the story of how Aaron Boone convinced him not to. He likes to think Boone's walkoff homer for the Yanks was his reward for that.
That isn't right.
[43] We may well clinch at Home against Boston, or in LA.
Damn you Aaron Hill. Bastard.
Here we go again.....................................................................
[44] Very true.
Giambi seems to be thriving in the thin air of Colorado.
[40,41] So quickly you guys forget all those 3-6-3's Giambi started. lol.
[31] Nice site. Interesting. Good clean, readable design too.
Unlucky with BABIP.
Crud.
Lousy pitcher, hard hits, no Score Truck.
Plus, just because you are brushed with an elbow, it doesn’t give you license to yell invectives at a person.
Awww, po widdle Posada got his fee-wings hurt?
He should've left it at the bump. He got his "shot" in, there was nothing further to do or to prove. Instead he goes after a scrub reliever. Now he has a stiff neck. At least he has time off to rest... And seeing that Joba, the consistently brittle AJ, Teix, and CC were all in the middle of the scrum, a lot could've gone wrong over some picayune bs.
I'll say it again, Posada was a dumbass.
[50] I'm happy for him. It kinda sucks that the disappointments of 2002-08 will most likely go down as "The Giambi Era"
Derek Jeter/WR
Raf,
We know where you stand. Let it go.
[57] Ooops!
[59] No way a football goes through his legs.
Runs...
[60] Derek Jeter/C?
Hooray for Torii!
[56] On the other hand, as I frequently tell my Orioles fan friends ( I live in DC, I run into them) it has been since the addition of Mike Mussina that the Yankees have failed to win the World Series. I'm thinking good karma for the Bombers this year.
Speaking of DC, home of the team who allegedly tried to get Tex, Adam Dunn, the second prize, actually has more home runs. Oh, and an often woeful glove, but still.
[62] He'd have to change his view on PEDs.
[64] Are you really arguing that signing Moose was a negative?
Including tonight, 4 out of the last 6 games have been mildly brain numbing.
I really think the Yanks are playing half-assed. They think they have their post-season ticket punched.
According to Pete Abe, Ian Kennedy pitched 3 perfect innings and struck out 6 tonight for Scranton in the IL finals. Good for him.
[67] Seriously. I'm less rooting on the team then wondering what's going to happen next, in a half-hearted sort of way.
[69] Game's tied, 1-1. Scranton lost the first game. I was thinking of going to tomorrow night's game. If they lose tonight, tomorrow might be the last game of the year.
The Yankees can't possibly lose four of six to this awful team, can they?
Why wasnt the infield in for Barajas?
Just wondering.
Durham leading now, 2-1. Thanks, Igawa.
Time to kick butt.
This is brual
[66] Just a factual statement. Although, I do think that going after Mussina was part of the back-to-the-future Steinbrenner big money moves that contradicted the philosophy and the results of the Steinbrenner-banned-from-baseball era.
Jesus Christ, its the fucking Blue Jays. BEAT THEM.
[72] Sure, why not. Wouldn't be the first time they play poorly against an inferior opponent.
I jokingly said that last night's scrum would at least fire up the troops for a few days. Joke indeed. boo
[77] Big money moves like Danny Tartabull? They went after Cone, Bonds and Maddux as well.
[77] It's also factual that they haven't won a WS since Clay Bellinger left.
How do you think they were going to go back to the "Steinbrenner-banned-from-baseball era" when they had failed to draft any quality pitchers?
It is precisely because of that failure that signing Mussina was one of the best free agent signing the Yankees ever made.
You are seriously confusing cause and effect.
[79] Playing teams like Baltimore and Toronto should have been the Yankees chance to lock up the division. Losing four of five and (four of six over all to Toronto) would be a major missed opportunity. This team is playing and being managed like they've already got the playoffs, division and home field wrapped up.
And as if on cue, here's Bruney.
Why is Brian Bruney in a close game?
How do you think they were going to go back to the “Steinbrenner-banned-from-baseball era” when they had failed to draft any quality pitchers?
If you look at the transactions made, during that timespan, that really wasn't as big a problem as you think.
Does Joe Girardi realize that if he doesn't start stepping on the gas, they are going to be the author of an epic colapse? Why is Damon sitting, Hairston batting 2ND and Hughes not in this game?
When are the auditions going to stop?
Hey Joe. Red Sox tied the game. If we lose and they win, its 5.5. It was NINE on Friday.
But hey, by all means, use Brian Bruney.
[86] What do you think the odds are that the Yanks collapse?
[86] oh please. i want my guys rested and geared up for the playoffs. Not three weeks too early.
Red Sox winning. But at least we saw what Bruney can do.
i see the panic is out in full force.
When is Girardi going to figure out that Bruney absolutely blows. No excuse for using him here, at all.
Oh good. I was hoping we'd see a pennant race this year.
This team is playing and being managed like they’ve already got the playoffs, division and home field wrapped up
I will be very surprised if the Yankees miss the playoffs. As for the division and home field, given the random nature of the playoffs I don't think they make that much of a difference. IIRC, there isn't a correlation between wins and playoff success.
hmmmm, not sure why Hairston didn't throw home...
The Halos left Saunders in a mere 9 batters too long.
Scioscia is the overratedest manager in baseball.
If you look at the transactions made, during that timespan, that really wasn’t as big a problem as you think.
That's almost like asking me to prove a negative.
The question that needs to be asked is would the Yankees have had more options and more depth if they had drafted more quality starters.
How can the answer to that question be no?
It's one of the primary reasons why they had to replace Clemens, Wells, El Duque, and Pettitte with Brown, Weaver, and Vazquez.
Mussina, otoh, was a terrific replacement.
I'm starting to HATE Hairston.
[91] We've manufactured a pennant race in five days.
[86] Hughes isn't in the game because it isn't the 8th inning. Thought everyone knew that. :)
I'm not panicked at all, but this team is playing like shit.
The Yanks aren't going to miss the playoffs- no chance. But I'd still like to wrap the East up a little tighter before throwing games away. I do think playing either 3 games or 4 games at Fenway could make a huge difference.
[88] When you consider who the Yankees play over the last 9 games, I think it is unnecessarily high. The Yankees were a locomotive and Girardi decided to stop stoking the coals. It's really a shame that the Yankees championship aspirations are seriously impinged by the incompetence of their manager.
[94] If you think (and it seems like Girardi agrees) that the division and homefield are not important, fine. I just hope that by the time the Yankees start trying to win again, we haven't created a situation we can't dig ourselves out of.
[101] So what do you think the odds are? (I'm interested in what you consider to be "seriously impinged".)
It all started with Jeter's hit record.
Wow...Boston is now up 5-3. In a few innings, the lead will be down to 5.5. Someone better get word to Girardi that this race for the division isn't over...almost entirely because of how he has handled the last week.
It’s one of the primary reasons why they had to replace Clemens, Wells, El Duque, and Pettitte with Brown, Weaver, and Vazquez.
And of the 4 guys you listed, only one Pettitte was drafted. The rest were free agents. The draft is but only one way to acquire players.
Weaver and Vazquez were the young cost controlled starters that you seem to crave. Were you against the deals made at the time?
[100] There are two ways to do this. Go full gas until you have a lock-safe margin beyond all doubt. Start easing up when the odds are in your favor and if things start to pull in on ya (which is NOT when the division lead is still >5 games in my opinion) gear up earlier than planned. Either way, you want to gear up that last week of the season imo. I just prefer the latter approach. I think it is smarter. But I think both have merit.
[102] It's not very important. This is pretty clear. The Yankees have an excellent road record. There's plainly some advantage to playing a seventh game at home, but let's face it, the chances of playing a seventh game in the ALCS are small to begin with.
[106] er, Clemens was traded to NY
[89] Well, hopefully they'll be nice rested for a first round series against Anaheim. Then, after they get bounced again, they can rest all off season. That formula has certainly worked for this team in the past.
[100] By playing the B team, using the C relievers and generally playing like shit against lousy baseball teams, we've turned a laugher of a race competitive. Why should I believe that will just stop when the Yankees need to get going again?
personally I'd rather have the Yankees have a listless week now than 3 weeks from now
[110] Oh, so what do you think are the odds that the Yankees play a first round against Anaheim?
[103] I'd say they have at least a 30% chance of blowing this. The impingement stems from more than that though...if the Yankees aren't on the very top of their game, I expect Girardi's poor management to cost them in the playoffs.
[110] The Yanks have been bounced from the 1st round when they were rested, they've been bounced from the first round when they weren't.
[106] Raf,
You are changing the question.
My point is that the Yankees would be better off if they drafted better. You can't rebut that.
To answer your new question, being able to get players of Clemens, Wells, and El Duque's character is part luck and also a function of lack of true revenue sharing in prior CBAs.
Because that changed, Weaver, Vazquez et al were the best options.
As I have pointed out to you before, one of the best features of growing your own is that they learn to play in NY at a very early age. They never know another situation. With the Weavers and Vazquezes, whether or not they can play in NY is all projection.
Again, drafting well increases the margin for error.
[114] You think the Yankees have a 30% chance of losing the division???
Seriously, is there any way we can actually bet? I'll give you 10 to 1 (and feel like I'm stealing your money).
[112] Its one thing to play listlessly. Its another to punt games almost intentionally. How many times have we seen fringe major leaguers like Edwar, Bruney and Dunn this week? Why is Jerry Hairston batting second?
[108] The Yankees have an excellent road record, but not at Fneway or Anaheim. If the Yankees don't think the homefield is important here (not to mention having to play both Boston and Anaheim), they'll be watching the ALCS from home. This team does not have the pedigree to coast into the playoffs. They need every advantage they can get.
[118] Why is Jerry Hairston batting second?
Miguel Cairo syndrome?
[115] Exactly...which is why I don't see the merit in resting players three weeks before the post season.
[114] so you think they must go full gas now to play well in the playoffs in three weeks?
[117] If the Yankees continue to play and manage as if the games don't matter, why can't they blow this? Or do you think we'll hit a predetermined point where Girardi is going to say "okay, now we try to win again?"
Must. Take. Advantage.
Damon has sucked lately. Time to change that.
[117] If Girardi keeps managing to rest players and not to win, then yes, I think the chances are that high. Boston has 7 games coming up against Baltimore and KC. The Yankees go to the west coast and face King Felix in one game. A 2-4 / 6-1 swing would yield a lead of 2 games!!!
[119] The Yankees have an excellent road record, but not at Fneway or Anaheim.
Small sample size.
If the Yankees don’t think the homefield is important here (not to mention having to play both Boston and Anaheim), they’ll be watching the ALCS from home.
So you are absolutely certain they will be playing a fifth game in the Wild Card game. (Because otherwise home field advantage will make no difference.) That's prescient.
This team does not have the pedigree to coast into the playoffs.
Uh.
Pedigree??
[122] There's no middle ground between full gas and rolling backwards downhill? At the time, I had no problem with playing Friday's game like we had a nine game lead, because we did. I also never assumed we would continue doing that for the rest of the week.
[122] I think you need to go full gas to win MLB games, and you should try to win until you have an insurmountable leade.
[126] Baseball Prospectus thinks there is a 3% chance that the Yankees fail to win the Division. So I figure giving you 10 to 1 odds gives me a nice cushion and still pretty much fleeces you. (If I get pot odds like that in poker, I have to strain to keep myself from drooling.)
Come on Johnny.
NOW HUGHES IS UP?
Still sucking.
He tipped that?
[127] You honestly think sample size is relevant? You don't think Boston and Anaheim are much better off playing the Yankees at home? Seriously?
My point is that the Yankees would be better off if they drafted better. You can’t rebut that.
Of course I can. How many pitchers have made it that have been drafted?
Because that changed, Weaver, Vazquez et al were the best options
Weaver, Vazquez and Brown were salary dumps
With the Weavers and Vazquezes, whether or not they can play in NY is all projection.
The "some players don't have what it takes to play in NY" meme again. So did Weaver bomb in Anaheim, Seattle and St. Louis because he couldn't handle the pressure of playing with them?
Again, drafting well increases the margin for error.
Tis but a small part, one that is often overplayed. There have been more players that have drafted and failed than succeeded.
[130] When BP runs their projections, do they assume each team is fielding their best team? I realize you like to look at generalizations when making your point, but the context in this situation is clear. If the Yankees continue to treat these games as warmups, they'll be hoping on a flight to Anaheim to open the playoffs.
I'm not so sure Joe "wants" a split, Michael. I don't think he'd reject it, but whatever happens happens.
[129] umm we're still 6-4 inour last 10 games and we still have a 6.5 game lead in the division and a 6 game lead on homefield advantage. There are ONLY 16 games left. The odds of losing either lead or really small even for the Nationals. I think we're ok. Could lightning strike and have us lose one or both? yes, but I don't bet on it or strategize for it.
[139] Would you be comfortable playing the Red Sox next week with a three game lead?
[139] Take a look at the schedule....it tilts toward Boston after this series. The Yankees really needed to win this game, and the way to do that was not to play a quasi-A team today.
[135] Of course sample size is relevant. It's always relevant. I must be misunderstanding you.
I do think the Sox and Angels are better at home. Whether they're "much" better depends on how you'd quantify "much", I guess. I would say it's a small advantage. Against the Yankees, they might be 55-45 at home.
Why not pinch-hit with Posada here? D'oh!
Oh, look, the Red Sox stopped trying! What a break for us.
[136]
Of course I can. How many pitchers have made it that have been drafted?
How does that alter the unassailable fact that the Yankees would be better off if they drafted well?
Weaver, Vazquez and Brown were salary dumps.
So was Clemens. Salary dumps like Clemens are rarer under subsequent CBAs. That's my point.
The “some players don’t have what it takes to play in NY” meme again. So did Weaver bomb in Anaheim, Seattle and St. Louis because he couldn’t handle the pressure of playing with them?
I never said it was the only hurdle, merely another one. Ask Randy Johnson, although granted, he was a physically diminished pitcher in NY.
Tis but a small part, one that is often overplayed. There have been more players that have drafted and failed than succeeded.
Who knew?
Drafting well helps ensure success. It's not really that complicated.
[140] That's also the point...part of the "odds" of the Yankees holding on also include a tight last 10 games, which clearly wouldn't allow the Yankees to tuneup before the playoffs at the right time. So, basically, they would rest in mid-September, but have to step it up later on. Makes no sense.
[141] The team we put on the field isn't as bad as the order we put them in and the fact that Bruney was allowed to come in and make the situation worse.
[140] No but it probably won't happen. If we play .333 ball the rest of the way our magic number cuts in half. If we play .500 ball it cuts in 2/3. I might get hit by a car tomorrow but I don't plan for it.
[142] My point is even though the sample is "small" this season, the home advantage of both teams is wll established over time.
[137] Well, they assume that the teams field the teams they've been fielding. Nobody puts their best team on the field every day. (Notice that the Red Sox are playing without Martinez and Youkalis today, and also yesterday.)
[143] yep...
I'd PH here.
Stop playing this POS.
[149] Oh, okay, fair point.
[147] My only beef with the lineup is that Swisher should be batting second
Nope, batting Hairston second wasn't a big deal...not at all. Who could possibly foresee a problem using one of your weaker hitters at the top of the lineup.
[148] And what point do you think we'll start playing to win games again? Or do you think we'll just win enough by accident in that time to make the series irrelevant?
[150] Youkilis is hurt and VMart had a personal problem. They aren't "resting".
ok have fun folks. I'm off.
[155] I agree. If we switched Swisher and Hairston, the only real complaint I'd have is this Bruney Fetish.
[152] I don't understand why Hinske wasn't the guy in that situation. He's a lefty with pop who could easily take over LF for Hairston (or Damon could and Cervelli could plop into the two-hole.
[157] already stated earlier that you rest until the lead is no longer >5 games. If you can't crank it up then and win the handful of games you need to win, you aren't going to win in the playoffs anyhow. ok off for real.
[158] What does that have to do with it? The BP odds are based on their participation.
Hughes is in now and Hairston is out!!! Are you kidding me? Girardi has officially passed incompetence.
So we switch Hairston out now.
Wow, all of those runs the Angels just scored were unearned.
Who and/or what is Kevin Jepsen?
[155] That's a huge beef though.
I'm glad Girardi saved Hughes until the deficit reached two runs.
Why did they remove Hairston? Is he hurt?
If you're going to pull him, why not pinch-hit for him?
And why pull him, when he's your last catcher?
[163] I am not really interested in the BP odds...just in the Yankees trying make every reasonable attempt to win this game. Girardi has done several things in this game (and many recent games) that can't be justified.
Hughes needs to throw the curve more.
[169] WE HAVE TO SEE WHAT BRUNEY CAN DO
Way to waste him, Joe.
[171] What were the BP odds for the Mets the last two years?
[170] And why not PH for him? And why use your SB threat off the bench by putting him in the lineup? That move is idiotic on so many levels.
[173] Stevie Wonder knows what Bruney can do. Just sayin'.
This just in.. the sky is also nearly falling on the Angels, Tigers, Cardinals, and Dodgers. Lots of 6.5 to 4 game leads as well as 6 and 5 back in the division all disappearing tonight. I know.I know. "Why should I care about any other team beside the Yankees?" : D
How does that alter the unassailable fact that the Yankees would be better off if they drafted well?
Because you're putting too much stock in the draft. Especially considering that the Yankees, who have used a combination of drafting, trades, and free agency to put together a run where they were one of the top teams in the league since 1994
So was Clemens. Salary dumps like Clemens are rarer under subsequent CBAs. That’s my point.
Really? Abreu & Lidle were dumped on the Yanks a couple of years ago. The Jays dumped Rios on the White Sox this year. Kazmir was dumped on the Angels this year. I would say that teams are unloading players at the same rate, and if they aren't, the difference is negligible.
Drafting well helps ensure success. It’s not really that complicated.
Name these well run teams that have drafted so well that they sustained a playoff run like the Yanks, or even remained competitive for that period. Off the top of my head, I can only come up with the Braves?
[178] All I care about is that Girardi gives the team the best chance to win. I haven't seen that lately.
[176] We had a double steal the other day. We weren't actually going to try to steal a base late in the late innings of a game for the rest of the year anyway. We still have Pena to pinch run and stand there if the situation calls for it
I still can't believe in two big spots, Girardi rolled the dice with Bruney and Hairston. Mind boggling.
[171] Okay. I thought you were interested in the BP odds because of [137] (the chain goes:
137 - 150 - 158 -163 - 171 - this here comment.)
[177] Of course he does. But WE HAVE TO SEE WHAT BRUNEY CAN DO!
[178] The Angels are winning, actually. (The Red Sox decided not to give their best effort for some reason.)
[183] BP odds are fun, but their relevance pales in comparison to an assessment of the specifics. The next week's schedule is much more important to me than an over generalization.
Huge hit by Matsui!
FORE!!!!! Holy Golf Shot.
Love Godzilla.
Mr OK Jazz, that's your cue!
Funny enough, as negative as I've been tonight, I had a really good feeling all AB there.
yeah matsui
hi team - clearly the yanks just needed me to come home, put the game on, and join the game thread!
YAAAYYYYY!!!!!
[186] No, you are completely wrong about that. Your subjective assessment of the specifics is interesting, but it's kids' stuff compared to BP odds.
Baseball Prospectus knows next week's schedule, by the way.
[190] ;)
[185] You keep joking, but do you really think Hairston batting second and Bruney at all is putting the best team forward?
[190] Thank god you're back.
[179]
Because you’re putting too much stock in the draft. Especially considering that the Yankees, who have used a combination of drafting, trades, and free agency to put together a run where they were one of the top teams in the league since 1994
No, I'm not. I'm merely arguing that drafting well confers a benefit. You still haven't rebutted that.
Really? Abreu & Lidle were dumped on the Yanks a couple of years ago. The Jays dumped Rios on the White Sox this year. Kazmir was dumped on the Angels this year. I would say that teams are unloading players at the same rate, and if they aren’t, the difference is negligible
All but Kazmir aren't top notch starting pitchers, and Kazmir is fragile.
We got Cone and Clemens as salary dumps. Nothing you mentioned compares.
The original issue was Mussina was a bad signing. I think that's dumb. So I'm not sure what Abreu and Lidle add to the conversation.
Name these well run teams that have drafted so well that they sustained a playoff run like the Yanks, or even remained competitive for that period. Off the top of my head, I can only come up with the Braves
Wait. Because other teams haven't drafted well it negates the need to draft well?
That's awfully circular.
MAT!
[185] Apparently, you can't see the difference between the two situations, so it's probably a worthless debate. I am in the camp that says you don't ease up with three weeks left. If you, like Girardi, think simply making the playoffs is the goal, then I wont try to convince you otherwise.
[185] Did you catch Girardi whispering motivationally (too much FJM today) into Matsui's ear before his ab? : )
[194] I think it hardly matters at all. The team is definitely better with Swisher second, but it's better by a tiny amount, and we're going to win the Division.
[199] And Bruney?
looking through today's thread makes me so grateful for never doing so a year ago
[190]
You GO girl!
I really do hate depending on home runs, though. I LOVED the steal against the Angels. And thought that was Girardi at his best.
[192] But it doesn't know how long Joba will go, if Andy will start and how unlucky Mitre will be. It also doesn't tell you if the Yankees will have to over extend themselves holding on to the lead. As someone earlier mentioned, I am sure BP couldn't fathom the Mets collapsing two years in a row, but those actually watching the team definitely got a sense of what was coming. You can have your BP odds, but I prefer to deal with the here and now.
But will Phil pitch the 9th? (no way) Or will Mo be warming soon?
[202] I thought that was Joe Girardi not being Joe Girardi.
[197] The goal is to win the World Series. There is no other goal.
If you think that's not Girardi's goal, then you're in Fantasyland (as long as we're slinging stupid insults).
[200] What's the difference who he plays? BP says the Yankees will win the division, so it must be so.
I'm listening to Ray Charles sing America the Beautiful. My mood has gotten much better.
[203] mitre is guaranteed to be unlucky - hell in the game he was throwing a perfecto he got drilled in the arm - so i am sure all projection systems have his unluckines factored in :}
[206] If the goal is to win the WS, then winning the division and homefield should be a priority. I think Girardi's goal is to win a championship, but think his approach is awful. Similarly, when he bunts with a Nick Swisher, I am sure he is trying to win the game, but the approach is idiotic.
[206] And, what in [197] was an insult?
calm down melky and get your pitch
In other news, Texas is doing everything they can to get us in the playoffs anyway
But it doesn’t know how long Joba will go, if Andy will start and how unlucky Mitre will be.
But neither do you.
The difference is that BP's projection looks at all the various things that could go wrong or right and plugs them in, then runs ten thousand simulations. Sometimes various players are lucky, sometimes a whole team is unlucky... all that's factored in. Whereas you just give your subjective assessment.
Obviously, you're entitled to do that, but it's not very rational.
You can have your BP odds, but I prefer to deal with the here and now.
Whatever that means.
[211] "Apparently, you can’t see the difference between the two situations"
[214] A subjective assessment isn't rational? Maybe they should just run simlations then instead of doing something irrational like actually play these games.
[210] [206] If the goal is to win the WS, then winning the division and homefield should be a priority
It's helpful, but there are other priorities.
[215] Well, there is a difference between not playing someone due to injury and using Brian Bruney in a close game out of...boredom?
No, I’m not. I’m merely arguing that drafting well confers a benefit. You still haven’t rebutted that.
And I'm asking you to show a team that has this ability to draft well, that has had the success the Yanks have had. Fine, teams need to draft well in order to maintain success. You don't think GM's don't know this? Name these teams that have drafted well.
All but Kazmir aren’t top notch starting pitchers, and Kazmir is fragile.
What difference does it make? They were salary dumps, which according to you don't happen because of the new CBA's
Nothing you mentioned compares.
They compare, because they were salary dumps.
Wait. Because other teams haven’t drafted well it negates the need to draft well?
That’s awfully circular
Well, you said it yourself that "drafting well confers a benefit." I'm sure if it were that easy that teams would be falling all over themselves to have great drafts. So based on the number of teams in MLB, I'm sure you have an example of a team that has drafted well, and has maintained success. You make it sound so easy.
[215] You think that's an insult? You compared the Red Sox losing a game to the argument citing specific examples why Girardi wasn't fielding an optimal team. If you "can't see the difference between those two situations" then the difference in opinion is so fundamental that a debate is worthless.
[216] Huh?
That's like saying, subjective assessments of the weather are just as rational as scientific predictions, because otherwise they could just run simulations instead of having weather.
What does one have to do with the other?
Yes, I think relying on subjective assessments in the face of serious, evidence-based, objective assessments, is not very rational.
So, Hughes for only one. I guess the same holds for Mo. With Cervelli and Gardner coming up, that makes it likely the Yankees will have to rely on Albaledejo even if Mo gets out of this inning.
Why can't Hughes pitch?
I know, he just can't.
[220] Obviously it's an insult. Now you're just being disingenuous.
[217] In your opinion. I have a different one. As long as your position is that winning these games isn't very important than I can agree to disagree. If, however, you think Girardi is going all out in these games, well, then I would strongly object.
I hate seeing Rivera throw to second.
That reminded me of Game 7.
BTW, we'd be winning if we didn't screw around with Bruney
[227] SHUT UP.
Please.
[221] What's the purpose of that analogy? Are you really comparing the "science" behind BP's simulations to meteorology?
[230] Yes.
Jesus, what a pitch was that 0-1.
[228] mk would disagree and point out the fallacy of the pre-determined outcome
[224] Obviously, it wasn't. If you took it as one, I gladly apologize, but it certainly wasn't intended that way. Now, it is kind of insulting to be called disingenuous.
Oh, man, that was a beautiful pitch (ball two -- it was a ball, but it was so unhittable and tempting).
[170] Cervelli is the last catcher and...
[176] Freddy Guzman is also a pinch-runner type.
The 40-man. It's crazy.
[201] Ah, they weren't that bad. I enjoyed them. Understand that last year was an uphill battle, given that they were giving away 3 outs per game.
[208] Tis a beautiful song.
[213] I think they're just about done anyway.
Whew! Let's win this in the 9th!
[229] Sorry!
Angels wasted a golden opportunity and now Boston is rallying. The Yankees need to win this game.
[234] It is, you're right. My apologies.
(Never any hard feelings on my side when we argue, by the way, William.)
OK, fire up the cool whip
Dennis the Menace up with two on and no out in Boston
[236] Oh, you're right. That is their last catcher. Boy, that brawl was a bad idea.
[233] SHUT UP!
Please.
Rangers lose. Playoff magic number is five
[239] Who the hell is Jason Reddick, anyway?
[223] Because it isn't the 8th inning?
[231] Another fundamental disagreement then. One is comparing the actions of humans and the other is trying to predict natural events. There is no relevance between the two, IMO.
[246] he played some when the yanks played boston in the middle of the year - very, very fast - i think that is his only baseball skill
[244] my sincerest apologies. :}
[240] Nor do I...I never intend to include insults in any debate.
yeah gritner on
leadoff single!
Love Brett Gardner.
[219] And I’m asking you to show a team that has this ability to draft well, that has had the success the Yanks have had. Fine, teams need to draft well in order to maintain success. You don’t think GM’s don’t know this? Name these teams that have drafted well.
Over the last ten to fifteen years, Minnesota. Tampa Bay. Atlanta. San Francisco. Oakland.
Lately, Boston, Detroit, and to some extent NY.
You also need to be able to keep your players as they approach arbitration and supplement the draftees with good trades and smart free agent signings.
The Yankees have a huge payroll advantage. It's not like it's a fair regular season competition.
What difference does it make? They were salary dumps, which according to you don’t happen because of the new CBA’s
At [11]] I said:
To answer your new question, being able to get players of Clemens, Wells, and El Duque’s character is part luck and also a function of lack of true revenue sharing in prior CBAs.
I forgot to mention Cone. So my point was about being able to get very good pitchers who could handle NY. Part of the reason they could do that was the salary dumps of high caliber pitchers. It wasn't about any salary dump. Obviously, you'd rather dump Abreu or Lidle than Cone.
They compare, because they were salary dumps.
I have already rebutted this misconception.
Well, you said it yourself that “drafting well confers a benefit.” I’m sure if it were that easy that teams would be falling all over themselves to have great drafts. So based on the number of teams in MLB, I’m sure you have an example of a team that has drafted well, and has maintained success. You make it sound so easy.
Who said it was easy? I said it was important.
I actually said the opposite. That is, Mussina was a great signing because they drafted poorly. Granted, there were multiple reasons for that.
[239] i feel more urgency when the angels are winning
[248] Well, humans are part of nature, too.
Can't bunt with the lineup set up the way it is.
Steal. THEN bunt. That's my take.
Correction:
At [116] I said:
[256] But probably a little more complex and unpredictable than a low front.
Gardner has to go...if Jeter hits into a DP it would be unforgivable.
nice jump
WTG, Brett.
Man, the Angels can't beat the Red Sox.
[260] Both unpredictable. Each complex in its own way.
You don't try to predict what a particular batter will do on a particular occasion (Sterling's Law!), and you don't try to predict what a particular water molecule will do either. You go with the trends and make your predictions about the long run.
that was a bit scary for his thumb how he slid into 2nd
[250] Agreed. Haven't seen you do it here nor @ the old site...
Gardner doing what he's supposed to do...
[258] Doubt's that going to happen with 2 strikes. Wouldn't be surprised to see Gardner try to take 3rd.
[265] (Sterling’s Law!)
Heh.
FLY BALL
Productive out. Let's get him in.
Small ball, baby.
I missed Gardner while he was gone.
OK Joe...now is the time to bunt. This situation screams for a suicide bunt.
Oh Christ, Cervelli is up.
Runner on 3rd less than 2 out, squeeze?
[272] We don't do that.
Even a safety squeeze makes sense here.
swing away?
yeah just a bit more in the dirt to throw a wild pitch
Long fly would be very, very cool.
I don't get it...he'll bunt in the worst spots, but not when doing so could win the game?
[277] see [276]
[273] Yep, with you on this one. Go for it.
Wow...what the hell is Girardi doing?????
chit... so much for the bunt. Cervelli locked up...
Done.
YES!
yeah way to go frankie brains
Okay, I feel really goo for Cervelli
Brains PIe. : O
Never gets old, it just never gets old.
this was nice - i only saw the good part of this game
Way to go Cervelli!
He picks up the manager. Girardi's game management is dumbfounding.
[289] Me too. A big pie full of goo!
Cervelli can hit.
Division Magic number: 11
Playoff Magic number: 4
COOL WHIP!
Tie game in Boston...damn it.
Cervelli trying to outrun everbody was priceless.
If only AJ could command his pitches the way he commands his pies.
Red Sox tied it up. Little Bugger is up with men on first and second
[292] The bad parts weren't even bad so much as... meh.
So exciting!
I'm so happy for this guy. I'll never call him Cervix again!
Does Kay still think the Castillo game doesn't count as a walk off win?
How awesome for Cervelli. I really like that guy.
Why are the Angels able to beat the Yankees, but not Boston? I know it's not popular, but it has have something to do with pyschology.
[306] Most things have something to do with psychology.
The Red Sox have a catcher named Dusty Brown?
[307] I agree, but not everyone does.
[308] Can never have to many Dusties.
[306] It's really bizarre, isn't it? Maybe Abreu can reverse it right now.
[310] Did you see that Bobby is second in doubles for the decade?
(Verducci published his "team of the decade" column with leaders in various categories.)
Props to Cervelli, good win.
Michael Kay is driving me nuts.
WOOHOO!
El Come Dulce!
Love Bobby. Remember how much we love Bobby Abreu?
Oh Christ. Brian Fuentes against 3-4-5
I wonder why Papelbon wasn't pitching. Interesting. Not like Tito to get hung up on the "closer only with the lead" nonsense.
[317] Supposedly he had back problems of some kind. Or maybe he didn't "feel it" today.
[318] Ah, thanks. I'm not watching, only following on Gameday.
[315] i miss him, no so much in rf - but i definitely miss him at the plate.
[305] yeah - cervelli is very endearing.
I should add that Abreu is also second in BB, to Barry Bonds, of course (and not exactly a close second), and second in times on base. Hell of a decade for Bobby.
Well, they could bring Abreu back next year as an OF/DH if they decide to let Matsui and/or Damon go. Personally, I think they are making a mistake looking at the DH slot as a place to simply rest the regulars and hope they back off of that approach, if that is really how they are leaning.
[317] He has pitched 2 of the last 3, and the Red Sox are usually very cautious with Papelbon.
[322] I agree...if you can put a good bat in the DH slot, you shouldn't worry about the lack of flexibility.
[316] With Bay retired, that 3-4-5 is just Lowell and Ortiz. Doesn't have the same scary feel that Manny and Ortiz and Youkalis used to have.
It's funny, the Angels announcers are talking about this game in the same way the Yankees/we were talking about Monday's game.
Brian Fuentes.
Crap..walk to big Papi to bring up Drew.
Jesus Christ
1st and 2nd on a slow grounder...incredible.
Wow, Dusty Brown is actually batting!
So I spent the entire 9th inning trying to get rid of a tonsil stone...so that was fun.
after all the hand wrining on here tonight, it really would be fitting for the Yankees to end up gaining a game in the standings
Oh, he's not. Damn.
Over the last ten to fifteen years, Minnesota. Tampa Bay. Atlanta. San Francisco. Oakland.
Lately, Boston, Detroit, and to some extent NY.
Of the teams mentioned, only the Red Sox and Braves compare WRT on field success. To boot, they've also been fairly active on the FA market.
So my point was about being able to get very good pitchers who could handle NY
That's the thing. If they have game, they can pitch anywhere. If a pitcher fails in NY, I'm pretty sure that there are other, more concrete reason for them failing. Pitchers fail elsewhere, and it's attributed to those reasons, why should NY be any different?
Part of the reason they could do that was the salary dumps of high caliber pitchers.
Ok, so then you change the names to Colon, Vazquez, Santana, Sabathia, Bedard, etc. Point still stands that high salaried players/pitchers are still moved for relief
I said it was important.
And I understand that. My overall point is that it doesn't happen too often for a number of reasons. Of the teams you listed, only the Yankees, Braves and Red Sox have had sustained success. And for all the Braves' success, they're going on their 4th consecutive year where they'll be on the outside looking in.
These teams may have drafted well, sure, but they were active players in the FA market, and they were also positioned to take advantage of smaller market teams. Why do they get more credit for players that they've drafted as opposed to players that were acquired from outside the organization?
The Red Sox are Michael Myers
My goodness...it feels like the Red Sox are doing to Anaheim exactly what Anaheim does to the Yankees.
Very exciting ninth!
Suzyn asked Girardi the obvious question, and Girardi answers:
If Hinske had pinch hit for Hairston, the Angels would have brought in Downs, and Accardo doesn't have big L/R splits this year.
Nick Green, .236, to pinch hit. Interesting.
[332] Fitting yes..but, on paper, both outcomes should have been foregone conclusions. Of course, that's why they play the games and why you should field an optimal lineup when doing so.
[338] Actually, Accardo's been far WORSE against RHB this year. Ridiculous reverse splits.
Nick Green just checked his swing, threw is head back as if he just ended the game, but the ump said no swing. Incredible.
He has pitched 2 of the last 3, and the Red Sox are usually very cautious with Papelbon.
I don't know if Wagner and Bard have been used, but those are two other options if Tito decides to pull Papelbon. As well as Saito and Okajima
[341] I think that's what she said, actually, but I didn't catch it distinctly enough.
[338] That shouldn't have been the question. She should have asked why you bat Hairston 2nd in the first place.
[343] Bard is the one who gave it up to Abreu.
He's a good pitcher. He will be very good, maybe great.
3-2...Fuentes sucks.
thanks Fuentes
[343] Bard, Saito, and Okajima were used for sure. Bard is the one that gave up the run in the ninth
[335] Michael Myers, Jason and the Terminator, all rolled into one.
unbeFUCKINGlievable.
Brian Fuentes.
Wow, that wasn't even close to a ball, according to Gameday.
[352] It looked low to me, just eyeballing it
Incredible...why can't the Angels play like this against the Yankees. The Red Sox just sent up 3 of the worst hitters you can find and still tied the score. Anaheim can't beat them.
[352] The check swing was the joke. Green all but walked back to the dugout. That ws a shameful call.
Of course.
Wow, just WOW.
i don't understand why anyone here would be rooting for the angels
The Angels had 17 hits and three BB. Wasn't enough.
Fuck the Angels. Fuck Boston.
Told you Fuentes would fuck this up.
there are two things that make me feel kinda-sorta semi-confident about the possibility of an ALCS against Anaheim (hypothetically of course, seeing as how we haven't seen an ALCS since Mark Bellhorn was a everyday major league ballplayer)
- 1 is that it would be a 7 game series, which is a whole different ball of wax from an ALDS where the slightest little mistake means the end of your season.
- 2 is that the Angels bullpen is clearly not what it used to be.
Red Sox win...something tells me the Yankees will need to win next weekend. Boston is charging now and the Yankees really had to scrape by to beat a crummy Jays team. The schedule favors Boston, so the Yankees better flip the switch back on soon or they'll be sorry.
[358] I wasn't really, but I can't root for the Sox.
[358] Because the Angels have a difficult schedule and Boston plays 7 games against the Orioles and KC.
[362] Your 2 is the key. Their pitching in general.
But they sure can hit.
Alex Gonzalez... Really?
What a joke by that umpire. Just terrible umpiring, that pitch was a perfect strike, not even debatable. And what an effort to get the ball by Juan Rivera. Way to let the ball drop in front of you- hey, you stayed in front of it and didn't give up a double, nice job!
[365] On thing about Boston's schedule, though: no days off. They play every day for the rest of the season.
[369] If Dice-K is healthy, that shouldn't be a problem. There really is no reason to think that Boston wont go 7-1 or 6-2 at least over the next 8. Meanwhile, the Yankees are a good bet to go 3-3 or even 2-4. At best, that would leave the division lead at 4.5 games, but if the worst case scenario holds (which isn't far fetched), the Yankees see their lead would shrink to 2 games in the loss column. That's way too close for comfort.
Listen, the Red Sox are likely to keep winning, but don't forget, that team kind of sucks balls on the road. Against anybody. Away from Fenway, deprived of the advantage of stealing signs and shoving the visiting team into a phone booth-sized dugout, they suck balls.
[371] Baltimore and KC are shutting down pitchers left and right. I don't expect them putting up much of a fight. Hopefulyl Boston stumbles against them like the Yankees did, but I don't expect Francona to treat the games as lightly as Girardi did.
Btw, I know teams change in September, but the truth is that the home and road winning percentages of teams still are pretty revealing about what a team is going to face. Now, the Yankees are about to face a nasty short stretch (but then again, the Yankees aren't frauds on the road like the Suck Sox are).
Check back later tonight - if you recall, I run remaining opponent winning percentages viewing opposing teams as their home and road versions. I'll tell you the *true* remaining opponent winning percentages.
The team versions the Red Sox face aren't *great*, but, again, the Red Sox are paper tigers when separated from their scummy confines.
Who exactly has been shut down? I've been busy and, like Girardi, briefly turned my attention to other things (College Football, in my case). Unlike Girardi, I'm not being paid stupid money to follow my Yanks.
It's not the same, but KC has been tough on Detroit. Anything can happen, just relax a wee bit william :)
[373] Boston is 5-1 at Baltimore this season, so I am not sure why their overall road winning percentage would be more relevant in that case. KC is just awful. Against all teams (mostly weak Central foes), they are 30-44. If the Red Sox lose more than 1 game in those two series, I'll be shocked. The Yankees dropped 5 games to Toronto and Baltimore over the past 2 weeks and that could come back to haunt them. Had Girardi not broken things down, I think they would have won 2 or 3 of those games. I hope that's not the difference.
[375] It is kind of hard to relax when you can't shake that feeling that the Yankees manager thinks everything is sewn up.
One thing that is true is that Yankees and Red Sox games at Baltimore don't fit the traditional definition of road games. Still, I'm not granting the Red Sox anything.
[374] The Royals have shut down Banister and Meche. The Orioles have shut down Matusz are considering doing the same with Tillman. Those two series should be ugly. The Yankees are going to definitely face some pressure this week and the schedule isn't cooperating.
[375] Whether I relax or not is irrelevant. The fact that Girardi has relaxed is what's troublesome. It's evidence of the same poor judgment that leaves me scratching my head during games and has been very worried about the role he'll play in the post season. Girardi has been and remains the team's greatest weakness.
is anyone watching this game?? how the hell did Stewart just hit that out??