The Yankees went 2-12 against the Angels and Red Sox in the first half of this season. Since then, they’ve gone 9-2 against those same two teams. Tonight, they return home from Anaheim having taken two of three from the Halos despite spending most of that series auditioning borderline candidates for the postseason roster, which they’ll do again tonight with Joba Chamberlain making the start. So much for the absurd meme that the Yankees couldn’t beat the “big boys.”
The Yankees clinched a playoff berth in Anaheim and enter this weekend’s series against the Red Sox leading Boston by five-games in the loss column with just just nine games left on the schedule. That puts their magic number at 5 and sets the Yanks up to clinch the division with a weekend sweep. Not that I expect that to happen. Still, just one win in this series would reduce the magic number to 3 and a series win would drop it to 1. Meanwhile, even if the Red Sox sweep the series, the Yankees could clinch by simply splitting their remaining games if the Sox lose just twice in their remaining seven games against the admittedly weak Blue Jays and Indians.
So, once again, the Yankees’ goals in this series are to keep everyone healthy and sort out the final few spots on the postseason roster. Speaking of which, the Red Sox’s current roster is at the end of this post, but below the jump I’ll take a stab at projecting their likely postseason roster.
Let’s start the Red Sox’s postseason roster with the sure things:
The starting nine:
1B – Kevin Youkilis (R)
2B – Dustin Pedroia (R)
SS – Alex Gonzalez (R)
3B – Mike Lowell (R)
C – Victor Martinez (R)
RF – J.D. Drew (L)
CF – Jacoby Ellsbury (L)
LF – Jason Bay (R)
DH – David Ortiz (L)
Key bench players:
S – Jason Varitek (C)
L – Casey Kotchman (1B)
R – Rocco Baldelli (OF)
Guaranteed rotation members:
R – Josh Beckett
L – Jon Lester
R – Clay Buchholz
And top bullpen arms:
R – Jonathan Papelbon
L – Hideki Okajima
R – Dan Bard
L – Billy Wagner
R – Takashi Saito
R – Ramon Ramirez
That’s 21 men. The remaining four will include an infielder (either Jed Lowrie or Nick Green), a fourth starter (either Daisuke Matsuzaka or Tim Wakefield), the rejected starter as a long-man in the bullpen, and either a 12th pitcher Manny Delcarmen, third catcher George Kottaras, or the other infielder. With only pitchers on the disabled list, the Sox can’t loophole speedy outfielder Joey Gathright onto the roster as a pinch-runner as Gathright wasn’t called up until September 1.
As for who the Sox are bringing to the Bronx this weekend . . .
Boston Red Sox
2009 Record: 91-61 (.599)
2009 Pythagorean Record: 90-62 (.592)
Manager: Terry Francona
General Manager: Theo Epstein
Home Ballpark (multi-year Park Factors): Fenway Park (108/106)
Changes:
- Tim Wakefield, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jed Lowrie, Rocco Baldelli, and George Kottaras activated from DL
- IF Chris Woodward, OFs Joey Gathright and Josh Reddick, C Dusty Brown, and LHP Hunter Jones called-up
- Billy Wagner acquired from Mets
- Junichi Tazawa placed on 60-day DL
- Brad Penny released
25-man Roster:
1B – Kevin Youkilis (R)
2B – Dustin Pedroia (R)
SS – Alex Gonzalez (R)
3B – Mike Lowell (R)
C – Victor Martinez (R)
RF – J.D. Drew (L)
CF – Jacoby Ellsbury (L)
LF – Jason Bay (R)
DH – David Ortiz (L)
Bench:
S – Jason Varitek (C)
L – Casey Kotchman (1B)
S – Jed Lowrie (SS)
R – Nick Green (SS)
R – Rocco Baldelli (OF)
R – Brian Anderson (OF)
L – Josh Reddick (OF)
L – Joey Gathright (OF)
R – Chris Woodward (UT)
L – George Kottaras (C)
R – Dusty Brown (C)
Rotation:
R – Josh Beckett
R – Clay Buchholz
L – Jon Lester
R – Daisuke Matsuzaka
R – Tim Wakefield
R – Paul Byrd
Bullpen:
R – Jonathan Papelbon
L – Hideki Okajima
R – Dan Bard
L – Billy Wagner
R – Manny Delcarmen
R – Takashi Saito
R – Ramon Ramirez
R – Michael Bowden
L – Hunter Jones
60-day DL: RHP – Junichi Tazawa (groin), RHP – Miguel Gonzalez (TJ)
Typical Lineup:
L – Jacoby Ellsbury (CF)
R – Dustin Pedroia (2B)
S – Victor Martinez (1B/C)
R – Kevin Youkilis (1B/3B)
L – David Ortiz (DH)
R – Jason Bay (LF)
R – Mike Lowell (3B)
L – J.D. Drew (RF)
R – Alex Gonzalez (SS)
but can they beat the big boys with their big boys? :}
i like that the red sox actually have a player named dusty. hopefully this will not lead to too much confusion.
oh and as for "key bench players," quite rich to see the 1st player listed and his facemask on the bench.
Joba? Joba. jobaJobaJObajoBA..JobaJOBAjobA?
I am Jack Torrance this morning..all Joba all the time makes Mr. OK Jazz a dull boy...
Least Favorite Current Sox (Sock?): it's close between Tek and the Grinch but..I vote Tek..
Everyone vote please!
[0] So much for the absurd meme that the Yankees couldn’t beat the “big boys.”
I so miss that meme. Well, actually I don't. And reading through the recent game threads, I am not sure that it has left us.
Things change, but that doesn't make them absurd at the time. That's some kinda ex post facto mumbo jumbo. The numbers were stark, we can see that from this post - they couldn't beat the "big boys".
Psyched. Pumped. Scared.
Must be a Sox series.
Here's another meme: Joba Chamberlain stinks. May he render it absurd starting tonight.
[4] they couldn’t beat the “big boys”.
Well, strictly speaking, they didn't beat the big boys (and more strictly, the didn't beat only one of them)...whether they couldn't beat them is another issue.
i'm wearing my Joba Rules t-shirt and am gonna watch the game on tbs...
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Cabrera CF
LET'S GO YAN-KEES!!!
[6] Be nice if they let him pitch more than 3 innings...
[8] hey man, 6am start here today so am a little loopy, but got coffee ans scones ready for the 8am start!
You see the Miles clip in the News of the Day?
[9] be nice if he pitches well enough to deserve to stay in longer than 3 innings. he can throw 147 pitches in 2.2 innings!
[10] i didn't watch it. late Miles isn't my favorite.
[2] i think i vote for facemask too
why are the wasting cone in the studio with bob lorenz?
[11] Me neither, though this was the band playing a classic, no Cyndi Lauper tunes :) He was also barely playing by that point, health was too poor..
Man, the whole Joba thing is so tedious..I'm still so perplexed as to why the Yankees treat their young pitchers in such an odd manner but..anyways, let's get to the game chat now! A-Rod will whiff three times tonight but in between those will hit a 450ft tater off of WonderBoy...
[10] hey man, i found that Blue Mitchell CD on Blue Note! it'll be a week or two before i have it in the mail, but i'm really looking forward to hearing it. it wasn't super cheap, but it did not cost anywhere close to what i was expecting or willing to dish out.
Joe Henderson and Herbie Hancock are on it. so is Horace Silver's rhythm section - Roy Brooks & Gene Taylor. Leo Wright plays alto - i'm not sure i know who he is.
it's Blue's first BN record, from 1963.
petey said dave robertson threw yesterday and felt great
[2] Papelbum. Smug SOB.
[14] Oh that's great man! What a lineup there..hope you enjoy it! I've been told that there will be no more cd purchases until our finances get in order..a painful rule but necessary for now. Been getting lots of freebies through the jazz site though which is cool.
thelarmis, check this out: http://tinyurl.com/y8esgn6
4 yrs old!
here we go...
great, i get to spend my friday night with chip caray. fucking tool.
I hate Joba Day
man, Joba's a BIG dude.
[21] and cc makes him look like a lost little boy
nice.
[22] speaking of midgets...
curve. slider. 95 mph heat.
13 pitches.
13 pitches...are the Red Sox trying to win this game??
can't complain about that inning
[25] trying to get francona fired!
[23] I'm telling you, I'm like 30 percent sure he's shrinking
Jeter!!!
Derek continues to rake it!
YEAH JETER
i love Derek Jeter!
Must be a wild pitch, surely Tek did a great job on an awful pitch..
Yo dudes.
And dudette.
I'm very disappointed that Joba didn't strike anyone out.
that's 29 SB's for Cap.
[33] Captain Facemask!
2 strikes.... BUNT!!! ; )
boo.
fuck it, steal 3rd!
36 He should have ;)
Aw Damon, come on.
No, he should have taken the pitch. Oh well.
The strike zone is shifted way to the left (that is, inside to righties). Weird. Maybe it has something to do with the movement on Lester's pitches?
that had to hurt
what are you swinging at, Tex?!
[41] will you be fasting? i never do anymore. speaking of which, i need to go cook dinner now.
how 'bout a 2-run job for A-Rod?!
[44] Fasting?
Lester is really really good...
YEAH!!!
BOO-Yah!! A-Rod with the great swing, it's A-Clutch!!
[44] Oh, definitely not. I don't do any real rituals. I'm just, you know, ethnic.
[45] tomorrow is Yom Kippur, at sundown.
[45] But not quite good enough!
[48] i'm with you!
Hey, Team!
You know, Sterling and Waldman are unlistenable even for the five minutes I was obliged to tune in.
Derek singled and Sterling goes into ecstasy about how many times have we seen Derek lead off a game with a hit, he's an amazing human being! And Suzyn brings the point home: And on the very first pitch! How many times has he hit the first pitch...!
Ffs, it's really unbearable.
[49] No, I think it's the next day. I mean, it starts Sunday at sundown.
[49] Ah, of course. Needless to say, there are less Jews in Tokyo than in Brooklyn... :)
Ramadan just finished last week too while I was in Singapore, I indulged in Eid festive eating (without fasting during the month of course!)
CMon Matsui, blast one here!
yeah, A-Rod!!!
suck it, Vagitek!!!
[52] Still, they're right.
Unbearable, but right.
i like the aggressiveness against facemask
[56] :)
[53] yes, that's what i meant. i keep thinking it's Saturday, for some reason... : ~
[57] If you mean, you like the way they're embarrassing him, showing him up, making him look weak, then, yeah, me too.
good AB, Mats!
It would be funny if we got Lester out of the game while Joba was still in. Just by pitch count, I mean. He's at 23 already.
Okay, the strike zone has moved back to the normal position.
I guess this ump is not good. Who is it, anyone know?
goddamn, is he ugly.
[63] tim welke
that douche tim welkie
What was Jorge swinging at there??? Jorge, your name is not Ichiro or Vlad..
[65] Huh. Don't remember hearing his name before.
how did you know -- is it listed on one of the gamecast thingies?
Okay, Lester's curve ball is pretty nasty. Great control of it, too.
nice, Alex!
Looked like Jorgie forgot the count.
if matsui steals a base tonight i don't even know what i would do
Bullshit.
If Matsui steals, Varitek will have to be hospitalized.
Terrible call by the ump..we wuz robbed...
[72] It sure was. Jesus.
Welke is just all over the place and random.
[74] We better fucking get five inches off the inside corner.
[72] i thought it was a strike.
i think that's A-Rod's 295th stolen base...
[68] they went through the umps at the start of the game
i remember being particularly annoyed by his zone in some game earlier this year
[77] clearly, i'm just trying to start a ruckus! ; )
nice pitch.
he is an incredibly ugly human being. and what a bullshit stance. i mean, what the fuck is up with that crap???
[76] Joba will get some, but not others. I'm telling you, he's not consistent. The first pitch to Posada was closer, probably on the inside edge, and called ball one.
[77] Definitely not.
[78] Oh, okay. I never pay attention to that. Only if the broadcasters mention the ump's name repeatedly during the game.
back to the dugout ugly
Ah, see, that called strike to Youk was inside a little. But now, watch, he'll throw another one there and it's a ball.
Big Hypocrite is up
Big PooPoo still has the power..but .231??
Oh, my least favorite Sock: Dusty MiniGrit.
nice grab swish
Swishy!!! : )
I mean, I know Ortiz isn't below the Mendoza line anymore, but isn't .238 still considered an "easy out?"
Swisheroo! Cue Benny Hill music!!
There's another! It's outside to lefties, inside to righties, that gets called a strike.
Making it interesting.
Good old Swisher.
[91] Referred to Strike Two to Ortiz, by the way.
JOBA!!!!!
wahoo!!!!
Good job, Joba. Nice work.
Wow.
The Yankees have obviously ruined Joba by screwing around with him. He's hopeless.
joba looked good there. Bay has been hot hasn't he?
[96] (We have a lot of work to do, you guys. There's a lot of moping and doomsaying to be done with, let's face it, none of the pros around to do it.)
[96] to be hopeless there had to be some hope to begin with.
I wonder if the Sox put out for Bay after the season..is he worth a longterm deal??
The latest fellatio of a Red Sock on ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/columns/story?columnist=nelson_amy&id=4502344
How can anybody take them seriously?
[97] Yes. OPS 1.056 in the last four weeks.
i think welke is notorious for a bullshit zone
sheehan in bp
fangraphs
[102] ah thanks
[99] hey man! how was your trip!
nice hitting, robbie!
[101] Worthless journalism
Cano's swing is beautiful..
[105] oh thanks for asking but it sucked. I wound up having to work. boo work!
[100] They're regretting not giving him a serious offer in June, I think. Didn't we discuss it at the time? Theo figured Bay was on the "high" part of his curve and didn't want to bid a realistic amount. Sadly (for Theo), Jason kept up his numbers and now looks more valuable.
enjoy the game. i'll be back later but have dinner plans. I'll be watching from the bar. have fun!
Really?
Ever?
Leiter's right, I shouldn't be surprised.
[108] i thought i remember him hitting the wall in the middle of the year - maybe i am wrong about that though
robbie getting in on the running action. i loves it!
Even Cano?!?!?! Wow..Shut Up Yer Face, Tek!!
Man, he's throwing lollypops up there.
yes, riyank, by aggressive i meant embarass the fuck out of facemask - cano?!?!?
[112] Oh, that's true, he did. But I mean, he's raking again. I think his market value is higher than it was in June.
I'm guessing we'll see a whole lot of Victor Martinez (professional hitter) in the post-season, and I don't mean playing first base, either.
It's amazing what major league baseball players can do.
[118] victor's caught stealing = 12%; facemask = 13%
running on that poo platter is going to be lots of fun
With all the running the LALA's do shouldn't they be killing Boston?
[120] Yeah. But that means Varitek has no redeeming characteristics. (Except, of course intangibles -- maybe they need him to balance Jeter?)
Seriously, he wears a "C" on his jersey...
[122] the power of his intangibles is in his facemask
william is at the game - wonder if he did some voodoo on joba?
JOBA!!!
Man, look at Joba out there.
this is the joba we used to know and love!!
even william has got to be enjoying this!
Joba is such a disappointment. I'm not sure who deserves more ridicule and scolding: Eiland, Torre, Girardi, or Cashman. Or Joba. Or his dad.
I know, I'm making fun of William, but I hope/bet he really is enjoying this.
[129] don't forget posada - all the pitching problems can be easily traced to him
Michael and Al getting a little testy??
imagine Tex stealing on Facemask?! that'd rule.
What the hell are you on about, Kay?
KABOOM!
damn he drilled that alex!!
oh, HELL FUCKIN' YEAH!!!
Yeah!!!!!! Take that WonderBoy, WAYYYYYYY back in the 2nd deck!!!!
Fuck yes.
what a gorgeous swing that was!
I like a relaxed, low-key Alex. BTW [135] was Adam West not me.
Very nice, Alex. What a swing. Just like teeing off.
Smooth!
[138] Dude, you were totally stressing about the Boston rotation...
[140] A-Rod has just stupid power..what a blast!
I really want to see the Yanks go up 8-0 and then Matsui steal on Tek..No Mercy!
Nice little hit, Hideki.
steal! ; )
Remember: Matsui steals => Varitek hospitalized.
[144] Not my fault! Read too much ESPN with all their "Boston's rotation is so solid" etc etc..it infected my brain..from now on, in our Lineup I Trust..
[149] Okay, yeah, that can render a person temporarily insane. I find you Not Guilty.
But have faith in the Yankees, my Mr OK. Remember the Great Rivera.
[149] gammons' article there today was total bollocks.
Dear Lord, do I love Robinson Cano.
I can't contain myself about him sometimes.
yet another multi-hit game for Robbie!!!
[150][151] In Mo We Trust, Forever & Ever Amen..(wait a second, wasn't that a country music song..?!?!)
[152] Did John mention that Rob can hit lefties?
Oh, you stopped listening to them, didn't you.
I'm sorry, he just has sick, Achillean talent.
[152] that swing is a sight to behold
[155] ha ha hah ah ha hah ah !
please plate at least 2 runs this inning...
[154] For some reason when people lose faith in the Yankees, those "Old Man and the Sea" lines always come to me, and Mo is the new Joe.
When did they annoint Gammons a venerable sportswriter? I didn't know you could be a fanboy, Red Sox lackey and be considered a respected national sportswriter. That's like saying Sterling calls his games objectively.
[157] He'd be really good at martial arts. I can see him doing exquisite things with a rapier, for example.
Man, Swisher, tough pitch to take.
good job, Swish!
How the fuck was that not a strike?
154 That's by Randy Travis. Used to be about some girl then he changed it to worship of Mo.
[161] He used to be a real sports writer, is the thing. So there's some afterimage, or aura, or some shit like that.
OUCH!
LECHE!!!
wow, poor lester
Oh no..on the knee...
Oh, that's terrible. I can't even enjoy Melky's beautiful hit.
Damn, that fucking kills.
[165] It's the random number generator. It came up odd that time.
Boston fans dry heaving right now. I hope he isn't seriously hurt. He came back from cancer he doesn't need any more bad luck with his health.
i still always think Abreu when i see Melkowitz with #53.
Poor fucking bastard.
that's gotta be it for Lester tonight...
[174] Exactly.
The one, only one Red Sock that I cannot root against. The only one that I'm truly, in my heart, hoping doesn't get injured.
God, look at that hobble.
That's so sad.
Yikes. Poor guy. Lester is not my list of hated Red Sox.
i hope the poor kid is okay
that's his plant leg. could be bad...
I hate Boston with a passion, but Lester is seems like a good guy. I hope he's ok.
[178] Yeah, that is not an injury to wish on anyone, either..right on the kneecap...
ouchie! that sounded awful.
When Lester was in the hospital being treated for cancer, the Yankees sent him a huge bouquet of flowers. He said they were the only team other than the Red Sox who sent him anything.
Okay, enough gloom. This should be a Happy Day.
well, let's welcome this kid to the big leagues in a Yankee sorta way! : )
[186] that makes me happy! : )
mk is extra annoying tonight
[190] Oh seriously..he had been OK recently but stinks tonight..
so who is this Jones on the mound??
[187] Let's not bicker and argue about who killed who!
who is this beasty looking creature?
how bout #2 (grand slam, that is) for #2 !!!
[186] That's very touching.
THIS UMP SUCKS MY FUCKING YOU KNOW WHAT!
[192] We are here to celebrate the joyful pitching of two young studs. Unfortunately, one of them has just fallen to his death.
5-0
[197] Heh heh he he heh heh heh!
Damon should call time.
This guy's taking too long.
[196] after he called strike 1 on jeter - derek said "god damn what was that?"
he is awful
30min wait for Joba..will he be cold now?
i hope the very long layoff doesn't ill affect Joba.
Does anyone remember Derek doing something boneheaded this season? I was just thinking about how one of his strengths is that he never makes gaffes on the bases and then I seemed to remember this one instance where he actually did something that made us all wonder wtf just happened.
Anyone recall anything?
[202] [203] Yeah.
But even if it does, good outing. In fact, I'm calling this game a success, no matter what happens in the next two thirds of it.
[192] He really is annoying tonight.
Did he say Lester was younger than Joba?
[204] Yes, vaguely. Let me think about it, I bet it will come to me.
[207] I seem to recall he made an inexplicable out at third.
[204] Yes. Early in the season, he got himself thrown out at 3B. Ended the inning.
Who is this annoying guest in the booth? I hate guests...the NESN booth often had random "comedians" in there, usually excruciating..
[207] Did it involve bunting?
good start.
[204] yeah, i think he got picked off this year. not too very long ago.
[207] pretty good when you have to wrack your brain for it...
nice Tex!!!
ooh dusty, couldn't make yourself any smaller
[210] some dipshit from the fox 5 morning show
Who is this asshole and what's he doing on this broadcast?
no more no-no, perfecto, shutout...
It was an out at third. But was it on an outfielder's throw? Or a grounder on the left side? I just can't remember.
Professional Hitter
damn can't leave a ball up to a professional hitter
professional hitter...
This guy is more of a douche than Michael Kay
Ah, well. Nice for all three zeroes to change to ones at the same time.
Let's face it, the Rules prevented him from getting a CG anyway.
[216] I know! I'm not sure either. It must have been from the OF, but part of me thinks he actually got thrown out by the SS.
Why are we talking about Ray Kelly?
Is this not a baseball game?
hittin' 95mph...
nobody gives a fuck about you - shut up - this is a baseball game!!
I don't give a RAT'S ASS about your time in Iraq.
Stop laughing, you nimrod, you're disresepcting the game!
[222] this dipshit is ray kelly's son
professional ugly.
This guy is bad luck, can Melky PLEASE hit him with a ball?
[220] ha hah ah aha ha ha ha aa h a!!!!
Serously!
siddown, Fat Liar!
I'm not sure if this was the same incident or a different one...but wasn't there a play where Jeter tried to steal 3B? They had him beat by a mile, but he feinted with one hand and touched the base with the other, going around the tag. Umpire called him out.
He was safe, but really, he had no business even trying.
alright there we go joba, good to get that 3rd out rather quickly after the hr
"That's Greg Kelly!"
Am I the only one who's never heard of him before?
How surreal that all was.
50 pitches thru 4 innings.
And your father's a prick!
[228] ha hah ah ah ah ah ha a !!! No kidding!
[231] Oh, no, that was not the same play. That one cemented Jeter's Jeterean Jeterness, rather than being an Exception that Proves the Rule.
[231] that was the Marty Foster fiasco. Jeter said, "he didn't tag me!" asshole umpire says, "he doesn't have to." unfuckingbelievable.
[231] That sounds familiar, too! I just don't know. At least we all agree it was at third, but then again, it's hard to make a baserunning gaffe anywhere else.
[238] No, sir.
Unbefuckinglievable.
Please. Keep your fucking in the proper place. You should know how important this is.
only took until the 4th inning to get a reference to pitching to the scoreboard
Man, this Foster Jones guy looks just like the Red Sox version of Colter Bean
Ah, damn.
Nice rip, Teix.
Som-no-lent.
i'm still waiting for alex to come out to jay-z's "all i need" - the part where he references arod
Is A-Rod still dating the spawn of Goldie Hawn? Maybe she's a good-luck charm for him..(it's not exactly never tasting coffee like thelarmis, but I have never seen one of her films...)
[240]
Please. Keep your fucking in the proper place.
man, i wish i had a "proper place" for that! : /
Attendance was under 3.000 at the Reds-Bucs game because Pittsburgh was shut down for that G20 conference. They told everyone to stay out, because traffic was going to be a nightmare. There was no way for most fans to get to the game.
[246] now, that's the "proper place" i'm talking about!!! she's even "ethnic"! : )
[246] She's great in Almost Famous. It's a great film, well, well worth watching. Coming of age, 1970s, rock and roll, road movie, generational conflict, drugs, sex...
Really, a terrific film.
"I am a golden god!"
[246] "Almost Famous" is an astoundingly good movie.
[242] i think it's "Hunter" Jones. but, George FOSTER is going to manage in some new Florida winter league, where Ken Griffey Sr. is the commish...
Good for Lester.
[250] AH, I've seen that!! Yes, loved it. Didn't know was the same gal..
now, if Youk nailed his knee there...
[254] i've never seen it. i doubt you're surprised!
yikes!!!
That's bullshit on 0-2..Matsui too much a stoic samurai to ever charge the mound though..
think leiter has it in him to punch mk tonight?
when i was much younger, my dad and i would watch the nfl pregame show on i think cbs with brent musburger (whom my dad hated) and dick butkus, and every sunday my dad would root for butkus to "pop" musburger
i don't like the jagged angle on the shit sox jersey #'s.
see martinez is a giambi like thrower over there
Gawd, that was an awful throw.
[251] I think Cameron Crowe is the one guy I would trust to make the definitive, four-hour epic about the Beatles.
I just love his sensibility in that film, he sounds all the right notes and with such honest humanity. And the cast all does a bang-up job.
Have you seen the full length
HA!!!
director's cut? Untitled? Not better for being longer, but longer, so better, if you know what I mean. :)
that's awesome! go Alex!!!
3 tonight. i guess his hip is doing alright.
he's gonna get to the 300-300 soon!!! : )
[257] Are samurai stoic?
back off matsui you ugly beast!!
[254] Penny Lane!
Oh, look at Hideki go off-field!
Twice today!
Nice!
ah, balk. no steal. boo. oh well.
please score another run here!
[266] i've been to Penny Lane! it's just a non-descript road...
[262] No, I haven't seen the director's cut. I'll have to Netflix it.
I love Matsui, it's too bad that his knee has cut his Yankee career short.
[270] Well, not short, he fulfilled his contract but it seems he still has a lot of life on his bat but he just can't do anything else.
[258] Heh heh heh heh heh. That's very endearing.
[264] Amazingly stoic..they had a very strict behavioral code.
Next victim.
Maybe we can destroy the entire Red Sox staff tonight.
[274] The evil empire strikes again, YES!!!!!
[271] I'd really love to keep him around if at all possible. It'd be hard to see him go, not just emotionally, but because you're right, he still is a very solid hitter. Hard to imagine replacing him with someone as reliable for less money.
my lord what a horrible strike call
This guy should be fired. Maybe he can work the lines in the postseason, but otherwise, he needs to go.
Hip-Hip!!!
Way to go, Jorgie. Nice ab.
Teh Bunting is Jeter's tragic flaw; it's what makes him loveable (and what makes haters relish hating him even more)....the man loves to bunt like a wino loves muscatel--
Hip hip, Whore Hay!
[276] me too. plus i don't like the idea of the rotating dh as rest slot. just sit matsui some and let arod, po, tex, etc. dh when needed rather than have to play or dh a far less competent and capable hitter
No! That was *below* the knees!
What the fuck is wrong with you?
I actually think the worst part of the Lester situation was watching him try to walk down the stairs
[281] haha :}
y'all have been busy carrying this team! i like what i see.
Leiter had an interesting comment about the flaky strike zone tonight. He thinks the kind of mask the umpire is wearing is blocking his view. He says you can see him moving his head trying to keep the ball in view, and that means his calls are going to be inconsistent.
Damn it.
um, i don't like this inning.
siddown, Facemask!
Sit.
Down.
and facemask powers come through
2 more joba
What are the chances Varitek can fall under .200?
That was a good swing, don't challenge him again.
nicely done joba
yeah, Joba!!!
Oh, very, very nice, Hoba.
very nice mr. chamberlain
Did Joba finish that inning with less than 20 pitches?
BE-YOO-TEE-FUL!!!
I love Joba running full sprint!
For all the brilliance/smarts/genius (hat tip Rob Neyer) of the Sox management..they have some terrible roster management. Their SS situation has been a mess for year, and letting Varitek get so many ABs is insane...
we're doomed.
[302] yeah, that was cool!
Kick ass, Teix.
Nice job, Hoba. Just don't get cocky.
I mean, get cocky, but keep working.
Oh, no, another guest.
[303] Yeah, it's pretty sad that they had to trade for Sea Bass. He's been terrible the past 2-3 years. Obviously past his prime. No range any more, terrible at the plate, and on the DL more often than not. But still probably better than Nick Green.
At least this guy's actually an athlete.
[300] yeah, 17 that inning. 67 thur 5.
NO FOOTBALL ON A BASEBALL BROADCAST PLEASE
"Just throw strikes!"
Ok, that was funny.
from the sounds of it, perhaps i actually lucked out with this TBS broadcast.
cuddyer has 30 homers.
There's a game on, people!
[313] i have the tbs broadcast too. seems ok
[313] Seriously, I am 100% certain a middle-reliever would ever get in the booth during an NFL game..it's disrespectful to the fans and viewers.
[316] you still at the bar? i was waaaay too late last night and still have a pretty raging headache. : (
[318] no just got home. It was dinner with a bud but he needs to get up early to go catch his kid's cross country meet so we called it really early.
who was in the booth that is driving everyone crazy?
[319] that was a pretty gorgeous shot of NYC edifices right there!
earlier, they had a great closeup of Lady Liberty. oh, how i LOVE her!!! : )
[320] just now it was kerry rhodes (sp?) from the jets before was really awful greg kelly from some morning show plus his dad is ray kelly
He has to be shrinking
Chapman is an official free agent. bidding can start.
ooh, leadoff walk. 1st of the night. 72 pitches in 5+
[324] he is probably tiring now
[322] should i know who ray kelly is?
[322] wow, that does kind of suck. sorry.
[321] by lady liberty did you mean Kim jones?
[322] sorry for the complete lack of punctuation
[326] nyc police comissioner
nice punch out
how i love getting ugly out
SO good to see Joba making good hitters take bad swings!
[327] HA! no, the real Lady! : )
[328] oh, cool. i don't feel as dumb as i look now.
[330] [331] Indeed.
damn that
Why does he plague us still, even in his lesser form?
Kay talks about Joba completing the sixth inning for the first time since August 11 as if its entirely his fault.
I think Joba's getting tired.
oh, damnit! fuck that fat piece of dog shit.
1 more out to a "quality start"...
[334] I never really had any doubt that he'd hit one out there.
Just get horseface out and pray Bruney doesn't somehow get in this game
Like that.
big step tonight - nice work joba - he was definitely tiring there but did well through 6
86 pitches. 6 innings. 5 K's, 1 BB, 5 hits, 3 runs.
Joba sure answered some ?' s tonight!
javy vazquez w/ a complete game victory. braves been rollin'. if they only addressed their outfield problems earlier in the season...
[343] Javy Vazquez is one of those guys I never want to succeed. Oh well.
Damnit, Papi, please regress. Or, whatever, get caught for using 'roids again. Either way.
Yanks have hit 127 homers at home, in 76 games. most homers at home in franchise history.
i hope Johnny steals!
Tex is going yard here...
[344] he's 4-0 w/ 0.72 ERA in his last 4 starts.
[349] I know. I'm disappointed.
[347] Ask and ye shall receive.
Captain Facemask looks so shocked that he can't throw anyone out
go dog go
run yankees run
Doc Halladay threw a shutout tonight. amazingly enough, it was of the complete game variety! ; )
keep on runnin' !!!
That was awful.
[348] Damn, almost!
damnit. i was sooo close...
[357] wind got you
Ok, that's the *one* thing that annoys me about Leiter, whom I love. The hundred points routine with the bases loaded.
Something about him always saying "Major league batting averages" as if we'd ever talk about any other kind.
[351] well, in that case... Emily Procter!!! ; )
That will work.
alex with a monster night
Damn, look at Alex!
He is tatooing the fuck out of the ball these days.
Hot damn!
[358] happens every time. gonna run to my closet and get my windbreaker! : )
A-ROD!!! kicking major ass tonight.
how 'bout stealing 3rd and then scoring!!!
is Alex's helmet always this dirty?
and reggie knows the concept of freedom of spirit
we're making them throw a lot of pitches tonight.
this is minor but espn says that Lester left after being hit by a pitch. I'm pretty sure he wasn't hit by a pitch (though i didn't see it) since it would be hard to see how he could pull that off.
alright team - here is our chance for matsui to steal 2nd on the back end of a double steal
[369] Heh heh heh.
[368] you are right - melky hit a really hard comebacker that looked like it went off his knee but he has been diagnosed with a quad contusion
Matsui on base 4 times already tonight.
[369] double steal - i like the way you think, ms. o !!!
hey, there it is!!! well, almost...
[369] Is that good enough for you?
[370] yes!!!
Is it wrong that I hope Jason Varitek breaks down crying?
Good Lord, do I love this hit parade!
Oh, Hideki, wtf?
That's no good.
[371] ah thanks. It'd be kind of funny if he hit himself with a pitch though.
great hit, Jorgie!
Mats looked terrible there...
that's more running than matsui does in a wekk
matsui in a run down is kind of tragic
[375] no!
[379] Heh heh heh heh heh heh!
Maybe he got emboldened and carried away having advanced to second.
[379] i rather like running in wekk's. in fact, i'm having a "wekk" built in my backyard, just so i can run in it on a daily basis! ; )
[382] i think he forgot his knees were made of concrete
i had my hopes up that al was going to throw that ball at mk - oh well
Oh, why did you swing at that, Robbie?
woulda been awesome if vagitek dropped it.
according to the tbs strike zone thing, he didn't throw one strike to cano.
[386]
Vagitek??? He's just a bit lower than Frankie Cervix, right?
[388] from what i remember! been too long... : (
[384] I think Matsui just had a brain fart. He didn't even look up. Until it was too late.
[388] oh, and look: it's Vagitek again!
I gotta take off in a few, Team, hold down the fort, all right?
If I come back to find things have gone awry, I'm holding each and every one of you account.
nice dp facemask
beautiful!
suck it, Facemask!
I never thought I would say this, but I officially feel bad for Varitek. Time and change come to us all...
Oh Captain Facemask.
Nice ab there, Varitek.
[391] And another double play!! Seriously, WilliamSully on BostonBanter must have had multiple heart attacks this year watching Cap Tek at the plate.
[395] I dont. Not one bit.
[392] you don't wanna hold my account - i'm a "starving artist"!!! ; )
great job, Ace !!!
Leave Aceves out there to start the 8th Joe!!!!
[395] And you, don't think just because you're just showing up you can shirk responsibility, Emma.
Your ass is on the line too.
[401] And that goes for you too.
[395] ah just put him out to pasture and you'll feel better
[388] (I'm blushing...)
Kayne West has NOTHING on Ronan!!!
I love how Ace tricks Drew into singling on the first pitch so he can rapidly retire the side with a DP.
I'm back, by the way. I was driving for an hour = 1/2 inning or something. Listened to the Sox' radio broadcast.
[402] Fair enough, but I do have to walk the dog. She's giving me The Eyes. I take full responsibility for anything that goes wrong while I'm out though, unless Brian Bruney is involved, in which case please blame Girardi and not me.
[395] i absolutely do NOT feel bad for Vagitek. not one iota.
[407] i was wondering where you disappeared to!
[408] 10-4
[403]
Sorry .... haircut and dinner out ... but hey ... I'm here now .... to liven things up!
[409] Me neither..he's got a bit of Nixon about him..
Anyone know what exactly a "quad intusion" is?
[398] hahahahaha.
looks like we might get some more flooding here in Rainlanta this weekend. ugh. : /
why would anyone feel bad for captain facemask?????
swish not havin' a good night at the dish...
[413] Quad contusion. It means his thigh muscle is bruised.
[413] Trot, or Richard?
Not that either would be good.
i'm envisioning a Yanks-Twins postseason matchup and having to face Pavano. if so, we MUST destroy him!!!
Leiter is rambling
[419] Otis.
Leiter is making my head hurt ////
[419] If I had to be a Nixon, I'd be Norm.
Or Trish.
[419] was thinking Tricky Dicky but either really! :)
[421] No idea what he's talking about...game getting dull now..bring back the Jets safety!
has al been drinking or smoking weed in between innings?
that was a horrific swing, Melky.
[423] beer has done the trick for me. (meaning: too much beer last night has made my head hurt tonight...)
SIX teams making the playoffs?
[428] I'm sipping some Scotch. It's a kind of whiskey (I'm just assuming you have never tasted Scotch).
positively Jeterian !!!
Is Al's plan going to be on the quiz?
Selfish stat-padding. Meaningless. He should have bunted.
run on captain facemask.
This is Jason Varitek's nightmare game.
another stolen bag for Jetes! i think that's 30 on the season.
run yankees run
[432] yes, if you pass you get a signed sandy koufax ball
Really, what kind of "leader" insists on playing when he can't hit and he can't throw out runners? Selfish, selfish player..
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Please reach ten stolen bases. Please reach ten stolen bases. Please reach ten stolen bases. Please reach ten stolen bases.
[439] your best post ever!!!
[430] my grandpa used to let me sip on the scotch water his melted ice made at the bottom of the glass when i was a kid!
i love the way it smells, but i'm too much of a wuss to drink it. maybe one day i'll be man enough to go there! my brother is a big scotch drinker.
Oh, goody.
DOUBLE STEAL
I wonder if a Yankee is gonna get drilled after stealing 2B already up 5.
this is FUN!!!
[438] HE IS THE BEST GAME CALLER EVER TO WEAR A FACEMASK.
NO ONE DENIES THIS!
Damn, too late. Didn't steal in time.
[445] so true. i am humbled by his facemask.
[443] Humiliating Varitek is worth it.
I remember Frank Robinson nearly crying in a press conference after a game in which he watched Matt LeCroy catching and getting run on again and again.
Oh, Teix has deprived us of Phil Hughes.
[449] oh yeah, i remember that.
A-Rod having himself a seriously good game.
Butthead coward.
He knew Alex was going to triple, so he walked him.
[449] I think he was literally crying. I vividly remember Matt LeCroy, the man that made Frank Robinson LeCry.
[449] Yep, I remember that too.
Frank was a good guy.
[449] Yes, I think Frank pulled him mid-inning which was doubly-embarrassing for the poor kid..Frank was old-school but he showed his human side in that press conference.
Granny for Matsui??
i would be quite pleased w/ a grand slam here!
Does anyone have a picture of Varitek in his July 4 Wonder Woman costume?
that was not nearly as pleasing as a grand slam.
[458] not nearly.
[457] NoMaas archives?
does Ace come back out after the long layoff?
[460] Its a real outfit he wears every year, so it doesn't have to be No Maas
it's Albie on the hill
[457] wait what mattpat?
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cJYO5lmm_RI/SlT_-L37vtI/AAAAAAAAArc/lsE9FydpiMA/s400/Capt.+Varitekphoto_0708.jpg
Here it is.
i really love it when our relievers come in and walk the leadoff batter. good stuff.
ugly, jr.
[465] oh never mind - i see - jesus christ
[466] It's only really satisfying when we have a lead of six runs or more. Then the walk is just perfect.
[467] no - ugly cannot be watered down like that - there are plently of names for the elf
So check this out.
AL Leaders in Late Homers (7th inning or later):
1. Mark Teixeira, 15
2. Alex Rodriguez, 13
2. Hideki Matsui, 13
[465] That's hysterical
Kay is right about the call-ups..
This is boring. Somebody do something.
Oh, thanks, Jonathan, that was a little more exciting!
oh, fuck you - that wasn't even that close.
dusty mcfuckface
where do we find these people? Walking people with a six run lead
swing away fro the heels dusty
Superaddition gets subtracted!
Shut up Dusty. It was three feet off the ground. Its not his fault that it was even with your head.
he really is shrinking. dipshit.
[470] d'oh, sorry! check out [474] instead. : )
[471] yeah, they showed that on tbs. pretty cool!
We love Al Leiter tool :-)
The last time (not this at bat) Martinez came up, Joe Castiglione (Sox radio) said, "Here's Victor Martinez, the Red Sox catcher..."
Wishful thinking?
[479] yes dusty mcfuckface will work quite fine
that must have been some good shit al imbibed
well, this kinda sucks. i'm not used to seeing Tex miss that. really tough play though.
Aceves could have done this ... or better ...
[479] Ah! My brother texted it to me. He's watching TBS. He adds that he can't decide which would be the more satisfying way to end the game: A-Rod completes cycle, or Buck Martinez spontaneously catches fire.
[484] But we might need Ace tomorrow. So this is fine.
[485]
How about Gardner stealing home on Varitek?
I'm not sure I like bringing in the mop up crew in the seventh inning
[487] Molina stealing.
ah, fugly. damon...oy yoy yoy!
marte is in.
[485] yeah, chip & buck = suck suck suck. and schmuck....
[487] sheeeeeeeeeeeit - that's nothing - with a good jump molina could
[485] if bm spontaneously combusts can he take a few other people in various booths with him?
Yawn.
I know, let's blame Girardi for something. That will perk me up.
[493] I just don't like having these awful pitchers on our roster.
big shitty actually hustled
tigers lose. twins up by a slam. it'll be a 2 game difference. they still play each other 4 times...
aw, almost.
let's keep 'em at 5, please...
do we really need to waste Hughes here?!
so albie and marte were all a clever plan to get hughes in the game - hmm very sneak grirardi
[494] This must be nearly Albaladejo's last appearance. He won't be in the p-season.
[493] girardi ate my cats.
[497] Yes.
495 Just saw the replay, he looked like he smelled a cheeseburger at first base.
[499] I don't want him back next year either
[500] Just awful. Unacceptable.
[500]
must avoid cheap p***y joke ....
[505] oh please do lol
Just make Horseface go away, Phil.
hughes best be pitching the 9th then, too...
I know, I just hate party jokes.
What?
9-5..this is why you never let up, more stealing in the 9th please!
[507] will that do?
HUUUUUGHES!!!!!!
Philthy McNasty!!
[508] No, why? What if we need him tomorrow? Let some crappy pitcher do the ninth, so Phil can pitch tomorrow too.
Oh, whatever. My heart isn't in this.
Just like that.
[510] i hope we don't have to steal any bases in the 9th.
[512] Why are you booing????
[514] Our crappy pitchers are very capable of giving up four runs.
[517] are you drunk RI?
[509] the after-party is the one you want to attend
[517] Oh, sorry, I misheard you. It sounded like you were booing.
[518] capable? they ARE going to give up four runs. We are going to lose.
Kinsler just joined the 30-30 club! he'll be the only member this season.
last season, both Grady and Hanley reached.
[519] Only mildly. About five ounces of scotch.
[520] I just saw that 30 Rock episode -- have you seen that one?
[520] Stay thirsty..
it's RamRam in for the Sox!
[522] This is what happens when you take your foot off the gas. I never take my foot of the gas. I have to replace my brake pads every week, but it's worth it.
[524] no, i haven't seen that one
[524] too bad
Too bad none of the Sox relievers can play catcher ...
[518] Okay, maybe not against this lineup.
facemask is being punished
[526] damn straight! when i use the brakes, i never even get to work! it's absurd. never take you foot off the gas!
[527] Oh, well, Tracy takes Liz Lemon to an afterparty, and then to an after-after-party where only the really hip people can go, and then, needless to say, there are two or three more iterations.
[513] nice! i played the Big Band chart back in school.
Is that a stolen base?
Oh, for a second I thought Posada stole. Damn.
damn, the dreaded D.I. call. but hey, there's a guy on 3rd w/ 1 out. let's plate him!
Nope, Defensive Indiff. Too bad.
[533] Liz Lemon??
[535] defensive indifference - though that could be said about the whole damn night
[537] Disappointing.
so tired.
my swisher has looked ugly tonight, no alibies ugly
[539] Tina Fey.
avoided the golden sombrero!
[542] How come? Just Friday tired, or something more?
cokey - let's hope he doesn't think it is a save situation
rockies won.
pujols aggravated his Achilles, but stayed in the game.
Does YES have a none Russ Salzberg postgame?
[529] I bet Okajima could do it. I'd love to see him throw sidearm to second.
[548] Well that's fair, because Achilles aggravated his Pujols, but he stayed in the Trojan war.
[549] what do you have against russ, he is so pleasant and calming
[551] that's friggin' awesome!
Poo Holes
cokey i beg of you to throw strikes
[546] i just suddenly realized how tired i was. been kind of non-stop at work.
ohforchristsakes
awesome. i love leadoff walks from our relievers. terrific stuff!
c'mon cokey. i want to watch dollhouse and go to bed.
This would be excruciating if it were in any way important. Instead it's... what's the word...
Tedious.
Coke had the runs, right?
Mo up.
[560] Yes. (Took me a minute to figure out what you meant!)
Hello all. I'm just checking in after working very late at the office. I see on ol' MLB.com that things are looking good. And 550+ comments...nothing like a Yanks-Sox series to break the Banter out of its game thread doldrums.
well least he struck facemask out
Nothing like a Jason Varitek failure to bring a smile to my face.
Vagitek looks terrible. i like that.
[561] for real? ugh. why?! oh, 1-out "save"...
Yeah, that had to happen. It's the narrative of the game: Time for Tek to Retire.
Three.
friggin' gorgeous!!!
565 How about a game ending DP?
my god that was awesome!
web gem!!!
[563] Yo, 'pants.
And ballgame over, Yankees WIN!
looking good team
ok good night folks. good to hang with y'all. been a while.
Nice. Obviously the sweep doesn't really matter, but it would certainly be sweet if the Yanks could clinch on Sunday...
[563] Just in time for the after-party..
nighters
now the question becomes whether or not i should practice, drink again or neither. hmmm.
[578] you left us hangin' on that joke! ; )
the true magic number: 3
halos scoreless in the 4th
[577] Yay!
[581] Wow, we skipped Gehrig, I just realized.
I've been thinking for sometime that the Red Sox are potentially our best way into the World Series. Sure, there are reasons you don't want to see them in an ALCS:
It's ridiculously cold in Boston at that point of the year, and our starting pitchers don't seem to be cold weather pitchers, the stupid little league park, the crowd full of assholes, and the intolerable agony of listening to Fox call a Yankees-Boston playoff series. Boston has a closer who is beatable, but still top shelf, and has the potential to throw very strong starting pitching at you.
And yet it still has felt from a point not that far into the season that the Yankees are simply a better team than the Red Sox. The Angels are probably a markedly better team than the Red Sox.
As great as it was to take 2 out of 3 in Los Angeles of Anaheim of wherever the fuck they are, it's hard to actively desire a trip down that path.
Oh, btw, WIlliam, things didn't work out nearly as badly as you thought they would, did they?
With all that said, if the Angels don't run every single &^$#@! time they get on base, they should be contracted. Any other strategy is unforgivable.
Not pleased with Girardi throwing Albaladejo out there in the 8th. The division race ended tonight. Albaladejo put that at risk. When you have a chance to jam a knife in your opponent's neck, you do it.
Leiter and Kay in one booth is a whole lot of dumb in one small space.
Oh, I forgot to add that the Red Sox steal signs.
Hey, you guys successfully held down the fort! You all get a giant H.
Well done, Team.
the A's held the Angels vaunted offense to 5 hits and no runs.
we're lookin' pretty good for both the division and best record for home field!
we have identical road records with the Angels and we've given up the exact same amount of runs. our offense has scored 48 more runs then them, in 1 more game.