Today’s game recap is brought to you in bits and pieces by the number one.
The number of hits given up by CC Sabathia… So this is what $161 million looks like. Actually, we’ve been seeing this kind of dominance since the all-star break, but Saturday was special for CC. Yes, the division is all but clinched, and the overall best record seems in the bag, but when you send your stud to the mound in the last week of September against your biggest rival and potential ALCS opponent and he shuts them down, you have to feel pretty good. Sabathia set down the first eleven hitters he faced and didn’t allow a hit until the fifth. He was so flat-out dominant (one hit, two walks, eight Ks) that even though the game was scoreless until the bottom of the sixth, it never once looked like the Yankees might lose this game.
The number of times Boston pitchers retired the Yankees in order… While Sabathia was slicing and dicing his way through the Red Sox, Daisuke Matsuzaka was walking a tightrope all afternoon. The Yankees put runners in scoring position in each of the first four innings, but they failed to plate any of them. So when they loaded the bases with no one out in the fifth and Rodríguez, Matsui, and Swisher due up, the dam looked ready to burst. But then A-Rod dribbled a ball about six feet in front of the plate, Matsui popped one up about six feet behind it, Swish fouled out down the line in left, and the inning was over. No need to fret, though. Robby Canó led off the sixth by lining a ball that skipped off the top of the left field wall, giving Sabathia a 1-0 lead. It was all CC would need.
The number of innings pitched by Phil Hughes… Can I tell you how much I love Phil Hughes? He relieved Sabathia in the eighth, and after Mark Teixeira helped him out with a phenomenal play, diving to the line to rob J.D. Drew of sure double leading off the inning, Hughes did what he does, striking out Casey Kotchman and Josh Reddick to deliver the game to Mo.
The number of base hits the Yankees had with runners in scoring position… When Billy Wagner — yes, Billy Wagner — struck out Derek Jeter with the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the eighth, the Yankees were 0-13 with RISP, and it looked like they might let another golden opportunity slip through their fingers. But Johnny Damon worked the count full, then blooped a single into right, just over Pedroia and just in front of Drew, good enough for two runs and a 3-0 lead.
The number of wild pitches thrown by Mariano Rivera… Mo started off the ninth by inducing Jacoby Ellsbury to tap back to the mound and fanning Pedroia on three pitches, but then things got a bit interesting. Victor Martinez singled to right, took second on defensive indifference, and then third on Rivera’s wild pitch. (I note this because I couldn’t remember this happening very often. Turns out it hasn’t. It was only the twelfth of his career, and he actually had a four-year stretch (2003-2006) without a WP.) Rivera plunked Kevin Youkilis a couple pitches later, but recovered to strike out Lowell to end the game.
Notes:
The number of hits Robinson Canó needs to get to 200… Canó’s homer was his 199th hit of the season.
The number of regular season games left with the Red Sox… The series stands at 9-8 Sox. A win on Sunday would earn the Yankees a split of the season series, something which looked impossible at the all-star break.
The magic number…
And finally, because you knew it was coming, a little love from the islands.
Here's the video that I meant to include at the end, in case you're interested.
http://tinyurl.com/ydmc3uf
Now all we need is one delivery from the Score Truck this afternoon against the Byrdman of Retirement.
[1] Great vid! Who knew it existed!?
Let's clinch the D'vision and feel all right!
I was hoping the Rangers would lose so the Sox could actually clinch the WC with a loss tonight. We'd have the pleasure of hosting their celebration while the Bombers were celebrating the Division Title. But, not to be; Boston can't clinch with a loss. What the hell, let's give them one anyway.
back-to-back nas inspired titles - i like it - it ain't hard to tell
He was so flat-out dominant (one hit, two walks, eight Ks) that even though the game was scoreless until the bottom of the sixth, it never once looked like the Yankees might lose this game.
so true, so true- as a result of, and in addition to the numbers that he has put up, that "feeling" makes him such a comfort on the mound
just a thought: even if the tigers end up holding off the twins, because they may have to go down to the wire with them, maybe verlander and jackson don't line-up for games 1 and 2
oh one more thing - i am convinced daisuke is bizzaro mitre
[6] In other words, Dice-K is...Lucky™?
Steve, at WW, has the following post:
http://waswatching.com/2009/09/27/twins-bosox-yanks-to-bid-on-mauer-after-2010
"... the Twins are expected to try to sign Mauer for about $120 million over seven years."
God, I hope so.
Yeah, it's a year away, but it is a BIG issue. As much as I hate to see the Sox get him, Idon't think we should go after him. These big signings are great for a while, but can have extreme diminidhing returns after a while. I'm scared enough with the ulta-long contracts of ARod, Tex and CC.
So....
... will 7/$120 keep him in Minn?
... would anyone offer him 8 years (to a 6'5", 28 yr old C?)
Thoughts everyone?
[7] as the #7, as an acorn, as a horseshoe...
[8] I do think the key question is whether $120M/7yrs keeps him in MN. A few thoughts on that:
I expect he will take a (smallish) home town discount.
The Twins can offer that kind of contract as an extension, when nobody else can bid.
Theo doesn't like long deals, esp. for players in positions that typically age badly (like SS, CF, C).
But... the Red Sox will really need him. The difference between Mauer and whoever they sign up instead is going to be enormous.
P.S. As RAB points out... "It was the third time this year the Yanks shut out the Red Sox"
It would be amazing if the Yanks tied up the season series today. Even if they don't, it's been a dramatic turnaround. Who'da thunk it?
[10] I agree about Theo except... last year, we got CC, but worse for the Sox, Tex also. While it is still close, the balance of power for a while has definitely swung our way (as this year atests to). Just like they got Manny (before Theo's time I believe), this is the time the Sox NEED to sign BIG! They spent nothing last Winter. They have enough money that in a 7 year deal, they can afford 5 'Mauer Years' and 2 whatever.
It'll be interesting to see how the bidding for Aroldis Chapman goes down this off-season, and if he's truly worth the hype (probably not I would guess).
As far as Mauer, the Sox can't afford him, they're the little engine that could!
[14] "As far as Mauer, the Sox can’t afford him, they’re the little engine that could!"
Awwwwwwww!
Does it look like lengthy rain delays today? I was looking forward to some afternoon baseball again!
[16] yeah it is raining here in nyc, but is supposed to be letting up soon; according to petey they will try to get the game in
I never thought Cano had a shot at 200 hits this season. As I have said, I think he has a shot at 3000 if he remains healthy and plays up to his extremely high ceiling., which he may not have even reached yet.
[13] While it is still close, the balance of power for a while has definitely swung our way (as this year atests to).
Until the Yankees advance beyond where the RS advance in the postseason (or maybe multiple postseasons unless the Yankees win the WS), I don't think that's accurate in any meaningful way .
[4] I am glad they can't spill any champagne in the new place. That honor should be reserved for the home clubhouse.
[8] Every team should be in on Mauer if he comes free. If his medicals check out, I think he is a fine risk. Sometimes you have to accept diminishing returns for a big payout (besides, diminishing returns off Mauer's prime is still pretty nice).
[10] Is it really true that Theo doesn't like long deals? They did offer Teixeira a long deal.
[18] If he reaches 200 hits, he and Jeter will be the first DP combo to accomplish that feat since the 1890s.
[19] You can't judge the balance of power by a post season series. Over 162 games, the Yankees have proven that they are definitely a step above the Red Sox. The pendulum has swung back toward NY, but that doesn't mean it can't swing back.
With the post season looming for some time, I am still very much looking forward to celebrating this division title/best record/100 win season. All three are significant accomplishments that truly define a great team. While the 2009 Yankees may not rank among the best of the best in Yankee history, they have been one of my favorite teams to watch in my nearly 25+ years following this team closely. Aside from my frequent issues with Girardi, I don't think there is one player with which I have had an issue. I’ve also greatly enjoyed the new Stadium and experienced a new excitement attending games. All things considered, I really like this team and hope they can do something special. And, even if they don't, they gave us a great year of exciting baseball.
Hm. Game not carried locally, and they are in delay anyway. Looks like an afternoon of Giants football, with perhaps some occasional Banter.
ESPN showing the Mutts during our rain delay.
Umm, wtf is Miller talking about?
He makes it sound like Andy's auditioning out there.
Oh, and afternoon, Team.