If the first two games of this World Series could have gone either way, the pitching matchups in Games Three and Four clearly favored the Yankees and, though they came close, it was the Phillies’ inability to break serve that has them one win away from failing in their bid to repeat as world champions.
Tonight’s pitching matchup calls for a Phillies victory that would send the Series back up the Turnpike with the Yankees leading 3-2. The Phillies haven’t lost a game started by Cliff Lee this postseason as Lee has been flat-out dominant. In four starts, he has tossed two complete games and twice struck out ten men without walking a batter, and doing both of those things in Game One of this World Series against the Yankees. In his four starts combined, Lee has walked just three, given up no home runs, and allowed just two earned runs, giving him a 0.54 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, and 10.0 K/BB. Opponents are hitting just .171/.192/.214 against Lee this postseason. His worst start saw him give up three runs, two of them unearned in 7 1/3 innings against the Rockies in Game Four of the NLDS. However good you think Cliff Lee has been, he’s been better.
That’s why the Phillies’ decision not to try to get three starts out of Lee drastically reduced their chances of repeating. Sure, Lee had never pitched on three-days’ rest before, but that doesn’t mean he can’t or that he wouldn’t succeed if he tried. One could argue that the Phils were better off getting two guaranteed wins from a fully-rested Lee than risking the second win by trying to milk a third out of him, but that only works if a) the Phillies can somehow win two other games (with a maximum of three games left in the series they’ve still won only Lee’s one start) and b) if they win tonight.
As I said, tonight’s pitching matchup clearly favors the Phillies, but that doesn’t mean A.J. Burnett is chopped liver. Despite all of my complaints about his contract and his inconsistency (both of which remain problematic, the contract especially), Burnett has answered the bell every time the Yankees have rung it. He took his turn every five days during the regular season, surpassing 30 starts for just the third time in his career, and, save for a bad first inning in Game Five against the Angels and his usual assortment of walks, hit batters, and wild pitches (resulting in 18 free bases in 25 1/3 innings), has been nails in the postseason. Burnett’s Game Two start against the Phillies would have bested Lee’s Game Four outing against the Rockies, so there’s more than momentum to cling to for those hoping the Yankees will wrap things up tonight.
The old baseball saying is that momentum is only as good as the next day’s starting pitcher, but sometimes in postseason series a heartbreaking loss that puts a team one game away from elimination really does carry over to the next game. Think of the Giants in the 2002 Series or the Cubs in the 2003 NLCS (both walking-dead Game Sevens by Dusty Baker managed teams), the Cardinals in the 1985 World Series after Don Denkinger’s call opened the door to their collapse in Game Six, or the Angels in the 1986 ALCS after Dave Henderson’s Game Six home run ripped the pennant out of their hands. The Red Sox got a lead in Game Seven of the 1986 World Series, but I doubt even they believed they’d hold it after their crushing loss in Game Six.
The Phillies weren’t on the verge of the championship last night, they weren’t even really on the verge of tying up the series (they never had a lead in the game), but Pedro Feliz’s game-tying home run and Brad Lidge’s return to perfection in the first two rounds of the postseason made them believe they had the game in hand with the score tied 4-4 and two outs in the top of the ninth. The crowd even thought they had the final out in that inning when Johnny Damon foul tipped a would-be strike three from Lidge early in his game-changing at-bat. The sequence of events that followed (Damon’s single and steal of second and third on a single pitch against the shift, Alex Rodriguez’s ringing go-ahead double, and Jorge Posada’s two-RBI single, which gave Mariano Rivera some unneeded breathing room) was legitimately heartbreaking for a Phillies team that was flush with excitement after tying up the game in the previous half inning. They’d be right to wonder if they couldn’t complete that comeback what hope have they of coming back in the Series.
At the risk of rousing the ghosts of 2004, I’d say none. The only question is whether or not this series goes back to the Bronx, like the ALCS did, or Burnett and company get it done tonight despite the presence of Lee.
Major League Baseball has yet to approve the Yankees’ request to replace the injured Melky Cabrera, who tore his hamstring running to first last night, but Brett Gardner would be in center field either way and is tonight. With Jose Molina catching Burnett yet again, that gives the Yankees a bottom five of Nick Swisher, Robinson Cano, Brett Gardner, Jose Molina, and Burnett. That against Cliff Lee. Molina hits lefties better than righties (.259/.306/.384 career) and Gardner is at least Melky’s equal (beyond the gains in speed and defense, he posted a .272 EqA this year to Melky’s .267). Still looking at that lineup, one suspects we’ll get a sixth game out of this Series after all.
Update: Ramiro Peña replaces Melky on the roster. My guess is they don't plan on using him.
Interesting choice.
[1] But we will see Hairston in the outfield. I really hope he doesn't cause any trouble out there.
Pena, huh.
[3] When? Not in tonight's starting lineup.
That bottom of the lineup does not inspire thoughts of champagne and goggles...
I think Pena could be used as a pinch runner. It's hard to see him actually playing the infield. I wonder if they'd be willing to put him in the outfield -- I'm guessing yes, and that that tipped the balance away from Guzman.
Scorecard printed. Workload, uhh, minimized.
Banter/Sterling/Waldman for me tonight. BTW, is there an FM station I can tune in?
[7] I thought all along that Peña made sense because the Yankees need another OF who can play the OF (Guzman apparently is not allowed in the OF). That means BUOF falls on Hairston, but that necessitated another IF. That meant Peña.
And yes, he can also PR well enough, which Girardi seems to favor and which has been lost now that Gritty Gardy is starting (is a Starty?).
Holiday here "Culture Day"! No work, just bagels, coffee and a big-screen tv at my inlaws in Yokohama..I really hope we can close it out today.
Poor Melky, hope he isn't too down...
[7] RIYank, that twelfth pitcher is starting to gnaw at me more and more.
[11] Will you dance a happy jig if it's Bruney on the mound to close out the win?
[11] I will dance a happy jig if they win, no matter who it is or how they do it.
[13] Please see [12].
I might have broken up the bottom of the lineup. In fact, I may have batted Molina 6th, figuring that he still only gets 2 ABs. At the very least, I would have flipped Molina and Gardner.
Meanwhile, Gardner should be under strict orders to bunt every time up.
[12] Of course we would.
Lee's due for a stinker. That's what I'm going with tonight. : ) And if Philly plans on being more aggressive, here's to hoping they swing and miss at lot of first pitch balls.
[17] yep. In fact, I predict that he coughs up a couple runs early, perhaps with the help of some poor defense. They'll get to him tonight just a little.
Then it will be up to AJ and his BFF to keep the bad guys in check.
Even a one run lead would be great, because it will put more and more pressure on Manuel to pull Lee for a PH. Otherwise, he'll pitch ten innings and throw 140 pitches.
This is a very interesting game tonight, due to the fact that it's an elimination game, but also cause of the questions surrounding the Yankees.
I have long been somewhat anti-Gardner, but I have some optimism about him today. I'd like to see this game end the series, though, especially if Melky is done for the week.
I really, really, really wish Teixeira would wake the **** up tonight, and just wreck the Phillies. I don't know why; he's fine but not my favorite player or anything. It's just been frustrating to watch him - not as bad as Cano but that's Cano and I'm used to it. God he's been awful.
[13] Indeed, happy jig dancing is on the menu for any win..but of course I am hoping for Mariano.
Has Chuck Manuel taken any heat for yesterday? I can't understand letting Lidge face A-Rod in that situation..looking closer at Lidge's stats this year, he was just awful..that has to be a bigger blunder than starting Blanton?
[18] BFF? Best-fuckin-fastball?
[21] best friend forever, a la Molina.
I do think it's a distinct possibility that Burnett mows them down again tonight. We all know he might melt down, but I actually think there's a good chance he'll be dealing. The thing about him is if he's on it doesn't matter if you faced him five times in the last week, he will strike mother***ers out.
Lee on the other hand has a chance - I'm agreeing with some of youse - to be gotten to. I wouldn't predict it because you can't - ah never mind. But I wouldn't be surprised if he's not exactly Greg Maddux tonight. And even if he is, it doesn't mean the Yankees won't win.
Hensley Muelens hired as the SF Giants hitting coach! Ex-Yankee and Yakult Swallow, you still see his name on jerseys at Yakult games here! Congrats, Bam-Bam!
[22] Ah of course..I'm a bit slow with these things..
[23] We just need to get Lee out after the 6th..
[8] NYYfan22, have you tried watching Postseason.tv?
Go here
http://www.mlb.com/mediacenter/
and you'll find a link. If you've never used any of the mlb.com videos I think you'll have to download the video watching app., but once you've done that you can watch the game on your computer. It's in some ways better than watching an actual television broadcast, but in some ways not as good.
Oh, and if for some reason you want the radio only, you can listen to John and Suzyn via that same site.
Could the Pena move mean they also may be considering pinch hitting for Cano, or benching him for Hairston at some point?
[13] a win is a win, but we've been waiting eight years to see mariano back up there to clinch a championship. i want him in there even if we're up by 10.
[28] Maybe, but I doubt it. I think that it is more likely they are thinking about PR for someone, with Peña or Hairston---with Hairston going in the OF for Swisher if need be. That would still leave a BUIF.
Actually, I might have thought about sitting Cano for the start of the game and put in Hairston or Peña (RH v. LHP), with the thought of PH/double switch in the middle innings.
I have a question. In Cole Hamels New Era commercial, isn't trying to get him to chase one outside what got him in to this mess?
hmmm. all the sudden I can't post comments. glitch in WP, or my computer here?
[27] -- 27!
Thanks for the tip. I have an mlb.com login, and often listen there.
At work, it's always better for me to listen vs. watch, since I have to leave the computer to answer alarms, etc. Plus tonight I'll be refreshing the banter methodically, and keeping score, too.
Game 5! Let's make Rollins' prediction come true, sort of.
[32] figured out what I was doing wrong. Idiot me.
[24] Good for Bam-Bam.
「３３」 That is SO cool that you are keeping score tonight :)
I am busting out the spiffy brackets for the remainder of the series..30mins to go, too excited now!
(Note to others: my wife just asked me why I was on the blog when the game hadn't started yet..I showed her some of the pre-game Banter chat..she just shook her head and muttered something like "you guys are all children"...Surely, I am not the only one getting this reaction?)
[24] [34] That's some sort of joke, right?
got a six pack in the fridge and the day off tomorrow, lets make this a good night
[35] It's a children's game.
Fortunately, my wife has her own childish pleasures.
Tim McCarver has done some research????
Or who was that talking? (I couldn't see, long story.)
「３８」Indeed, I have caught my wife watching Ally Mcbeal online...shudder...
「４０」Animal charity?
[41] Oh good heavens. Grow up, woman.
I missed the last thread, but I sure hope there's a lot of horsing around in the visitor's dugout later.
Yeah, if you were a Philadelphian watching that last Fox segment, you'd pretty much be sticking your finger down your throat.
[44] what was it?
[45] Jeter lovefest, mainly.
I really DO like Alannis Morrisette, but she's from Canada. WTF!!
[36] Not a joke:
http://baseballmusings.com/?p=43931
[47] Isn't it ironic?
「４７」Loved it when she was on Curb Your Enthusiasm
[49] Well played ::polite golf clap:: !
Everything is pointing to a Phillies win tonight, which actually gives me a little more hope tonight. Whenever all of the cards are stacked, the opposite has a way of working out. After all, CC vs. Blanto did wind up as a battle of the bullpens. I think the Yankees would sign up for that tonight. As for me, I'll sign up for 5 runs in the top of the first.
I'm not gonna be able to handle this
[52] Yep. It really begins and ends with Lee. If he continues to through CG shutouts...well, what can you do. But I think things will be a little different tonight.
November baseball, LET'S GO!
Here we go...
It makes no sense, but I almost have a little more confidence in the scrub lineup because maybe they have the answers that the A-team didn't have in game 1.
LETS DO THIS!
Almost...
My kid thinks he can run faster than Derek Jeter: "You use every muscle in your legs. I know the skills, I'll show you the skills."
Damon!
There we go!
Now run, Johnny, run!
Their nemesis, their torturer, the Damonic Johnny.
atta boy, JD!
...time for Teix to break out!
Teixeira the automatic out. I can see it!
Let's see if Lee gets the big zone tonight.
[60] Have you shown him a full sized baseball field close up?
I distinctly remember standing on one for the first time and I couldn't believe it. I was used to Little League. The big field seemed absurd, fit for giants.
Excellent!
He's not throwing strikes.
Teixera needs to get out of his playoff funk
That looked like ball four to me.
No time better than now
Swung at ball 4.
making Lee work. I like that, Marko.
I love how those qualify as "keys to the game"
Dammit. 3-0...
Teixera looks like he's swinging a bat made a lead.
[66] I know! I reminded him they play on a different sized field. :)
I actually got to go on the field at the Stadium when I was a kid. It was the coolest thing in the universe. I ran the bases and everything. My friend and I talked on the bullpen phone, he in the bullpen, I in the dugout...
Man, magical.
Another pretty awful AB by Teixeira...there really is no light at the end of the tunnel with him.
[75] Hey, you were at the game last night, we hear...
「７３」Yesterday a key on the ESPN feed here were "The Yankees offense"..
"They're not swinging at strikes."--the kid.
Alex!!!
GO GO!!
WHOOHOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
BEAUTIFUL!
Yaaaaaayyyyyy!!!!!
Yay-Rod!
No shutout for Lee.
Huge hit by Arod...an early run is more than just a lead...it has to put doubt in Lee's mind as well.
HA!
Score Truck, first inning style.
[78] yeah, it was a great time. I thought I was going to get killed. I've been to Fenway and I think these Phillie fans were way worse, they were not shy about getting in your face.
1 - 0 BABY!
Nice! was it a bullet?
Wow!
We got a run off this guy, just like that!
Pour it the FUCK ON, Team!!!!
He's all over the place!!!
He can't throw strikes!!!
make him WORK
What the hell is that on Lee's cap?
Make him work. Make him work. Robbie, don't be stoopid here.
Yes!!!
[90] Yes.
Oh boy.
Yo, Aura! Mystique! Drive that Score Truck around to the side, we're looking for a big delivery.
1-0!!
Good approach so far against Lee. Damon has been awesome.
Come on Cano!!! Do something
[94] a "P"?
Oh yeah. All ya need is just a little patience. Whistle, whistle, whistle. C'mon Robbie. One time for fuck's sake!
[100] No, on the brim.
Cano hit it well.
Dang. Better Rob, but not good enough.
Let's go A-J!!!!
Damn it.
Damn it.
But good contact, Robbie.
Keep that shit UP!
Oh well..not a bad swing. I though at first Robbie placed it down the line. Next time...
20 pitches for Lee. 9 strikes.
he got good wood on it
a clean first from AJ will go a long way towards calming my nerves
I really hope Tanyon Sturtze gets a cut of that Gilette money, he could probably use it
Pressure on the Phillies. Down a run in an elimination game.
Christmas commercials during the World Series...that's a first.
「１１０」 Whoa, Tanyon Sturtze?? Blast from the past..
Let's go, AJ!!
My man...
I hope AJ is as calm as he has seemed in his recent press conferences.
Please be the Good AJ. Please be the Good AJ. Please be the Good AJ.
Amen.
Strike one.
[113] yeah theres a gillette commercial that shows the Jeter dive into the stands against Boston, with Sturtze on the mound.
I always had a soft spot for Sturtzie.
[112] I was telling my brother yesterday, can you believe it's November 1st and we are still watching baseball?
Burnett's hat and Lee's hat were making out pre-game.
[119] Wouldn't it be great if we ran out of baseball before November 4th, though?
Slider in the dirt.
Put this clown away.
No hangers AJ!
Agggh!
oh fuck
Fuck.
Crud.
[121] Today/tomorrow morning works for me too.
That fastball leaked over the plate...Burnett gets hurt most by that pitch to lefties. I really wish they wouldn't use it.
Strike 1.
He was in the strike zone!!!
That didn't hit the bat?
How didn't he offer on that pitch?
Okay, he wasn't in the strike zone. I dunno.
Uh oh.
WTF
I'm gonna need a drink
Uh oh.
Wave your magic want, Molina.
The Phillies were trying to give away an out...wish the Yankees could have taken it.
My friend here (not my kid, my friend) says Victorino's a drama queen: "Poor you, you play baseball, you got hit in the hand.)
This weekend was so great because I didn't hear one word from Buck or McCarver. Shit, it sucks to be back
This going to be a long, tense game..
It was a pretty good pitch, actually. Just inside.
Well, I'm still confident.
Looks like bad AJ tonight
Now I'm not so confident.
FUCK YOU, BUCK!
Now there's a surprise.
WTF!!!!
Definitely bad AJ tonight
Fuckitty fuck fuck.
God help me
Hm. I think we have bad AJ.
You could kind of see this coming...AJ on the road is just a different pitcher.
Everything's leaking right out over the dish.
Fuck.
Fuck.
Fuck.
Finally, the slider.
That was a fucking strike!!!
I'm not convinced it's Bad AJ. That pitch to Utley was bad, I admit, but not so sure he's way off tonight.
Fuckwad on the other side better the fuck not get that pitch.
He really has no idea where the ball is going.
It's pretty incredible that AJ and Molina could fall into the same trap that they did in Anaheim. They had to know the Phillies would take a page out of the Angels playbook and come out aggressive.
[157] He seems to have no control at all.
Shouldn't we be getting that kind of production from our 2nd baseman? Bollocks!!
He got his act together against the Angels. There is still a chance here. AJ's only going five or so one way or another. The key is to keep pressure on Lee.
[157] It all happened so fast. I think if he uses his slider he can be all right.
He can recover from this. He's got good velocity and the slider's breaking well.
We'll be seeing Chad Gaudin and JA Happ in this game..
Good grief!!!
I hate watching this guy pitch.
FUCK.
THESE.
MOTHER.
FUCKING.
UMPS!!!
My fucking seven year old: "God, that was right over the plate!"
[160] I think clearly we have to blame Posada.
This decision could really wind up exploding on Girardi before an out is recorded. If the Phillies romp here, the tenor really changes.
[161] I wouldn't go that far. The fastballs leaked back over the plate, but he can make an adjustment to deal with that.
[170] What decision?
[170] Which decision?
[165] If Gaudin winds up in this game early, I would hate to be Girardi on the off day. You just know he isn't going to sleep thinking about his decision to use AJ on the road.
[172] What, which, whatever. Whichever.
[172] [173] AJ on the road and Andy on three days.
[174] I don't think it was a bad move to use AJ. I definitely don't trust Gaudin, he hasn't pitched in 3839303 days.
Oh, that decision.
[171] There was also the first pitch that Rollins was stupid enough to swing at, the pitch that killed Victorino and whatever the hell that was.
[177] True, he might have given up three runs in the first inning before he ever recorded an out.
Good.
Good.
Recover, AJ. Keep 'em right here and this game's ours.
You can do this.
This game is not over. Aj will hold them here, and the Yankees will score again against Lee. When both BPs are in the game in the 7th inning, then we'll see.
[176] I'm pretty sure Gaudin can walk people and give up homers too. Its sort of what he's good at.
Another strike, though my kid disagrees.
[177] I would have preferred saving AJ for game 6, but I wouldn't and wont kill Girardi for moving AJ up. Having said that, if AJ doesn't lock it down, it will turn out to be the wrong decision, one that could impact the rest of the series.
AJ can easily get it together and get 5 or 6..lots of time left in his one, someone get Willliam a percocet..
[177] Yeah, I know, oh wait...did you just trick me?
These umps are fucking nut-squeezers.
Goddamn.
Teix!
Thank you, Teix!
NIce one, Teix!
[183] You're missing the point. Gaudin could do this too, but then you'd have Burnett at home on full rest for Game Six.
I really wish I could ever like Burnett. But I'm afraid he's impossible to like. He sucks just as much as he's money. It's maddening.
And how did he never learn to throw a simple straight change? How the hell is that so hard? He's got two pitches and gets crushed when he can locate the curve.
Fuck face.
RIYank, [187] was meant for you
At least Teix remembered his glove this series.
[186] I am not freaking out at early...my expectations coming into this were pretty low. Now, for game 6, it would be nice to have them handy.
[185] Wait, are you predicting that if the Yankees lose game 5, it will impact the rest of the series? You mean, like, they'll have to play a game 6?
Go out on a limb, William!
; )
[193] Ah.
Ha ha ha haha! Fished in!
[192] Dude, he fucking bakes pies when we win on walk-offs? Are you against PIES?
[196] If they lose, the decision to start Burnett will impact the rest of the Series.
Good slider.
[185] Regardless of the result tonight, I'd say avoiding a career mediocrity like Chad Gaudin is the right decision.
[191] Still banging the drum? You have more patience than I. But yup. And too late.
Bummer. It's Pettitte on short rest that really bums me out. Then CC after that.
Still if the Yankees can't win one of these three games, they don't deserve the bling.
Thank you, Derek.
Ok, how many pitches was that?
Let's put this inning behind us and move on.
AJ just needs an inning to adjust to the road bump. He's alright. LET'S GO O!!!
We're going to win this game, I have zero doubts. ZERO.
Ok, we have them right where we want them....
Nice recovery. Victorino's AB really hurt, but otherwise not too bad. AJ for five innings. Yankees will win.
ok nice recovery, if AJ can settle in and we make Lee work this game is far from over
[204] [205] Right on!
You would have thought coming into this game, the one game plan you would have is no early fastballs to Utely.
[207] AJ for five innings sounds Bruney-tastic
[201] Ah. So, if they lose and have Pettitte on short rest in YS instead of Burnett on full rest in YS, that's the right decision??
I guess we have very different ideas of right decisions.
[202] Yeah, but (as I noted in the earlier thread) I want the Yankees to win the ring even if they don't deserve it.
[201] AJ has been very mediocre on the road too. If you saved him for game 6, however, you could reasonable expect a very good game.
[201] agreed, a Gaudin start would only be acceptable in the event of an injury to one of the big three. You willingly go to him, and you're willingly punting away a World Series game.
[205] I AGREE!!! FUCK THE PHILLIES!!!
[199] Of course it will, just as if they win it will impact the rest of the series. It's a tautological statement (if I'm being an ass).
[198] That's the only reason I even consider him close to likable (well that and the brutally honest interviews).
But, man, his inconsistency is already consistently tiresome.
[212] I just really don't like the idea of taking our foot off the throat.
[216] Hm, okay.
But the decision to start Gardner today won't impact the rest of the series, will it? So it's not tautological to say that the decision to start Burnett will be.
Gardner is depressing.
I told cliff last night I think all we need AJ to do was hold them to 3 runs or less. I didn't know he was gonna do it like that!
Come on Gardner, big bat behind you, get on base here
Well, Gardner made contact and didn't pop it up.
Gardner has lost a step
Good
sliderCURVE.FTFY, Weeping.
Brett Gardner is a very bad baseball player.
[218] I like the idea of winning the World Series, so I'm for whatever improves the prospects of doing that.
Gardner sucks.
Never mind those 2 nice strikes you saw Brett. Get in a hole and go golfing. OY!
Can't they pinch hit Jorge now?
too many things for me to catch up on the previous comments, but i'm here. in/out for in a little while...
Chutley/Pat Riley is really beginning to piss me off. : /
we can totally get to Cliff Lee tonight.
c'mon Posada! ; )
Molina looks like the anti-anti-anti-Bambino
Molina runs up the pitch count...doing his job before the weak pop-up.
[231] Hey!
Thanks for the updates on Saturday night!
Weird thing to be half watching Phish and half refreshing the Yankees game on my cell phone!
Come one Molina cut the fridge loose.
[219] Well, in fact, every personnel decision this game, it coould be argued, contributes to whether the team wins or loses. Thus, it by definition impacts the rest of the series. So yeah, that would be strictly a tautological statement.
But especially so for for choosing the starting pitcher. The very fact Girardi chose AJ will necessarily have a significant impact on the rest of the series. If he wins, the series is over. If he loses, the series continues and Pieetitte (or Gaudin) will have to start. So yes, the decision to start AJ---or not start AJ---must impact the rest of the series. Thanks.
see? baseball really IS predictable! : (
[231] thelarmis, my lady bought Mr. OK Jazz Jr drumsticks for his b-day present! He loves watching the DVD of "Blast" (drum ensemble show) and banging the floor with pens, so she got him some real sticks. Come on over to Japan to give him some lessons!
The fact that Molina could make that much contact shows Lee is off a little, but with a ST lineup, the Yankees may not be able to take advantage.
[234] yo! well, shit - if i knew you were checking, i coulda saved the texts!
Who would have thought Mussina was throwing a pitch all those years that hadn't even been invented yet. : /
As I watched Utley's ball fly out there I didn't feel the usual anger, dread or panic. That was simply the high water mark of a beaten team.
AJ is keep us in this game. We've absorbed their best shot ... And we're going to win it ... Tonight ... On their field. I know this to be true.
That's OK...the bottom three are a sinkhole, and would have been even if Melky was here. AJ needs to get back to right thinking and then the top of the order can go back to work.
was anyone actually expecting anything offensively that inning anyway?
hold them here AJ and let the top of the lineup go back to working Lee and I'll be ok
34 pitches through two for Lee
With this lineup, the Yankees are really playing 6 offensive innings.
Res Gestae Divi Cliffi:
Struck out AJ Burnett.
Worship the guy some more, Buck.
[247] Nice reference to the Res Gestae!
[236]
So, according to you, every play in every game impacts the rest of the series? I don't think that's the way most people use "impacts".
Too bad Molina is one of those guys who can purposely foul off pitches. Then, he'd be a real secret weapon.
[246] Well, I guess we have to pray for rain after the 6th
[240] well, sometimes I'd check after you texted me, just to see exactly how things went down ... and then you stopped and i was still curious, so i'd check again.
don't have a data plan, so i'd just check in for a minute every 20-30 minutes or so.
is it the Montreal Canadians?
the fact that I went with Yuengling tonight isn't some kind of bad karma for the Yankees right? I didn't wanna have to go with Rheingold or Brooklyn Lager
[249] Yes, if we push the definition. But you will note that I said ESPECIALLY the decision of who starts will impact the rest of the series. We already knew that.
Come on, AJ...throw strikes.
Wow, McCarver and Buck are so fucking PROFOUND!!!
c'mon, AJ.
[248] Thanks. Classical antiquity and baseball are a fine mix.
Well, I called this series in 6, so obviously, this is MY fault ...
let's go AJ, stop fucking around.
Did you know: AJ Burnett had an OPS of .877 in 2000 (in 30 at bats). He had one double, one triple, and one home run.
there ya go
It's a small strike zone.
I'm somewhat optimistic that AJ can adjust to it.
fuckin digs a 3-0 hole, then 3 stright strikes to get him out. You never can tell...
[260] However, after the last 2 games, my gut says tonite's the night ... prediction be damned.
LONG WAY to go in this game folks.
[265] See [264].
Thank you, AJ. Thanks for fronting Ruiz a 3-0 count before k'ing him. 2 down. Get Rollins out. He's a chump.
[254] I've got a Sam Adams sampler pack, just finishing up their Octoberfest. Don't see a Novemberfest.
Where was THAT pitch? Didn't Molina frame it or whatever?
What the fuck, BLUE!!!
WHERE's THAT FUCKING CURVEBALL BLUE?
Oh, right, this is the new Jimmy Rollins Takes a Walk model.
This is definitely not the umpire for Burnett. If the game 6 ump is known to be a pitcher's friend, that perhaps should have been another facotr taken into consideration.
I don't know if Victorino stays in this game
pitch count for AJ??
I like how Victorino pretended that his hand hurt on that pop-up.
Seriously. Why cant these a-holes say, "Well there's the best curveball in the game. It's so good the umpire doesn't even know it's a strike."
Better this way. Now Utley definitely bats with nobody on...
[252] oh, it's all good, bud! i stopped, 'coz i was on stage! : }
[276] 36.
[276] I got 34 on me scorecard.
[274] Yeah, it's too bad that the weather isn't 85 degrees today too.
[281] and 34 for Lee? that's ok..we need to get a run back this inning though...
[281] That's not bad. Just keep 'em here. But the top of the order HAS to make Lee work a little this inning.
[281] and 34 for Lee? that's ok..we need to get a run back this inning though..
[282] I give you credit. I've been known to turn paper products near me into confetti when something bad happens. : )
[281] yeah, my bad. 36 for AJ, 34 for Cliff.
hi team - so that fucking chutely and his animal charity work again huh
[277] Swinging a bat with a bruised or broken hand can be very painful...and often you don't know the extent of your injury until you bat. I broke a finger playing the field in a game, but didn't appreciate the extent of the injury until my first AB. The first swing was so painful, I just released the bat and then went straight to the emergency room. I wound up completely breaking my pinky off my hand and had surgery. That was exactly 6 years ago today...because it was after the 2003 WS, everyone thought I broke my hand punching something in frustration.
We don't *want* Victorino to come out, do we?
The World Series is beyond baseball? Wisconsin Tourism Federation, MLB?
[290] Yeah, I was just being mean. Actually, he looks like he's hurting out there.
Jeter missed three very hittable pitches. What is about Lee that makes good hitters miss them?
Crap. Jeter missed a nice pitch to hit on the first pitch. At least he made him throw what, 5 or 6 pitches.
Are they going to talk about Victorino's hand the entire fucking game?
[294] Jedi mind tricks?
Good.
3 walks in about 30 previous innings. 2 walks tonight. Good.
[294] does he conceal the ball well during his release? a la Weaver?
ahhhh... CLee doubles his BB count for the postseason tonight. so far.
[296] alex told us you were in philly for all these games - what happened you told the phanatic to fuck off?
Lee is so clearly not the same tonight...if they can just make him pay.
tex really needs to tie the game here
keep working him
TEIXEIRA, CAN YOU TRY AND NOT HIT A ROUTINE F8?
[293] I'd like to be sympathetic to victorino but I'm too indifferent.
[303] that would rule.
Grrrr.
you kill me Tex
[307] it'll still rule if Alex does it! : }
ugh tex can't even really hit rh
Alex is coming up big here, just sayin'.
Hit the shit out of that one. D'oh! Fuck!
Dear Mark Teixeira,
FYI: You have been sucking the entire post season.
Regards,
Jason Giambi
Are these MLB umps or SEC refs?
Waste of the 1,2,3,4. Goddamnit.
Dammit. A-Rod just missed that...and they didn't run up the pitch count enough. Crudola.
.
.
.
OK, AJ, please do not let Utley hit another HR.
[312] Sigh ... or not.
Arod just missed that.
Teixeira better hope the Yankees win this series because otherwise he is going to be in the cross hairs. Only Cano has had as many poor ABs. It really is shocking.
[315] No kidding...Those SEC refs missed a clear holding penalty on Tennessee 2 Saturdays ago on that second blocked kick; even if he had made the kick, they should've thrown the flag.
Oh shit...
Just walk him.
[317] well, no one's been warned yet --- hit Utley in the head.
[323] I jest...just hit him in the back
[323] Yes, that would be better. Or, perhaps wait to nail Lee in the head or hand?
[323] that hair will repel the ball
[323] I'm fine with that.
Please don't allow this inning to turn to utter shit. Fuck you Utley.
Has AJ had a called strike yet? (Yes, I know he has..i'm just venting with hyperbole.)
Apparently Shane Victorino is now Timmy Lupus.
so andy is the only yankee pitcher that has contained chutley
Fuck 'n McAsshole. i HATE these guys.
Why can't Joe Buck have sex with a fox intern?
he was so caught too
[331] has Mo or Damaso gotten him? prolly, but yeah, Andy's the only starter.
FUCK. i'm really sick of Pat Riley.
Dammit Posada, what kind of throw was that...oh...er....
Ugh.
[330] he does eat his own boogers
I don't know how much more of this I can take
damn jeter tried to tag too fast
A decent throw gets him...Molina is really not justifying his presence in this lineup.
Another missed strike. Robbie's got Jeter beat on those plays.
I still have this overall sense that we're going to win this game...I'm curious to see how.
「３３３」Awesome
Burnett is heading toward disaster. He doesn't have any command tonight.
aj at 45 pitches already. that place is getting LOUD
man do i hate those stoopid white towels
I'd like to know why the pitch that Utley stole on was not called a strike.
[330] If he quit being a spaz all the time maybe he wouldn't catch so much shit.
[335] yeah i meant starters
after much consideration i have decided that that goatwhore is too good of a name to waste on anyone but joe buck
booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
[344] I thought it was the ump's tight strike zone? or is it the fact that he came back on three day's rest? Or is it the fact that he's not throwing first pitch strikes?
wheels. falling. off.
dammit. unassisted triple play for Jeter coming. I can feel it.
[346] The zone is very tight. I wonder if that's the book on the homeplate ump. If so, pairing AJ with him is kind of the strike three against the decision, the first two being 3-days rest and on the road.
[338] and now back-to-back walks to Kelly Leak and Ahmad...this could be trouble. I think AJ can get Toby Whitewood, Rudy Stein and Engleberg.
I think we might see Gaudin in this game after all.
Wow, I really hate this fuck face.
get it together aj
Waldman just said Robertson is up in the bullpen. So Girardi really doesn't trust Gaudin, egh?
Calling Freddy Aceves...come in Freddie...
David Robertson is warming. Ahhhh...so he's the long man.
Girardi needs to prepare to go to the Gaudin and friends start very soon. Burnett will not get through 5, and may not make it past this inning.
[353] There is absolutely nothing anyone can do about the decision
get
him
OUT
4-1.
That one's on Posada.
Burnett has good velocity, but his command is off and he's getting squeezed abit. He still has a shot to muscle through five or six....
.
.
.
Then again, maybe not...
Fuck you, Toby Whitewood.
Let's see what Robertson has tonite, 'cause AJ's got shit.
Goddammit!
Wow, I really, really hate this fuck face.
The decision has officially exploded...now it's time to assess the damage.
He has to be pulled now..4-1 with no outs..his could be the ballgame here...
[364] Why? Is he calling pitches from the bench?
[360] not really, he's just a quicker warm than Vulture or Gaudin.
Girardi has to make a decision. I fhe pulls the plug now, he may be able to get an inning or two out of AJ in game 7.
[372] How the fuck should I know? But it's his fault, that much I do know.
Leaving Burnett in now makes no sense. Girardi rolled the dice and it came up snake eyes. It's time to cut the losses.
pull the plug
AJ out. Now.
Wow, I really, really, really hate this fuck face.
And that's that.
And fuck you, Buck.
Holy cow. They're pulling AJ already?
I still think it was the right decision, you have to at least give it a shot
Actually I can't decide what sucks more...Listen to the Phillies fans go wild for 6 more innings or risk going to bed and a miracle occurs and we win....
The beauty of AJ stinking it up tonight on short rest is that Molina will be immune from any blame. So he will still be AJ's BFF next year (provided he's still around).
wow, that couldn't have gone any worse.
Andy better be a golden god on short rest.
our pen is about to get shot.
this could very well go 7. that would suck...
[370] I just don't see how Gaudin is the answer for anything, the guy sucks, bottom line. It's not like Girardi is holding back Dwight Gooden, circa 1985
NIce Season, AJ. Unfortunately my last image of you will be being complete garbage.
AJ..you take the good (Game 2) and you take the bad (Game 5)
Hold them at 5-1 and our O can still come back...I am not worried yet..
It was the best of times, it was the blurst of times ...
[384] next year the part of jose molina will be played by francisco cervelli
[381] Actually, I like this move with an off day coming up. Maybe they can crawl out of this hole and win tonight. If not, AJ might still be able to make an appearance in game 7. Girardi has to manage aggressively this game.
[382] Yup.
AJ, I know CC. CC is a stud pitcher. You sir, are no CC.
[385] Probably not, Robertson, Gaudin, Aceves and Bruney are the guys going to pitch from here on out, barring a comeback.
Bigger problem, is that the other guys, who are supposed to be the anchors of the bully, still don't inspire *any* confidence (Mo aside).
At least I can sell my game 6 tix....
[389] You stupid Monkey!
[385] The pen won't be shot with a rest tomorrow.
[390] Right. Let's start the campaign now to have Cervelli as his personal catcher.
[386] Burnett has been much better at home, which is where he would have been on full days rest in game 6. AJ was a decent bet for this kind of game, so moving him up didn't really give you a huge edge. Now, the Yankees have Andy on 3-days rest, which brings its own concerns. Joe gambled and lost big time. I am sure that is going to gnaw at him on the off day, and perhaps for his entire career if the Yankees lose this World Series.
This better be Molina's last inning. THIS ump is FUCKING KILLING me.
note to brian cashman - you need 4 legitimate (ie better than chad gaudin) pitchers in the post season
This decision is eerily similar to Torre's decision to use Wang on three days rest on the road.
sammy b says robertson hasn't pitched in 5 dyas so if he is decent should be able to get 2 out of him
I'm breaking my rule about not posting during the game. I said that I hated this move, and I FUCKING hate this move.
This decision to pitch AJ on short rest SUCKED.
The dude pitches better at home, anyway.
But this is everything about what I was talking about last night - when you have a lead you use that lead as a weapon. Managing your lead is the way to strangle your opponent into submission.
I used to be a damn good tennis player. My best ability was winning. Once I had any sort of lead, I would use it mercilessly to grind you to death. Any lead gave me a flexibility to take certain risks, to put certain kinds of pressure on you.
AJ's inconsistent enough that it may just be AJ being AJ. But you were going up against Lee anyway, for fuck's sake.
Yeah, you had a plan for three starters, but then you got a 3-1 lead.
Is there ANY chance that people looking at AJ's history were seduced by something called SMALL SAMPLE SIZE???
I mean what the fuck, that is classic small sample size.
I had low hopes tonight, the closer we got to game time.
Why, when we had all the leverage, did we employ a plan that suddenly puts us in a position of weakness from here on out?
I'm fucking pissed.
Fuck. Against Lee, as relatively wild as he is, this deficit may be too large to overcome.
That was a huge RBI from Ruiz. The Yankees might have gotten a lift from not allowing anymore runs. Regardless, seeing Robertson pitch well highlights the error in leaving AJ in too long.
[400] game 4 vs cleveland? that game was at home
[397] I don't get paid to make these decisions, I thought it was a good one when it was made and I still think it was. It didn't work out. Shit happens.
oh god. this is brutal.
Scratch that on Robertson pitching well :(
[399] Well, at the end of a long series of decisions, a couple of potential legitimate fourth starters are now in the BP. I'm just sayin'...
That's it.
Lee with the hit..the Banter is about to become very bad-tempered..
[406] Shit happens and teams lose the World Series.
[409] oh yes - that was part of the note
Cliff Lee in the 2nd and 3rd innings put pitch #1 in play. Fucker.
[406] I agree. AJ is and always has been a flake. It is hard to pin down whether he stunk it up tonight *because* he was on the road, or *because* he was on short rest, or *because* the zone was tighter, or *because* he is, well, AJ. Or even because, perhaps, Molina called a bad game.
I still think the Yanks will make this interesting tonight. And if they dont come back, they will win on Wednesday.
If the pitchers were not tryng to hit a FUCKINGSTAMPSIZED strike zone things would be different.
good pitch robertson -
It's still early. Lotta baseball left to play tonight.
Atta boy, Dave. Hit the showers, Molina.
[402] And I want to be clear that I said this last night.
And the other thing I said last night is that it reminds me of Torre doing the worst job ever of leveraging a lead as an advantage - which will always be what I think he fucked up precisely in the series I don't care to name.
Well, this couldn't be going much worse.
[405] You're right...the question were separate. Torre was criticized for not using Wang in game 3, which would have allowed him to pitch at home, and also for going to him on three days rest. I don't think Torre was wrong for having him go game 1 because he was really most worthy of 2 starts.
Robertson is good.
Too bad he couldn't start.
It's still early. The Yankees came back against the Angels...they can come back here. Posada gets to come out of his doghouse for the rest of the game; two PHs for the pitcher spot.
So it all comes down to CC.
(I have little confidence in Andy on three. I mean, he could gut something out, to be sure, but I don't have high expectations.)
13 pitches for Robertson. he should definitely pitch another inning
Good inning for Robertson. He limited the damage in a situation where they were just about guaranteed a run. And hey, instead of resting, Lee had to stand on first.
Now how about a big ol' score truck delivery.
[416] I know. Don't even get me started.
[423] He could have...a mix of pitchers really would have been a decent option. Hughes, Robertson and Gaudin could have gotten you through 6.
[425] This game ain't over yet, as monkeypants well points out in [424].
I figured I'd see about 35 "Gaudin could have done that" posts, but not quite that many. I take that as a good sign!
[429] I guess. And Ace for a couple...
Aceves warming, per Waldman.
Lee seems to have a bigger zone
[430] I did have one, but it was heavily ironic so if you weren't looking carefully you may have neglected to count it.
At least the ump sucks for both sides. Yeesh.
What can you do...Nice stroke, Swish.
Agggh, motherfucker.
damnit this sesame street dude is always right there
[433] He does.
[430] No, it's not. But five runs...
These interviews are the worst thing ever
then don't ask stupid questions goatwhore
No more crying over spilt AJ..we need a run or two quick! I believe it's called "a momentum shift". Monkeypants has several interesting academic treatises on this subject I believe..
Not even bothering to wtach Cano at bat anymore..
[441] I'm glad I don't get those on MLB International.
[440] Little bites
wow that was an interesting strike
Cripes. Both balls hit hard.
Ech. Gardner
Damon, now Robbe watched a 2-0 fastball in their prospecitve wheelhouse. I don't get it. : /
gardner should drag bunt
I hope Gardner makes out, so they keep Robertson in for two innings.
[442] "Goatwhore" is inspired.
Does Gardner even know he can swing before he gets 2 strikes?
[442] excellent use of "goatwhore"!
Can someone please go over the advantage for me again of not throwing a hail mary of Gaudin - and I know he hasn't pitched in ages, but the guy has shown an uncanny knack for keeping the Yanks in games until he leaves - and having a well-rested AJ ready to go at home in Game 6?
The only rationale I can see behind it is that you trust AJ SO MUCH LESS than Pettitte. And that your big advantage - Game 6 at home, with the other team facing elimination - is one you want to spend with Andy.
But damn, you're saying you trust an old pitcher in Pettitte on short rest that much more than a well-rested Burnett. Holy shit, am I worried we are counting on Andy to be an ageless miracle and to avoid the dreaded bad Andy to a dangerous degree.
I guess that other rationale is that you want to throw what you think are your three best pitchers (them being the short rest versions of themselves) - or that Gaudin looked to matchup particularly terribly with this Phillies team. But I don't know if just looking at those three names = your best chance to win the one game you need.
If the Yankees could have gotten just a decent start, they would have had a chance because Lee doesn't look sharp. Not having Posada and Hairston may have been as costly as using AJ because Molina and Gardner are like giving away outs. I really hope Gardner doesn't factor into the 2010 Yankees plans. Cashman would be wise to try to trade him to some team blinded by his speed.
Someone needs to walk up to Gardner and very politely tell him that he sucks too hard to take two strikes every time up.
[453] I'm just happy if he runs up the count.
I just hope the Yankees don't have a 6 run inning, only to then blow the lead.
The problem with this move (starting AJ) was that it increased our chances of winning today, but decreased our chances of winning in #6 and #7. I know Girardi did not want to give a game away, but considering we only need ONE win, I have to question this move.
[455] one thing is gaudin has pretty severe splits - lefties hit him very well
I fucking hate how every time they use their stupid fucking strike box - which they totally use more to help make a case for the Phillies - but even when they use it and it shows something for the Yankees, Buck and McCarver just let it hang out there, their total silence hanging there like a runaway booger on an aborted jail break. And they ALWAYS verbalize when it shows something for the Phillies.
[459] Wow, you choose your hopes very carefully! I would say this one has an excellent chance of not letting you down.
Well, next inning should be good. Posada in for Molina, then a pinch hitter for Robertson (Hinske? Or use Matsui now?), and Jeter. That's not bad.
[459] Once was enough.
keep Molina in for the bottom 4th?
[456] Of course, had Melky not been hurt, he would have started instead of Hairston. And Melky was sucktastic in his own right. So when it comes down to it, not starting Posada has cost the Yankees all of one AB.
I guess Po comes in next inning.
[466] Keep him in until you PH, which will be next inning.
[462] What do you expect from degenerate tools?
I'm surprised Gardner doesn't bunt more, with his speed.
[461] He's also something of a flyball pitcher, which can be a big problem in that ballpark.
I was not in favor of AJ on short rest, but I do think it was the right call.
Let's stop this rollins-bats-in-every-inning streak. uhhh, now.
[456] I'm not that down on Gardner - I think he's a useful bench player. He's just not a guy you want getting significant ABs in the World Series!
[472] What the fuck is that, voodoo shit?
[460] I don't think it affects game 7 one bit. Game six may have been compromised, however, as you suggest.
[472] Wait, you were not in favor of it but you think it was the right call?? You were in favor of the wrong call?
Lee has been getting calls on the outside corner that we're not getting.
[463] You know, if it led to Pettitte pitching a stellar Game 6 to clinch, like the crummy grame 5 in the ALCS...hey, I'd take it!
[460] I think it's even debatebale that it increased the chances of winning today (although I think it did slightly). Girardi rolled the dice that AJ would be outduel Lee. It was a longshot, but like most long shots, it failed. Now, you can say that being up 3-1 is like playing with house money, or take the approach that with a 3-1 lead, it's better to play it close to the vest. You can argue both sides of the coin.
[476] Uh, it doesn't affect game 7 one bit?
Is that the one decision in the history of a WS game that didn't affect the rest of the Series?
;)
one more, Dave. Then you can hit the showers.
Wait, I thought Utley was told by Bud Selig to homer in every at bat?? Wha happend?
[480] at the same time, if lee is indeed shaky as you say (and i agree he doesn't look as sharp), wouldn't it be pretty frustrating to have gaudin pitching and giving up runs?
[467] Melky hasn't hit well in the WS, but he has been solid in October. Gardner is just a waste.
[483] Not that it’s relevant to your point, but they both do a lot of animal-based charity work.
[455] AJ can throw stinkers of a game on normal rest too. So if Chad stinks tonight and then AJ stinks in game 6. Gulp.
I'd rather have Pettitte & CC back at the stadium than AJ & Pettitte, even if there's short rest. Tonight we can afford to lose.
[476] In Game#7, CC is on short rest for the 2nd time in a row. If he has problems, and you have a rested Andy in the BP, that's a big option. Otherwise, Girardi will leave CC in, as his options won't look as good.
[481] Ha-ha. It affects it inasmuch as there will or won't be a Game 7, which is dependent on moves made in prior games. But CC was going to start game 7 no matter what, so I do not see a direct link between AJ pitching today and CC starting game 7, which he was going to do anyway.
[480] I don't have a problem with being aggressive with a 3-1 lead. It just didn't work out. Also, it's not as if they had a real 4th starter option. Gaudin's pitched, what 2 innings since the beginning of October?
[486] Yeah, but Kate Hudson does centaur-based work.
[487] Good point in the first para, but the second one is wrong. It wouldn't be AJ & Pettitte, it would be AJ & CC. And AJ would be in Yankee Stadium, on full rest.
[484] No, because I think you could have Gaudin on a short leash and planned to use your entire pen to handle this game. Guys like Aceves, Gaudin, Robertson and Hughes should be plenty rested and each could have been used to get the ball to Marte, Joba and Mo at the end of the game.
good work davey
D-Rob is dealing.
clappin. standing. It's a 1-2-3 inning, boys. and gals.
[488] He'll probably have a full BP minus Andy, but possibly plus AJ (surely AJ will be available out of the pen in game 7 for one or to innings). I'm not convinced that Andy was ever going to back up CC, unless CC gets shellacked, in which case they have bigger problems to deal with.
[460] That's how I felt.
[461] and [472] Thanks for the possible answers. I need something, because I'm just fucking pissed.
[470] I expect exactly that. It's just so fucking obvious. I was sad I didn't get to see their postgame last night, just to see how morose they were during that one.
As a nice plus, though, we've taken at least two out of three in Philly, and it is hard to be disappointed in that. Maybe we shove a bat up Pedro's ass on Wednesday, and let him see what it feels like to be paraded around the stadium as "the most influential player hoisted by the bat stuck up his ass in the history of Yankee Stadium.
[491] They eat centaur here ya know..
Robertson: 27 pitches, 17 strikes 'cording to my scorecard -- which I almost ditched.
[492] Ah. Still, I would trust Andy on short rest more than AJ on full rest. Burnett can be lights out or he can make me want to turn the lights out and hide in the dark.
[493] burnett himself gave up 5 runs before the bullpen could really be called in. you seem to think that a bad pitching performance can always be averted just by going to the bullpen. but gaudin could have done at least as much damage as burnett did.
Come on. Three runs here and we have a game
[487] At home, AJ gave up more than 4 runs in only starts: one to the Phillies and the other to Baltimore.
Ah, Jorge.
come on piss hands!
yes goatwhore, jorgie and molina look just alike since all puerto ricans look the same
I'm just glad that we have seen the end of the Jose Molina Experience.
I got no problem with Gardner. He's got a better OBP for the season than Melky.
But you have to figure he must be kind of rusty now. He hasn't played much recently. Still, I'd rather him and his speed and glove over Hairston.
damn cutley had him played perfectly
Wow Timmeh, you are soooo smart! I never would have figured out that Girardi was trying to get Posada as many ABs as possible. You add so much to the broadcast!
/McAsshole
[487] I'm just *really* worried about Pettitte on short rest.
What insanely fucking retarded point is McCarver trying to make about Posada?
Holy shit, that may be the dumbest thing he's said yet, and that is an amazing thing to say.
Ok, I'm going back to not game posting. It's bad luck for our comeback.
You know, we've had much better swings tonight against Lee, FWIW.
Someone explain that McCarver analysis to me.
He noted that you might be wondering why Posada was pinch hitting here, down five runs, and he suggested that maybe by pinch hitting here Posada would get another at bat compared to pinch hitting him in the seventh inning.
Huh.
[502] Anything "could" happen. Erik Hinske "could" throw a shutout if they used him.
[504] I can understand how homefield would affect a sinkerballer or how an extreme pitchers or hitters park could make a difference, but I really don't why AJ is this bad on the road.
c'mon Eric. Hinske with your best shot!
good eye hinske
If this ump called every game I would lose my mind. Hey, Hinkse. That'll do.
are they actually showing some guy's bbq pit?
Fucking shills.
[514] That's OK, Sutcliffe just pointed out that what hurt the Yankees tonight is that AJ faced 15 batters and nine of them reached base.
i LOVE my captain!
Send Jeter?
Wow, a hit! Amazing!
there we go boys. rallies often start with some base clogging!!
The new Yankee Stadium really needs Balboni's BBQ so it can compete with Boug's and the Bull's.
Sterling: that Jeterian swing, you can close your eyes and see it.
hahaha
Come one boys, let's get one or two back here. Someone HAS to come up big.
[514] You still tuning him in?
[515] that's just a stupid thing to say. burnett is better than gaudin and gaudin is worse than burnett. gaudin is more likely to give up runs than burnett, and also more likely to give up a certain amount of runs in a certain amount of time.
Ok, keep the line moving.
Keep up the great fucking work, Damon.
[516] This is my last post - and then truly no more posting.
AJ is fucking mentally fragile. How can that be surprising to you? These are people, not just numbers thrown out on the field. AJ is a fucking head case. It's an obvious explanation.
[522] I switced to Japanese announcers..Sutt was grating today
[522] Ha hah ah ah ah aha ha ha !!!
For the love of Jehovah.
I'm glad you guys also noticed that incomprehensible McCarverism.
The hell?
Nice!
Big run!
Woohoo.
[504] And we'll be facing Philly at home.
[512] Andy on short rest is a concern. But I'd rather take that risk than Chad tonight & AJ for game 6. AJ isn't consistent enough for me and Andy has pitched big games before.
Way to go Hinske!
okay run in - ggod work eric
Yikes. Did Jeter almost get impaled?
[520] yeah, luzinski's. and the food looked disgusting. then again, i don't like BBQ! : )
hey, there's a run. let's plate more!!!
OK, not ideal, but that's a run. Let's go Teix.
[531] Burnett on the road and three days rest is not necessarily better than Gaudin/Ace/Robertson/Hughes.
Do something good Teixeira.
[527] Not that its relevant to your point, but they both do a lot of animal-based charity work.
And I'm pretty sure that the basic technique for making BBQ is the same everywhere, including NYC, Bull.
OK, not totally awesome, but I'll take the run! The closer we get to a save situation, the closer we are to seeing Brad Lidge again!
stop your damn mound conferences
Howard fell asleep. Heads up Hinske!
[530] Weeping, what is my alternative to tuning these guys in?
[527] Balboni BBQ -- Kansas City style.
That was not good, Teixeira.
Another hard hit ball from Teix.
tex is killing me at the dish...
I hate you tex
JesusChristGoddammitSonofaBitch.
[527] Ha ha hah ah ah ahh aha ha !!!
Fucking Teix!!
For Christ's sake, can't you fucking hit the ball already??
Goddamn, you're *killing* us!
Has Teixeira been the worst hitter on the team in the playoffs?
[551] Mute?
[51] Turning on and dropping out?
Could Teix be any more of a frigging black hole offensively. Holy shit!
Is Cano worse?
The mystery of Teixeira deepens. Again, if I could have picked one Yankee other than Jeter to not be overwhelmed by the postseason, it would have been Tex. His ABs have really been sad to watch.
Hey all...well shit. Uphill climb tonight I 'spect.
[551] I don't know, actually. I was just as mystified as you were. :)
Ok... this time I really mean it... good night all until after the game.
[546] what are you talking about? those other relievers are available behind burnett too (are you watching?). burnett is a better pitcher than gaudin, anywhere. so yes, he is necessarily better than gaudin on the road. what evidence do you have that he's worse on short rest?
Tex is going to wake up. So will Cano.
BTW - RI and weeping, back in I think it was [472] I meant to type "I was not in favor of starting AJ on short rest at first, but then I changed my mind. I still think it was the right decision." I just left out a few words; been a long day! =)
HOw many pitches for Lee?
Even Cano is having better swings than Teix now.
[566] I can ignore them for long periods of time. But the bullshit seeps through my skull from time to time. It's pretty amazing.
3-1, I go for a walk, come back...not pretty. I know we don't go down without a fight. Dig in and make it a game. I guess it may have been wishful thinking for 3 wins in Philly. C'mon boys give it your all!
Hey, Aceves found wins out of thin air all season long, so why not tonight?
[569] Tex & Cano are killing us..on the other hand, I hear they both...
Right. For us, that's a ball.
Pigfucker.
[569] 76
[569] Ah, one mystery solved!
Yeah Brett!!!!
GARDY!
damn what a catch
WOW.
whew! get up, gritner.
Uh-oh. Nice catch, Gardy, but please don't kill yourself.
Tex verus Cano is a scarier movie than Freddy versus Jason.
OPS by series
Tex:.647, .550 and .563
Cano: .333, .892 and .267
If you like consistently bad, then Tex has been better. If you prefer one good series surrounded by putrid, Cano is your man.
[571] I know. I do a decent job of tuning them out, but then McCarver starts to talk like he has something insightful to say and I'm suckered in only to do a double-take and wonder if I just heard what I thought I heard!
Yes, Brett!
Oh, fuck.
No, no, no!
AND FUCK YOU, BUCK!
FUCK YOUR MOTHER, TOO!
Aceves you better do something here dude. We need it. We don't need rockstar hair, jass patch fur to ding on. Fuckin' Werth....and I'll be dipped in shit. Gardy, you rock dude.
Please be OK.
Great catch! I hope he didn't separate a shoulder there.
[575] Bring.
On.
Technology.
PLEASE!
Cripes Gardner, I hope you're OK. That was a nice catch. If he's going to come out though, I say let's see Pena in CF.
That ball clearly wasn't leaving the yard. Buck is a dope.
Gardner may have saved whatever chance they have tonight though
If Ruiz makes that catch these booth guys are losing their minds. Just humdrum for poor Lil' G.
Shake it off Gardy, you're a fucking Yankee. You DON"T give up!
Amazing play.
prolly had the wind knocked outta him
i HATE mcasshole's laugh. shithead.
Hell of a catch! Nice. Don't think any other Yankee OF makes that catch these days.
Gardner sucks.
That may be the fastest I've ever seen Raul Ibanez move
[568] It's futile to argue, the narrative has been established. The issue is not whether AJ on short rest was better that Gaudin---everyone before the game agreed that AJ was better than Gaudin, and it's merely revisionism to say that he was not. The issue is whether the Yanks should have held AJ in reserve for game 6 on full rest. That is, the debate is not AJ v. Gaudn, but AJ in game 5 v. Aj in game 6.
[568] We have no significant evidence about AJ on short rest because 4 starts in a career don't mean much (especially when you are talking about the end of a long season). We do have evidence that AJ is much better at home than on the road. The Yankees could have been better off following the evidence and giving AJ game 6, and then turning game 5 into a bullpen game.
no comments on this... maybe TV didn't show it... radio cats saying that Werth trotted all the way around the basses. Thought it was a HR.
anyone?
good inning Ace.
Score Truck, por favor!!!
That play reminded me of the one where Gardner banged into the bullpen glass and nearly brained himself.
I'm sure Buck and Mcsuckass are loving this. UGH! Shit. Get some boys, bet some.
[583] Tex has, by my very inaccurate and unscientific reckoning, done more with the glove than Cano though. Not reflected in the hitting stats, but a run saved = a run scored!
I have zero interest in continuing to debate who should have started the game tonight. I'm more concerned about finding a way back into this game.
Nice Ace! Four runs in four innings is not impossible for this offense.
[599] Yes, he did. McCarver yucked an abrasive yuck over it and everything.
[599] he did trot all around the bases. he seemed to be clueless as to what was going on. girardi was running past 3rd around the same time as werthless...
Two runs here guys
Fuck I'm so pissed I can't spell. Oh well, spelling is overrated.
[599] yeah he ran all the way around - not sure if he thought it was a hr or was just running around them
[599] Yeah, he was trotting, for sure.
[601] Oh, yeah, I remember that! That was at home, right? Near the clear wall in left center?
[590] If Ruiz caught a ball against the CF wall, I think they should stop the game and never play baseball again because a more incredible moment would never take place :)
Chip. Chip. Chip. Chip. Chip. Chip. Chip. Chip. Chip. Chip. AWAY.
Far from over.
Center fielders seem suddenly endangered in this series.
[612] Clear wall. :)
Yes, that would be bullpen glass.
Good, so we're all agreed that Werth trotted.
[613] I could see it happening to Swisher somehow. He has strange luck.
Gee thanks [615]...ugh.
[613] Undoubtedly. : D
[613] he'd be fined for violating the space/time continuum.
[614] Oh god, I thought you were going to finish with "Caray". My heart stopped for a brief moment.
Just wanted to drop in to say Teixeira is killing us
It pro created?
[598] william, this is what a "bullpen game" looks like. if the yankees went down 6-2 or so to a relatively shaky lee while starting gaudin, people would be pissed that we hadn't taken a chance. if you want to argue that aj would definitely not have had this type of start tomorrow, fine, but you have no evidence (you can only refute evidence to the contrary). but to suggest that gaudin would have been a better option than burnett for tonight's game is absurd.
Need another run or two here. A-rod can deliver...
That's high when we throw it there.
[607] Nah, I think he knew. He was looking, and he was hearing the crowd reaction. He could see him slow down when Gardner made the catch.
[615] How come you don't show up when the Phillies are losing, Hugh?
First time for everything, Timmah!
Well then, its about bloody well time for Cliff Lee to blow a 5 run lead then!
And how much does anyone want to be that Lee has blown a 5 run lead in the minors?
We're in this puppy. Four runs. By no means insurmountable.
Let's go, Team!!
[632] Agreed!
41-0 with a 5 run lead. Perfect!
[624] are you battling mcasshole for the captain obvious award?
Thing is, he doesn't have a 5 run lead now.
All these 0-2 counts are anti-good.
Where did that miss?
[623] yeah, i thought the same thing! i saw lots of "fisting"
[630] once again, i thought the same thing. i hate that shit.
Gotta make Lee work, get that count up to 100...c'mon Yanks
[626] By bullpen game I mean using all relievers, not waiting for a starter to get knocked out. I am not sure how "everyone" would have reacted to that approach, but that is what I thought was best before the game, so I am not going to change my tune now. Having said that, I don't think it's a no brainer awful decision, so while I think Girardi will and should take heat for it, I wouldn't consider it a major gaffe.
I am sorry you think my preference is absurd, but I think it would have been the better choice, and the outcome so far sure makes it look that way.
Fuck.
I thought that had a chance.
Dang, Nick.
Yankees could have really used a jolt by Swisher there.
if werth hit that, buck woulda had an orgasm. now, all of a sudden, the ball's not carrying. FUCK YOU BUCK!!!!
[615] Why do your fellow Phillies' fans keep loudly expressing their desire to be Red Sox fans? Do they know what they're asking for? Do they realize what they're taking onto themselves?
If you are Manuel, but not as insane, do you push Lee or pull him so that he can pitch in relief in game 7? How many runs/how few innings do you trust your BP with.
...or if there is NO game 6.
fuck you, buck
C'mon Robbie
[646] No fucking shit.
He's a pigfucker.
Holy shit what was that?
2 outs or not, nice to see Cano actually GET A HIT!
What? A Cano base hit?
Hm. So, miracles do sometimes happen.
Hmmmmm.
robbie just reintroduced himself to a hit
There you go Robbie! Swinging nice tonight.
i apologize for beating a dead horse, but pitching burnett tonight was a colossal mistake. even if gaudin gave up 10 runs, big deal, you go home w/ burnett on full rest and pettitte (if nec) on full rest, versus pedro and hamels. instead the advantage has been squandered. now game 6 comes down to a 38-yr-old on 3 days. girardi put his head in the noose for no reason.
Wait, did Robbie just get a hit between the Abominable Snowman and a unicorn?
Get ya some Gardy.
i think it'd be bad for us if it goes 7 and Happ starts. let's just - somehow - come back and end this fucker tonight!
How do you check your swing on that?
I really don't even get what the fuck it's like for him to be at the dish.
Great thought [660]
With the dead horse and the goatfuckers, I feel we are not going to get a good reputation for our animal-based charity work.
gardner cut that bullshit out
Good God, how can you take that pitch with 2 strikes?
what the fuck are you looking at, brett???? : /
Crap. What were you looking at Brett?
Wow.
He's really, really not good with the bat.
Wow.
Hmm. Wow. Just look at it Gardner. Hope you got an eye full. SHIT!
Brett Gardner really does suck.
This guy makes my head hurt.
Gardner with no clue.
[666] Jinx!
Whatever happens, Gardner will be staring at the tee in his garage all winter.
SWING THE GOODDMAN BAD, DUDE!
I'm gonna keep scoring this game. Cause a. no philly fan is scoring this bitch, and b. when the Yanks come back and win this, I'll sell it on ebay to someone who pays for those $2200 seats behind home plate.
For some bizarre reason, I have a strange gut feeling the Yankees are going to wind up winning this game. This is based on no rational analysis, mind you.
We win tonight, folks.
Lee's at 91 pitches...It might be nice to see him throw 125 and be finito for the rest of the series.
Well, fuck. This does...what's that word? FUCKING SUCK! Okay, 2 words, but fuck it, all the same.
[674] The Goodman Bad. Awesome!
Yo, what made the Goodman bad, yo?
What made the Goodman bad?
Was it Gardy watching strikes
While the game went up in flames?
Is that what made the Goodman bad?
[676] With a game winning Gardner triple.
[677] I like that. One can hope eh?
JHJ against Pedro on Wed. (if necessary) PLEASE!!!!
[630] my kids stole my computer to play something called dota the last couple games. i showed up pre-loss a couple times.
[676] I like your thinking, man. BP holds them here and the top of the lineup is up again next inning---we get two runs next inning and drive Lee from the game.
[630] except for Halloween when I was getting sh!tfaced at a costume party down the street. No yankee fans there, fortunately. No phillies fans either.
I guess I'm still not absolutely convinced that we're done tonight or I would have retired.
[679] Wow. I completely goofed on that one. : D
[683] Any chance your kids can give your 'puter a virus?
well, at least i got #666 again.
it's the little things...
[683] Hm, well, that's a shame. I guess it's good you got it back in time for a big lead, though.
Cole Hamels has a very "he who must not be named" look about him. Just a sad looking sack.
[689] Yes, the devil is in the details.
[688] Yeah but, I'm more interested in whether some yankees catch the bug that tore through the Phils bullpen earlier this series.
WTF is going on in Robbie's brain?
Did Cano just dive? Wow.
I fucking HATE Jimmy Rollins.
[694] OK, I take that back...that was a tougher play than it looked at first.
Just focus on Victorino and get out of this.
[690] Is 4 runs in the 6th a big lead against the Yankees? It ain't against the Phils in this park. Leads disappear in a hurry there.
[696] Ditto that.
[690] I can't tell if you're for us or against us...but I can guess. At least you play nice while you're here.
[699] Hm, well, it's the biggest you've had, by a wide margin. I guess it's all relative.
Molina!
fuck you, word press
vnhbxsvfsdbh cfn gmbjhgvfds
Hey, passed ball. No shit.
Jorge, Jorge, Jorge.
[402] said it best
BTW, scoring a game between John and Suzyn's retarted stories is hard.
Okay. Lets start to chip away now
Nice recovery by Ace. I guess we see Hairston...or Matsui??...this inning?
that's only 17 pitches for Ace
sorry, meant [699] My vision is blurred and I ain't even shit faced.
[703] Molina, Posada, they look alike. And there's that charity work.
Here we go!
Score Truck Convoy, across the U=S=A..Score Truck!
[711] ...or 18.
chai !!!
[708] How about between Buck & McCarver's retarded stories?
[716] Are you kidding? You couldn't squeeze a razor blade between those stories.
[716] you scoring, too, rbj?
i guess Ace's pitch count is a "mute" point, since he'll be PH for...
i HATE the senior circuit...
[711] But he bats this inning, I think.
[712] I'm agin ya. Mostly just rooting for another baseball game in this situation, though. Down 3-1 is pretty daunting.
[714] I'm with you on that Jazz. Fire it up and no stopping for a pee pee break.
[716] What about their Halloween story from the other night? I'll be passing that one along forever.
Hey, that would make a great children's book!
And now kids, it's time for another chapter of Buck & McCarver's Retarded Stories.
Oh, tell us the one about the centaur!
Lee is proof positive that there is a ton I don't get about the game. To me, it looks like he's been living off of lower 90s fastballs down the center of the plate, which seems like dangerous living to me. But the results speak for themselves. Last game, that was his primary pitch, but he had his other pitches working as well so it was easy to see why he was so dominant.
Ace = cliff lee? He can hit for a pitcher. No question he batted there.
Oh. My. God.
"No. That's it."
Nice, Joe, very nice.
[723] That costume story floored me.
Geez, don't get thrown out. FUCK YOU UMP.
Between Buck, McStupid and the Yanks failure to do something with Lee...this sucks all around. Hit the Fucking ball!!!!!
Have you seen the Phillies' bench batting averages?
[726] No, Ace = Aceves.
jorgie is such a bonehead
swing the fucking bat, piss hands!!! : /
sounds like PoPo is endearing himself to yet another HP ump.
Posada's response to being upset seems to be to take a called strike three down the middle.
WTF Jorge?
That might be the worst at bat I've ever seen.
Fuck a duck! JHJ make something fucking happen man!
Please don't be offended when I say that Jorge Posada is a one-man rain delay. What a needy beotch
[735] I've felt that way for years.
Posada needs to lose a little bit of the redass.
I wish I had a penny for every meatball we've just watched cruise on by.
I'd be a billionaire.
[735][740] Ah, a meeting of the minds.
God, Jorge is a dumb turd sometimes ...
shite
[718] Nope. Having a bourbon & beer. That's what Tim & Joe drove me to. And I have to go vote in the morning.
booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Swinging 3-1 down by 4? Sometimes you really deserve to lose.
was it ball 4 he popped up?
Well, that worked.
[743] :}
alright jeter - don't let it die just yet
Fucking shit. WTF. Can't we do anything?
JHJ, you gotta put a better stick on a 3-1 pitch than that!
[746] Brilliant. That's what I'm going to do.
Uh, not vote. Nothing to vote on here. The other thing.
Make him throw pitches at least. Get Lee out for the rest of the series.
[743] Well, its starting to look like a trend...
Even if we lose, we're going back to the Stadium for Game 6..there is NO WAY Pedro throws that well again. The Yankees are winning this Series, if not tonight then Game 6.
i hope manuel throws Lee out in the 8th AND 9th, making him pretty unavailable in a possible Game 7...
Captain, get a little Captain in you!
why is mo in the dugout?
Well, that was something.
fuck. 103 pitches for Lee, but he's not due up this inning.
Well, maybe I won't have to be up til 1 am tonight.
[760] Where else would he be?
So, is there any chance that Girardi decides this would be a good game to protect A-Rod a little? If Bruney warms up, that's got to be the reason.
Is food the only thing Philadelphia has to offer?
[760] Pinch runner.
jk jk jk
[764] the bullpen -
F***ing pathetic. 90-91 mph--nothing offspeed. Manuel will leave him in there until his arm falls off.
[768] He doesn't head out there until about this time I think. Hell, I've heard he sleeps in the clubhouse at times.
Buck's biggest excitement of the night happened over a broken bad. Asstard.
Lee is at 103....
[765] Didn't Victorino get hit already? I really hope Girardi isn't wasting any brain cells on evening the score.
Gotta ask folks, only 'cuz I'm qualified, do we tend do be pessimistic by nature or it just 'cuz we've had to deal with bullshit for so many years? Just asking. Not being sarcastic. I hate that gut feeling that crawls into my stomach every post season we have a shot. You guys and Gals are great. Just curious. I'm about ready to puke frankly.
I haven't wandered off to bed yet. There is still an outside shot that they make this interesting. Cokey has to hold them, of course. It is Cokey, isn't it?
[774] I'd rather be pessimistic than overconfident.
[772] Is that counting the 13 or so stirkes Gardner and Posada watched sail on by?
[770] yeah he stays in the clubhouse to about the 6th or so - i guess i am being paranoid but it seems weird he was in the dugout - probably he is just there for moral support
The centaur looms along with his fleet footed base-running friends from the enchanted forest.
This ain't over. Just hold it together here, Cokey.
[776] Just checking. That's how I feel. I get shit all the time so I have shut my mouth the ENTIRE post season. I hoping that will somehow turn the tide.
[774] I'm not pessimistic at all. I have felt very confident about previous Yankees teams that failed in the playoffs because I felt that they were usually better than the teams that beat them. I have been confident over the last part of this season and during the post season. I was confident tonight, and I'll be confident on Wednesday if it comes to it.
[757] hope u are right
oh stfu mcasshole - somehow i don't think you are an expert on racial things
I am neither confident nor unconfident.
I practice the Zen of baseball.
We've got 2 games at home to get this done. We have to get this done.
mp, I hear ya. I figured if this was our mulligan, spend that fucker now.
[783] But he's friends with Bob Gibson!!!
is Coke getting fat?
[770] yeah, i think he naps for a little while, goes to the pen in the 6th, or something.
[774] i'm always on edge about the Yanks in october. by nature...
Must make Eddie Munster sit his ass back on the bench.
Fuck! McCarver actually just told a story about race and baseball that I wished I'd paid attention to 'cause it sounded interesting.
How could I have known?
Jim Bunning is out of his mind
just putting that out there
[783] Oh, good, then I didn't actually miss anything?
Jeff Nelson is in the radio booth. And umping 3B, apparently.
[784] don't think i have forgotten the time you lost your zen balance
Holy fuck.
That was a very loud strike.
i think i was confident going into the Tigers series. some good that did me...
I just threw up in my ass a bit on that swing. Sorry TMI.
You folks got nothin in hte pessimism department in comparison to Phillies fans. 26 titles and 40 pennants handicaps you in that dept.
[791] It wasn't.
And that was a very loud hit.
Utely's going to win the MVP.
Oh my God.
FVck Reggie Jackson. Chase Utley is Mr. November.
OK, I may have to go to bed now.
I think that Andy must not ever pitch to Utley on Wednesday. Ever. No matter what.
[787}hahaha
i have about lost faith team
DAMMIT
Hey look. Phil Coke gave up a homerun to a lefty.
fuck you, pat riley.
this is insane.
well, there's your mvp if we don't win this thing.
we BETTER win this thing!!!!!!!!!!!!
[802] He should, no matter who wins the series.
Fuck the world. Can Utley please pull a hammy or rupture an achillies? SOB!
Coke sucks.
Luckily, using Cokey came in a 6-2 game. Now, the Yankees should send him home for the series.
Why would you not use Marte this inning?
if that was in the bronx, it would all be about the bandbox. : /
our centaur is up to your challenge, Utley.
[808] And this is why we've seen Marte in vs the lefties in big spots, and not Coke.
[806] That was, what we call in the trade, a backbreaker, wasn't it?
[814] No, they only talk about that when a Yankee hits one.
[804] spare us that bullshit hugh
Phil Coke, proud owner of a 13.5 ERA.
[814] To be fair, O'Brien and Sutcliffe have commented pretty regularly on the cozy, homer-friendly dimensions of Citizens.
[814] It's all about the bandbox in South Philly, too. Ask Bobby Cox. He's pissed because they move the fences back 10' when his team bats.
[802] No. These days it goes to the WS winner player. Not gonna be a Phillie.
[804] fuck reggie jackson?
that's great, man. classy stuff. glad you're here...
[817] I'd never want to agree w/you on that but....*sigh*
[804] you got Reggie's nickname wrong, anyway.
[819] Come on. You can't argue with the second sentence.
[811] This was the perfect opportunity to hit Utley on the hand. Not that I wish an injury on any player. No siree, not me. Though if it did happen to someone, Utley would be the guy.
[810] Utley aint winning shit. We're winning this series and Mo will be the MVP.
[819] Don't bother. Dude only shows up when Lee is pitching...doesn't contribute much of wit or interest. I suspect (s)he'll be scarce when the Yankees put this series away.
"A story of two swings."
[828] Agreed. A-Rod been hit THREE times. We don't respond by coming in on their best hitter??
[827] it's not the content it is the obnoxiousness
and reggie was mr. october; derek mr. november - yes chutely is having a great series but he has a long fucking way to go to get in jeter's league
[831] Indeed.
The best of swings, the worst of swings.
[827] Reggie has never been known as Mr. November. Jeter, maybe, but not Jackson.
I am going down to the car again to get my bats. Cokey looks like some good hittin.
[828] :)
[827] Jeter's already got Mr. November.
Three run inning in the eighth and I think we have a shot
The only thing wrong with Utley is his haircut and odd preening about it. He's a phenomenal baseball player and easily the best player on the Phillies.
[836] As long as you're better than Ryan Howard, no problem.
[827] yes, we can. Mr. November is Jeter from '01. 9/11-NYC. period, end of.
plus, your first sentence pretty much says everything we need to hear from you. i'd NEVER in a million years post some bullshit like that on a phillies blog, esp during the game. : /
I don't think Teixeira really counts as a "big bat" anymore. Maybe a "big out", but that's about it.
Okay that should kill us for tonight. We win in 6, Wednesday in NY.
Fuck.
You.
Buck.
Assfuckingwipe tool.
Sheesh. Gaudin definitely could have done this.
Hey Look, Phil Coke gave up a homerun to a lefty.
[828] You're not totally wrong. Any guy who hangs out over the plate like Utley has to be moved off the plate. The Yanks have get Utley to move his feet.
Hm, well, that makes me slightly less impressed by Utley.
thank goodness marte is around
The Phils aren't doing to well against the Phillies.
The least these guys could do is hit the cancer sign and raise a million bucks for charity.
[774] WC, I said -- I think before game 3 -- that I remember being bored from 1998-2000 because there was just never any real question in my mind. There might have been a question or two in reality, but the Yanks were just as automatic as can be. The chinks in the armor appeared with Mo in 2001, blowing a 2-1 series lead against a seemingly weak Marlins team in 2003, the choke of 2004, losing three straight ALDS's from 2005-2007 and then missing the playoffs altogether in 2008.
I think the recent experiences have made all of us a little wary of any failure, 3 strike out performance by Arod, any errors, or any adversity. We all want to be bulletproof again...
Think about it this way. Coming into tonight we are 10-3 in the postseason, which is a .769 winning percentage, which is more than 100 points higher than our .636 winning percentage during a season when we won 100 games. Even with the loss, we'll be 10-4 after tonight, a Ruthian .714 winning percentage.
So yeah, I think we all tend to panic, myself included. The Phils likely have won this game. Bully for them. We have a day off to break the momentum and two home games to figure out how to pitch to Chase Utley.
Their fans can be ugly and loud and obnoxious and intimidating, but they'll be in the minority come Wednesday night.
Phuck.
Well, the good news is the new stadium is going to be broken in in proper fashion. And I don't mean A-Rod & Kate Hudson. Or Derek & ______
[833] I won't argue that Jeter is probably the best World Series player this side of Yogi Berra. I didn' trealize he had "Mr. November" locked up though. A little sensitive in here tonight. I hope the Yankees' sphincters are as tight.
What reason could Girardi possibly have for throwing in the towel in this game? If Girardi is going to quit on this game, he should just pull the players off the field. He made a mistake starting AJ, but that's not a reason to compound things by letting Cokey get shelled.
[846] I hate when we put in the battery backwards. Molina should have pitched.
[823] Looking back at past World Series MVP's they have been from the winning side.
Utley is have an historic series. Fucking ridiculous.
Get out the tape measure, Buck, and shove it up your ass.
Phil Coke, still the proud owner of a 13.5 ERA.
[847] Hah ha hah ah hah ha ha !!!
Oh, man, this is rich.
Why does anyone even respond to Hugh Mulcahy. It really is so easy to ignore a troll.
[860] Agreed.
Yeah I think Hugh has been treated very well here, considering. But talk about pushing your luck ...
[854] well now you know. enjoy your kids being on the computer wednesday - and what the fuck do you think people are going to be like tonight
Hey look Phil Coke gave up a homerun to a lefty.
uh...wait.
I think I'm skipping.
Oh, man.
This must be humiliating for Hughes.
Fuck a fucking duck. And STFU Buck. I used to like you and Mc asshole. Not so much anymore. I've learned who favor. Ugh. Why must you be related to a great announcer. Football will welcome you back with open arms... So will we. Game 6 is ours. Win it in OUR park.(okay so I'm from CA, but my heart is in NY).
[860] YES!
[857] Richardson won in a losing effort.
Nice job, Phil.
[854] Mr. November happened in 2001 (so yeah, New Yorkers are a bit sensitive about that.) But it happened immediately on Nov. 1. So it has been claimed already.
[864] Ha ha hah ah ah ah ah ah ah!!!
[854] That would be a much more credible remark if you hadn't disappeared during the Phillie losses. You could have earned the right to criticize the losing fans for "sensitivity", but, you didn't. Blame your kids, I guess.
[860] [863] was my last time - but one thing i really like about the banter is we get almost no fans from other teams - it is beyond obnoxious to go to someone else's blog to talk shit and you only show up in the good times -
If Hugh gives his solemn promise to be here should the Yankees win the series and take his lumps, then he's free to talk all the shit he wants. Was conspicuously absent the last three games though. Front-running even if his team is still down 3-2 with a win tonight.
[868] I think he was the last one, wasn't he? Or did an Oriole win once in a losing efort?
Still. Not. Worried.
Girardi allowing Hughes to fall behind Cokey in the pecking order is an unforgivable error. Hopefully, the tight managing that we saw in the ALCS hasn't begun. Like he did after he played a roll in losing game 3 of the ALCS, I hope Girardi doesn't react to his AJ decision by trying to overmanage the rest of the way.
[854] why are you still here? just go away.
find a phillies blog and enjoy yourself there.
you didn't realize jeter had "mr. november"? did you start following baseball last year when phillies went all the way? you guys really ARE like boston fans. : /
ps - and don't answer. the questions were rhetorical...
Maybe the Phillies will pull the old Yankee trick and score eight runs in a night and then three over the next week.
I'll take that.
[868] 1960?
[874] No, you have to show up during losses first, and then you get the right. Not by promising.
[876] Hughes has been really horrendously bad. Coke has merely existed.
[873] Come on, Ms. O, admit it, you know you love it.
[880] I'm being generous since that ship has sailed.
[868] Yep.
I don't doubt that they will follow the convention of giving the MVP to a player from the winning team. But when I posted long ago [821], I meant it: even if the Yankees win, it *should* go to Utley. I personally have no problem with a player winning the MVP on the losing side. But that's just me.
[873] I don't mind fans from other teams, but would never bothering to respond to someone who acts like troll. I'd rather deal with a Phllie fan regular than a Yankee fan troll.
[868] He was the last one.
Even debris, our old Red Sox troll/friend at the Toaster, showed up during Red Sox losses.
and again let it be known that andy shut chutley the fuck down - just have to do it again wednesday
My lasting GOOD memory of Joe Buck is, "Burress, alone, TOUCHDOWN Giants." Done Joe. Done.
We have to hope that the Phillies have shot their wad tonight.
Shane Victorino never stops bitching.
I wonder if Marte is being treated with kid gloves a little bit and that's why Coke pitched, since he isn't too far removed from an injury.
[890] From your lips...
I didn't realize Charlie Manuel was a hippie: he's gone to Ben Fransisco. Don't think he has enough hair for any flowers though.
Who cares about Hugh..he won't be here on Wednesday.
[876] Girardi allowing Hughes to fall behind Cokey in the pecking order is an unforgivable error.
He only put in Cokey because of the LHBs coming up that inning. I am sure that Hughes would have been in if there were a string of righties coming up.
[885] i usually try to stay out of most of the fray - i don't find it enjoyable to "fight" with people on a god damn blog - but i wasn't in the mood for that one
That's a start.
[874] no. he's lost that right. at first, he seemed to be polite, knowledgeable and respectful. he has convincingly proved otherwise, on all accounts. he can go rot in hell. he's not welcome here. and why the fuck would he even wanna be here?! i mean, the LAST place in the world i'd wanna be sharing this is with a blog for the other team!!!
fuck him.
The sad thing is, Lee has not exactly been dominating tonight.
OK, baserunner. No outs!
I guess Buena Vista Charlie isn't worried about Lee's pitch count...He wants to nail this one....Go ahead and get your complete game Lee....Hit 130 pitches.
[894] He left his heart!
Here's a question, assuming we don't have a miracle comeback, would you guys rather lose 8-2 or 8-7 with a runner on third?
[890] Mainly we have to hope that Pettitte can do a good job Wednesday. I'm not convinced so worry sets in a bit, there.
[896] Doesn't matter...Hughes should be in the game ahead of Coke regardless of who is coming up (unless you are trying to get one out and have the pitcher up next inning).
Keep Lee in with this nice big juicy lead, Charlie.
You guys are pretty bad-tempered 2nite..I gots no problem with Hugh the Phillie fan as he knows deep down his team has zero chance to win this Series..so post away Hugh! Your team is done for!
Oh, well, that's good. Teix getting well.
Tex....dammit don't chase Lee so fast.
Line. Moving.
Wow, did Teix just get a hit?
aight. herre we go!
[887] debris was okay. that ric guy was a fucking nightmare.
RELEASE THE CENTAUR!
WOW! A hit by Teixeira!
And this is why you don't throw in the towel with Coke. For Girardi's sake, [903] the Yankees better not lose 8-7.
[903] I'd rather it be somewhere in the middle. Scare the Phillies but don't disappoint us too much.
[914] I just spit my water all over the place, no kidding.
[913] I remember none of these people. Was I around for this?
[905] That may be, but you should know that Girardi is going to play leftie-leftie matchups against this team most of the time.
Grr..those extra runs really sting now.
Make it somewhat close boys. Dignity always helps when you screwed the pooch.
Lee now at 111 pitches and due up 2nd in the bottom of the inning.
Robbie & Teix with a hit in the same WS game? Is that allowed?
[903] I'd be OK with 8-7, I always like when they at least get the tying run at the plate and take it as a good sign for the next game, even though it's irrelevant. But I would be pretty pissed at Coke as well.
The centaur strikes.
YESSSSS!!!
I get a kind of queasy feeling when Teixiera musters a hit now, like up is down or some shit. If Robinson Cano actually does something, I'll probably puke.
So, assuming we win Wednesday, did Damon lock up the MVP?
Those extra runs really, really fucking sting now.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fucking awesome.
BTW, I hail originally from Lexington, Virginia -- Manuel is from Buena Vista 6 miles away...Lexington is a university town, BV is a mill town.....
Hey Hugh you like that?
Woo hooo!!! Bring on Brad Lidge!
[907] please don't encourage him!
i'm already having a rough enough week and it's only monday!!! : (
A-ROD!!!
those solo shots by Coke are killing us. why no Marte?!?!?!
[921] at the very least we need o'neill's theory to come into play
NICE!
A-Rod.. damn has he shown up big time! Keep it going guys! No home runs though, they kill the rally!
He left Lee in too long.
We coulda used that a tad bit earlier, but we'll take it.
He usually catches that ball. Still anybody's game against this lineup. Trolls included.
[916] Using Marte instead of Coke, that I would argue for. But using Hughes, who's been awful, against two guys who DESTROY righty pitchers, that would have been insanity. Coke was the right call over Hughes, vs Utley and Howard, for sure.
And here comes the soft underbelly of the Phillies' bullpen!
Shitfuck...I wanted Lee to pitch longer....Their best reliever, IMO, is Ryan Madson...I guess that's who we'll get.
Hey four runs, potentially five, against Lee. I like that. One more run and Philly fan officially starts to sweat, methinks
Raul Ibanez reminds of this. A big bald head stuffed into a tiny hat.
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/newhorizontoys/inchworm-rideon-d.gif
I just want to note for the record that I have yet to give up on this game. Just trying to do work to distract myself from the pain of losing. But, let's keep the rally going!
[916] for what it's worth, i actually agree that he should have gone to a more reliable pitcher. but for someone arguing that today should have been a "bullpen game," it seems a little weird to be upset that one of the relievers gave up 2 runs.
[907] I think the reaction would be the same on any night. You go to another team's blog and start trash-talking, you aren't going to be received well.
I don't mind fans of other teams posting here. I don't even mind if they trash-talk a little. But don't complain about the reaction if you do that. It's not going to be good, no matter the situation.
[929] No kidding.
I got 112 pitches, 70 strikes on me scorecard for CLee.
HERE WE GO YAN-KEES, HERE WE GO! (clap clap)
[940] I'll leave you to the Banter Wolves...but thanks for sorta trying. Nice to man up on the Trolls comment though.
As the Yankees get closer, the decision to use Cokey instead of Marte or Hughes becomes more glaring. If the Yankees lose this game by less than 3 runs, I think the combination of heat Girardi will get from that and the AJ decision will drive him into a stage of panic. He has been doing so well until this game, so I hope he can accept the blame and move on instead of trying to make up for it.
Tough call for most managers whether to take Lee out there. I would have thrown Myers there. Not Charlie Manuel. I can count on one hands the number of times he took a guy out around 100 pitches before he got in trouble in hte last couple months.
I've come very close to giving up, but if I'd given up I wouldn't be here. I'd be sleeping.
[919] you're lucky! i dunno, Shaun P. is our history bookkeeper round these parts! he could prolly tell you. ric really was horrible.
there was a murphy & dp murphy. one was a yanks fan, one a shit sox troll. both have been gone for awhile...
So we've got Matsui and Pena left?
I am still cracking up over [914].
please light up the bearded one
Not a strike.
YOu SUCK UMP!
'Kay kiddies, here's where it could get interesting.
That was not even fucking close!
[953] which kept you awake - the bourbon or the beer?!
[953] Ditto.
Should be 2-0. Fuck you, ump.
That looked balkish
I'm surprised they haven't lit Park up yet.
Let's get at least one more here...gotta get A-Rod in.
Ooh
[965] it did.
his rip on strike 2, was a nice cut
[919] Yeah Mattpat11, I'm pretty sure you were around for debris and ric. I couldn't even remember their names a few months ago; not sure why debris came back to me now.
C'mon Swish - take and rake, baby!
C'Mon Swish.
that was not close to a swing goatwhore
Fuck.
let's at least make it 8-5
Cano and fucking Gardner
Sub-optimal...but a productive out!! : )
That was a pitch for Swisher to hit.
Oh I hated Ric.
Yeah, show Victorino sounding like a whiny bitch again.
big fly here
Cano, you better get a fucking hit.
This is going to be the Get Better inning. Teix, now Rob.
Knock a wall down, Robbie. For the love of Mo!
C'mon Cano, freak everyone out by coming through here, even with a sac fly.
C'mon Cano... yer ready. 3 balls in play tonight... 1 for a single. Let's do it!
Or maybe not.
Robbie, you suck.
That was bad.
oh jesus
Nice swing, Robbie....
c'mon robbie. damn you.
That was disgusting, Rob
Jesus.
well he is back to hacking at the first pitch
FUCK HIM UP ROBBIE!
You can really see a plan by Cano at the plate..
what discipline!
boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
wow
He scored on that?
Great job by Arod!
somehow that worked
Good aggressive play by A-rod. With Gardner up, you HAVE to try to score, IMO.
That was okayish
Interesting.
Wow, I didn't think he's score on that. Good base running.
I really have no idea how that scored a run, but whatever. Credit to someone, I hesitate to say Cano
i really wish it was 6-5... : (
Well I'll be damned - I was ready to curse at Cano for not getting A-Rod in, but I guess I can't.
McCarver is a moron...if the umpire thinks the 3B is doing that, he can award the runner home plate.
Bunt
wow 3 runs....puncher's chance now....gotta call on Joba now.
And we need a couple hits to flip the lineup at least (or get close to the pitcher's spot for Matsui).
Wow, A-Rod. He's got a belly full of guts.
Light Park up like Pyongyang..or whatever the fuck it is.
very heady play centaur
And we clear the pitcher spot...er, I mean Gardner's spot in the lineup.
Come on Gardner, get on base somehow.
[1006] Me too, but its now a save situation, so that means Lidge in the 9th - and we have Posada, then Matsui, then Jeter due up (assuming Gardner doesn't get on here).
I'm feeling pretty good right now!
Ok we'll have posada leading off...never mind [1010]
bunt you little c you next time
I guess we just have to clear Gardner.
[1016] Quite the assumption.
Joba in the eighth now, right?
[1014] Didnt see that! Great minds, man...
Fucking Coke.
GARDNER WILL DOUBLE HERE
[1012] Very funny
Mmkay...why are you breaking my balls, Hans? I don't have WMDs, m-kay?
Gardner makes my head hurt.
Fuck!
Gardner is really, really bad.
"Good work by Chan Ho Park."
Fuck you, Buck.
[1024] i mean pop out to short center
5 runs off Lee. we should be winning this freaking game!
Did anyone mention in this thread that Gardner fucking sucks? I really hope Girardi goes to Hairston in CF because you can't give away outs anymore.
Alright. The chips are still down, of course. And Someone has to hold the the bad guys. But they have a shot--Posada, Matsui (for the P), then Jeter and Co.
A chance. That's the least you can ask for.
Bet your ass you see Brad Lidge next inning. Anybody see who's warming up?
gonna see Matt Stairs on deck?
[951] This is a frightening thought. Girardi is a fuck up at times, and also easily swayed, it seems. This has been a positive since his glaring mistakes in the ALCS, the reaction to which seemed to chill him out on the bullpen roulette front to an extent. But you're right - this could all unleash a Girardi that may make us pine for past iterations.
Gardner probably has the worst swing I have ever seen, including Little League.
Is it bad that I think the Yankees should have pinch hit for Gardner with Sabathia?
[1025] I've missed ya tonight Evil. Thanks. I didn't know what else to say at this point.
Hey, did you guys know Cano hit .320 this year?
I half-thought it was a good idea to put Matsui in for Gardner there. Yeah, the outfield would be ugly, but it would just be on inning.
ok, so it's
Posada
Matsui (Pena Pinch runner)
Jeter
Damon
Teix
Arod
Swish
Cano
I think I'll take that.....If it gets down to Cano we'll win....Lidge threw 30 pitches last night, so I'd expect Madson I think.
Hugh, your solemn word you will be here in every subsequent game, please (if there are any more games).
[1038] Yes, because then it is "Knees" Matsui in the OF.
[1038] no
On the one hand, Tex and Arod getting hits are positives, but Girardi's awful decision to go with Coke really adds to the angst. I really hoep he gets grilled on that decision because it could have cost the Yankees this game.
Ah, Hughes again.
Go down fightin' guys, we could surprise this whole fucking Philly Nation.
[1042] ah, but Madson has pitched 22 and 20 in consecutive nights....is he available?
I read something on here before the series opining that hte Phils had an edge in the manager position in this series. I wonder whether this series has disabused you of that notion? Leaving Lee in in the 8th and taking Victorino out seem pretty ill-considered. Ordinarily, Francisco would have been in left as the defensive sub and have easily gotten to that ball by Rodriguez. Vic,torino unless hte hand is an impediment, has a much better arm had Rodriguez managed to get to third.
[1042] If it gets to A-Rod we're going to win..either way, I like the fighting spirit to come back last inning, we're making them sweat..
And Hughes trying to give it right back..
get barney rubble's fat ass out now
doesn't matter who the Phillys throw in the 9th.
We're winning this thing.
Matt Stairs is a comic figure of near epic proportions. 5% chance of success here.
[1044] Pena
Yes, we got Park out of the game!
A collapsing staircase would be nice/
[1041] Yeah, except then who PHs for the pitcher in the bottom of the inning?
With two outs and no one on, that's the perfect time just to let Gardner "hit" for himself. If he miraculously gets on. you let him run free...if not, you save your last PH for the inevitable PH in the ninth.
Hughes looks good. Cruddy little hit, but his curve looks good.
Mat Stairs has gained 15 pounds since game two.
I really gave Gardner the benefit of the doubt tonight. In fact I expected him to be a positive for the Yankees. But now I can put to bed the Gardner issue for good. I never liked him and I don't like him now. He's a fast little fucker, and that's it. I mean that is it.
Hughes has been giving up a lot of weak grounders up the middle. I wonder if the Yankees should change their positioning, or perhaps Hughes is missing location.
[1060] haha
[1061] He made a great catch.
[1060] And about 10 years...
[1043] My solemn word I'll stop in if I'm online. If not, I'll stop in for the parade.
Good work, boys.
[1062] He's been missing his location in most of his other pitches, so...
Holy cow. I think Posada could have beat out that throw.
[1062] And again!
I hope they trade Stairs back to Montreal this winter.
I thought he was gonna beat that out.
Awesome..one more out, Philbert!
Hughes induces the DP.
[1058] Matsui.
[1071] uhhhhhh....
Hugh will not commit to taking his lumps if the Yanks win this series. I say that's a deal-breaker.
Fire Hugh! Then fire Girardi. Then fire Manuel too
That's our boy Hughes! WELL done!
pie time
No Lidge.
Runs...
"Three defensive outs away..."
Okay, here we go.
Nothing to lose here, so to speak!
[1065] Yeah. What the hell is going on with him? Is he Dorian Gray?
Phinish them
pie time
How would that work? ;)
Okay, Manuel proving me wrong. Lidge is unable to go two days in a row. Madson can go 3.
Someone cheer me up.
[1043] no. please, no.
let him go to a philly blog and leave us to ourselves. thank you, please!
Did somebody order a Score Truck?
[1077] But Hawk - not that it’s relevant to your point, but they all do a lot of animal-based charity work!
[1077] was written without the benefit of seeing [1066]. Hugh has stepped up. You just be sure you're here to take the lumps, if lumps there are to be taken!
Madson has some AJ-vibes..he can be rattled..
Didn't Stairs have a daughter graduate from college this season? Or was that high school? I only know because he missed the A-Rod/Lidge game for that ceremony.
Had this been a one run game, Girardi would have pulled Hughes after the seeing eye single. If he hadn't been so trigger happy with him earlier in the postseason, I think he would have been a positive factor. Luckily, it hasn't really hurt the Yankees...until the bottom of the 7th tonight that is. Going with Cokey almost overshadows the AJ decision now.
[1077] How is promising to show up for the parade not taking my lumps? Okay, I'll stop in if there's a game 6, no question.
I think Gardner was a positive for the Yankees tonight. He made that nice catch, which Melky probably wouldn't have. Hairston definitely wouldn't have.
Yeah, he's sucked at the plate, but Melky's not exactly been lighting it up there, either.
Gardner hasn't played in awhile. I expected him to be rusty.
[1091] If I'd known this I would have stayed my hand. Apologies to any animals harmed in the making of this thread.
[1086] the way the phillies have figured out mo is to not even come out for the bottom of the 9th
Get Rollins out and make a huge comeback...just like grandma. Make 'em pay boyz. All hands on deck. Destroy with extreme prejudice. Give it your all, that's all we ask. Let's Go Yan-Kees!!!!!
[1091] Don't remember who said that but it still kills me every time
[1095] Hughes was pretty damn bad these playoffs before Girardi started to get antsy with him.
[1087] He's that fragile?
Do y'all remember that curb your enthusiasm episode where Larry is in the theater and keeps turning around to the guy named Hugh and saying, "F---, Huuuugh!" Not that I'm saying that to our guest it was just funny
[1099] *slaps head*
here goes nothin
[1097] This is rusty?
Don't piss me off here, Posada. I warn you!!!
Madson three straight nights and Lidge back to being a head case.
Come on Jorge.
2-1...
work the walk, PoPo
we need a representative ab here po
3-1...
[1104] Awesome! Or when Bart Simpson called up Mo's looking for "Hugh Jass"?
I can't watch this inning..too tense..
Do something good here Jorgie.
JORGE!!!
HIP HIP!!!
Hot damn!!!
Oh wow.
ok ok
OOF
HIP-HIP !!!
All right, very nice.
Nice job. See what Jorgie can do if the umpire makes a decent call?
Good things happen on 3-1 counts!
Oh God. I thought they might throw him out an second.
good hit po - and he actually didn't fuck up on the bases
Good start.
Lucky that didn;t kill the rally!
damn you, Sterling. DAMN YOU with that HR call on any deep fly ball.
But at least it's a legitimate hit. :)
Fuck you, McCarver.
You're a clown.
Come on Matsui. Go go Godzilla!
[1122] Jorge!!!
That'll do Po. That'll do
Hip Hip Jor-Ge!
So, A-Rod FTW?
[1115] i was gonna type that! Duffs!!! Cheers!!!
Godzilla!!! Let's go motherfuckers
[1113] Jorge aims to please the ladies.
[1130] He did that again? How cruel of the old bastard.
Upper Deki !!!
[1130] I can only imagine the pain
[1130] that probably doesn't matter much...it was close.
Just missed that one.
[1104][1115] Those are pretty funny. It's a good thing my name isn't really Hugh.
He's wild. Make him throw strikes.
work the count matsui
2-1....
Q: will they hold up Jorge at 3rd on a single? have to i think..
No rally-killing homers, Godzilla!
We'll take a base-clogger if necessary.
[1139] but it's the Kentaurides he's after
I'm so glad Swisher isn't at the plate now. Win or lose I want calm demeanors
Tying run on base. PR for Matsui?
OH, FUCK YESS!!
good hit matsui!!
GODZILLA!
{1149} Yes :)
That'll do Godzilla. That'll do.
que Pena...
Can they?
Incrementally better start.
ok Pinch run Pena and steal second for goodness sake.
alright....
Oh. Man. Please, please. please.
i'm impressed Po made it to 3rd! ; )
What did I say about 4 run leads? Plus, did you hear Joe Buck with the mega zoochie jinx on the "Cliff Lee is 41-0 when leading by 5 runs" ?
Monkeypants, you know the drill here: Professional Hitter Matsui!
Nice job Matsui.
Killing time so the LHP can warm up.
Holy crap. If they actually come all the way back...what a classic it would be.
ok, here's the REAL Mr. November.
tie the game, derek!!!
I'm scared...but enthusiastic. AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH.
[1160] see [242]
no pinch runner? dammit.
NO DOUBLE PLAY PLEASE
kate is sooooooooooooo fucking CUTE!!!!! : o
A-Rod FTW?
[1160] it can. Our centaur is up for the challenge
is kate hudson with arod just saw kurt russell can go to games?
[1167] Do you mean:
Professional Hitter™ ?
NO. DOUBLE. PLAY.
Ball one.
No DPs Jeter.
I don't know if I get keeping Matsui in here.
Teixeira "looming"
why isn't Pena running for Mats???
Why in the hell would he not pinch run here for Matsui? For the Love of Pete!!!!
OK Jeter, time to rock 'n' roll . . .
[1174] Who is left on the bench?
Ball two.
WALK HIM!!!!
Load 'em up!!!
Send Pena??
[1188] Just Pena.
coulda crushed that cookie
[1188] Peña? Or a pitcher.
Good take, Derek.
That must have been tempting.
How does he take that?
Strike, but I'm glad he was taking there
Oh fuck. Fuck.
fuck my fucking life
a fucking dp
Oh for fuck's sake.
I'm fairly certain I said no double play, please.
that was incredibly sub optimal.
Well, that was a disaster.
Coke is the goat.
Dammit Derek!
FUCK. Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck. And a PR probably wouldn't have mattered. Fuck.
Derek...
I knew it. I knew it. Ugh. Bad managing, Pena should've been in there.
Fuck.
Fuck.
Fuck.
fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck
allmost punched the monitor at work. GODDAMMIT
Girardi really fucked that up...and Jeter didn't bail him out.
Shoulda bunted. j/k : (
GOD FUCKING DAMMIT! (Not that Pena would have broken it up.)
OK, just 2 runs to tie. Tex gets on, A-Rod does his centaur thing. No problem.
Joe Girardi should have:
1. PH for Matsui with Pena; and
2. Stolen second.
OYE!
Fuck.
let's repeat last night. exactly.
Still and all, a bloop and a blast...
It seems unlikely Damon will spark another rally here
jeebus, a foul bunt w/ 2 strikes woulda been better than that
the centaur loves 2 out hits
If you throw in Pena or a pitcher, then you're screwed if there's an injury.
this fucking sucks
what are you looking at ???
Fuck you, Buck.
Gawd. It really is going to end 8-7 with a runner on 3B, isn't it?
[1219] Agreed.
I can't bear to watch these Phillies fan fuckers go crazy here. Stupid fucking fairweather fuck fans.
I don't know that it would have affected the outcome but yeah Pena absolutely should have been on first for Matsui
This reminds me alot of Game 5 of the ALCS. And we know how that series ended up.
[1223] Yeah, but it's nice to fight back.
Makes me feel pretty confident about our chances.
If Teix comes up he WILL homer.
Sorry for forgetting about you, Damon in [1214] - you get on too!
[1228] Doubtful, and unlikely he would've been sent anyway, but it still seemed like a bad move to me.
the only thing to do would be put in pena and try to steal or put on a play
should be tied right now.
im pissed at cokey
How 'bout that Matsui, btw?
[1231] He will not. he will get on base for the centaur.
[1229] That's how I felt at the start of the game when AJ had nothing.
[1229] Doesn't remind me of that one at all, honestly.
Damon has balls of steel.
I LOVE the fight here.
[1234] Well, we're not allowed to do that, so...
Go Johnny Go!!!!
Here we go - here we go!!!
Yes!!!
Fucking Damon!!
Fuck!
Oh boy.
Damon is the MVP.
Jesus, he did it again.
Damon refuses to lose. Teix?
John-ny! John-ny!
it HAD to come down to Tex, didn't it?
good work jd - making your case
nice work Johnny!
it's time TEX!!!!
do it.
Tex..time to become true Yankee...
BALLS OF STEEL!
Damonic!
Well, Tex. Now would be a great time to stop sucking.
FUCK EM UP TEXX!!!!
They are gonna fucking tease and torture me tonight. It's really about time for some REDEMPTION, don't ya' think?
Nice, Damon. Now I have to drive down to Philly and threaten Teixiera's life, I guess.
Come on, Teix.
Please.
You're the number three hitter!
mcasshole soooo upset w/ that hit
Don't fuck this up, Teixeira.
Hey, hit Teix again, will ya?
Tying run at the plate.....
Teix homers here.
Fuck Philly
Tex, your time. Is NOW!
c'mon Tex
Goddamn it.
Don't need a HR here, Tex. Geez
he's so fucking awful
Teix is not inspiring confidence right now
He really is the worst hitter on the team right now
awful looking swing there
It'd be nice if Teix & Alex went back-to-back . . .
He's out of it.
Just get on base, dude. You don't have to do this yourself.
Way to lay off, Teix.
Good.
Keep it up.
We want a non-out event! We want a non-out event!
Lay off that garbage change-up please.
lean into another one
Unsurprising.
Or not.
Fuck your mother, Buck.
Teixeira is the devil. He really is
saw that fucking coming a fucking mile away
Overanxious.
When did him and Doug Alphabet switch bodies?
Celebrate while you can you disgusting pigfuckers. Series ends Wednesday.
SHIT, FUCK and every other curse word.
Still, nice to make them work for it.
Ooofff.
Well, that was close, amigos, very close.
I'm not nearly as unhappy about that loss as I expected to be. I feel pretty confident for Wednesday.
See youse!
what in the goddamn fuck is wrong w/ Tex?!?!?!?! : /
he's KILLING me.
I think I'd rather have been blown out than fall just short like this.
and now I can throw this fucking scorecard out.
FUCKING GIRARDI NOT RUNNING PENA!!!!! why?
goatwhore and mcassholeare probably making out right now
Sigh. See you all on Wednesday night. Imma gonna go drink the leftover Halloween party beer now.
Folks we trailed 8-2 and were getting killed and brought the winning run to the plate. We'll win this fucking thing on Wednesday night.
See y'all then.
Evil out...
Time to move A-Rod up to third?
The Jeter AB really hurt. And Ckey and of course AJ.
.
.
.
Oddly, I am not that upset. They are going to pound Pedro on Wednesday.
Break in the new stadium in style, guys.
Good night all.
That was some grade A drama. Elimination game. Rodriguez on deck. Teixeira batting representing hte tying run.
Game wasn't over until it was over. Hope we get one or two more of those.
Well, aside from Teixeira brutalizing all of us, that was pretty great.
player of the game = gives up 5 runs!!!
fuck you FOX
He's a gaping fucking hole right now. No grasp of the strikezone whatsoever
[1291] I'd prefer a team that never quits....can't win them all....
Evil out....again..
[1289] Creepy man [1297]. Creepy.
ARGH! So FUCKING close!!!!!
Teixeira is flat out choking on this World Series. It really is disgusting to watch.
Meanwhile, the Phillies wanted to give this game away, but Girardi refused to take it. Instead, he introduced the Girardi loss to the World Series and once again created a very skittish game 6. Hopefully, Andy and Alex and company can make ammends, but this game 5 was so poorly managed that you can't help but feel like the Yankees blew a great chance to end this.
[1296] They are going to pound Pedro on Wednesday.
Wold you people quit saying that???
Yeah, they gave it a ride, just can't get past the suck that is Teixeira right now.
That was Game five against the Angels.
We won game six.
I really am glad I found this place and you guys and gals. We win Game 6.
[1304] you two are on the same page again :}
[1309] I'm with you, Mattpat11 - that is exactly how I feel right now.
on paper, we all figured we'd lose today. well, most of us. i also said Yanks in 6, so there's that.
still, i'm miserable and i'm terrified.
GO YANKS!!!!
Good night from the left coast. Banter rocks AND rules. See you on Wednesday!
Now small fowls flew screaming over the yet yawning gulf; a sullen white surf beat against its steep sides; then all collapsed, and the great shroud of the sea rolled on as it rolled five thousand years ago.
Melville hates your stupid team, Philadelphia. Fuck you.
I'm calming down now.
Game 6. It's all good. I'll need a quick rehearsal. Then to the bar to watch.
Remember, kids, Teix has been a stud in the field. Maybe move him to 6th and DH Matsui in the 3-hole for game 6? I bet Teixeira hits 2 HRs if Joe does that.
Jeter's AB was unfortunate but in context, Teixeira's more annoying. He has given this team almost nothing at the plate. The fucking series would be over if he could just get his shit together a little bit.
[1307] Why? Because you think it is an incorrect assessment, or because you believe in curses?
Look folks, the Yanks were up 3-1, their starter spit the bit and they still made the Phillies shit their drawers. Relax. I've been saying since game 1 - we will win this series.
Man it was a great try by the Yankees there. Neither of these teams will go down easily, whatever the circumstances.
Pray for Pettitte, you know he'd do it for you.
[1319] I agree completely.
Wait, he has to check with Andy?
He's not definite?
it would be really awesome for Andy to beat Pedro at the Stadium to close out our 27th Championship!!!
i hope it happens!!!!
LET'S GO YAN-KEES !! !!!
[1318] Geez you're not offering much in the way of middle ground there.
[1310] i'm glad you found us to, bro! : )
[1295] I know. I feel confident.
This was a nice loss, if such a thing exists.
If Dickens wrote a novel about pitchers, it would be about AJ.
[1322] That reponse now makes the AJ decision a major gaffe.
any chance girardi bats a-rod 3rd and matsui 4th?
I love these Fox tools - so the Phillies are still on the verge of elimination, their bullpen nearly blew a huge lead again, and the series moves to New York, but the pressure is on the Yankees? Come again?
[1329] It would risk sending a message of panic.
[1309] Right on!
Wow, McCarver really doesn't want to give the Yankees any credit ... Buck is like how bout those Yankees making a charge, McCarver is like "errrr how about that Pedro!"
???
[1322] you can't take anything he says seriously
[1327] Herman Melville is the only novelist to be talked about in the comments, thank you!
that's the lamest post-game show of all-time. i'm surprised. fox sux.
no worries. they have nothing like Lee waiting in the wings, and we have the winningest (hate that word) pitcher in postseason history (albeit on short rest). we have homefield, our normal lineup, and a well-rested Mo.
We knew the Fillies would be tough, and we almost took 'em in 5.
This Series should be won in the new house anyway. Gotta break it in right.
[1329] panic? ya think? but a-rod is and matsui look deeply locked in.
I know everyone is all hot and bothered by Andy on 3 day's rest. But does anyone realize that Pedro's last 4 starts have been on 5 days, 10 days, 15 days, and 12 days rest?
is andy absolutely, positively starting game 6?
[1328] I don't understand--is there a chance Gaudin starts tomorrow?
Please tell me I'm missing something.
[1340] no one has said so, but yes
[1324] Sorry about that. I'm just curious about the angst over saying the Yanks will _______ a certain pitcher. I really am confident about Wednesday.
[1338] Teix is too central to the core of the team and has had some big hits. I have to stick with him.
[1341] I'm pretty certain Gaudin is not starting tomorrow.
Just because the Yankees are in better shape than the Phillies heading back to the Stadium, doesn't mean its ok that some bad decisions could very well have cost them this game. Using Coke was incomprehensible, but not that much worse than not putting Pena into the game when you know Derek is DP machine.
so if gaudin had started and lost 8-6 against a shaky lee and the philly bullpen, with a late comeback and a killer double play and yet another teixeira choke, all of you who think gaudin should have started today would feel great about aj in game 6? i know i feel better about andy coming up big. we'll win on it on wednesday.
[1341] I think/hope he's just being coy, because if there was any doubt about Andy's availability AJ should have been reserved for Game 6. I don't think that's the case though. I think Girardi is just dicking around with the press.
Kay deftly skirting the fallacy of the predetermined outcome.
[1344] but he sure looks lost! him and cano look like blindfolded children swinging at pinatas
[1296] No. Tex is clearly pressing, and the way for him to stop is to just leave him where he is and he'll get out of it. Making a change would send the wrong message - not just to Tex himself, but to the whole team. A-Rod hitting 8th all over again.
Using Coke was an awful decision.
[1338] I don't agree with the panic part. I think it very well might jump-start Teixeira if he was bumped down a lil. I was about to assess his ABs tonight, but I angerly crumpled up and threw away that scorecard I kept all night.
BTW, did Joe address his reasoning for not PR Pena in the 9th? I honestly believe that would've broken up the DP.
[1324] No I've just said before every time there's a pitcher (in this series, Pedro and Blanton but it happened during the regular season too, and in the other series like with Pavano) and people say "ooh they're gonna make mincemeat out of him", we end up with the opposite result.
Though in those cases, the Yanks did win so maybe it's okay
[1353] not sure if he could have broken up double play, ball seemed hit hard enough. it is so frustrating that after all the worries over picthing, it all came down to the failures of can and tex again
[1353] i mean CANO (i know he drove in that last run, but we needed a rally not a sac fly)
All right, I'm out y'all. Not a bad game considering the start. Burnett is a real piece of work.
"A frail body."
Ouch!
[1355] maybe not, then. But maybe he'd have stolen 2nd, or they'd have put the hit n run on... I'm just saying. It's dumb not to PR him.
[1358] who? i hope that's not in reference to Andy!!! : ~
[1347] I have a feeling that if the Gaudin started and the Yankees got to Lee but came up short, at least half of us would have bitching that they would have won the game if Girardi started Aj!
[1354] Ah..actually, I remember you writing that!
pena definitely shoulda been pinch running.
i'm gonna miss the 1st hour of the game on wednesday, due to teaching...
[1361] The end game was so bad, that I don't even think the AJ decision matters anymore. Using Coke and not going to Pena as a PR were just awful decisions...the kind that costs you a World Series.
Ok,
I know this is a broken record on my part, and pardon my not very creative choice of words, but -
Dear Fox,
You suck shit. You suck so much shit, you could destroy those of us in the animal law community by completely removing our environmental argument against CAFO's. Because you would suck all the shit straight out of the ground and ask for seconds and thirds, please.
The fact that you didn't break out your shitty little box, the fact that both of the shit devouring suck holes you have in your booth uttered not even one single word about the fact that the first pitch to Teixeira was SO OBVIOUSLY A BALL is almost as nauseating as thinking about the image of your pig shit filled mouths. Nice juicy shit mouth, Buck, nice juice shit mouth for you, too, Timbo.
The first pitch of Tex's 9th inning at bat was ENORMOUS in terms of its impact on how it played out, and not only was it called a strike by an umpire who had been as stingy as Scrooge McDuck all night, but it was a flat out ball, and like a flat out ball that wasn't even close. I KNEW pitchfx would confirm that one once I got back to my apartment and the internet.
Oh, and I hope everyone noticed that TimBuck pulled another classic out of the Yankee hater playbook when FOX *did* show a Phillies pitch on their little shit box that the ump had fucked the Yankees over on. Every single time the teams were reversed in that situation, Suck and McCraphead made a note of it. Said something. For the Yanks? Nary a peep.
Fuck you, fuck in half, fuck you to death. If the gave me a choice between whether the entire crowd at Fenway could get syphilis and die or if it could happen to the entire roster of Fox employees, I think I would probably choose Fox. Congratulations, Fox. You have no idea how fucked up it is that I would say that.
"...him and cano look like blindfolded children swinging at pinatas"
Christ... I thought their ABs looked familiar.
[1352] Where have I heard that before?
[1363] That was a DP with Rickey Henderson on first. And I don't recall anyone first guessing Girardi down 6-2 bringing in Coke with Utley and Howard coming up. Maybe Joe was concerned about bringing Marte in on consecutive nights because of his shoulder.
And yes, enough with Gardner. JHJ gets the start in CF on Wed.
[1366] HA! Dwight Gooden?
[1367] If you used Pena, you could have had him steal or go with a 2-1 hit and run. We all know Jeter is prone to the DP. Girardi should as well.
As for quesitoning the Coke decision, I did at the time.
[1364] FOX sucks. And Teix sucks.
[1368] Maybe. Maybe Daryl Strawberry or Keith Hernandez or hte 1985 Pittsburgh Pirates.
[1367] Yeah, Marte threw two games in a row and I mentioned earlier that there may still be shoulder concerns. I'm not going to crucify Girardi over that call. Coke tanked it there, and that's on him.
I think Pena could've swiped a bag, but who knows? Chances are he would've just "pinch stood" there as Mattpat says and the result would've been the same, except Pena could tell his grand kids that he played in a World Series game.
i still think there's a case to be made for moving a-rod down to the 3-hole, matsui at cleanup, tex batting 5th. maybe tex will stop flailing.....
I think the Molina garbage needs to stop too. The horrible bottom of the order allowed Lee to have way too easy of a time early in this game. But I guess the book is closed on that for the year.
[1369] No way you run anybody in that situation with nobody out. You could run yourself right out of an inning. Sure Jeter is prone to the DP about 17 percent of the time. But he doesn't make out about 40 percent of the time. Girardi handled it right.
Anyone? No one? How can you not be insane with anger that Fox had absolutely no comment about the fact that the biggest pitch of the biggest at bat of the game (pitch one to Tex in the 9th) was an egregious strike call by an ump who had a tiny zone all night? Ok, maybe my insane anger is unhealthy, but give me something, folks! Those fuckers turn journalism into such a travesty on such a regular basis - it almost makes me want to vomit that they watched that pitch sail way wide of the plate, get called a strike, and change the entire at bat and didn't say shit. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I swear to God that if I am ever in spitting distance of Buck or McCarver, I am going to go absolutely apeshit and berate them so badly about their lack of journalistic integrity that they might even feel shame.
No swearing + the fact that I know what I'm talking about and will not be possible to dismiss as "some idiot fan" + the fact that I am a former journo and have the RIGHT to be full righteous anger.... God willing I have my examples in order, because I am going to melon ball their fucking brains. Please, please, I pray for that chance. And to think I once stood shoulder to shoulder with McCarver at the Yankee Press Box pisser. Just give me that chance and I will leave a mark.
"You know you're a disgrace, right?" That will be my opening salvo - and it will take all of my willpower not to say "fucking disgrace," but with God's help, I will refrain.
[1364] That post is hilarious. If you go to a Phillies blog when they lose, I'm sure you'll see the same sentiment expressed. McCarver and Buck are insufferable and Buck just wants to call football games. Bring back Al Michaels for crhistsakes. TIMMAAHH. is personally trying to set a record for most erroneous predictions and interpretations in a single world series. There are 3 sides to every story, though, yours, mine and hte truth. The truth is these whores just want the series to go 7 games.
[1367] Gardner is bad, but he is only "hitting" slightly worse than Melky. And we really don't want Hairston in CF. Like it or not, with Melky out, we are stuck with Gardy for the next two games...well, one game, because the series ends in six.
[1375] Madson is prone to the SB and he probably would have paid no attention to Pena. There was no benefit to keeping Matsui in the game. Even if the only gain was a better chance to break up the DP, and that might have been possible because the throw wasn't that good to begin with, it is a no brainer. Girardi completely screwed that up and Arod didn't bat because of it.
"full of righteous anger...." is what I meant. It actually, truly offends my soul. The field of journalism is such a pig shit lagoon as it is currently, and listening to two boobs like McCarver and Buck crap all over it with such impunity makes it so, so much worse.
[1374] The Molina garbage is most certainly over for the rest of this year. Now, what happens next year may be another story.
JHJ has 119 career games in CF and if IIRC has fielded in CF pretty decently. He also has good lifetime numbers against Pedro (albeit a long time ago). You can bring in Gardner as a late inning defensive replacement.
[1382] If Girardi let Hairston play for Swisher in game 2, he has to let him play for Gardner in game 6. If he doesn't, then that will be another questionable Girardi decision late in this series.
[1377] I certainly agree with your last sentence, but the Yankees fired McCarver and he has never gotten over it and Joe Buck is a cock head who got straight C's all through high school and was a douche then and a douche always (friend of mine went to HS with him). Back to Buck, he is, of course, a St. Louis Cardinals' worshipper, an NL guy and as a fan of the Cardinals and "all that is good and holy about the game of baseball" is pretty fucking open about how much he hates the Yankees.
And the truth is that his God of a father - and I say that without even the slightest hint of facetiousness - probably thought exactly the same thing about the Yankees, BUT WAS TOO MUCH OF A *** DAMN PROFESSIONAL to EVER let any of that seep into his commentary - into his JOB.
If only Joe Buck truly understood how much he disgraces his sainted father every day, if only. It's a great legacy in the hands of a true cretin.
[1379] No manager in his right mind is sending a Ramiro Pena to steal a base in that situation. Two rockets were just hit off of Madson and you have a first ballot HOF at the plate. It was just an easy DP. Girardi didn't "completely screw up" anything.
[1382] Yeah, though he has looked pretty bad in the OF this year with the Yanks. I'm also not convinced that Hairston-of-the-.701-career-OPS is a significant upgrade over Gardner. In this case, I'd play it straight with Gardner in CF and batting ninth.
[1385] Again, if the plan was to simply break up the DP, it is still an obvious call. Girardi decided he wouldn't bother and Jeter hit into a DP. Unless one thinks that was a desireable outcome, then yes, Girardi did screw up.
[1383] Agreed. Girardi's loyalty to Gardner ended tonight. JHJ will get the start and Girardi will use the lifetime stats to "protect" Gardy and justify his benching.
[1383] Those situations are not at all comparable. Sitting Swisher was a dubious move, but you can sacrifice some RF defense. But to start a middle IF at CF? No way.
well, i actually only half watched tonight which was strange. I found myself at a bar with friends and playing shuffleboard. I thought we had it in the 9th. Too bad it wasn't to be this time. :(
"Hairston-of-the-.701-career-OPS" is a major upgrade over Gardner of the .0000000 OPS.
http://www.brooksbaseball.net/pfx/index.php?s_type=3&sp_type=1&batterX=091102_232421&inning1=y&inning2=y&inning3=y&inning4=y&inning5=y&inning6=y&inning7=y&inning8=y&inning9=y&month=11&day=02&game=gid_2009_11_02_nyamlb_phimlb_1%2F&year=2009&pitchSel=425492.xml&prevGame=gid_2009_11_02_nyamlb_phimlb_1%2F
Check it out.
Pitch 1 to Tex. Fox, don't act like you didn't have plenty of time to throw your stupid little strike zone box up for that one.
[1384] I love the passion of your hatred. My favorite player as a kid was STeve Carlton but, McCarver caught him every time he threw for years on end. He sucked then and he sucks worse now that I have to hear his rambling nonsense. Did you hear the one about him and Irish Mike Ryan breaking their hands one out apart in 1970? Heard that one about 1000 times already. Shut hte fvck up already. He's had some real gems in this series. Could make a mint betting against his predictions. My favorite? Blanton didn't intend to hit Rodriguez yesterday.
[1391] Well, it's only a slight upgrade over .674 career OPS, and a significant downgrade in CF defense.
Some complain about Girardi being panicky. Starting a loght hitting middle IF in CF sure has the whiff of panic.
[1389] JHJ is not a conventional middle IF. He has substantial experience playing CF in his career.
[1392] an objective analysis of when Fox has chosen to use thei pitchfx tool would be interesting indeed.
[1392] the home plate umpires have gotten progressively worse. the guy tonight was awful, and it was a little strange that fox hardly used their replays tonight. but i don't know why you direct your anger towards the idiot announcers instead of the incompetent umpires. who cares what the fox broadcasters say about it? the home plate umpire sucked just the same.
[1394] Was sitting the .880 OPS RF with 29 HR in Game 2 a whiff of panic?
[1397] the guy in game 1 was the best. He called a fair, consistent zone. the next 4 have been varying degrees of suck on balls and strikes. personally, though, I hate the pitchtracker box. It ain't any better than teh umps. the strike zone is 3D, for starters.
[1388] No one else makes that catch on Werth. Gardner was not totally worthless. He should really learn to drag bunt over the winter.
[1395] He's a supersub. He's not a stating CF...he would be a significant downgrade from Gardner, of that there seems little argument.
I already got to watch his LF "defense" help piss away a post season game against the Angels. I don't relish waching him stagger around in CF.
[1394] i'd go with gardner too, but i won't be too upset either way. they both kind of suck. at least gardner is a decent outfielder, but he isn't all that great. nice catch tonight though.
[1400] That was a tremendous play by Gardner. Yanks have been stellar in the field this series.
[1398] I thought it was. It worked out, inasmuch as Hairston doinked a single off of a tiring Pedro. But yeah, I thought it was a poor move.
In any case, you can Hairston in RF a little easier than you can in CF.
[1397] The umpires sucking is something I feel powerless against. I've made my peace with the fact that they suck. But they've sucked so irredeemably, and in so multi-directional a fashion, that what's the point in saying anything other than "they suck."
Now the fact is that I'm deluded enough to think I could do a better job than them on the bases, but not deluded enough to think I could call balls and strikes. That shit is hard with even fast pitch softball. Fuck that.
Otoh, as someone who has done live radio and was a damn fine writer with a horrific deadlines problem and a case of the born into the wrong generation, you know the generation that doesn't give a crap about integrity and, I don't know, something at least aiming for excellence, I *know* I could do the job better than McCarver and Buck, and they truly offend me on a professional level.
In summary, the umps are what they are - and that they suck equally in both directions shows that it's sheer incompetence - in the case of FOX, it's willful savaging of any sort of standards or professionalism, and that can't be excused.
[1396] I'm glad someone else would like to see the results of that sort of study.
[1393] Believe me, I almost left little bits of bone and blood and brain all over the walls over the "no way, no way at all that was intentional" bit with Blanton. Full on, complete loss of shit over that.
And I agree we've heard his stupid broken hands story a million times, and why, oh why can't we just settle for twin broken larynxes - and yes Schmuck and McCodger, I'm looking at the two of you.
But his little "Puddles? Where are you Mr. Puddles?" ramble about why Posada was brought into the game earlier rather than later was some kind of gem. How can you possibly employ someone who is obviously so senile that sort of idiocy could escape his lips?
[1392] The ball-strike umpiring WAS awful and in my estimation tilted toward Philly tonight. Tonight was a night that having a Billy Martin heckling from the dugout would have been nice--if for nothing else than to soften the umps for Game 6. The Yanks were destined to lose and Billy would have taken the opportunity to rattle the shit out of the umpiring crew. He would have done crazy shit like stop the game in the middle of an inning and ask the umps to check Lee's cap bacause there was "some substance" on the bill--even if it were nothing. And then his partner in crime--Steinbrenner--would have made a sideways comment to the press after the game about the umps "calling it both ways." The ump union would be furious. MLB would be furious. And you know what, it would get us a couple of close calls at the Stadium.
And, Tim and Buck are NL guys who hate the Yankees and everything they stand for.
On an unrelated note, Fukcing Saints give up a meaningless field goal w/ 32 secs left to fukc me on the point spread.
Good night Yankee fans. See you back in the Bronx.
[1406] Bravo. You're the leader in the clubhouse for best partisan interpretation of the Fox crew. See [1377]