I took the 7 train out to the ball game after work today, a hot Friday in May. Walked through Grand Central, moving through the space where people were coming at me from all angles in that way that always reminds me of human Asteroids. Let a packed 7 go by and skipped the local for an Express that beat the local by plenty.
As we passed the great graffiti monument I was listening to “Fool in the Rain” on my iPod, a song I had not heard in years. And it reminded me of so many high school parties and the kind of girls who loved that song caused it moved them so. And we rolled past the graffiti when the song came to the break and goes all Brazil-Bezerk. A nice moment.
I spotted an Asian kid from across the car wearing a navy blue DiMaggio t-shirt. He had sharp shoulders and was listening to his iPod. The car thinned-out as we got closer to Citifield and I approched the guy and asked him, “Why DiMaggio?” And he said DiMaggio was only rivaled by the Babe as the most famous of the old American ball players. His name is Toshi and he is a student from Toyko, here for a few months working on his English. He’s a TV director and hopes to move to New York.
We got off the train together and joined the cattle throng of jerseys, Mets and Yankees gear everywhere. I told Toshi about New York being the melting pot but that most of the fans here were from the suburbs. We said goodnight and I checked in at the press gate and then waited on line for an elevator to take me to the press box on the fifth floor. There is a bank of two elevators but only one was operating. I waited a turn for their be enough room to get on. When I did, we packed in and a bunch of people got off on the third floor. So many new people got on that the elevator operator asked for volunteers to step off and three people got out.
It isn’t exactly quiet in the press box but it is contained and professional. There are the sounds of joshing around, especially now before the game, but it is muted. I know Matt Cerrone has never watched or blogged a game from the press box nor would it ever appeal to him. He’s too much of a fan, he doesn’t want to repress his desire to root. There are tall windows insulating the press box which makes for a stuffy atmosphere. But then the windows are opened and the sounds of the park, the crowd, filter in. The grounds crew is watering the infield, the organist is playing “Come on Feel the Noise.”
It’s fun to be here as a blogger because I am not on assignment, working on a story or deadline. Instead, it’s a game-cast, Banter-style. The good folks at SNY have encouraged me to do my thing so that’s what I’m gunna do. I figure I’ll walk around the park a whole bunch, see what I see and then dip back and give an update. Y’all will be watching the game so I don’t really need to tell you what’s happening there. Instead, I’ll try to get some of the sights n zounds and get back at you.
As Kid Gleeman likes to say, Happy Baseball.
Update: First Pitch.
My pal Jay Jaffe is also here in the press box tonight and we just had dinner in the dinning room. When we were done I looked at the security guard by the door. I noticed him when I first came in and asked if he had worked at the old park. He had. I knew I recognized him from somewhere. Then, as I was eating a hot dog I realized he looked just like a guy who delivers copy paper in the building where I work. Turns out he is that guy. I knew I recognized him from somewhere.
I get back to my seat and sit down at my machine just as Derek Jeter leads off the game with a single between first and second. I’m sitting in the second of three rows in the press box, behind home plate and just to the left. Legendary local scorer, Bill Shannon sits five people down and it is an honor to be near the man let alone having the pleasure of listening to him score a game. He is a gregarious man with a wonderfully distinctive voice and way of speaking–he’s a direct descendant of Damon Runyon’s New York. Enough to keep me sitting in my seat and enjoying myself for a minute.
Because while you cannot root in the press box, it is a nice view of the game. I find it comfortable to be around other people working, writing. It always feels great to see a baseball game live, and when you have a good view it brings an extra zip of adrenaline knowing you are so close to greatness, the best in their profession. It’s like that magic you had as a kid or the thrill you can get when the lights go down in the movie theater.
Just above me to my left is a small TV so I can follow the broadcast.
Gardner whiffs and Teixeira hits into a double play.
Update: Top of the Third.
“Everybody’s Working for the Weekend” blares from the speakers inbetween innings. The Internet connection is so slow here, and probably so taxed, that I have been getting kicked-off, upload photos, or do much of anything. Haven’t had this kind of difficulty since Dial-Up.
Yanks went in order in the second and Javy looks good early, striking out four over two scoreless.
Update: 8:21. P.M.
Cervelli had third easy and but he goes ahead and slides head first anyway, helmet flopping off. What an ass, that’s why he’s great. Little Peperoncini on that sauseege. Yanks put runners at the corners with one out, sacrifice the runner to second, and then squandered it all—Gardner whiffs to end the inning.
But then Javy retires the side in the bottom of the third.
Jaffe IM’s me—at least that still works—and lets me know that Mike Axisa, at his first game as a member of the working press, is sitting next to me. So I introduce myself and we chat. Nice guy. Bill Shannon passes out tootsie rolls to a few regulars sitting near him.
Then, I feel a hand on my shoulder, “Hey Eisenhower.” It’s Sweeney Murti, who I have gotten to know a little over the years. He can’t file anything either, his connection is so slow. Personable, unaffected guy that Sweeney Murti, just as he is on the air. Murti, Ed Coleman, Kevin Burkhardt, these guys all have the easy charm and workmanlike reliability that you crave in your radio/tv beat reporters. They are a welcome presence every night, the kind of people who were made for the gig. As far as I’m concerned I could listen to them forever in that job. I remember seeing Mike Breen up close at MSG one time and he had tremendous personal charm, the kind of guy who makes you feel good to be around him.
Yanks put runners on second and third with one out in the top of the fourth but can’t do squat. Mets work out of the jam—Swisher whiffs, Cervelli flies out—and the game is still scoreless. Okay, I’m going to walk around…
Watching the game…
Update: Bottom of the Seventh.
I tooled around the Stadium and took a mess o pictures, some of which I’ll post later on…It’s amazing how many places there are to watch the game other than the stands. There is standing-room-only throughout the park, and there are bars…everywhere. And at the bars there are TVs. People are watching TV everywhere here. And many of those who are not watching are looking at their cellphones and BlackBerries.
Plugged-in.
I was sitting in a seat down the third base line when the Yanks scored their two runs in the sixth–Kevin Russo got the bit hit.
I was taking a leak in the press box bathroom when I heard the Mets broadcast announce that Javy Vazquez had to leave the game with a hand injury that he got while bunting. Isn’t that just perfect?
Now, back behind the laptop as Marte enters the game…gulp. And now a throwing error by Cervelli equals two men on, just one out, and Marte is done. Here comes the Yankees Right Guard, Jober Jobs. As he warms up, the loudspeakers blast “Sex Machine” by James Brown. Good night for music, man.
Joba, all amped up, throws a fastball high for a ball to David Wright. Next pitch, Wright takes a good cut and fouls the ball back. “Let’s Go Mets” chant gains steam and then dies and Joba throws one up and in—Wright leans back out of the way. Slider in the dirt goes for ball three and then Wright balls another fastball. Mike Axia says, “Welp, 3-2 count, he’s going to throw a slider. It’s inevitable.” But it’s a fastball and it freezes Wright for strike three. “Oh, shit.” Wright stays to talk to the ump for a minute. Cervelli shakes his fist.
Angel Pagan is next and takes a fastball for strike one. Then looks at a curve ball bend harmlessly out of the strike zone, 1-1. Fastball, high, 2-1. Another fastball, outside, fouled off down the left field line, 2-2. Apprehension in the crowd. Some clapping, a whistle, and some more clapping as Pagan takes slider in the dirt, full-count. Jeter and Cervelli go to the mound to speak with Joba. More cheering, but not too much, conflicted—who is cheering? Yankee fans or Met fans?—slider in the dirt, Pagan offers, holds up but it’s too late. The ball skips in front of the plate, Cervelli picks it up and throws to first to end the inning. Murmurs in the crowd, the P.A. announcer speaks, a heavy-sounding plane flies overhead.
Update: They set a Citi Field record for attendance tonight with 41-Plus. Javy is being taken for X-Rays–“bruised finger.”
Update: X-Rays negative for Javy.
Mariano in to pitch the ninth. On the 2-2 pitch to the lead-off hitter, Jose Reyes, the crowd seems almost completely still, like they were all holding their breath, just before Rivera delivers…Reyes flies out to left. Alex Cora bounces a ground ball back to Rivera, who jumps up, showing his fine athletic form, snares the ball and throws to first for the out. Down to Jason Bay who takes a ball and then looks at a strike and then swings and misses at another. Now there is noise, now there is clapping and then Jason Bay swings and we hear that clean, true sound of a bat crack. But Citi field holds it and the ball bounces off the left field and Bay holds second with a double. Ike Davis, the kid, is next and whack, another crack, first pitch, and it’s in the gap. Davis goes to second and is wise to stop there. But the Mets are on the board. Luis Castillo comes in to pinch run. David Wright. And he swings at the first pitch and grounds it to the right side. It’s not far enough to reach the hole but it’s not an easy play. Robinson Cano, makes it look easy though, moving gracefully to his left, scooping it up and throwing to first.
And that, as they say, is your ballgame. Bill Shannon announces the totals and says that the game took three hours-and-nineteen minutes and Billy Joel’s voice belts out “New York State of Mind.”
A little excitement late, but the Yanks hang on… “The New York Times, the Daily News.” Night Billy. And I’ll see you all a little later.
The Athletics released right-hander Chad Gaudin and outrighted right-hander Edwar Ramirez to Triple-A Sacramento after they cleared waivers on Friday.
Gaudin, designated for assignment on Sunday, posted an 8.83 ERA but also struck out 20 batters in his 17 1/3 innings this season. The 27-year-old was signed as a free agent this offseason and, like Ramirez, made Oakland's Opening Day roster.
The 29-year-old Ramirez, designated for assignment on Saturday, posted a 4.91 ERA in 11 innings of relief spanning two stints with the A's.
[0] Great story, Alex. Can't go wrong with some Zep. I wonder if a lot of the other press fellas will think you're wacky coming and going.. Of course, save a few MLB stadium tours, I've never been in a press box.
Jeterian!
Holy Crap was that an awful bunt attempt on the 2nd pitch by Gritner ...
guess the attendance: 35,000?
[6] Ya mean they can't sell out THIS game?
[5] so few really?
Oh Teix..... ouchie
[6] it's an indefinite loop! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
The Yankees are going to hit this guy, right?
The stadium looks pretty packed. I doubt it's only 35k.
Looks full to me. The lower level looks more packed than Yankee Stadium usually is.
A walk to Cora doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the new and improved Vazquez. If you cant throw strikes to him, then who?
He pitches carefully to Cora nd then blows away Bay...go figure.
[14] Seemed much more comfortable from the stretch for some reason ...
He was throwing harder from the stretch
I want to say "Javy looks good", but I suspect it's "the Mets look bad".
[17] and the two aren't mutually exclusive. but who knows.
[17] there's more than one way to add up to 8. 3+5 or 4+4 or 7+1.
Also, bad things happen when you try to make up your own adage.
Maybe they aren't going to hit.
Yanks look like they need a trip through the batting order to get used to Takahashi's delivery. Better swings this inning than in the first.
JV: "Yeah, the National League, that's more like it. Can you just save me for interleague play, please?"
What am I missing with Wright? To hear everyone speak, you'd never know he has been the Mets best hitter this season, and probably as good as most of the Yankees too.
Javy looks like he has good stuff, but the Mets are helping him out. Pagan swung through ball four, and Barajas was swinging from the dugout.
[22] Girardi clearly saved Javy for the NL games. I do think it might do the trick even for AL games coming up. Help him build up some confidence. Assuming he does well.
Like this kid.
there we go. We just needed to get to the heart of our order.
oh shit frackin NL game!
Alright, can we do a little better in this situation than we did last night?
with Swisher back and no DH we don't have to play Winn or Thames. I'm sure we'll use them for double switches, but still, good fun.
oh frack jeter. was that the new bad jeter or just a clean K?
I'm glad Jeter is showing more plate discipline.
Ugh. Inside.
[31] Neither.
[34] ok thanks
taking a lot of pitches they are.
[29] Guess not ...
these Mohegan Sun song parody commercials must die ...
Well, phooey.
[36] The Force is not strong with them.
hoot .... hoot ...
So, if Alex B. is "just blogging", why is he in the press box? Is he just that cool, or what?
[42] oops, i didn't realize he was blogging. i signed on late so never read the post. doh!
Dunda es our offense?
[44] WTF = "dunda"?
A-Rod + Yay-Rob = offense
Man, he really, really wants to walk Swish...
ah, ok, just read Alex' post. Good stuff. I like the sights and sounds.
29. cult of basebaal
May 21st, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Alright, can we do a little better in this situation than we did last night?
Wow, five balls, Nick swung at four of them.
second k with men on second and third with one out. Not good.
37. cult of basebaal
May 21st, 2010 at 7:57 pm
[29] Guess not …
We may look back on these two innings with great regret in about an hour or two.
[53] hard to imagine we won't. we can't have that situation twice and come away with nothing.
[53] I've decided not to wait. I'm regretting it now.
Bizarre.
JV: "Alex Cora! Hooo boy, I have to be very, very careful here."
holy cow .... nice peg from his knees!
Whoa, that was some throw.
Frankie would make a good cowboy.
[56] works every time.
OK ... how much does Brains have to hit to be the full-time C once Posada gets back .... .260/.320/.390?
Evening, Team.
Looks like Vazquez is pitching a baseball game.
Nice to see.
[61] He's solid gold back there, no?
[63] Did you see him throw out Cora?
Javy showing Jeter how to work the count.
I'm serious ... at Posada's 2010 level of offense, minus his defense ... what would Cervelli have to hit to make it worthwhile?
[64] Indeed. From his knees.
[62] Yeah, he's been in control, aided by aggressive Mets batters swinging early in the count.
I'm hoping my Cervelli jersey arrives this weekend.
[66] I don't know, but considering we don't have a DH, I'd just as soon give it a try.
Derek just isn't seeing the baseball.
Wow, that's a nice touch! The World's Fair Unisphere looming in the background, that is.
Is everyone aware that AB is adding updates? Not many, because his connection is bad.
Is that what it's called, "Unisphere"? I must have known that at one point.
Wright has got a long-ass swing.
[73] I never knew it til I just heard mk call it that. I never called it anything but always just thought, "There's the World's Fair."
[71] The Yankees biggest problem isn't any one single injury, but the poor play of Jeter.
Oh, Javy! Oh well.
Exhale.
i didnt realize he was no hitting them until right there.
[78] Yeah. Only Cora had reached. And wiped out once by Frankie.
Nicely turned, boys.
nice
Did anyone else think Girardi should have hit with Vazquez in the third? Maybe it's a sign of how concerned I am about Jeter, but I wanted Javy to swing away and Jeter to squeeze.
With the offense pressing, Girardi is going to need to put on a few plays to help them out.
Wow.
Only three base runners, and two eliminated. One over the minimum.
I was thinking it would be nice to get to pitch to the pitcher in the sixth, but I'm calling it right here: Takahashi will be ready to leave the game shortly. Score Truck arrives this inning.
[82] No.
No plays. I want someone to steal Girardi's play book.
[84] I think a squeeze by someone like Jeter og Gardner might take some pressure off the middle of the lineup.
The Yankees offense has been so stagnant that sitting back might not cut it.
All of a sudden, Tex is back in a slump... Right now, the offense consists of Cano and Arod and some Cervelli.
Wait. He actually calls out each official play? Verbally? As in, "Catcher Rod Barajas grounds into double play. Four-six-three. Pagan out at second base." ? Also, is he the official scorer?
Damn, that was close!
Greetings All. Where the deuce is the score truck? Yay, A-Rod.
Come on Robbie...really need you to come through.
Great, aggressive baserunning. The way this game is going, we need the extra base.
[88] One part of Arod's game that has noticeably regressed is his speed.
[86] What??
The last four games they scored 11, 6, 6, 6 runs.
The offense hasn't been the problem.
Help me Robbie Wan Canobi, you're my only hope!
[93] I take those late inning rallies with a grain a salt, and also don't have much regard for Dice K and Beckett. In the TB games and now this one, the offense seems to be pressing with runners in scoring position. That always seems like the kind of thing that can really grow.
[93] Yeah, but you know what, a lot of those runs came in garbage time...they've been leaving small armies on the basepaths in key spots.
100 peaches for Takahashi, kids.
Bah.
dammit.
Goddamit.
I don't think one of these strikeouts has been a strike. Everyone is simply swinging from the heels with men on. I can't believe they've been shut out for six innings in this game.
Well, there went Alderan ...
It's so much fun to listen to Leiter read copy.
Mets bullpen coming soon to a lineup near you.
[104] Yep. Too bad, just one more time through the order and they would have had Takahashi all lined up.
[101] Jeter struck out looking.
He's facing the Mets in a huge ballpark ... that helps guys.
[105] That wasn't a strike either.
[107] No, it wasn't.
Who is this guy we got on the mound?
[109] I dunno, but I was just thinking, I hope Javy Vazquez doesn't come back and take his number.
[109] at's Jeff Vader that is..
[106] And so it does.
So are the Yankees going to get crappy Ollie or the Ollie who turns into Sandy Koufax whenever he pitches against us?
[113] Neither of them, I guess.
Ug! TB gets to play the Astros. Tied at 1-1.
Philly up on the Sox 5-1 in the 6th.
The lights cast some strange shadows.
[115] why wouldn't TB play the fish? isn't this interleague rivals weekend?
God, you could see that coming.
What a stupid decision.
Well ... how about that!
something about Mets 2Bs in Citi Field ....
Wow, how 'bout that Russo!
Nice job, Rook.
Thank you Kevin Russo ... looks like you've just bought yourself an opportunity!
We've found our new OF, huh?
there you go! Russo!
That was very nice and easy hitting.
Boy, the Yankees should just send Vazquez up in bunting situations during regular games.
Javy could teach some of the other Yanks how to bunt ...
[127] [128] Indeed.
Uh oh ... Vazquez in the tunnel with the trainer
Diane [128], meet [127] mjpucci.
Oh, Christ. What now?
What the FUCK, JV. Dude can't win.
Derek, you're killing me.
Ooh ... look ... a 6-3 putout from Jeter ...
Not so nice play rook ...
[132] Finger might have gotten hit during the bunt ...
How come Russo isn't running on that play? He scores easily.
[137] Didn't look like it, though.
[139] No. But that's what Sam Borden says, too.
[139] It definitely appeared to be something with his right hand though and it looked like his index finger was protruding beyond where it should have underneath the bat ...
Ugh. Shoulda cashed in that 3rd run ... now to see what is up with Javy ...
[140] What are you two, buddy-buddy?
D-Rob's coming out. Pray to God Javy just needs a day to shake it off.
And speaking of Ugh! Teix has looked awful the last week or so ...
[143] Hah!
On LoHud.
This is getting ridiculous now...who is going to get hurt next?
Here's to you, Mr. Robertson. Shut 'em down!
[144] Everything's all screwy. One day it's, "Thank God for Brett Gardner" and "Don't take the bat out of Cervelli's hands!" and then it's "Pray to God Javy's ok!"
You just can't...
Fuck, if that injury to Vazquez doesn't encapsulate this season so far in a nutshell, I don't know what would ...
And here we go...Girardi has to manage this game like a must win. He can't let Robertson hang himself.
Jeter's futility in this game could really come back to kill them.
Well, if Javy's hurt... I hear Gaudin is available!
God damnit.
Dear Mr. Girardi .... you need not mix-and-match to Ike Davis in THIS park.
And again, the inability to cash in with RISP earlier in the game, and to add that tack-on run in the top of this inning, could come back to bite us.
Takahashi pitched well, but it should be 4-0 right now.
Why do I the feeling this is not going to end well.
I HATE THIS SHIT. He's going to overmanage this game into the ground.
[155] For sure.
Of course.
I mean, of course.
Of course.
You know what...the Yankees dont look much better than the Mets.
He didn't walk him, though!
[161] Yeah, they look much better.
[151] Well, with Joba coming in here, I'd say he's doing just that ...
And of course now Wright's going to regain his power stroke.
Interesting. Good call. Marte wasn't a good call, but obviously the extra runner isn't Marte's fault.
If Joba blows it again, I think even the eternally optimistic will have reason to panic.
[163] I need to get your TV.
[167] At this juncture, is there any reason to think that Joba hasn't been mismanaged into a fat Kyle Farnsworth?
goddamit ... stop nibbling ... let it go.
This is Joba.
[168] The Yankees have seven hits, with three doubles. That's not "much better" than two hits?
[169] Texas, 2008?
NIce.
Good spot.
I don't know what Wright's complaining about. You cannot take that pitch.
[169] No glasses.
great pitch for strike 3 there ...
[173] What about it?
[172] I guess I'm looking at the bottom line...also, lets give the Mets tehir fan out first.
Good work, Joba.
Good work.
Joba needs to throw more strikes.
Impressive.
What a gutsy call...3-2 slider in the dirt.
Javy's ERA went from 8.01 to 6.69 tonight.
[179] Uh, he's never been the same pitcher since he walked off the mound with the shoulder injury?
Off to drink good Bordeaux ... take care of the last 2 innings here everybody!
Mo for 6 outs? Come on, Joe. We know you're tempted. ; )
[187] Will do. Enjoy!
[187] Bordeaux. Bah.
Canadian whiskey and pretzels for me.
Holy cow, it's Jose Feliciano.
I thought he was an umpire!
[186] I thought he was doing pretty good for a 23 year old in his first season as a starter before they started with the secret starts and the three inning circus.
Bruised right index finger for Jay...hopefully this doesn't turn into a broken finger.
[190] Segrams 7?
[194] Seagrams VO.
The funny thing with Joba is we were debating #1 starter vs. closer, when the real debate might be #5 starter vs. setup guy.
[195] Jimmy Beam for me, mang. (although I'm at work tonight)
[197] Nice!
Ice cubes?
Probably the worst thing that could happen is Javy tries to pitch with the bruised finger and has a few more bad outings, which sets back allthe progress he has made.
Bases loaded, two out, ninth inning, down by four, Ortiz batting...
Flies out to the track.
[200] That's a shame. : )
And Houston has taken a 2-1 lead over TB in the 7th.
Another wasted baserunner? Joe needs to get himself tossed from this game and fire the boys up!
[198] yes -- either with coke or on the rocks, depending on the situation. I also like a variety of beer (and have brewed my own a few times).
Roy Oswalt Asks Astros For Trade
Richard Justice on why Roy Oswalt wants out of Houston
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5209198
straight up for Joba?
[203] I used to brew a lot of beer. Now it just seems like too much trouble :-)
[204] Interesting. Good interview.
One more out, Joba. Then you can let go and let Mo.
Good joba.
RF in CitiField is insane.
So, we'll get to see Thames PH, right?
[210] bet it'll be Pena.
[211] Oh, the platoon splits. But not Pena, surely...
Jesus, I was a full batter behind there.
Miranda, of course.
Winn as a defensive replacement. lulz.
surely. surely. ol Miranda.
Jeterian.
[215] Shirley Miranda. Yeah, I remember. She used to do that fan dance.
I guess he's okay. Good location.
finally got Cora out. Now a K from JBay and we're square.
I was watching Maine's nigh-ephemeral start. Out of the game, injured, after five pitches. That's rough.
That's a home run at the Stadium, no?
Damn Jason Bay.
[219] sorry boys. shoulda kept my trap shut.
Wtf?
Oik.
The inning started so well -- location, nice cut. What happened?
NIce play, Robbie.
Nice and easy.
phew
Whew.
I'll take it. We'll get Perfecto Mo next time.
By the skin of our teeth.
Twins up 14-0 on Brewers in 7th ... despite no hits from Mauer.
[226] (raises hand) that was my bad. sorry bout that one.
And Brandon Lyon escapes a jam, too. Stros with the slim lead in the bottom of the 8th.
[232] Well, no serious harm done. Cheers! {clink}
Solid win, though some nervous moments there at the end. Red Sox lost, TB's losing in the 8th, and now we just hope that Javy is OK, and it'd be perfect night.
Lyon stays in. 22 pitches to start the ninth.
Oh, Lyons didn't pitch the ninth.
And Zobrist grounds out to end it, whew.
Also, good updates, Belth, thanks.
I thought he was doing pretty good for a 23 year old in his first season as a starter before they started with the secret starts and the three inning circus.
Well, you could think that, you could also look at the evidence since he walked off the mound in Texas. Rather shocking, really ...