The problem with starting Nova is the Yankees plan on pushing everyone back. So, he has a bad start, it will be in addition to, not instead of, Vazquez' bad start.
20) we'll see if they follow through with plan. my guess is that if he shines tonight, he displaces Vasquez or Mosely, and if he stinks it up he simply pushes every one back one start...with an offday on Thursday, this lets Girardi reset his rotation. His pitching rotation, I mean.
RSN is absolutely ready to forgive and forget that he's a traitah
The "stoic Varitek" smiled when he heard the Sox had put the claim in on Damon.
Ortiz said (jokingly) "Let me call him right now, he'll come if I tell him just one thing." (I wonder what it is.)
Damon has not merely a no-trade, but a player movement clause in his contract. That means that even if the Tigers were to let him go with no trade, the Sox could not pick up his contract without Damon's permission. That could be important: some people think Damon wants a contract extension and will use his veto if he doesn't get one.
[75] Well, Nunez did pick up some sort of "best defensive ss" in the IL this year (though he never had much of a rep before) and Pena's got more experience at 3rd, so they probably felt this alignment maximizes the leftside defence.
[65] Ortiz said (jokingly) “Let me call him right now, he’ll come if I tell him just one thing.” (I wonder what it is.)
(1) (Psst, Johnny: free slider-flavored stanozol on me...)
(2) (Psst, Josh thinks you're cute...)
(3) (Psst... Manny's on his way here to kick Youk's ass...)
(4) (Psst... we saved your beard clippings for you...)
(5) "You'll have the best arm in the outfield, man, c'mon!"
I'm breaking my no posting during a game for this. G*& fucking dammit, motherfucker, how do you suck that bad at your job and still keep the damn job? Where else can you do that? I guess government.
I'm pretty sure if you take a gigantic crap on a happy meal, the manager calls you over and you're fucking fired.
And I'm not bitching that it's something against our team - they just suck, suck, suck. Suck period. In no one's favor. Just shitty. All the time.
Only these humps let Jorge get away with his mystical tags.
But holy shit, you just impacted the whole damn game.
Man on third, pitch count climbing, Cano at the plate. That ball wasn't a little off. It wasn't even close to a strike. You fucking suck if you ever make a call that bad.
And then you blow the damn play at first. Holy crap. Seven years of umping softball, never missed a single damn call at first. EVER.
Look at the guy's fucking feet. As a first baseman, that play pisses me off in every which way.
And then a home run. It was two outs, not one out, man on for the homer.
Unreal. I'm sick of these umps being such a disgrace. I hope Selig chokes on his tie. Fuck.
But I am curious, how could you possibly know that you didn't blow any calls when umping softballunless you reviewed all of the replays after the game? ; )
[98] I admit it's unscientific, but... in seven years, never had a complaint with an ounce of passion behind it. When I call a guy out, the guy knows he's fucking out.
And I'm not exaggerating with the zero complaints thing, and believe me, people bitch in our league.
Now part of it is that I'm always in position, because I'm not a fat, over the hill lazy union protected fuck. And I hope my comments are not construed as any broader statement on unions. But I hate the umpire's union.
I guess I wasn't fat and over the hill before law school, to be more precise.
It's effort, passion, and God given freaking ability though. And if these guys were actually put to the test, there would be other folks occupying a bunch of those jobs. These guys suck. And like Paulie said, they're completely unaccountable.
And so far, they completely changed the game by being so horse crap tonight.
[110] In the first inning he had a little of the deer-in-the-headlights look. But he got out of it, and he's looked pretty good. (One big mistake to Bautista.)
[110] I've seen a hell of a lot to like. And he's only given one run up tonight. The other is on the guy rattling a cup and banging into shit down the right field line.
Seen a lot more to like than I've seen out of Javy in recent memory, I'll tell you that.
[126] Nova snapped off a nasty 12-6 curveball. Cervell caught it just above the dirt down the middle, but it crossed the front of the plate a tad below the knees. It's a strike 1 out of 10 times.
[124] Cano and his Court?
HOLY SHIT! Posada makes a positive contribution!
On JD... we should remember he turned down 2/$14m from Cashman ("I LOVE being a Yankee,,, I LOVE NY... I REALLY LOVE NY.... I REALLY want to come back.... I shouldn't say this but I REALLY WANT TO COME BACK!!!?) and ended up with 1/$8 in Pollutionville. He may be easygoinfg,but the guy definitely has an ego.
Morrow got to be out of the game soon, at least. So, if Nova can hold them this inning, and then the relievers do their thing, the Yankees should have two more cracks at the Jays BP.
My guess is Nova feels pretty good about himself. Maybe even a bit cocky.
One bad pitch could have changed that.
So maybe Joe got him out for a reason.
[182] In that situation, Nova's heart had to be pumping, which could lead to overthrowing the fastball...something you don't want to do against a team that swings for the fences. I don't mind lifting him in that scenario, although it would have been interesting to see how he responded to the adversity.
[182] In my get off my lawn moment.
That's what's wrong with kids today. Mo forbid they learn something. But no, let's get him outta there feeling good about himself. Bollocks.
171) well, to my eyes, the few games that I have seen, ARod is usualy pretty good at cutting the ball off coming in ( his weakness tends to be more in his lateral range). Also, it struck me immediately that Peña played the ball weirdly, so yeah, I think maybe Arod makes the play.
It's only one start, but Nova seems to have good velocity and command of his fastball as well as a nice hard change. Now, his curve wasn't very good, so that's something he'd have to work on (or develop a slider), but I think Nova has the makings of a productive pitcher.
[177] I've been looking at her all night. I don't think she's black. May be Puerto Rican or South American. She's with the dipshit with the crooked hat. He's no CC.
The only thing I can think of with pulling Nova is that his velocity has been higher all night than they probably expected, at least by a bit. With the melee and what I just referred to, I wonder if he felt like his 73 pitches was not a run of the mill 73 pitches - and that there had been a bunch of adrenaline dumping in the mix.
Jeez.... Morrow.... 12 Ks in 6 IP. The guy looks for real. Where did he come from? With none on, he has an OPS against of .639... out of the stretch, .822. His ERA and WHIP are just OK, but if he learns to pitch with runners on, he could be a stud.
194) actually, except for the fact that Gardner has been slumping, in this circumstance ai would tell Cervelli to try to hit into a DP so Gardner could lead off next inning.
OK, I have to admit, the detailed analysis of whether some chick is "light skinned black" v. "puerto rican" v. "south american" is a little disturbing. i mean, at the very least, are these even comparable categories?
[196] once again the mariners front office deals away a player for a bag of beans (Johermyn Chavez and Brandon League) when the Yanks were offering Montero, Brackman, Cano, Joba and Phil. Apparently the Mariners also wanted Mo.
[205] I'm not sure what the heck disturbs you. As New Yorkers, the light skinned black vs. puerto rican quandary is fairly common. And we're not nearly as sure what South American girls look like.
[191] and [193], so you want one of our players hit and you're praising the Red Sox? I don't get you.
To hell with everything Red Sox, until they're dead and buried, and then maybe they get something stingy from me.
[216] I don't see what difference it makes if you're staring at her. She'll either love it or hate it. I suppose it's a matter of if you decide to talk to her, eh? That's where character becomes an asset or a liability (mostly concerning us >;)
216) it's only a quandary if one bothers dealing with such racial categories ( if one considers "south american" or " puerto rican" a race, comparable to "black", especially given that many "south americans" would be cateforized as "black" according to traditional taxonomies), which is what disturbed me, to be honest.
See those girls in fhe front row? Now they've got some great ideas. (pepsi commercial) lol
TIme to shelve Joba. No way can he sustain for more than 10 pitches.
Have we all given up on Joba? I personally would like to give him another shot at starting. As a starter, he has a career ERA of 4.18 (obviously in the AL East). This is not bad for a cost controlled #5, is it?
[239] I agree on this point too (I identified her as wearing a retro Jays cap, but as it turns out, I was oogling the wrong one). The only time I like such categories is when it facilitates a fun sporting tournament.
237) I haven't,and I agree with you...I want to see him start. But realistically, I do not see how he fits into the Yankees plans as a starter in the future, especially now that he is out of options and can't be easily moved to AAA. Who knows, maybe they could try himinthe rotation next season with a limit of around 180 or 190 innings.
Gardner was really pressing his luck in that AB. I wonder why he has reverted to leaving the bat on his shoulders? Could he be worn down by his first full-time season?
[229] I don't know how to put this politely, but I don't agree with your concern. I think you're failing to acknowledge the unique realities of New York, where we have different categories than most other places in the world because we've got all kinds and many people have a little bit of many things.
[244] with Nova, Brackman, Betances, Manny Banuelos, and some other guys I heard about at waswatching, (Graham Stoneburner and Adam Warren), I wonder if we'll even care when Joba flames out.
Every game against the Blue Jays has been tough, which is kind of worrisome considering there are 8 more games on the schedule. Also, with a few smart moves, the Jays could take a big step up, which would make the AL East ridiculous, especially if Buck pushes the Orioles toward respectability.
I really think this is an example of the Yankees tide raising all ships.
254) you don't have to be polite, and guess what? i live ina big city too, with lots of people of varying skin shades. So no need to explain that to me. If you want to stare at people and scrutinize into which racial category or sub category they fall, more power to you.
At some point, you have to learn from your mistakes, and in so many instances, the Yankees have not. It's disgraceful to make the same errors over and over again.
[244] The team needs a 6th starter. He should be a long man and spot starter. Why Mitre and Chad when we have Joba? Is his great stuff really gone, or just in hibernation?
Phil has a higher Starter ERA of 4.56 yet he is our great hope.
I think people are soured on Joba because our expectations were so high after his first 2 years?
And FUCK!!!!!!
Why can't we score more then 3 runs?????????
[261] I really have no idea what the heck your problem is, and that bastard just hit another home run. I've had conversations using these categories with white people, black people, and puerto rican people. I was a counselor at a summer camp where pretty much every kid was somewhere on the spectrum of either light skinned or puerto rican. I apologize if adding a continent puts you over the top. I can't see where you're coming from and I'm bowing out.
[275] Oh, I know. Cervelli shoud have been sitting in the left hand batter's box. That way Dave's pitch winds up where he wants it. On the outside corner. Piece of cake and we're still tied. : )
[282] And a slumping Gardner as well as Granderson. The Yankees went with a four man lineup and they got burned. It's amazing that it was even a close game.
The good news is Ivan Nova looked like he might be something. The bad news is Burnett and Vazquez are both not only taking their normal turns, but Joe has intelligently figured out a way so Cervelli can catch both of them!
[289] So that makes Joe an Intelligent Design manager? No wonder this is a close game, considering that Toronto obviously subscribes to the Big Bang theory.
Even if this team holds on to a playoff spot, I am not sure they're going to have much left. Another championship run is going to depend heavily on Sabathia, Tex and Cano.
Damn John Sterling had me convinced Posada's out was a two-run homeruns. He went full throttle into "It is high! It is far!..." before telling me Bautista was settling in beneath it.
[315] Of course...but in the interest of winning the game, Kearns was the correct choice. I don't expect Girardi to make too many right decisions, which ironically makes it a lot less frustrating.
[316]
1. Playoffs are a crap shoot.
2. It's easy to imagine Swisher, Granderson, and A-Rod carrying the team. (Less easy to imagine Burnett and Vazquez pitching brilliantly.)
[322] I don't subscribe to that theory. Playoffs are not a crap shoot. Better teams have a better chance to win.
Will Arod be healthy? If so, I can see it. As for Granderson, he has had so many bad ABs, that I don't see him being productive against better pitchers.
Hughes pitched on Thursday. He should be pitching tomorrow. Instead, we are getting Moseley. Nova should be pitching on Sunday. Instead, we are getting Vazquez. No team in contention should ever give away three outs in the same lineup. Honestly, is winning the motive behind these decisions?
[328] It doesn't matter when Hughes pitches, because he's only got a fixed number of innings left. He'll pitch all of those innings. It's irrelevant whether he pitches them now or some time in September.
[328] I really think Joe has a lot of Tony LaRussa in him. He makes MOVEZ for the sake of being hailed as a genius if they work. If they don't, there's always tomorrow. Unfortunately, he's doing these experiments in the middle of a hot pennant race.
328) is this confirmed? I still think that Javy will end up on the DL or skipped one time, especially given how well Nova pitched. We'll know for sure on Thursday.
329) plus, given the way the playoffs a re set up, a better team may end up with worse chance to win (but not by much) depending on their specific roster construction. Five good starter will win a lot of games over a 162 game schedule, but two really good pitchers is a major advantage for short series with lots of off days.
[334] Girardi has stated that everyone is being pushed back and C.C. will go Saturday to split AJ and Javy (so Cervelli can catch both!!!)
If Girardi didn't have a track record of making poor decisions, I'd hold out hope, but there is no reason to think he'll figure it out before a couple of extra losses are tacked onto the Yankees record.
[333] They're neither better nor more righty-laden than the Sox or Rays. Skipping Moseley "while Andy is out" doesn't help in any way, either. Andy is going to get the same number of innings no matter what, and so is Hughes.
[335] That's true, I guess. It's the traditional wisdom. But I'd like to see it checked for historical accuracy.
[338] How does it not matter? If they skip Moseley now, that's one fewer start he has to make in Pettitte's absence. Then, when Pettitte returns, it becomes easier to skip Hughes. The way Girardi is doing is ensuring Moseley and Vazquez pitch when it isn’t necessary.
336) I know what he has stated in the past, but that was before seeing how Nova and, tomorrow, Moseley do. Nova's relative success may convince the organization to DL Javy. if Moseley really gets bombed, he may get skipped nect time. It mase sense for Girardi not to commit to Nova beyond tonight until seeing him pitch.
We'll see what happens going from here.
That said, I'm not particularly hopeful, especially if it involves the team's typical misuse of the DL.
[339] As I said, Pettitte gets the same number of innings either way. Hughes gets the same number of innings either way. CC and Burnett get the same number of innings either way. The rest of the innings this year must be pitched by Vazquez and Moseley and Nova (etc.).
Also, having Vazquez pitch against Ozzie Guillen's team isn't going to turn out well. As if Javy needed another reason to shrink, I am sure Guillen's presence will have a less than positive effect.
[304] Third overall in baseball for HRs? With Arod apparently at 50% and Toronto outier HR numbers. I would say this team can hit HRs better than 95% of MLB teams.
[312} Could it be a well pitched tight game that was lost by one swing of the bat, and possibly a running mistake by Pena? What about the bad calls? This score should have been 2-2 in the ninth. Pathetic is the wrong word here.
And obviously Girardi can't manage a team to win a championship. Oh wait a minute...
Lastly, Po was an eighth of an inch under the ball in that last at bat for that to go out for the lead.
Why don't you post these criticisms on your blog? Never seen the word pathetic or disgraceful there, why do you have to trash this blog with that totally frustrating verbiage but not yours?
[344] Pettitte's innings are irrelevant...I am concerned about Moseley's innings, or more specifically, preventing him from throwing too many. By not skipping him now, Girardi is giving him a start that he is not destined to have. I am not sure what your point is?
In 1931, two pitchers was damn near enough to win a World Series. Bill Hallahan and Burleigh Grimes pretty much did everything for the Cardinals to beat the seemingly unbeatable A's.
And when Grimes couldn't finish Game 7, they brought the younger Hallahan back in and he finished that game, too.
I don't know if that's historical accuracy for you, but it is historical.
343) Perhaps at thia point there was no way to reshuffle the rotation, after Nova's start,to get a different pitcher in tomorrow. But there is still timewith the offday thursday, to put Javy on the DL and rejigger the rotation.
Basically, I am saying that it is possible the team id being cagey about Javy, waiting to see what they have with Nova.
[347] One thing we know for sure is by starting him tomorrow, Moseley is guaranteed a start he doesn't have to make. I don't see any benefit in allowing that.
[350] Regardless of how Nova pitched today, it was possible to have Hughes go Tuesday, Burnett on Wednesday, Sabathia on Friday and Nova/Javy on Saturday. Then, Sunday would be open for Nova again or Hughes.
Nova's performance really had no bearing on the decision to start Moseley, so there shouldn't have been a need to reshuffle the rotation.
You think maybe Moseley will get more innings this way, but no other pitcher will get fewer? I think that is unlikely in the extreme.
If Moseley gets more innings and Vazquez gets fewer, I don't think that's a problem. If Moseley gets more and Nova gets fewer, I don't think that's a problem. If Moseley gets more innings and Hughes gets fewer, that's a problem. Also if Pettitte gets fewer. That's why it's relevant that neither Pettitte nor Hughes will get fewer innings just because the rotation is stretched out to six instead of skipping someone.
352) maybe he morphed into barry bonds the same way barry bonds morphed into barry bonds. You know, hard work, proper diet, dedication and positive thiing.
[354] Of course someone is getting fewer innings. Considering that Javy and Moseley are the worst options (I'm giving AJ the benefit of the doubt), limiting their innings is a good thing. The Yankees have a chance to do that this week, but are passing up on both. That doesn't make any sense.
353) surely the starters in this day and age have specific routines for the day before they pitch v. Two days before they pitch. Plus, I imagine one of the goals for pushing back the rotation was to try to save start for Hughes down the line.
[357] This week alone? It's Hughes and Nova, both of whom I'd prefer to over Moseley and Vazquez. Longer-term, it could be one fewer start for Peittitte, Sabathia or Burnett, the latter two who are being pushed back a day. It's hard to say now because you have to see how the season plays out, but by starting Moseley and Vazquez now, you are ensuring they pitch two games when both can be avoided.
The Yankees should be focused on winning as many games as possible now. By doing so, they be able to do things liek skip Hughes and give Andy more time. If they keep dropping games, however, there is going to be more pressure to overuse both.
[355] It's not like as Yankees fans we have the high moral ground on this issue - although my take is that there is no moral ground on this issue, as everyone is down in the same sandbox.
So with that said, yes, particularly with his antics tonight - I do not think Nova was trying to hit him - I'm wondering if he's recovering a little faster from his workouts than he used to.
[358] I agree, but that was my point. Everyone is being pushed back because of Moseley, who was supposed to start today. By simply removing him from the rotation, everyone stays on schedule. No reshuffling would be needed.
As for saving a start for Hughes, it doesn't. He would still have the same number of starts, assuming he isn't skipped in the future, regardless of whether he starts Tuesday or Wednesday.
[360] Oh, I thought you said Pettitte's innings are irrelevant. If Pettitte does get fewer innings because of this move, then that would be a cost.
But, do you actually think Pettitte will get fewer innings? I think that's just mistaken. Also, I think it's just outright wrong to say it's more important to be able to skip Hughes later. That doesn't make any difference at all.
I think it is a very serious mistake for the Yankees to be focuses on winning as many games as possible now. They should be focused on the long run. Teams that get too focused on Winning Now very often end up harming themselves long term. I hope the Yankees avoid that error.
[365] I think I already said that we can't really know who wont pitch the innings vacated by Moseley or Vazquez, but assuming you believe those are the two weakest options right now, that shouldn't matter. Anyone losing innings to them would make little sense.
I couldn't disagree more strongly with the notion that winning every game possible is detrimental. As long as you don't force injured players into a game, it is a mistake to handicap your team with a bigger picture in mind. When you do that, that bigger picture has a way of becoming overexposed.
365) on the other hand, winning now ( in the context of the season) does have some advantages. For example, if they can more or less secure a post season berth early playing to win every game now, then they can rest all of the starters with the security of still having a postseason to play for. Bbut if they throw away games now (if that is in fact what they are doing) for the purpose of saving players for later, the postseason may not materialize, or the team may feel compelled to continue to play more "all out" later in the seson because they have not yet secured a spot in the playoffs.
But more generally I agree with you...a win now is no more important or valuable than a win later.
362) It’s not like as Yankees fans we have the high moral ground on this issue
Why, i simply don't know what issue you are referring to. But if you are making reference to some sort of nefarious behaviour, trust me, my indignation would be equal opportunity.
[367] As you mentioned, a win now could be more important than a win later if the Yankees have clinched with 10 games to go. If, for example, the Yankees needed to use Sabathia for the last game of the season to secure a playoff spot, it would have a cost. I would much rather overload his innings (and Hughes' and Burnett's and Pettitte's when he comes back) now, and hope that I can use Vazqez and Moselely in meaningless games in late September. In fact, that's what supposedly allowed CC, Andy and AJ to carry the burden last year. If Girardi needs to go to the whip this time around, they may not hold up as well.
Actually, our most important Wins will be against TB, and our 2nd most important Wins will be against Boston. While we need to win as many as possible, TB loses and Boston loses also play an important role in our PS chances.
Of our last 19 games, 7 are against TB and 6 against the Sox.
Those 19 games, and more specifically, those 13 games, will determine who plays in the PS.
I want to say "You do NOT want to walk this guy" but really, who cares?
The bottom of the lineup is so weak. I wonder if:
Brett Gardner LF
Eduardo Nunez SS
Mark Teixeira 1B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Jorge Posada DH
Curtis Granderson CF
Ramiro Pena 3B
Francisco Cervelli C
might even things out a bit?
Can Nunez bunt?
Why is YES airing the Scranton game?
[2] No need to "even things out". The Yankees to need to bunch their good hitters together and make sure Swisher gets more ABs than Nunez.
Canolingus!
A little 2 out RISP from Po would be nice here....
Long Ball here from Po..........
And Po takes a meatball on 3-1.
Take the two fastballs down the middle and swing at the breaking pitch. Very nice.
As soon as Posada let that fb go right by him, I knew he was going to flail at the next pitch
[5] Ribbie, Ribbie, Ribbie, buzzed should work.
Not complaining, just wondering...is Michael Kay wanted in Canada? He never goes to Toronto.
1st career starts really fire me up. Let's go, Kid!
Ok Nova, make me a believa.
Pastadivingpeña
11) I don't want him up here.
[12] The Yankees history in first starts is very ugly though.
Hm, this is shaping up suboptimally.
Not a great beginning....
This kid is a bum
The problem with starting Nova is the Yankees plan on pushing everyone back. So, he has a bad start, it will be in addition to, not instead of, Vazquez' bad start.
[20] I didn't know that. Sad news
[16] Ya' don't say. ugh....
You can see Nova is kind of yanking the ball toward home plate.
Hm, unless Joe can figure out a way to have Rob take every other AB, we're going to have trouble winning this game.
20) we'll see if they follow through with plan. my guess is that if he shines tonight, he displaces Vasquez or Mosely, and if he stinks it up he simply pushes every one back one start...with an offday on Thursday, this lets Girardi reset his rotation. His pitching rotation, I mean.
This is heading nowhere fast.
I smell a grand salami or double or something
Uh, ok??
Hells YEAH!!!!
The Grit! When will they learn?
24) "dammit, Jim, I'm a chessmaster not a magician."
Gritner!!!
JD COULDN'T DO THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If Cervelli botched that one the Banter would have exploded.
[22] Since 2000, the Yankees are 9-7 in 16 such games, but the pitchers have a 6.54 ERA.
and it wasn't even a phantom tag!
Steroid filled arm of Gardner. Just the arm
Just a wonderful throw.
Strong, accurate and low enough to be cut to keep the runner from advancing.
[25] That was my thinking, but Girardi reiterated he is pushing everyone back, so who knows.
35) well, you know Cervelli, not flashy...effective, but not showy.
The Jays fell right into Joe's Gritner trap. Fools.
Then again sometimes watching Cervelli behind the plate reminds one of Po.
Uber-optimal. Lots of freaking action for only 16 pitches. Word.
97mph...not bad...now, can he locate it?
Damn, he just hit 97 on that last pitch.
Way to reach back and get out of it rook!
Ivan Nova has balls, anyway.
Wow. What a favor. That pitch was nowhere near the zone!
Ivan Nova .... welcome to the show.
Nice! Nova with the {cream} cheese, and gets the final out. This is the big leagues. Your team picks you up...now settle down.
The kid is a stud
[47] He might, but ya might check Brains after that crossup. He looked like he caught the ball between his legs.
Posada's non-tag the other night was immortal, just amazing. He and that ump should go on tour ... The dynamic duo
With three consecutive nine hitters up, I guess Grandy should be running?
Cripes, Jeter could have done that!
[52] Whoa.
Hm, does that mean Mo pitches the 7th inning?
[52] I would say that is a yes, but no
54) I'm not sure...it all depends when the eighth inning is played. As you always say, baseball is hard, and confusing.
I wonder if the Yanks have ever had a 7/8/9 with fewer ML PAs than tonight ...
[56] We need Mike Mussina to explain it to us.
Pena! The best of three #9 hitters.
Well, at least we'll clear the pitcher's spotsss this inning.
"excuse me: fuck you"
Peña to Monkeypants. August 23, 2010.
Ramiro Peña would like us to eat shit, by the way.
60) ahhh...you beat me too it!
; )
[61] Ramiro brings out the worst in us, doesn't he?
Quick note or two about Damon:
RSN is absolutely ready to forgive and forget that he's a traitah
The "stoic Varitek" smiled when he heard the Sox had put the claim in on Damon.
Ortiz said (jokingly) "Let me call him right now, he'll come if I tell him just one thing." (I wonder what it is.)
Damon has not merely a no-trade, but a player movement clause in his contract. That means that even if the Tigers were to let him go with no trade, the Sox could not pick up his contract without Damon's permission. That could be important: some people think Damon wants a contract extension and will use his veto if he doesn't get one.
Dumb question: I had assumed it was Peña at SS and Nuñez at 3B, but it's the opposite...why, I wonder? Has Nuñez played 3B before in MiL?
Max Bialystock has done it again ...
Boy, after reading all these comments, and not knowing what the score was, I was sure the Yanks were down at least a couple of runs.
Imagine my surprise when I find them winning.
Ah, the Banter - long may it kvetch!
That's the thing with Molina, he always hustles.
wait, was Nova wearing #41 in the first or did I just imagine that?
I already think I like Nova more than Mosely. Another few innings and I may have to transfer the LIAB moniker.
[66] A few games.
I assume they think Peña is a better fielder and will get more plays at SS.
Nova looked like he just got off the Cyclone at Coney Island after the final out. No muy sereno.
Correction: four #9 batters in a row?
72) yes, I assume that as well...so why is Peña at SS and Nuñez at 3B? Or is this another one of those baseball-is-confusing things?
75) why isn't ?
[75] Uh, because they think he's a better fielder... and will get more plays at SS.
That was my explanation, but now I'm really confused.
Oh.
Actually, I thought Nuñez was playing 3rd.
[75] Well, Nunez did pick up some sort of "best defensive ss" in the IL this year (though he never had much of a rep before) and Pena's got more experience at 3rd, so they probably felt this alignment maximizes the leftside defence.
78) Right...so did I until I actually paid attention to the Jays announcers. hence my pastadivingpeña crack back at the top of the thread.
Anyway' no big deal. i was just curious.
Two Out Score Truck?
Well, all those tildes look alike to me.
81) Not this inning.
Ugh. I forgot that he doesn't get a hit every time.
Baseball is hard.
(1) (Psst, Johnny: free slider-flavored stanozol on me...)
(2) (Psst, Josh thinks you're cute...)
(3) (Psst... Manny's on his way here to kick Youk's ass...)
(4) (Psst... we saved your beard clippings for you...)
(5) "You'll have the best arm in the outfield, man, c'mon!"
etc, etc...
[68] Bronx Banter is my favorite brand of kvetchup >;)
Heckuva play by Nuñez...was Teix on the bag? Can't tell.
[86] Anticipation... is making me hate...
Goundballs > Flyballs.
Ah.
Party's over, Ivan.
Meh, not the guy to hang one to.
[91] Cervelli's fault.
[88] We may never know about the plays to come...
Apparently peppering the outside corner with 97 mph heaters and nothing but 97 mph heaters to Bautista was not in the scouting report. But why?
I'm breaking my no posting during a game for this. G*& fucking dammit, motherfucker, how do you suck that bad at your job and still keep the damn job? Where else can you do that? I guess government.
I'm pretty sure if you take a gigantic crap on a happy meal, the manager calls you over and you're fucking fired.
And I'm not bitching that it's something against our team - they just suck, suck, suck. Suck period. In no one's favor. Just shitty. All the time.
Only these humps let Jorge get away with his mystical tags.
But holy shit, you just impacted the whole damn game.
Man on third, pitch count climbing, Cano at the plate. That ball wasn't a little off. It wasn't even close to a strike. You fucking suck if you ever make a call that bad.
And then you blow the damn play at first. Holy crap. Seven years of umping softball, never missed a single damn call at first. EVER.
Look at the guy's fucking feet. As a first baseman, that play pisses me off in every which way.
And then a home run. It was two outs, not one out, man on for the homer.
Unreal. I'm sick of these umps being such a disgrace. I hope Selig chokes on his tie. Fuck.
I once had a really bad acid trip, jj.
It ain't crazy to be angry. These umps are tripping. How fucking high do you have to be to call that pitch to Cano a strike?
I'm saying this - if you think that pitch is a strike, you shouldn't be allowed to drive your car.
95) I dig what you're saying. i agree.
But I am curious, how could you possibly know that you didn't blow any calls when umping softballunless you reviewed all of the replays after the game? ; )
kvetchup, nova, cream cheese, bialys (sp)...this thread is hungry.
Damn, the kid does look like he could be a useful addition. Yeah, bad mistake to Bautista, but still.
Sorry, jj, no offense. I was just injecting a little levity.
[98] I admit it's unscientific, but... in seven years, never had a complaint with an ounce of passion behind it. When I call a guy out, the guy knows he's fucking out.
And I'm not exaggerating with the zero complaints thing, and believe me, people bitch in our league.
Now part of it is that I'm always in position, because I'm not a fat, over the hill lazy union protected fuck. And I hope my comments are not construed as any broader statement on unions. But I hate the umpire's union.
I guess I wasn't fat and over the hill before law school, to be more precise.
It's effort, passion, and God given freaking ability though. And if these guys were actually put to the test, there would be other folks occupying a bunch of those jobs. These guys suck. And like Paulie said, they're completely unaccountable.
And so far, they completely changed the game by being so horse crap tonight.
Maybe Peña would hit better if his batting helmet wasn't always sitting down low over his eyes?
[100] Oh, no offense taken, trust me.
That wasn't meant to be a calm, poised, balanced post or anything.
This game is flying by.
The bottom of this lineup is just making me sad, though at least NuñezPeñaCervelli made the pitcher work a little this inning.
Well, at least we don't have to see Gardner not steal 2nd.
Meanwhile, speaking of acid trips, just how long has that trip been for the Seattle GM?
That guy probably can't remember what it feels like to not see mauve, ochre, and chartreuse everywhere.
And how the heck does firefox not know that ochre is a word?
Singleton's "high and lazy" > MK's DEEEEEEEEPPPPPPP.
[105] How ironic that Jeter's absence is making you sad.
Hm, is that ironic? I'm never sure. Is it just unexpected?
how has nova looked?
[108] Kenny may be high, but he's not lazy.
[110] In the first inning he had a little of the deer-in-the-headlights look. But he got out of it, and he's looked pretty good. (One big mistake to Bautista.)
He's certainly looked good enough that I want him starting Jomerun Javy's next couple of starts ...
[110] I've seen a hell of a lot to like. And he's only given one run up tonight. The other is on the guy rattling a cup and banging into shit down the right field line.
Seen a lot more to like than I've seen out of Javy in recent memory, I'll tell you that.
[111] oy. : )
Incredible. They get a guy thrown out. Believe me, the call to Robbie was waaaaay worse.
[110] Looks pretty good so far.
WTF just happened? The Jays announcers are steamed tha the SS got thrown out. Weird.
[105] Nupeñelli... yumpin' yiminy!
Cito & Escobar out of the game. Sensitive umps or did we miss a good show?
[118] Escobar was arguing balls and strikes, the umpire followed him out there and threw him out. Cito went out there and was thrown out as well.
Wait, I missed about ten minutes and something happened. Why was Escobar ejected?
You're an idiot, Shish. It's all over the inside corner. Swing the fucking bat.
I'll normally give Swisher the benefit of a good batting eye, but that looked pretty damn good.
It feels like the Yankees have 4 hitters in this lineup.
Uh oh, Chessmaster Joe wishes to check Cito's endgame?
Ah.
But were there close calls? I don't remember that AB being esp. loathsome.
That would explain why the game is moving so quickly...
Why exactly is Jack Zduriencik well regarded?
Oof.
Morrow's plain dealin' tonite.
124) and all of them batting third and fourth.
[126] Nova snapped off a nasty 12-6 curveball. Cervell caught it just above the dirt down the middle, but it crossed the front of the plate a tad below the knees. It's a strike 1 out of 10 times.
that's a nasty slider
[128] Because Bavasi was that bad... Of course, it helps that Zduriencik was there when the Brewers got good.
[133] Trading Morrow for League and passing up on Montero could be two huge blunders that haunt the Mariners for some time to come.
Whoo-hooo. Atta boy, Jorge!
Tie game...
Huge hit by JoPo.
Jo Po with a Big Blo!
Well, that was optimal...
Score Truck!!!
HIP HIP!
Mariners tie the game on three singles and an error.
Nova's only at 65 pitches. If he breezes through the 6th, I bet it's batter to batter from then on out. Maybe he'll go 9. : )
[124] Cano and his Court?
HOLY SHIT! Posada makes a positive contribution!
On JD... we should remember he turned down 2/$14m from Cashman ("I LOVE being a Yankee,,, I LOVE NY... I REALLY LOVE NY.... I REALLY want to come back.... I shouldn't say this but I REALLY WANT TO COME BACK!!!?) and ended up with 1/$8 in Pollutionville. He may be easygoinfg,but the guy definitely has an ego.
Granderson can really have a bad at bat.
[143] So no Mitre?
[143] Only 65 pitches? Holy Carl Sagan, Nova! Well done!
Morrow got to be out of the game soon, at least. So, if Nova can hold them this inning, and then the relievers do their thing, the Yankees should have two more cracks at the Jays BP.
Throw the goddamnd ball on the outside corner. Each time. Fuck that. In the outside batter's box. FUCK YOU JOSE
[144] However, he did back of his demand. I guess he didn't think Nick Johnson would stay healthy for too long either.
For Brian Cashman's sake (and mine), I just hope Damon isn't doing damage against the Yankees at the end of September.
I was going to complain, but maube he DID throw at him intentionally. he certainly didn't back down to Bautista.
I really hope Nova didn't throw at Bautista because he hit a homer.
Girardi needs to get the bullpen up now. A rookie under this circumstance can lose control fast.
Was there a mound melee? What happened?
If something goes down, the guys in the bullpen are too far away; no sense running out to the fray
Cervelli can't even handle a confrontation properly. Girardi needed to get between Nova and Bautista.
Sit down Bautista.
[155] One rule baseball should institute is no leaving the bullpen.
Morrow at 104 pitches.
It would be nice to get him out during the 7th.
These baseball 'brawls' are just for sissies.
These guys should run and put on bobbysocks and skirts before they all charge out onto the field.
Jeez... I miss the Munson/Fisk days.
I'm looking forward to his next start already.
how hard has his fastball been all game? the one that bautista flied out on said 96, but the gun seems to have trouble when a batter makes contact.
[154] Fastball up and over Bautista's head. Bautista took exception, Nova shrugged him off.
Clappity-clap-clap-clap.
That seemed like a play that should be made. I wish Girardi would have played Pena at SS, where is much better.
Huh?
After a dinky single and only 73 pitches???
159) he's already out, according to the Jays broadcast (which showed the pitching coach giving him the ol' attaboy during the break).
Pulling Nova now? seriously? i guess it's better to err early than late, but I'm not sure I like this.
[161] Scotuing report on him was 92-97, and that's exactly where he was all game.
[159] i liked when porcello took youkilis down a couple years ago
[159] I dunno about that, there was a pretty nasty one between the Reds and Cardinals not too long ago.
164) Peña mist have been playing really deep, and he took a weird circle route to the ball. The question, is Nuñez any better at 3B?
[164] Pena played that fine. Wells is fast. You think ARod makes that play?
Whuh?
Why is this kid out of the game?
Roid rage for Bautista?
I still cannot fathom how he suddenly is Barry Bonds.
Nova's avergae fastball was 94.37. Morrow's was 94.04.
I'm with Flaherty. Push button Joe jumping the gun. Let's see what he's got!
[166] Are you doubting the Chessmaster?
Who knows...we may see Mitre after all.
Whoa.... first row. Very Hot Babe alert!
[170] Not sure, but considering he is going to be playing there in place of Alex, they might as well get him acclimated there.
[172] People keep throwing him fastballs down the middle
[171] Arod's arm is much stronger, so yes, I do. Pena also circled it, which Arod would not have done, IMHO.
[177] Behind home in the retro Jays cap?
My guess is Nova feels pretty good about himself. Maybe even a bit cocky.
One bad pitch could have changed that.
So maybe Joe got him out for a reason.
[150] Compassion for Cashman? Unexpected!
This has been a very interesting game to watch.
Smoking Nova did good!
[181] Light skinned black chick. Very nice.
[182] In that situation, Nova's heart had to be pumping, which could lead to overthrowing the fastball...something you don't want to do against a team that swings for the fences. I don't mind lifting him in that scenario, although it would have been interesting to see how he responded to the adversity.
[182] In my get off my lawn moment.
That's what's wrong with kids today. Mo forbid they learn something. But no, let's get him outta there feeling good about himself. Bollocks.
171) well, to my eyes, the few games that I have seen, ARod is usualy pretty good at cutting the ball off coming in ( his weakness tends to be more in his lateral range). Also, it struck me immediately that Peña played the ball weirdly, so yeah, I think maybe Arod makes the play.
It's only one start, but Nova seems to have good velocity and command of his fastball as well as a nice hard change. Now, his curve wasn't very good, so that's something he'd have to work on (or develop a slider), but I think Nova has the makings of a productive pitcher.
Plus 71 pitches is simply inning 1 and 2 for AJ, Javy, and Phil.
Sox reclaim the lead.
The Mariners suck. How did we lose to them again?
Oh, right, him.
If I was Gaston, I would have used a position player to pitch this inning.
[177] I've been looking at her all night. I don't think she's black. May be Puerto Rican or South American. She's with the dipshit with the crooked hat. He's no CC.
The only thing I can think of with pulling Nova is that his velocity has been higher all night than they probably expected, at least by a bit. With the melee and what I just referred to, I wonder if he felt like his 73 pitches was not a run of the mill 73 pitches - and that there had been a bunch of adrenaline dumping in the mix.
[190] As much as I hate to say it, the Red Sox have had an amazing season.
Cervelli should have the take sign on every pitch.
[193] I hope they have comfortable sofas for October though; since the won't be playing.
What's everyone think of Nova? I saw him pitch a bit in the first and he's got some serious heat.
Jeez.... Morrow.... 12 Ks in 6 IP. The guy looks for real. Where did he come from? With none on, he has an OPS against of .639... out of the stretch, .822. His ERA and WHIP are just OK, but if he learns to pitch with runners on, he could be a stud.
Actually, maybe she is light-skinned. First really good look we've gotten.
194) actually, except for the fact that Gardner has been slumping, in this circumstance ai would tell Cervelli to try to hit into a DP so Gardner could lead off next inning.
[198] All the more reason to have Cervelli keep the bat on his shoulders and let Swish lead off the 8th.
[198] Not nice!
Incredible.
I hate our bench players.
[202] They are all doing a great job. Joe says so everyday.
Shouldn't Pena kinda take a look at the ball after it's hit?
OK, I have to admit, the detailed analysis of whether some chick is "light skinned black" v. "puerto rican" v. "south american" is a little disturbing. i mean, at the very least, are these even comparable categories?
Cervelli's futility is legend.
Although that play at the plate was the first time I can remember cheering for him in a long time.
[196] once again the mariners front office deals away a player for a bag of beans (Johermyn Chavez and Brandon League) when the Yanks were offering Montero, Brackman, Cano, Joba and Phil. Apparently the Mariners also wanted Mo.
So, I'm a little late to the party. Any particular reason we're fielding an NL lineup tonight?
[208] it's NL night in Toronto.
198) Peña and Cervelli executed that to perfection.
208) actually, an NL team only bats one pitcher.
[204] It wasn't a particularly fast developing play. Did Pena just never stop running?
The dreaded leadoff walk. Damn.
This has "ends in tears" written all over it.
[205] Yeah, they had me at "Hot chick!"...
I wonder if knowing you are in there for one batter leads to more walks.
[205] I'm not sure what the heck disturbs you. As New Yorkers, the light skinned black vs. puerto rican quandary is fairly common. And we're not nearly as sure what South American girls look like.
[191] and [193], so you want one of our players hit and you're praising the Red Sox? I don't get you.
To hell with everything Red Sox, until they're dead and buried, and then maybe they get something stingy from me.
The old lead off walk trick. : (
I am interested to see Joba in this spot...might be the first high leverage game for him in a while.
[205] Jeez Mr. PC Police... I was just describing what she looked like.... not if should could run for President or not.
How's this: She was a coffee with cream colored female of unknown national origin?
Little trickeration from the Swish.
Ah, the "hot chick," she's ok... Guy has his cap backwards now
don't y'all worry, here comes Joba to put out that fire with his big old can of gasoline!
[208] Haven't you heard?
Wins now come with "Degree of Difficulty" modifiers!
If we play with the equivalent of 4 pitchers in the lineup, a win's worth 1.5x regular tonite!
[216] I don't see what difference it makes if you're staring at her. She'll either love it or hate it. I suppose it's a matter of if you decide to talk to her, eh? That's where character becomes an asset or a liability (mostly concerning us >;)
[221] Dude's with a pair of nice girls, actually...
Now where was THAT pitch?
[223] Nice...who made out the lineup then, Greg Louganis?
[219] I think we can safely say that she's hot. I was worried at first that she was younger than I realized and that I was going to embarrass myself.
Question, did Lewis homer off Joba a week or so ago, or am I imagining?
216) it's only a quandary if one bothers dealing with such racial categories ( if one considers "south american" or " puerto rican" a race, comparable to "black", especially given that many "south americans" would be cateforized as "black" according to traditional taxonomies), which is what disturbed me, to be honest.
Joba seems to be trusting his fastball, especially on the inside half. Nice to see.
See those girls in fhe front row? Now they've got some great ideas. (pepsi commercial) lol
TIme to shelve Joba. No way can he sustain for more than 10 pitches.
[205] Besides, they're in Toronto, she could be Indian...
[229] I was telling Bruce Chen the very same thing just the other day.
It seems like the SkyDome always has a bevy of beauties behind the plate. I think they are plants.
[224] So you're saying the whole creepy, staring, not saying anything trick doesn't work? I thought I was just doing it wrong.
I forget, when did we get a good bullpen?
Have we all given up on Joba? I personally would like to give him another shot at starting. As a starter, he has a career ERA of 4.18 (obviously in the AL East). This is not bad for a cost controlled #5, is it?
Now the Blue Jay mascot is behind the plate...too many distractions!
233) and we agreed on that point, as I recall. Hmmm, when you and I agree, things are really getting scary!
Now there's a really hot chick behind home plate. But she's blue.
[239] I agree on this point too (I identified her as wearing a retro Jays cap, but as it turns out, I was oogling the wrong one). The only time I like such categories is when it facilitates a fun sporting tournament.
[234] Could be; the Jays have cheerleaders @ their games.
[240] I bet you could cheer her up.
237) I haven't,and I agree with you...I want to see him start. But realistically, I do not see how he fits into the Yankees plans as a starter in the future, especially now that he is out of options and can't be easily moved to AAA. Who knows, maybe they could try himinthe rotation next season with a limit of around 180 or 190 innings.
What on earth was he looking for?
Swing. The . ##@#@@#, Bat
Gardner was really pressing his luck in that AB. I wonder why he has reverted to leaving the bat on his shoulders? Could he be worn down by his first full-time season?
[234] Then again, there are a lot of attractive women in Toronto, I'm sure some of them find their way to Jays games.
This is the inning to score. Otherwise, we may have to wait until the 10th inning...if there is one.
[248] Which of course, begs the question as to why A-Rod found that big Amazon a few year back.
The Yankees' specialty.
[247] I did not miss Take Take Brett Gardner.
247) he intimated a few weeks ago, when he was busy not running, that he was tired. I think him getting worn down is a distinct possibility.
[229] I don't know how to put this politely, but I don't agree with your concern. I think you're failing to acknowledge the unique realities of New York, where we have different categories than most other places in the world because we've got all kinds and many people have a little bit of many things.
[237] I haven't given up on him. He has pretty good peripherals despite the high ERA
[241] Sorry, can't follow the game as am stuck with this on repeat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOvvAXQGe8o
Good ol' Japanese tv, heavan for the oogling male viewer..
[251] Amazingly, the Yankees actually rank 12th in double plays with only 85 entering tonight's game.
[243] You're killing me. Maybe I'd take her for a nice flight around the park.
[244] with Nova, Brackman, Betances, Manny Banuelos, and some other guys I heard about at waswatching, (Graham Stoneburner and Adam Warren), I wonder if we'll even care when Joba flames out.
Every game against the Blue Jays has been tough, which is kind of worrisome considering there are 8 more games on the schedule. Also, with a few smart moves, the Jays could take a big step up, which would make the AL East ridiculous, especially if Buck pushes the Orioles toward respectability.
I really think this is an example of the Yankees tide raising all ships.
254) you don't have to be polite, and guess what? i live ina big city too, with lots of people of varying skin shades. So no need to explain that to me. If you want to stare at people and scrutinize into which racial category or sub category they fall, more power to you.
[228] Lost in all the semantic discussion concerning race and ethnicity, did you know that Fred Lewis shares the same (real) name with this guy?
Of course.
Goddam it, I knew it.
Good location, Dave. You, too. Cervelli.
AS for you jose. Go fuck yourself.
[250] Big Amazon types need love too
I was just thinking, this is the key AB.
And so the wheel turns in bullpen roulette.
At some point, you have to learn from your mistakes, and in so many instances, the Yankees have not. It's disgraceful to make the same errors over and over again.
Not sure why Bautista's staring down Robertson
[244] The team needs a 6th starter. He should be a long man and spot starter. Why Mitre and Chad when we have Joba? Is his great stuff really gone, or just in hibernation?
Phil has a higher Starter ERA of 4.56 yet he is our great hope.
I think people are soured on Joba because our expectations were so high after his first 2 years?
And FUCK!!!!!!
Why can't we score more then 3 runs?????????
What are the odds that Joe puts a real lineup out there tomorrow? I read on LoHud that he was threatening to do this all week.
Next time up, I wouldn't mind flipping Bautista again.
[273] Maybe he is trying to make it easier for him to leave and take the Cubs job?
[265] Cervelli set up outside, Robertson threw it down the middle.
[271] Because we need to get all the scrutty bench players in the same game for some unknown reason
Robertson has missed location on just about every fastball. I wish managers would watch things like that and act accordingly.
[274] Its the only thing I can figure.
[261] I really have no idea what the heck your problem is, and that bastard just hit another home run. I've had conversations using these categories with white people, black people, and puerto rican people. I was a counselor at a summer camp where pretty much every kid was somewhere on the spectrum of either light skinned or puerto rican. I apologize if adding a continent puts you over the top. I can't see where you're coming from and I'm bowing out.
271) oh please, let's not initiate another Hughes v. Joba as starter comparison debate.
Why can't we score more than three runs. Well, it's 2010, have you looked at the lineup tonight? ; )
[270] Guess he didn't read about the side effects of taking Flintstones vitamins...
[271] With Nunez, Pena and Cervelli in the same lineup, were you expecting a bunch of runs to be scored?
[275] Oh, I know. Cervelli shoud have been sitting in the left hand batter's box. That way Dave's pitch winds up where he wants it. On the outside corner. Piece of cake and we're still tied. : )
[282] And a slumping Gardner as well as Granderson. The Yankees went with a four man lineup and they got burned. It's amazing that it was even a close game.
And apparently Joe has promised that Cervelli will start three games again this week.
I don't understand it.
[261] You are mssing the point. So had a good face and nice tits. Who cares "which racial category or sub category" she falls in?
This is just sexist pig guy talk. Are you looking for racism under every rock?
Three True Outcomes.
Is this man with Michael Jordan supposed to be famous?
The good news is Ivan Nova looked like he might be something. The bad news is Burnett and Vazquez are both not only taking their normal turns, but Joe has intelligently figured out a way so Cervelli can catch both of them!
[288] No, that's what makes it so "funny, ha ha"...
Hit one in the seats, Robbie.
[290] I see.
286) i know you're being sarcastic, but I didn't bring up either the (potentially) sexist stuff, or the racial categories. OK, I'm done with this.
Cano's AB have improved by leaps and bounds...he really is a legitimate MVP candidate.
Kevin Gregg. He's the closer.
I wonder if anyone will ask Joe why Ramiro Pena ran for his life on a shallow pop up.
[288] I think he's supposed to be annoying, at which he's doing a pretty good job.
That'll do. Small ball these fools for about 5 more runs. After Jorge hits another gapper.
Jorge just missed one!
285)
Cervelli:Girardi::Cairo:Torre.
The roster needs to be Girardi-proofed. It's like old times.
He just missed another! Two pitches that he could have launched.
[289] So that makes Joe an Intelligent Design manager? No wonder this is a close game, considering that Toronto obviously subscribes to the Big Bang theory.
I would like to think, if needed, we see some PHs this inning.
The thing missing from this team is the power. They just don't hit as many HRs.
Eat shit, blue.
Huh? At least eight inches outside.
[300] At least Cairo was only taking playing time away from people like Andy Phillips
MLB needs to seriously address its umpires.
I know he's called a wide zone all night, but jesus christ that was a mile off the plate.
This should be Kearns, not Jeter.
What an absolutely frustrating game in so many ways.
Another pathetic offensive performance...another poorly managed game...another loss. August mediocrity continues.
This team has no shot with this manager.
Umpires 1. Yankess 0.
Good thing Nova was impressive.
310) yeah, probably, but you have to figure he'd go with Jeter for multiple reasons (he's the captain and an IF).
Even if this team holds on to a playoff spot, I am not sure they're going to have much left. Another championship run is going to depend heavily on Sabathia, Tex and Cano.
I thought they had a good chance to pull it out when Rob got on.
Oh well. No Peña mañana. We'll smoke 'em!
(Peña was 2 for 3 today, but that's irrelevant.)
Damn John Sterling had me convinced Posada's out was a two-run homeruns. He went full throttle into "It is high! It is far!..." before telling me Bautista was settling in beneath it.
[315] Of course...but in the interest of winning the game, Kearns was the correct choice. I don't expect Girardi to make too many right decisions, which ironically makes it a lot less frustrating.
[317] I say we see the same lineup tomorrow with Jeter and no Cano.
[318] Disgraceful...was an out off the bat.
[316]
1. Playoffs are a crap shoot.
2. It's easy to imagine Swisher, Granderson, and A-Rod carrying the team. (Less easy to imagine Burnett and Vazquez pitching brilliantly.)
317) yep, Peña had a pretty good night at the plate, actually. On the bases not so much. Oh well.
Just a ludicrously umpired game all night. Maybe they should hire someone who can see over the catcher.
And yes, annoying in so many ways, just like someone else said.
I hate Bautista, I hate the Jays, I hate astroturf, and we need to figure out a way to beat this team.
[322] I don't subscribe to that theory. Playoffs are not a crap shoot. Better teams have a better chance to win.
Will Arod be healthy? If so, I can see it. As for Granderson, he has had so many bad ABs, that I don't see him being productive against better pitchers.
[318] He does that a lot and you still never get used to it >:'
How bad do the umps have to be before Bud addresses the issue?
Hughes pitched on Thursday. He should be pitching tomorrow. Instead, we are getting Moseley. Nova should be pitching on Sunday. Instead, we are getting Vazquez. No team in contention should ever give away three outs in the same lineup. Honestly, is winning the motive behind these decisions?
[325] Oh, better teams have a better chance to win. Only, not much better. Just a little better.
[328] It doesn't matter when Hughes pitches, because he's only got a fixed number of innings left. He'll pitch all of those innings. It's irrelevant whether he pitches them now or some time in September.
[328] I really think Joe has a lot of Tony LaRussa in him. He makes MOVEZ for the sake of being hailed as a genius if they work. If they don't, there's always tomorrow. Unfortunately, he's doing these experiments in the middle of a hot pennant race.
Can we all agree: The darker the berry the sweeter the juice?
[330] It does matter because the Jays are a good, righty laden team and using Hughes now allows you to skip Moseley while Andy is still out.
328) is this confirmed? I still think that Javy will end up on the DL or skipped one time, especially given how well Nova pitched. We'll know for sure on Thursday.
329) plus, given the way the playoffs a re set up, a better team may end up with worse chance to win (but not by much) depending on their specific roster construction. Five good starter will win a lot of games over a 162 game schedule, but two really good pitchers is a major advantage for short series with lots of off days.
[334] Girardi has stated that everyone is being pushed back and C.C. will go Saturday to split AJ and Javy (so Cervelli can catch both!!!)
If Girardi didn't have a track record of making poor decisions, I'd hold out hope, but there is no reason to think he'll figure it out before a couple of extra losses are tacked onto the Yankees record.
[336] That's probably what I love most. We're making all these moves so we can get Cervelli even more playing time.
[333] They're neither better nor more righty-laden than the Sox or Rays. Skipping Moseley "while Andy is out" doesn't help in any way, either. Andy is going to get the same number of innings no matter what, and so is Hughes.
[335] That's true, I guess. It's the traditional wisdom. But I'd like to see it checked for historical accuracy.
[338] How does it not matter? If they skip Moseley now, that's one fewer start he has to make in Pettitte's absence. Then, when Pettitte returns, it becomes easier to skip Hughes. The way Girardi is doing is ensuring Moseley and Vazquez pitch when it isn’t necessary.
336) I know what he has stated in the past, but that was before seeing how Nova and, tomorrow, Moseley do. Nova's relative success may convince the organization to DL Javy. if Moseley really gets bombed, he may get skipped nect time. It mase sense for Girardi not to commit to Nova beyond tonight until seeing him pitch.
We'll see what happens going from here.
That said, I'm not particularly hopeful, especially if it involves the team's typical misuse of the DL.
Bautista's stare down of Robertson, after his antics with Nova, made me go from neutral to hate. What a douche.
338) Yeah, i was going on received wisdom and memories of 2001.
[340] Then why is Moseley pitching tomorrow?
[339] As I said, Pettitte gets the same number of innings either way. Hughes gets the same number of innings either way. CC and Burnett get the same number of innings either way. The rest of the innings this year must be pitched by Vazquez and Moseley and Nova (etc.).
Also, having Vazquez pitch against Ozzie Guillen's team isn't going to turn out well. As if Javy needed another reason to shrink, I am sure Guillen's presence will have a less than positive effect.
[304] Third overall in baseball for HRs? With Arod apparently at 50% and Toronto outier HR numbers. I would say this team can hit HRs better than 95% of MLB teams.
[312} Could it be a well pitched tight game that was lost by one swing of the bat, and possibly a running mistake by Pena? What about the bad calls? This score should have been 2-2 in the ninth. Pathetic is the wrong word here.
And obviously Girardi can't manage a team to win a championship. Oh wait a minute...
Lastly, Po was an eighth of an inch under the ball in that last at bat for that to go out for the lead.
Why don't you post these criticisms on your blog? Never seen the word pathetic or disgraceful there, why do you have to trash this blog with that totally frustrating verbiage but not yours?
Why do you stay quiet when the Yankees win?
339) If they skip Moseley now, that’s one fewer start he has to make in Pettitte’s absence.
That's probable but not certain, depending on when precisely Pettitte returns.
[344] Pettitte's innings are irrelevant...I am concerned about Moseley's innings, or more specifically, preventing him from throwing too many. By not skipping him now, Girardi is giving him a start that he is not destined to have. I am not sure what your point is?
In 1931, two pitchers was damn near enough to win a World Series. Bill Hallahan and Burleigh Grimes pretty much did everything for the Cardinals to beat the seemingly unbeatable A's.
And when Grimes couldn't finish Game 7, they brought the younger Hallahan back in and he finished that game, too.
I don't know if that's historical accuracy for you, but it is historical.
343) Perhaps at thia point there was no way to reshuffle the rotation, after Nova's start,to get a different pitcher in tomorrow. But there is still timewith the offday thursday, to put Javy on the DL and rejigger the rotation.
Basically, I am saying that it is possible the team id being cagey about Javy, waiting to see what they have with Nova.
[347] One thing we know for sure is by starting him tomorrow, Moseley is guaranteed a start he doesn't have to make. I don't see any benefit in allowing that.
[346] The ridiculously poor call at first base when Tex clearly kept his foot on the bag had a huge impact on the game.
Can anyone explain how Bautista morphed into Barry Bonds? When they come to the Stadium, I'd love to see someone stick a fastball in his heart.
[350] Regardless of how Nova pitched today, it was possible to have Hughes go Tuesday, Burnett on Wednesday, Sabathia on Friday and Nova/Javy on Saturday. Then, Sunday would be open for Nova again or Hughes.
Nova's performance really had no bearing on the decision to start Moseley, so there shouldn't have been a need to reshuffle the rotation.
[348] Uh.
You think maybe Moseley will get more innings this way, but no other pitcher will get fewer? I think that is unlikely in the extreme.
If Moseley gets more innings and Vazquez gets fewer, I don't think that's a problem. If Moseley gets more and Nova gets fewer, I don't think that's a problem. If Moseley gets more innings and Hughes gets fewer, that's a problem. Also if Pettitte gets fewer. That's why it's relevant that neither Pettitte nor Hughes will get fewer innings just because the rotation is stretched out to six instead of skipping someone.
352) maybe he morphed into barry bonds the same way barry bonds morphed into barry bonds. You know, hard work, proper diet, dedication and positive thiing.
[354] Of course someone is getting fewer innings. Considering that Javy and Moseley are the worst options (I'm giving AJ the benefit of the doubt), limiting their innings is a good thing. The Yankees have a chance to do that this week, but are passing up on both. That doesn't make any sense.
[356] Oh, okay.
So, which pitcher is getting fewer innings?
353) surely the starters in this day and age have specific routines for the day before they pitch v. Two days before they pitch. Plus, I imagine one of the goals for pushing back the rotation was to try to save start for Hughes down the line.
[358] Right.
[357] This week alone? It's Hughes and Nova, both of whom I'd prefer to over Moseley and Vazquez. Longer-term, it could be one fewer start for Peittitte, Sabathia or Burnett, the latter two who are being pushed back a day. It's hard to say now because you have to see how the season plays out, but by starting Moseley and Vazquez now, you are ensuring they pitch two games when both can be avoided.
The Yankees should be focused on winning as many games as possible now. By doing so, they be able to do things liek skip Hughes and give Andy more time. If they keep dropping games, however, there is going to be more pressure to overuse both.
[338] IIRC it isn't often that the team with the best record wins the World Series.
[355] It's not like as Yankees fans we have the high moral ground on this issue - although my take is that there is no moral ground on this issue, as everyone is down in the same sandbox.
So with that said, yes, particularly with his antics tonight - I do not think Nova was trying to hit him - I'm wondering if he's recovering a little faster from his workouts than he used to.
[358] I agree, but that was my point. Everyone is being pushed back because of Moseley, who was supposed to start today. By simply removing him from the rotation, everyone stays on schedule. No reshuffling would be needed.
As for saving a start for Hughes, it doesn't. He would still have the same number of starts, assuming he isn't skipped in the future, regardless of whether he starts Tuesday or Wednesday.
[362] He took a hanging slider and a fastball down the middle and hit it out the park. He did what batters are supposed to do with poor pitches.
[360] Oh, I thought you said Pettitte's innings are irrelevant. If Pettitte does get fewer innings because of this move, then that would be a cost.
But, do you actually think Pettitte will get fewer innings? I think that's just mistaken. Also, I think it's just outright wrong to say it's more important to be able to skip Hughes later. That doesn't make any difference at all.
I think it is a very serious mistake for the Yankees to be focuses on winning as many games as possible now. They should be focused on the long run. Teams that get too focused on Winning Now very often end up harming themselves long term. I hope the Yankees avoid that error.
[365] I think I already said that we can't really know who wont pitch the innings vacated by Moseley or Vazquez, but assuming you believe those are the two weakest options right now, that shouldn't matter. Anyone losing innings to them would make little sense.
I couldn't disagree more strongly with the notion that winning every game possible is detrimental. As long as you don't force injured players into a game, it is a mistake to handicap your team with a bigger picture in mind. When you do that, that bigger picture has a way of becoming overexposed.
365) on the other hand, winning now ( in the context of the season) does have some advantages. For example, if they can more or less secure a post season berth early playing to win every game now, then they can rest all of the starters with the security of still having a postseason to play for. Bbut if they throw away games now (if that is in fact what they are doing) for the purpose of saving players for later, the postseason may not materialize, or the team may feel compelled to continue to play more "all out" later in the seson because they have not yet secured a spot in the playoffs.
But more generally I agree with you...a win now is no more important or valuable than a win later.
362) It’s not like as Yankees fans we have the high moral ground on this issue
Why, i simply don't know what issue you are referring to. But if you are making reference to some sort of nefarious behaviour, trust me, my indignation would be equal opportunity.
[367] As you mentioned, a win now could be more important than a win later if the Yankees have clinched with 10 games to go. If, for example, the Yankees needed to use Sabathia for the last game of the season to secure a playoff spot, it would have a cost. I would much rather overload his innings (and Hughes' and Burnett's and Pettitte's when he comes back) now, and hope that I can use Vazqez and Moselely in meaningless games in late September. In fact, that's what supposedly allowed CC, Andy and AJ to carry the burden last year. If Girardi needs to go to the whip this time around, they may not hold up as well.
[364] 40 times.
What's his previous high again? How old is he?
What's the statistical probability of this sort of jump at that age?
Ok, just looked - he's almost thirty, and my recollection from the telecast was correct, his previous high was 16.
I'm sure it's possible, but I'm just about as sure it ain't probable.
[370] He's a dead pull hitter, that can torch a fastball. He's on a pretty good run that started back in Sept 2009.
Like Jeter's grounder rate has taken a spike, Bautista's fly ball rate has taken a spike. Some of those fly balls are leaving the park.
At any rate, Bautista isn't the first to have a HR spike (Wade Boggs and Davey Johnson comes to mind), and chances are he probably won't be the last.
Actually, our most important Wins will be against TB, and our 2nd most important Wins will be against Boston. While we need to win as many as possible, TB loses and Boston loses also play an important role in our PS chances.
Of our last 19 games, 7 are against TB and 6 against the Sox.
Those 19 games, and more specifically, those 13 games, will determine who plays in the PS.