I’m a pretty calm baseball watcher these days. That’s what happens when you cover the team for a while, or when you’ star to mentally write up the action while it’s still happening, or take notes… you just get more detached. I’m not in the locker room anymore so I don’t have to smother my inner fan with a pillow, but my inner fan has long since taken to self-censorship. I am usually pretty even-keeled about the Yankees these days.
But not always.
I’m all twitchy about tonight’s game, more than I have been in a long time — years — and I don’t know why. The Yankees won the World Series just last year; if they don’t make it this year I’m okay with that. For whatever reason, though, this game is getting to me. I’m having friends over tonight, to watch with me; I don’t want to be alone with A.J. Burnett.
Longtime readers will recall that I have a Bernie Williams bobblehead doll — my only Yankee bobblehead — which, during big games, I often move around my studio apartment until I find a “lucky spot.” Laugh all you want, but would the Yankees have won the World Series last year if the Bernie bobblehead hadn’t been nestled under my bed (after the freezer lost its luckiness)? I guess we’ll never know. Anyway, I haven’t bothered with the Bernie bobblehead pretty much all year, but I’m pretty sure he’ll be shifting around quite a bit tonight.
Here we go… hold onto something.
You know, in the spirit of Todd Drew and hopefulness in general, I've tried to like Burnett, really I have. And tonight it all comes down to something that John Flaherty likes to talk about and that's a pitcher being proud of his fastball. I think if AJ is proud of his heater, he's got a shot to compete.Doesn't have to be great, but he's got to show up.
I'd really like to see it. For us, of course, but also for Todd because it would be something that would have delighted him, seeing his boy realize his potential, being able to harness it just for one night. Burnett could completely change his Yankee career with a big performance tonight, or consign him to the Kevin Brown pile with a loss.
So in big spots today, with runners on the base, is AJ gunna be proud of his shit? That's the 64,000 question.
No matter what happens, it feels like this might be the game we remember. I sure as fuggin shit hope it's for the right reasons.
LET'S GO YAN-KEES!
Another game I'm having to be @ work on my iPhone reading you guys play-by-play action on this blog.
I'm hoping this game is worth watching from the beginning! Got to be honest, I'm not watching, IF we lose. But I'm not thinking about losing. Keeping hope alive! I represent all NY sport teams while living in Alaska. You better believe I own much stock in Directv sport packages for sure. Yes, most folks waiting to hate on my Yankees as the Evil Empire! It's all good.
I want to give a shoot out to all of you for the comments. It's almost like I'm watching the game. I have to say you guys crack me up! Lol
Anyway, thanks for keepin it real, except I don't like when someone uses the Lord name in vain:( other than that let's go Yanks! I hope they be more aggressive in hitting the ball rather than always trying to read each pitch to be perfect to hit. They hit enough balls to know their hot spot, so SWING AWAY!
2) Nice to have you. You'll have to let the lord's name in vain stuff go cause while we have rules about civility with each other, when it comes to Religious stuff, we've got a "it's a free country," attitude. Don't take it personally. And thanks for swinging by.
Hope we've got reason to cheer tonight, man. Been sitting on our hands for way too fuggin much of this series. Why wait? How about some first inning runs?
I'm hoping for the best, but I'm afraid I don't have much faith in AJ.
But I'm going to enjoy the game anyway. It feels like winter tonight - a reminder that all too soon there won't be any baseball to watch.
"I’m all twitchy about tonight’s game, more than I have been in a long time — years — and I don’t know why."
Might have something to do with AJ starting tonight?
I just don't know how to feel about tonight's game.
[2] Agreed...everyone, please stop using Mariano's name in vain :)
I have a feeling this game will be over by the fourth inning...just not sure in whose favor.
[1] I’ve tried to like Burnett, really I have.
AJ is an odd sort. For whatever reasons, I actually like the guy, a lot more than I figured I would when they signed him. But I detest watching him pitch 90% of the time.
I too trying to remain positive about AJ, but sometimes his fastball floats too much in the middle of the plate. He definitely need his ball to move or maybe that nasty changeup will work tonight. However, we do need early inning RUNS!
Also, I am oddly calm about the game and the series. Or maybe resigned is a more accurate term. I 'm not sure. Anyway, I can't even mount the effort to complain about Cervelli starting in place of the presumably well rested Jorge. Whatever. Maybe AJ will surprise us, maybe not. I picked Texas to win in seven, but right now I am just enjoying the fact that there are at least two games left in the season.
[7] I like AJ too. Actually quite a bit. I still hope the Yankees find away to trade him in the off season.
Fellas,
Do you know what it feel like when your wife is a Texas fan? Wow! She's been quiet since her Cowgirls and Spurs not beatin on one of my NY teams. It was hard having to tell het that Texas beat my Yankees last night and she gave me that silent no response like "oh yeah". All I gotta say when she gets home from school tonight, I hope I can give her that same silent response! Can't do it! He'll yeah we tied it up! Next! Hahahaha!
Got to do some hittin.
I hope the Bernie bobblehead can find his lucky spot quickly! I'm on the couch with my "Swisher dog." A stuffed dog in a Yankees cap and t-shirt that a friend gave me. I don't normally watch games with him, but I've decided that he will be lucky for AJ.
I actually had the opposite reaction to you, Emma. I've been watching most of the playoff games with friends, but I feel like I want to be alone tonight. If AJ bombs (and I don't think that he will!), I'd rather be alone in my misery.
I feel ill.
"So you're saying there's a chance." -Lloyd.
I like crazy, dufus AJ. He just may throw a gem and wind up the WS MVP. Ya just can't ........
Go Yankees! Methinks the scoreboard operator is going to be busy this eve.
I'm actually more concerned with our offense then AJ tonight. Don't get me wrong. I know AJ could blow this game. But I don't think we have a chance in this series if our offense doesn't wake up.
[9] "Also, I am oddly calm about the game and the series."
Me too. I have been all season. For me, its not being resigned, its just feeling content, probably the still-not-gone afterglow of the Serious win last year. I feel like I trust the Yanks again - they found a way to win games all season long, and I think they will tonight, too.
'Course I thought that last night and it didn't get us very far . . .
[1] [7] [10] AJ is alright in my book. He kind of reminds me of Pettitte, actually - sometimes he can be absolutely masterful (though they do it differently, Pettitte's precision vs AJ's gas), and sometimes he flat-out sucks, but usually he can soldier through and get some run support and the Yanks win.
Let's go AJ!
95
Hey, everybody.
Please let the Yankees be up in 15 minutes with the score 0-0.
gas
Here we go . . .
Hey, 1/3 of an inning scoreless!
how good was that umpire last night? i've never seen anyone that precise while following along with the real strike zone.
ok. 1 down. 26 to go.
AJ is going to need a better curve than that tonight.
Nasty slider
25!
The Buckler.
That's the better curve I was talking about.
[27] And the Yankees will have to hit.
[27] are we watching the same thing?
Beautiful curve
Fuckin A!
Yes!!
Slider for the backwards K.
Knuckle curve, says Smolz.
24!
Hamilton late on a first pitch fastball = good sign.
Curve's workin' so far!
I just remembered that Diane is at her first playoff game tonight. Wouldn't it be nice for her to see AJ pitch a gem.
Better first inning than Pettitte.
A SCORELESS FIRST, A SCORELESS FIRST!!
Fuck Yeah. 1,2,3. Roll on Offense!
1-2-3 inning!
[38] i think it'd be nice for everyone!
Wait a second...the Rangers aren't required to score in the first inning?
Well, that went well.
Boy, the energy is electric tonight.
Does anyone actually want to watch Conan because of these commercials?
[32] Amen.
[35] MLB.com's At Bat said the same thing. I didn't know AJ threw a knuckle curve!
[36] I like that idea.
Very nice. Now maybe a lead (dare I dream)?
[38] I had a pretty long postseason winning streak snapped last night, so hopefully she can start another one.
.... hello? ..... Good AJ? ...... Is that you?
Is anyone up in the bullpen?
[49] He uses his knuckles on the curve, like Mussina did.
Jeter's the cleanup hitter?
[52] I think I saw Good AJ on a lonely road, waiting for Godot.
Berkman is going to have a big game tonight.
Teix + ARod = 2 for 24 (and $52m). Not good.
was his foot on the base?
[57] Been thinking that today too.
[47] Not me. But I didn't watch his other shows either. I'm too old & have to get up early.
Has Jeter led of a game with a hit this October?
oh god.
The Yankees seem to be in a hurry to watch AJ pitch.
[61] Me, too. But those commercials are lame.
that was pathetic.
Tex looks terrible. April in Oct.
Sigh. I'd like to see the Yanks wait Hunter out, as opposed to going up there hacking.
Now Tex, maybe I'd like to see him hack a bit, since he's hitless in the ALCS so far. But I guess he ought to do what he's most comfortable with . . .
Remember when Leyland called the Yankees lineup Murder's Row and Robbie Cano? Well, in this series, it's juts Robbie Cano.
What a pathetic three at bats.
switch cano and teixeira soon?
Mark Teixeira has been the worst player on the team in two playoffs. By a wide margin.
[63] ALDS game three
[72] Right...thanks.
[71] Nobody's been much better, except maybe Granderson.
Damn weak outs. Let hope AJ keeps this up
[71] SHouldn't have said that. Cano, too.
I'm pretty sure Vlad Guerrero could make contact with a pitch thrown at CitiField.
Man, did he miss there.
[74] Think he meant over last two years.
[77] Heh. Yeah, and hit it all the way back to Yankee Stadium.
[77] No fucking kidding. It's insane.
Evening, everyone. Another nervous fan checking in.
One potentially good thing about AJ's long hiatus is that his arm should be fully fueled. His stuff looks live tonight (but then again, when doesn't it?)
23!
Damn! Not that one!
Go AJ!
[79] I'm not arguing. He's been a disappointment.
I have to admit, Cervelli's go-go routine behind the plate sort of bugs. Then again, if he can keep AJ on the straight and narrow, I'll live with it.
[82] so far he is throwing strikes. which is a big difference.
The only thing I would improve about the game baseball is the quality of national broadcasts. It's just shameful.
[87] Yes, that's the difference. Athough I thinkt he Rangers are giving him some help.
[88] so you don't supp[ort George Carlin's suggestions for change?
Fuck, that was nasty!
Tied him the *fuck* up1
Wow!
22!
[88] Yep.
cervelli pointed at that like it was the last out of the world series
That ws for Alex...AJ trusted his fastball.
[88] I like Darling, but that's as far as it goes.
[88] that's not the game
AJ's getting the corner.
AJ's going to throw 6 shutout innings tonight just to spite us all.
Nice to see fans standing and cheering A.J.
First yanker...hopefully not many more of those.
[99] Yeah? Well I say he's not!! Hear that, AJ??!
Hello all. Feeling calm and resigned. Rangers swinging at a lot of AJ junk. I'll take it. Lock up your daughters and sisters, AJ looks confident.
21!
Fuck YES!
What I miss??
I got a feeling, A-Rod and Cano are going to make like Tane & Ali, send some baseballs to Mars.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy_3tYlT398
Now score some dang runs!
YEAH! (But they still have to hit.)
[106] of course, that should say "Trane"...
c'mon hitters. hit like you can. not like this shit we've seen here.
Hello, April AJ...welcome back.
[88] The commercials are the worst. Last night's game should have taken 2:30, but instead it dragged on well into its fourth hour.
after today we should save aj until game 7 of the world series if we make it
[99] If the Score Truck isn't freed from whatever deep winter storage it was erroneously put into early, it won't matter.
A-Rod on base here would be very nice.
[112] Yeah, they pack a lot of commercials in, but I was complaining that the commercials weren't funny. A separate issue.
You guys will get a few runs tonight. Just outmatched last night. lol
[106] I think A Rod's gonna belt one that makes you think of NRBQ covering Sun Ra, like so: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZYdTfww0pk
[116] They've really only hit in one inning against the Rangers so far.
Work the guy. He'll crumble.
[117] oh nice!
[117] JL25and3, wherever he is, would get a kick out of that.
I miss the YES pitch counts.
Good eye, Alex.
Way to lay off that slider.
Alex pops out...bye!
A can of corn, but the best AB yet.
well, at least alex made him work.
Go go go go go
if you were in yankee stadium, would you chant mvp even if you don't think cano is mvp? would you not chant mvp just because you don't think he was?
robbie!!!
Smashola
Fucking hell.
Damn!
Did you see that?
Fucking hell, that's power.
I think that might be interference
That looked like interference.
[128] Nah, I'd chant.
Jeffery Maier just became a trending topic.
He looked jammed on that.
And still.
MVP!!!!!!!!!!
home run
Ghost of Jeff Meier.
Is it a Meyer ball?
does ron darling not know the rule?
no interference no interference no interference please...
Definitely interfered with! Is that the only way the stakees can score??
The ball hit the top of the wall.
[135] Heehee.
If the ball is on top of the fence, is that in or out? Does it have to break the plane of the field?
Stankees! Cheat to get a run. lol
Ooops I meant Meier.
the 10th man! i mean men...
[128] Yep, I'd chant it, because I think he should be the MVP.
Now Swish gfoes full count and makes the pitcher stew in his anger.
[150] i'd chant it just because i'm a frackin' homer!
Show us the actual hit, idiots!
I want to see Robbie's swing again!
I can't believe they did not review that...or is interference not reviewable? It looked pretty clearly like the fan made contact with the player's glove on the playing field side of the fence.
[147] Yeah. That fan was actually Tony Pena, stationed there to interfere with fly balls.
i don't think it matters where cruz's glove was, the ball was in the stands.
[143] Isn't there a Texas blog?
On second glance, they didn't touch Cruz's glove until the ball was over the wall.
Well, it wasn't *quite* a rocket to Venus, but I'll take it. Go YANKS!
Oh, Swish, how'd you miss that!
[117] Ka-BOOM! Excellent.
And Robbie Cano goes yard!
WHOAAA!!!
HERE WE GO!
WOO HOO!!!!
No interference there.
fan interference on berkman;s homerun!!!
No interference on that one.
Hunter is at 22 pitches. I was imaging him having 50 or so after the first two innings, so I'd appreciate a long rally about now, please.
Fat Elvis!!!!!!!!!
Youse guys were right.
Big night for Berkman. Who called it?
Off to a promising start...
Jim Reynolds sucks, but at least Berkman's looked good.
[157] i like having friendly opposing fans here.
Oh that was a foul ball.
OR WAS IT??? lol
Ummmm...foul ball.
Dude's got an odd swing.
He looks flat-footed with a dash of Damon follow-through.
Like it's all upper body.
Weird.
Well, that stinks.
Nope, no home run.
It's a foul ball.
Unless it scrapped the pole, alas foul ball.
that's being overturned
[157] There is, but since Ryan took over they have no word counts, many are down with carpal-tunnel.
Cano got me feeling funky! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcjkA5ZAWQo&feature=related
Yeah, that was foul
[128] I would not chant it because I do not think he is the MVP...and because I don't chant. : )
What? Foul? And now replay comes out . . .
"Watching" on At Bat is not fun for this kind of thing.
[172] He's no debris, I'll say that. Seems a little more trollish to me.
FOUL BALL! Come on Stankees, earn your runs!! lol
Wow, I hope Lance gets a hit here now.
[185] perhaps. starting to get that vibe [186]
Looked like a home run to me, pretty clearly was, I mean I'm not biased or anything. :)
Not many boos for that call, kind of odd.
Right call on the reversal.
Good rips.
[185] What was the name of that Philly fan who trolled around during the WS last year?
[189] Replay works.
But that's a strike?
Wtf?
damn.
This game SHOULD be 0 - 0. But that's ok...
Angel Hernandez is going to cause problems tonight
[192] Oh yeah, him. Don't remember.
[196] He had no play on that ball, give me a break. He mistimed it, pretty obviously.
I think Cano's shot would not have been caught even if the fans' didn't give him the bum's rush. What's so insulting is that jerky kid saying, "What? What?" to Nellie Cruz. LOL. Talk about humiliating.
Berkman is going yard before the night is over. He has to right that wrong.
What a crazy inning. Not sure that I feel good about the fact that every hitter that inning had at least one pitch to crush, or be discouraged that they wound up with only one run.
[194] Gameday has all of the balls and strikes during Berkman's AB called correctly, for whatever that is worth.
[200] Agreed, agreed and agreed.
196) Bronx Rules. Up to the umps to call that right, but once you go over that line, the fans shouldn't make it easy.
[200] I agree...that ball was well over his glove. The fans didn't even catch it. It went above their hands and bounced off the the top of the wall.
Dude, 3 fans hit his glove!! His glove buckled by the fans! He was ON IT!! lol That's ok though. The Stankees are scared. That's the only thing I've seen that's obvious...
[204] the banterer has spoken! and it is so...
[200] Humiliating for whom? The kid looked like a tool.
[201] Baby steps. Those were the best swings the Yanks have taken since the 8th inning of Game 1. We're poised to explode second time through the lineup.
[206] See 205.
rt @JPosnanski Ump was right. Rulebook: No interference shall be allowed when fielder reaches over a fence ... to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk.
Now, c'mon AJ!
[206] he was reaching into the stands because the ball was over the wall
[206] Joe Morgan disagrees.
AJ's back.
Good eye Murph! Lead off runner on base!
First test for AJ. That was the classic AJ meltdown AB. Now let's see how he handles it.
Uh oh. Not happy about a leadoff walk....you got this AJ.
Uh-oh..Gameday just had an AJ pitch located below the batter's foot...that is not a good omen...
uh oh...AJ from the stretch.
all ah had to do was throw one more strike. he had the batter off balance.
oh crap
Cervelli is just as bad as Posada.
[212] The fan pretty clearly made contact with Cruz's glove on field side of the fence--the replay was clear, I think. The issue is, rather, did Cruz have a play on the ball had the fan not stuck his hands out. That is questionable.
[220] AJ has to be aggressive ahead in the count. In that AB, they started to go for corners, which AJ can't do. Can't understand why the Yankees haven't learned that.
Meanwhile, there is your defensive replacement.
Murphy to 2nd!!! Uh oh, AJ is going to crack now....and the flood gates will open!!
Tighten the lugnuts!
Here we go.
Oh Jesus here we go.
When was the last time the Yankees played a post season game without a ball getting away from the catcher?
Quick hook...quick hook....quick hook...
[224] concur. hitting molina is just annoying.
Red Alert! This is the kind of inning where AJ Burnett gives up four runs.
SEE!!! Put Molina on base on the very next pitch!! buhahahaha!
20
Does anyone think Burnett gets out of the inning without giving up the lead?
Seriously, I would have someone warming right now. AJ should be permanently on the batter-by-batter watch.
[235] I am more concerned about him giving up three or more runs.
[236] Undoubtedly, but Girardi isn't a quick study.
Texas giving up an out there could be big.
[211] the thing is, the interference itself may have technically been in play. but the ball was clearly over the wall, so my interpretation is that cruz was in the process of reaching into the stands (for the ball). on the other hand, if a bunch of fans were to reach over the fence and smother cruz's glove while the ball goes just over the fence, wouldn't that be interference? the rules are not clear, but i think in this circumstance (a very close call on whether the fans were reaching onto the field; fans reaching for the ball, not purposely going after the fielder) home run is the fair call.
[223] Yeah, I agree. The replay showed the fans reaching over the wall.
This is time for an Eiland visit and the bullpen to get started.
[237] I figured that was implied.
Let's go Elvis. Hit the gap!
[229] Correction:
When was the last time the Yankees played a
post seasongame without a ball getting away from the catcher?Getting tense.
Come on, AJ, get nasty.
The fans are trying to keep him focused. Dude does not deserve an AJ Burnett chant!
[223] I'd have to watch the replay again, but I didn't think they touched the glove until the ball was already over the fence
19!
AJ covered!
[245] It seems like it happened almost every night last October too.
Tie ball game!! And we earned ours. Like I said, it's all good...
At least he can still play defense. Whew.
Teix is good with the glove.
Remember Giambi?
[250] 19. I may not live to see 18.
Nice snag, Teix. At least he is still showing up to the park with his glove, even if he left his bat locked in the trunk of the Score Truck.
ugh a-rod.
Fuck!
MOTHERFUCKER!!!!!!
FUCKING FUCKING FUCK!
WTF was that?
What the fuck is going on with A-Rod?
Damnit to motherfucking hell.
Molina SCORES!!!! Wow, this didn't take long...
Arod is not having a good postseason at the bat or in the field.
that was a cheapie. owned michael young on that.
Stolen base, walk, wild pitch three run homer.
Don't throw that pitch again.
Key is not to panic here and get Hamilton out. This is going to wind up a high scoring game.
C'mon Josh. Go yard!!!
"Soft ground ball to Alex Rodriguez"..what does that mean?? Damn vague Gameday!
AJ needs to understand his team will score more than 1 run tonight. He must bear down and keep it at 2-1.
2 runs, no hit.
18!
Ok.
But fuck if we're not trailing again.
As we discussed with Mitre, you make your bad luck. When you walk the lead off hitter ahead 0-2 and hit Molina, well, you deserve your luck.
Ted Lilly signed with the Dodgers, 3 years, $33 million.
Finally.
Oh well, we lead...
Given how that started, I'll take it. We need to get some GODDAMN RUNS!
Did A-Rod even have a play by the time he got to the ball? I couldn't tell, and they didn't show a replay.
Ok. All things considered, the damage was contained.
[271] It was a little tapper that A-Rod had to rush to throw and bobbled it. It took them forever to get to it, AJ was falling to the other side of the mound and couldn't get there.
[280] Would have been close...I wonder if his better play wasn't on Molina at home.
I really wonder if A-Rod's hurt or something. He just looks so awkward.
[271] Perfectly placed little chopper between the mound and the shortstop position. Alex charged in, fielded, couldn't find the handle.
[280] Looking at the replay, I don't think he had a play.
[276] I agree, you walk the leadoff hitter after being up 0-2 and bad things tend to happen.
Damage control. Normal stuff. The runs not a product of mental lapses.
I'm enraged right now. Two runs scored solely because of Burnett's stupid fucking bullshit
[280] Nah. He probably wouldn't have gotten him even had he fielded cleanly.
[276] Yep. Hitting Molina...who was sacrificing...square in the back definitely qualifies you for Unlucky™ status.
[284] I agree, all of his throws have been off too. He made that one great play on Molina last night but has looked out of it ever since.
[284] He looked so good in September. Not sure what happened. His swing his long, he is going for pitches out of the zone, and he looks stiff in the field. Maybe the layoff between the series has affected him as well.
[223] the issue isn't really whether he would have had a play on the ball, since if the fans interfere with him once over the wall and the ball goes over the wall it's clearly a home run. it's vague because the rules don't clarify where the fans can interfere on a ball that is in the stands.
[292] Even on that play he bounced the throw.
[283] Ah, good point. I forgot that Crazy Legs Molina was the runner at third.
Easy goes it Matt. Each team should easily score over 5 runs...
I'm satisfied that AJ didn't completely implode. Now if the offensive juggernaut would just get cracking and realize that they are the scoring monsters that they are.
Steeee-rike 3!! Sit down!
bad at bat there from gritner
[297] I have absolutely zero patience for two runs scoring because AJ Burnett has no idea where he throws the ball.
[278] Lot to gloat about in Texas. A fine baseball legacy. Enjoy.
Hey offense. Go $#$$ yourself.
Did I mention how glad I was Girardi decided to play Cervelli?
Nice AB, Cervelli. Thanks for your contributions.
Oh Jesus. I forgot about Cervelli.
guys. 4 pitches and two outs is not how you follow up on that half inning.
Unfuckingbelievable.
Now it's back to somnambulance?
I hear ya, Matt. But your guys have a real good chance tonight. It's all about execution...
I'll take what AJ's given us thus far, really....my beef is with this dormant offense.
[302] Please ignore....ignorance loves attention.
[310] i agree. the offense needs to hit.
woo hoo! CAPTAIN!
Please score him.
This close!
FUCK. Just missed it.
Finally. Someone with a pulse.
Oh Kenboyer, don't start the crying now! You're the Stankees!! You got all that "mystique"! (money can buy anything)
Nice Derek! Now c'mon Grandy - plate 'im!
Hey, guys, I had this great dream that Derek drilled one to the centerfield wall!
It was fabulous!
Hey, what...?
Yay, Jetes!
That's just awful luck. Jeter finally hits a ball well, and it has to bounce off the top of the wall with two outs. The breaks are not going the Yankees way.
It really is a different offense when Posada sits. Having a catcher that can HIT has kind of been beneficial to the Yanks over the years.
Nice Jeter- he drove a pitch!
Yeah, Jete!
CAPTAIN! But can they get him in with two outs?
Cap's best swing all playoffs long.
did they just call hamilton one of the best CF in the game? WTF?
Please don't fuck this up...
[311] SUCH a great addendum to that which I can't share as it violates Banter guidelines...
C'mon Candy-Man!
2-0...
Boy, you'd think Derek would know what part of the park to hit it to by now. What kind of captain is he, anyway?
Fuckin' A!!
YES! GRANDY DANCER!
NEEDED fucking THAT.
Breath!
Curtis! Gettin' the job done.
[322] There's a break!
[322] There's a break!
What's that low rumble I hear? Is that the Score Truck??
Grandy cashes in the two out run!
Hunter has nothing....the Yankees have to start hammering him before the Rangers get to AJ.
[322] didn't the rangers hit 2 lasers off the top of the wall yesterday?
[325] Yes. :-)
The big swings are a coming.
Run, Grandy, Run!
C'mon Tex...big 2 out inning!
Can y'all imagine what this lineup would look like if Jete, Tex, and A-Rod start heating up a little?
[338] Hhahahah! Indeed!
[345] i can imagine it of course. which is what is so frustrating when they are cold!
I'd let Curtis loose here.
[340] Yesterday?
[331] Jeter just wanted to give Grandy an RBI. He is not selfish, you know.
[338] i love that crazy truck.
[348] Definitely. Go.
[350] Its so clear to me now!
[351] They got a higher gear on that thing?
BALK! I LOVE THIS SHIT!
Fat boy's rattled.
Balk! Downright AJBurnettian.
Come on Teix, do something.
[354] am i the only one that imagines some crazy mad mex type truck? all shielded metal windows and spikes.
Balk, triple, semi controversial HR, replay calling back a HR, this game's got everything.
[358] Except make an out, of course. ;)
Fucking shift.
Fuck.
Good inning...
[327] Yes, my reaction was the same. Hamilton's got a great bat, but he's not a very good CFer defensively. He's got so much speed you'd think he would be, but he doesn't seem to have very good instincts. I've seen him camp out under a fly ball...only to have it drop in several feet away. Like Lucy in Peanuts.
shift totally worked there. tex ripped that.
At some point, Teixeira is going to have to produce more.
They're hitting him hard
rats. Alright, AJ. Repeat your 1st inning please.
The shift pays off. Teix needs to get all Ted Williams on that shift.
Think we can hold them this time AJ?
[367] But only two runs, which worries me. The same thing happened with Lewis.
[364] heck he had a ball hop off his leg or something earlier in this series. or maybe that was his glove? i don't even remember.
[366] C'mon, he hit that ball on the screws. I mean, yeah, he's got to get it done at some point, but that's a tough AB to pick on.
Speaking of diving headfirst into third, remember Paulie's would-be triple off Schilling in Game 7?
Smoked into left center, as I recall. Man, did he bust it.
One of my favorite Paulie memories.
That and his 9th inning double in Game 5 in '97.
[359] A tank. A turbo charged tank.
I'm calling the A Rod homer to lead off the bottom of the fourth now. Damn, they are hitting rockets against this guy.
LET's GO AJ
[360] It makes you wonder if it is possible to predict baseball.
Need someone up in the pen. Can't let this get away.
[377] Hey, don't get all John Sterling on me.
[373] I am not picking on the AB per se, but hitting a liner into the shift isn't exactly what he should be aiming for. Tex has to get the ball in the air, and should be able to do that off Hunter.
[375] that would do
[377] *cracking up* Yes, why yes it does, mp.
C'mon AJ, quick inning here. 1-2-3, baby.
0-2. Here come the awful waste pitches
[369] Williams was actually known for being stubborn and hitting into the shift- so Teix IS going all Ted Williams! :)
Jesus fucking Christ AJ
[384] They just don't learn.
[385] His approach wasn't to hit into it, but over it. That's what the Yankees need Tex to do.
5 innings of AJ is plenty.
How did that motherfucker hit that ball so hard?
[387] Its obviously some kind of organizational philosophy.
Another putrid approach leading off the inning.
Lead off single!!! Let's go Rangers, Let's go!!! I hear that truck...
I have a headache
Goddamn, I'm always stuck rooting against him, but I do love Vladdy. That said, LET'S GO AJ!
[392] I'd like to see the thought process that led to ball two
That would have been a big play. I have a feeling AJ is living on borrowed time right now. Every out they can steal would be big.
Wasting an 0-2 pitch is fine for a pitcher who actually HAS COMMAND OF THE STRIKE ZONE.
[385] I was referring to the old saw that he just hit it over the shift --> [388] BINGO!
17!
[374] that double is not my favorite anything (although i know you're just praising o'neill here, and he deserves it). that ball was so close to tying the game.
Good pitch. 1 down. Now a nice 6-4-3.
Fastball velocity is down to 92-93.
[398] Even then, the ball six feet outside or over the batters head is so fucking pointless. Unless Jeff Francoeur is up.
But I'll grant you that one waste pitch can be fine. Its almost always two. With Hughes, its often three.
cervelli was amazed he caught that.
[401] Yeah, I still wince when I think about him running out of gas on his way to third. That's probably my least favorite O'Neill moment actually :( My favorite is the double against Cleveland in 1997, and second is the walk against Benitez in the 2000 Series.
Enough with the slide step! Attack the damn hitter.
[403] I really hope that Girardi is just looking to squeeze five innings out of him.
Convicted pitch? Felony or mere misdemeanor?
16!
[403] He's just effectively changing speeds :)
Yikes. That was a scene.
Here we Murph!...
One more, AJ. Let's go and get the bats back out there.
[404] I'm just thinking of guys like Mussina who could use it well, occasionally get a guy to wave at it.
[406] actually, i meant the double against cleveland.
[408] This game will be decided over the next two innings. If the Yankees haven't jumped on Hunter by then, I wont have much confidence in them scoring enough runs to win this game.
Good pitch in the dirt...
I like when he throws that pitch in the dirt 0-1. he often gets guys to swing at it. but then he needs to throw a strike.
15!
AJ Burnett is exhausting to watch
Gotta love NY media: They already tracked down Jeffrey Maier at LaGuardia Airport where he was watching the game.
Nice job, AJ. Now score some fucking runs.
That flyball went a lot farther than I thought. Off the bat I thought is was a blooper in no man's land. Gotta check my prescription.
Both teams starting to get some awfully good swings. Nellie Cruz JUST missed that second pitch.
[406] Sacrilegious perhaps, but I never liked Paul O'Neil..seemed like a whiny brat...
Well done AJ! Give us 2 more like that, please!
A Rod. Dinger. Callin it.
[416] Got'cha, I was lost there I guess... Nothing new for me!
I still get chills when he walks off of the field, almost in tears after the fans chanted for him.
[426] Right on - time for that Rocket #9 to the planet Venus!
[425] that's beyond sacrilege.
[425] I liked his game, but was not much of a fan of his act. So I guess I agree.
[425] I can see where other team's fans feel that way, but Mr. OK Jazz!
[424] That he did!
Arod, please wake up!
C'mon Tommy. Set down the ex-Ranger...
Arod has been so anxious...and missed so many hittable pitches. That was one.
[404] Mussina and Sabathia threw/throw "waste" pitches that aren't strikes, but are close enough to maybe get someone to offer. That's fine. Pettitte sometimes throws the big whacky waste pitch, but he throws *one*
Burnett and Hughes throw pitches that are literally 8 inches off the plate or over the batter's head. No one is going to swing at that. All you do is put the batter in a better count, and if you keep throwing them, push up your pitch count.
[432] At least some getting on base.
That'll do.
That'll do.
I'll take that
well, that'll work if it gets him on base for rocket robbie.
That's getting on base.
Thatta boy, Stein!
Leadoff man on! (And hopefully seriously pissed off now.)
[431] (hangs head in shame..)..but I'll always defend the honor of Scott Brosius and El Duque against the Yankee haters!
That was a dumb pitch, Hunter. Lead off runner??
It's a baserunner any way you slice it.
[404] Pettitte sometimes throws the big whacky waste pitch, but he throws *one*
I like that- the big whacky waste pitch. Perfect description!
[435] That's kinda what I meant about having a waste pitch if you had command. Clemens could strike guys out on balls in the dirt on 0-2.
ESPN New York is reporting that the kid who ran onto the field yesterday was looking to confront, and possibly attack, A-Rod because of his relationship with Cameron Diaz.
[448] But that isn't a waste.
[447] isn't it?
And Pettitte also doesn't do it every time he gets two strikes.
i agree with the general consensus on waste pitches. useful in certain limited supplies and depending on location.
[449] Seriously?
Steal!
[450] Semantics...it was not intended to be in the strike zone.
Washington looks likes he's going to be aggressive with his BP.
[453] Yes.
http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=5705016
[455] Right. There needs to be a different term for a meaningful pitch out of the zone.
bullshit strike
AB changing pitch right there.
That hasn't been a fucking strike all night until that. booooooooooooo
Grim LeRogue? Really? Did he have a waxed mustache, top hat and cape?
Stay in the zone Robbie.
That was a terrible call on "strike" 2.
If Maier was any freaking good he would have caught that Jeter ball.
MVP! MVP! MVP!
Well done, Robbie en fuego.
Stfu about Jeffrey Maier.
Big inning folks...get that Score Truck revved up!
Opposite field by Rocket Robbie.
He's simply awesome!
MVP! MVP! MVP!
Good start. I smell a rally killer.
[462] That name RULES!
I don't mind it, but Smoltz openly roots against the Yankees. I guess I can't blame him.
And NO BUNT!
Cervelli better not bat this inning with men on base...advance warning, if there are reports of frantic foreigners running amok in downtown Tokyo, Joe G will be to blame..
Uh oh...if Hunter gets pulled, the Stankees should win. Our bullpen is shaky, at best! lol
Nolan Ryan's sour puss again.
Come on Swish...opposite field.
Mike Maddux just told Hunter "It May Just Be A One-Shot Deal." #FZ
Swisher is trying to hit HRs.
[475] Yeah, take out Cervelli and Burnett, too.
i thought ron darling was supposed to be smart. he's said some asinine things this series. he just said he's ok with the hr call because it was going into the stands and cruz probably wouldn't have gotten it anyway, but then he said what he's not ok with is that cruz has a point too, he was interfered with.
[477] Doesn't that look make you feel good?
[462] Yes.
Swish is missing mashable pitches. D"oh!
[473] I used to really like Smoltz because of what a stand up guy he was during post WS interviews in '99. The other Braves made excuses, he just tipped his cap to the Yanks.
I meant [483] Yes.
[486] that's why i like him too. he said the yanks were just in another league.
C'mon SWISH - time to wake up!
Swish is in full pull mode.
Geez Swish, this is not what you did in the regular season!
[473] he kind of does it in a funny, charming way though
[482] I think he just meant that from Cruz's perspective, he might legitimately feel that he was interfered with because the fan did come over the fence and hit his glove. In other words, it was a close judgment call by the ump that, according to Darling, the ump got right. I don't think it was a particularly dumb comment, but maybe I am being too generous.
[486] You can tell Smoltz is kind of new at the broadcasting thing, but he's said some real interesting things so far. His pitch analysis in particular has impressed me.
I was sure he was going to swing at that
These far out shots before the pitch are driving me nuts.
[494] Agreed.
f
Damnit
Fucking terrible.
Oh Swisher.
ball 4 swish. ball frackin' 4.
Dammit.
That's OK, Fat Elvis is going to leave the building.
Steeee-rike 3! One down...6-4-3
[496] I think they're trying to trick kids into thinking its a Playstation3 game.
Damn, Swish!
That's just an awful job by Swisher. No excuse for swinging through a fastball in your eyes. Swisher has reverted.
We NEED to score here. There's no way Burnett holds them next inning
[493] i could just be reacting to the way he said it. first he said he was ok with the call because it was the right call, then he got all worked up and said "but what i'm not ok with..."
[496] I was thinking the same thing. A little over the top, no?
Still got two shots at it.
99 times out of 100 in the regular season Swisher would have taken that pitch, no matter if he was slumping or not. He's pressing.
Well, the ump started off pretty well. Now he's calling pitches well off the corner. Asshole.
Y'all think Joba Hutt will come in tonight?
C'mon - just a hunk-a hunk-a burnin' love, Lance!
[512] Most of the team is. If they don't snap out of it soon...like in the next couple innings...the season will be over.
[513] Its Angel Hernandez
Anyone know Sterling's hr call for Berkman? C'mon Fat Elvis, take it downtown!
Nice job by the umps? Even with extra umps n the outfield they still need a replay to get the call right.
[518] It's in French, based on Camelot.
[518] It's something like, "Sir Lancelot rides to the rescue!"
I'd rather watch this team get shutdown by lEE.
How does Chipper Jones only have 436 home runs?
I'm not an Angel Hernandez fan, in general.
I'll take the walk.
at least berkman doesn't swing at that junk
If it's a strike. Crush. If not. Take it. SImple.
[524] Is anyone?
Come on Lance...hit it where it's pitched.
How does Hunter have only 70 pitches? It feels like he has thrown about 95 so far.
oh my! i'm kind of glad they held arod. That was a good throw.
[527] It worked!
Good hold. Mo Damnit. Hit too hard.
What a laser by Cruz. Rangers have some mighty fine arms in that outfield.
Keep the conga line moving, Elvis!
Thank God they held A-Rod, I thought they were going to send him.
YES YES YES!
Fuck. Alex held.
GOd, I'm so fucking tense I don't know what I'm going to do.
Why is A-Rod only going base to base? Is he hurting?
Let's see if Washington starts the merry-go-round again.
Great decision by Washnington. Yankees really missed a chance to put this game away. Hunter was absolutely awful in this game.
IN THE AIR
[538] Because Nelson Cruz has a rocket for an arm and threw a laser to Molina on a fly.
[537] Woody Allen once said, "I tried to take a valium, but I couldn't get my teeth unclenched."
Good arms in the outfield, but the BP arms are scary!!! Time for your Stankees to score some runs. Let the flood gates open...lol GO RANGERS!!!
A really nice throw, Arod would have been out by 15 feet.
He's not a great bunter, but I would love to see Gardner try to drag one here.
[543] i never really understood the valium fascination. Until I was prescribed valium. wow!
What's Brett going to have in store for us? Got to plate at least 2 more runs this inning. For fuck's sake.
[546] I would too.
[546] We only do plays that are doomed to fail so we can point to them when asked why we don't do plays.
The only situation I hate Gardner in is the bases loaded.
I know we like to rag on Girardi, but we really don't see any way he brings Cervelli back up in this inning, right? I mean, right?
Time to feast on a bullpen.
[540] Will Girardi be a aggressive with his BP?
[547] Nev er had one.
[547] just to be clear, i would never take valium outside of a prescription. That sounded weird i decided.
[552] I hope not. But he doesn't have that killer instinct.
C'mon - don't let 'em off the hook here, Brett.
[543] [547] Heeehee!
Hit the ball on the ground.
[543] He could have tried suppositorily.
Fuck, and it's only the fourth?
“Sir Lancelot rides to the rescue! C’est lui! C’est lui!" is the call.
C'est lui! is Sterling's attempt at a French translation for "It's Him!"
Sir Lancelot sings a song calls "C'est moi!" (It's me) in the musical Camelot.
Urgh indeed.
Up to Gardy. At least he probably won't GIDP.
Lets go Brett.
[542] Nice, thanks. Miss so much only having it online..
[540] I'm not sure about the Yanks missing a chance. The bases are still loaded, and Gardner can hit lefties.
Unless Gardner makes two outs, Girardi almost has to send up Posada or Thames to pinch hit, no? Of course both of those guys kill lefties. That would be yet another chance, even with Hunter out of the game.
[546] MIght work. Would be cool.
FUCK A DUCK!!!!
You're fucking kidding me with that.
I'd love a squeeze bunt here..
What a great play by Andrus! Damn it.
Gritty. Very Gritty.
Very nice play by Andrus. Damn.
Okay. That was goodish.
Great play Andrus!!! Nothin hurt...
What a fucking play.
And that's the rally, as Cervelli strolls to the plate to make his out.
Oh Christ its Cervelli.
Posada! Posada!
Well, same result as a sac fly. Let's go!
Are you fucking kidding me?
One hit by Posada here is worth more than two more innings of AJ.
Oh c'mon Cervelli, shut us all up, would you? Get a goddamn hit.
Is Cervelli really hitting? OK Frankie Brains, let's do something, please?
I'll be honest. I really like the TBS announcers
Cervelli. Sigh.
Lean into one Frankie!
Remember...dont blam Cervelli...blame the manager.
i looked away. the bat broke the camera? wow
Remember when Cervelli would come through every time there was RISP?
Girardi does, obviously..... I barely recall it.
whether its in his head or not, aj is doing much better than expected with cervelli, so i can't argue with this, as much as i'd love to see posada hit here
[586] I do too.
I'm okay with that. Run scored, no DP.
3 runs in 4 innings against Hunter would not be good.
Um why not just remove the broken glass?
Feels hopeless.
[586] I'm fine with them. I mean, Buck, McCarver, Sutcliffe? These guys tower over those ass clowns.
gggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Hell of an at bat by Cervelli
Sigh. Of course. But at least we have the lead.
The Yankees just gave away an out with runners on first and second. I am glad Girardi feels so charitable.
Good job, Holland.
Dammit.
These can't ever be easy, can they?
it's a little early so i'm ok with cervix there
[587] I repeat.
[595] 3 runs in four innings is a 6.75 ERA. That's about right.
[592] He was horrific pitching almost exclusively to Cervelli in the second half
The combo of going with AJ/Cervelli could be a wedge that forces Girardi out.
Man, that was a LONG inning
Take a decent commercial, UPS that's amore/that's logistics; play it to death; become a hater. Next package goes to Fedex in protest.
[603] give away in that posada definitely would not have gotten out or give away in that cervelli didn't even put up a good fight and take a real close pitch to strike out?
4 innings done, 600+ comments..I need a genki drink...
[595] assuming of course AJ doesn't give up 8 in the next inning.
[610] Well, the Cubs are out now.
[606] Yeah, except...I would have a super-quick hook with Burnett. So if you leave Cervelli in, you should be planning on AJ for two or three more innings. I would only be aiming to get five innings max out of him, and would have been perfectly happy to pull Cervelli and AJ both right now.
Cialis commercial. Says you could lose hearing and eye sight. "Honey, you're gonna have to yell to get me to stop! I can't hear a darn thing! But hey, you look b-e-a-utiful..."
[613] Give away in that Cervelli is awful and has no business being in this game.
[616] Let's Go Mets!
[609] i'm not talking about whether he's historically better with cervelli or not. i'm saying that right now it is working, and aj strikes me as someone who will crumble if he perceives a change that will negatively affect him.
Cruz's arm might wind up a big story tonight.
[617] Yeah i get that. fair enough. i kind of am hopeful AJ goes 7 and only allows the 2 runs.
Great decision Girardi!
And here we go.
There we go AJ
So that first pitch ball was better than at least 4 strikes last inning. Whatever, Angel. Douche.
Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Girardi doesn't learn from history.
I'm partial to the older commercials: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yW6vObBOVE
13!!!
Hot Damn. That was good stuff.
DP!!!!!! YAAAAAAAY!!
Double play!
I had no idea where that ball was
FUCKIN' A! SOME SMOKIN' D!
AJ covered twice!
Nice play all the way around, and that includes you AJ!
Girardi, you magnificent bastard...
Any cameras broken on that one? Yeesh.
Good DP, Stankees...
[630] 13....13.....yeah....
I'm a fucking wreck.
My body is a raw bundle of nerves on top of muscles clenched with tension.
God help me.
I hope we get to see shots from that camera all game.
That's a pretty cool visual
[642] i hope they show a few pitches live from it.
[642] it's a pretty cool view. real kaleidoscopic or something.
The firstbase camera is now like JamesBondVision.
50 Cent needs to stand in front of that camera and redo his album cover.
Weeping, have a beer! lol
Oh no
RANGE.
where the fuck was arod?
Oh no...here comes the slide step.
[642] As long as we see Mo in the 9th through it with a lead. I'm ok.
Mother Fuck HIM and John Wayne. Damn that young punk. He's good.
aj made his pitch. that just found a frackin' hole.
I know we go through this every night, but isn't it Elvis An-DRUSS? Not An-DREWS?
STEAL Elvis!!!
Attack the hitter!
Forget the runner...focus on the batter...FOCUS.
[655] If he's Hispanic, then it's Androos.
You can't let Andrus impact pitch selection here. Young is too good a fatsball hitter.
You have to pay attention to Andrus. Have to...
Do they sell the jersey with all the patches on it?
that was actually real close
Young has been a thorn in the Yankees side. Let's get 'im AJ!
Burnett can barley throw strikes with full concentration...
cueing thelarmis...?
Let's go, Michael. Call your shot...
why dont they try to jam young inside? all i ever see him hit is outside fastballs.
Oh, Christ, this third out's going to be like climbing Everest.
What's AJ's pitch count?
This has catastrophe written all over it
[666] HAHAHA! I totally did that thinking thelarmis would magically show up and get post 666 and i got it instead!
[664] No doubt. I'd like him to look foolish right here.
come on AJ...attack.
Big moment.
[670] 71
Double effin clutch
Is it asking Cervelli too much to not double clutch on every throw?
Great steal, Andrus
I have little faith that Elvis won't score.
Good double clutch, you almost faked the runner out.....
AJ's at 73 pitches.
"perfect throw?"
I was going to bitch about Cervelli double-clutching, but it looked like he might have been waiting for AJ to get the hell out of the way.
Cervelli DID backhand a curveball in the dirt.
Come on AJ!
I don't know exactly what a professional hitter is, but I think Michael Young is one. Solid player.
COME ON AJ - BEAR DOWN
Full count, Michael. Make him come to you...
Is there anyone up in the pen??
[680] I have little faith that Young wont score
Incredible.
(closes eyes)
what a fucking clown
I fucking HATE watching AJ Burnett pitch
Good eye, Michael. Now Josh needs to go yard! Can it happen??
Gotta pull AJ, no? But no one is warmed up.
That made sense....pitch around Young to face Hamilton. Looks like Joe's decision in the fourth is going to blow up less than a half inning later.
Christ on a cracker. Come on, AJ. Don't give it right back.
Just what you didn't want.
Just realized tomorrow's a 4 pm start. Time to start drinking early.
he better come out now..is anyone even warming up??
Fucking moron fan.
Uh Oh.
fuck. get off the field people!
Fan interference. What a schmuch.
Not job you fucking asshole.
lol, a fan interferes with his OWN team??? That's funny...
Get that asshole out of here.
Idiot fans.
Shit. Well, turnabout is fair play?
Schmuck.
What an asshole.
Jeebus F'ing Christobal fans, you let the fucking hometeam make that play. bunch of fucking bartmans.
Stupid motherfucker. Fuck.
Throw something nasty.
Come on AJ!!!!
Long inning for Carol...Burnett.
COME ON, AJ! ONE TIME!
PUNCH HIM OUT, AJ! LET'S GO!
damn, he's never going to swing at that because he KNOWS IT'S COMING!
I hate watching AJ pitch. I hate watching Cervelli catch.
I hope that fan has been ejected....damn moron.
12!
Breath.
Can't slap to center, Josh. Boooooo!
Alright. No Bartman
Jesus...I think I just aged two years.
Phew! Still a bartman.
Leave the fan alone. They're allowed to catch fly balls. You gotta get the hitter.
[722] i know he isn't that good, but i love watching cervellie catch. there i said it.
Stupid fat cocksucker gets in the way. Good thing it didnt matter
OK, that was a pretty gutsy performance by AJ.
S-c-o-r-e-T-r-u-c-k.
I can't believe anyone is complaining about AJ. Better then both CC and Phil so far.
Nice to see accidental swings returning to their non-homerun state.
[734] I, for one, am shocked.
[734] Agreed.
Hey, he just got Hamilton out twice in the same AB!
That fat fuck. Almost became the most wanted man in the Bronx. Dumb shit! Show some game awareness you douche bucket.
Wow, Jeff Maier and Steve Bartman redux in one game! And it's just halfway over folks!
Mission one for Cashman in the offseason has to be acquiring a catcher and dumping Burnett.
[731] I got your back. : )
[734] I agree.
On the plus side, AJ has been pretty great. I'll take these results any day, especially if he can give another solid inning
[739] Minor league catchers on the way. Just gotta hold out a year or two.
There should be an hour training session for all fans that sit three rows from the field about when to interfere and when to run in to the aisle before each playoff game.
I am surprised AJ hasn't imploded. Good for him. Girardi better not have any plans of starting him on the road if we advance.
MORE RUNS!
Anyone remember the fan who ran on the field in a Yanks/Red Sox game in the mid-1990s? It nullified the last out of the game, and Yankees rallied to win it later in the inning.
[742] Agreed...although the way he gave up the two runs is frustrating.
THat fat fuck is blessed by the Angels not having that come back to haunt him.
LOL
[740] I just don't dig the nervous-jervous-"amped"-pointing-jumping aesthetic.
[743] They need a stop gap.
[734] You just can't predict baseball.
Have to get more runs!
[751] Jusdt a half time old pro.
CAPTAIN!
Yeah, Cap! Two great ABs in a row!
Little Double Dutch off Holland!
Jeter's having a game for himself
Captain Cycle. Watch out!
Jeter is a bloop and a blast from the cycle!
Hey! Now that's what I'm talking about! A lead-off XBH!
BIG INNING, FOLKS!
Jete is sending a message. This series is not over.
Let's go Curtis.
Why are we bunting?
[762] And maybe he isnt finished?
Jeter post-seasoning into a 4 for 80 deal!
C'mon Candy-Man!!
Halfway to the cycle. This game should have everything. Including a Cervelli grand slam.
No Bunt!
Please don't bunt here...my blood pressure is already too high.
No reason to bunt here.
You don't bunt 3 and 0 with arunner on second and no out.
762 comments and just over two hours - and the 5th inning isn't done yet.
My gosh. And I'm still at work, desparately trying to finish something before midnight . . .
Let's go, Grandy - show off that fantastic new lefty-killing swing!
4 pitch walk. and he was going to bunt?
[757] Excellent. My Dutchness salutes you.
I think Montero might have been called up this year, if he weren't injured in Sept. He had a rough start to the season but was doing well by the end.
Girardi tried to give away the out, but they wouldn't let him.
Or walk. That will work too.
Tex - its time to wake up!
OK Tex...you've played great defense and had a couple of hits, but we need you to come through right now!
Gardner can try a bunt, because he might beat it out. Cervelli can try one because he can't hit.
hi team!
you crazy folks are easily gonna surpass 1,000 comments! sorry i missed it. just checkin' in real quick...
[750] MP, if I was a 24 year old catcher for the Yankees I'd be nervous-jervous and amped up, too.
I feel that way now and I'm in front of a tv and a laptop. : )
No Bunting!
I'd bunt Tex... just sayin' ;)
Going out on a limb and thinking Tex won't bunt. But with Joe G, you never can be sure...
[778] Well said. Time for a big clout from Tex.
[780] see 666
If Tex bunts I'm putting a fist through the tv
[774] It sure was a Dutch Treat ;)
Nice time for Tex's first hit
A double steal would be ballsy but probably unwise. But I fear the DP.
Patience Tex....patience. Your pitch.
Tex will not bunt. Say it with me.
[780] Hi there, thelarmis. We was thinking of you around comment 666
Let's go now...time for abig hit.
Or that.
Oh, fuck me.
FUCK
That is not good.
Why did Teix slide.
Oh great.
Why , why , wny? Watch that 2-0 meatball go right by your fucking face. And now Teix is done for the year.
Crappy pitch selection by Teix.
Oh no...this could be devestating.
Oh crap, Teix is done. Yikes.
Oh Christ
Oh muthafuckingshit! Not Teix!
this is extremely bad. extremely bad.
No no NO NO NO!!!!
WHY
Wow, Tex was pressing both AB and running to first. Just awful.
That could be his postseason. Yankees are in huge trouble. Disgusting sight.
UnFUCKING REAL.
Ruh-roh.
Ungood
Well, at least he didn't fuck himself up by sliding. Happened before the slide.
Well now we know why he slid. Looks very bad.
We're in a shit ton of trouble. A shit ton
o
m
g
speechless
OH SHIT!!!!!!!!!
double-plus un-good.
If Lance goes to first you lose the DH.
Just put Swish at first. No need to lose the DH
He's done.
Someone should tell Smoltz and Darling that Swisher plays 1B too.
This is an injury that knocks Teixeira out of the postseason. Sad. Couldn't be worse.
Thames to right?
Damn it - I knew Ron Darling was following us here!
OK, he's done for the rest of the postseason. The Fat Elvis era begins.
Bad move here, I think. Should put Golson in to run (and RF) and then move Swish to 1B.
I don't see anyway he's not done. That was scary.
Yeah, Swish to first, Thames to right.
The air feels like it went out of this team. If they don't score here, this game is going to get away fast.
[826] I agree.
Bad John Olerud flashbacks.
Wow, Tex is really out to beat the wrong team
[823] What's the injury? What, exactly, happened?
Having to rely on Gameday really sucks right now - and so I appreciate any clarity!
[826] Sounds good.
[829] More like the stadium, let's see what the team does.
Hamstring
Need a HR here I think
The worst part is his struggles at the plate led directly to the injury.
[823] tex pulled his hamstring running to first base. he couldn't run so he slid in. clearly done for the season.
Swisher to !B, Thames to RF.
C'mon Alex you asshole you've got to put that in play dammit.
[792] hey rbj - oh wow, i'm honored! thanks seamus!
sorry i wasn't here earlier...
i think we'll miss Tex more on D than at the plate right now...
[833] Yes! details???
Poor Teix...
[839] meant to refer to [833]
[833] I guess his hammy went out trying to beat out a double play ball. He slowed up about 10 feet from the bag and slid into first (sort of) to take the load off of his legs.
I feel like my dog just died. Yankee Stadium sounds like it, too.
Someone has to balance the scales for Tex. Geez. A Rod? Please? At least no DP so Cano can get up and do it.
[833] Right hamstring.
[838] He should have hit that 2-0 fastball 450 feet. : (
A Rod has got to get into something here.
[842] couldn't have worked out better. glad you made it!
It feels like Texas has already taken the lead.
Teix didn't slide.... he collapsed.
I guess he SHOULD have bunted.
OH FUCK!
GODFUCKINGDAMNIT
Yes, it looked like a hammy. And it looked bad. It wasn't a "hitch in his giddyup." He grabbed the back of his thigh and just dropped. He's done for the year.
You have got to be kidding me.
Great inning. MotherFUCKER!
Nice work A-Rod. He's really doing all he can to take the shine off of last October, yikes.
On the bright side, Tex was contributing nothing at the plate. Conversely there will come a time when we'll wish his glove was at first. If we get to that point
Worse case scenario all around.
motherfucker.
The Yankees season just ended on that play.
Leave it up to Alex to make sure the air is completely out of the stadium. Focking A!
[846] I mean, NOW I feel like my dog just died.
I still say that Thames-to-RF is a bad, bad move. Why not Golson, who won't come up for (probably) two innings anyway?
[842] Yup, it's the D I'm worried about. Mark makes amazing plays.
Fucking fuckitty fuck fuck. To the fuck degree.
[858] he hit that solid though. only so much you can do.
FUCK
[859] Have to agree. Honestly, how good is Swisher at first?
didn't he hear me say "no DP"?
It's a second guess now, but if you PR with Golson, they could have tried a double steal. Seems like waiting back for the big hit isn't going to work.
Shitfuck.
Thanks for the clarity on the injury, all. One possible positive - I bet Cano hits 3rd in Game 5.
Does anyone know if Juan Miranda has been staying active in Tampa just in case of emergency? If Tex is really out, they can add someone to the roster, right? Gotta be Miranda, right?
So Teix's 0 for 14 is in the books and done.
This probably means both Berkman and Thames starting the rest of the season (or the rest of the week?)
it does feel like we should be up by 5. and since we're not up by 5 i'm concerned.
[858] It's pretty clear that was an exception to the rule. Alex is as blind a squirrel as they come during playoff time.
Oddly, I think they will hang on and win this game, but giving that inning away AND losing Tex is huge huge huge. Lotsa pressure here.
Golson will be in for Thames at some point anyway, so why not leave Thames on the bench in case he needs to hit for Berkman? I realize it was a move made in the heat of the moment, but I agree with you guys, I don't want him in right.
[875] .291/.392/.521 lifetime in post-season. Yeah, blind squirrel.
Is Teix is injured, can they call up someone to replace his spot?
[865] It's not only a bad move...it's an absurdly bad move. At least use Kearns until the next AB. Girardi has been his usual regular season self tonight.
A world without Tex at first is an unimaginable nightmare. We still have Giambi ptsd.
The Yankee bats seem determined to put Burnett's feet to the fire.
Of course
Beginning the inning with AJ worries me. I think it's time for the bullpen.
[879] I don't think so, until the current series ends. But maybe I am wrong.
[882] It's amazing - they can't make it easy for the guy. He's grinding, though.
[869] How good was Giambi?
[879] [885] You can, but then Tex is automatically done for WS.
[879] Yes, but it does preclude Tex from returning in the World Series. If he blew his hamstring, though, that won't be an issue.
[885] They can add a player. Not a pitcher but a batter. It would mean Teix is out for a possible World Series as well though.
[872] Miranda? Good question. Yankees can make a move tomorrow. So who gets the call?
Miranda at first? Or do you go with either Swish or Lance and add an OF?
[879] I believe you can but it would make him ineligible for the remainder of the post-season. Anyone know if that's correct?
All that time off to help his wrist and he pulls a hammy. Baseball is cruel fucking bastard. So pissed.
[871] We don't do plays
[887] That bad? At least he can throw.
You can't make this shit up. Golson catches that no problem!
[880] Jeez, I forgot about Kearns, too.
Yeah, that was a bonehead move (types as Thames watches the ball drop in front of him).
Cruz. Dinger.
The Thames decision immediately pays dividends for Texas. This game is over. Girardi has missed the boat again.
Is there a reason they couldn't have made Thames the DH and put Fat Elvis at first?
After watching this game, some big changes need to be made for next season.
Six innings is way too much to ask out of Burnett
[900] Can't do that, but Thames could've pinch hit for the pitcher the next turn around the order.
I love Thames, but he really is "The Outfielder Who Was Afraid of the Ball"
it was the 5th inning and y'all wanted to burn through the bench? thames was a solid decision. I'm not saying the best, but it wasn't a BAD decision. not at all.
[901] You just figured that out now?
[900] Can't put DH in the field without losing the spot.
[887] Really? Is Swisher that bad at 1B? I thought that he was supposed to be not bad.
[878] What's his stats (including RBI) when you remove last year's performance (i.e. the exception)
11!
Wow. Robbie made it closer than it should have been.
[905] I was thinking the same thing, but I don't know if assuming it will be an all-night barnburner where you need the whole bench is a great idea.
AJ's lack of implosion to this point is the proverbial gift horse and the Yankee hitters are all gathered around, staring maniacally into its mouth.
[905] Burning the bench? It's using one player...Kearns...instead of Thames.
Arod double clutch cost them two.
10!
[909] He was very good for Seattle as well as the Yanks in 04 up until the last few games.
His stats are almost dead on to his regular season averages. Same with Jeter. I'm being hard on him because he's been pretty bad.
[908] He's serviceable. Keep in mind that he was going to be our starting first baseman before we swooped in and signed Tex, which at the time relegated Swisher to backup outfielder until Nady got injured.
Oy! Beware of the Molina.
[916] Correction: they were going in to this postseason. I'm sure they're a little down now.
IBB with AJ and a one run lead? Are you serious?
Holy shit
[905] How is using a player who can play OF "burning the bench"? Thames is a bad defensive player. Golson and Kearns are good defensive players. And they wouldn't bat again until the 7th. And Thames would be saved for PH for Berkman v. LHP.
never a good idea to add baserunners on purpose with AJ on the hill...
Think Burnett has any control after an IBB?
[920] SERIOUSLY ... Asking for big trouble here
Yes, they can replace an injured player.
However, that means the player who is being replaced cannot return in this series, or the next one. (Don't think that will be an issue in this case, unfortunately.)
It's a fairly recent rule change. You used to have to wait until the end of the series.
[922] Also, if you wanted to hit for Berkman later on, you can't.
[909] He was actually a very good post-season player until the 2004 ALCS team collapse. Then, as we know, he sucked in '05 and '06 and not great in '07. Played very well for Seattle in '01 and for Yankees in '04 against Minny and first 3 games against Boston.
But here's the thing - why would you take out last year?
Fuck this.
william and I called it
fuck. totally stupid.
FUCK YOU GIRARDI!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm speechless.
So predictable...Girardi's days as Yankee manager should be numbered.
Gooodbye, season.
That is just perfect.
Well, that's that. Bengie Molina?
cue the implosion
Walk Murphy, HOMERUN Bengie!!!! Take that!!! buhahahaha!!!
Jesus Christ on toast.
that was easy to call.
season over.
FUCK. Molinas are damn dangerous
Yeah you catch it Alex. About all you are good for. Oh wait...
This may somehow get to 7 games, but that makes a Rangers win highly likely
Why did they walk Murphy?
[939] GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!
I never want to see AJ Burnett in a Yankee uniform again.
fuck that. molina sucks. stupid aj.
Damned fucking Molinas. Emma warned us!!!!!
Time for a HUGE COMEBACK. NEVER SAY DIE
[934] I usually think that your criticism of Girardi is over the top. But I have to agree that Girardi's decisions over the last inning have been...highly unfortunate.
Feeble question: Why was Joba warming up if Joe had no plans to bring him in? Loyalty? Misplaced faith?
[939] why the fuck are you here? just to be disrespectful? go find your own fans...
They walked Murphy cause they were trying to get cute. BOOM!!!
[950] glad you are keeping your chin up.
[946] Don't bother. It will go away or be very lonely.
I really thought that was going to hook. Ugh. What is Girardi thinking? This isn't a "let's build AJ's confidence game."
I don't blame AJ, I blame Girardi. AJ had given the Yankees more than you could have conceivably expected.
But still...you groove one to MOLINA?
All season, this is the Girardi game I have been fearing. Yankees are now paying the price. If they don't correct the error, they deserve more of the same.
The fans are booing, sounds like. I hope they're not booing AJ. What do you expect? The situation was tailor made for this result. Yankees can't get the big hit, putting runners on base intentionally. Do not raise the stakes with Burnett on the mound by adding runners. Jesus!
[924] et al.
This is why I HATE HATE HATE intentional walks. Its not like AJ has pinpoint control to begin with. Never a good idea, AFAIC.
I don't think Girardi should be canned - he's not alone in calling for intentional walks in a situation like that - but I am pretty ticked about it nonetheless.
Meanwhile, the Yanks need runs, badly.
Almost a great start. Instead, a terrible one
[951] I concur.
i cannot believe they would walk david murphy just because the base was empty. that's so stupid it's unbelievable.
we're plenty in this. chins up. c'mon robbie!
[961] He should be canned for leaving Burnett in in that situation.
And let's not forget the brigade of baserunners the Yankees have left on base, a trend left over from September. Should be 5-5 at best right now.
A 5 run inning and all is forgiven. The Score Truck has some gas in it, right? Holland is having trouble finding the plate . . .
Rangers catcher hits three run HR with 1st and 2nd and two outs. Yankees catcher takes a called third strike. Girardi's master plan.
now robbie is swinging at junk. trying to do too much i think
You can't set your players up to fail. Girardi just did that to Burnett.
[970] Yup.
Not a single pitch in the strike zone.
Yankees need to calm down. 2 runs is not a lot.
That Cano AB is a white flag.
FUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
i don't care how bad girardi has been. If AJ can't get molina out he sucks. that's not girardi's fault. Not even bad AJ should do that.
[975] Sure looked it. Man it would be nice to have a Molina or someone as a spark plug.
Torre wore out his welcome, but he pulled Denny Neagle with 2 outs in the 5th inning.
ok. i'll calm down. but these at bats are not helping. holland sucks.
Fuck.
Teix is done.
And so are we.
[950] Trying to keep hope alive. Very comendable Alex. Soooo trying to feel the same way. I'm late to the party but not the "Tex got fucked up, Molina blasted one party." I can only hope that the guys rally around Tex and pull this fucker out for him. One can dream can't they? C'mon guys!
And YES on [946]
Well, Fuckin' too long on my diatribe and Robbie strikes out. Damn.
[964] Our manager is a fucking imbecile. Why should it in any way shock you that he'd blow it?
[977] He does suck. That's the point. The manager should know that.
And now Berkman has to hit righty. Sheesh.
[984] he hasn't sucked tonight. i'm sorry. we all know he can be really good. And he had been tonight up to that point.
In a sense the situation shouldn't be so bad. Two runs, sixth inning. No big deal. But I think the hitters are gonna press and they suck already. So ... we need some luck.
And RangersFan needs to get a life. And I don't mean because of trolling Yankee blogs, but because ... he's a Rangers fan. Go find a high school football team to obsess over.
[977] It's Girardi's fault only inasmuch as he left AJ in to long. I'd have pulled him after four innings (as I posted earlier), and definitely after stealing five from him. And absolutely definitely after he allowed a hit to the first batter in the sixth.
[986] Actually he has. Five runs in six innings sucks.
How can you possibly bring Burnett back next year?
He also should have had anyone but Thames in right and then the leadoff single never happens. But whatever. Not looking good at all now, Derek O'Holland just shut them down.
[985] Wait, couldn't Thames PH for Berkm....oh, right.
[987] :) That made me smile, i'm with AB now. Kardiak Kids Komeback, ahoy!!
[989] Yeah, but if Girardi doesn't botch that inning, AJ leaves having allowed only 2.
Those were some bad ABs ... I mean compared to the normal bad ABs, those were bad
[986] Five runs in six innings is a pretty horrendous performance.
[990] I thought that a few weeks ago.
I guess it's over. If Tex is done, we're kind of done anyway. I've been watching on a stuttering connection in Spanish, so I hardly have any idea what's going on, anyway.
I fully expected Molina to kill us there, but I didn't expect that.
Even I know what "profundo" means. Fuck.
[989] try re=reading.
I wish Girardi made a move on Burnett like he did on the chalupa kid.
i really think the worst decision there was walking murphy, no matter who was pitching. how can you let cruz taking 2nd base affect your decisions so much? it's david murphy!
[994] You know, sometimes the 82 million dollar player needs to be able to get Bengie fucking Molina out.
Yup.... AJ and Girardi have lost this series.
Teix's 0 for 14
and ARod's 2 for18
and aside from 'The Eight Inning' we are 3 for 25 with RISP...
but that has nothing to do with it.
A few HRs and a bunch of timely hitting make up for a lot of mistakes.
[1001] Yeah, that was pretty awful.
Look, it aint over. But it doesn't look good.
If they can hold the Rangers down this inning, maybe the Yankee bats get their shit together. Score three runs minimum and we're back to square one.
[999] I did...and he wasn't that good tonight. He was lucky to have eked out five innings. Leaving him so he could realize his suckiness isn't really a good defense.
I'm angry.
I don't even know why or with whom, but I'm pissed.
I've actually stayed relatively calm all series. I am so angry I'm shaking. What a fucking disaster. A total embarrassment for the team
[1003] IMO, all the stuff below that first line shows why you have to manage your ass off..
ok. nice d-rob!
[1003] A few HRs and a bunch of timely hitting make up for a lot of mistakes.
Yep. But it doesn't mean that they weren't mistakes.
Does Joe Girardi realize the Cubs job is taken?
Wow, this ump is just GIVING strikes to Robertson...
If this series finally gets the Yankees a competent manager, then I can live with the outcome.
After the Yankee bats looked that gift horse in the mouth for 5 innings, Girardi finally said hell with it and pulled all the teeth out. Naturally, the horse spit the bit.
Wheee...let the wheel spin.
Oh fucking Christ now we're mixing and matching.
I hate this man.
That's right - Robertson retired both batters he faced. So take him out, quick!
Cruz tagging up was a big play. I was impressed at the time and damned if it doesn't now loom large.
RangerFan, there is a very exciting high school football game happening down the street from you, with a bunch of Texans deliriously foaming at the mouth. Your presence is missed; go to them.
Wow! That wasn't even CLOSE!! LOL
Well, if the Yanks lose, I could live with a Rangers- Giants series. Both teams are overdue to win one.
don't mind taking robertson out against hamilton
@Matt Blankman (ARod's playoff stats) - Probably because I'm so tired of his act. I've never been a fan of his. If he's not launching homers left and right he's worthless to the team.
Ridiculous. Bring in your one lefty in the 7th, so that if Hamilton comes up in the 9th with the game on the line....
GOODBYE!!! HOME....RUN!
Girardi for Manager of the Year.
GO blow some fucking coke.
Forget it. The season's over.
I used to like Girardi...as a player. Time to put up or STFU. If they can't come back, they didn't deserve it. And I HATE what happened to Tex, but he was shittin' the bed at the plate. If this IS a fucking team, act like one and be one. Fuck I'm delusional.
Now I really, really fucking hate you, Girardi.
I feel all kinds of negative things about Joe Girardi right now.
Hysterical...more Girardi wisdom on display. What a damn idiot.
Murderous thoughts in my head.
seething blind rage
Oh I forgot, Josh Hamilton has had such issues with lefties. It all makes sense now.
As a Jet fan, I'll break this one out: Joe must go.
really disappointing if this is gonna be a giants-rangers ws...
this sucks ass.
What an incompetent fucking moron we have running this team.
Man... there has been some nasty, nasty, NASTY pitching in the NL series.
[1029] Yes, it is.
Fire him and his binder.
Why even bother giving Hamilton fastballs?
[1037] This isn't the time to say this, but what the hell: Lincecum vs. Lee? I'll watch.
eh, barf.
this team is hosed. IT's been real.
Well at least Girardi got the lefty lefty matchup he wanted because that counts for something. What I don't know.
I think it's time to ban RangerFan. This is just straight up trolling.
Put it this way: I'd like to see him step into a Bronx bar right now and try that shit.
Two nights in a row, Boone Logan swallows Josh Hamiltons prick. Isn't he the lefty specialist?
A few well placed hits and one over the wall, and the Stankees can be right back in it. It aint over...
I hope they fire Girardi tomorrow. I don't care if the series is still going. Send a message
[1038] The layoff between series must have bothered Girardi as well. He seems extra moronish of late.
Good night all. This trainwreck is over. AJ needs a short leash. And the loss of Mark has devastated the team. Time for a mournful bourbon.
C'mon Hawk. It's baseball. And us Texans are surely not afraid of some Stanks. Sit down and watch the game little guy. Double Guerro!!!
Joba time!
Girardi's a barely functioning fucktard.
Gotta hand it to the Yankees. When they quit they do it in style!
Hey, the Yankees have been a .500 team for two months. They just aren't that good.
Just shoot me please.
Someone put me out of this misery.
We've got 0 momentum.
[1043] Imagine that matchup if Nolan Ryan had his way? Each guy pitches three or four games in the series, complete games, 140 pitch "limit."
Awesome, and I mean that.
i'll miss the last game of the season tomorrow due to work.
so much for repeating.
we really shouldn't be losing to fucking tex-ass...
so sad.
Just let fat ass Joba put it out of reach. I don't care any more.
Not to throw more dirt on Girardi, but does anyone think he's got the ability to inspire this team right now? It's pretty obvious the Yankees are getting droopy. Someone needs to pump them the fuck up
(Enters Joba Hutt)
Ron Gardenhire must be saying WTF right about now.
[1056] But they're well rested
The Cubs should feel very pleased with their decision tonight.
[1059] Sounds fun ... to watch.
I doubt RangerFan is a Ranger fan. Certainly she's not Texan. You failed the test, lady.
So my stupid spanish feed was running behind, anyway. Amazing. You all experienced the pain, and there I was having no idea what had already happened.
I kind of knew this season would end shitty, but somehow the "twenty minutes of you will not believe what just happened" - that, I was not prepared for.
I hate an intentional walk with a guy with AJ's issues. Hated it when I saw it. It's just not an option with a headcase like him on the mound.
[1052] dude. stop being disrespectful. this is NOT your house. why in the world would you wanna be anywhere but a rangers blog? speaks volumes about your lack of integrity.
easy to pour it on girardi when the team fucks up. still think the decision to walk murphy was awful, but the rest has been bad pitching.
Joba, AJ, Cervelli, Girardi all need to be gone for 2011.
Hawk, shhhhhh!!! I'm watching a comedy....
Now that is what you call insult to injury
we can't catch a break even when we throw a great pitch.
Another play not made in RF. How nice.
Ball drops between Thames and Swish? You couldn't have written a better anti-Girardi fock me in the ass script!
Of course.
Score 14, why don't you.
20.
Go to town, Texas. With my blessing.
This is a fucking pile of horse shit.
This is so bad it's almost funny.
[1065] Exactly. That's the thing with a chessmaster: he sees the whole board, many moves in advance...it's the endgame that is all-important.
This team has been so rested, so finely honed, and so perfectly positioned to reel off three straight wins to end this series.
It's so brilliant...almost diabolical.
The, I'm not being disrespectful. Read...
double digits imminent.
If RangerFan is from Texas, or even knows who plays for the Rangers, I will buy her a drink.
One the one hand, a fast RF might have gotten to that ball. On the other hand, they would have had to burn through the bench.
I'm front Texas and I just checked. She's not here. :P
[1085] front=from
Uh oh! Why aren't they WALKING him???
Buy a round for everyone in NY. Y'all need them more than me right now. I feel for ya...
Someone, somewhere said Fuck the Yankees...and it fucking stuck.
Why isn't Joba IBBing Murphy here? That's the smart move.
I'm kinda surprised Robertson was taken out. Seemed like he was dealing is all. Of course, Giradi's favorite thing seems to be pulling pitchers when they are doing well
[1071] Bullpen roullette pushed the game completely out of reach
Bust it, Murphy!!!
[1091] You have to remember that Joe has no fucking clue what he's doing
Tex's injury is going to be the central metaphor for the season: running hard out of the box, grinding it out before collapsing to the ground as they hit the bag, writhing in pain.
[1092] right, because robertson who gave up a million runs yesterday should definitely have been left in.
Oh! RangerFan said "y'all" - I guess she really is Texan after all! My bad, RangerFan. You are a dyed in the wool longhorn. I can practically smell the cow shit from thousands of miles away. You, ma'am, are legit.
Striking out Murphy is terrible tactics. Fuck.
[1091] Girardi manages as if the game is played on paper.
It was Bullpen roulette in the post-season that drove Torre out of town. Will Girardi suffer the same fate?
Great job tubby. Go inhale a carton of ben and jerrys and gets the hell away from this team
who cares if ranger fan is a texan? i don't care. i just want to kick their ass.
[1096] Using that logic, you'd never have him pitch again.
(la la la la)...remove your hats boys...
Got to just chip away. Make us proud now!
I'm not sure this song was meant to be wailed.
[1102] I think you're missing the point
Cyber kick? lol Shhh! They're singing...."...land that I love, stand beside her..."
The man who ran onto the Yankee Stadium field Monday..... intended to confront Alex Rodriguez, according to multiple sources.
The man told police he wanted to harm Rodriguez because of the New York third baseman's reported relationship with actress Cameron Diaz, according to multiple sources within the police department.
The man didn't have a weapon but was carrying photos of Rodriguez and the actress when he was apprehended, a source said.
(I blame Girardi for this)
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs/2010/news/story?id=5705016
It's a celebration, bitches
[1101] hahahaha
Wait...so you don't walk Murphy down 4, but do up 1? How does that make sense?
Good job on the song. (wiping tears...) PLAY BALL!!
[1096] So bring in the guy that started the rally last night.
[1099] Correction:
"Girardi manages as if the game is played on
papera chess board."I am now fairly convinced RangerFan is a typically desperate Mets fan.
chin up guys. LET'S GO YANK-EES!!! I'm feeling it.
[1115] Girardi's playing 3-dimensional chess. Check it: http://www.limitemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/3d-chess-board-main.jpg
1052) "Sit down and watch the game little guy".
No taunting, bro. Another time and I'll have to ban you. Not the time to poke the bear.
[1116] Dude, I'm on your side, but it's not worth it.
LOL, Hawk. Born and bred here in the great state of Texas. Just north of Dallas, in Irving. Right across the street from Valley Ranch, where the Cowboys train. At least the Giants are playing better than our over ranked Cowboys! lol
[1116] How do we get it to go back under its bridge?
[1103] are you serious? saying that robertson shouldn't automatically be left in against the league's best hitter because he gave up a bunch of runs yesterday is the same as saying robertson should never be used because he gave up a bunch of runs yesterday? don't cite logic without using it.
How do we only have three runs?
"Little guy" is taunting? You might wanna read EVERYTHING. I've kept it clean kids. People are just upset cause the Stankees are losing. Don't get mad at me! lol
[1123] I'm not sure what bringing in the guy who couldn't get him out yesterday was supposed to accomplish
So, RangerFan...are you a Longhorn fan?
Girardi manages like a guy who is really insecure and needs to prove that he's really smart - all the time.
Oh good. Here's Posada.
[1122] Ignore it.
The ABs have been bad all game...seems like this team is pressing.
Hitting for Posada now...what's the old saying about closing the barn door after the horses have gone?
1125) Realize where you are, bro and appreciate why heads might not want be up for your idea of good clean fun.
[1128] BINGO
For fuck's sake Alex, BAN. This shit is not even fucking funny.
[1130] It's precisely that that encourages the thing to bash your skull in and eat your twitching body.
Hey, wouldn't it be funny if Jorgie juices one right here? Like wet-your-pants funny?
Absolutely a Longhorn fan. But they aren't making much noise this year. But at least we took down the then #5 Huskers.
[1135] actually rangerfan was pretty easy to ignore until everybody started replying to them.
[1119] thank you, alex.
i've never understood why a troll would feel the need to come to our home during a game like this. i would never ever ever post on another teams' blog when my team is beating them in the playoffs. it is just of awful awful character.
[1138] Yep.
[1135] We're talking about RangerFan? I thought we were talking about actual trolls.
[1138] Agreed...hadn't read a word. Very easy to ignore.
Er, that should be [1138].
[1137] Didn't make much noise back in January against the Crimson Tide either...
You know, Rangerfan, no one hates the Yankees more than I do. I've hated them since I watched Johnny Kucks toss a 3 hitter in Ebbets Field in the 7th game of the '56 series. The sight of Yankee fans waving their crying towels as we left the ballpark that day infuriates me still.
There's little that gives me more pleasure than coming to this blog to enjoy the knashing of teeth and the beating of breasts when the entitled don't get everything that the believe is their birthright. But I enjoy it in silence.
You, sir, are an asshole and have no place here.
Well, maybe Jeter can dink a HR over the short porch, which will get the team closer and, more importantly, set jeter up for the cycle.
I'm not saying anything bad about anyone here. But I don't back down when someone calls me out. I'm not looking for cyber arguing. That's silly. Just talking about the game. Let's all be adults. I'm not upset with anyone. I've given kudos to the other team. I'm a good sport...
I gave RangerFan an out ... She could have just gone along with it and pretended to be a sad Met fan to save face. But she insists she's REALLY a Rangers fan. I guess that's almost brave, but ... not quite.
i'm not saying girardi has been perfect, and i think he made one huge mistake (walking murphy). but it's also easy to think in terms of "this decision caused this" without factoring in the chances that the alternate decision would have resulted in something equally bad or worse. saying that "bullpen roulette" resulted in this mess is especially ridiculous coming from the same people who were pissed that girardi let aj stay in too long. maybe each was the wrong decision, but there are pretty decent arguments for why he would have made them (i do not think there's a good argument for walking murphy).
You know what i really want to hear now? How this was a great season that the Yankee fans should be proud of.
Team is just pressing now...would love to know what the players think about their manager.
Maybe Cliff Lee didn't pitch so well last night after all?
1145)
Hey, we've got to settle down or else I'll have to shut the comments section down. You might not like the Rangers fan but no name calling, please.
I beg to differ. Unlike you calling me a A@@hole, I have done none the sort. I don't hate the other team. Just loving the fact that my little Rangers are dominating. And some of my northern folk just can't handle it...sorry. :)
[1149] PR/RF Thames was super-silly.
[1150] Well, it was a fun season, but did anyone really think this team was as good as last year's? That 2009 team was a wrecking crew in the 2nd half.
[1150] Not bad given how the rudder fell off or maybe that was Girardi giving it some rest.
Thanks Alex. I'm trying to keep everything in order. I PROMISE not to talk that way...
rangerfan, no free speech when sports fans are mad!
I got no problem with trolls...cause even trolls like rock & roll, ya know?
[1155] true, i forgot about that.
[1159] This is a private website.
I apologize if I extended the troll's presence. Personally, when someone is obviously just posting to get people pissed off, I say deep six them. But since that wasn't happening I felt like "changing the conversation", so to speak. There certainly wasn't much to hang one's hat on on the ol' TV. But perhaps it was ill-advised. I just figured if the troll is going to stick around, why not try and at least make it entertaining? Obviously it didn't work but I blame the troll for that. (And Joe Girardi, of course.)
[149] The mistakes in this game are playing Cervelli; letting Cervelli hit with men on first and second; using Thames as a PR and defensive replacement, which contributed to the stunted rally in the 5th and Vlad's hit in the 6th; the decision to leave AJ in; IBB Murphy (and then not doing it the next inning); rifling through the short relievers in the bullpen; etc.
What more does he need to do wrong to have an impact?
1154) Don't be so coy, bro. You are baiting. Root for your team but otherwise, cut it out.
[1160] Say, what do you know about Mouse on the Keys?
[1156] this i definitely agree with. Especially since some of our best players just had flat out mediocre seasons (for them).
[1156] I think we lacked pitching this year with Vazquez a bust. AJ!?!! I thought the bullpen was good though.
Nick Johnson was a waste. Catching was weak this year too.
[1153] Great, we have one troll poking his finger in the eye, and then another shows up and insults him...and now we all might lose the comments section for the remainder of the game.
Don't shut us down, Alex, there is much gnashing of teeth and Girardi-hating to be done yet!
lol, it looks as if there is no free speech when "certain" sports fans are mad! lol But like I said, I understand the heartache. I've had MANY years of watching failure baseball!!! And am still not guaranteed anything!
Oh good. More Joba
I give you more props than I could ever have Alex. We're beyond pissed and upset and you still have the patience to tell us to cool it. I doubt I could ever muster THAT. And thanks always for Banter.
[1170] I'll say this again: "free speech"? This is a private website.
What a rat-fuck.
What. A. Rat-fuck.
you can't even hope to contain a molina...
Oh wow. Can't say anything right here. Can't even talk. Wow.
Let's go Rangers!!!
Where's the banhammer when you need one?
[1176] That's not what I'm saying; besides, I have no authority here. I'm just a legal nerd, among other things.
Seriously..who here thinks that if the Old George were alive, Girardi would be fired two days after the end of this series?
what a nice play by robbie.
[1168] Omg!
I swear to god until you just mentioned the man's name I forgot he had anything to do with this team.
Was that really this season? It's all a blur.
A lot of it is I have no respect for someone who would sign up and log in to a blog like this just to fuck with people. A real fan would be communicating joyfully with fellow fans elsewhere, not trying to bust balls of the other teams' fans. I'd be shocked if anyone who posted regularly here did such a thing. It's just indescribably lame.
[1180] Would not be surprised in the least.
[1166] Never seen them live! But they sound right up my alley.
[1180] I doubt he'd have survived his first season as manager.
Ironically, I hear alot of talk about Gerardi that sounds very familiar of our current talks about Wade Phillips! lol
No way RangerFan is from Texas or a Longhorn fan...they would have immediately answered my Crimson Tide comment with the standard "If Colt McCoy hadn't got hurt" comment... ;-)
Gotta be a Mets or Red Sox fan...
[1182] i know! i made the same double take. completely forgot nick johnson was this year. i never liked signing him. too risky.
[1186] Touché!
Yankees could have last laugh against Texas after all. They will definitely get three home games!
[1180] He may have been fired already
[1173] i hope this isn't a private place. i always think of it as public. and if we can't take some provocateur who is relatively tame, what does that say about us?
[1187] Ironic?
...
[1193] Of course this is a private website. That means "free speech" is whatever Alex says it is. I personally have no problem with the troll(s), but it's not up to me.
[1193] well it is private. It may be open and/or "open minded," but it is private nonetheless. That's what allows the bosses (like Alex) to set the rules.
Bama, I didn't see your comment. Sorry.
[1182] Cano was a revelation. Hughes brought something to the table as well. Randy Wynn and Chan Ho not so much.
[1183] amen, brother. that's pretty much what i've been saying all along. every year, whenever a troll shows up. it's disrespectful and i have less than zero respect for a person like that.
Did Jeter have no shot at the runner at first?
[1193] That we're watching the season slip away in front of us and we're pissy
[1193] I don't think anyone "can't take" it, it's just so unnecessary. Why read a troll comment if you don't have to? If I could just filter her out somehow, I would.
The thing is, I still think this series will go seven games. But in that case, I think we all have a pretty good idea what goes down in game seven.
Times like this, we all need a little pick-me-up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z66wVo7uNw
If Colt hadn't got hurt, we "might" have had a chance. But that's football...
Let's get back on the game, y'all. big comeback needs our attention!
well, we all know it's possible - though not probable - that we come back and win this. IF that happens, cc could shut 'em down tomorrow. after that, we know phil has pitched well in arlington. then we lose game 7 to cy lee...
still have 6 outs to dream!
I hate the phrase "double-barrel action," just ftr.
[1203] I'd take that in a heart beat, especially if it ended with a Boone walkoff fuck you HR!
good start Grandy!
[1203] Girardi does something stupid and kills whatever chance we had?
i hope curtis steals...
[1206] I'm not sanguine. Does that make me a bad fan?
two bloops and a blast and we overcome Tex's hammy and Girardi's brain!
[1202] well you seemingly can hardly take it.
[1195] don't let law school cloud your thinking. should fans of other teams be banned from fan blogs? does free speech only apply when literally constitutionally protected?
[1207] if we comeback and win tonight, win tomorrow and win with Hughes we never see game 7. just saying...
Uh oh...will Wash put in O'Day or Feliz?
[1207] The problem is the Yankees have shown no reason to make you believe they will rebound. They have a one man offense and Mariano Rivera. That's not a recipe for success.
[1211] Well, that...or Lee pitches a complete game two hitter.
On a side note, during this commercial break I checked Facebook. I'd been tagged in three photos. I hate that! I de-tagged myself. So there! Something I can control!
Oh, now this annoying submarine bullshit.
[1215] does free speech only apply when literally constitutionally protected?
Yes.
[1220] just curious, why do you hate that? running from the law. :)
[1215] You're just wrong, just flat-out wrong about that. Just dead wrong.
Only now should Thames be in this ballgame.
C'mon O'Day, find the strike zone buddy...
[1221] LOL
Hey Alex... I have question:
Gov. Rick Perry: Texas Could Secede, Leave Union
I mean.... if Texas DOES secede....
can RangerFan still post here???
[1218] Right. I hope we're wrong.
[1223] I want to control my own image! If I wanted a picture put up there, by god I'd do it myself!
And finally Thames comes to the plate. Meanwhile, the unburned bench remains perfectly intact.
Dammit, I thought he had that...but foul.
I thought that had a chance.
[1215] Yes.
Must you strike out there, Marcus?
[1230] ok. just curious.
Come on boys, gotta score two runs here.
[1228] You've been gold tonight, OYF. Gold!! some dinner at Mendy's?
It's an A bomb. From A Rod?
Do NOT put in Oliver!! lol
[1237] Dude, I want to know what you know about Mouse on the Keys.
Big difference between last year and this is Arod carried the team in 2009, and when he couldn't do it this season, no one but Cano stepped up to do his part.
[1235] I'm sort of joking about the intensity ... Just caught up in this "game" I guess, haha
[1219] Both can happen
[1241] I felt like A Rod was fine in the regular season. Not so in the postseason tho
[1240] Just that they're a trio who played in some famous J rock groups, now do a bit of experimental-jazzy-electroinc stuff..but that's alli know. They should have an Enlgish web-page...
[1241] That's true too. Jeter had an off year too.
how was that a strike?
ok. really this is our best chance to get back into this.
That could have been a strikeout
a veritable rally.
homina homina
[1244] I meant in postseason.
OK, someone needs to get a big hit here.
[1245] That's good enough, I guess. I think they're fantastic.
What're your thoughts on Thelonious Monk?
At least get the tying run to the plate, so one at bat will be interesting.
Save situation.
[1256] Save the season situation for the Yanks
Looking to tomorrow: assuming Miranda replaces Teix, who starts at 1B? Miranda or Berkman?
[1254] monk is brilliant! one of the greatest, most unique and important american composers...ever. a jazz god.
[1258] Grim LeRogue
before this game hopefully gets interesting again, let me just say that i'm glad alex lets people like rangerfan post here despite the public pressure to ban him/her. and if the yanks come back and win this series, won't we all be glad when he's still here?
Gardenhire playing some roulette.
[1257] Heh. Indeed.
Mantle falls to Robbie again...can he keep being the one guy who keeps coming through?
[1258] Fat Elvis, I hope.
No rally, Rapada! Throw strikes and make 'em earn it!
[1258] i would, but i have to teach college all day/night. wait, how much does it pay? ; )
[1254] Which album you recommend from them?
Monk: the master, genius composer, totally unique pianist, damaged soul who often was mis-treated.
[1258] You can't start Juan Miranda in an elimination game
[1259] Absolutely. My favorite jazz composer (and performer) by a mile.
Well said, 51sq.
[1265] I'm inclined to agree, but who is better defensively I wonder?
Rut Ro Rorge. Rapada better find the strike zone quick!
listening to mouse on the keys. pretty cool
What we DON'T want here is a home-run, it kills the rally. Jeff Franceour said so, must be true!
[1261] no, i wouldn't be glad if the troll was back/still here. i just don't understand why they'd ever wanna be here in the first place. it really sours my mood, even just glancing over the posts. i see no need for it or good in it... but i understand alex having to allow it...
[1268] As far as I know they've got one album (An Anxious Object) and a demo (Sezession). Both are worth picking up, but you can find their stuff on YouTube, too. Check out the pieces 'Spectres de Mouse' and 'Saigo No Bansan.'
Walk gets the tying run to the plate.
Fuck yes!
That was umm close.
Tying run to the plate. Atta baby. Now, we need a couple of big hits.
This is starting to look like game 1. Uh oh...
All right, need some hits. HITS.
We don't need a grand slam right now, necessarily. But it would be nice.
[1274] Glad you dig them.
Beautiful, Robbie.
What amazing command of the zone he has now.
No way he takes a couple of those last year.
He has grown so much.
Too bad we don't have two Canos
[1261][1276] I have to agree with thealarmis on this one.
[1284] I'll settle for a triple.
OH NOOOOOO! NOT OLIVER!!! Game over...(for the Rangers)
[1277] will do!
Clay Rapada..any relation to Lenn Sakata?
[1270] nice! criss-cross is *swingin'*!!! my jazz trio isn't playing much right now - our longest drought in about a decade of playing - but we've done lotsa Monk tunes, over the years...
[1291] Yes, they're Siamese twins.
[1286] And no selfish HR, either. He has grown morally as well.
; )
Our baby, Cano is growing up.
[1285] i love experimental type jazz but don't know it well. big sun ra fan though. i think the saturn gimmick pulled me in. :)
Gameday: Pitching change, Darren Oliver replaces Darren Oliver.
Send in the clones?
[1276] The way I look at it, it's kind of sad that trolls don't have anyone to enjoy their team with. I mean, if I was reduced to celebrating Yankee victories by trolling on other team blogs, it would be kind of empty. The punishment for a troll is that they are a troll.
[1292] I like Paul Chambers.
We need some Leryitz action here.
Hey.... my brother used to jam with T, Monk Jr.
[1297] ALCS. doctor who style.
Why wouldn't they bring in their closer?
[1261] No. It's just more negativity. I don't come here for pan-league discussion and I feel no need to shit talk. I mean if the Yankees somehow win, I will, because I'll have to, but I'd rather the situation just not exist. I'd rather it be the usual Banter. Trolls are trolls. They suck.
[1288] mp - i LOVE how you spelled my name wrong in your post, agreeing with me! sooo monkeypants-like!!! ; )
Anything but a double play.
Why isn't Feliz in?
Like I said in the beginning of the evening, our bullpen stinks! Get to our bullpen and the game is over...
[1276] i don't understand either, although i do think that a forum for fans of two opposing teams could be a fun idea (but that's not what this is).
but once they do come, why make a big deal about it? rangerfan hasn't even been that annoying apart from the fact of his/her presence.
Swisher had a bad postseason last year, too.
Come on Swish.
[1298] Good point.
Let's go Yankees!
[1292] Nice, I'm jealous -- even if you're not playing now. I can only play guitar.
[1296] Check out Medeski, Martin & Wood -- great trio.
[1305] har-har-har. And I have been so careful lately.
WTF.
FUCK
Unreal
Well at least it wan't a DP.
RIGHT?????
Ump blew the call
Breaking news: Angel Hernandez sucks.
this is going nowhere. hoenstly, we just kind of suck at the plate right now.
[1296] space is the place!
[1299] Mr. PC, *rules*!!! his bowed bass solos are the greatest!
Cripes.
I repeat, SOMEONE has to get a big hit.
Son of a fucking whore...
Uno mas...
That hit Swisher.
He's useless righty
Oh, Christ, what the fuck kind of swing was that?
That's Lance's right handed swing?
Come on you Fat Elvis fuck.
If we get apoplectic over that non-call, things are worse than I thought
He looks uncomfortable.
should lance not be a switch hitter anymore? I'm sure he hit fine from the right side at some point right?
Berkman batting righty ≠ confidence-inspiring
Does this even count as switch-hitting. I mean technically, kind of, maybe but ...
Maybe if he extends that swing he can knock Hernandez out of the game.
[1301] T.S. Monk. decent drummer.
[1314] well, we're all still playing - it's what we do for a living. and, as a unit, we back up other groups; we just don't have our usual steady trio dates right now. our solo instrument is guitar; he plays Monk on his axe...
Season over. Probably.
I'd call that a missed opportunity. Anyone agree?
Whew!!!!
he actually hit that well. frack.
It's official lady luck has stood us up.
[1337] I would consider that a victory.
[1314] haha Now I'm even more jealous.
didn't something like that non-HBP happen to Inge last year in Game 163? (something like that...)
A team simply can't bat .100 with RISP and expect to win
(not even with a good manager).
Same play, Young botched against A Rod in game one. Just not hit as hard. Sheeeet.
[1341] i seriously hope something heavy falls on your head from very high. why are you even here?
What a waste of so many opportunities. Also the bases loaded HBP ruled a ball
Sergio Mitre? Why not.
[1345] in the coming months, i'll be posting a live straight ahead concert of ours. i'm not sure if there's any Monk on it, but their might be. it also might already be online somewhere, i just have no idea...
Is there not some crappy lefty we can throw in there to face Hamilton?
Once again though, the manager sets the team up to fail. Berkman hit .171/.261/.256 as a RHB against LHP. He should not have been up.
Oh please, Ron, I really don't want to hear Josh Hamilton's life story right now
Oh for fuck's sake.
HOME...RUN!!! You go boy!!!
I was going to ask why Mo wasn't in there but whatever.
What a disgrace.
[1352] I'll keep my eyes and ears open.
Is Girardi trying at all? To clarify, I mean trying to win.
ok. mitre means i'm signing off. bummer game.
Serge Mitre. Really?
shoulda just put it on a tee for him...
I know I sound like William, but its because I've been convinced - Girardi is a fucking butcher who must go. Tomorrow would be nice.
[1358] Have you seen any indication that Girardi cares? He's probably sulking over losing the Cubs job
SAFE!!!!
Good night, all. I have to getup in the morning.
[1351] Exactly...if you aren't going to manage the game competently when the its on the line, why bother now.
[1351] Indeed--wtf?
[1361] No.
Meat-tray vs. Hamilton. Did anyone expect pitching excellence?
[1354] Unfortunately at that point, Girardi had few options. Kearns is not so good v. RHP (IIRC), and Golson or Peña?? (Is Peña on the roster?)
Wow... that kid can hit.... even with 2 bum ribs.
Despite our fockwad of a manager you have to give it up to the Rangers.They've been pretty damn good.
So we can't ban people here I take it?
lol
Well, I'm out of here. Catch you guys tomorrow.
The moment Joe G gave up on the season.
Smoltz pitched in Atlanta for 4564 years. He never saw an empty playoff stadium?
YARD!! SECOND DECK!! 10 - 3...Go Rangers!!!
Oh yeah, somebody start a blog: Fire Joe Girardi.
[1379] August 15?
Just to assure the tying run will not come to bat again in this game.
I realize coming back from 4 runs in the 9th was nearly impossible, but Mitre is the last insult. Apparently Girardi does coke too.
if it were my team winning, i would be sooo excited to post comments at that teams' site, with other celebrating fans. it would never even enter my mind to post at the losing teams' site. it makes less than zero sense.
if i did something like that, i wouldn't be able to look at myself in the mirror. i would feel completely hollow inside and realize that i was a horrible, terrible person. i'd feel as though i let my mom and grandma down...
This is out of hand. I thought that the play-offs were low scoring, nail-biting games?
Awesome. That Mitre not only still has a major league job, but actually made a PS rsoter strikes me as awefully Lucky™.
[1373] Kearns' #s much better than Berkman's there. Not great, but not .171.
well, there are the double digits.
i'm not surprised...
[1358] Mo is resting.
I guess the Yanks are losing another battle to win the war. I think it's time for a new General.
Up to CC to keep the season alive tomorrow.
Nolan's laughing maniacally. Dude looks straight evil.
Fuck Joe Girardi. I really have had enough of his insanity.
Who is Austin Kearns? Doesn't he play for the Indians?
I sat in the Todd Drew seats tonight ... I left after the 6th ... I had to get some sleep for an early morning meeting ...
I didn't miss much, I see :-(
ok, tomorrow (and hopefully the rest of this week) we will see if these young rangers can close this series.
is Tony Pena the next manager?
yeah, seriously - why in the goddamn fuck would meat tray be pitching the 9th?
i'm sooo fucking pissed, that i think i'm numb...
Maybe Swish is injured too now.
[1399] I'd like to see that.
Rivera ... we have this fella named Rivera ...
Great play by Swish!
[1393] Oh who the hell cares any more? What chance does this team have to win three straight games with the captain of the Titanic heading the ship?
[1392] I think Girardi had some chinese in August and his fortune cookie said "you win the war by losing the war" or some shit like that.
[1389] Yep, you're right. I checked his splits for this season: ~.750 OPS. Not awful by any stretch.
Girardi's bench (non)use this game has been truly perplexing, even by his standards.
Up to CC. He can do it.
[1401] How would we survive without his bat?!?!
Here's the thing - if I thought the Rangers were better, I'd be okay with it. If I thought we'd just gone toe to toe and they'd outlasted us, I'd be okay with it. But so much of this series is on Girardi's horrible decisions. He does know that the Yankees have the greatest relief pitcher ever on the team, right? And that these are must win games? And that Lance Berkman CANNOT bat RH? What the fuck?
[1408] CC can. No doubt. I'm heartbroken about Tex though.
If you're cliff lee, how much more money would it take to get you to jump off this team with all these young exciting players to come play with this collection stiffs?
Did Bengie even get out of the batters box??
[1406] HAHAHA HA HA AH AHAH!!!
That's a much needed laugh, thank you.
I hate these 9th inning tack on runs. Truly disheartening, especially after the almost-comeback.
Anyone have a good feeling about CC tomorrow? I think he'll finally get his shit together and pitch a good game...
If the Yankees could have kept it close, they might have compelled Washington to use his closer for the second straight day...which might have paid dividends tomorrow.
Whatever.
[1410] but lance ripped it. what else was anyone gonna do? i've seen kearns strike out about 50 times in a row. the rangers have outscored the yankees 30 to 11 so far, how much of that could possibly be on the mgr?
CC will be on his game tomorrow for sure! Plus, I think the Rangers will relax and lose HUGE! Then it'll take another game for them to get their head on straight, but still lose. This thing will go seven...
In this ALCS,
we have 2 players with an OPS over .700
we have 6 players with an OPS under .500
[1417] I put all of the runs in the 9th tonight on him, for starters.
using mitre is pretty stupid, but the game ended when berkman grounded out. now we have to win tomorrow, and a well-rested rivera pitching 2(+?) innings would help.
[1417] Then why is Kearns on the roster? That's his job. Berkman is absolutely brutal as a RHB. There's no defense.
well, at least i'll get to see my captain bat for one last time this year.
(i'll miss the game tomorrow...)
[1415] That's the whole point. After bringing the tying run to the plate, you'd think maybe the team might start to think, ok, we can do that again, one more shot. So then you'd think maybe the manager would try to see to it that that scenario is possible next inning. So then you bring in Mariano Rivera. Except you don't, you bring in Sergio Mitre because you're trying to win the war by losing the war.
The Yankees have to bat around to come back and win this game, so Jeter still has a shot at the cycle.
[1420] And there's that.
[1417] Yeah, I can't say I would've put Kearns in either, but I have an irrational hatred of that guy. Way too many Ks in big spots. Not sure how he managed to switch bodies with Swisher either....
because you’re trying to win the war by losing the war.
Yes sir, this one has gotta stick.
[1405] I'd take the Titanic's captain over Girardi. If he were captain his go to move would be to reduce the life boats further so as to make room for more Miltres...
Not that I really expected him to repeat game one, but did Moseley die after game 1 or blow his arm out?
I know it's not Joe's fault that only Cano is hitting, but he's let close games turn into routs! He has consistently failed to put his team in the best situation possible.
disgraceful.
[1429] err I mean Mitre
Uno mas, por favor...
You know? Here's the fucking thing: WE COULD HAVE WON THIS GAME!!!
Texas IS NOT that good!
We just fucking SUCK and that's what's hard to bear.
We just gave this fucking game away, all around.
Game. Night y'all...
Well, they certainly didn't catch a single break either, other than maybe the Cano homer. Every line drive was seemingly caught.
It's kind of sad, but I am going to wait up to watch Girardi in the postgame, and I wont be satisfied if he doesn't appear distraught. I should probably turn the other cheek, but I can't help it.
[1431] Yup. Precisely so.
good luck tomorrow, everyone.
i'll be hoping hard...
This was fugly.
[1441] Yes it was, Alex. Yes it was.
Screw the post game. I'm going to bed. Good night folks.
[1431] honestly, i don't want to be defending girardi here, since i think he made a pivotal, idiotic mistake in walking a bullshit hitter like murphy for no apparent reason with 2 outs. but i don't think it's particularly fair to be upset with him over the 9th inning runs that scored today and yesterday. yesterday cliff lee could have pitched 10 more scoreless innings. today the team was down 4 runs. you never want to give up a game, but you also have to be ready for the games you have a chance to win. chances of winning the last 2 games were extremely low by the time he could have put rivera in. makes a certain amount of sense not to use your best weapon when it doesn't make a big difference.
[1444] I think last night was less defensible than tonight. I know it was Lee, but it was a 2-0 game. Tonight, it was over.
Oh, and fuck Kay, his head should roll, too. He was up there talking about the series being over after Game 1 and it really doesn't look good for Texas and blahblahblah.
Fuck off, Kay.
Fuck off, everyone.
[1444] He specifically said he refused to use Rivera so he could save him for this debacle. Much like we rested our way right out of the division, at some point you run out of games to save someone for.
[1444] Yesterday's game was a lost cause..no complaints there. But there is NO excuse not to use a well rested Rivera tonight to keep the game close, even winnable...especially since there is an off day after tomorrow's game (so no chance Mo has to pitch three straight days).
Mo HAS to be used in today's game, somewhere.
But what would have been the harm in bringing in Mo in the ninth to keep it at four?
(Yeah, what they said.)
[1449] No harm at all. Once the decision is made not to use Mo yesterday, he has to be used tonight. No doubt about it.
"I knew I could go to Mo for four or five outs."
[1452] Who said that?
Seven hits.
[1453] Joe.
if yanks are up by one after 7 innings (or with a runner on in the 7th), i sure would like to have rivera available to finish the game with an off day coming up, and i'd be pissed if girardi had used him in a 7-3 game the day before and therefore couldn't bring him in.
CC, our lonely eyes turn to you...
[1456] But this is the season! Mo could have been used tonight *and* tomorrow.
Oh, the binder told him to walk Murphy. "Didn't like the matchup, he had some success off him in the past."
[1456] The odds of Girardi using Mo for a full two innings is less than nil. And such a situation arising with CC starting is even more remote. So that's not a circumstance I would even bother planning for.
[1458] no, this wasn't the season! this was a 7-3 game in front of 3 must win games. once berkman grounded out, tomorrow's game became more important than the 9th inning in terms of rivera.
Nunes will be up for Teix. I guess it doesn't really matter, but seems curious.
Nunez, not Miranda.
my pop's birthday is next week.
today, i bought him the new Mickey Mantle biography.
i'll send it up to NY soon...
[1460] we've never seen joe manage with the season on the line before, and i wouldn't be surprised if he went to mo early with the day off. chances of him doing that would certainly be lower had he used him tonight, and that is my point. don't know why you'd say that about cc after he had such a terrible game 1.
[1456] We both know Rivera wouldn't start the eighth anyway.
[1463] Does that make any sense at all? At least Miranda can be used in a sort of super-platoon with Berkman and Thames. What does Nuñez bring the team, practically speaking?
[1465] Game was clearly the exception not the rule for CC. And with the season on the line, I suspect that Girardi would try to ride CC deeper, rather than use Mo for more than, say, four outs.
I can't wait for my trip to Steinbrenner Field next March. This season has been one of the least enjoyable in a while. I really hope there are changes.
And can we stop hearing about World Series game two now? Has he finally utterly exhausted that bank of good will?
[1468] with the season on the line, i suspect girardi will use his best pitcher in the most effective spots. down 7-3 in the 9th is not that spot if it has a chance to interfere with him being used more effectively tomorrow. i certainly don't think it would be wise to count on cc going 8 and therefore use your best pitcher to keep a 4-run deficit in tact.
[1470] The Yankees can't enter 2011 with AJ. He is the Yankees Ollie Perez. Having him on the team will really be a negative.
CC to the bank tomorrow, Hughes bounces back in Game 6, Walter Cliff Lee Johnson becomes human again in Game 7. Yanks - Giants in the WS! I'm confident!
in tact? goodnight everyone.
[1471] You have more faith in Girardi's master plan of resting and saving players than do I. In any case, CC doesn't have to 8, but I bet he gets into the seventh, at which point you are looking at Mo for four or five outs, which you could do even if he was deployed for one inning tonight...especially with the season on the line.
In any case, not using Mo for either of games 3 and 4 is in my mind inexcusable. It's the worst outcome of the manage-for-the-save mentality, where you save your best reliever for the situation that never arises, while closer games are turned into routs.
[1475] Yep. Washington and Girardi both failing this lesson.
Bochy had it right, used Wilson in the 8th.
No matter, CC rides to the rescue tomorrow. Go home Rangers, the REAL sherrif is in town now!
i think girardi's mid-game decisions w/ hughes and burnett were far more damaging than all this end game BS. those guys let up the runs, the yanks never could catch up after they left.
AJ thinks he pitched well. I guess he did, for him. Can't take any more postgame. About 114 days until pitchers and catchers...sigh.
[1475] if not for the particular context of each non-use, and the fact that each day off could be rewarded with a longer outing when needed, i'd agree with your second paragraph. but i think a lot of the time as yankee fans it's just frustrating when our best weapon doesn't get a chance to contribute.
that said, if the game is close and girardi doesn't use him for at least 2 innings tomorrow, we need a new manager.
[1471] Why on earth would you think Girardi would use someone effectively?
[1477] I agree. The end-game stuff is thus the cherry on top. I still say that using Thames to replace Teixeira was a colossal error that came back to hurt on defense and, potentially, on offense (Berkman TWICE ended up having to face LHP with men on base).
[1480] because in this case i think it's obvious. tomorrow = must-win = straight to rivera for 3 innings if necessary. what i'm sure of is that, for better or for worse, girardi is not going to use rivera until he thinks he can finish the game from that point. so if the game is on the line in the 7th tomorrow, only way he goes to mo is if he's well-rested.
[1482] I hope you're right. My operating assumption is that, for Girardi, Mo is at most available for four outs in any game no matter what.
As much as the game is a must win I think 3 innings of Rivera is 1 too many. Rivera is not the most inspiring in his second inning of work, let alone third. (Has he even pitched 3 innings recently?)
[1484] Skimming his gamelogs, Mo had one 3-inning appearance in 2006 and and one 2.2-inning appearance in 2000. I didn't bother going back farther than that.
[1485] And Game 7 2003, of course.