Heard this statistic: Home teams are 8-17 this post season.

Inger Stevens (rest her soul) committed suicide. Hope that the Yanks go out fighting.
I still want a look at that cap if tomorrow ever comes.

Have a real bad feeling

Everyone keeps saying they're not looking past this game ... as they look past this game. As words upon words unspooled over the last two days about facing Cliff Lee in Game 7, I started imagining them from the perspective of a Game 6 loss, all that wasted breath. As a mental exercise, it was pretty convincing. As I have a feeling the Texas win tonight will be, should it happen.

It reminds me of that Lee game where the Yanks were down 2-0 and I was thinking shit he's up to 124 pitches or whatever, we still have a chance, and as it turned out it never came to pass because before the team could even get its last licks in versus Lee, the book was closed on Game 3. Looking ahead, looking ahead. It can be a sad thing!

That being said, let's go Yankees blowout! I mean blow those Rangers the **** out!

I also think Berkman will have a moment in tonight's game, but ultimately, it will come down to Arod. Like last year, the Yankees will go as far as Arod takes them.

For those looking for a good omen, in game 5, Alex walked twice. During the regular season, he worked at least two walks in six games (only six?). In the games immediately following, he went .429/.577/1.286.

[3] Hey, that's usually a good sign!

[3] [6] i've lost track. except somebody needs to be at Leos.

http://youtu.be/gAGP24eq_0o

Game 7, here we come.

Grrrr...got to pop out for some work..hope to be back by the 5th. Go Phranchise! Go Go Yankees!

I've been geeked up all day. All I ask for is a good. game. And then enjoy game 7. : )
Go Yankees!

I'm nervous, but I think they can do it. C'mon, Phil Phranchise.

[6] Frankly it is. I felt real good about games 2-4.

UMMM ... we have rain :-(

Oh .... and MLB Network is now on channel 489 on Time Warner in Brooklyn and Queens (it used to be on 783)

[14] Ah...verging-on-November baseball.

[14] Game delayed?

ugh, i so just turned on the game and it's raining! booo! booo!

IT'S FUCKING RAINING??

You have GOT to be kidding me!!

In TEXAS?

Wtf?

Like my nerves need THIS??

Agony extended!

oh tarp coming off already? sweet

Hello, everyone. I don't know whether to be positive or negative.

Hmm . . . a rainout could be VERY useful. Instead of having CC for just an inning or so tonight, the Yanks could have him on short rest in Game 7 the minute Andy needs help (if he does).

Let's see what happens.

Wouldn't rain help the Yankees? They could then skip Hughes and have Sabathia and Pettitte going.

[21] [23] Nevermind. I've got some work to do, so I'll be back later . . .

Great, game will get started, then there will be a 45 minute rain delay after 4 innings, leading to a Mitre or Javy appearance.

It. Is. Time.

Evening, everyone! Got a good feeling about tonight...hope it doesn't rain too much.

[26] No, a CC appearance.

[28] You and Mattpat [3] should get together. You'll merge and turn into Prof. Longnose [22].

Come on Jeter. : (

just win. just win.

nice at bat grandy!

Good take.

Run!

[26] Good (good?, "good") news is there is a 60% chance of rain tomorrow. Maybe Lee's start will get fouled up...if the Yanks make it that far.

[36] Interesting possibility: 2-hour rain delay in the 4th inning.

[36] Interesting. So, Lee and Pettitte get replaced by...? CC for us?

not a good at bat from robbie.

time to step up clutch-rod!

Someone needs to break out...

I guess he's due for a couple lousy ABs, but I really wish Robby had given Granderson a chance to steal there.

I'm a fucking nervous wreck already.

A-Rod is jumpy, again. Send Grandy!

FUCKING FUCK!!!!

Dammit.

bull. he was safe.

Ummm..he looked safe.

Fuck that, he was safe.

SAFE!

Man, he looked safe.

Fuck.
I blame you, mjpucci.

I hope this isn't going to be one of those Chessmaster days.

[52] See, I had a good feeling only because I wasn't curled up in the fetal position before the game. After that call, I've taken my shoes off.

Not even close, really.

[52] Come on, we all know you LOVE plays.

Let's go, young Philip.

Good curve.

[55] We don't do plays.

Waitaminute...

Good 1-2 pitch.

Oh, good, Ron Washington is also going to play chess. Unless Elvis is allowed to bunt on his own.

NOOOOO!!

Fuck!

Good Phil. Outside location and you miss by a foot.

Was Granderson in right field or something?

um, phil. you missed your location by two feet.

Uh, boy. Come on, Phil.

Wasn't a bad pitch.

He's a little nervy. He'll calm down.

I've been reading how Hughes can't put away guys with two strikes, but no one says why.

That one was right over the dish.

Fuck.

I feel ill.

Just awful early signs. Yankees too aggressive and missing hittable pitches and then Hughes/Posada continuing to make mistakes with the fastball. In other words, game 2 all over again.

The outcome of this series could wind up coming down to the decision to have Hughes pitch twice.

Hughes is up. Yanks better score a lot in this game.

[69] Yeah, I've wondered that myself. It has something to do with the fact that he relies so much on his fastball.

Young was right on that curve.

Get the pen started.

I dunno, some of these curves are a little too juicy for my liking.

Any chance for a rain out?

[73] He needs an out pitch.

If Hughes isn't going to throw inside fastballs, pack it in now.

they just foul his strike two pitches off pitch after pitch.

YES!

Michael Young's ab's drive me fucking nuts! Nice K!

Hey, no bunt? Is Washington asleep?

Reached back, got to 94 to put him away, from 92. Ok.

He's gone, thank God.

Vlad...

[79] Excellent reverse jinx!

94 on that last pitch. a little extra.

Walk him.

[84] practiced it all day! oh fuck

Jesus.

GET.

THE PEN.

UP!

Pray for a ground ball here.

Easy dp for Bad Vlad. FUCK Hamilton.

Hughes location is brutal. He is going to last long in this game.

We need another GIDP from Hamilton.

Oof.

Almost guaranteed the Rangers will try that double steal again. Will Posada bite again?

FUCKING COOKIE!

GET HIM OUT OF THERE!

Throwing strikes to Vlad?!?

[94] Posada should come up firing...right to Hughes. Maybe they could get Andrus to break.

Hughes can't come close to the target.

[97] was just thinking that.

[97] I remember when they did that with Roger. Uh, can't remember against whom.

Nice curve. Finish him off.

Pfew.

Ok.

One more.

Shit.

fucking shit

Hell yes.

well, one run is no big deal. gotta keep them there though.

Should have walked Hamilton. Or at least pitched around him.

They have to hit.

I'll take the out. Long game.

More awful pitch selection. If they keep living on the outer half, this game will be over by the third inning. It's incredible that they could make the same mistakes on both sides of the ball.

Get the damn curve down.

got him. good job phil!

CHBW.

Man, that could have been so much worse.

And it will be if he doesn't straighten his shit out but yesterday.

That could have been.

Just get through five and keep 'em close, Phil.

1st pittch jitters out of the way. Let's go O!

*exhale*

I really wish this Andy Pettitte going tonight. I can't see how Hughes gives them a quality start.

[115] That could have been worse.

On the one hand, things could be worse. On the other, how many times have we seen Hughes give up a run here, a run there, and before you know it it's the 5th inning and it's 6-1?

[110] it wasn't pitch selection. Andrus had the big hit and on that one Hughes missed his location big time which was critical. Hamilton's hit I don't recall the pitch though. But nothing else was hit well.

All right, that could have been worse. Could have been better, but could have been a lot worse.

Runs, please.

Only 1.
Coulda been worse.
Now let's score some FUCKING runs.

[117] I think I'm still waiting to! I can't be a wreck this early!

[119] funny thing is i read that and thought you said "worse". I knew what you were going to say so i totally missed that the word wasn't there.

Hm, I made a mistake -- for some reason I thought 1st and 3rd with one out was a higher run expectancy than it is. The run-scoring groundout was a good result for TX, not a bad one.

Well, anyway, he got out of it without any more damage.

Anyone seen the crack pipe? Or the valium? Or something?

Jesus, I'm a nervous wreck.

No, william, Hughes really did throw a lot of inside pitches. Maybe they got too much of the plate, but they weren't "living on the outside".

[127] Ditto.

OH, COME ON!!!!

Can't we even catch a fucking BREAK?

damn. nice catch as alex strokes that nicely.

OK, they might just be snake-bit this series.

BIg Fucking Deal.

Damn. Robbed.

I'm really starting to dislike that Anus feels ...

berkman swinging at everything?

[132] Get serious. What you mean is: good, they're hitting hard enough, those will start going through for sure, Texas can't stay lucky for long...

[135] You dislike what???

Uh, that should be ANDRUS FELLA.
STOOPID android auto-substitution ...

i guess i'll ignore the strike zone box.

[137] ...got 'em right where the Yanks want 'em...

That sort of thing?

FUCK A DUCK

OK, I've made up my mind. I'm going with negative.

[139] hahahahah!! Anus Feels. Good old Anus Feels at shortstop.

No hitter after 2 innings.

Big inning for Hughes.

what i worry about is that the bad breaks of hitting balls right at people will get the guys to "try harder". aka press.

Swish wants to punch anyone who talks about Lee in the fucking mouth...how about getting a fucking hit off someone named NOT Lee Swish. I love ya guy but crimeny!

[128] According to my count, nine were on the outer half, including three that were put in play. That's way too much. After game two, they should have adjusted. After one inning, it doesn't seem so.

Too bad the Yankee hitters don't bat against Hughes. He could use the confidence boost like the one they are giving Lewis.

Okay I'm tense...who here isn't. *breathe*

Although, frankly this game has got an 'anus feel' to it going already ... and I don't like that either.

Did someone at TBS pop in a tape of Game 2?

Anus Feels! A new nickname!

Elvis Andrus anagrams to ANUS DRIVELS

(you're welcome)

C'mon, Phil. 1,2,3, baby!

[152]Agreed

[151] I've got the Maalox at the ready.

i'm pretty sure andrus has heard the anus jokes before.

[158] I need more than that!

btw, if it weren't for the obvious grade school humor it brings out, i like the name andrus. when said correctly it has such a cool ring to it.

[149] The Andrus double was inside. The Hamilton single was outside. Cruz flied out on a low cutter, near the middle.

[159]

and when he faces Pettitte, its Anus and Andy ...

(groan)

NIce pitch, Phil.

[163] haha. groan worthy for sure. :)

[163] Hi, Diane. :)

Wow. What zip code was that?

Yeesh. Nice work, blue. That'll be called about 1 in 10 times.

[161] Which was is correctly? All the announcers just say it as if it were "Andrews".

nice and easy inning!

ClappityclapClappityclapClappityclapClappityclapClappityclapClappityclap

Nice job, Phil.

Nice work. Let's go, O.

I for one welcome our new robot umpire overlords, whenever they arrive.

What was that?

One-two-three?

Praise Jesus.

Now let's get the ol' Truck revved up!

I knew he'd settle down.

[169] you know, good question. i say it An-Druce. But maybe that's not right.

[174] Kiss ass.

[162] The Vlad groundout was away too. Hughes needs to be on the inner half, which is dangerous for him because his location is iffy. If he lives outer half, they'll take him to the opposite field and he'll always be leading them right to the curve ball.

It must be tough for a young pitcher to execute a game plan under such pressure, but again, that's why Andy should be pitching tonight.

If Hughes can keep the game in line, hopefully the bats will spring to life second time around.

[176] I'm relieved you were right.

[179] You know what's odd, is that the Andrus double was straight to CF. Not the opposite field at all -- Granderson was playing Andrus to hit the other way, which is why it went for a double.

Howz about this no-hitter?

Gotta put some hurt on this putz.

[179] You're taking the stance of 'You can't lose Game 7 until you win Game 6 so go with your best,' but if we used Andy now who would you then start tomorrow?

They're not even making him work.

First pitch shit is fucking maddening.

Lewis isn't Lee. Take some damn pitches!

ok we're making this too easy

Complete game shut out on 73 pitches?

I need to stop harping on Hughes. This offense's approach has been awful, so it may not even matter who is pitching.

Dear God

booooooooooooooooooo Fucking Colby Louis.
NEEEEERRRRRDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[185] I think he means the rotation should have been set up differently, with CC going three times, short rest.

message to yankees: all pitches on outside corner are strikes. no matter how far outside. unless we throw them.

I'm slowly drifting from nervous wreck to demoralized.

[195] Even if we throw them (cf. strike three to David Murphy).

Brett Gardner should just have the umpire put two strikes on the board before he comes up. It would save everyone a lot of time and me a lot of angst

Gameday had one and two on the corner, and strike three off the plate. This could be a long night if Cy Lewis gets call off the corner, what with his untouchable stuff.

[185] I am referring to the same point I was harping on since before the series. Andy should have gone in 2 and 6 on full rest, with C.C. going 1, 4 and 7.

[198] No shit. Cripes!

The good news is this ump has a really wide strike zone.

The bad news is this ump has a really wide strike zone.

[197] you're right. i was just being pissy.

[198] Would they be added to the pitch count?

Brett Gardner, playing Carl Crawford back into his job.

Seriously, here's a tip Slappy, SWING THE FUCKING BAT.

nice pitch. wow

[204] Sure, why the hell not.

Folks, that's just Brett Gardner. He can't hit those pitches. So he watches them, and if he thinks strike three is in the zone he tries to foul it.
It works pretty well for him.

[205] A guy with no power has to take pitches to get walks. Gardner's been great at working counts this season.

[205] The first two batters took about three pitches between them...Gardner should have been taking until he got to two strikes. Now, whether he should have swung at "strike" three off the plate (which the ump seems to be giving tonight) is another story.

GET THE MOTHERFUCK OUT OF HERE????

WHAT????????????

why did the strike zone suddenly change for hughes?

If Hughes implodes again, I hope it doesn't set him back. He also must be dead tired. He has never pitched so much.

In 2010, Gardner set the record for highest pitches per plate appearance since they began keeping the stat (true!).

Hughes doesn't get the 1-2 pitch that the ump was giving earlier.

Uh-oh, we have a Rudy G. sighting...

But that was strike three before!

Fuck you, blue.

Just fuck you.

grrrrrrrrrrr

0-2 to a walk? ugh.

[212] He got a call on the curve, strike one. I think the curve will get called out there, the fastball not. There's some kind of optical illusion or something.

Phil's location sucks. It has sucked all year. FUCKING BULLSHIT.
0-2 for fuck's sake! Don't be a shithead.

[216] Yep

[219] i'm pretty sure lewis is getting the fastballs off the plate on that side.

Yow. That was right in the spot that Elvis drilled it in the first. The pitch was, I mean, obviously not the hit.

God, he's getting away with a LOT of mistakes.

[210] The goal should be about getting base runners and then runs. "Working the pitch count" should be the secondary goal, not the primary.

He's missing by a TON. ; (

[222] Yeah, maybe. But I believe his fastball breaks differently from Phil's.

[225] But he does get on base as well as almost any Yankee.

Fuck.

Another lucky break.

Two out.

Another crappy outside fastball. It's time to take Hughes out now. We've already seen this approach doesn't work.

Whoa. Exhale. Rinse. Repeat.

[225] a hitter can't just change his approach and expect to succeed. You are good at what you are good at.

Its time to start warming someone up. You can't pitch with one pitch.

OH MY GOD

who couldn't see that coming .... sigh

Crap.

JESUS CHRIST ALMIGHTY!!!

FUCKING JUST SHOOT ME.

Finding new ways to lose.

Oh, fuck. Are you kidding me? Fuck.

Was that a strike?

Of course.

[225] He led the team in OBP. Clearly he gets on base by working the count.

Rich Ankiel.

kid is jacked up. settle down hughesy

Fuck if he didn't almost throw it away again.

Jiminey Christmas Hughsie, cut a fart or something to relieve the pressure!

You know he's rattled when he can't even IBB someone.

Too dramatic to say this is the game?

God, don't throw that pitch again.

Just keep him in the park for Mo's sake.

[247] Nope. It could be.

Fuck. I blame Girardi for that. IBB to Hamilton is just fucking stupid. (Though I admit it's not stupid because of the high frequency of IBB WPs.)

Up and in.

I was feeling optimistic about this game until Phil started pitching. He's gotta be tired or something.

Hopefully the result of this game will facilitate Girardi's exodus

Thank Mo for Robbie.

Cano scared me, keeping his back to the infield.

Word. Still in it. This is torture.

PFew.

This can't keep up.

Another bullet dodged.

Great pitch.
Go get 'em, Phil!

phew. can someone find my heart? i'm having trouble breathing without it.

He escapes.

But he really looks nervous. Can't blame him, but jeez, the kid is in over his head here.

And once again, the ol' IBB/WP play works out, just like they drew it up.

[241] I just think that going up there with a game plan of "no matter what, I'm taking the first two pitches. I'll work from there" is faulty in the playoffs when theoretically you're facing the best pitching in the league. The pitchers are now throwing meatballs for strike one because they know he won't swing. Maybe if he does he'll hit a double.

[257] Sheer and brutal agony.

So. Howz about this no hitter?

[264] I FEEL GOOD!

Does anyone you know acutally watch Lopez?

How about we break up the no hitter (& shut out) this inning, Cap'n.

[265] A no-hitter? Wow, the guy whose Mom named him after cheese has a no-hitter?

[266] I don't know whether to laugh or punch you in the face so, seeing as how I like you and all, I'll opt for the former.

Well that sucked.

[263] I'm not going to question the approach of the guy who led his team in OBP, and scored 97 runs (fourth on the team, despite having between 130 and 160 few PAs than the guys with more runs scored).

And those were NOT meatballs. All three pitches were on the corner or off the plate (check Gameday).

What other park are you going to see some a-hole swinging the state flag? Ugh. Jeter hit the shit out of that one.

Here we go. Curtis will break the spell.

no hitter. no hitter. no fucking hitter.

[273] No other states even know what their state flag is. Can you imagine a New Yorker waving a state flag??

Come to think of it, I do know what the RI state flag looks like. But I've never waved it.

[275] I like your style!

better at bat robbie? please?

Do NOT send Grandy. (I'm changing things up.)

Take this Fucker deep Robbie

[276] I did a report on NY in school so I know the flag. Have never waved it

Patience, please, Rob!

i'm heading out for a bit guys. gonna pick up some pa state flags.

[267] Nope.

[276] I live in a place where the "state" flag is ubiquitous.

I'm going to cry.

Holy shit. This is brutal.

[269] I had to use the google machine for that one. Never heard of it. Learn something new every day at the BB ; )
Oh, Christ.

The perfect way to end this post season would be a 27 batter no hitter.

Fucking damnation.

Christ on a cracker.

oh bullshit. look, a lot of bad luck here. i'm concerned about that.

Not patient.

Just might not be there night or series.

[279] OK, that didn't work either.

Just wanted to pop and say what the FUCK is up with the bats? I guess the same thing that's been up with em most of the series

Looks like we need to sign some luck in the off season

And now a fucking talking baby ad.

[285] But I like the Maple Leaf.

[285] That's right. The fleur de lis.

Yeah, definite 'anus feel'.

[286] I'm damn near at that point. Fuck.

i broke up with my girlfriend for this?*

*slight distortion of actual events...

colby fucking lewis. really? again?! : /

and fuck this little elvis fucker.

oh, and this claw & antler business is crap. total bullshit.

I'm oddly confident. I believe we're going to win this game.

I teach the NY flag to my students. Lady Liberty and Lady Justice, Baby!

[297] That nails it.

[305] oh put that reverse jinx away. i don't like that one!

[305] I'm with you...we just need Phil to keep his act together for another two or three innings.

[298] LOL

From my experience visiting the state, they are Texans first. Never saw the state flag flown so much. Can't say I think that's a bad thing though. It's kind of the principle upon which the union was based.

[303] And again, LOL!!

that's ok. we'll pick him off.

gotta love the 4-pitch walk.

FUCK!

[309] Of course, a four pitch walk doesn't help.

Phil's gassed. That's my take. But I don't think he's been all that this season despite his numbers. Oy (Oi!) But I like OY better.

i'm still weirded out seeing the confederate flag and i've lived here for over 14 years. it's ubiquitous, and very very odd. me no likey...

I think three of those four pitches were in the strike zone.

[314] [315] none were wild pitches so i consider it a success!

All right! Myman doesn't blow a pop-up.

[316] i actually say Oy slightly different than i say oi. weird i know.

[319] To be fair, though, he was not attempting an IBB.

Ruh roh, a Molina sighting.

[317] odd fact, you see the confederate flag here a lot too. stupid western pennsylvania has never quite figured out how north it is.

That fastball was 88?

Watching this game in work clothes was clearly a mistake. I've now moved into more casual wear, Score Truck to follow.

molina thumping his chest is so incredibly unimpressive.

I dislike flags of all kinds. Not the way they look, just the whole idea of a flag for a geographical entity. It's... tribalistic. Or something like that.

FINISH HIM!

Bengie Molina pounding his chest in slow motion...there is something wrong about that image.

Do you IBB Molina with a man on first? - Girardi's thought process

[330] we seem to be on the same page right now...

Agony.

[325] A cutter, I think (if I know which one you mean).

[328] But surely you like Championship Flags?!?

[334] Ah. Cheers.

[331] Good thought. If that doesn't clog the bases, nothing will.

If there's a game 7 I'll let my freak flag fly.
Whatever that means. ; )

Ron Darling just said nothing slows down a game like speed. Look like someone's been listening to the Michael Kay Lecture Series.

[328] what about flags that are on single eighth & sixteenth notes and rests? (32nd & 64th, too!) those flags are fine! : )

Godddd, pitch the baseball!!!

[337] OK, you're the math guy. Here's a question:

Is it better to IBB Molina to clog the bases, or let him hit a HR to kill the rally?

[335] Mmmmmmm.
Yes. And pennants. And the ship kind.
As long as it doesn't lend itself to flag-waving, I'm fine with it.

[328] We can get by with good old whole notes very well, thank you.

[340] Oh, man, those are the best of all. HEMISEMIDEMI baby.

[342] I'll have to check my Clutch Expectancy Grit Chart.

Pitch count doesn't matter. Phil is gone after six anyway.

Please finish off Bengie Molina. Please.

YEAH!!!

that'll do.

Thank you.

[342] Split the difference. Walk him, but then overthrow the first baseman on a pickoff move and let him get to third.

Thump that, asshole.

WOW!

Well that turned out well.

*EXHALE*

Thats one way to counter the stolen base.

Dear Yankees,
Phil's pitching his guts out. Get a fucking hit. Then another. Then some fucking runs.
Sincerely,
The BB Gang

Mr. OK Jazz is back from work now, everyone needs to calm down, you all sound like this guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9KyBdPeKHg

Yanks are going to mash up the Cheese-man on the mound and whup some Texan ass. Feeling confident!!

[345] Wish I had one of those charts.

[345] crotchets, quavers and semi breves!

Come on Alex, launch one

I hear the score truck comin'
It's rollin' 'round the bend...

[354] Where do I sign?

[354] Damn effing straight!

[359] I think its flight to Texas was a little delayed, but I expect it will arrive any moment now . . .

[345] RI - you'd love this book i have. it's called: HEMIDEMISEMIQUAVERS...and other such things. [A Concise Guide to Music Notation]

good stuff!

[350] I like your style, too.

[357] And the dots. Don't forget the dots. Double dots whenever possible.

RUNSSSS!

[355] good timing! do you have the score truck keys?

Y'know, if the Yanks put up a bunch of runs, I bet that would settle Phil's nerves a lot.

End this no hitter, A-Rod.

WALK HIM!

HIT THE FUCKING BALL!

[367] Mine, too.

With regard to flags, I'd like Michael Kay to announce all Yankee games by semaphore.

Can Lewis throw anything but junk that's out of the zone?

[366] 100% Japanese efficiency Score Truck technology! Go Go Yankees!!

[369] [370] Could we coordinate the screaming a little better than that, please?

I shot a man in Reno...

[374] woo zoom zoom!!!

A-ROD!!!!!!!

YES!!!!

Yaaaayyy!!!

Ok, do this thing, fuckers!

Do it!!!

One handed that sucker. Whoo-hooo.

Haleblinkin'lujah

Yay!

Damn, A-Rod looked like he hit that off the end of the bat.

HA!

[372] That reminds me of the Monty Python skit of Wuthering Heights by semaphore

A hit! And in scoring position.

Nice hit, Alex.

[375] My bad

[372] I would pay to see the extra feed of that.

As long as he couldn't talk.

Come on, Berkbonk.

[362] I must have that book, thelarmis.

[364] ah, augmentation dots aren't so cool. tough to teach, too. students have a hard time fully gripping the concept. a few years ago, i finally came up with an easier way to teach them.

don't forget minims!

Goddamn it!

oh damn i thought that was gone at first.

My Name is Lance. How do you do?

Damn, I thought he had that. Got the job done, though.

No!!

I'm really glad Berkman is up. I'm afraid Girardi would call for a bunt with anyone else.

Sigh. Thought it was gone. But I'll take the runner on 3rd.

OK, sac fly, I'll take it.

Alright. IN THE AIR

GOTTA get this run in. Please....

Just not enough to get it out.

Ah, Man-on-Third-Less-That-2-Outs, we meet again.

WOOO!

Now what?

YES!!

HBP? Looked like.

Almost...

No-hitter's gone, and now so is the shutout.

Or is it?

Wow!

A run!

A run!

Kick their asses out!!

OK, that's one way to jump start the Score Truck.

Hmmm...do we take that trade?

The umps will fuck this up royally, somehow.

Nope, it hit the ground first.

Wait - does that even matter?

Molinas are a danger to everyone. Even teammates.

Fortunately no replay for that.

What happened? I just went to pour a drink.

What the fuck ever, if that's what it takes.

Tough fucking shit. Payback's a bitch!

Oh, I get it.

Maybe th eump thought Swisher was faking!

[412] No.

[411] Two men on, even with no run, is not a bad thing.

Anything that rattles Molina up is also not a bad thing. Let him get pissed and make some mistakes calling pitches.

They can't review this, can they? Do the Yankees have a special acting coach, who teaches them how to react when they are/are not hit by the pitch?

Why would Swisher have gone down like that if he wasn't hit there? The umpires are awful.

[412] doesn'tmatter. second time in this series swisher has been hit and they missed it.

[385]

Yes ... that what I was going for ... :-)

Makes up for the stolen base they took away from Granderson.

Would that have scored the run?

[422] Swisher went down like he was shot.

Small Ball runs = Mini Score Truck... i'll take it!

[376] i'm playing that song on sunday.

[390] i got it in college. penn state bookstore. $12.50. dale wood is the author.

you could always just pick up the pocket dictionary of Music Notation. Alfred publishing. your local Border's should have it. $6.95 and worth every freaking penny and then some. essential. but it's all USA, so no mention of the incredibly strange, pointless, useless - yet fun wording - by the brits (minims, crotchets, quavers...).

THAT would have scored the run.

Please Joe ... don't pinch-run here

Fair fair fair RUN RUN RUN!

Damn shame Swisher didn't beat that throw to first . . .

Bring him home, boys!

[429] thanks for bringing the keys! we were lost without them.

2 out Rally!

[415] Whatcha drinking?

RUNS!

CASH IN, CASH IN!!!

[427] With the Yankees luck, it would have been a DP.

Wait, actually, it would not have scored the run because Swisher should have been on 1B...to score on Posada's double!

The WP was better than a HBP would have been. Run in, nobody on, one out, that's better than corners, no runs in, one out. (Better run expectancy.)

Luck's turning our way now.

Hit it out, hit it out!!

Marcus has gotten some big hits here in Texas this season. We need one more...

I'm guessing the media will focus on that one play which is now hurting is.

He's late.

[436] Gin and tonic. (As long as it's still baseball, it's still summer, despite the chill outside.)

[430] You a singer?

Again I have to ask. Why is the 1st base ump and right field ump 20 feet away from one another? Just stupid.

[441] The more runs, the better!

[436] Hmm. A drink. Good idea, rbj. I have some Saranac Pumpkin ale in the fridge.

[415] i can't drink til next thursday (too much work). cult had a beer for me before. go ahead and have a drink for me, too! : )

At least they made the fucker work some this inning, even if Thames can't deliver.

[445] Vodka tonics for me.

[448] how is the saranac pumpkin? my favorite of late is the southern tier pumpkin. my god it's amazing.

No chance.

I had a Boylan's Sugar Cane Cola ...

Rats.

[448] Yum. (FUCK.) I have some Long Trail.

Good idea.

Time to hit the bottle, Team!

Hughes and Cheese are both pitching two-hitters.

Son of a fucking bitch. Could they stop swinging at Lewis's slop out of the zone?!?!

ARGH!

Even when we get a break it ends up bitin us in the ass.

[448] [452] Had a pumpkin beer once. Just once. Course, I also don't like pumpkin pie.

Now we need Phil to hold them down

And they've both thrown 67 pitches.

[446] good god, NO!!!! professional percussionist and drummer. classical symphonic percussion, not hand drumming. i did have to pass a vocal proficiency in college. i've got loads of funny stories about that one. yeesh! : ~

Did he say 2 for 21 with RISP this series? Amazing we are still playing. We are hitting just as badly without Teix as we were with him.

[452] Its really good. I haven't tried the Southern Tier pumpkin, but I usually like their stuff.

Saranac also has some kind of new Oktoberfest-style beer; I might have to get one of those too!

[456] I do feel like we were all drinking a lot more last year in the postseason - or at least, discussing it more. To the fridge!

I'm having a Josh Hamilton special. Ginger ale.

I'm too freakin' nervous to be drinking.

[463] I'd love to hear 'em. Send me some at sesquipedalian@mindspring.com any time you want.

You doing a symphonic version of Johnny Cash?

I'm an ASCAP member, and a proud mediocre ukulele player.

I am conflicted. I wanted the ump to rule WP, but that's kind of like playing small ball. Having the extra runner would have had much more potential.

[465] i'll have to check it out. thanks

I myself am a great air drummer ...

[460] I hate pumpkin, won't eat pumpkin pie - but pumpkin beer is great.

My wife made pumpkin cupcakes the other day, and those were good too. Tasted more like carrot cake than pumpkin, IMHO - and I don't like carrot cake either! ;)

[454] i had barq's root beer! now, i'm onto brita water...

[460] i don't like pumpkin pie, either. of course, i've never actually had pumpkin before... : )

I love pumpkin pie.

now if only we had a first basemen or something.

I miss Teixeira ...

Jesus Christ!

Thank God Jorgie was there.

That was...interesting.

You can't have a play like that in a game like this.

Just think how good Phil will be when he remembers he used to have good control. Heal by spring, Teix.

[465] Maybe we've all matured a bit.

Mitch Moreland has really turned into a pain in my ass.

Right now I'm thinking about the fact that it's a bye week for the Jets. That is bad timing ... for me anyway.

Where was Berkman there?

ANUS DRIVELS at bat

[480] WOAH! drinking less means being more mature? i'm never going to mature...

Can't give the run back.

[467] ha! my jazz trio backs up a pop-country band. we're playing a very country version of Folsom Prison Blues.

i, too, am an ASCAP member. both as a publisher & writer.

i hope to release my solo percussion cd by the years end. just waiting on the finalized artwork...

Interesting: Darling (or was it Smoltz) just said that as a pitcher you hope they sacrifice and "give you an out."

[480] Or, as [466] randym said, too nervous.

[485] Heehee!

Welcome Jazz. You brought us some luck.

Ummm ... Ron .... Berkman has 717 games at 1B in his career .. he KNOWS how to field a bunt.

[484] Ranged to hole but could not make the play. Hughes was slow covering 1B.

[489] Definitely. Seriously, I would have poured myself a beer earlier but I've just been sitting here in nervous paralysis.

[488] Yes, exactly! Pitchers know.

the new Sierra Nevada seasonal is called "Tumbler". it's their autumnal brown ale. it's rather dark and very very tasty. i highly recommend it. good cold weather beer.

[492] But Diane, there's not too much bunting in the NL.

Come, on HUGHES

Boy, you can see how this inning will play out: after Young makes out, another Hamilton IBB and another Vladdy showdown.

Keep it together, Phil.

[497]

ROFL!

[488] i missed that comment. good to hear that coming from the broadcast team.

[487] Sounds interesting. How do I find it?

[498] That was an unfortunately placed comma hahaha

[483] The shitty international announcers were saying that Hughes was way too slow to the bag. It looked it. They keep saying he looks tired.

Nice, Phil.

I swear to god I thought he was going to fire to third.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......Beeeeerrrrrrrrr.
2 outs!

Okay.
They won't really IBB Hamilton, right?

oh, drinking PBR. since we're all sharing.

Dave Robertson warming.

Maybe they should get him to IBB Hamilton.

Did Girardi flash the "IBB sign", or the "No WP-IBB sign"?

[503] i saved your email addy. when it's out, i'll prolly have a website put up and i'll link to it here with my name. least, that's the plan...

[505] Boat! I got back from the morning バイト to catch A-Rod's 2-bagger. Talk to you later about the jazz, etc?

Oh fuck me.

i have no problem walking hamilton. but he scares me.

Big Expectations. Please keep him in the park.

Anyone have anything to settle my nerves?

It's deja vu all over again.

These IBBs are giving me IBS ...

Smart walk!

So, do you stick with Hughes v. Vlad, or go right to Robertson now?

[509] hopefully, we'll be drinkin' together next summer in state college. but goddamn, i'll NEVER be drinkin' a PBR, yo! : )

[512] Happy to be on your mailing list.

Go after the hitter. There are two outs.

[515] but i just remembered that vlad scares me too.

Shit. Didn't Girardi learn his lesson?

INTENTIONAL WALKS ARE BAD BAD BAD.

WHERE WAS THAT?

OMG, how was that not a strike???????

That's a fucking strike!

[517]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtbrLIwKWWA

That should of been a strike!

[521] Stick with Hughes. He looks fine.

fuck

And another IBB crosses the plate. Just went too long with Hughes.

Had a real bad feeling about putting that run on for Vlad.

Crap. Crap. Crap.

Motherfucking damned shit to hell!

That was...predictable? Sub-optimal?

And NOW Girardi pulls Hughes.

FUCK ME. Thought that was an F8. MoDamnit!

goddamn motherfucking cocksucking bullshit!!!!!

stoopid IBB.

and missed strike 1 by the ump.

: (

oh fuck.

Jesus Christ.
Fucking, fucking IBB. Fucking Joe Girardi.

So if Joe's going to D-Rob now, why not before the double? I guess the binder told him to stick with Hughes.

[499] You called it.

GOD FUCKING DAMN YOU JOE GIRARDI. I hope your ass gets canned.

DON'T INTENTIONALLY WALK ANYONE you bitch fuck person!

*deflated*

DOUBLE(CF)***

(for those Strat players)

[543] I'm worried that he's going to start mixing and matching.

I have to admit, I don't understand why you pull Hughes now. If you think he's out of gas, pull him BEFORE Vlad bats. Otherwise, he gave up a dribbler and was ordered to IBB Hamilton. One hard hit ball to Vlad.

Girardi continues to show an unfortunate lack of feel for when to remove his starter. Another big factor in this series.

Jazz go back to work. You're killin' us.

How many times are they gonna get punished by IBB'ing? Well... that might be the last time

We suck! I hate to say it! They ought to know this guys swing at everything so why give him a decent pitch! What a dumbass pitch. Inside or away this guy wants to hit something and we obliged him! Dang! I guess kicking off in their a$$ for years finally caught up wit-us!

Fuck you and your meatballs.

FUCK YOU AND YOUR MEATBALLS!!!

Hmmmm...Meatball Truck. I might like that even better than Score Truck.

The judgment about when to pull Hughes is not obvious. Not putting Rangers on base for free is obvious.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't Robertson had a shit series?

Damn how do you suppose to eat a meal that comes from your opponent moms. Man, she put their already bats back to sleep! This is unheard of! Wow!

*wincing*

Here's the thing - even in 2010, you don't IBB someone, even Josh Hamilton, to pitch to Vlad Guerrero.

[556] 5 ER, 3 IP I believe

I don't know why Girardi pulled Hughes. His batting practice stuff is just as good as in the first inning

Ok, third curve ball was good.

First two were practically on a tee.

The Yankees will score more than 4 runs this game.

[557] Nah, Yankee bats entirely capable of going to sleep by themselves.

[563] ?!

According to reports, Girardi is already coming back, so apparently the new Yankee brass is happy with second best.

sigh sigh sigh

[563] It won't matter anymore.

Oh well.

wow. season over.

i really thought we'd pull this out...

: (

look, both hughes and robertson need to be capable of getting those outs. fact is if the players we need to perform don't perform we can't win.

[566] Fourth best

Well its a full moon and I hoping for something crazy and as I'm writing this a hr and listen to the music is CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's cold! Well we had this comin NY! HA!

Yeah. Bringing in D-Rob for Hughes: not obvious.

I . . . I . . . I . . . I've run out of curse words.

When's spring training?

fuckin' intentional walks...

...

Well, I guess I can go for my usual Sunday run tomorrow morning.

And I have to watch the rest of it because it's the last game of the year.

TBS announcers are having a jizz fest. Damn, damn, damn.

I hope the Yankees know how to fix this for next year.

sure, why not...

I can't believe he couldn't trust Hughes to get one more out.

Damn. The one thing I knew I couldn't take would be Girardi over-managing the game into oblivion.

Fuck.

I have to go be miserable by myself. Check with youse tomorrow.

What can you do when every move backfires? And no, I am "blaming" Girardi or anyone else at this point. It's just that every move, every tactic, every play, every non-play seems to blow up in the Yankees faces.

Ron Washington >>> Chess Master.

ummm ... is anyone else warming up?

[581] In two words: Cliff Lee.

[583] Well, he had shit all night.

at least i won't be freaking out on stage tomorrow nite. recording a live dvd/documentary and i was worried i'd be preoccupied with the score. no need to worry now...

Giving IBBs is bad.
Pitching to Hamilton is worse.

Is coach gonna give his team a chance? Dang, pull his ass whether somebody is ready or not!

Fuck Texas with a rusty chainsaw.

Can you fire a manager before the series is over?

[585] Its the opposite of last year when the Yankees won in spite of all Joe's bad moves.

[587] if they don't get him, they're in a shit ton of trouble.

Fucking monkey shit! Can't win them all. FUCK!!!

i hope andy comes back next year...

You'd think an ump would know a curveball for a strike.

Kerry Wood is warming.

Man I gonna watch the movie Predator! Holla atcha next year ladies and gents! Still had an al-ight season!

[590] Uh, no. That's wrong. IBB is worse than pitching to Hamilton.

d-rob has been brutal in this series.

please get robertson out of there. he;s awful.

Robertson isn't fooling anyone ....

They just weren't good enough. They've been a .500 team for two months.

Pull Robertson now. Mid batter.

[603] The binder says he's pitching well.

[556] Yes, but the real reason NOT to go to Robertson there is he gives up too many home runs. Yes, he strikes a lot of guys out, but in a flyball park like this place, you don't go to a flyball pitcher, even if he strikes guys out. You go to a GROUNDBALL pitcher.

A single sucks, but far less than a homer or double or triple or whatever.

I can't believe Robertson is still in this fucking game. I have never been angrier with Girardi in my whole life.

D-Rob has NOTHING tonight. Pull him now, middle of the AB.

still within a grand slam.

and wouldn't that be grand...

So after all that, we go up hacking at slop, right?

Yanks will tie this is up shortly.

[607] i know you're being hyperbolic but no it doesn't. he was lights out the last time he pitched which somehow makes it more frustrating.

The only thing potentially working in the Yankees' favor is that the umps suck. It is POSSIBLE to score four more runs on blown calls.

Hughes' ERA for the postseason: 11.42. Robertson's: 20.25.

mount eerie rally cry

I actually don't think he should've taken Hughes out there. Whatever.

The Yankees are just playing poorly. The pitching sucks for the most part, so does the hitting. The managing too. Not a good combination.

Again, the real crime is setting up the rotation so AJ/Hughes pitched as much as CC/Andy. How anyone could justify that is beyond me.

It really is a shame. I'm not as angry as I was on Tuesday when Joe gave away the game though. Just kind of sad.

Do I dare to wtach the end, PRAYING for a miracle?

[619] Yeah. They can't win every year, but I hate to see them lose like this.

When Gritner's second at-bat comes in the 6th inning, you know it's not going well.

I don't believe you guys. If he pitched to Hammy, and Hammy hit one, you would all be calling for Girardi's head for not IBBing Hammy. That's the right move there.

Bottom line is when the Yankees fail, it's Girardi's fault.

[611] That's what they did for the first four innings.

Sadly reminiscent of Game 6 in '04 . . . Dealing with junk shouldn't be this hard.

Gardner has been a zero. Next year, Yanks need to make him the 4th outfielder and get themselves Crawford or Werth.

Looks like Derek Jeter has a wedding to plan.

pathetic.

Jeter's AB just look awful.

[623] Most of us had no problem with the IBB. Girardi's been bad, but so has the team.

The team is just playing atrocious. Credit to the Rangers but let's face it the Yankees have been a joke in this series

[623] No it was not. Not with Hughes having iffy command all night. Not with Vlad "I can hit a ball in the dirt over the wall" up after Hamilton.

The intentional walk is NEVER a good idea, but it especially wasn't here. If Hamilton hit a home run, c'est la vie. It happens. At least it was Hughes going after him, instead of just giving him first base.

Well, like I said if the Yankees got completely shut down by Colby Lewis twice in a week, they just weren't good enough.

[623] I don't blame him for that. If he did it the once, you're going to do it again.

I just don't understand: if you're warming someone up, why wait until after the biggest AB of your season to do it? And why make it someone who's struggled all series long?

I'm never going to criticize the manager for not IBBing someone. I don't think the IBB is a good idea, unless it's to get to the pitcher under NL rules. Even the best hitter makes outs more often than he gets hits.

[631][ Who says the IBB is NEVER a good idea?

[623] To be fair, RIYank is consistently against IBB.

I was ambivalent about the IBB. My only complaint is the decision to pull Hughes only after Vlad hit the double. If Hughes was on the short leash, then pull him sooner. If not, it doesn't seem right to pull him when he gave up only one hard hit ball all inning. Also, if you are willing to warm Wood in the fifth (which he was), and he is currently your best not-Mo reliever, then go straight to him.

Garbage.

Absolute garbage.

boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

man these announcers get so excited when the rangers do well. it's nauseating.

colby fucking lewis. he'll prolly get destroyed in the WS...

I'm not even so upset about Joe's pitching decisions, as the offense has gone totally dead.

Jeter is symbolic of this Yankee team. Just keep doing the same thing over and over hoping for a different result. Insane and annoying

RI is most agains the IBB when it's to load the bases...

[639] i think it's every announcer on every station in every series - everyone's just happy to see the yanks lose. i really and truly hate it. makes me sick.

[642] Baseball is statistical. You get all kinds of different results doing the same thing.

ALCS - Up to this game:
Hammy: .316 .458 1.000 1.458 - 4 HR
VladG::: .273 .273 0.318 0.591 - 0 HR

So (and with a RHP on the mound) you guys pitch to Hamilton instead of Vlad?

[623] You pitch to Hamilton with Sabathia or you bring in Wood to get Vlad. Those are the only two options. Instead, we get Hughes to Vlad and then DRob for the white flag. Girardi's bullpen management has been putrid, but Hal and Cash "like" him, so next year we'll have more of the same. Judging by how long it took to figure out Torre was past his better days, Joe G's bumblings should be an October tradition throughout the decade.

[639] [643] Which is weird, because from a television perspective, the Yankees always do well ratings-wise.

[635] Diamond Mind

Now Kerry Wood comes in.

[645] i agree with you and said so at the time.

So here is Kerry Wood, probably for two innings...AFTER the game has been blown up. Someday some manager is going to use his bullpen differently.

[646] Don't count on it. With Rodriguez and Jeter guaranteed playing time for the next few years no matter how bad they might wind up, Octobers are not guaranteed.

[647] I think what television has figured out that the yankees might have more fans than any other single team, but they also have more haters than fans (because overall there are more fans of other teams combined than of the Yankees).

[653] and what that means is good ratings by basically rooting against the Yankees.

Well, fuck this and fuck them.

I think blaming Girardi is the easy route tonight.

They made Lewis look like Cy fucking Young and their run was horseshit.

[651] Can't argue with that.

[649] Let's hope its not too little, too late!

[646] Not sure about CC vs Hamilton, but "you bring in Wood to get Vlad." is exactly right. You use the strikeout/GROUNDBALL pitcher, not the strikeout/FLYBALL pitcher.

No sense in saving Wood for the 7th or the 8th - the game might have gotten away by then.

so, does kerry kome back next year?

certainly not with his $11mil option. maybe a cheaper 2-year deal? or does he look to close elsewhere next year?

...No one here gets, out alive.

Think that inning could have come in handy in the fifth? Bringing in Wood after the damage is done is an indictment.

Ya know, when 40% of your rotation going into the season is A.J. Burnett and Javy Vazquez, it's amazing the Yankees made the post season and made it to the ALCS.

[655] Yes, they haven't been good enough to win. Girardi hasn't helped, but he was just another factor.

But Matt [632] has the bottom line.
We have not hit a lick.

[657] and you can do that because you have CC out there for the 7th and 8th now. You couldn't do that otherwise without waving the white flag later in the game.

Hughes got squeezed on a clear strike, but he'd gotten plenty of gifts up until then, and no one told him he had to throw a fucking cookie on the next pitch to Vlad.

At least we're spared the sight of Cliff Lee abusing them tomorrow night. I have other things to do. This year has been unpleasant throughout. I always knew it would end shitty.

[658] They say he can probably get better money to close somewhere else.

[655] I agree. Girardi almost singlehandedly lost game four. He's not been helpful tonight, but you have to be able to hit Colby Lewis.

Everyone in this Liberty Mutual commercial needs to .....

For the love of God, go down with everything you got. Don't pussy out and lay down. If they get this, that's all they'll ever get. 27 is waiting to turn into 28 before they ever get 1, let alone 2. (that's the booze talking).

[661] Exactly.

AJ Burnett is a fucking piece of shit. Nice number 2.

They didn't hit for shit this series. Some of the guys are hurt, some of the guys have no excuse.

You're not winning scoring one run on a bad call.

[661] Girardi made 50% of his playoff rotation AJ/Hughes when it could have been 65% CC/Andy. That's the issue.

I had a bad feeling when Jeter grounded out on the first pitch of the game. Stinkin' thinkin'.

[668] die?

[671] That's AN issue. Their hitting is another.

[658] Wood has been very good, but if its at an inflated price, I see no reason to bring him back.

The Yanks have plenty of kids who could come up and throw gas out of the pen, if they'd just let them (Albaladejo comes to mind, among others . . .)

79 pitches through 6 innings. That's just over 13 pitches/inning. Why oh why oh why, no matter who the players are, does this team built on taking and raking, hack its way through postseason games against shitty pitchers?

Look at this **** pitching into the seventh giving up one dubious run. The Yankees can't fucking hit!!! Jesus Christ, hit the fucking ball!!!

Colby Lewis is simply too good. (puking)

[667] Girardi has sucked too, all series. But yeah, tonight, come on folks, these guys simply did not execute.

Hughes pitch to Vlad was fucking pathetic. And it wasn't even the first pitch after the IBB. It was cause Phil gets all freaked out by a single bad call.

The number of guys hitting below .200 in this series says it all.

This team had too many parts that sucked all year, or were a threat to suck all year, and the extra parts were, with few exceptions, sucky throughout, as well.

[659] nice doors reference!

[671] I put that one on the list, but far down it. The offense, the poor bullpen usage, and the offense are all ahead of it, at least.

wait, berkman hit a triple? wow

I want to kill A Rod right now. Just because I know how awesome he could have been

Score. Fucking. Him.

Fat Elvis with the triple!

PLEASE PLEASE . . . RUNS!!!!

[671] You think Girardi made that decision ALONE? Without Cashman, Eiland and others? Are you dreaming? Or are you just on your Girardi hatefest?

"The Natural" mys ass. The Natural should be able to pass a piss test

This could be the last game of the year, so I am here 'til the bitter end. So let's see some fight. Come on, Swish.

Or not.

It was nice enjoying that Yankee rally for 3.5 seconds.

[678] That WAS an awful, awful pitch to Vlad. Though he'd thrown it a few times before

What a fucking joke. The hitting sucks. I don't care what Girardi has done.

they're playing like they have a plane to catch ...

Got to love the Yankees going up there ready to hack.

I think Hamilton is drunk.

This year has been headed for a wall for a long time, and when Tex, after sucking enormously, pulled a gasket, this shit was done.

My last fucking statement - fuck the Rangers for this: I hate EVERY team that used ballgirls. It's the stupidest, shittiest, easiest, corniest, shtickiest garbage a team can pull.

I hate those teams even more when the girl goes giggling out into right field because she couldn't field yet another wall ball.

So fuck the Rangers.

The upshot here is I won't have to worry about the Fox/Cablevision dispute resolving itself.

[671] I think there are times when a manager is sending a subtle message to the GM -- you've given me crap players, and I'm going to demonstrate that by playing the fucking piece of shit players you've given me. I think Torre did it at times, and I think Girardi is doing it. Phil should be in the pen right now. With a real #3 in the rotation. Javy should never have been signed. A.J. was enough of a risk.

Muthafuckingdamnit, even a gift triple can't be converted.

[691] Its just unreal.

[687] I, too, am here to the end.

Can someone look up how many times Swisher swung at the first pitch he saw all year? WTF?!?!

Of course, Swish swings at the first pitch with a man on 3rd to eliminate any chance of a WP.

i like Puma. an all-time great switch-hitter. hope he gets an everyday gig somewhere next year. i'm sure he will...

it's miss texas, show her the whole time, dammit.

this game sucks ass.

did they really just come back from commercial just to show nolan ryan clapping and go back to commercial?

[685] I'd imagine that Girardi had the final say. Managers usually do on how rotations are setup. If Cashman was in agreement, shame on him too.

[694] dude, i don't get the ball girl hate at all. what the frack is wrong with ball girls?

Wow, if the Giants don't win, this might be one of those years I barely watch the WS.

[671] Last year, as I recall, you were highly critical of Girardi's (?) decision to go with a three man rotation.

You know, part of me is going to be relieved when this season is over. It has been overly stressful and not all that fun for almost two full months

Kevin Long ain't looking too genius right now, btw.

This team pissed me off all year. A few nice moments, a few good rallies, a couple guys it was easy to like, and a bunch of guys it was easy to hate.

This year is a missed opportunity, and that sucks, but this was simply not a World Championship caliber team.

[693] i wish i was.

won't be drunk til next thursday. [i'm off next friday, so i can sleep it off...:) ]

The Yankees stunk it up this series. Maybe they'll stage a ridiculous comeback and upend Lee tomorrow, but as of right now - they just brought nothing besides a great inning in Game 1, a great Pettitte performance, a gritty Sabathia in game 5, and Robbie Cano, in general. That's it. At a certain point you gotta divorce what you want from what is or has been. It's tough.

[702] i think the old people is far schtickier

[700] I missed that, and am I'm glad I did. I've never hated Nolan Ryan more than during this series. At least he doesn't have company tonight - THAT would be just perfect.

[706] Agreed fully.

[706] I was just going to post about Long. He's done miracles at times, but you can't ignore the fact that much of this team hit below par this year and especially in this series.

Texas is making it look might easy.

[702] yeah, i have zero problems with ballgirls. oh, and the braves girls that dance on the dugout - ooh la fuckin' la!!!! : o

I'm actually going to be in SF next Wednesday through the following week ... if Yanks aren't in Series ... WS tickets might be easier to come by out there

(rationalizing)

well, at least it wasn't a leadoff walk. ; )

sigh