I believe we'll need to take three to dispatch of the mooks from Minny.

Oontz with a leadoff double!

Let’s not get URPed today

Good job, EE

That Stanton dribbler looked the same as the one yesterday on 3-0.

Let’s go Yankees!

Good first two innings for Tanaka.

Who's with Smoltzie tonight?

Does anyone follow the ESPN Gamecast?
They have a “win probability “ box that constantly updates to show the win probability (d’uh).
Yankees started off at 59.1% and now it’s 76%. That sounds way high for a 1-0 game. Whoops, now it’s 76.7%. Kinda cool.

Gotta start somewhere, Didi.

Shift that, Twinkies!

[8] I've only looked at those charts after the game, which is kind of pointless.

How long does Dobnak last?

Smoltz just talked himself into a corner.

Smoltz should go find Joe Morgan and have a permanent off-air conversation.

Stanton doesn’t have his legs under him. Small sample size so far I know, but if he can’t start hitting the kind of balls that don’t require a sprint, I am going to feel just fine with Maybin.

Very nice Tanaka!

Who are those towel twirling fans? There's no towel twirling in the Bronx.

Good start, Judge! Now score a bunch!

Just tuning in, didn't make the 6am wake up call..
[13] How is he on FS1 todya after being on MLB TV yesterday..???

Atta boy, Edain! Judge froze. D'oh! Must. Score. At. Least. 3!

Encarnacion is hitting the ball too hard. ;>)

He's like a bad penny, Mr OK JT.

[13] The ESPN booth of nightmares: Chris Berman (pbp); Joe Morgan, John Kruk ("analysts")!

Gleyber Day every day!

We don’t need no stinking home runs

Savage!
[22]Nightmare!

I'll take a SF from Gio

Gleyber time!

I thought I read somewhere that Cone was going to partner with Buck for FS1 ALDS.
I guess not!

Holy

fuck.

DIDI!

But we’ll take that from Sir Didi!

DidiSTROYER.

Kaboooooooooooooooooooooooooom!

Hell fuck yeah!

Love me some Didi!!!

Did Buck just say that 6 is the ultimate crooked number???

Sir Didi delivers!! I can so back to slumber a bit now I think, they got this..

[37] Careful.
Oh, it's Sunday morning. Yeah okay go back to bed dude.

[36] Yes. I was thinking, really? I thought it would be 99.

WILDEN!

(Dutch for “savages”)

Somewhere Costas is muttering about the short right field second deck at Yankee Stadium...

Here in Rochester the AAA Red Wings sign outside the stadium reads, "Good luck, dad. Beat the Yanks." Heh-heh. Twinkies are our parent club.

Yes in Didi!

He had an strange reaction after that one. Like he wasn't ready with a bat flip.

Good to see Didi back.

[42] Can't flip unless it's fair, I think was the explanation.

GGBG!

Foot on the throat time.

Next stop, double digits.

[46] What for? We've already surpassed the "ultimate crooked number".

FWIW I still want a shutout out of Tanaka.

This is beautiful!

Smoltz is a fucking moron.

Yes, rbj - double digits always!!

I was afraid the long layoff would hurt Masa. Let’s get a quick DP here and save the bullpen.

Stfu, Smoltz. Just shut up.

Damn shift.

Sucks that you can’t watch the games via the mlb app. I was at a festival with my family. Couldn’t get the radio feed either.

YEAH!!! Nice work, Masa. I hope he pitches the 5th.

Nice!

FS1 broadcast was giving me a headache, so I switched to Fox Sports Deportes (espanol broadcast) and cant recommend it enough. Make the switch!

Feeble swing there from Stanton

Every time I watch the Bombers, I get "Seven Nation Army" stuck in my head.

High heat for his 7th K

[56] Great idea.

Very nice, quick inning for Tanaka. Send him back out for the 6th!

Judge on base...again!

Tommy can yeah hear me!

Green warmed up before. Krazy Kahnle in for the 6th.

Beautiful.

I am starting to get sleepy. Jazz did you go back to bed?

Thelarmis can I have a whiskey?
I mean, the sun's over the yardarm, right??

He was safe!

Yes, RI, you may. Have one for me too! No beer tonight tonight; lotsa lessons tomorrow

Smoltz has no clue about the meaning of words. He just called the Yankees 4 big relievers a "quadrant."

I had no idea about the meaning of ‘yardarm’ until I looked it up!

[71] Something to do with a ship?

Yup!

The guy I was named after, Thomas Macklin, was an old salt. However, strangely, none of the Boatman's were.

[70] Will he call the big six a sextant?

Rats, Judge just missed.

That bounced off Gary's head and nailed the ump.

Who is Lyons?

What a great inning for Tyler Lyons!

I ain't Lyon, that was a sharp inning.

Johnny Lasagna to close it out. I hope for a quick 1-2-3 inning!

Looks like we will have Lasagna for the 9th.

[81] Sorry, I keep piggybacking. Need to reload more.

One down

Two down

This is NOT what I had in mind

Um, guys?

Ta da!
That's two, boys.

Three down.

Good game. On to the Minnie Apple.

Make it a sweep.

Maybe Cole's arm will fall off. 112 pitches so far.

[77] A crooked grin when I read that >;)

Here we GO!! I smell a sweep..

[94]Glad I'm not alone ... what time is it over there?

Brutal non swing call. Yikes.

[95] 0950! Ensign OKJ reporting for Banter duty. Pumpkin bread, Greek Yogurt and coffee all set for consumption.

[97] 9:50? Heck, I thought y'all had to get up early for these games!

;)

[98] That was just Sunday! Thankfully they didn't get the 2pm game, 3am wake up on a weekday wasn't going to happen..

This start time is absolute Fucking Bollocks. No way I'm gonna see midnight, let alone 12:30 or 1:00. Oi!

19 pitch first inning for Odor Ratzo. I consider that a small victory.

[99] Are you still home, dude? I had to run to 7-11 for more coffee.

[102] Nah man, I work for a living. 0745 train for me daily to Acme Investigations HQ!

Strikes, Luis. Throw strikes ffs!

[103] Fuck me. That's peak time. I don't know how you do it.

Not bad for Sevy. But he needs to find the strike zone.

Not exactly inspiring from Stanton there ...

EVERYBODY GLEYBER NOW!

Modmamn, Gleyber!

Gleyber Goes Boom!!

It never stops being Gleyber Day!

Looks like the Braves forgot about Emma’s Molina PSA. Yadier hit a game winning SF.

[107] He looks lost. He's taking the right pitches, but he's not touching anything he swings at.

Not sure how he hit that ball much less drive it off the wall.

Sevi's control is hot Fucking garbage.

Bear down, Sevy. I want a sweep.

[114] As they say, "You gotta tip your cap." [Groan]

There is no calm in playoff Sevi. :/

Sano is gonna hit one over the moon.

Maybe he's tipping his pitches again? /sarcasm off

Sano looks like he could hit the ball to Mars..

[119] Jinx! (almost)

Jesus, this is stressful.

I guarantee Judge and Stanton get hosed on a strike worse than that fucjing bullshit ball. Grrrrrrrrr.....

Wooooh!

PHEW!!!!

Had 'em all along.

Fuck ya! Sevy is BACK!

[128] Pitch count though...

[129] Does that matter? I'm sure the plan was for him to just go 4-5 per usual.

[130] Exactly.

Must plate Gio.

Not much Judge could do with that pitch.

Huuuuuuuuuuge!

Gritner comes through.

GGBG!

2-0!!

Situational hitting. GGBG.

Jesus. Fucking strikes!!!!

Twins radio guys are killing the home plate ump..Severino getting generous calls or they just being homers?

Well, that 3-0 pitch was certainly not strike 1 ...

Phew again. Kahnle for the fourth?

He's gotten some generous calls, especially given his lack of control least with the fastball.

OMG. Luis is making my heart race. Holy tight rope.

THAT's what I'm talkin' bout!

Sevy just wants our heart rates to go up.

Need more runs.

I think that's enough Sevy for one evening.

Dan Gladden the Twins radio guy sounds like some old-time gold prospector (best description I can come up with). Check him out, he's making me laugh

Finally just caught up to live action. Let’s Go Yankees!

Son of a bitch! That was pretty.

I get he sense Kraken will krank one.

Yep not much to do about that. A beautiful fielding play.

Would have had him at 80 pitches without the double play. Bummer

Hello, Savages!

Put him away, Sevy

Nice catch!

Le Machine with the leather,

Le Machine!

Very nice.
Mechanical play.

LeMachine!

Hey, thelarmis.
I meant to say, Happy New Year!

They closed that inning with "A Message To You, Rudy". Love it.

Sevy is done but he was just getting in the zone I felt. Worked out in the end.

More runs, please,

Do you risk Sevy getting through the lineup a third time? I think he can get Cave and Kepler again but nervous about anything beyond that.

[161] I have a message for Rudy, two middle fingers...

Nah, it's bullpen time.

NVM. He’s done. I’ll take it.

Machine-like precision on DJ’s catch.

L’shana Tova, RI! I was actually in NY that Sunday, so I was around for family holiday dinner. (Not that I personally celebrate...)

This choad has DJ's number.

I’m glad Sevy got through 4. Green, Otto, Kahnle, Britton, Chapman.

Yuk

I'm happy with four shut-out innings!
I dunno, I do think maybe they (meaning, all of MLB, not just the Yankees) have gone a little overboard with avoiding "third time through the order". I don't think the evidence supports it -- bullpen isn't in general better than a *very good starter* third-time-through.
But, our bullpen is pretty damn good.

Hm.
Yeah, like that.

Loud single thanks to Judge’s cannon.

"Any time in the post-season you can get a runner on, it feels like a rally."

Uh. No.
I mean, maybe if you're the Twins, or a Fox Sports announcer blatantly rooting for the Twins, then yeah.

Um, Kahnle? Loud single and loud foul?

[172] They flashed Strasburg's BA against and it was something like .192 third time through the order. If you don't plan to pitch 3 times through the lineup how will you ever learn how to pitch?

Uh, next. 2 rockets.

Tommy Tightpants was warmed up, so I guess he gets the 5th. DP here, please

[176] Twins looks like they are happy to see someone other than Sevy out there.

Otto up. I guess Green is coming in late.

At least the Bermuda Triangle was in foul territory.

[170] Got through 4? That was 4 shut out innings against an awesome line-up.

I would’ve been down with having Sevy start the inning.

But, understand and as cool with it.

Two down

JFC! Stanton is scary out there.

Stanton is scaring me.

[185] lol

I do not like seeing Cruz in the box. Bring on Zero.

[188] Can't trust Kahnle against him? I'd save O for later in the game..

That’s some ‘stache Stanton is, um, sporting.

Otto in for Cruz. Still can’t believe no one is talking about his PED suspension on this stage. Imagine if it was A-Rod... Even Suzyn before was talking about what a great guy he has and how he’s a saint for all the teams he’s been on. I mean, cool, but if it were a different player, there’d always be an addendum...

Otto is much better to face Cruz. The 314 had some good ink about this earlier in the weak. Definitely a tougher at-bat for Cruz. Good move, Boone!

Too late, Blue! Damn

[190] That train long past except for geriatric BBWAA members who won't vote for Bonds.

That was a strike!

Hm.
I think Kahnle could have done that.

[193] I hear ya. If it were a Yankee player though...

Dammit, Zero.

Ooooh.
Overmanaging I think.
Okay, well, let's see how this goes!

Wow. Quick hook.

I hate how he is using Octavio in this series

WTF Boone???? Burn Kahnle AND Ottovino in the 5th??? First guess here: terrible pen management that could come back to bits them in the..

Has he faced 2 batters this series and walked both?

Green needs to dispose of Rosario quickly, so he can pitch most of the next two innings.

Paging JA Happ.

[199] Do tell! ; )

(And, I agree)

During this break, let's explore the age old question. Why is Smoltz in broadcasting? I'll take a stab. If you're a white ex-jock you can get a job doing anything.

As long as this game isn't put into Cessa's hands I'm fine with Boone's 20 pitcher strategy.

3 pitchers to get 3 outs in the 5th?

Sigh.

This dude ia gonna break the Twinkies shit luck.

[203] Yeah, Jay is going to soak up some batters in this game.

[206] That applies to so much more than broadcasting and...I'll stick to sports!

I really am not getting Boone's BP management this series, can't be effing around so much against the Astros..

Whew!

NICE PLAY!

Well hot damn!

Yes!

That was pretty, pretty, pretty good.

Wow!!! Fucking ugly as hell, but I’ll take it!

Love it!

Kahnle and Ottavino will be rested for game 4 now.

In 20 years when Torres is getting inducted I wonder if Cubs fans will still enjoy that championship?

Torres is The Man!

Twins closer? So we get to feast on the crappy end of their pen the last three innings? I’m fine with that.

Crystal ball says starting Green for 5 would havw been wise. 2 outs of Tommy and Zero is a joke.

[206] Let's just say there are plenty of unqualified, useless ex-jocks of all affiliations in all aspects of all sports.

Hurray. Stanton squared one up.

I would like a similar smooth, easy, and quick inning from our pitcher(s).

[219] Yes, yes they will. They have had their share of hall of famers, but no world championships.

[222] I agreed and was expecting that. Krazy Kahnle was already warming the inning before and I think Boone wanted Otto for Crus from the outset. Need Green to throw two more. But, Boone was prepared to have Britton to two the other night, even though he never does that. Hmmm...

I tend to no buy into the whole 'baseball needs to work harder for younger fans' nonsense you here in the media these days. But hearing Suzyn Waldman go into a riff on the musical 'Funny Girl', then the Twins radio feed use RUSH as their BGM...yeah, maybe time for some young blood in the production departments?

[221] I was thinking the same thing! I wonder if that guy pitches a second frame...

Fire! Strike three

Smoltz obviously hasn't seen the Yankees not score with bases loaded, no outs, a thousand times in the last 2 years.

I am not pleased with that double.

Hm.
I'm feeling nostalgic for Severino.

And we may need to feast on the soft underbelly of the Twins bullpen.

That was in the box, Blue

Green is good but wouldn't you still rather O or Krazy K here against Sano?

Have you seen, Mr OKJT, the ad with all the young stars spliced into old school black and white footage? It's pretty cool. All the new stars are loud and in color.

There's a big homer coming.

[237] Oh, yes have seen that one, it's great! Maybe it's just the announcers then that need replacing?

Sanonononono buddy.

Judge is fire.

Overruled!

He needed every inch of his 9’4” frame to catch that!

ALL RISE! for a very tall human in RF!

llol
Not even Mookie "Dickie" Betts coulda got that one, thelarmis!

Judge is such a great athlete!

Smoltz compares that to Betts? Idiot. It wasn’t the jump or read, it was the height. Stanton, maybe.

[239] If you're listening to the Yankees' radio feed, the answer is yes, yes they do.

With extreme prejudice.

Scary fly balls.

Ruling upheld. Phew

If it's not Cone, I'd rather listen to the Spanish broadcast. And I don't speak Spanish.

More runs please

[245] Markus.

I played with Dickie once! And headlined the GABBA fest a couple of weeks ago : )

[248] Twins radio feed today. They're not bad, just the music choices..playing RUSH in 2019 (and I like them!) is like if when we were kids they played the Andrews Sisters or Al Jolson between innings..seems so so dated.

The Twins are out-hitting us, I feel like.
It must be incredibly frustrating for their fans.

[253] I know you did!

Judge is such a stud.

2-bagger for the 22-yr old!!

Gleyber gets things started ... now, bring him home!

Gleyber is sick. Ridiculous.

[254] Rush are still wildly popular, and with the younger generation also. I even taught Spirt of Radio about a month ago.

Dammit.
Late.

Dammit, Gary

Blech.

DIDI DOES IT AGAIN!

Love me some Didi. Hell yeah!

Sir Didi!

3-0!!!

Fucking beautiful, Didi!!!

Hey, Smoltz- try to show a little less excitement. Douchelord.

Thank you Didi.

GreGLORIOUS!

[270] Me likey!

[261] The words of the prophet were written on the subway wall.

[268] Simmer down over there, you'll be begging for Smoltzie's level of enthusiasm if the Yankees make the Serious and Joe Buck is delivering the "excitement"!

Who is pitching the 7th?

Good to see Maybin in left with a big chaw.

[268] hahaha douchelord is so appropriate for him

[276] seamus!

Those are scary outs.

What a play!!! That was *gorgeous*

Those are scary outs, too. Yikes.

Dayum. I expect a challenge, nothing left to lose

Max Kepler sounds like a villain from a WWII movie.

Lovely.

Whoa! Wtf was that?!

WTF!

[277] greetings thelarmis!

Juuuuust a bit high....

Fucking beautiful!

Six outs to go

Zack Britton: Professional Pitcher

Very nice!

Cheers, y'all. If the Yanks shit the bed I don't want to see it anyhow. Zzz....

[292] I still have to check in at the office at some point. Good thing I'm the boss.

Fuck. Is Britton hurt, or just hurting?

Tyler Lyons for the 8th? (He’s warming up) Oh, Dellin...

Grrrr. I wanted insurance runs...

Looks like Britton will be back out.

[294] not sure if he was hurt or if that was just douschelord wishful thinking

BTW, it's worth mentioning that the "Stros took one on the chin today. They can be beat. Just sayin'

That is: no bueno

[299] I want them all to go to five games. And this to end tonight.

5 outs

What’s going on? Injured?

Time for Chapman

.um injury?

[305] Weren't we way overdue for another one?

Not ideal

4 more outs

[306] I was hoping for an end to the streak.

Britton’s ankle is why he had to leave the game.

Boone-y had better hope Chapman can get the 5-out save here, otherwise he's gonna look the ####### idiot.

Don’t know if the same one he had the Achilles injury. Let’s hope to sweep tonight, and have him ready for the next series.

Probably from stepping on first base, making that great play.

7 pitches for Chappy.

3 outs to go

Chapped.

Ok 3 more...

Let's get that run back.

Hammerin’ Cameron!!! Hugs

Yes there is that run!

[317] Cameron obliges.

MayBOOM!

Rosenthal that should’ve stopped talking immediately, not that the booth would’ve cared about the homer or showed any excitement...

Way to shut up douche-bag bow-tie wearing Rosenthal.

Gleyber is unbelievable!

Gleyber day it is

Get Gleyber home

Dear Smoltzie,

Can you please STFU about "crooked innings"?

KTHANKSBYE

-CoB

And the announcers are just soooo boring too. It’s like they don’t even like baseball...

Gary has seen what 19 pitches in last two at bats?

[327] I always hated that expression. An 8 is not a crooked number.

[327] he secretly knows that more runs is better than less runs

DIDI!!!

Another for sir Didi!

As, Smoltzie is so sad... Fucking douchelord.

[334] aw...

[330] and, I’ve never heard that a crooked inning is anything more than 1 run. It’s usually not used unless A LOT of runs are scored

He is so sad. It’s ridiculous

Twins radio guys gushing about Torres, 'He's the MVP of this series, at 22..' :)

DJ decided that Chapman shouldn't wait any longer.

Just settin up there dp

Stfu, Smoltz

Ah, just settin’ up the TRIPLE play...

Not a single slider in that at bat

FFS Chapman.....don't string this out please, I have work to do..

Ok, that’s one. Now, a 1-pitch DP

Yes inDIDI !!!

That was lovely.

Chappy scares me...

Damn that was beautiful.

One strike away!

ALCS!!!

SWEEP!

Please nobody get hurt celebrating!!!

Looking! Woo hoo!

BROOM BROOM BROOM!!!

BROOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!

Night all.

Never underestimate the heart of a champion. At least we miss Verlander for Game1. Go Jang-kiss.

Poor Twins. The Yanks are their Daddies, as Pedro would say.

Houston you have a problem.

[353] That's what I was thinking. They did look like they were holding back a bit. No dog piles.

Go Rays!

Been tough not to ake part in the Banter-ing; due to circumstances beyond my control, had to watch all 3 on DVR. Hope to join for the next series. And love my Nats' comback. Can't wait for game 5.

In case anyone's watching, the Rays jumped on Verlander for 3 runs in the first.

I'm watching. 32 pitches for JV.

JV with 57 pitches thru TWO innings.

JV with 69 pitches thru 3 innings.

I’m keeping an eye on the game. Hope the Rays force a game five. May the Astros and Dodgers get ousted.

JV was taken out in the 4th. Crazy.

TB up 4-0 after 5.5 innings.
No counting chickens, but I think this goes back for a Thursday game in Houston.

So that was the first time Verlander pitched on three days rest? Interesting...

Woah apparently Hicks thinks he is ready to return.

[371] huh, didn’’t know that

Starting to look like a game five. And JV and Cole won’t be available on regular rest.

Also, Houston bats have gone ice cold...apparently since game one, according to some graphic they just put up.

Astros threatening in the 9th.

Game over. Rays win. Very nice. That will go 5...

Game five, yes. Everyone has one except the Yankees.

It would be hilarious if the 'Stros got knocked out by the Rays.

[379] Careful what you wish for.

[379], [380] You're both right.

On the one hand, a Rays win helps the Yanks on paper: It restores home field for the LCS, against an opponent they beat head-to-head 12-7 in the regular season instead of one that beat them 4-3.

On the other hand... careful what you wish for. :) There's a reason they've been writing about hubris for 3,000 years.

I think the correct stance here (Boone has not reached out to me for counsel) is somewhere north of confident, somewhere south of cocky.

In any event, the Yankees have the extra rest, which is already a greater advantage than anyone expected them to have.

Hoping my "savages in the box" T-shirt makes it here by Saturday!

Braves give up 10 in the first? Stick a fork in it. Some folks were still getting to their seats and already 11-0. Say goodnight Gracie.

Dayum. Double digits for the Cardinals in the first inning.

United Steel Industries is a new Rolling Mill in Fujairah. USI is incorporated in 140,000 square meters of land. The plant will produce bar and wire rod products for civil construction. The rolling mill project was designed in 2005 by Germany’s concern SIEMENS - VAI ( SVAI ). Our mill capacity is 1.1 MTPA producing wire rods and Rebar's.

wire rod 5.5mm

Washington impotent against LA, 3-0. 2 Hits in 4 innings.

HOLY SHIT!
It aint over 'till it's over but....
Grand Slam for the Nats in the top of the 10th.
7-3. LA might miss the WS again!

[387] Unbelievable!! WHAT was Dave Roberts thinking there leaving in Joe Kelly??

Kendrick had some ugly strikeouts earlier. He swung at pitches 5 inches off the plate. I was thinking they shouldn't pitch him anything close.

You all see where this is leading, don't you? Baseball in the nation's capital during impeachment hearings.

That's not political, just a little color.

I suppose the MLB Money Machine prefers NY-St.Louis. Tampa Bay-St.Louis would probably be a worst case scenario?

I feel bad for Jon Weisman.
That must have been crushing.

I live in LA, and you could hear a collective "F..K" when Kershaw gave up his first dinger, 2nd dinger and lots of shouting when Kelly came back for a 2nd inning. Roberts is done. You could hear fans shouting to fire him at the game. Epic failure. Dave Roberts dioesn't have to pay for a meal in Boston but it isn't safe for him to show his face in LA anymore. I was hoping for LA/NY WS. On the bright side, if/when the Yanks get there, they will have home field. Wow! What a sh.tshow of BP management.

Well that’s not a good start for Tampa. Looks like the Yankees will be traveling to Texas.

C’mon Rays. At least threaten enough to wring out the Astros pen a little.

Let's at least hope Gerrti Cole is left in to throw 120 pitches..

Hmm, bats have gone to sleep for both teams.

[394] He’s getting close. Surprised he’s still out there.

Somehow I doubt he’ll pitch the 9th. Sadly.

On to Houston.

I am scared of Houston, and they put on a clinic in Game 5. But I also want the Yanks to beat the best competition. If they get to miss Cole and Verlander in the first game, that is the best we can hope for. I also like their chances more if they face Cole in the Bronx instead of Houston. This will be a battle royal.

I'm conflicted about having Hicks on the roster, but he probably could be added and have Voit dropped. Hicks is a switch hitter and even though his timing may be off, he also has some speed and gives the Yanks more of a chance than Voit, who is obviously not right physically.

If you're not watching, better check out what Anibal Sanchez is doing in St. Louis.