Wow, this has been some kind of ugly, eh? And to think they still have the second best record in the league.
Thursday
April 17, 2025
Since 2002
"This ain't football. We do this every day."
--Earl Weaver
--Earl Weaver
We got Hicks and Higgy in the line-up today, in addition to two rooks (no pressure, guys) and Josh "Please Make It Stop" Donaldson.
This ain't what we signed up for.
[0]Great headline, Alex. You always hit the mark with cultural flare.
I liked this team earlier this year but now, if it wasn't for Judge and the chase for 62, I don't think I would watch.
I am definitely upset about the disastrous trade of Montgomery, and I have spent most of the last 3 weeks thinking that somehow they killed themselves by trading Gallo. I know, I know - but away from the Stadium he had a 132 OPS+! Someone besides Judge who could hit and get on base regularly would be a big help right now.
[2] Couldn't agree more on so many levels.
I'm thinking the rookie would have made that play if he was at ss.
[3] My pet theory is Gallo was the quiet, chill, stoner dude that kept everyone calm. Sure he sucked on the field but he took the pressure off everyone else. / $0.02.
[5]. Interesting the guy that was terrible was the guy that made this offensive engine work. Maybe they thought, at least I am not as bad as Gallo and relaxed.
So it’s basically Judge and that’s about it for the offense. Reminds me of 2000 when the Yankees built up such a lead that they had fouls to give and used them all up.
Pheeeeewwwww!
Best ump call of the season. A little payback for Judge.
Wrist surgery foe Benintendi. I’m assuming he’s done for the season.
Douche Donaldson Cadillacs himself into an out.
What a freakin lame-ass Donaldson in. Capable of turning chicken salad into chicken shit.
Jesus, Donaldson is a disaster.
Even when he gets an RBI he does something stupid.
I guess Donaldson loves being the consummate asshole.
[11] [12] We all posted the same kind of message. Hilarious.
Seriously? Dropping routine throws from short. Oi.
Well this is stupid. I’m in eastern VA., so maybe yesterday MLBN would show the Yankees Rays game. Nope, Red Sawx. Today, you’d figure the O’s game would be blacked out, because cable provides me with MASN. Nope, once again it doesn’t show the Yankees game, instead I get the Orioles.
Grrrr.
Fuck, I'd have to say that Judge is pretty fucking good
FIFTY-FOUR.
I feel like we might've just seen Stanton's last swing of 2022.
[20] We essential got one nice dance with Stanton before he left the party. Cock tease.
Watching the game now, Kay was giving it pretty hard to Donaldson too. He seems fed up with the guy and most the team now. I’m looking forward to Gary’s tater (and Judge’s of course!)
Rained out already
Gave up two in the first and now we’re going to get URP’d for the day game.
Why isn't the game on YES right now?
[25] Just looked at the lineup for the first time. Perhaps the YES producers are confused and think this is an exhibition game. Nice of Boone to keep Judge in the lineup to get him some swings and keep him loose.
55 for Judge!
To quote Marcellus Wallace upon seeing Butch at the traffic light, "Motherfucker"
Whelp, I survived my 24th 1st day of school as a teacher. I forgot there was a game on today. Only took 10 minutes to find it on Amazon. Grrr.....
Uh. The goal is to stay on the bag.
Brutal send. Yikes.
Everyone saw the balk but the 4 blind mice.
Don't fucking bunt Gleyber. Egads.
They could try 2 squeezes in a row.
What the fuck is that clown doing. Holy shite, dude!
Guzman 0 for 5. 4 strikeouts and a bases loaded double play where you half-ass it to 1st. Yanks deserve to lose this one.
This would be a rough one. Screwed by the non-balk in the ninth, screwed themselves with bases loaded and none out in the tenth.
Hey, Ara. My 32nd first day was last week. 95 degrees in my classroom today. Good times!
Max respect to all teachers, Ara & Hank!! You deserve way more pay and budgets!!
Is The rookie Guzman’s day one of the worst debuts ever?
Cheers, Hank. Here's to a good year. May your fall and winter be cool.
A crew chief review? Did that exist before today? Do the ump's lose their challenges now?
This game is an absolute shit show of bizarre plays.
I don't want to win. You win. I don't want to win. You win.......
I had faith! It’s the Twins after all
YES!!!!
Phew, a win.
Judge has hit a HR in 4 straight games.
Let’s just say that makes a guy like me believe I could manage a baseball team better than a couple of managers who are already in the bigs.
I just won a kajillion dollar bet. lol.....
IKF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holy Falafal!
I’d be happy to keep IKF at third and leave Donaldson at home.
Shit call.
[53] Agreed.
Reverse this, and get Judge to the plate this inning. Hang a crooked number on them and breathe for a minute.
Or not. The old Hicks-Boson super non-collider.
I have not seen Luetge have a single outing this year when he didn't walk a lefty or do anything good.
You hit a grand slam, you get to hit cleanup the next day. Should be a rule.
Miggy Four-Bags!
Kay is talking about Gary's passed-ball problems and right on cue Higgy lets one go by.
Brilliant!
Derek Jeter Day would actually mean something if he was replacing Cashman.
Griffin Jax is a great name for any athlete, although it probably wasn't good for him during his schoolboy days.
[60]. Apparently they should use him to protect Judge.
Kay is such a fucking asshole. "That's kind of a hard one to miss." He who screams, "If it's fair it's gone!" when it's 150 feet foul.
Another pitcher I don't want to see in October. Ugh.
That looks familiar.
Dang.
Some day this game's gonna end.
I'm calling it. Hick's grounds into a double play.
I love being wrong.
Hicks tries to bunt that eye high bullshit and then has the audacity to not stay at first on his double.
Cowards!!!!! I mean I don't blame the Twins but UGH.
Just in time for some excitement. C’mon Gleyber!
Shame Judge losing all these ABs though
And that should have been ball four ...
Losing to the twins is unacceptable.
Horseshit
Nice win for the umpires. Hope they’re proud.
That sucks. Another 1 run loss. Sigh.
[79] Gleyber's AB would have been an ideal time for Boonie to go apeshit, maybe change the rhythm of the game. [sigh]
This is my least favorite Yankee team in recent memory, the whole season has been confusing and disorienting. Their record is still good, probably better than I would've expected going into the season. Aaron Judge continues to amaze. But I never want to watch them! Montgomery was one of the few pitchers I enjoyed watching (Cole, while good, isn't what he was chalked up to be, and whines too much, Taillon is a snoozefest, etc.) I have hope for Montas. The lineup is just rough to watch every night, I turn the game on and find myself genuinely bummed out, wanting to do other things. The YES broadcast has become borderline unwatchable (or unlistenable, really-- I usually mute it and have music going). Sorry for the negativity, maybe I just need the intensity of playoff baseball and am picking up on some September doldrums. Anyway, lets go Yankees!
I love it so much when the old band gets back together!
ANDYYYYYY!!!!!!!
I hate bigger bases and the shift ban.
I watched a 5 minute clip on Twitter. Amazing bunch. They all look good still.
It’s no one’s fault, but it’s amazing that with a four and a half game lead on September 9, this is the lineup the Yankees are running out. I had hoped we’d at least see Stanton tonight. I know he still isn’t right, but at least he’s someone that could run into one. When 2–3-4 is the lowest OPS in baseball followed by Hicks and IKF, that tells you all you need to know. If I were Kevin Cash I’d just walk Judge every time up for the entire series. So what if he’s on base fifteen times? How often would he actually score?
[86] They really do!
[82] I've been feeling pretty much exactly the same.
[87] Stanton needs to be in the lineup even if he’s not right yet. They’ll be no postseason run unless he’s hitting. His timing is off but unless he’s in the lineup, he can’t really fix it.
So I’m watching the Rays broadcast, and they’re insufferable. If you didn’t know whom they were talking about, you’d think all nine guys in the Tampa lineup were either heading to Cooperstown or to the All-Effort Hall of Fame. They’re rightfully excited that the Rays have made up all this ground, but there’s been no mention of the fact that it has nothing whatsoever to do with the Rays. If the Yankees had even been mediocre in July and August they’d have a ten-game lead. But that doesn’t fit the narrative.
If they call this a fielders choice…
The Rays announcers were certain it would be a fielder’s choice, apparently unaware that the runner might go back to first if the batter is called out. “I don’t get that at all!”
I’ve got the tennis on the TV and baseball on the iPad tonight until/unless someone convinces me otherwise.
2022 Captain would probably be a net positive down the stretch given the roster these days. Hold off mounting that plaque and put him in pinstripes for a coupla weeks.
What the actual fuck is Hicks doing out there?????
Just bench him and trade him for anything this off-season. Completely lost the plot.
I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a player get booed like this while in the field. The Aaron Hicks experiment is over.
Hicks has butchered things, but Montas has to take some blame. The two-out walk, the two-strike hit, the laser that drove in the fourth run. (I don’t think Hicks had a shot it, but the optics were awful after he Knoblached the previous play.) Hard to imagine this lineup scoring four runs.
Hicks is out.
Here’s another stat I wasn’t aware of. Yankees have the second most errors in the league since the break. Remember how much better they were in the first half? This has truly been a perfect storm, and in a way that gives me hope. ALL of this can’t stay this bad for three more weeks. And the reality is the Yankees only need to win one of these games. Two would be nice. But a win gives them the season series over the Rays and essentially an extra game.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Donaldson needs to get back to New York. This lineup is in sore need of major league hitters.
How said is it that for a team that was on 115 win pace, all I want is to win the division and DGAF if they crash out in the ALDS just so as not to have an all time regular season choke on their books to go along with 2004?
I didn't see last night's game. Just checked out Twitter for the lowlights. Hix and and his shitty defense led to 3 runs! OMG. Do that during jv tryouts and and your cut. Fucking bollocks.
It least it looks closer to a major league lineup today. I know I've said this before, and I know it's obvious, but I still think Stanton is the key. The second he puts one in the seats, I think the team will relax a bit, and I think teams will be forced to at least *think* about pitching to Judge.
Really curious to know the last time the Yankees started a game with three straight base hits. I like it!
Excuse me. Four. I also like that.
So close to four nothing...
Five straight hits to start the game. Not sure where this team came from.
Six.
Is this real life?
Seven.
Didn't know the Rays were using an opener today. Huh.
Oh, and here's the genius of Aaron Boone -- by batting Judge leadoff, he's going to come up again in the first inning.
Wow. Were it not for a great play that would've been eight. But it's 5-0, so not much to complain about. I still like it. Ninth batter coming to the plate, Judge on deck.
And the hits just keep on comin'...
Two outs for Kluber, 6-0 Yankees, 25 more outs (hopefully 22) for the Rays' pitching staff. Good for today, good for tomorrow.
ESPN tells me that the last time the Yankees opened a game with seven straight hits was in 1990.
Here's fun stat, courtesy of YES. (An actual fun stat.)
Judge has reached base three or more times in seven straight games. The last Yankee to do that was Mickey Mantle in his triple crown season of 1956.
[117] In that game the 1st and 7th hits were HRs with 5 singles in between.
Any thoughts on the new rules? The only rule I feel strongly about is that they should go to robot umps.
The shift rule seems like it would lead to more players pulling the ball, but I guess it also may impact how they are pitched. It seems like it would benefit dead pull hitters, but who knows?
I think the shift rule is a shame. Managers should be able to play their fielders anywhere they want. I know they want more offense, but I don't think legislating it is the right way to go. You know what else would create more offense? Allowing just one outfielder. Imagine the excitment!
The real head scratcher, though, is the larger bases. I mean, who even came up with that idea?
So here's a controversial opinion. Baseball writers love to talk about the loss column because "that's all that really matters." In the case of the Yankees and Rays, I'd argue that the win column means more.
Yankees 84-56
Rays 78-59
Let's imagine that it's a 145-game season. The Yankees have played three more games, so at a certain point the Rays have make up wins. Even if the Yankees were to lose their final five games in this scenario, the Rays would have to finish 6-2. I'd like the Yankees' chances. Considering the Yankees now own the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Rays, the road becomes that much steeper for Tampa Bay.
I'm keeping my eye on the wins column. I'd rather have a win in the bank than be left hoping for the other team to be lose.
[122] You are probably right. If the Yanks win 11 of their remaining 22 (based on track record is doubtful) then the rays have to win 17 of 25 to tie and 18 to top them. Or they can only afford to lose 8 more games which I guess is the all important loss column.
Hmm, David Pinto is giving Judge an outside shot at the Triple Crown.
It’ll be very expensive, but at 30 y.o., only 8 years guaranteed. Maybe a couple of options.
[123] And as folks have been documenting, the Rays have the toughest schedule in the league the rest of the way, including six games with the Astros. A win today might even lock things up.
Any update on when/if this game will start? It looks like they are going to show it on MLB network.
They're saying it'll start at 3:40 local time.
In other news, I see that Harrison Bader started his rehab stint today. It wouldn't be bad to see Andújar/Florial in left, Bader in center, and Judge in right. And keep your fingers crossed for Benintendi come October.
I'm only kind of watching the game without audio while some other work. I know it's a bullpen day, but has there been word as to why Germán isn't just getting a normal start?
[129]. I thought they said he had pitched 4 days ago > 90 pitches, but I may have misunderstood.
Hey Hank, how’s it going with the jazz listening?
I like these Yankees better than last week's Yankees.
If Stanton is really back, I’m starting to feel optimistic again.
[131] The jazz listening and writing has been a lot of fun. Here's today's installment. Stan Getz.
https://www.sundaymorningvinyl.com/2022/09/8-focus.html
I mean, if Stanton is back and Gleyber is fixed... That changes everything. Everything.
(133). I don’t know whether you’re confining yourself to a particular genre, but I’d highly highly recommend Pharoah Sanders’ Karma
Gleyber Day!
[136] I'm confining myself to a particular collection, my father's records from the 50s and 60s.
Double digits already
[137] Maybe it's Gleyber Month?
Came back from a bike ride to find the Yanks had scored 7 and my wife got me Graceland on vinyl for our anniversary. Took the kids into DC today to mark 9/11. Pizza in the Ooni tonight. Amazing tennis final.
TBS game tonight.
Uh oh, didn’t retouch
Marwin!!
Marwin!
This happens so often it can't be coincidence. My phone freezes during a Yankee at bat. I finally decide to reboot the phone and find there's been a homer or RBI hit.
So I missed Marwin's bomb.
56!
Just in time to see Judge go Boom! 56!
RIP to the great Godard, for any film fans here at the Banter. Rebel to the end.
Pretty amazing. All Rise.
Looks like a small front moving through, maybe 15 minutes worth.
[149]Yes. Got scolded at by the wife for mispronouncing his name and have been enjoying various clips on Twitter.
Cole is determined to give this game to the Sox.
I've been lucky to miss all of Cole's homers tonight. WT the ever loving F?!?!
Why does it seem that Luetge is pitching every game, is he the new EDSP?
Heinz 57 coming up?
WOO!
Hot Dog!
He’s going to do it! He’s going to break 62!! Incredible, All Rise!!
Just give him his $400 million now please!
Anyone else tired of Kay saying "5 away from Roger Maris, 4 away from Roger Maris."
How about just enjoying Judge without worrying about records or comparing him to other players?
57!
[161] 8 years. $50 million per.
[163] You're killing me. Hal ain't giving no 8-year contracts. Judge is 30 years old.
I could see the Mets going for that.
Cone has the audacity to compare Harry Styles to Springsteen? Dude.
This will be a tough pill to swallow.
[164] I’m not going beyond 8 years. Capture his celebrity and jersey sales years. Tigers went too far with Miggy, Angles with Pujols.
Green light!
Gleyber Time!
Every day is Gleyber Day!
Hallelujah!
I had to delete the comment I WAS typing. Lol...
Miggy Jr.!
Get it together, Clay.
JFC! Hit the lead off man. Are you fucking kidding me?
"Connor Wong" as a name cracks me up.
Sounds like a name from Hong Kong or Taiwan. I think I worked with an Abigail Chang once.
Donna Chang: I'm sorry.
Estelle: Well, then...that changes everything!
George: What?!
Estelle: She's not Chinese, I was duped!
George: So what?! She still gave you great advice! What's the difference if she's not Chinese?!
Estelle: I'm not taking advice from some girl from Long Island!
Wow. That was harder than it shoulda been.
Phew phew phew. I need another bourbon.
Phew. Long live Judge.
[177] Ha!
And meanwhile the Rays and Jays are taking turns beating each other. It’s amazing how different things look compared to Friday night.