The Hiroshima Carp have posted some photos of former Yankee Andy Phillips on their web site.

The Google translation is hilarious. Apparently, they think he's cute:

Tom Cruise?!! Brad Pitt?!! Female fans must see!!! Phillips played in Japan's new foreign player studmuffin, held a press conference after signing.

(What's Japanese for "studmuffin"?)

Somehow, I can't imagine a comment like that appearing on any American team's official site. :-D

Best of luck to you, Andy, you foreign player studmuffin, you.

[1] Hey Andy, have a meal of some spiders for me!

: )

[1] "Big hit, happy body!" - Tom Selleck as Jack Elliot in "Mr. Baseball"

: )

Peter Gammons and Phil Spector were separtated at birth? Who knew.

[1] "What’s Japanese for 'studmuffin'?"

Sutaddomafin...

[5] Perfect!

On that note, I just finished the 20th anniversary updated version of Robert Whiting's "You Gotta Have Wa", best book on Japanese baseball (and one of the best overall on Japan). Hysterical and fascinating..and a little frightening when you read about the extent of Japanese "training", and not just the infamous "1000-fungo drill"...HIGHLY recommended!

[1] If...and it is IF...Andy Phillips dominates the Japanese leagues, that may put the quality of competition in perspective.

[0] So you know Alex, that's bad luck in Japan to leave chopsticks in the rice bowl like that...

Right OK Jazz?

: )

Wow, good to know. Thankfully, Chien Ming ian't Japanese.

LOL.

[5] Oh Wow! If I had said that, the Political Correctness Police here would have labeled me racist (but vely good PJ)

[7] Well, Aaron Guiel is playing pretty well over there. (As Mike P. predicted.)

According to Baseball Reference, Guiel's nickname in Japan is "Angel," for his curly blond hair and gentle nature.

Anyone look at Melky's and Gardy's numbers recently? Talk about a competition.

[10] There's nothing racist about what PJ posted. But do you have to post things like "vely good"? I'm sorry, but a lot of Asians do find that kind of thing offensive.

[8] That's right PJ, that's how you put your chopsticks in the rice when offering to a dead spirit at a shine/tomb/grave..I would imagine it's the same for the Chinese.

[10] Well played, OYF!

randym77, going to see the Swallows in 2 weeks, will try to get a pic with Gueil-san and any good stories he has.

alex what say you about wearing mets colors yesterday ao and i peeped your shirt

and i know we aren't supposed to grouse about the announcers but steve phillips ugh

[13] I believe the proper term is "Oriental."

[13] Rugs are oriental, people are Asian.

[15] radio feed here, thaknfully..Phillips and Morgan too much on a Monday morning..

[16] ummm..no...unless you're joking?

[14] At least we now know who to blame should CMW's sinker be a "dead spirit" tonight!

: )

livan = 34 yrs. old. riiiight. sure. i buy that... NOT!!!

[18] [17] Indeed I was joking. But it's nice to see the racism police are back on the beat, to keep an eye on OYF (that well known known right wing ethnocentrist).

[20] LOL

welcome back cap

he tattooed that pitch! better make it count!

Yikes--that would have been outta of NYS!

[21] Be nice..no one is calling anyone ethnocentric/racist. It's just good to use proper terminology when referring to people..as someone once said to me here, "We're not in the Far East, and we don't say you're from the Far West!"

anyways, Go Go Jeter!

don't bunt!!! idiot...

Swisher + Bunting + First Inning = Unacceptable

[25] i thought the same thing...

yeah!!!

[28] daniel murphy going to third = even more unacceptable

there is no way i could watch the mets on a consistent basis right now

[26] ummm...see [13]. And then review yesterday's game thread (or the night before), when OYF was most certainly accused explicitly of making a racist and sexist post. A post, I will add, that was quite obviously neither. (That is what OYF was referring to in [10]).

[20] thelarmis..they are actually saying Livan is younger than we are?!? I don't get why the widespread lying about birthdays is not a bigger scandal..must be dozens of players who are 2 or 3 years older than listed..

[31] Mets defense = very acceptable...unless you're a Mets fan.

yes - offf to a good start - keep it up againts that slop

i LOVE the fact that Tex is on my team!!!

wow, the Muts simply cannot field!!! (i love it)

[33] Sorry, but I could not disagree more. As an Asian female, I found it extremely offensive.

[32] must be excruciating to be a Mets fan..

let's make this a really BIG inning and give CMW some breathing room...and a "W" on his ledger!

[34] yeah, they are! methinks he's a little bit older than us, rather than a little bit younger. i very much think Prince Albert is 2 or 3 years older than he's listed...

My rugs are Oriental? I didn't know.
randym77 - I prescribe 6 hours of Lenny Bruce with a 4 hour chaser of George Carlin.

good god, this kid CAN'T catch a freaking ball! wow. : o

wow - i mean what else can be said about the mess

[38] Why? He implicitly criticized sexism in the post? How can it have been sexist? In any case, you may have found it "offensive", but that does not mean that the statement conforms to "sexism" or "racism," properly defined.

But I guess that's the beauty of such accusations--no matter how illogical, as long as an individual feels that something is racist or sexist, then it is!

[41] I would add that I tend to be suspicious of many Latino players when it comes to age, given the tendencies in the last several years as to who has turned out to be older that originally believed. I guess that makes me racist

if he threw it harder poor murphy might have dropped it

that 1st pick off was closer than it should've been. be awake, robbie!

good job, Jorgie & Tex.

3 is my favorite number! : )

that was a horrible jump robbie

Cano ≠ Gardner.

[46] I'm not sure, but I think also sexist, and possible elitist. (Can homophopic be far behind?)

Next is the part where Wanger gives it all back.

[52] Don't forget ageist.

[47] hilarious! : )

i wish robbie had more speed and senses on the basepaths...

[46] No, it makes you a skeptical baseball fan. But you do seem to have some hangup about "PC" language...what's so wrong with people being called on possibly offensive language? Believe me, living in a at times shockingly racist country I welcome the questioning and caution when it comes to offensive language..

[51] holy cool! how do you make that "not equal" sign? is it only Canadian computers?! ; )

[53] ugh. i sure hope not.

[54] IS THAT A CRACK ABOUT ME????

damn he drilled him
control wang

ouchie!

i wonder if that's for breaking up AJ's no-no! ; )

nice pronunciation of ops jon

get the ball DOWN, wanger!!!

[56] I have a problem when terms like racism and sexism are thrown around loosely and, often, inaccurately...especially in today's climate where they seem to be among the few unforgivable sins. I work in a profession where especially even the hint of such allegations would bring profession disaster and ostracism on a formal and informal level. If someone like me perhaps needs to be more appreciative of PC language (whatever that means), then those who look for various -isms wherever they may or may not be, and all too willingly throw out terms that amount to character assassination ("he's a communist") should be just as careful.

[58] Damn--you got me!

[61] yeah, i didn't dig that, either.

nice job, Tiger! (why don't why refer to him as that around here anymore? then again, we did we ever start calling him that in the first place?!)

Sheff is incredibly intimidating. i sure wouldn't wanna pitch to him. ever.

"You mean she's NOT Chinese. Well, I'm not taking any advice from some woman from Long Island." So said Mrs. Costanza from the Donna Chang episode. : )

settle down, wang. how 'bout some vintage heavy sinkers? whaddya say, pal?!

17 pitches and a K. pretty good. 2 fly ball outs. not so hot...

[63] Mmm..those are good points. I suppose much of it has to do with our current environments..Japan (for all the wonderful things about it) certainly shows no evidence of "political correctness" and as a result, it's very common to hear racist & sexist language..it does make one a bit over-sensative..overall though, surely this climate is better than living in a "Mad Men" type environment?

[67] he listened. really just the hbp to cora and letting sheff drive one to cf.
he's far from all the way back but he is improving a good bit.

[69] That was unclear, sorry! I meant, surely the climate you (monkeypants) described, of PC-police, etc, is better than the Mad Men 1950s type climate...ugh, too early for sociological debates, can we start some Wang jokes instead?? :)

[70] yeah. ooh, i forgot about the hbp. that HAD to hurt! ouchie!!!

Wang's sinker doesn't seem to be sinking very well ... I smell trouble.

Those sliders looked pretty good though!

that was a VERY lame swing, Leche. very lame.

why in the world did brett just swing at that pitch?! ugh.

sunday night, nationally televised game vs. the Muts...

where the hell is everybody???

thank you fernando

Good grab. Better to keep the Wanger off the bases.

oh, you fucking bastard! let that fall in, asshole!

ah, then again, who the hell wants Wang on the bases...

[77][78] exactly!

great job, martinez!

[69][71] It's all good as the kids say. Best perhaps to get back to baseball? ; )

BTW, when Wang's sinking liner was caught, do you think William rejoiced?

[76] Morgan + Phillips = sunday night dinner out?

thelarmis, Wayne Shorter "Adam's Apple" on last night, i KNOW you have it!

[81] i'm sure william was wondering why wang swung the bat :}

[81] only in between breaths where he cursed the fact we didn't knock Livan out in the 1st ... a team that had intentions on winning their division would have ...

i keed, i keed ...

alright keep that sinker down now cmw

wow, ball is up up up. Not good for Wang man.

Note to self:

Don't translate anything here, correctly or otherwise!

And forget about foreign customs as well...

*throws pillow*

Doh!

I meant...

*slaps wrist*

: )

arod's improvement in the field the last few days has been dramatic

[82] of course i have that! absolute classic! i've had that one for ages. i had a pretty decent sized BN collection before i started this insane craze i've been on since October. but it was mainly that major 'stars', and that certainly included a bunch of Shorter cd's. the original "Footprints"!!!

a drummer buddy of mine just ran into him outside a gym in LA! (last week).

nice play, Alex!

Wang got squeezed on that 2-2 pitch...

good job, wanger!

[71] No... it's much better to hear it. At least, when you hear it, you may be hearing an HONEST expression of someone's feelings/attitude, as unpleasant as it may make you feel.

When I was a kid, I saw a KKK rally on TV, where the 'dislike' of Blacks and Jews was quite, quite clear. When I complained to my mother about it, she told me, as a Jew, that it was much better to hear it, and know who was saying it. That aside from these people identifying themselves and their 'ideas', it also opened a dialog by those that didn't like the sentiment.

The world is filled with racism, sexism, homophobs and every other 'ism' out there. Genocide is still going on as we watch our Yankees. There is still a lot of horror going on in this world. Isn't being outraged because because someone says Oriental instead of Asian a bit misplaced?

This country has been in the grip of PC language for some time now. Unfortunately, Bill Mahr has not been able to stamp it out. At the same time, we have had very little real dialog about the problems and issues involved in the REAL racism that still exists in this country.

It's not a coincidence.

i can't wait for Wang's ERA to fall below 10

That was quite the prounounced wince from Alex. They should take him out now and put him in the pool 'til Tuesday.

Those last two outs were much more "good" Wang-like. Love to see those bouncing balls from Wang.

[94] Are you sure that wasn't a "Ha!"

: )

another nice rip, cap.

morgan's enunciation is so completely outta whack...

morgan just seems to be getting even more bitter - adding phillips to the booth seems to have brought that our in him even more

Yo, Nostralarmis ... you should check this out

I pulled a bunch of bands I'd never heard before off it ... nothing like more metal you've never heard!

Most games played in Wins since 1950??? Huh???

I'm not sure what that stat means, but I'm pretty certain Jeter ends up at the top of it in a season or two. Meanwhile Phillips observations about Jeter's range "diminishing lately" is not only a few years late, but now seemingly out-of-date.

[97] Loves me some mute button, Thelarmis!

The diswasher is rather soothing... in a Gregory Hines "Tap" sort of way...

[92] but--and I will try to preserve the respectful tone of this thread--using a word like "outrage" is part of the problem. what if someone quite calmly explained to you why "Oriental" was not considered an appropriate term? would you still reserve your right to use that term? if so, on what grounds would you do so? would you assert that your use of the term "Oriental" contributed to dialogue about the real racism of America?

[97] I caught a Mets-Astros playoff game on the tube yesterday. McCarver was doing the broadcast. These guys need to retire already. Oy.

It was OK to talk about moving Sori to the OF, but Cano is a 2nd baseman. If he could overcome his narcolepsy issues, I dare say he could be a GREAT defender. Jeter ain't going to 1st or 2nd, or 3rd for that matter, and I can't see a 37 year old Jeter in a Yankee OF.

I hope he retires after 2011, and 3,000 hits.

what do people think about Morgan's Wang diagnosis?

[103] About once or twice a week I get the Dodgers feed, especially when they play out west. It is both amazing to hear how awesome Vin Scully is, and at so, so frustrating to think about the dreck we get from Kay, Waldman, Sterling (on the Yankees level), Miller, Morgan, Phillps, McCarver, and Buck (national level).

cripes cmw that's what he wants to do

That was acceptably NOT pastadiving Jeter.

nice dp team

Pena woulda been smoother. : O

[105] i'm not totally listening. you mean what he said about seeing the seam of the ball?

[106] Vin Scully is so good it's ridiculous..though I don't mind Jon Miller. Phillips and McCarver are just the dregs...

beautifully done!

[99] thanks for the link, Cult! i'll check it out soon...

[101] ah, now i'm sucked in to the new Gene Simmons episode... : ~

[102] It is not about my right to use the word. Anybody can say what they like. I am concerned about the 'receiver' who allocates energy for outrage. I am a Jew living in NH. My grandfather-in-law is buried 40 miles north of here, OUTSIDE of the cemetary's walls. My mother-in-law was not allowed to buy land on Lake Sunappee.

You don't think I have heard/overheard lots of derrogatory remarks about Jews? Should I lecture everyone I hear it from? Franlky, as long as they are against Jewish extermination, I can live with their remarks. As a Jew and a human, I have bigger fish to fry.

[111] yup--I mean, it can't be that simply--but really just looking at the way those balls dove in that 2007 game suggests he's got a way to go still this year....

[111] I didn't pay a lot of attention, but at least the seams bit appeared rooted in some sort of real baseball anaysis...not nonsense like "he's a starter so he needs to step it up" or whatever.

[112] Miller calls a decent game on the radio, and he has a great voice. But he's like the kid who always gets into trouble at school because he hangs out with the bad kids. When he's around Morgan and now Phillips, he really degrades.

[102] although, on a cultural/intellecture level, I would love to hear an explaination. However, I am intentionally Politically Incorrect because I believe Political Correctness is dangerous.

[115] yeah i agree that the ball is not moving as well as it did back then. he is showing signs of improvement, but his stuff needs to continue to improve

@ #102: Does anyone know *why* the term "oriental" is offensive? I've always wondered about that...

I still don't like Cano in the 5 hole.

I will say, it is amazing that OPS is now a "standard" stat on the broadcast. I mean, it was a big step when ESPN started using OBP--but at least that was used back in the 50s by Branch Rickey. But OPS? You've come a long way, baby.

[118] What happened to the basics of just throwing it down the middle at the knees and letting the movement take care of itself?

Too easy maybe?

: )

Goddam, Livan is throwing some smoke and mirrors to stay in this game. I'm no William, but I would like to see some more runs, especially because I am not entirely won over by Wang's improvement the last couple of games.

[119] It's complicated but to briefly address your Q..

"Oriental" is a term that has very very negative historical connotations. It symbolizes a Euro-centric viewpoint in which everything to the "east" was foreign and exotic, all lumped together as barbaric and un-Christian..also, it reduced all the diverse cultures east of Europre (including Persia, India, China, etc) under one catch-all word, just uncicilized foreigners that needed taming...basically, it's just an out-dated word that really has no meaning.

i have tried to stay out of this discussion, but temptation has brought me in. i am not a big believer in "political correctness" myself. but i think there is a difference between being politically correct and being respectful. racism abounds - certain terminology perpetuates it, but the structural racism goes far beyond that terminology.

Wikipedia makes a useful point, in the entry on "Orient":

"An important factor in the usage of 'Oriental', regardless of perceptions of pejorativeness, is that it collectively refers to cultural, ethnic and national groupings of people who do not necessarily identify themselves as associated, and hence can lead to inaccurate assumptions about similarity."

Also see the entry on "Orientalism"--but I think taking the discussion any further might be too much for most folks here....

[121] next step is to get jon miller to say o-p-s not ops (as in hops)

i HATE leadoff walks.

i had NO idea that "oriental" was considering racist or bad. i really had ZERO knowledge of that. wow.

[124] basically, it’s just an out-dated word that really has no meaning.

And now it's replaced with an equally meaningless word in which a myriad of diverse peoples are described by a blanket term that refers to a continent. And yet, somehow People from, say Syria or Israel or Russia generally don't count as "Asian." So really, the acceptable term is an east-asian-centric word that blurs cultural distinctions, just like the out-dated term!

I love it!

[126] “An important factor in the usage of ‘Oriental’, regardless of perceptions of pejorativeness, is that it collectively refers to cultural, ethnic and national groupings of people who do not necessarily identify themselves as associated, and hence can lead to inaccurate assumptions about similarity.”

You mean like "Asian"?

OK, I'm done now.

[129] Your seminars must be very fun to attend.. :)

But I can't resist! "Asia" or "Asian" is a geographic term, same as "Europe" or "European"..in NO way is it the same as Oriental! Methinks you are baiting me because williamnyy23 is not here for Girardi arguments...

[127] I would willingly make the following trade:

Announcers can prononce OPS like the word "hops", if they stop improperly using the word "ironic." Somehow, I doubt Michael Kay would agree to this trade.

it does seem like certain injuries or procedures start cropping up. in basketball it was microfacture surgery. baseball is the hip stuff. i sometimes wonder if once someone has the procedure it makes other physicians start looking more closely fora certain type of injury.

@ #124 & 126:

That makes sense. I've always thought of "oriental" as referring to East Asia, or East Asian peoples, generally, and "occidental" as referring to Europe, or to European peoples, generally. Yes, it's inexact. But there are many superordinate nouns used to describe groups of people at a level higher than ethnicity, e.g., "human." Seems like your reasoning along that regard would make "Latino/Latina" rascist. So, it must have to do with the historically derogatory connotations. I've never thought of the historical use as having those connotations, and I certainly think it does not have them in its current usage.

People generally are too thin-skinned.

But for me the point is that if "they" don't want to be called that (whomever they are and whatever it is), then basic respect dictates that I refrain.

But, as a high-minded Englishman, I hereby give everyone who wants to permission to refer to me as a "Limey." Even "Limey bastard" is OK. :)

[131] I've been told they are. And honestly, I only rarely talk about the Yankees during seminar.

Yikes, Melky looked bad on that one.

damn left that crap up and he drilled it

Paging Dr. Hughes?

damnit this should not be a 3-2 game

Ok, Wang really needs to get the pitcher out.

[132] ironically he would not mp.

sigh...Wang really should not be starting anymore, he just stinks..

OK, *NOW* is when Wanger gives it all back. And then some?

this inning is NOT fun.

I was going to take a game off from posting, but how can Girardi not walk Castillo there? That run is on Girardi pure and simple.

In any event, the leash for Wang needs to be short. He hasn't been very good in this game.

[145] That run is on Girardi pure and simple.

That's again a fairly stern judgment. From my understanding of NL baseball, it's a toss up as to whether you walk the 8th man to get to the pitcher or pitch to him in order to have the pitcher lead off.

damn you sheff deciding to be a fielder again

damn, that stadium is waaaay too big.

...and Sheffield runs it down deep in the gap...

My mind is blown.

Oriental is certainly not accurate. Certainly not as accurate as 'White People'.

steal THEN bunt, dammit.

[134] i've toured the UK pretty extensively. i dated a british girl for a bit, too. my favorite word in the world is "bollocks"! i say it all the time : )

for chrissakes this game better not be unravelling

[134] Oooooo... I like that. We can all be 'The Limey Bardards of the Bronx Banter'. Has a really nice ring to it, doesn't it?

no.

how about FUCK YOU GIRARDI???

[146] That second run for the Mets was huge. With Hernandez now a near automatic out, it makes no sense to pitch to Castillo, especially with Wang struggling. You can't look at game situations as the average of game events. You have to consider context. With this Mets line-up, you don't give up the run.

EPIC bunting fail...

I guess Brett stealing and then having CMW bunt would have made too much sense. SHITE.

Now, I have defended Girardi...but with pitcher up, why is Gardi not running. Frankly, why is he ever not running.

[155] GIRADI IS A LIMEY BASTARD!!!!!!!!!!

....you gotta go at least 6 now, Wang baby.

That Wang bunt is also poor strategy. Gardner is a near automatic SB and Wang is far from able to handle the bat. This is another close game that Girardi has already had a somewhat negative impact. The Yankees have lost this exact game to the Marlins and Nationals for similar reasons. With the Rays now winning everyday, if the Yankees are going to throw away games like this they'll be in big trouble.

[160] *I* have another favorite British word.

*They* use it often and with much vigor.

I'm calling Joey Joe Joe that in my head, right now ...

[156] I agree you have to look at context. But with the Mets' line-up so bad, doesn't it make just as much sense to attack their weak hitters?

Your better case is to argue that Castillo has a very fine OBP for a #8 hitter (.350+ for career, but over .370 this year), though his OBP become 1.000 when you walk him.

[162] Re: Gardner not running. HAH, I beat you too it [159]. And we even agree on this point!

Oh dear God, now Morgan is talking about soccer. Have I died and gone to hell?

[164] No, it doesn't because with such a weak lineup, they aren't likely to have a man on third often. So, when they do have that chance, you put the clamp down and make them build another rally from scratch. Castillo's speed and ability to handle the bat also are part of the context, but even with that aside, I think it's a very poor decision.

[165] I think if we look back at the game threads of all the close games (wins and losses), we'd see alot of agreement about Girardi employing bad strategy.

i have to say, apropos of nothing, i'm *really* enjoying listening to WFAN, especially the commercials ... they seem so ... bush league

[168] Probably. I think I tend to be more forgiving of Girardi's handling of pitchers because it seems to reflect my own philosophies/beliefs in that area. He seems to to let his pitchers go a bit deeper, allows them challenge batters, etc. Obviously it backfired against Castillo.

[169] Loved that concert info from Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull.."Jethro Tull Classics Tour..Acoustic! get your tix now!!" To be fair, Ian Anderson is the editor of Froots magazine, a good world music monthly..

OK, whoever is still listening to me (???):

Would you send Jeter? I would not.

[172] Yes. He's been great stealing this year, you got to go for it here.

[172] No, because Hernandez is quick to the plate, Schneider can throw and Swisher can work the count. I'd rather wait for a hit and run opportunity (2-1 count).

haha - nice agreement team

Now, I'd send Jeter.

2-2 *could* be a good pitch to run on. I'd still not risk it. Oops, now 3-2. Maybe I send him now.

Before monkeypants asks, no, I don't bunt Teixeira.

mute point now
let;s go tex

[163] Does it rhyme with bunt? ;-)

That's not a good ball/strike ratio for Livan there.

Oh and BTW Joe, thanks for ruining the result of the Confed Cup final I had taped for later.

least they manged to move up

[171] glad somebody else is enjoying what my ears are getting!

ACOUSTIC JETHRO TULL!!!!

Both runners advanced, at least. So, in theory, no DP.

For a guy who usually runs the bases like a drunk, that's a great job by Swisher, even though it means they probably walk Arod and the inning is in the hands in the hack o/matic.

3rd dp from Robbie after Alex gets the IBB? Seems likely...

[180] very nicely played!

=)

Looks like Livan said, I'm going to walk him.

Unintentional intentional?

got to make them pay robbie - no blooming dp

[178] Surely you jest. By now you should know what I think about bunting in general...bunting the big bats in particular!

wait!

swisher is teh 4th OF and a worse baserunner than garveycancerhitlerlupusaids ...

It would be nice to see Robbie work the count and get a hit with the bases loaded? What are the chances?

Not specifically because of this situation, but Girardi needs to give up on the Cano batting 5th plan. He seems to be a different hitter in that slot.

[192] Yes, I jest.

Cano does not inspire confidence in this exact scenario.

blow it open here. do it.

Cano HAS to look the other way here.

Ugh

fucking bollocks.

FRACK.

damnit all robbie - you get to 2-0 and bam dp

That's disgusting. Cano simply can not handle these situations.

This game is dripping with bad omen.

[195] I could see batting him 5th yesterday, with the depleted lineup. Today, though? Yeah, he has to be moved down.

And I started writing this BEFORE he smacked into the entirely predictable DP.

He hit it on the screws, though...

Cano is a DP machine who has by far his worst career numbers in the 5-hole. In other words, there is no sound reason to bat him there.

sigh

[199] I wish that I had looked the other way.

posada should really be batting ahead of robbie.

girardi logic is he doesn't bat po 5th because po doesn't play every day - but cano just doesn't belong inn the 5th spot

why do i get the feeling this game is about to be tied... : /

You have to have a very short leash here with Wang. Hughes should be up and warming

I don't know how many pitches Wang has, but I might not have run him out there this inning. Then again, I read that Hughes had the flu.

[212] pipe down nostralamis!! :}

Why does that play feel like the beginning of the end of this game.

okay busy with who asshole?

[216] maybe it's the beginning of the rest of the game

[216] dammit, I'm the Oracle 'round here ... and having read the entrails ... bad omens abound.

This game screams for Aceves or Hughes.

[215] yes, ma'am!

[217] okay - hughes and edpcy

the Phil's are up in the 'pen.

Cokey!

It doesn't scream for Cokey!

it's Coke time. Coke Zero, as in ZERO runs!!!

[213] Cut that out! [214]

[221] thank you! :}

edpcy in for the lefties!!

I'm tense enough already, coke is the last thing I need....

The Yankees should not be a 3-2 nail biter. They shouldn't, shouldn't, shouldn't.

[228] CRAZY EDPCY, HIS USAGE IS ... INSANE!!!

With a raw rookie and non-hitter coming up, I'd much prefer to go with the better pitcher than the guy who happens to use his left arm.

Miller going on about how tough Coke was on lefties--I wish he was....

[230] I'm just happy they aren't in a 8-7 nail biter. Wang still worries me, but he's winning me over.

I do not like Cano in the 5 hole.
Career: .805
batting 5th: .703 (2006-2008)
batting 7th: .886 (2006-2008)

[232] EDPC ... his awful moniker and Joey's diminutive usage of him, not withstanding, has been *very* good recently.

and, as i type that ... joey joe joe manages like a robot afflicted with LaRussa-ism ... and I DON'T mean the kid from the movie.

thankfully martinez's recognition of a strike makes melky look like jason giambi

[234] That's funny because I've been a big supporter of Wang, but think he wasn't every good at all today. Two runs to the Mets isn't very good. With the stuff he had today, I think most AL teams would have hammered him.

[236] Frankly, his overall numbers are pretty good against both RH and LH. I think it's a little too cutesy to swap him out for Hughes here, but that's just me.

guess jd is over the flu

I really do NOT like the shape of the field in Shea II.

Nice job, Phil!

Wait...why do you double switch Swisher, one of your best offensive players, out of the game to save two spots in the batting order???

[239] And *especially* too cutesy to lose Swisher's bat for that move.

So if they take Hughes out now, does he still get tomorrow off?

Just trying to get a handle on all these rules and such...

And yes, I know tomorrow is an off day...

: )

[242-244] girardi can't help himself - the urge to make the double switch is too strong

[246] whoops just meant 243-244

The smart thing to do would have been to double switch out Cano, put Ransom in the game and then pinch hit with Matsui next time up.

Of course, all these details should be irrelevant because it is "unacceptable" that this is a close game.

or just put hughes in to begin with and have him go til his spot comes up

[245] With tomorrow an off day, Girardi could have gone all-LaRussa and matched up a RHP (Robertson?) to get the last out. Then save Phil for a later inning, since the pitcher would likely come up the next inning. Basically, this is the game where you can empty the bullpen.

That Sportscenter commercial was actually a little funny. Would've been funnier if he had gotten redass on them at the end...

If Gardner works his way on here, he better be friggin' running.

[253] especially if livan throws up a 63mph curveball

Personally, I thought the chopsticks in the bowl of rice picture was the bad omen tonight...

But I digress into foreign customs, so never mind!

: )

The Yanks don't seem like they want to win this. Or maybe they just figure the Mets can't scoreanother run? Hate that RF.

When you really think about it, the Yankees have had very few run scoring innings without the aid of some awful Mets defense.

Just catching up here ...

Bunting Gardner to second is a waste of an out. Have him steal second and bunt him to third. Bunting Gardner to second with Wang is asking for trouble. I don't get it.

Cano I think it can officially be said is the least clutch guy on this team these days. That is a soft .300 he's hitting. Cherry-pickin' Cano!

Wang dipped his toe into the sixth, is in line for the win, is not in line for the loss, and for the first time I've ever seen I think, pitched decently when his sinker was poor. He's never been one to "find a way" before, so that's potentially a good sign.

if Hughes walks CASTILLO leading off he loses all his good karma with me...

I really think this stint in the bullpen is going to pay dividends for Hughes as a starter.

Hoo-boy, now Phillips is going on about Hughes "graduating" into the 8th inning guy. By that, I assume he means failing into that role?

More seriously, assuming Hughes stays in the BP, how will come even close to upping his innings this year?

Maybe the Yankees just don't want to win tonight.

when someone figures out what is so magical abot the 8th inning, please let me know.

everytime hughes pitched this year i am struck by how much he has filled out (i n a good way) from last year

Jeter just saved Arod there.

[260] Aha, you posted just before me. What do you see as the major benefit?
.
.
And I am not arguing with you--I'm just curious.

and that's why you and THEN bunt kids ...

GREAT PICKUP!!!!!

[266] uh ... steal, obviously

Niiiiice play. That's a winner play.

[266] Explain yourself.

[265] I believe the major benefit is in is approach. He has too often been tentative as a starter, and I think - optimistically, perhaps - the "go get 'em" mindset of relief pitching will make him more assertive when he goes back to the rotation.

Franchise.

Great pitches. I would not hit for Hughes if there are two outs and no men on next inning.

[365] i''l jump in since i agree with hawk (though to answer your question if he ends up staying in the pen he doesn't get his innings up and i really wonder what the plan is then). but i think being in the pen has made him more aggressive in the zone (less nibbling) and has allowed his velocity to tick back up - so know he knows he can throw that hard fastball when he needs to

They forgot eyebrows on that claymation woman. But then, that's not the real problem with that commercial...

[271][274] You guys (and gals) could be right. I am really concerned about his innings, though. If they don't find a way to get them um, he loses next year as well, effectively.

[365] I'm not sure I agree that. Could you explain?

[274] um [265] though since riyank is in lovely scotland there will be no one to make sure comment 365 happens

Hey, this Hughes kid is pretty darn good.

We do not give Cashman enough credit for NOT trading Hughes, Melky and others for Santana

[271] [274] I think that might be the case, but then why didn't Joba's stint in the pen teach him that same lesson. Although I think the innings limit require bullpen time, my fear is that the the agressive approach in the bullpen almost reinforces a sense of throttling back as a starter. Joba and Phil are young and need to learn how to handle themselves through 7 innings. The only way to learn those lessons is as a starter.

[273] I'm not sure I would bat for him in any case. Even if Jeter gets on, I would just have Hughes bunt. I want him out there for the eighth.

[274] Honestly, since he's been in the 'pen, I've seen more of the Hughes we used to hear about when he was in the minors. I'm not at all advocating he be a relief pitcher; they can put him back in the rotation whenever they feel the need. I'm just saying he looks like someone to be reckoned with, most of the time.

Sadly the one time that sticks out that he was less than that was against the Red Sox!

[274] I think he has gained confidence in his fastball because he has shown that when he goes right after a hitter, they can't catch up to him. Before he seemed like he was trying to miss bats or nibble. Now ghe is aggressive and is like, Eff you guys, come and hit me...

[279] I brought that up the another night, especially now that we know C.C. Sabathia is in the fold.

[274] Very profound. Can you give me some Mega Millions numbers? >;)

Well, now the moment of truth. Who bats?

Sure would be nice to have Swisher up now, especially when you consider there is now way Manuel could leave Feliciano past Arod.

[280] that is certainly the kicker - can it translate back as a starter. the difference of course between joba and phil is at the major league level joba started as a reliever and i think he then throttled himself as a starter. since phil started as a starter - and often had too many games of nibbling - this experience might be different for him than for joba and allow him to take the aggressiveness and ability to ratchet the velocity up on occassion when he goes back to a starter

Dammit...PH. Confidence or not, Hughes is being wasted so far in the BP.

Normally, I'd have no qualms about Matsui, even against a left, but Matsui hasn't started a game in 10 days.

[280] Joba started in the pen in the majors. He made adjustments to be a starter which had the unfortunate effect of making him distinctly un-fearsome. Hughes on the other hand started in the rotation then went to the pen, where he's made adjustments.

The bet is that he takes what he learns and applies it to some of his ineffective areas as a starter. I don't think it will make him throttle back ala Joba because he's already started and he won't over-compensate as a result of inexperience.

[289] Couldn't agree more...Hughes would have taken you to the 9th easily AND you'd get him the innings he needs. Instead, Girardi's mistake created a situation whereby he had to use his best pinch hitter in a less than optimal situation. Of course, I guess Bruney is "the 8th inning" guy, so it wouldn't have mattered.

[291] I really didn't explain that well, I'm a little distracted. Hopefully you get the gist.

[289} Would you rather have Phil starting in AAA?

Who pitches the B8? Bruney or Hughes?

[282] [283] totally agree

[285] my powers are not that refined - maybe if wang holds on and gets his first win i would use some numbers involving him and his line

Also, how big does that give away run look now. This has been a very poorly managed game.

ok I get it, good night. >;)

[293] i got it haw - we are on the same wavelength tonight [288]

I don't know about Joba; what I've noticed the last several starts is that his FB is 91-92 in the first and 94-95 in the 6th; I suspect he'll be feeling effects of the shoulder injury for a while yet, and we just have to hope that he'll eventually have the old FB

Frankly, I would have PHed for Wang (when he bunted), had Gardy steal, and let Phil pitch 3 innings

[294] I posted a few before--I would have left Hughes in regardless that inning. He was batting third. There are only three scenarios:

2 on, 0 out: he bunts.
1 on, 1 out: he bunts.
0 on, 2 outs: he stands there and gets out.

When he is used, he should almost invariably be used for 2 or (ideally but rarely) more innings.

[300] That would have also been a much better plan.

he's gonna walk Rod......for Robbie...

[302] I think Joe was too concerned with getting Wang a W.

I would love to see a leverage analysis of Robbie's ABs over the past month. It really seems as if he has been a rally killer.

[300] Now you're talking my language.

[298] Credit to you for expressing it more clearly on [288]! And faster, as I labored over my convoluted post for a good five minutes, hahaha.

That's a GREAT walk.

Alex is the walking dude.

[303] yay! alright robinson -

This game is almost...almost...reminding of that bizarro game against Cleveland 9IIRC), acouple of years ago. A million walks and no runs.

[305] I checked; let's just say Robbie is one hell of a low leverage hitter this year...

[299] It's not necessarily the velocity, it's the approach, the mode of attack.

When is the last time Cano hit the ball hard?

[312] Thanks.

[314] Ok, he hit that one hard and Castillo made the play.

shite robbie - what is the deal man?

rally killer..

[314] Right there. But...

[307] thanks - mine's a bit convoluted itself - but i think both posts explain our logic.

The Yankees have to be able to put this kind of game away. Even if they sweep, you can't come away from this series thinking the Yankees are ready to really go on a run against better AL competition.

Cano I think it can officially be said is the least clutch guy on this team these days. That is a soft .300 he’s hitting. Cherry-pickin’ Cano! [258]

even the dp ball was hit hard - but he is not hitting many line drives right now

Hello...
My Name is OldYanksFan...
And I am a Girardi supporter.
BUT HE HAS FUCKED THIS GAME UP GOOD!

[319] It all seemed so simple when I was just thinking it!

[322] Yep..what happened to the Cano that went gap to gap?

Remember Al Oliver? Hard line drives, hard ground balls. Hit into a million DPs. When you don't strike out or hit fly balls, like Robbie, you're the perfect DP hitter.....

Push Button Joe

I'll say it now...I hate Bruney in this spot. He hasn't proven he is back to form.

Get Mo up now.

The Yankees bats have been anything but impressive tonight. This is precisely the type of game they were playing that got them five games out in short order.

On the flip side, if the Mets can't win this game, they are a really sad bunch.

With an off day tomorrow, you have to have a quick hook with Bruney here and be ready to deploy the Mo.

The inevitable outcome of this game is probably obvious to everyone but Girardi.

I see Mo coming in for a 4+ batter save

[324] haha i know

[325] be interesting to see some breakdown of his babip, isod, etc

Bruney. Sheff. This might not end well.

[331] There's no way Girardi brings Mo in the 8th. It makes too much sense.

Yeah I didn't like the looks of Bruney the last couple outings. I don't know why they give him the 8th inning spot automatically. I hope it works.

[335] I read that after Sheff popped out and it was still funny.

[323] hello oyf. thanks for sharing!

thankfully the mets are chasing shitty pitches in key situations tonight.

Just. Throw. Strikes. Damn it.

[337] Not only has he been wild since returning, but he has had infrequent work. It doesn't help Bruney to limit his appearances to the 8th innings of games you lead by 3 runs or less. Girardi has not only failed to get Bruney enough work since coming back, but has also trusted him in key spots. It makes no sense.

bruney - strikes you jackass

Please tell me Mo is warming! Please!

this is ridiculous

[345] But sadly not unexpected...

I am sick tired of first guessing Girardi in almost every game. I apologize to everyone else here because I am sure you are too.

Time for the rookie to ingratiate himself to Mets fans forever?

I have generally remained *relatively* optimistic about the team (and manager) so far--relative to, say, William. But tonight's game is really starting to grind my gears.

[347] Guess not

wow martinez really has no clue of what a strike is

Yup, here comes Mo...

I guess Mo's limit is four outs?

[348] In many ways, I am very optimistic about that team, which is why I truly view the manager as a liability. I really believe this team would be much better if someone else was in the dugout.

[346] Not at all. I like to feel like my bad vibes are being corroborated by baseball logic.

I just don't like Girardi anyway. His muscles bug me.

I am feeling a little uncertain about Rivera coming in here.

[350] Most 20-year olds in the majors do.

OK...last time I promise...man, do I wish the Yankees wouldn't have given that second run away.

"The Great Rivera has been summoned"
Nice line.

Cano...forget Wright.

Yikes--Mo really missed his spot on the 2-2 pitch.

woah - miller pulled a streling on us there

Inside, please.

Mo left that one in the middle of the plate. Got a bit lucky there.

Excuse me, I seem to have misplaced a heartbeat. Anybody seen it?

[360] How did you do that?

[363] Definitely..id almost prefer to walk Santos.

yes - mo with the backwards k

YEAH!!!!

i love you, Mo!!! : )

Niiiice, right down the pipe :-D

Ladies and Gentlemen...

[366] Or do that! Santos was really having a smart AB, but leave it to Mo to be smarter.

[362] You just agreed with Morgan AND Phillips.

Mind. blown.

[365] yeah that's weird - i get an error message when i submit a blank

[364] hopefully that divine pitch helped you find it emma

[364] Are you writing this one up, Emma?

[372] There goes my credibility! Santos has a quick bat and was obviously trying to go the other way, which is the only way to beat Mo when he is on his game. Guys who can handle the bat and don't swing and miss are the biggest challenge for Rivera.

[373] I put exhale in brackets like it was an HTML tag, I guess if you put anything in brackets it reads it as code...

I love bringing in K Rod here. I think that's a good move.

Haha... Meet the Mets... ;-)

Please take advantage of that.

ah...The Muts! : )

i feel like there will be 2 more errors this half inning

Meet the Mets.... Greet the Mets....

The Mets are like a little league team.

[374] Yes indeed. Got home late and caught up on Tivo a few minutes back...

I was seeing Hurt Locker, which is completely awesome, btw.

[365] He's just speechless...

Is it wrong to feel a real sense of schadenfreude every time Krod exults over a pop fly?

[376] ah - thanks. too bad chyll signed off - he should play 3 6 0

[386] no - karma is a bitch

[386] No, it's expected and quite acceptable...

: )

PR for Posada?

I'm sorry I haven't heard Miller over-prononce Bel-TRAN tonight.

wright is not a good fielder

[384] very excited to see that ... glad you liked it

[390] I guess it wouldn't have mattered?

Krod gives up lots of steals, but nothing?

[395] there ya go, bro!

what a slide!

[394] It would have mattered because Pena could have stolen 2B in his sleep off Krod.

That throw was closer than I thought i would be.

How does Melky slide and end up sitting on the bag?

[397] Melky does that all time. That's a great way to break an ankle.

That swing was the old Gardner.

[401] well it's not always the same, it's just always unorthodox

nice. we MUST get some insurance runs for Moses!!!

Bottom of the line up did it's job. Now it's up to Damon and Jeter.

[400] haha lord knows with melky - i think he starts his slide too late though

[404] that's going beyond prediction into jinxing

[403] Let's keep religion out of it. Melky is a very late slider, kind of like Joba's, but not as fast.

Girardi might get caught "asleep at the wheel" if Mo bats with the bases loaded.

[408] he's a late slider, but you never know if the stumble will be pre-slide, during slide, or post-slide

[407] not meaning to do that!

i was wondering about a double steal. but i'm not a fan of stealing 3rd w/ a lefty at the plate...

Gardner's looking like the old Gardner a lot since his 5 bloop masterpiece.

Why didn't they have Gardner bunt after Melky stole 2nd?

[411] Or down 1-2. Damon is probably a greater threat to line into a DP than ground into one.

[409] Then Girardi will just bring in Tomko...

[412] Already one out.

Damn it...Damon hit hard. This game still doesn't feel right.

[412] Not much advantage bunting a man on second and one out, unless you wanted him to bunt for a BH?

you know, screw it, with average BABIP luck we'd have 8 runs tonight...

[414] Probably to hit.

damn. i wish the mets outfielders had what the infielders have (as far as catching the ball...)

ooh the intrigue

Not double switching is a significant blunder here. How does a manager let that happen? Cano made the last out of the previous inning and you have two backup 2B.

why does part of me really want to see mo up with the bases loaded?

I would be tempted to PH for Mo, believe it or not. Of course, knowing my luck, Aceves would blow the save and I would be fired the next day.

OK...Jerry Manuel has just stolen the awful manager of the game award from Girardi.

[423] Me too, actually

[424] No wonder you like Girardi!

[424] it would not be luck that cost you your job in that situation

Why wouldn't Jeter swing at that pitch down the middle? I'd have to guess he probably assumed he wouldn't see a strike.

this is kind of awesome! : )

THE POWER OF MO COMPELLS YOU!

just sayin ...

3 more of those!

draw the walk mo

Don't swing...Krod is flaky enough to walk him.

[427] Only in this particular situation. I would rather try to score runs, figuring that Robertson or Aceves will not give up a run to the bottom of the mets lineup very often.

How funny if Krod walks in a run...

2 more of 'em!

Frankie shows Mo respect!

oh no, Mets announcers, Mo *will* swing ... and you shall be astounded!

[435] The risk of not scoring is much greater than the risk of Mo giving up runs, IMHO.

Work that count, Mo.
Always figured him for a Moneyball guy.

that looked outside

good lord that was a cut

[428] *Sigh*. I wouldn't use my closer as a tradition (i.e, since 1990) closer anyway.

don't get hurt!!!

I don't want to see Mo check his swing.

Wow.

omg - that was great

YES!!!!

YES!!!!!

just wow!

what an eye

Helping yourself, Mo!

Fist pump that, fucker...

that fuckin' RULES!!!!

OK...GOING ON RECORD...Mo better be instructed to JOG!

[440] But is the risk of not scoring + the risk of Aceves giving up a run > the risk of Mo giving up a run?

Then again, Mo is obviously the best hitter on the team as well. : )

sweep the leg, Tex!!!

and Mo REALLY wanted to swing at that pitch. Took all his control to lay off it!

[457] I'd put my life in Mo hands.

THE POWER OF MO COMPELLS YOU!

just saying ...

My wife, no great baseball fan, is actually giggling now over Mo's at bat. I believed she uttered the phrase "that's sweet."

again..how do Mets fans live through the years??

why didn't Tex swing that pitch?

Hey, Mariano's better in the clutch than Cano!

Seriously, good eye, Rivera.

That Krod/Mo battle featured 727 saves. That has to be a record.

[464] all are mesmerized by the magnificence of Mo ...

Terrible call.

oh bullshit he didn't go

was that K legit?

That wasn't a swing.

well hard to complain when it seems like the mets have been called on anything approaching a swing this series and last

What are the chances that a man with a handful of ABs works the walk, while the All Star hitter "strikes out".

it did NOT look like he went. how bout a fucking replay espn??? : /

Looked like a swing to me, the way call check swing strikes these days.

Even the Umps are taking pity on the Mets.

well i'm definitely glad the yanks are done with inter-league though

[472] True.

Once again, the Yankees score with ALOT of help from the Mets.

Let's get a clean inning Mo, so we can give Girardi a win in the Incompetent Manager's Invitational.

that will be crazy 500 saves, 1st rbi and jon miller beat me to it

[473] Well, that's baseball for ya.

Come on Mo!

2 more outs for history!

Too bad K Rod won't come to the plate.

I don't think I approve these mets' "fast" batting helmets.

Given the utter transparency of the "Cervelli Gambit", I think Manuel had K Rod throw those pitches to Jeter to say to Girardi "What kind of idiot do you think I am?"

i think Mo was wearing Cody's batting helmet.

[481] As in: Predict, You just can't

Can Mo get his 500th save before the 500th comment?

[485] They're not allowed in the Tour de France, I bet.

1 more mo

beautiful, Mo!

1 more strike, baby!

[489] I'm going to say, yes

Damon looked funny picking that ball up.

bollocks.

I haven't had that good of a laugh during a game in a long time!

Walking Jeter to load the bases in order to face Mo and then walking the pitcher with only a few career AB's, for an insurance run, and from a closer no less...

LOL!

it looked like johnny was trying to catch a frog

get it done here mo

why not throw the outside cutter there?

Great job Mo! 500!