The Yankees and Phillies have more in common than just winning their respective league pennants. Both boast their league’s best offense (the first time the two top offenses have reached the World Series since the Red Sox and Cardinals met in 2004). Both are likely to try to get three starts out of a left-handed ace who won the Cy Young with the Cleveland Indians and has been dominant in three postseason starts this month. Both will have a lineup that includes three lefties when an opposing lefty is on the mound (both have two left-handers in their rotation). Both have seen their elite set-up men struggle in the playoffs to this point. Both play good defense and steal bases efficiently with speed not only at the top of the lineup, but from some of their big power guys as well. Both are home-run hitting teams that play in homer-friendly ball parks. Both have been led by a superstar cleanup hitter who has been white hot in this postseason. Both won the Eastern division and beat the Wild Card and Western Division champion to reach the World Series. Both have lost just two games all postseason. Both already have one championship this decade and are looking to tie the Red Sox with the most in the decade with another win.
The Yankees return to the World Series after a five-year break (which, amazingly, is their third longest pennant drought since the acquisition of Babe Ruth) as the favorites, but that seems disrespectful to the defending World Champions. The Phillies are the first team to win back-to-back pennants since the 2000 and 2001 Yankees, and the first championship team to defend their title in the World Series since that ’01 Yankee squad. When the Yankees last went to the World Series in 2003, many were of the mind that their knock-down, drag-out ALCS against the Red Sox was the real championship and that the ensuing World Series, which saw a battered Yankee team stumble to a six-game defeat, was an afterthought. That is not at all the case this year. While the ALCS was tightly contested six-game series against a hated rival, the Yankees were clearly a better team than the Angels going in. They are likely still a better team than the Phillies on paper, but the margin has closed to such a degree that the difference between the two teams is almost negligible.
Lineup:
Derek Jeter (.334/.406/.465, 18 HR, 30 SB @ 86%)
Jimmy Rollins (.250/.296/.423, 21 HR, 31 SB @ 79%)
Providing a nice set of bookends for the 2009 season, Jeter and Rollins began the year sharing the shortstop job for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic and will now conclude it as opposing shortstops in the Fall Classic. Back in March, I thought Rollins was the obvious choice to start over Jeter in the WBC as the two had been comparable at the plate in 2008, and Rollins was clearly superior in the field. Then the regular season started and Rollins fell into an awful slump that lasted three months (.205/.250/.319 though July 1), while Jeter rebounded from what had been one of his worst offensive seasons in 2008 to have a near-MVP-quality season. What’s more, Jeter, working with new first base and infield coach Mick Kelleher, had perhaps his finest defensive season, while Rollins brought his struggles out to the field. As a result, Jeter trumped the 2007 NL MVP in every phase of the game in 2009.
Rollins made a nice comeback over the last three months, hitting .288/.334/.510 with 20 steals in 23 tries after July 1, but he’s looked more like the first-half Rollins thus far this postseason, hitting .244/.279/.317 with no walks or steals to Jeter’s .297/.435/.595.
Johnny Damon (.282/.365/.489, 24 HR, 12 SB @ 100%)
Shane Victorino (.292/.358/.445, 13 3B, 25 SB @ 76%)
Damon’s road numbers (.284/.349/.446) look a lot like Victorino’s overall line this year, while switch-hitter Victorino get’s a nice spike against lefties (.314/.385/.459). If this Series goes seven games, Damon will get four games at friendly Yankee Stadium (.279/.382/.533, 17 HR), while Victorino could make four starts against lefty pitching. Damon shook off his Division Series slump with a .300/.323/.533 line against the Angels in the ALCS, but Victorio, is a career .299/.370/.577 hitter in 26 postseason games and has been red-hot this October, hitting .361/.439/.722 with a trio of homers. Folding in the larger regular season sample, I’m going to call this one even.
Mark Teixeira (.292/.383/.565, 39 HR, 122 RBI)
Chase Utley (.282/.397/.508, 31 HR, 93 RBI, 23 SB @ 100%)
Add those 23 stolen bases in 23 attempts to Utley’s total bases and his slugging jumps to .548. And, yes, Teixeira can switch-hit with similar results from both sides, but lefty-hitting Utley hit .288/.417/.545 against lefty pitching this season. Teixeira has been slumping this postseason, but he does have three big hits (the bloop before Alex Rodriguez’s game-tying blast in Game Two of the ALDS, the game-winning home run in that contest, and his bases-loaded double in Game Five against the Angels), and was 4 for his last 9 in the ALCS, which means a big World Series breakout could be around the corner. Utley, meanwhile, has just one extra-base hit this postseason. Tex has the edge here, but it’s small enough to be meaningless in a short series.
Alex Rodriguez (.286/.402/.532, 30 HR, 100 RBI, 14 SB @ 88%)
Ryan Howard (.279/.360/.571, 45 HR, 141 RBI, 8 SB @ 89%)
These are the mashers. Both men have had their share of postseason struggles in the past, but both have put those concerns to bed this postseason. Howard has hit .355/.462/.742 with a hit and an RBI in every game until the clincher against the Dodgers. Rodriguez has hit .438/.548/.969 with five home runs and has had a hit in every game and an RBI in all but one. In nine games, Rodriguez has 12 RBIs to Howard’s 14 (the record for a single postseason in 19 held by David Ortiz ’05, Scott Spiezio ’02, and Sandy Alomar Jr. ’97, while the homer record is 8 by Carlos Beltran in ’04).
Howard, who has hit 45 or more home runs in each of the last four seasons, has more pure power, if that’s possible, but Rodriguez is the better overall hitter and player (though Howard is underrated in the field and on the bases because of his bulk). Most significantly, Howard is the one starter on either team who is really defanged by lefty pitching. He hit just .207/.298/.356 against southpaws this year with a strikeout roughly every three plate appearances. That tips the balance in this matchup decidedly in the Yankees’ favor.
Jorge Posada (.285/.363/.522, 22 HR, 81 RBI)
Jayson Werth (.268/.373/.506, 36 HR, 99 RBI, 20 SB @ 87%)
The Yankee lefties had better get Howard out, because Jayson Werth, who was a platoon player as recently as last year, eats left-handed pitching for breakfast. He hit .302/.436/.644 against lefties this year, and his line in the postseason against all opponents dating back to the beginning of last year’s World Series is .340/.468/.800 with six home runs. Over those 14 postseason games, Werth has hit a home run roughly once every ten plate appearances. He’s a monster and an all-around talent and trumps Posada in the fifth spot. [Note: I’ve skipped Hideki Matsui for the moment due to the lack of a DH in the NL parks.]
Robinson Cano (.320/.352/.520, 25 HR, 85 RBI)
Raul Ibañez (.272/.347/.552, 34 HR, 93 RBI)
Ibañez was hitting .312/.371/.656 with 22 homers and 59 RBIs when he hit the DL in mid-June with a groin injury and small muscular tear near his abdomen. After returning, he hit .232/.323/.448 over his final 72 games. His aggregate line this postseason (.226/.333/.387) looks more like the latter. Cano’s overall postseason line is no better, but whereas Ibañez did most of his hitting in the Division Series, Cano enters the World Series on a five-game hitting streak. Both lefty batters hit left-handed pitching well. Given that Ibañez’s adbominal tear has yet to heal and could require off-season surgery, I’ll favor Cano here.
Nick Swisher (.249/.371/.498, 29 HR, 82 RBI)
Carlos Ruiz (.255/.355/.425, 322 AB)
This is the matchup that keeps the Phillies lineup in the picture. Going over the top six spots in the order, which is really as deep as the Phillies’ National League lineup gets, the Yankees get the edge with Jeter, Rodriguez, and Cano. The Phillies have the edge with Werth, and the two and three holes are essentially even. That the Yankees have an American League lineup that is strong down to the eighth spot would seem to give them a decided edge given that advantage up top, but they give away some of that edge in the NL park, where designated hitter Hideki Matsui (.274/.367/.509, 28 HR, 90 RBI) has to ride pine, and the inverted postseason fortunes of Swisher and Ruiz erode it even further.
Swisher’s struggles this postseason have been the subject of much debate and consternation in New York, but they’re nothing new. Swisher is now a .161/.319/.214 hitter in 70 career postseason plate appearances over five series with three teams. Ruiz, meanwhile, is a career .296/.406/.432 hitter in 96 postseason plate appearances over six series and has hit .367/.500/.571 over his last three series dating back to last year’s World Series. During the regular season, this spot would go to Swisher without a thought, but given their postseason track records, I have to favor Chooch here.
Melky Cabrera (.274/.336/.416, 10 SB @ 83%)
Pedro Feliz (.266/.308/.386, 12 HR, 82 RBI)
Melky’s the runt of the Yankee lineup, but he had a strong series against the Angels, and it doesn’t take much to beat out a hitter with a career on-base percentage below .300. Feliz might be the best defensive third baseman in the NL, but he’s easily the worst hitter in either lineup, the Phillies’ designated hitters included.
Speaking of which . . .
Hideki Matsui (.274/.367/.509, 28 HR, 90 RBI)
Matt Stairs (vs. RHP .200/.360/.390)/Ben Francisco (vs. LHP .247/.351/.392)
This is is a mismatch. Stairs and Francisco can both run into one, and Stairs will take his walks, but they’re both bench players for a reason. The 41-year-old Stairs hit .194 on the season and slugged below .400 for the first time since 1995. Francisco was closer to league average, but most of his power actually comes against his fellow righties. Neither has a hit this postseason, and Francisco has made five outs in four trips due to grounding into a double play in one of them. Matsui, meanwhile, slugged .618 against lefties this year with a home run every 11.4 plate appearances.
Bench:
Stairs, Francisco, and lefty Greg Dobbs should give the Phillies a strong pinch-hitting trio, but Dobbs also had a poor regular season and the Philly bench has gone 0-for-15 (with two walks to Stairs) thus far this postseason. The Yankees lack a good right-handed bench bat, but with Eric Hinske back in place of Freddy Guzman, they have lefty power (adding Matsui as well in the middle three games), and Brett Gardner‘s game-changing speed.
Rotation:
LHP CC Sabathia (3.37 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 2.94 K/BB, 34 GS, 21 QS)
LHP Cliff Lee (3.22 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 4.21 K/BB, 34 GS, 24 QS)
Both pitchers are left-handers who won the Cy Young award for the Cleveland Indians (in consecutive years). Both were traded mid-season the year after their Cy Young and helped pitch their new team into the playoffs. Both have been dominant thus far this postseason, with their team winning all three of their starts. Both have struck out 20 and walked 3 this postseason. Both have a first name that starts with a C and ends with “ton.” Cliff Lee is a scrawny white guy from Arkansas . . . I guess the similarities end there. Still, the prospect of Sabathia and Lee facing off three times in this series is thrilling. The last man to make three starts in a World Series was Curt Schilling in 2001 (he only won one thanks to Byung-Hyun Kim and Alfonso Soriano), and the last time two pitchers faced off three times in the World Series was in 1973 when lefies Ken Holtzman of the A’s and John Matlack of the Mets did so with Matlack winning Game Four and Holtzman winning Games One and Seven.
Sabathia is clearly the better pitcher, but Lee has been just a smidge better in his three starts this postseason. Dig:
Lee: 3 GS, 0.79 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, 0 HR, 8 IP/GS, 1 CG
CC: 3 GS, 1.19 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 1 HR, 7 2/3 IP/GS, 0 CG
Of course, CC could have finished that Game Four start in Anaheim had it not been such a blowout, and CC has three wins to Lee’s two wins and one no-decision, that ND coming as a result of two unearned runs in Colorado in an eventual Phillies win.
Sabathia, a first-round pick by the Indians in 1998, has been on a steady course toward his current superstardom since he broke into the league at age 20 in 2001. Lee’s path has been a bit more convoluted. Drafted by the Expos and traded to the Indians organization in the now infamous Bartolo Colon deal that also sent Grady Sizemore and Brandon Phillips to Cleveland, Lee’s first full season in the majors came at age-25 in 2004. Lee sandwiched an 18-win sophomore campaign between two disappointing ones, and while Sabathia was winning the Cy Young in 2007, Lee was struggling with injury, poor performance, and a demotion to the minor leagues. In 2008, Lee emerged with improved control and a reduced fly-ball rate, halving his walk rate and nearly cutting his home run rate by a third. His first seven starts were mesmerizing (6-0, 0.68 ERA, 11 K/BB), since then he’s been merely one of the game’s best starters, posting a 3.18 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 4.21 K/BB with a 30-16 record, nine complete games, and three shutouts in 58 starts. Over the same span, Sabathia has posted a 2.71 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 3.76 K/BB, 33-13 record, 11 complete games, and five shutouts in 60 starts. This has Gibson-Lolich potential.
RHP A.J. Burnett (4.04 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 2.01 K/BB, 33 GS, 21 QS)
RHP Pedro Martinez (3.63 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 4.63 K/BB, 9 GS, 3 QS)
Burnett turned in six strong innings in his first two postseason starts, got a no decision in both, and ended both nights by pieing a teammate after a walkoff win. In his last start, he gave up four runs in the first before getting an out, then threw five scoreless frames. The two runs he was charged with in the seventh inning of that game were allowed to score by the bullpen (and some would argue by Joe Girardi giving Burnett too long a leash). Pedro Martinez didn’t pitch in the first round, but shut down the Dodgers in Game Two of the NLCS, holding them scoreless on two hits and no walks for seven innings. Pedro’s start was a real roll of the dice by Charlie Manuel. Pedro had just three quality starts in nine tries during the regular season and finished up by allowing six runs on 13 hits in seven innings over his last two starts. Pedro seems to be in that El Duque stage of his career, in which he can still find that black magic with a little extra motivation, but isn’t a pitcher that can be relied upon over a longer span. Burnett should be happy to be back at Yankee Stadium, where his ERA was a run lower than on the road this year. Pedro hasn’t pitched in the Bronx since June 2005 during his first and only healthy season as a Met. Anything can happen here.
LHP Andy Pettitte (4.16 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 1.95 K/BB, 32 GS, 17 QS)
LHP Cole Hamels (4.32 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.91 K/BB, 32 GS, 15 QS)
The first two pitching matchups could go either way, but this is one that clearly favors the Yankees. Hamels has struggled significantly over his last six starts, posting a 6.89 ERA with a 1.5 WHIP and allowing eight home runs. In his three starts this postesason, he has allowed six home runs, posted a 6.75 ERA, and didn’t get further than the first out of the sixth inning in any of them. Amazingly, the Phillies won two of those games, doing so by scoring a combined 18 runs in the two contests. Andy Pettitte, meanwhile, finished the regular season strong and has been excellent in the postseason, turning in three quality starts and posting a 2.37 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 5.0 K/BB.
LHP J.A. Happ (2.99 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 2.17 K/BB, 23 GS, 14 QS)/RHP Joe Blanton (4.05 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 2.76 K/BB, 31 GS, 21 QS)
RHP Chad Gaudin (4.76 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 1.79 K/BB, 25 GS, 11 QS)
We don’t know yet if any of these three will start a game. It seems likely that, even if Lee starts Games One, Four, and Seven, the Phillies will need a fourth starter for Game Five, and if Pedro struggles in Game Two, they could look elsewhere for a Game Six starter as well. The Yankees seem likely to stick with a straight three-man rotation given the past success each of their three starters has had on short rest and the drop-off to Gaudin. The big challenge for Happ or Blanton is to come in sharp and to maintain his endurance after bouncing between the rotation and the pen thus far this postseason. Happ lasted just three innings in his Game Three start in the NLDS and has faced just five batters since then. Blanton fared far better starting Game Four of the NLCS, missing a quality start by one unearned run. Blanton would thus seem like the first choice to start Game Five. If Pedro does get smacked around, Happ could be an appealing option for Game Six back in the Bronx given his 1.99 road ERA this season and his quality start in the new Yankee Stadium back on May 23. Still, the uncertainty here reveals Pedro Martinez’s importance in this series.
Closers:
Mariano Rivera (1.76 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 6.00 K/BB, 44 SV, 2 BS, 3-3, 6.032 WXRL)
Brad Lidge (7.21 ERA, 1.81 WHIP, 1.79 K/BB, 31 SV, 11 BS, 0-8, -3.257 WXRL)
Lidge lost his job to Ryan Madson down the stretch, but Charlie Manuel reinstated him for the postseason and has been rewarded. Lidge has given up just one hit and no runs this posteason, though it’s worth noting that Manuel has used him sparingly, limiting him to five appearances in the Phillies’ nine games, only three of them lasting a full inning and none more than that. Rivera, meanwhile, has appeared in all but one of the Yankees’ nine games ( the exception was their 10-1 blowout in Game Four of the ALDS), going more than an inning four times and a full two innings or more twice. Rivera has allowed a run of his own as well as one of his eight inherited baserunners to score, but didn’t cause a lead change in either instance and has a 0.84 ERA in this postseason. To put it simply, Lidge is a contributor, but Rivera is a weapon. Advantage Yankees, of course.
Bullpen:
The set-up relievers of both teams have struggled. Ryan Madson blew two saves in the Division Series against the Rockies and allowed 9 of the 19 men he faced in the NLCS to reach base. Chan Ho Park missed the first round with a hamstring injury, then posted an 8.10 ERA in the NLCS, blowing a save in Game Two. Opponents have hit .391/.440/.478 against Phil Hughes this postseason as Hughes has allowed 11 of 25 batters to reach base and had what could have been a pivotal blown save in Game Five of the ALCS. Opponents are hitting .438/.412/.750 against Joba Chamberlain, though Joba hasn’t walked a man or allowed a home run, four of the seven hits he’s allowed have gone for extra bases, and he has yet to pitched a full inning this postseason. Look for increased opportunities for Chad Durbin, who has been perfect in four postseason innings, and David Robertson, who notably pitched out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam against the Twins in the ALDS and led the majors in K/9 among pitchers with 40 or more innings this season. There are some concerns about the health of Robertson’s shoulder, however, which may be one reason the Yankees have added Brian Bruney to the roster. Each team is carrying two lefties, but outside of Howard, no starter on either team has much trouble with lefties. That just leaves the long men and question marks (Bruney, Brett Myers, who wasn’t on the NLCS roster, and a scuffling Alfredo Aceves), who will be used in case of emergency only.
Baserunning:
Both teams have speed throughout the lineup and steal at a high percentage. The Yankees swiped 111 bases at an 80 percent success rate. The Phillies took 119 at an 81 percent rate. Call it even.
Fielding:
All four of the Phillies infielders are above average and Feliz, Utley, and Rollins when he’s going well are all worthy of Gold Gloves. In the outfield they have two center fielders in Victorino and Werth and Raul Ibañez, whose primary talent in left field is not being Pat Burrell. Save for Mark Teixeira, the Yankee fielders are less impressive on a position-by-position basis, yet they’ve been more successful at turning balls in play into outs this year, ranking second in the AL with a .695 defensive efficiency to the Phillies .691, which ranks sixth in the NL. That could have something to do with the superior strikeout rate of the Yankee pitchers (7.8 K/9 to 7.1), but let’s just call this one even as well.
Philadelphia Phillies
2009 Record: 93-69 (.574)
2009 Pythagorean Record: 92-70 (.568)
Manager: Charlie Manuel
General Manager: Ruben Amaro Jr.
Home Ballpark: Citizens Bank Park (103/102)
25-man Roster:
1B – Ryan Howard (L)
2B – Chase Utley (L)
SS – Jimmy Rollins (S)
3B – Pedro Feliz (R)
C – Carlos Ruiz (R)
RF – Jayson Werth (R)
CF – Shane Victorino (S)
LF – Raul Ibañez (L)
Bench:
L – Matt Stairs (OF/1B)
R – Ben Francisco (OF)
L – Greg Dobbs (3B)
R – Eric Bruntlett (UT)
L – Paul Bako (C)
Rotation:
L – Cliff Lee
R – Pedro Martinez
L – Cole Hamels
R – Joe Blanton
L – J.A. Happ
Bullpen:
R – Brad Lidge
R – Ryan Madson
L – Scott Eyre
R – Chan Ho Park
R – Chad Durbin
R – Brett Myers
L – Antonio Bastardo
Key injuries:
LHP – Jamie Moyer (groin surgery)
LHP – J.C. Romero (elbow tendonitis)
Typical lineup:
S – Jimmy Rollins (SS)
S – Shane Victorino (CF)
L – Chase Utley (2B)
L – Ryan Howard (1B)
R – Jayson Werth (RF)
L – Raul Ibañez (LF)
R – Pedro Feliz (3B)
R – Carlos Ruiz (C)
* * *
New York Yankees
2009 Record: 103-59 (.636)
2009 Pythagorean Record: 95-67 (.586)
Manager: Joe Girardi
General Manager: Brian Cashman
Home Ballpark (multi-year Park Factors): Yankee Stadium 2.0 (103/103)
1B – Mark Teixeira (S)
2B – Robinson Cano (L)
SS – Derek Jeter (R)
3B – Alex Rodriguez (R)
C – Jorge Posada (S)
RF – Nick Swisher (S)
CF – Melky Cabrera (S)
LF – Johnny Damon (L)
DH – Hideki Matsui (L)
Bench:
L – Brett Gardner (CF)
L – Eric Hinske (4C)
S – Jerry Hairston Jr. (UT)
R – Jose Molina (C)
Rotation:
L – CC Sabathia
R – A.J. Burnett
L – Andy Pettitte
Bullpen:
R – Mariano Rivera
R – Phil Hughes
L – Phil Coke
R – Joba Chamberlain
R – Alfredo Aceves
L – Damaso Marte
R – David Robertson
R – Brian Bruney
R – Chad Gaudin
Key injuries:
RHP – Chien-Ming Wang (shoulder surgery)
OF – Xavier Nady (Tommy John surgery)
Typical Lineup:
R – Derek Jeter (SS)
L – Johnny Damon (LF)
S – Mark Teixeira (1B)
R – Alex Rodriguez (3B)
L – Hideki Matsui (DH)
S – Jorge Posada (C)
L – Robinson Cano (2B)
S – Nick Swisher (RF)
L – Melky Cabrera (CF)
great job. my only complaint is that i don't see how werth can be considered better than posada. if you just go off of recent postseason performance werth obviously has the edge, but then again he hasn't been facing very impressive pitching. and posada not only has his entire career backing him up, but also had a higher ops+ than werth this year. i think this should be at least even.
also, the yanks never played the wild card team.
This is awesome, Cliff. I've been waiting all week for this! (And how awesome was it to write one of these for the Serious?)
I wonder if we'll see any AL vs NL quality effects seep in, or if the small sample of the Serious will be enough to keep things close? I still say Yanks in 5, and that's really due to the league difference as much as it is anything else.
[1] I'm a big Werth fan. The guy is a monster and he crushes lefties, who will likely pitch five of the seven games for he Yankees. I've been talking up Werth since late last year in my various writing outlets and have yet to be proven wrong by him. He might be the most dangerous hitter in the Phillies' lineup in this series given Howard's struggles against lefties.
I'm getting worried about the prevailing view that Ryan Howard will not be dangerous against our lefties. For one thing, in his career he isn't terrible against southpaws -- this year is much worse than usual for him.
I dunno, it's probably just nerves on my part.
[3] fair enough, but he isn't facing just any lefties. he's 2/8 with 3 ks and 0 bbs against sabathia in his career (he hit 2 doubles against him in that nlds game last year) and 1/13 with 5 ks and 0 bbs against pettitte. we'll see, but i'm not terribly scared of him.
Thanks Cliff.
Sad that it's the last series analysis for the season, but it is for the World Series. I'll restate my prediction: Yankees in 7, with each team having a stink bomb of a game. Teix the MVP (he's been saving all those hits)
[5] Wait, the guy is slugging .500 against CC Sabathia and that's supposed to be bad? Sounds pretty damn good to me.
I do like the 0 BB part.
and with this it is officially serious day.
thanks cliff - good stuff.
i like that you view the lineups by batting order rather than position and then look by position for defense.
assuming girardi has a supply of green tea with him and manages to settle down a bit and not go for that blooming binder too much and yank the starter too soon - the yanks bp (though better than the phillies) should come into play far less than the phillies. lee is the only starter than can even think about giving them any length.
[7] i mean that sample is insane - but you could also say his obp is 250 and cc's k rate against is 375.
cc's stuff and howard's poorer outcomes against leftys should prevail - we shall see.
[3] I agree Cliff, Werth is a monster. What a great series this is on paper, Torre actually called it, when he forecasted a "street brawl", it's gonna be savage and I can't wait.
I also agree with [6] in that I expect Teix to have a huge series, you could see him gaining confidence as the LCS progressed. Now, if our young wonder twins in the pen can get into form that would be so nice.....
Yanks in 6
Who's your daddy, indeed.
[7] true, but both those doubles came in one of cc's worst starts of his career, the 4th consecutive on 3 days' rest. anyway, my real point is that sabathia and pettitte are better than the average lefty. and neither has had particular trouble with righty hitters in his career. pettitte has a cutter that bores in on a righty, and sabathia has a nasty changeup.
Third longest drought. 81-96 and 65-76 were longer than 5 years.
I really don't think it is "disrespectful" to be considered an underdog to this Yankee team, which is statistically very superior to the Phillies.
[3] I am also a big Werth fan, and even suggested that the Yankees make an attempt for him at the beginning of last year, but I don't think it is fair to call him a monster by any stretch.
jorgie after alex:
YANKEES
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Posada C
Matsui DH
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Cabrera CF
it has stopped raining and i can see sunlight trying ever so hard to appear.
[14] That's odd. I wonder why. Splits against Lee?
very very nice piece of hitting here, Cliff.
minor typo alert: you left off the L in Manuel. but bringing this to your attention is like telling Halle Berry the paint on her left pinky toenail has an ever so slight chip in it.
[15] matusi gets on base better, po slugs better:
po .286 .273 .667 .940
ma .294 .368 .412 .780
i think it has more to do with not wanting gardner or whomever might be in the lineup for matusi batting behind arod at the end of a game if matsui was lifted for a pr
[14] [15] Yeah, looks like it's their performance against Lee. Small Sample, obviously, but career (PA, AVG, OBP, SLG, OPS)
Posada 22 .286 .273 .667 .940
Matsui 19 .294 .368 .412 .780
Note that Jorgie has the rare AVG > OBP against Lee lifetime!
Oh, dang, beaten to the punch by Ms. Oct! Well, it's your month.
Note also that Po is just raking Lee this year...
But interesting point about possible pinch runner/defensive replacement. Although a PR for Po isn't out of the question either...
[0] Awesome, awesome post Cliff. Thanks!
[18] I think it has more to do with [17] as well as stacking more righties in the middle of the order against a lefty. That's the same strategy employed in game 6 of the ALCS. I prefer having Matsui in the 5-slot, especially now that you can use Hinske in his spot should you use a PR. If you run for Posada, you are now stuck with Molina behind Arod.
Posada hits after Alex because Joe won't be able to pull Matsui for a pinch runner if Alex loses his protection in the lineup. There won't be much incentive to Alex if Gardner is on deck.
Posada, on the other hand, is projected to stay in for 9 innings. Full-time protection.
Anyway, that's my take.
Sliced said it so well: nice piece of hitting indeed, Cliff.
As to weather, Ms. O, you're sure it's not raining?--'cause it continues to pour in New Haven. Cold and wet, all day.
You'd better not be getting my hopes up here, 'cause I'm certainly not expecting any baseball tonight.
[19] She's married to Dr. Octopus? I had no idea.
[19] haha - i don't know what i'll do next week though
[19] [21] i think with no cervelli girardi will be loathe to pr for po - it will be a situation he absolutely has to
i can't get the link to post at work for some reason - but damon's splits against lee are anemic, but other than robbie everyone else who will actually play are at least competent to very good
[23] i can assure you that it has stopped raining on 22nd street - though the glimmer of sunshine i saw a little while ago is gone
[22] i got the same take - albeit slower
[24] Ah, no, she's the Latin kind of "Oct", not the Greek kind.
Subtle difference.
[25] Oh, uh. How do I break this to you? We're going to replace you with Ms. Nov.
Sorry, someone should have told you earlier.
I'm getting antsy. Anyone going tonight?
I concur with Ms Oct. the rain is gone, but then again, so is the sun.
A nice side effect of this series is I stumbled on to this excellent blog. Like the analysis of the matchups. Full disclosure - lifelong Phillies fan. A few nits to pick. I think the Phils have the defensive edge and, one shouldn't count on another craptastic fielding performances a'la the Angels. The fielding gets better in your park with Francisco in left instead of Ibanez. Also, I disagree that Rollins took his struggles at the plate into the field. He was gold glove caliber all year long. Also, I would like to see the Sabbathia v. Lee matchup 3 times but, I don't think it's likely that Manuel will use Lee in game 4 - not unless they're down a game or 3. Expect Kentucky Joe Blanton in game 4.
[27] i have 8 arms though - so good luck
[28] me too especially now that it is almost quitting time -
going to miss the first hour or so though :{
[30] hi.
yeah we're not counting on a horrid defensive performance, but we'll take one throw on the back end of the dp sailing over howard's head though.
Jeter might meet up with another Lou Gehrig record: RS in the WS, lifetime. Jetes has 27, Lou 30.
Andy will move into sole possession of second place for WS games started with 12 (he's now tied with Mathewson and Hoyt). But Whitey Ford started 22, wow.
[23] It's been a bright sunny day since about 11 AM in DC and the weather has been moving your way. The clouds are starting to come back but the radar suggests that this six hour window should match up well for the game. knock on wood.
[30] A phil at the Banter! Close the gates!
[31] overstated it on the defense but, agree that an error or two could doom one team. If I had to bet, it would be one of the Phils' relievers trying to field a bunt that blows one. don't count on another misplay by our 2B, or that he won't put up some XBH's. Not the best glove guy but a real ballplayer - future hall of famer if he stays healthy.
[35] There's one thing we can agree on, your second baseman is awfully good.
[34] the last time we had a philly fan here it was a piece bruce did on abreu
[35] oh i know, wishful thinking (or maybe knoblauch transference) - utley is great and one of the top players in mlb
Hmmm. Hugh. Phils.
Phil Hughes.
More than just a coincidence????
[35] Enjoy the calm. It can get a bit f-balmy (bomby) during the game. : D I am super psyched.
[0] Great play.
Just thought I'd check in with a prediction fort the Series since I won't have time later. The Yankees have the edge in hitting, bench, frontline starting pitching, and bullpen; the Phillies have the edge in starting pitching depth and overall team speed.
I had the Yankees beating the Angels in six. Since the Phils are slightly better than the Halos, I'll go with the Yankees in seven.
I'd wager even money that Matsui takes the field at least once in this series. The advantages are immense short term and most of the disadvantages that ruled it out in the past were longer term. And we are starting to run out of Matsui longer term. An injection a day will get matsui to play!
Slate has a perceptive article about the one position at which the Phillies obviously have the edge.
Prediction: Whomever wins this first game, wins the Series.
[42] 3 questionable (ok, 1 questionable, 1 stupid, and 1 idiotic) moves vs. 1 obvious (and necessary) move prove that girardi is worse than manuel. very perceptive indeed.
[44] just to be clear, i have no idea how good a manager manuel is. i do know that he has received quite a bit of criticism (but maybe not since winning a world series), but i have no idea if it was warranted. i do, however, know that his leaving lidge in to save games is completely meaningless when he had basically no other options and when all lidge has done so far is pitch 2.2 scoreless innings against the rockies and dodgers.
[44] [45] I don't think the examples are supposed to "prove" that Manuel is a better manager. They are supposed to illustrate the way in which he's better.
[43] Was that "whomever" a joke?
Is seems to carry more weight then 'whoever'.
[48] Ah, very true. James Thurber agrees with you.
[42] That article is the opposite of "perceptive." It is self-contradictory. First it claims that Girardi cost the Yanks the game by replacing Robertson with Aceves, then it states that there is no meaningful statistical difference between the rate at which the two pitchers get hitters out. Dumb.
[43] whom do you think wins the 1st game?
It's World Series Day! Me and Mr, OK Jazz Jr have been up here since 6! (Ok, maybe he was up and by banging me on the head repeatedly I woke up).
Are we SURE the weather stays good?
Yankees in 6.
[50] No that makes perfect sense. Why lift an effective pitcher (known, positive quantity) for one who statistically doesn't change much but whose performance is still an unknown quantity? It was a classic if it aint broke don't replace it scenario.
Flu symptoms might keep me out of work, but they will not dull my excitement. Excellent work as always, Cliff.
[46] i know, but presumably there are better examples of manuel's style of managing than letting the only guy who can close games close games. i just don't see how this article says much of anything except that girardi made a couple weird moves in the alcs.
Pedro's press conference was very interesting. He mentioned the 03 series a couple of times.
[38] heh heh heh hehe!
Weather?
[53] I agree that it makes sense not to make a move if there is no meaningful statistical difference between pitchers. But if you assume there isn't any difference, you cannot then logically argue that the move cost them the game.
[50] It doesn't say there's no meaningful statistical difference between the rates at which the two pitchers get hitters out. It says the statistical difference between the runs per batter for each pitcher is very small. And that Girardi may well have cost the game by that move, because it later compelled him to pinch hit for Mo.
[55] Oh, well, the point is that he's an "overmanager", and that overmanaging can be very costly. That's what the illustrations are illustrations of.
Hawk put it nicely [53].
[59] Sure you can! Assuming they're the same statistically, that still doesn't mean they're going to give the exact same performance each and every time. Robertson was pitching well, Aceves performance TBD. You gotta go with what you know to be working not what you think will work. If Robertson wasn't pitching well or the next batter and Aceves were lefties, then there'd be some reason to switch. But replacing a guy who's pitching well with a statistically similar guy who may or may not pitch well is unnwise.
Anyway that article seemed spot on for me - there are a few quotes I wish I'd thought of but it's nice to know they exist:
The Yankee manager's overarching philosophy, then, seems to have less to do with statistics than with the notion that a manager needs to make slick maneuvers to win ballgames.
This isn't the normal annoying tinkering we've all seen in 100 boring playoff games; it's a compulsive effort to control randomness
Is this the game thread? I need me some game thread...
This is the ersatz game thread.
OK, I do kinda dislike the OTT introductions and stuff. I may have to tune in something else until the first pitch.
[51] I'm worried. We have a better team, but have not played well this PS. ARod, Jeter, CC and Andy have been great (and of course Mo) Posada... decent. But everyone else? Scary!!!!!!!!
We either have to hit the shit out of the ball (because the Phillies WILL hit) or CC has to dominate THREE times.
I feel this eerie and unsettling sense of calm...that will last about 10 more minutes
FUCKING BAND is playing too loud to hear the crowd!
I'm flipping. Does this ever get easy?
[63] i hope not, there's too much to scroll through at the 50/100 marks
I had that sense of calm all day. Now, not so much. Is Ronan Tynan watching from the apt. building where he doesn't want Jews?
Old School dirt strip between home and the mound. WTF?
[66] I'm no more nor less worried than any other short series in the post season.
I think the issue with Girardi is not so much that his moves are terrible, but unnecessary. So I guess they are bad as they bleed the BP and the bench. Girardi, and that article, do illustrate that taking stats absolutely, especially when of a small sample size (can we just say SSS?), is folly.
[72] Are you joking? Did they even have that in the old stadium? Hoo boy.
[72, 75] no dirt strip, its a carpet for the first pitch
Can Yogi still get a hard-on?
[76] Thank heavens!
[76] Now I see. LET"S GO YANKEES!!!
[77] Huh?
WTF is up with Fox!!!!!!!!
My picture is frozen!
Now black!
Anyone else???
I gotta say, that Dr. Jill Biden...for a more "mature" lady...not too shabby
[81] mine's fine. they may be trying to keep you from thinking strange thoughts about 84 year olds.
[81] Ha-ha...I'm getting the international feed...ESPN announcers, no frozen screen.
I am so ready. And so nervous, but I think the long lay off will prove to be a bad thing for Philthy.
I'm not sure about the Bruney to the roster move (thanks for the info re Robertson's shoulder) - won't we need some pinch hit bats on the bench when we get to Philly? We will have a couple of games there, after all.
Ouch. Comcast TV went out for a minute. Now back... in time for a commercial.
DID I MISS ANYTHING????
And Hoss.......
FOR CRYING OUT LOUD DUDE...
Participate (you sissy!)
That's one impressive lineup for the hometown 9+1.
I won't plague you wiht my presence here - I hope you suffer in solidarity tonight. I hope we can agree on one thing - Joe Buck ain't his dad and needs to shut the fvck up.
Can we have a group hug for Hoss?
I mean... this is the Seriousness.
Will everybody play nice?
[87] On the latter, we are in total agreement.
Can we open the Christmas presents now, Dad?
And I really hate the national flags next to each player when they show the lineup. Can't we just have baseball without all of the nation-state nonsense?
[87] And McGarver? Can you say insufferable?
Hey Team!!!
GO YANKS!!!
i'm just getting in from teaching. no time to catch up on all the news & comments. gotta jump right in and...WIN !!!!
i picked up gigs and will miss both Games 2 & 3. sucks, but i gotta work...
my firefox is slow. hope word press isn't...
LET'S GO YAN-KEES !! !!!
[85] is there any real information on robertson, or is it all speculation since he didn't pitch in games 4-6? if it's just speculation, that seems silly since there weren't all that many opportunities to get into one of those games.
well done Jimmy
Thank you, Jimmy Rollins.
1 down!
26 more, just like that!
Thanks Jimmy!
Yes, thank you Jimmy Rollins. Gift out.
Greeting from San Francisco, where its is 60 and sunny
[96] 107 more
[93] I'm quoting the blog, first I heard of it.
[87] Dude... ya gonna stick around a while? We are reasonable folk (for Yankee fans) here at the Banter. It would be really good to have you around.
i like the helmets with ear flaps on both sides.
shake it off, Jorgie!
strike this fucker out, CC !!!
[99] Hey DF.
[99] Wanna come watch in Berkeley? What are you doing here?
Gameday Ahoy! Detailed analysis, Score Truck mantras and crude humor from all the Banterites please!
I may have to place all my insane, irrational hatred on Vicorino for a few days. No one on the Phils gets my goat. Yet. YES. 2 gone
this is quite weird .... its 5pm here .... and given that I've been up since 5am, I'm ready for bed
San Francisco? Is that near Little Neck?
[105] at fisherman's wharf for a weekend scrabble tourney, and I'm sight-seeing otherwise till next thursday
You know it's World Serious when the crowd is standing for a first inning K
Exit 50 on the LIE
[110] Is there a walking tour of Joe D's old haunts?
I think keeping Utley in check is a key to this series.
2 out walks. Bollocks!
shit
damn, lost him.
well, let's get howard out of the way early.
Me no like Howard up with men on base...
[110]
i believe there is .... there is at least a joe d playground
um, that's not good.
Um, not what I want.
christ
Howard is a monster!
Hmm. Two out walk ≠ good.
Missed the spot
2 out doubles following a walk are also Bolllocks. C'mon Big Fellla!!
You would think, ESPECIALLY in YS, we would stay outside to Howard.
Over/Under on comments tonight: 3400?
I am already tired of Joe Buck.
Bear down, CC - don't let 'em get you down! Get Werth out!
Jayson Werth is the nephew of one-time Yankee Dennis Werth
Nice and easy CC.
[127] pretty sure that's where he likes it
Come on CC...what's going on...?
What, no strikes?
Nerves? Jitters? Squash that shit.
Get 'em here, CC.
fuckin eh
Some early tension here.
me no likey
Damn, was that a ball? Maybe outside.
Gulp.
Looked like a strike to me, whatever FOXTrax says.
Excuse me while I begin physical mortification.
It's stating the obvious, but CC stopped challlenging the hitters with the Utley AB.
If CC gets out of this, he'll buckle down. But, he needs to get out of this.
This can't be nerves from cc, can it? Maybe he's over-amped?
Way too many off speed pitches so far.
I don't like this
Dammit...they aren't biting on the offspeed stuff.
No control, come on
The pitch selection has been awful so far...CC is pitching scared.
Game 1, top 1st, already too tense to speak..
wtf?
thank you!
PHEW!
thanking everything in the universe!!!
very bad sign for the phillies early on to let a huge chance slip away!
Wasted opportunity there Phillies...
No runs, but a lot of wasted pitches....why was CC/Posada afraid to use the fastball?
Just put the kids to bed, wtf???
At least he got out of it, but should we be concerned?
No runs - that's our ace!
This is the first inning of the first game, of maybe seven?
Good Lord.
Yes!
CC's offspeed pitch wasn't bad, but they weren't going for it off the plate. He's gonna have to show the fastball and then get them to chase.
The worst thing about that inning is that he wasted a two-outs-on-five-pitches start. Now he's in the hole, and needs a fast inning or two to make up for it.
[160] No.
And you can be assured on that, weeping! ;)
[160] No, because that inning was the result of CC not being CC, or pitching completely backwards...the way a soft tossing lefty would.
CC had a 1st inning case of Jobaitis.
[166] That's exactly what it was.
[160] I am always concerned when the WS is on the line...but I'm not ready for extra concern just yet.
[159] i think just trying to trick the big hitters. i didn't love it, but i don't think they were especially scared.
[169] Not more tricks!! :)
Wow, Lee has a nasty curve.
Holy fuck, what a goofy pitch.
I don't think I've ever seen anything like that.
damnit, jetes
Hmpf.
Jeez... that pitch really dives.
Christ. That curveball was outrageous.
And that was a baaad curver ball.
Terrible AB, Cap
[177] Or, if Timmy was right (which I am not sure, a bad cutter.
make him work!
i don't know what that last pitch to jeter was, but it missed by about a foot and should have been drilled the other way
Johnny repays Rollins.
wtf was that johnny?! : /
[180] Cliff Lee has had some very, very short games against the Yankees in his career.
I guess both teams are into giving away outs tonight?
Sutcliffe: "The key to this series for the Yankees is that they have to get offense from somewhere."
Thanks.
Sigh, Damon. Sigh.
There's no way we're hitting this guy.
Hey Ruiz looks like Posada. : D
Ruiz has looked a little Jorge like this inning.
that was low!!!!
the catcher seems completely fooled by some of these pitches. when did lee start to throw that sharp curve? i don't remember him ever throwing it before.
[185] And he's paid to spout such "wisdom"!
AAAAIIIIEEEE!
Oy!
total bollocks
Where's CC's fastball
Diane Firstman - I think D. Werth is J. Werth's stepdad.
[187] Dude, you gotta relax. This team led the league in scoring somehow.
I think Buck just shat in pants. Asshole.
Someone please tell me when I'm allowed to panic...
[185] "If Alex Rodriguez continues to hit, the Yankees will score runs"
Genius!
Advantage Phillies in the first inning...both CC and the Yankee hitters looked a little flustered in that frame. Hopefully, that's just a little rust and not pressure.
CC has to match him and we have to hope someone can hit a mistake or we can somehow get into the pen, 'cause we're not hitting this guy, certainly not the way we've been swinging the bats against far, far inferior pitchers, letting meatball sail on by or flat out missing them...
Damn.
[185] I think the key is to score more runs than the other team in four of the seven games.
Can I be a baseball "analyst" now? Maybe ESPN can hire me -- at least I'm single so there won't be such a scandal when I hook up with the interns.
[201] Yes, if the Yankees keep swinging at pitches about neck high, they will most certainly not hit this guy.
[196] I hope you're right...
I'm worried already.
Where is our CC?
throw strikes, man!!!
[204] I am right...they did lead the league in runs score! ; )
The Ben Francisco Treat. Throw fucking strikes BIg Fella!
Now, it would help if CC threw some strikes.
If Sabathia doesn't command his fastball is it going to be a very long night.
Who is Ben Francisco and why is he not strikign out on three pitches??
No command of the zone. Could be a long night.
Wide corner tonight
Too much rest for cc? c'mon
whew, good. i would be incredibly displeased if the leadoff man got on...
That's the way, CC. You've got a good defense behind you.
[214] you mean the 3-0 pitch that was clearly a strike?
[208] :)
Nice curve.
is it raining pretty steadily or is that my crappy tv?
Thanks for that weak hack, pal!
[202] Yup, the majority of the time, that is the formula.
Curve and change to start the 8th hitter...effective, but I really would love to see him spotting that fastball.
Didn't CC start one or two of the the other PS games a bit rough, before locking in?
[220] Rain from hd tv as well.
There's a good fastball.
[224] Yes. He'll be fine.
Good work, big guy.
Phew!
Much better.
OK, maybe CC has a little groove developing...
[224] game 4 of the alcs looked a little iffy at first, but he wasn't quite missing this much.
but that was a nice quick inning anyway.
we VERY much needed that!
34 pitches thru 2
nice quick inning! 34 pitches after 2, CC will be fine.
There ya go!. I almost hope Alex walks. Laying off that nasty shit Lee brought tonight would be a fine sign. OR a homer.
Can someone in the NYC area please tell us if it's raining... and what the forecast is for the next 3 hours?
[232] jinx!
[224] The ALDS game was a little shaky early on.
It's raining.
[234] Patience may be a good approach here.
[235] It is raining lightly in Brooklyn. Forecast is for areas of drizzle.
It was supposed to clear by 7pm. It's not raining hard. It's around 50 degrees.
[238] Serious rain? Or, it will pass rain?
OK... got it
A-Rod's 1st WS AB !!!
[242] Supposedly the serious rain has passed.
Fuck the base hit shit. Swing for the fences.
Everything is up from Lee.
Hey Mother Nature. Go fly a kite.
He swung and missed..uh-oh.
crap
why have all the strikeouts been on hanging cutters or whatever that is?
That was Arod's first swing and a miss since the ALDS.
First swing and a miss for Alex?
Lee is dealing.
Jesus.
Trouble.
Troubletroubletrouble.
[247] Yeah, but he's hitting the corners.
It's easy to say from a seat in front of the TV, but these pitches do not look good from Lee.
he's working so fast, slow him down a bit
Looks like good whale hunting weather...
Eek. Either I need a new TV or it's raining pretty good.
Lee pitches up very effectively. the breaking stuff starts up and finishes down.
Nice hitting, Jorgie.
Molina!
Hip-Hip !!!
Let's go Mats!!!
I like watching the World Series through the aft porthole.
Screw the meteorologist. It's raining hard.
lee's a weird guy. i hate that sprint off the mound thing.
I smell an H-Bomb
2-0.
Nice.
Now all of a sudden, the strike zone is getting small.
Right now........
That's a great pitch on 2-0.
[258] I'm sure from the batter's box they look nasty.
If the Yankees could stop swinging at bad pitches, I think they'd do pretty well.
Fuk me.
Terrible swing on strike 2, and then he was helpless on strike 3.
Come on, Frosty.
[275] The low ones must start out looking good.
[275] Two balls in a row Matsui hacked at.
Damn.
Least he gave it a ride.
I've watched the Yankees layoff better pitches than these...hopefully after the first AB is done, they will take a collective deep breath and resume their normal approach.
Ok, two solidly hit balls that inning. Moral victory!
Whaterever douchelord weatherman was on the Yes pregame said the rain was long gone for the night. McCarver's ancestors must have been forecasters before sportscasting was invented. SHITE.
that last pitch to matsui was pretty nasty. the one before was bad.
Cano brings his hacktastical ways to his first WS AB. That's OK, the Score Truck is coming round the bend.
Mats looked terrible on strike 3.
at least Robbie gave it a ride.
27 pitches for Lee...
[286] make sure the Score Truck driver knows to only make deliveries in the BOTTOM half of the innings!!!
WTF. Please throw some strikes, CC.
now, i've heard the guys name before - mostly here, methinks - but i have NO clue who the fuck this Jay-Z guy is. i realize he's some rapper/hip-hop guy...
Little unsettling so far...CC doesnt look like CC and the bats dont look like the bats.
Thanks for swinging at that, pal.
Are those empty seats?
[284] i'm so glad "douchelord" has made into the Banter Argot. thanks for using it!
Why are they throwing fastballs out of the zone on 2-2 to Rollins?
Pfew!
Atta boy, Melkius!
MELKOWITZ !!!!!!!!!!!
(exhale)
Melky!
eep.
Melkster!
Can o Corn!
If Sabathia doesn't establish is fastball early, it is going to catch up to him.
[294] It is pretty good.
[293] In RF upper deck? That's a temporary press area...because they designed a zillion dollar stadium with fewer seats and, apparently, insufficient room for the press during the PS.
That should've been strike one!
Melky scared me just a bit there, but it's all good now.
Another breaking pitch early in the count...this makes me believe that CC doesn't like his fastball tonight, which means he is going to need a lot of guts and some Phillie impatience to get through this one tonight.
[304] They did that in the old Stadium too.
[304] No, visitor's dugout way.
Two out.
good
First real good fastball of the night from CC.
Alright, now let's try this "pitch to the #3 hitter before Howard bats" thing again.
[307] i think he's having trouble gripping it or something because it has some weird extra movement almost like a 2 seamer
[309] Those people have access to an all you can eat gourmet restuarant. I am sure many will retreat to it in the rain.
He's all breakng ball tonight. Makes me nervous.
Open your gd eyes, blue. Where'd the strike zone go?
[308] Yep, in the old stadium built in 1923---before there were armies of press---and yet it still accommodated over 55,000 fans for the PS---they did the same thing.
prime time for CCs 1st K
why not throw that changeup in to utley? he'll swing right over it.
[309] Sorry, I wasn't sure which empty seats during the WS you were talking about... : (
[317] No...the new old Stadium...the one remodeled in 1976.
Good pitch.
What is his out pitch?
Utley is making him work.
CC's at 51 pitches
Utley & Howard are scaring the crap out of me..
[323] Doesn't appear to have one, does he?
[321] The one that was made up of 75% the same substructure as the one 1923? The one that still held over 55,000 fans despite sacrificing some for the press? That 1976 stadium?
I got to think that CC is pitching the opposite way he pitched to the Phils last postseason when he was with the Brewers. Damnit Utley. Just make out.
Fuckfuckfuckfuck.
where was that?? High???
Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck.
Frak!
Whoops...NYS gives and NYS takes away...
Fuck you Utley.
[328] The seating was completely remodeled. Besides, it's irrelevant. The Yankees designed a stadium to accomodate the capacity they wanted for 162 games...not to accomodate the press in the post season.
Not worried.
jesus fucking christ.
what's wrong w/ CC tonight???? : /
[327] Shit. When I mean out pitch. I don't mean out of the ballpark.
shit
CC isn't going to be dominant...he has NO fastball command. He needs to really grind this one out and the bats need to stop swinging at everything.
Settle down, Big Man, settle down.
So who's first out of the pen. Aceves?
Yankee BP is going to have to win this one.
At this point, you might be looking at CC for 6 and then hope Hughes is over his hiccup.
[326] Yes, it was completely remodlled, and yet still held 56,000+ for the regular season and 55,000+ for the PS. And yes, the Yankees designed the new stadium to hold as many as they wanted for the regular season...about 49,000 fans.
Well done, CC, well done.
Very nice recovery.
Build from there...
Where has that been?
well, if it takes a solo hr to get cc focused, that's fine. we're still in this.
Ok. Found his fastball.
finally... a strikeout.
let's get that run back quick... and then some!
We can get that run back with one swing of the bat.
(please let me be a baseball analyst)
Well now he's loose. I sincerely hope Swisher doesn't kill himself TRYING to hit Lee. Oy.
ahh, takes giving up a solo shot to get cc to throw hard strikes, eh?
[345] Yep, especially if they want him to go three times. If he can wriggle through six innings only giving up a run or two, it will be somewhat a success. Whatever the case, the bats need to wake up.
58 pitches thru 3
[346] Right, so it wasn't an oversight or a poor investment. Whether one likes it or not is another thing. Also, the point about the old Stadium is that even with a 56K capacity they still used the Upper Deck for overflow, so building this one with the same seating would have mad no difference.
[352] Hey, it's my turn:
If the Yankees don't score a run, they will hav a tough time coming back in this game.
How was that?
[357] Exactly...it was not an oversight. It was by design, which has been (part of) my point all along.
c'mon Swish!
[358] Heh heh hehe.
[358] Pretty good.
not what i had in mind, Nick...
I am getting close to wanting to pull the plug on Swisher.
Son of a bitch.
[364] Who is in your OF?
[357] Stadium is that even with a 56K capacity they still used the Upper Deck for overflow, so building this one with the same seating would have mad no difference.
That makes no sense. The overflow for the press has nothing to do with teh seating, but with the accommodations for the press. One would think that a brand spanking new stadium would be designed to accommodate the press better, so that precious seats would not have to sacrificed. But then, when you design a stadium in the biggest market, with the biggest demand, with 6000 fewer seats and another 1500 behind a restaurant, and then carve out more for the overflow press...well, I guess you don;t think of those seats as precious.
[366] Gardner against Pedro might not be so bad.
this is quickly becoming infuriating.
[358] Can I play? "If Cliff Lee gets strike outs, he will really limit the damage this Yankee offense can do"
These ABs are awful...I am not willing to credit Lee because the pitches being swung at don't look very good.
[369] It's be infuriating since Jeter's K.
Hell yes, Derek!
OK, that makes up for it.
Atta boy Jeter. Now a shot of JD.
i love my Captain!!!
wonder if he coulda made 3rd. werth has a very good arm though...
let's go Johnny!
Nice work, Jeter. Now Johnny with the two out base hit??
Nice short swing, Johnny.
Jerek Leter is McCarver's favorite player.
[377] That would be nice.
Damon should have launched that pitch!!
[371] i think it's in his delivery
What kind of swing was that Johnny?
Dear Johnny,
Lay off the curve down and away.
love,
Yankee fans everywhere
Don't waste Jeter's AB, Damon. For God's sake!
[371] I don't know, he's got a lot of movement, a good assortment, and pretty good location.
He looks pretty tough to me.
And then he swings at that garbage.
[288] Sorry about that...I forgot to get the Score Truck driver the memo.
Close. C'est la vie.
boooooooooooooooooooooo to the swing on 1-1. One bed shitter.
FUCK! Almost.
JD looks terrible against Lee
[370] LOL!
Fuck.
[386] If you let 84 mph pitches with no movement go by, then yes, he does look pretty tough.
Good pitching beats good hitting, but this has been bad hitting, which has no chance.
The Score Truck is making its way slowly to the stadium, so CC has to lock them down from here on out. I say he gets warmed up this inning!
Lee won the Cy int he AL..he's a good pitcher. Let's drive up the pitch count and get to that craptacular Philly bullpen?
[395] Yeah, maybe. I think you're seeing something I'm not seeing.
I don't give a RAT'S ASS who's in the house.
Good job, CC.
At least Girardi does know what Lee is doing...getting ahead and then going up. Now, the Yankees have to sit on the early strike and try to lay off the high stuff.
Prediction: A-Rod will lay off the off-speed away stuff and drive the ball in next AB. Double to right-center
True OldTale:
It was Oct 2, 1978, and my wife's family had it's biggest family get together since the kids left home.
Me and wifey; Brother #1: his wife and 2 kids; brother #2: and his son; and of course, the Inlaws (who paid for it all). We are having a feast in a fancy restaurant somewhere near Crested Butte, Colorado.
In a way, I'm glad I have a legitimate excuse to miss the game, as the tension would have killed me. Getting the score afterwards may have been the cowards way out, but I was under enough stress as it was. Late, after a long night of eating, drinking and arguing, I go out to my rental car for a smoke and to hear the news.
I find the station, tune in, but it's JUST after the bottom of the 8th starts. I have to stay the inning to get the score. Needless to say, after hearing the score, I MUST listen to the 9th. Freezing, I turn on the car, and turn the heat up to full blast. After what seemed like a month of tension and sphinter squeezing, Yaz flies out, and I am euphoric.
I saunter back into the restaurant, back to the family table... some 45 minutes after I left. I take my seat... sweating, flushed, with a victorious shit-eating grin on my face.
I don't have the vocabulary to express the look on my father-in-law's face.
My mother-in-law actually had a weird little smile on her face.
My 2 sister-in-laws were literally drop-jawed.
My 2 brother-in-laws were grinning ear to ear.
There was silience for quite a while.
At the time, I really didn't get it.
(Were they not Yankee fans?)
There you go, Big Man...
Ibanez did go after the 52-footer.
nice hook, CC !!!
OH, yes!
Now he's dealing.
[401] I like your predictions!
Beautiful pitch.
Sit down, Raul. So says Uncle Charlie. Whoo-hoo.
[404] Like Werth, that's a product of throwing a 95 mph fastball for strikes. The Yankees, however, are taking fat pitches in the mid-80s and then swinging at balls either in the dirt or high. Lee isn't really setting them up as much as getting ahead and then seeing if they will chase.
Good work, CC.
Better late than never...
Now, Tex has to get going. The Yankees need him in this series. He can't have another .500 OPS.
much better inning, very large man!
71 pitches thru 4.
[402] Crusted Butt !!!
[410] Need to get him third time through the order... faster...
[402] Very nice, OYF, very nice. Thanks for sharing that.
[415] Right...this is also the same exact strategy that Pavano used, which is kind of troubling.
CC was a little ragged, but otherwise he has been his typical awesome self...I sure hope they don't lose on a 320 foot pop fly.
let's make Lee WORK this inning.
please!!!
[410] They've been doing that all postseason. It's worrying to say the least.
You can't let that pitch go!!
[418] i wouldn't mind if they tied it on one though
that was ball 3
[423] Yup. WTF?
On queue, Tex takes a BP fastball and then goes out of the zone. That's not good pitching...it's very bad hitting.
goddamn motherfucker!!! : /
what's hard to understand is that they're swinging through pitches that are high 80s right down the middle or up and over the plate.
[425] Cue or queue...both are appropriate.
Alex is lunging.
I've never seen so many 84 mph straight pitches taken for a strike.
[428] i figured it was all that time you spent in London!
[427] There's late break on those pitches. Plus, he's moving the ball around very effectively.
[114] Strikes!
oh dear. : (
This is both embarrassing and infuriating. And fucking bullshit to boot.
Oy!
Plus, I'm guessing that goofy curve is in the back of their minds.
This is brutal.
Man... Lee's location is nasty.
I'm off to hang myself from a beam in my garage with an orange extension cord.
BRB
Jorge is the only hitter who is looking to go the other way...again...this is so much like the Pavano game.
[437] i don't know, as goofy as it is it has to be easy to recognize. i think it's just the change of speeds and his deceptive delivery. look how long he keeps his arm hidden before delivering.
Goddamn.
OMG
this is just awful.
Grumblety grumble grumble.
The Yankees are shitting the bed.
L.A.M.E.
My prediction failed..Tex & A-Rod heading towards the Golden Sombrero...
It feels like we're getting killed, but it's only ONE run (on 2 hits).
Only 56 pitches for Lee.
Hey gang.
My power went out at 7:30. Had to drive seven miles to a bar (I live in the boonies). Kind of wish Utley's power had gone out instead.
Back in business now, let's hope the Yankees follow suit.
CC needs to make this another quick 1-2-3 inning.
[442] You're probably right, which might account for him not using it too much. The change of speeds really does seem effective. Haven't noticed the delivery, I'll keep my eyes open.
Maybe everyone should just sit on the changeup for a while?
If CC can hold them down, the Yankees will be fine. Lee will not throw a complete game
[450] Good you're here, RI, sorry about your power. You won't freeze or anything?
[453] You mean the 84 mph one he keeps throwing right over the plate for strike one?
CC at 71-41 thru 4.
[454] That's what I'm thinking...they have to make him work some, at least throw four or five pitches per AB (easier said than done).
[456] Obviously, our boys are looking for heat.
Jeez, that's a change up. Won the Cy with that pitch. Can't even wear him out and get into the bullpen, because he doesn't walk anyone. Can't even BLAME anyone yet (though I'm sure if I scroll up the thread it is happening!)
Hang tough. CC is solid, too.
OHHH, hot damn!
Oh, my power is back now. I knew it wouldn't be long, but, you know, I couldn't wait it out!
[458] They can't really do that because he is throwing hittable pitches for strike one. They need to make him change that first.
[459] They should realize by now that they aren't going to get it.
[457] That's not too bad, all things considered. he's right on pace for seven innings. It's the other guy that worries me!
[460] i agree. right now, lee is just fooling them by working quickly and changing speeds. sometimes it looks like these pitches are hittable, but lee's pitches always look hittable, yet he's been nearly unhittable for 2 years.
[463] No, he's mostly throwing his version of heat. Alex had a change, 5 fast balls, then down on the change.
So is Cliff Lee the absolute best pitcher in baseball now?
Two out.
I figure this is one of those third-time-through situations. So I guess that would mean the fifth will suck again, but the sixth is going to be our inning.
The weather looks JUST lousy at YS. Can't be fun to play in these conditions.
Damn, has this entire PS been played in rain and snow...except for in Minnesota? It sure seems like it.
[467] He's the best pitcher tonight, in any case...at least so far.
oooh, wicked pitch
Nice work, Very Large Man.
(Isn't that Derek's ball, though?)
Looks like CC is warmed up now.
Man, the Utley dinger was a real YS2 special, wasn't it? I mean, he did tag it, but still.
You really can't complain, CC has really pitched on guts and only given up a short porch HR...
[450] hey buddy! glad you're here : )
good work CC!
I love how on every pop-up to ARod, he always looks for Jeter... in hopes Jete's got the ball?
I hear the Score Truck comin'
It's rollin' 'round the bend,
And I ain't seen the sunshine,
Since, I don't know when...
[467] glad you're here, too!
[477] Yep, I'm here, time to get the party started.
CC is a true ace..not his best stuff and only 2 hits given up to a great lineup.
Ok let me get this straight...I press this button and get a million dollars and Cliff Lee's arm falls off?
[460] Hey WELCOME! (Things must be really bad).
[481] Hope it's a nice bar. The MLB Cafe here, unbelievably, is NOT open for the live game..only replay at night.
Ok, that was a hittable pitch to Matsui.
whats that crap on the bill of his hat?
Matsui looks all kinds of bad against Lee.
[485] No, sorry, I didn't make it clear: I'm back home. (I don't bring my laptop to bars.) And my power is on. And everything's going to be fine now...
Wow...that was close.
just dominating, dominating stuff: every pitch sequence different, guys guessing or looking helpless--and that 3-2 change to Alex was particularly vile....
[488] But redemption is sweet.
Wow!
A hit! A palpable hit!
Here we go - I hear the Score Truck comin' down the road!
There ya go.
See how easy? Do it, Rob.
Too soon for a pinch runner?
[487] it's on the back of his hat, too. looks chalky. maybe extra rosin?
great job 'Deki !!!
but Hideki hangs in there!
YES!!!!!!!!!!|
MAT-------------SU-----------------IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
May I just suggest that Girardi pull a Casey Stengel and pitch run for Matsui with Gardner now?
Robbie had a nice swing last time up.
[491] I agree.
NO DP HERE CANO!!!
[496][500] Ha-ha..I thought the same thing.
Oh, Frosty.
Ffs.
What? Really? He went?
SHRUG.
bull fucking shit!!!
WHAT???
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WAY!
And here we have the random check swing call.
No, he didn't.
FUCK YOU UmP !!! C
That's a fucking infield fly.
Bullshit.
shoot the 3rd base ump in the crotch.
Smart play by Rollins, but isn't that an infield fly rule scenario?
Uh.
Uh oh.
More fucking bullshit. booooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
We're fucked.
Oh, Christ almighty.
This is not good.
[513] Dude, it can't be an IF unless there are two on!
Cripes. Is catching with the glove on the ground a catch in the air?
Weird ass play. Another case for instant replay.
What the hell is going on?
It's a DP. Let's see if they get it right.
[520] Are you sure?
they're going to correct this
No infield fly with only one man on.
We're fucked.
DP.
complete crap. this sucks.
What a meeting of the fucking minds.
Isn't this precisely why the infield fly was invented?
fucking double play, I knew it.
I think for infield fly there have to be runners on first & second.
Fug. Correct call, though.
I dunno, it was tough for Matsui. He could tell what happened at short.
Matsui HAS to go back to 1st base. What can it hurt?
No idea what's going on, Gameday is frozen..details please!
He tagged out Matsui....fucking bullshit!!
[520] [527] Really??? Wow, I never noticed that before.
[525] Completely sure.
That's just shameful...for Matsui to wander off the bag is simply awful. The Yankees do not exactly look prepared to be playing in the World Series.
damn waste of a leadoff hit
How many pitches does Sandy Koufax have now?
Horse.
Fucking.
Shit.
double fuck
I still CANT FUCKING BELIEVE that check swing call. Atta boy Swish. You've got those pop ups down cold.
Well, that sucked. Still, one run is nothing.
And of course since all we've heard about is the offense, we have a classic pitchers' duel.
The sooner the Yanks get into the Phillies' bullpen, the better.
[537] Yep, just checked...you're correct. I wonder why? I guess the thinking is that the runner will make it to first if the IF drops the ball, so there is not the same DP peril as when you have two men on.
Please, someone breifly describe what happened there..line-out to Rollins and he caught Matsui napping??
[538] The only defense of Matsui--was he fooled by the 2B umpire? Did he call out on the ball on the fly, or on the throw to second?
[539] Yes it's early, yes you risk losing the DH later (or keeping Gritner at DH), but Lee's so dam good that's why I wanted the Yanks to pinch run for Matsui there; steal second; let Cano bunt him over and you've got two outs to score him.
If anyone thinks that's a horseshit idea, that's fine, but I'd rather have a good shot at 1-1 and lose Matsui, than be trailing 1-0
[545] The IF fly is to protect the runners by not allowing the fielders to drop the ball and turn a DP. With only a man on first, they can't do this because the batter should be running to first.
[534] Rollins tried to short hop the ball, actually caught it, retiring Cano, and Matsui was caught off base, thinking he had been retired when Rollins stepped on second.
Double play.
[545] Yes, that's it. The danger of a too-easy DP is only if you can get two runners. So there have to be two runners forced, i.e., first and second base occupied (and fewer than two outs).
The problem on that play was that the umpire at second ruled Matsui was out, so there was no incentive for him to run back to the bag because he was incorrectly ruled out on a force to second! If the ump had ruled it as a catch as it happened, in theory he would've tried to run back to the bag. Granted, maybe the throw isn't wide if it the ball doesn't go to second first.
[545] Correct. Especially if the pop up is higher. That was more of a soft line drive.
[547] How could he be? He was signaling out very clearly. There is no excuse. Braindead plays like that send you down 0-1.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infield_Fly_Rule
"The infield fly rule applies only when there are fewer than two outs, and there is a force play at third or home (runners on first and second base, or bases loaded)."
rule 6.05e
[547] There was NO throw to 2nd.
[549] Ahhh, yes, the batter is running anyway, so there's no deception going on. That makes sense.
[552] Exactly.
[548] That's a bad idea :)
That play really illustrated what william was saying a few days ago about the problems with instant replay in baseball.
This is going to be a very tough inning for CC.
Walking Barbarino is NOT the way to start CC.
Lee's at 69 pitches with 4 innings to go....He's going to throw a complete game and CC will go 7 (most likely).
[556] Wait... was there a throw to 2nd? I thought Rollins made the throw to first.
[552] but the ball did go to 2nd. if the umpire ruled matsui out at 2nd, he should not have been afterwards called out on 1st. but i think the umpire made the correct call (that cano was out), which is why i'm not sure why there was any confusion.
[556] Wasn't there? I'm pretty sure he either threw to second or stepped on the bag, feigning the DP.
thanks, Weeping.
Lee is going to throw a CG at this rate..we may be down 1-0...
[559] Ok but when we lose 1-0 check back with me...We're not going to score any runs off Cliff Lee without manufacturing them.
[552] That isn't what the umpire ruled at all...he clearly indicated a raised fist, which is an out on the catch. Otherwise, he gives a safe sign and then points to second and pumps his fist for an out on the force. The ump raised his fist clearly. Matsui should have known to return to the bag.
[566] I thought he stepped on the bag.
If CC can pitch into the 7th without giving up any more runs, the Yankees are winning this game.
Well, the entire play was a clusterfuck. I don't think Matsui was really brain dead, he was caught between the old rock and hard place. Cano jogging didn't help matters.
Somebody with TIVO tell us if there was a play at 2nd on that play.
Rollins caught it & stepped on second. Matsui probably thought it was a short hop, ump only called out after Rollins touched second. I think it would have been a DP either way, no harm no foul to me. Just one of those weird plays that happens in baseball.
Fuck that man can hit. How the FUCK did he get to that?
[568] Perhaps you are right, but I'm not convinced that bunting-stealing in that situation actually increased teh chances of scoring much. In any case, if Lee throws a CG, there will be at least one more chance to employ Garder.
MOTHERFUCKER!!!!!!!
ballgame....
Oh, man. That kid is good. Shit.
[568] It's 2-0 now.
SHIT!!!!!!
Fudge.
FUCK NOOOOOO!!!!! : (
Did I mention that you should expect Utley to increase the XBH output?
sorry, hate to do that
Now I really will hang myself.
[571] And he can't... :-(
That's on CC. Hmm, he busted me on an inside fastball last time. I'll try it again. boo
[552] Has it right. The second base umpire very, very clearly first points to the bag and then to Matsui while calling the out. Thus, Matsui stopped running. He wasn't confused, he was CALLED OUT. That's like in football, whistling a play dead, somebody picks up the ball, runs into the endzone and on replay they realize they shouldn't have called the play, so...lets give the guy a touchdown! What?!
Well, the Phillies have someone who showed up to play. Do the Yankees?
OK - now I think its appropriate - fuck a goat.
/ms october
sigh
Dude's hands are hanging all over the plate. A dusting off is really in order.
[576] "mute" point now anyway...a 2-0 deficit to Cliff Lee is like a 7-0 lead for mortal pitchers.
[569] Ah, didn't realize about the raised fist out call. Still, I'm not going to be to hard on Matsui there.
That might be enough. Hmpf.
utley sportin' the pat riley hairdo
[588] That's not what I saw at all. To my view, the ump clearly indicated an out on the catch.
Rollins stepped on 2nd base before throwing to first. FWIW.
[590] Where is she, anyway?
[584] then don't.
There's no 'dusting off' Utley. He'll let you hit him.
[597] i thought so too. but then why were the umps confused at all?
The difference in this game is Utely has swung at a few donw the middle pitches, while several Yankees have not.
[599] work. i thought she was only gonna miss the 1st hour. bad traffic, maybe...
Dear Yankees,
We can hit solo homers, too!
Love,
The Phillies
[602] I think they figured they would discuss before rendering a final decision.
good job comin' back. let's get outta this and get the pinstriped Score Truck in drive
[601] Well good...then he's not circling the bases.
I love it when announcers start talking about how a guy is a throwback and blah blah blah. How many guys don't show up to play everyday? I'm guessing it's the same as it always has been, basically. Baseball was good then, baseball is good now. We are in a hundred-year plus golden age.
Utley's hair is making me just as sick as his 2 homeruns. : /
[597] Are you guys going from memory or watching a replay? And did Rollins step on or throw to 2nd base? I thought not.
[606] You're too generous, I think. They were confused (that's why the 1B ump called Cano safe at 1B), and they are under intense pressure to look good after fucking up so much in the ALDS and ALCS.
Pat Riley, good call thealarmis. I knew I had seen that look somewhere!
[611] From seeing the replay several times...he stepped on 2B.
it's just slipping away....
philly fans are pretty bold to be coming here up 2-0 in game 1
[613] Aw crap, I messed your name up. I know better.
[611] Memory of the couple replays they showed. He definitely stepped on 2nd before throwing to 1st.
[612] He called him safe because he was...the first base umpire can't be focused on the 2B umpire. He has to make the call assuming the ball is live.
[609] Are you including Manny in that "How many guys don’t show up to play everyday? "
[620] Baseball has always had flakes, nothing new there.
[606] then shouldn't it have taken about 2 seconds?
Let's talk bullpen moves. If it's 2-0 going to the seventh, who's the first reliever into the game? (I think CC doesn't have a whole lot left.)
After reading his biography, Babe Ruth most certainly did not show up to play everyday.
I'm not worried
[619] But how does he know who he is calling safe, and why? If Howard tagged Matsui but Cano crossed 1B, would he have signaled out or safe? And wouldn't Matsui's safeness depend on what happened at 2B?
[610] not a fan of the dippity-do either.
Still anybody's game. Sabbathia's holding his own despite some trouble finding the zone.
No Sarah Lee references. That's why we haven't scored. Let's go fellas!!!
[623] I'd probably go to Hughes if they feel he's solved his "rushing" problem.
[622] Not really. I am sure they were discussing whether it was in fact caught or not. If yes, it is a DP. If not, Cano stays at 2B. Perhaps one umpire thought it bounced, but two or more thought otherwise? They may have had a little debate.
hi team - so fuck chutley huh - hopefully the score truck is ready to go now
[623] CC's out of the equation. The issue is how long Lee stays in the game---if he goes CG, it's gonna be tough to score no matter what the Yankees' BP does.
2d base ump must have not had a view of the ball on that Rollins play. Definitely thought it was a short hop and called the force at second. In all seriousness, though, I thought Howard held the bag until the ball hit his glove at first. Should have been a DP even if it was a short hop.
[632] HAVE to chase Lee, otherwise it's down 1-0..he's too good tonight.
[629] Hughes is good for this situation, yes. I agree.
[626] The umpire should make a call on any runner being tagged by a fielder unless he knows exactly what the situation is.
Maybe Bruney? We're already down & Lee is dealing.
Only positive is that Lidge will be on for the ninth.
[632] Wait, so, you think it doesn't matter who the relief pitcher for the Yankees is??
That can't be what you meant to say.
Come on Melky.
Lee or no Lee, 2 runs is nothing to this team. A comeback or no comeback here will set the tone for the series.
[633] that's not the question because it wasn't a short hop. question is whether matsui was fooled into being off the bag because the umpire fucked up. if so, that seems unfair. see tommyl's football analogy [588].
These umps are FUCKING KILLING ME.
I believe we're fucked....Lee can locate better than anyone I've seen in a long time.
Melky showing some frustration.
[617] cliff lee is messing up my life...
[637] That was uncalled for..you will hurt MattPat's feelings...(where is he anyway? did he get tix?)
[637] If we go down further, it's a good time to break in Bruney, so to speak. At 2-0 the leverage is still too high for Bruney.
[637] If Lee keeps dealing, I'd stick with him over Lidge. I hope Manuel thinks differently!
[641] I'd love nothing more than to have something to complain about, but I think the 2B umpire did everything right.
the difference in this game is that Cliff Lee has not missed his spots in the strike zone AT ALL.
Remember that time the Yankees scored less than 4 runs in this post-season? Yeah me neither.
Lee is going to throw a CG if the Yankees keep having clueless ABs. This game isn't about how long Lee will last, but whether or not the Yankee batters wake up.
[641] nevermind i get it now. but you're wrong, his foot was not on the bag.
Here we go, third time through...
william, this is not some anonymous RHP getting lucky; if you combine Ks and weak pop-ups, you've basically accounted for all of our outs....
[631] yay!
[631] Ahh, there you are.
Right on, Derek!
Ah, Jeter!
There we go Jete.
[654] You are wise beyond years, sir.
that's my captain!
should he steal?
WE MUST STEAL HERE
now a rbi please
I wish I had more faith in Johnny.
[656] [657] hi guys
that was a nice shot back up the middle for the cap
[660] As a matter of fact I am, though you're not in a position to know it because you don't know how many years I have.
[665] Good, you're here.
Park the truck right along side the baseline, but please keep it idling and ready to go.
Make him work, Johnny...make him work...
[641] - no argument. clearly godzuki thought he was already out based on teh ump's call. doesn't make the hitter safe.
STEEEEEEEEEEEALLLLLLLLL PLEEEEEEEEEEASE
why are you swinging at that?!?!?!?!
[666] That should've been my comment...after all I am Evil.
[649] i agree, but others seem to indicate that on replay he made the wrong call (out at 2nd instead of a catch). if so, then it isn't fair for matsui to be called out, as he presumably would have made it back to 1st had the 2b ump made the right call.
Oh, FUCK!!
Hit that ball!
[666] Unless you are infinitely wise!
Utley hit that pitch in the 2nd deck. FUCK.
That was Damon's pitch there.
start fouling a bunch off jd
[675] I think you're in a position to rule that out.
Good, keep that shit up, Johnny. A hundred pitches, if necessary.
Over/under on RIYank being 55 or older?
OH, FUCK YOU, LEE!
damn that was laissez faire
oh for fuck's sake
[672] but i am Satan.
fuck you, timmay
Aw freakin' jeez!
Lee is a little confident, eh? Or maybe just comfortable.
No DP this time. That's a good thing, I guess.
.
.
.
Now I would definitely send Jeter.
that man looks resigned to going the distance
[681] Under, he knows contemporary music too well to be over 55.
I'm glad we're good at parking people on first base tonight we no thought of stealing.
I REALLY liked the way Damon watched that 2-1 meatball go right by him. Thing of beauty.
McCarver's laugh is just awful.
Come on Teix.
Come on, Teix, fucking make a mark!
That Damon AB illustrates the Yankees poor approach. Jeter gets ahead 2--0 and hits a pitch down the middle. Damon gets ahead 2-0 and starts swinging at pitches that aren't strikes.
Lee is pitching well in that he is allowing the Yankees to have bad ABs.
[681] my guess is more like 45.
[690] Ah, but my wisdom...
Then again there's my youthful exuberance.
Tough call.
Glad to see Teix is showing up again. Ugh.
Ok, I've had enough of this shit.
I've had enough.
[693] he has a bionic throat - it is no surprise
so this has been the loop for 6 innings?
i hate this game.
Lee got behind two hitters 2-0...made extremely hittable pitches to all of them, and only one hit the ball hard (not got a hit, but hit it hard).
I am not willing to give him credit for getting away with 2-0 meatballs.
[700] Yes, this and worse. The first five contained many swinging strikeouts.
[695] Yep, Damon blew that entire inning not hammering that pitch down the middle on 2-1
[702] Three hitters.
Amazingly weak contact from our guys in hitter's counts...
I'm not an expert- would Damon's 2 for 22 coming in versus Lee be a significant enough sample size? Maybe he should've been moved down in this case? I dunno.
[704] AND he swung at a 2-0 pitch that was way up and in. Spooked himself. DAMNIT.
Tex definitely seems to be suffering from tightness. His ABs have been so out of sorts all playoff long. We finally lose the Arod can't hit in the post season albatross, but now it looks like we'll pick up one on Tex.
This shit is untakeable.
Teix better get on base for Alex's homer in the bottom, that's all I can say.
Lee is at 86 pitches through 6 innings....in checking his game log this year, he regularly pitched in the 110's and had four games in the 120's....We need someone to go up there and foul off 10 pitches and run that fucking count up. FUCK
but William, I don't see any meatballs. He's working consistently at the top of the strike zone with the fastball, which few pitchers do these days, and there's nothing down the middle--
I don't like seeing CC here. Why not bring in Hughes clean with nobody on?
Oh, jeez, I missed Teixeira's at-bat.
I'm getting dizzy.
wow, CC still in. shouldn't we be looking ahead to him starting on short rest?
[711] you'll be sorely disappointed
I would have started Hughes in the inning. If he does come in, there will be men on base.
[714] i'm dizzy hungry.
[711] The bottom of the 9th?
[713] I don't want to force my opinion on you, but I do see meatballs....Damon and Tex just had one each.
leavign in CC??
[707] He's 2-22, but remember that Lee's been a much much better pitcher the last couple of years...there are a number of Yanks (e.g., Tex and to a lesser extent Arod) who have good numbers off him but I suspect those numbers were generated when Lee wasn't quite as good a pitcher.
christ almighty
Fuck.
Me.
he's falling off the mound
Hold em down Big Fella. If all else fails we'll have the top of the order in the 9th. Hopefull they won't have to bat at all in the 9th. Walking Francisco is a fineable offense.
Needed that.
that was cool
Alex is hot.
Nicely turned, team.
that was a nice treat
[717] I didn't realize he already had 110 pitches. Had he started the inning with, say, 100 pitches, I would have stayed with CC. But in this case, i agree with you.
Is CC done now with two outs?
I don't have a big problem with letting CC pitch this inning. Pulling him is tantamount to surrender.
Is Lee pitching in game 4? If so, I wonder if Charlie will consider that?
I feel we should just let A-Rod and Derek play, take everyone else off the field and out of the line-up.
[732] I agree...even though the ABs don't inspire confidence, there is still luck. Getting one more from CC was very important.
OK, Hughes for the 8th. Bring back CC for game 4.
Well done CC..2 runs over 7IP, well done.
[733] Not yet determined. Charlie will make that call when the time comes.
[732] I'm just thinking about game 4 and three days rest. Plus, is it surrender to go with Hughes down 2-0? i know he's scuffled, but he is still one of the relief aces.
ball must be very wet - those weren't alex like throws
[733] big mystery as to whom is pitching game 4 for either team
Well done, Big Man. Well done.
Please, runs.
Maybe dispatch needs to get some palms greased or something before they can send the score truck.
Anyone care to do the greasing?
[731] I like when I am wrong.
looks like i'm live. now we just need our bats to come alive!
I bet Ronan is kicking himself now. Serves the idiot right.
However, there is no way CC pitches the eighth. That would be a very big mistake.
113 pitches thru 7. in-game WHIP of 1.
[720] I'm not seeing meatballs from Cliff Lee. I'm seeing a pitcher who's got the Yanks completely off balance with not only change of speeds but incredible location. You can't take pitches because he'll be up 0-2 instantly and if you swing early it's a 1 pitch out -- at a minimum the hitter isn't hitting the ball square and is popping up.
I don't know the answer. The answer may just be that since Cliff Lee found himself last year he turned himself into the next Sandy Koufax (or Ron Guidry).
Maybe you just send hitters up looking for one pitch -- a change or a fastball or something like that -- and they swing at nothing else.
[740] Was that "whom" a joke??
Old YF did that earlier with "whomever". Is there some joke here I'm missing??
[737] Yup. CC did his job. Lee's just been off the charts.
[734] That would be awesome. I can just see it: A-Rod batting with Jeter on 2B and ghostie runner on 3B. Do you walk him and bring up Jeter again, or go after him?
CC was excellent....2 runs in 7 innings with an early lack of command is really good. Sadly, the hitters haven't had the same bear down approach. Maybe the Yankees can remove Matsui and just let CC swing the bat too.
[739] "Surrender" may have been hyperbole. We much-wiser-than-we-are-old people do that.
[748] i did mine on purpose in response to you asking oyf about his use
[751] Clearly right.
[739] I thought Phil was only allowed to pitch the 8th?
Just curious: Is anyone having buyer's remorse about not pinch running Matsui with no outs in the 5th?
[755] no
[748] i dunno, but william got two nice "of which" "to whom" type jokes in last night, while we were bashing Timmay's new CD. he speaks like that, so maybe it is a joke. you need to ask whomever it concerns.
[755] Nope.
[755] No. Save it for this inning!
[755] Absolutely not!
Runs...
[753] Whew. Then I do get it!
No, I'm glad Matsui will be up again. He can always turn on one.
C''mon. Just 2 good things in a row to happen and all will be right in the world again. Eat shit McCarver.
Come on Rod.
joe buck with a "Whom!"
i don't know whom told timmy that a navy blazer with very light khakis is a good look for him but it's not
[755] Not me, as things developed. I consider it to be the equivalent of a man just off first and there's a screaming liner to the 1B, who catches it and steps on first. Sometimes shit happens.
[767] His best look was the one Deion Sanders gave him.
By the way, Lee faced the Yanks twice this season, 6 innings and 1 run and 6 innings and 3 runs...while those are good games, they're nothing as good as this game.
Lead the way, Po.
this SUCKS!!!
What I do have buyer's remorse about---well, not buyer's remorse, but some kind of discomfort---is that the Yankees don't have any credible RH bat on the bench. And I know that they didn't really have any options, but still...
alright po - drive one here
[733] Lee is dealing. Manuel will manage to win this game. My personal assumption is that Lee won't pitch game 4 unless the Phils are down 3-0.
If the Yankees really can't handle Cliff Lee, then they don't deserve to win this World Series.
Fucking curve.
[747] That's what I'm seeing too.
[769] haha - yes - that was a great moments
Announcers are so easily amused. Who cares about that "phantom pitch?"
Now, if Posada gets on base, a Grdner appearance becomes an intriguing question.
oh NOOOOO!!!!
this is fucking brutal
Luckily Po spared us the anxiety of that decision.
Oh, mother of God.
(That reminded me of the last out of 2003, btw.)
Please, Mat!
This game was already feeling like that Beckett clincher in 2003, and then THAT had to happen!
[776] i have had a hard time believing cliff lee is this good too william - but maybe he is - his command has become phenomenal in the last year or so
Sigh.
We'll get him in the 8th, I'm pretty sure.
[776] You say that like Cliff Lee is Bronson Arroyo or something.
$$%$#$$%#%$%#%#%#%#%#$%#%#%@%@%@%@%@%@%#^
[776] You make Cliff Lee sound like some hack. He's a top-notch pitcher having a great night. It happens.
[776] Yeah, how could they not handle the 2008 Cy Young winner and one of the best pitchers of the last few years, when his stuff is completely on. Freakin' bums.
who in the goddamn fuck is this fucking cocksucker!!!
DIAF!!!
I'm sure what's happening is that there's something particularly deceptive about his delivery. I can't see it, but that's the only explanation I can think of. Our batters just seem to be fooled most of the time -- almost all the time.
This has now become a flat out embarassing performance. Swings like this wouldn't be acceptable in Spring Training. I really didn't expect this lineup to be intimidated like this.
hughesy in
matt b., I hope you enjoyed Game Six of the ALCS. You went to that one, right?
[785] jorgie's last AB reminded me of that too...
What did they give up for Lee again? Freaking bargain.
[773] Well, I do wish we'd pinch run back in the 5th personally. I know that Tim McCarver won't talk about that, and I don't expect any other reporters to mention it either. I realize it's thinking way outside the box.
And maybe it's wrong. Maybe Gardner gets picked off, thrown out at 2nd, or he's stranded at 2nd or Cano can't bunt him to 3rd and the next 2 players K.
But hell, Casey Stengel used to do shit like that and he won a lot, so what the hell?
I just wish that Girardi would give it consideration in the 5th when Lee is rocking along. I am positive he'd do it in the 9th...but isn't doing it in the 5th somewhat like bringing your closer in in the 7th in the highest leverage situation possible so that you can get to the 9th with a lead or tie?
Not over yet! Where's Bob Taco with some optimism? We could use some right now!
Come on, Philip. Get it together right here.
[789] He isn't so dominant a pitcher that you can't actually make solid contact, and he hasn't been pinpoint. This is more on the hitters than on Lee. If he can do this well, then guys like Pedro and Blanton become more scary.
[797] I did and I did, thoroughly! We must be in the same twitter-sphere.
Just let the dog out here in Toledo, I could hear the cursing coming from Cleveland.
[803] He might not always hit his spots, but he's missing to good spots- if that makes sense. The only one that really bugged me was the 2-1 to Damon.
and now buck's one skill of recognizing foul balls quickly has evaporated as well
Uh oh. Marte.
[799] they got him for nothing.....Yanks would have had to pay much more because: (1) they're in the AL; and (2) they're the Yanks, but I wish we'd just paid.
[800] But hell, Casey Stengel used to do shit like that and he won a lot, so what the hell?
When Casey did that, he had no DH in the lineup and carried only 8 or 9 pitchers. So you could PH and PR more often. The Yankees have basically one PR bullet and one PH bullet (Hinske, only against RHP).
[803] I ain't scared of no Pedro. I look forward to the Yankees being his daddy again.
Back to the curve, Phil...
[804] Oh, no, I just remember that you said it here. I think you said you felt guilty about feeling pleased that the Yanks couldn't take Game Five...
Oh, Phil.
[808] he's like our outfielders i think - scary but somehow effective
[803] Those guys are not in Lee's class (well not *anymore* for Pedro). This is the one Phillie pitcher who scares me and he's illustrating why tonight.
Phil's still overthrowing.
Atta boy, Phil!
Nooooo!!
oh how i love leadoff walks from our bullpen. esp to a fast guy.
FUCK!!! : /
Well, Hughes walked Rollins. That is not a good sign.
Great let's walk a guy with an OBP of .296 this season.
The night gets worse...Hughes looks like he has self destructed. He can not throw a fastball for a strike.
The outlook for this World Series is getting bleak.
ugh phil- please do not completely turn into starter phil
Jeebus, Phil. Bruney coulda done that.
Take out Phil, please.
What the hell happened to Hughes? Lights out in the second half, crumbles in the postseason. Someone explain this to me.
Is Coke dead?
[810] I agree with you, but it's about recognizing "this guy is dealing and this is our BEST chance to score"...hey if we're tied 1-1 then you can wait him out anyway.
I would just like to say that bunting here is a very, very bad move.
[821] Great let’s walk a guy with an OBP of .296 this season.
That's funny...but not in the ha-ha kind of way.
[822] The outlook for this World Series is getting bleak.
Fortunately the Banter crowd is not prone to overreaction.
Robertson getting warm?
[826] He looks scared...in early returns, the Phillies definitely have the swagger. The Yankees have looked timid. I guess that makes sense because not many Yankees have been to a WS.
Ladies and Gents,
The 2009 Yankee season now rests on the shoulders of none other than A.J. Burnett
Oh, where the fuck was that???
two young homegrown kids who are, at this point, failed starters and two other young, homegrown kids and that's an "embarrassment of riches"?
fuck you, joe buck
[828] Guys can go from dealing to lit up fast by the Yankees though. But seeing Matsui's alter at bat, maybe you were right :)
Phil, remember how good you are.
That was very predictable.
Why are they setting up on the outside corner? Hughes used to throw the ball right down the middle for a strike.
[830] what's funny about it? Rollins did have a .296 OBP this year and Phil Hughes did walk him?
[830] Overreaction? HA!
We just declare that the Serious is over in spots like this, that the Yanks have lost. No overreaction by us, no sir!
/snark
As for Hughes having trouble, kid pitchers have trouble! Relievers go through rough patches! These things happen.
Still not worried.
[832] He does look a little shaken.
[830] If Hughes is going to be unusable and the Yankees can't even square the ball of Lee, well, then the outlook should be bleak.
Ha ha, made your steal worthless.
YES. 2 Walks. Make it extra interesting. Marte v. Chutley. Oh my! : (
get him the fuck outta there
I'm going to hang myself.
[833] Getting an early start on Halloween?
good lord - so marte in
That's probably the last time we see Hughes pitch a meaningful inning in this World Series.
Wow, I'm amazed at how people are panicking. We haven't even LOST a game yet, and it takes 4 to take it!
Hughes needs to shave, that's his problem.
I don't get it. He looks terrified.
[841] I'm pretty worried, myself.
I want to see that smile wiped off Jimmy rollins's fucking face.
Phil..................
that second Utley homer really stings..now it will be 3-0 and real tough to come back...
[828] I'm not convinced that was the best chance to score...it may prove to be, but that's a tough call to make in the 5th inning. I actually thought Jeter getting a 1B with 1 out, followed by Johnny, Teix, A-Rod was better chance to score.
Moreover, despite the fallacy of the predetermined outcome and all, I'm not convinced that scoring one run in the 5th would have magically prevented CC from giving up that econd bomb.
Overall, I like your aggressive strategic approach. I just don't think that it was the right move in this particular situation.
I guess it's time to see what Girardi has to neutralize Utley and/or the other lefties.
i think i'm gonna have to get drunk again tonight.
this team is making me go very gray...
Utley hits lefties very well, doesn't he?
[850] At this point Robertson and Joba have performed better, so they should be pitching first...
[853] me too - he has to get straightened out in a week and he looks absolutely awful the last 3 weeks
I wonder if Phil is hiding/nursing some sort of injury. When a guy goes from lights-out to crap that quickly, I always suspect something like that, and I can see a young guy like him in this spot being afraid to speak up.
[858] Might as well experiment now.
[860] Very, very well.
[851] Overreaction - we live for this!
If I had a $1 for every time a comment declared the ALCS to be over with the Yanks losing it, I would be a very rich man.
[858] Utley is hard to neutralize, lefty or righty, but Howard isn't, by a lefty. Marte and Coke will do just fine there!
Utley hits two home runs off the best lefty starter in the game..and now you bring in MARTE to face him?
[863] yeah quite possible - something is off for sure
[858] Ahhh. Another product of the best farm team in baseball, the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Think Reggie is sweating this AB?
[857] "Overall, I like your aggressive strategic approach. I just don’t think that it was the right move in this particular situation."
BTW my main reason for being aggressive is that I believe Cliff Lee is a stud.
[840] Dude, chill out. I'm agreeing with your sarcasm in the initial post. As in "yeah, GREAT idea to walk the guy with the sub-.300 OBP." ha-ha-ha, in that uncomfortable, not really funny laugh at an ironic and painful set of circumstances.
WALK THE BASES LOADED.
Either Marte gets out of this or makes it clear to Girardi that he should never, ever be used again. I am betting on the latter.
For the record, Hughes has thrown all of 4.7 innings in the postseason so far.
[849] Find a new way to self-destruct. Hanging's mine!
[866] There's definitely a dropoff by Howard against lefties. This year is an outlier, though. He usually has decent power numbers against them. He's been much stronger the last 6 weeks so, pick your poison.
alright let's go marte
neither of those pitches looked even close to me
[874] I dunno, it's not exactly the best spot for Marte. He might be useful even if he's a disaster here.
Look at Utley's splits. He absolutely creams lefties. (As we saw earlier.)
Not that I think Marte ever *should* be used, just sayin'.
Marte has been a good reliever for a long time; I'm fine with him here. At some point, he has to pitch like his career self.
[875] I think the lack of use (and lack of confidence from Girardi) has definitely fueled his own tentativeness.
that one was pretty nasty though
I really wish we still had Jose Veras...this would definitely be a great time to bring in the Run Fairy.
very nice pitch
OK, that was a nice pitch.
whew.
do it again...NOW!!!
Nasty.
[874] Never going to get rid of him now ;-)
Nice pitch.
heh, Po jogs out to the mound to tell Marte he just got a gift from the ump.
Woah! Nice job, Marty!
[877] I agree with you that probably the right numbers to look at are his career numbers against lefties, but still it's a very big dropoff. He goes from murderous to ordinary.
[884] It's not Halloween yet. Don't tell frightening tales.
I wonder if the cream Utley has in his hair is similar the stuff Bonds used.
Evil, sorry about the post at [872], that came out stronger than I wanted, upon re-re-reading.
Nice play, Swisher. Nice play.
HE LEFT EARLY!!!!
j/k
[882] I disagree. Man up. Girardi may not have used him as well as I would have liked, but he certainly showed confidence in him- he was the "8th inning guy!$@^$!@"
marte has not been an unmitigated disaster in the ps
OK, TAKE MARTE OUT NOW!!!
See, William, *this* is the kind of thing that worries me! Now Joe thinks Marte can get great lefties out.
[874] Given the 3 years remaining on his contract, and that AJ should not be allowed to pitch to Howard past the 6th tomorrow unless the Yanks are up big - you're going to see Marte again. And deservedly so!
Marte!
[869] You do know Marte was originally drafted by the Mariners, and signed as a minor league free agent by the Yanks, before being traded to the Pirates in 2001 for Enrique Wilson, don't you?
Duh, Timmeh - Werth kills LHP, don't you know?
Lee is at 95 pitches...He could very well throw a complete game here with 120 pitches...That being said, if they want him to pitch 3 times I would think that they'd want to keep him at 110 so the 8th might be his last inning.
Let's hope so
Let's end it here and score some runs.
Marte did a great job...have to give him credit here.
Also, credit to Joe for going to Robertson, who is always a better option when a BB doesn't kill you.
[899] veteranocity strikes again
Wow David Robertson in a high leverage situation!
This is, obviously, a big batter. Maybe the Yanks wriggle out of this jam, and maybe, maybe, maybe Lee starts to weaken a little tiny bit as he approaches the magic number (100 pitches).
[904] I would LOVE to score a couple off Lee -- maybe a YS cheapie....Man that would be sweet..but we've got Cano, Swish, Melky coming on, so I don't think that's going to happen.
Come on Dave.
Marte has been our best reliever outside of Mo.
(Queue Twilight Zone music).
[907] without being the last man in the bullpen
Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
[908] dude I hope you are right
I can't even remember when Roberston last pitched.
I'm dreaming of a Lidge in the ninth. Can you say "walk off"?
Not a real good game. Yankees have not shown up. Over throwing and swinging. Boring banter, too.
Ok, if Swish gets on hopefully Gardner pinch runs.
[911] No love for Robertson? Or waiting for this at bat to wrap up?
[911] no, this guy has been.
where in the hell was that pitch?
Ummm, where were the last two pitches?
oh, where was THAT you stupid fucker????
Lee has been getting that pitch all game.
[902] nope. didn't recall that. that stops him from being a product of hte Pirates, how? Top flight AAAA club. Give 'em some credit.
Hooooooo boy.
Butterflies in the bullpen.
Ok So Robertson walks Werth, Joe pulls him and we never see Robertson again.
Un.
Fucking.
Believable.
And that's the problem with Robertson....time for Cokey!!
[911] terrifying..
[915[ When Aceves was put in for him I think.
Where was that pitch called ball 3?
Wow that was a bad call. Oh well.
Werth does not hit RHP well: .256/.348/.457 this year, .252/ .347/.423 career.
This ump sucks. Bring on the computers!
Oh, and Ibanez does not scare me.
Wow, Robertson got a little screwed there, I thought.
If you're not going to call strikes that are right down the middle WHAT IS THE FUCKING POINT?
Wait...no Cokey for the Ibanez? Wow...that's a big mistake here, especially after a 4-pitch walk.
[908] how about this monkeypant --- long 8th inning with runners getting on and a pitching change...maybe Lee loses it.
Some shitty calls there... go get 'em kid.
Mo time please???
Nice sarcastic cheer for the asshole ump.
A derisive cheer from the crowd!
[923] as has sabathia
(Sorry, I guess I kind of miss the big goofy lug.)
just throw strikes drob - you'll get him
sweet pitch to go 1-2
is Mattpat at the game, or something?!
Whine on, Raul
Posada's catching style has to cost Yankee pitchers strikes.
[936] Why not! I'll take anything right now!
that was a little low
Phils load the bases and strand 'em as much as anyone in MLB. That said, I like a team that loads the bases alot.
Oh Jesus, don't run him full.
[935] he didn't throw 4 balls though...
Don't go full. Don't go full.Don't go full.Don't go full.Don't go full.Don't go full.Don't go full.
Cocksucker.
Game over.
Now that's really the game.
A bleeder
shit - definitely fuck a goat in the ass
now it is official
[801] There's the ballgame
and there ya have it. that's it.
game over.
i should leave and go eat now...
Well, that's that.
Fug.
I feel bad for Dave. He didn't pitch that badly.
Goddammit! That was on the home plate ump! Fuck you, blue.
damn babip bad luck
You could see that coming from a mile away. Not making Ibanez face the lefty was a HUGE mistake. If the Yankees had any chance, they have given it away.
Good pitch too. Found a hole.
Y'know...our bullpen kinda sucks. I don't doubt we have a lot of talent in the pen, but right now, there's no one I really trust except Mo.
WALKS! grr
still 6 outs to go...we just need to get Lee out of the game!
[965] Really william? A lucky bleeder and you want Coke in there?
It's not over.
Walks kill.
Now watch the Yankees score 3.
The Phillies are now 3-1 at Yankee Stadium.
FUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
Freak out over. Thanks Phil. D'oh!
All right, all right. We weren't going to sweep this puppy, so whatever.
Tomorrow.
[970] is right. That was totally a lucky hit.
I don't mind that Girardi stayed with Robertson, who is arguably his best reliever now not named Mo, especially with the RH bats coming up. And he didn't pitch badly--didn't get some close calls and gave up a 59 hopper through the hole.
I stand corrected...as he has gotten older, Ibanez has actually hit better against lefties, so Robertson was probably the better option.
I wonder if this means Joba is promoted for Game Two.
[965] That ball wasn't some screaming line drive - as [964] said - babip bad luck. Like I said about Lee's great night - it happens. Robertson suffered from an atrocious call and a ball that found a hole.
I have a feeling this isn't our night folks, but we will win this Series.
[962] I just hope this doesn't lead to exile to end the bench in the BP.
[971] I wish you were right...It's baseball and anything can happen...But it's 4-0 with a #1 starter on the hill who easily has 30 pitches left in his arm.
Pitching isn't the Yankees problem right now. It's their bats who have been getting a free ride all this time.
[982] Manuel should pull him so he can go on three-days rest.... :)
phuck these phuckers. rally time.
After this game, it really does look like the Phillies are a "tougher" team. They are the champs for a reason...the Yankees certainly didn't look like they wanted to take the title away.
At least don't get shut out. Show some fucking gumption or something.
So, with a four run lead I'm guessing Lee is on a very short leash. As much to give him a shot at pitching Game Four as anything else.
It's a long shot, but maybe we can get something going...
william, it's one game. They have bounced back all year.
WTF. What can you do?!
Holy cow.
Holy fuck.
[980] "I have a feeling this isn’t our night folks, but we will win this Series."
Amen. But now it's on A.J. to not shit the bed as bad as we're going to make Pedro shit the bed.
OK, this is Cliff's night.
I'm not more convinced will win the series. Tonight was out of contrext.
The Phillies have been loose and having fun all game...the Yankees have had mostly pained expressions.
[986] The 1996 Braves looked the same way.
Just not our night, I guess...
I hope he trips on the dugout steps after this inning and breaks his ankle. Fucker.
I wonder if Lee's deal with the Devil holds for Game 4 too...
[981] me too - but i don't think so - girardis' compulsiveness would have led him to pull him tonight if he felt he was shit out there
this is just cliff lee's fucking night huh
[993] It's on AJ..I need some TUMS...
[991] [992] Cow = Fuck.
[996] word
I’m not more convinced will win the series. Tonight was out of context.
Shoul be NOW
[1004] Shoul be should.
I can't type.
[989] I don't doubt that they will, but the contrast has been stark. The Phillies clearly aren't intimidated and look to have the kind of players that will come up big. I thought the Yankees would win this in 5 coming in, but after tonight, I don't they win it in less than 6 or 7. I also think they now have to win tomorrow.
[995] I suspect that has to do with the Phillies winning and the Yankees getting shut down. You and I have a different notion of the cause and effect here.
Folks, do you remember those first two games in '96?
Cliff Lee's going to pitch every fucking one of these games isn't he?
He won't even leave the field overnight, he'll throw long toss to whoever's awake, a little light jogging, and get a little shut eye before he does this again tomorrow.
[1010] Robin Roberts!
[998] Exactly my thoughts.
If Mattpat is at the game, we'll hear his screams when Bruney comes in.
Happy Cliff Lee day, Hugh Mulcahy.
[1010] Exactly.
what were you looking at Swish?
Sure would be nice if we could hit the baseball. You know, just on principle.
That's a fastball down the middle. I just can't credit a pitcher for a hitter just taking it.
God.
Totally off balance. Every last fucker.
Lee's over 100 pitches. Is he coming back, or will we get a chance at Lidge?
oh god. : (
I'll take a loss like this over the two losses in Anaheim.
The Phillies definitely have a lot of "swagger", I'll give them that. There really isn't a doubt in their mind that they will win this series. Doesn't mean they will, of course.
[1007] Wait a minute. You thought the Yankees would win in five, but now that they have already lost the first game (presumably), you think they won't win in five. But you still think they'll win, in either six or seven. Yet at [822] the outlook for the entire series was "bleak," and the game was closer then!
You're all over the map, my man!
[1018] for the most part, i don't think you're giving lee enough credit, even if we can't see exactly what he's doing to fool the hitters. but that strikeout pitch to swisher is about as down the middle as a pitch can be. what in the fuck was he doing?
Sleep well, Banterers...our entire season rests on AJ's shoulders..
[1018] He's changed speeds so well tonight though - they're just totally discombobulated.
[1022] Me too...and I can take losing this World Series a lot better than losing that ALCS.
There's no way in hell Lee doesn't pitch the 9th. He's been snorting pixie dust all night. 10 more pitches isn't going to kll him
[1022] Agreed! This is just a "tip your hat & turn the page" kinda loss.
[1005] i thought "shoul" was the "beit kaneset"!!!
[1020] Lee threw a TON of games in the 110's this year and 4 games in the 120's...He already has a complete game in the postseason...I think we'll see lee.
I heard Neyer on the radio saying that Phillies only real shot would be if Cliff Lee was exceptionally good. So far, that seems right.
i just heard mattpat scream
[1024] That's not what I said. I now no longer think that IF they win, they will do it in 5. Instead, it now appears that they will need 6 or 7. Of course, after tonight, I feel like the Phillies have a better chance of winning this series. Both are probably obvious statements. Tomorrow really becomes the swing game...if the Yankees lose, I think they definitely lose the series. If they win, it is a 6 or 7 game series that can go either way.
[1030] You're right...if we win tomorrow and then win on saturday with Andy then the entire series flips back around. we just need to figure out Lee.
Lee at 106-67. Lidge for the 9th?
It feels like a slaughter, but the Phillies only has 5 hits, the last one a 3 hopper that found a hole.,, and nobody caught it behind their back.
Sorry to say Phil's 2 BBs was the nail in the coffin. But we basically pitched well today.
But Braves or no, tomorrow is a must Win game.
[1031] Ah!
It was so out of context. Still, I feel embarrassed for not noticing.
[1029] Call the DEA! Pixie dust is illegal in NY (well, except for the village).
So Bruney doesn't walk his leadoff hitter but Hughes does?
[1037] They had two hard hits: the second HR and Howard's double. Otherwise, it was walks that killed.
Check that, there's the third hard hit.
[1037] I can almost agree that we pitched well, except there were far too many walks.
Oh, there's the Bruney I remember.
There you go, BB, join the party!
ruiz is ridiculous in the postseason.
that was a gorgeous throw by Leche
Most of the Yanks tonight would have taken that pitch.
shove that cake up your ass timmy
I'll say this.. Lee is at 106 pitches...hopefully the Yanks can work counts, foul pitches off and either (1) force Charlie to relieve him; or (2) impact Lee's ability to pitch this deep into a game the next time he starts.
So how long until Mattpat runs towards the mound?
Welcome to the playoffs Bruney...the poor offensive performance is a concern, but most will give Lee credit (which i don't think he deserves). The Yankees storyline from this game is going to be the shaky bullpen.
and I was about to type that Bruney was actually looking ok....
So, does Girardi stick with the AJ-Molina battery tomorrow night?
"Three defensive outs."
Lee is sick. Utley is Philadelphia's answer to Derek Jeter. We knew all this. The bummer here is that the Yanks didn't make the Phillies even break a sweat tonight. They best take out their frustrations on Pedro tomorrow, and the Pie Unit best remember to screw his head firmly onto his shoulders.
[1053] I know. I wonder what time they started drinking.
For everyone harkening back to 1996, the team that has won the 1st game in the remaining Yankee WS since that year has won the whole thing.
[1052] Nope.
fuck you, joe buck. go back to football season
fuck you, timmay - he had batting gloves on both hands all game, presumably 'coz it was cold. he took one off. go to hell and bring all your cd's with you.
squirting
Of fucking hell.
Unbelievable. When it's going good, it's going good.
[1039] Not with a Dr.'s prescription. : )
I''m most frustrated with Hughes. This game is more optimistic if he doesn't turn into Knoblauch on the mound. I'm now most frustred with Rollins' hit. FUCK.
I want Lee again in the ninth. That makes it very unlikely that he pitches Game Four.
[1050] You sound like Jim Rice talking about Greinke.
[1051] i agree, the biggest concern right now is the bullpen. that is, i agree with the people who you say will say that that is the case.
[1055] i'm gonna start drinkin' in about an hour. need to grab a coupla slices first. but not until those "three defensive outs" are in the books.
have you ever tasted pizza before?
What fireworks?
Shut UP!
[1052] afraid so. Molina can't be much worse than we saw from the a-team tonight.
OK, a weak-assed "hit" like that for the Phillies while Lee nonchalant two balls hit back to him. It's not our night tonight guys.
Good night, I'm checking out early. Kick Pedro's ass tomorrow!
[1062] Agreed. If the Phillies blow this open, it allows Manuel to just rest Lee without fear of using his awful BP. And as I type...
Mattpat may have self-destructed by now.
[1056] The truth is, neither matter. The point is simply that teams have come back from 1-0 and 2-0, so the whole panic attack is a bit much.
that hit was like a really fast car
At least we're not embarrassing ourselves out there.
great. just fucking great.
i hate this game.
Was it really a good idea to let Bruney throw batting practice?
I guess the experiment with Bruney is done.
I got to go to a work lunch, can't get out of it!
Hope we can come back and steal the game off Lee & Lidge in the 9th..be safe Banterites, it's only one game. AJ will mow them down tomorrow!
This game was probably over anyway, but I am surprised Girardi treated the game like it was.
[1065] I'm going to start drinking right now. Well, I can't, because I hoisted two at that bar. But I'm going to start 'er up again.
PIzza, yes, of course. I always have it with peanut butter and jelly.
Oh, man. Victorino, too.
So, I guess Joba gets promoted for Game Two. Who else is there??
If I'm Manuel now I pull Lee because they're not going to score 6 in the 9th....
Good thing we added Brian Bruney to the pen for the series...I can see that his addition is going to be a key one for the Phils. he's the new "run fairy"
Coke needs work too.
well the good thing is that bruney didn't catch joe's eye as a suitable replacement for hughes
[1067] True, but he can't be much better, where Posada has the potential to be much better. Anyway, you my feelings on this...I'm more curious to see how Girardi plays it, given that 1] he will not have the luxury of a series lead, and 2] he does not have his third catcher.
I'm betting he starts Posada tomorrow.
No matter what happens, the Rays, Angels, Red Sox, etc. all have to play the AL Champions when they come to the Bronx next season.
I'm not a Bruney fan, but what did they expect? That he would get sharper with a month off?
The BP doesn't matter much when we are being shut out. Right now, it's Phil's head. Confidence is important for a kid. He's beating himself now.
[1056] that's correlation analysis not causation analysis. Most teams that win game number 1 tend to win a 7 game series, historically speaking.
And for those bashing us panickers, my reason for panicking is that the season turns on AJ. BUT, I think AJ can do it and Andy can too, and we can lead 2-1 come Sunday morning...
Yes, I think Posada starts tomorrow too.
You know what? Cliff Lee aside, we're kind of fucked.
Our hitting has been awol pretty much since Minnesota as has our pen.
Neither has shown evidence of turning things around tonight.
I'm officially pessimistic as to our chances.
Posada hasn't hit much over the past few games, and really isn't a great post season performer, so I don't know if the great Molina debate is really much of an issue after all.
On the bright side, no one here spent hundreds or thousands of dollars to watch this tonight :-)
[1071] That's just william being william.
Where's a meaningless Wade Boggs' homer when you need one?
I think I'm going to have nightmares of 1999 Pedro later tonight.
[1089] we did have a 10-run outburst in anaheim...
[1071] But more teams win a series after winning the first game (like more teams win a game after scoring first).
[1083] Yeah, he might. I would go with Po. I was just trying to look at the bright side of starting Molina which is that he wouldn't look out of place in a lineup that hits like it did tonight.
Hip hip, Jose.
Great...so now the entire bullpen sucks.
damn, our entire fucking bullpen is tighter than [obscene simile of your choice here]!
Reggie's happy.
Jesus, that's still only two outs?
HE LEFT EARLY!!!
again...
j/k
Don't forget. Even if a team loses, if they make a comeback in the 9th they win the next day 99.5% of the time.
[1090]
Posada PS: .747 OPS
Molina career: .609 OPS
Molina 2009: .560 OPS (!)
Molina 2008: .576 OPS (!)
I think it's still an issue.
[1100] He already shares the record with the Babe, so I don't think he would fret over a little more company.
[1103] Does that have something to do with momentum? ; )
[1105] You don't know Reggie, do you?
Oh joy.
[1106] The team with the momentum always wins the next game, unless a momentum-changing event occurs.
The Phils have a whole lot of momentum...
But Rob just snatched it away with that throw! Now we have the momentum!
I wonder what will happen next.
[1104] Maybe it is, but I think the Yankees have bigger problems, including how to make sure AJ pitches well.
This is a fucking disgrace.
[1014] Thank you. Should have bought a cake.
Killer throw by Cano there... our shining light.
I'm also glad I'm not the one wheeling George around tonight...
i think i should just leave now.
i'll miss game 2 and all but an hour of game 3. they'll prolly be on the tv's at the places i'm playing, but this was the one game i could catch in its entirety. now i wanna leave before it's even over.
: (
I am now all for emarrasment for motivation. J#$%@$ H. F#$%#@ CH#$#!
[1108] As the cliche goes, momentum is only as good as today's starting pitcher. I think the Yankees hit Pedro tomorrow.
[1114] Too bad you didn't have a gig tonight.
[1114] :(
The thing that has frightened me most about this game is A Rod's at bats.
I really don't want to see Phil Hughes in anything other than mop-up duty from here on in.
And I'm sorry to say I called this, albeit with a Sabathia coughs it up bent, which he certainly did not.
Excellent job by CC who was obviously having issues. Cliff Lee was just better and that's not a knock on anyone - it happens. He was so efficient even the director couldn't keep up with him.
Nonetheless, the Yankees bullpen looks like it did in May. It's a very serious problem.
Ugh. Some fans with front row seats behind the dugout have already left.
P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C
The Yankees are going to lose their first post season game that I can't blame on Girardi.
Aye, a disgrace. I can smell the stink of this awful rotten team from here.
[1119] I've been in denial about that. I can't even think about that right now. I'll think about that tomorrow. Tomorrow is another day.
Okay, now I just want the Yankees to make Lee work for this - get his pitch count up a bit so we don't have to see him 3 times.
Manuel is making a mistake letting Lee throw this manhy pitches...It impacts his next outing.
So, why is Lee starting the inning? If I were Manuel I would pull him and tell him to start thinking about game 4.
[1119] Arod's ABs bother me too. If he isn't a monster, the Yankees have no chance in this series because it doesn't look like the other hitters will pick up the slack.
I am still LIVID over that fucking check swing call on Robbie - it changed the entire inning - the inning that is exactly where a guy sails through and that's that or he struggles and you get to the bull pen. AND IT WASN'T EVEN FUCKING CLOSE! Dammit, how is it that these fools aren't remotely close to competent? You couldn't have gotten that call more wrong.
Now odds are that Lee was just dealing, period, but that was a load of fucking horse shit and I want to punch someone.
[1120] Alec Baldwin and Bernie are still there
1123 refers to Alex.
[1121] I knew there was a silver lining somewhere. : D
Now line one off Lee's shin.
[1120] Those empty seats piss me off more than the score -- almost.
[1124] LOL, that is just sad.
[1125] [1126] I don't think Manuel wants to use him on three days rest.
Jeter came to play.
[1121] Then you're not trying hard enough.
So clearly Lee isn't going to start Game Four. I find that odd. But, it's kind of a relief, no?
that's my Jeter!
Manuel's not planning to throw Lee in game 4.
my wife, kids, and beagle are all sleeping so peacefully. everybody except the beagle wanted me to wake them up and tell them if the Yankees won.
holy shit, we got a hit! I'll go wake up the house!
[1128] I'm with you. That call was booty. Shit. Why'd you remind me?
[1134] That's good news. Hopefully, still, they can drive up his pitch count.
[1136] +1, OYF.
[1119] no it's just one game....Arod hasn't looked good but who has really? Jeter's been ok but that's about it.
Where was this when it mattered?
Out comes Lee thinks I.
i think it is clear lee will not be used on short rest
Time for Eric Bruntlett, defensive substituation (triple play specialist)
Pride?
It's kind of fucked up that this game could have been just chalked up to running into a hot pitcher, but there are red flags all over the place otherwise. Mainly A Rod and the piss-poor bullpen.
I saw a Teixeira bakery truck when I walked home during the 8th/9th switch. A good omen?
[1129] Bernie I'm not surprised to see at this hour, but shit Alec Baldwin outlasted the Yankee lineup?
I really would love to see them break up the shutout, even if they still lose big. It's just psychological.
Melky for the walk-off homer...
Oh, come on, fucking Teix!
Get it the FUCK together!
[1121] What about Bruney? Maybe that comes back to bite him in the ass
Moral victory.
Hey, that's a run!
Teixeira is all out of whack. This smells like a DP...almost...
Yay!
[1147] I think it's a big mistake not to use Lee for 3 games. I think Hamels is good too, but Lee owns us now.
at least no shut-out - paul o'neill's theory to be tested
Teixeira's struggles have really become a huge issue for the Yankees. There is no reason to think he will turn it around at this point.
Hurray, no shutout!
Run up the pitch count.
[1161] ?
[1148] we aren't the fucking mutts over here man :}
Like I said. A team that makes makes a comeback in the 9th always wins the next day. C'mon, Alex!
If Rodriguez strikes out on a ball low and away, start praying for the rest of the lineup to get their shit together like yesterday.
fuck you and your shutout Cliff Lee. Nonchalant motherfucker.
How can you take that fucking pitch? Fuck.
[1165] that if you do a little damage in the 9th inning of a blowout you will score a lot of runs the next day
[1162] He didn't look awful in Game 6 of the ALCS - his Sac Fly was big. I think he breaks out of it.
Wow A Rod and the 0-2 counts. I know Lee is immortal tonight but shit that is a scary, scary thing.
Guys and gals, I've been following you guys for a couple seasons. I have NONE of your stat savvy or anything close to it. I discovered this team after I gave up on baseball in 1995. Then I found this team, granted it was helmed by Torre. Like you I bleed NYY and get a ton of shit for it. I've celebrated and been depressed beyond belief over the years. I love this team and have been pained dearly over the years watching this team change over and over, only to relive the pain of 2001, hoping to remember the glory of 1995 through 2000. Since then, its been a heart breaker. You know what I mean. This is the closest we've been to getting that effing championship. I can't stand to see such great players suffer( or suck ass because they can't bring the bats or as of lately, the scoring truck). I'm truly glad I found this place. I still have a sense of hope that we'll pull this friggin' thing out. But yeah, the Yanks blew chunks tonight. I hope you don't hate the newbie for barging in. I share the good and the bad with you. This really sucks and I dream of the days when we come back LATE in the game and prove everyone wrong. Ugh what can I say. You guys and gals are great. This Game 1 was not what I envisioned (or you for that matter). This team is so strong. The friggin' bats need to pound the shit out of this team for the remainder. These guys have the talent, they just need to WAKE up and show it. Granted Lee has been out of his mind crazy good. I dream of the glory of the Dynasty. I hope they can bring Nasty back to Dynasty again. My apologies for the lengthy post. I have to admit, you Banters are intimidating. Just know I'm with you, even if I can't spout stats. Okay rant over. Newbie will stand by and watch the "Pros" banter about. Keep the faith. At least I try to. Let's Go Yankees!!!!
We're doomed.
[1168] Evil Empire is Praying...
Son of an Irish whoremaster. Fucking fuck, A-rod. Jesus.
[1168] Back to bad habits
Arod's AB are insult to injury. If tonight wasn't a blip, this series is over.
[1174] Dude.
3 K's for A-Rod
Oh, Cliff. You're my hero.
[1171] Ah. Can't recall having heard that one.
Okay A Rod has one game (tomorrow) to make me believe he's not lost again. Cause that motherfucker looks lost.
Who is this Alex fellow who has 3 strikeouts?
Ouh. Well I'm glad Lee is still in there. As has been said, we will only see him once more... and maybe out of the BP in game 7.
I was hoping A-Rod would get a hit there, just so he has it in his back pocket for tomorrow.
Happy Cliff Lee Day, all.
blame hte guy who invited me to stick around if I pissed you off
[1174] Word.
I hate this fucking junkball shit that shuts us down.
[1174] welcome aboard WC!
FUCK. Lee's chang-up really appears to have Alex back swinging at low stuff out of the zone...
Season high pitches for Lee at 121.
[1160] Agreed about Lee, but Hamels has been lousy in the post-season. I think the Yanks eat him up.
[1174] welcome wcy - we are a welcoming albeit crazy family
[1188] Not at all.
Come back tomorrow.
[1174] Welcome to posting!
Ah, well, there it is.
See youse tomorrow. It will be a better day.
A loss is not the end of the world but that was excruciating.
Check Cliff Lee's birth certificate. He's like the Little League pitcher with a beard.
Great way to end this game...another feeble hack to underline a feeble effort.
Wow, great, great performance by Lee. Go get 'em tomorrow, Yanks.
That's the only win the Phillies are getting in this series.
Fuck you Philadelphians, fuck your God forsaken shit-ridden city. An open festering wound on the face of the northeastern United States. I hate every one of you.
Fuck you, Cliff Lee.
That last pitch was filthy.
[1174] dude, welcome. don't be feared. just use paragraphs! : )
Lee finished at 122 pitches and could have thrown 40 more. We have no answer for him other than to watch film or maybe juggle the lineup some. He's going to pitch two more times and we have to win at least one of them (preferably game 7)
Egg. Meet game one.
[1202] [1203] I like those.
See you all tomorrow night!
[1203] I think this is a distinct possibility.
If Manuel doesn't throw Lee on short rest in Game 4, he's out of his mind. Granted, I guess the next two games determine that.
[1207] If he pitches game 4, he won't be this good.
[1188] that was OYF. and i do blame him!!! i was saying to myself, NO NO NO!!!
but, in all seriousness, i can't for the life of me ever understand why a fan of the opposing team would hang around here. i mean, why in the world wouldn't you spend your time on a Phils blog??? that part is rather frustrating...
alright, i'm out.
rock on, y'all
I appreciate it all. Sigh. Fuck the "the team that's won the first game in the last 6 WS has gone on to win it all." We can come back. Not a choice. We HAVE to. And Rollins can kiss my ass with his bullshit prediction. You guys are fuggin' great.
[1204] May I add to your Fuck You Philly rant?
Last month when I was in Philly I was trying to change lanes and the bozo who I delayed for probably 20 seconds later pulled up beside me, slid over into the passenger seat, rolled down the window, and spit on my rental car.
Naturally I screamed, "IT'S A RENTAL, DUMBASS!" but I want to offer this special FUCK YOU for him. He represents the city of philadelphia to me. What an ironic use of the word "Philos"...brotherly love, indeed.
[1207] I'm not convinced he's pitching two more times (at least not starting); and he also threw a season high number of pitches tonight and has never (IIRC) gone on short rest. If he comes out in game 4, things will be different.
I have zero problem with Sabathia, and I have zero problem with the Yankees getting strangled by Lee. He's legit and he was on, case closed.
I have a MAJOR problem with the bullpen and a sneaky, frightening feeling about A Rod. The Yanks can win without him hitting like a maniac, but it will be a lot dicier.
[1188] Please help me out here: What's OYF stand for?
"Mixing speeds, staying away from the heart of the plate...locating pitches"
Moose would be proud.
Philly, thanks for Rocky and the Bell, screw everything else!
LOL, sorry thelarmis. I'll work on it.
[1174] welcome to the postseason roster, wc.
can you pitch in relief? hit a little bit? we need both.
God I can't help it but I like Cliff Lee. He's pretty cool, that said I hope we score 100 on him in game 4.
Somehow, someway other than CC, Jeter and ...wow... Marte, Mariano still managed to have a better game than the other Yankees ;)
[1216] That's bad. Bunch of backward fuckfaces.
[1141] and then it was followed up by the Umps giving the Yanks all kinds of wrong instructions, and then ignoring that they did that to call both runners out. As an UMP, I want to piss in someone's ear. That is hari-kari material as an ump, causing someone to be called out because they're following the incorrect crap coming out of your mouth. It changed that inning from first man on, 2-0 count to a wigged out Cano hitting into an ump assisted, bases-emptying double play.
Un fuckingbelieveable
Sliced, I used to be a damn good pitcher...in my youth. At 40, I'd probably bounce the fucker to the plate.
[1219] oyf = oldyanksfan
i fell surprisingly confident in my boy aj and someone besides just derek will show up tomorrow
The loss was due to an awesome pitching performance. You tip your hat and get after it tomorrow. However there were some potentially ominous peripherals. Luckily there are games left to be played.
[1219] Old Yanks Fan.
see [1220]
[1226] The ump made the correct signal; Matsui is the one who screwed up.
[1218] I'm not *quite* as worried as you are about the BP. Robertson was good and Marte was good. Bruney was bad, but we figured that. And Hughes was bad. Did I miss someone? Cokey, right--he gave up the last run.
Overall, a mixed bag, and we didn't see them with the lead, and we didn't see Mo.
Hugh Mulcahy excluded from [1204] of course.
[1228, 1230] Thank you.
[1222] no worries, pal and i love the cursing in [1215] - keep it up! : )
alright - pizza, then beer
we'll get them stinkin' Philthies tomorrow. Phuk 'em
[1228] You were right about Joba...
[1231] So says you, but others (myself included) remember him signaling the out at 2B and not on the fly. I'll have to look again when (if) the video is ever put up on MLB.com.
[1233] yes, but quit inviting the enemy over here, man! it's stressful enough without that shit...
[1215] “the team that’s won the first game in the last 6 WS has gone on to win it all.”
that's probably true, but I doubt anyone of those teams actually won the series because they won game one. Hell, the Red Sox swept two series, the Phils won in 5, the Cards won in 5, and the Chisox swept too. That's simply domination... Literally those series were 20 wins for the victor to 2 wins for the loser.
I think that sounds like something that came out of Tim McCarver's mouth, frankly.
Yes, you want to win game number 1. But if we win tomorrow we're tied. And if we go to Philly and win saturday we're up 2-1 and the pressure is all on the Phils. So keep hope.
[1237] We'll have to settle it on replay, but I definitely didn't see any indication from the umpire that the ball bounced.
fuck this mess. Yanks in 6. Night all.
[1232] It's just that their second most dependable reliever is now anything but. The stakes are high here, and yet the bullpen is more chance-y than it has been in months. That makes me anxious.
I don't think Joe really still believes in Hughes, not in the short term.
[1241] Someone better learn how to hit.
Night, Sliced.
You guys (and gals) rock. Peace out 'til tomorrow. And thanks to Alex, Cliff, Emma, et al. This place is like home.
[1231] I can tell you this - the ump at first was signaling "safe" - which is the complete wrong signal. So there.
[1215] [1239] I am much more concerned that Lee is so dominant and we can't solve him, that our pen looked so terrible, and that we rely on AJ tomorrow than I am about anything that happened from 2004-2008.
By the way, we won game 1 in 2003 and lost the world series, so again don't put too much stock in that because it's the tail wagging the dog sort of thing that McCarver would think is meaningful.
[1242] I agree with that. But then, Hughes was dicey in the other PS series, too.
I got no problem with fans of other teams posting here, as long as they're not being trollish and obnoxious.
[1231] He signaled safe because Howard came off the bag. But then they tagged Matsui and that was that.
[1246] The umpire at first should signal safe because he is supposed to watch the play, not the 2B umpire.
Oops [1250] was for [1246]
[1250] He was indicating that Cano was safe. Which is what made Matsui go off the field.
[1247] Both are big problems, which is why this game reasonably should darken the outlook for this series.
[1253] Matsui should have seen the 2B umpire indicate an out on the catch and then returned to the base.
And if the other ump actually called it an out on the fly and communicated properly, the ump at first doesn't make that signal.
I find it highly unlikely that his "safe" referred to Matsui, considering it took them an entire conference to determine that they wanted to call both players out. In fact, the necessity of the conference makes that damn near impossible.
[1248] Yeah, that's the problem. As a viewer I saw this as a chance for him to get things on track and show that wasn't a trend - which is what I see it as for sure now. I'm not saying what I'm saying because of tonight; it's because of tonight in addition to the other appearances he's made. I thin Chamberlain is a better choice at this point, god help us all.
[1253] Right. The real questions are whether the 2B ump misled Matsui (inadvertently or not) by making it look like he called him out at 2B, and/or whether the 1B ump calling Cano safe also misled Matsui. I can see the combination of these reasonably making Matsui think that HE was the one who was out, and then wondering back to the dug out only to get tagged out.
[1256] I get where you're coming from with all this, and it may have made a difference. It just doesn't feel that way to me.
[1258] The only person Matsui should be watching is the 2B umpire. If he allowed the 1B umpire to influence him, then that's bad baserunning.
[1255] Really? As opposed to hearing the ump who is within feet of him, he's supposed to pick and choose between correct and incorrect umpire instructions, and choose the guy across the field? Bullshit. Stop always choosing to find fault with our players. The umps handled that like the proverbial "chinese fire drill".
[1246] The call at first was irrelevant. Question is: Was there an Out call at 2nd? The batter was out on a caught line drive. Therefore, there should be NO call at 2nd base. If there WAS an out call at 2nd, then Matsui is not to blame and the Ump fucked up.
Hey if the Yankees can't pound 50 year old Pedro Martinez tomorrow, maybe they aren't the best team. If AJ provides a quality start the Yankees better win otherwise they really don't deserve it.
BTW, Cliff Lee was throwing fastball strikes to start the batters off, and the Yankees being patient took the early pitches. Arod in particular looked at some pretty good pitches to hit before flailing at the breaking pitches with 2 strikes.
[1262] There was an out call, but I'm not sure that would be inappropriate on a caught fly ball.
perhaps i am trying to focus on the positive - cause i am really not sure why i am thinking about marte - but i think it is perfectly reasonable for marte to be pitching - in his very small sample he hasn't walked anyone and given up no runs this post season
the shakiness of the pen is really hughes and buney with joba and aceves tossed in, but i think joba is going to be okay and bruney and aceves sparsely used if at all
I still feel a perverse kind of pride that I called this loss. It's all I can cling to as I head toward slumberland, I guess. Sorry!
[1261] The first base umpire's job is to call the play in front of him, which was Cano at first. He can't worry about what the 2B called because his focus has to be completely on first base. Matsui's job is to watch the play in front of him, which includes the 2B umpires ruling on the hit. That's baserunning 101. If you want to blame the umpires for doing their job correctly, that's fine.
[1260]
1) I don't think the ump at second made much of any gesture, which was the problem, and follows logically as to why the ump at 1st felt the need to make a call on Cano and
2) I think Matsui thought it was caught, and getting little guidance from THAT ump, turned to head back to the bag, where Clown #2 was signaling safe.
Who the fuck was he signaling safe? Matsui, for not being tagged? Because if that's the case, they don't need no conference the moment Matsui is tagged.
Done.
1265 Marte has had good post seasons before. I think Joba doesn't get as tight as Phil.
[1268] I'm pretty sure the 2B ump made a clear "out" call.
[1260] I don;t see how. He's playing it half way on a looping pop fly. From a distance Rollins looks, to have trapped it and then steps on 2B, and then the ump signals out. Matsui then twisted and looking at 1B saw Robbie cross the bag just after the throw pulled Howard off the bag, at which pint the 1B ump gestures wildly "safe" and makes the "pulled off the bag sign" with his arms (which clearly referred to Cano---had he been thinking about Matsui, he would have made NO call since Matsui was not yet safe, as he was off the bag).
So now Matsui has seen a signal of out at 2B, safe at 1b clearly referring to Cano, and Cano standing on the bag, so he figures that HE is the one who out. And this is bad base running?
[1269] I thin Joba gets tight as a *** but it serves him well, whereas it serves Hughes poorly.
[1264] Exactly...when everyone looks at the replay, they will clearly see the 2B umpire raise his fist in the air when Rollins fields the ball, which indicates an out on the catch. If he was calling an out on the force, he would first wave his hands to indicate the ball landed safely, and then point to second and pump his fist. That's textbook umpiring. The umpires did exactly what they should do in that situation.
Hey Hugh Mulcahy... some frayed nerves here... but be assured you are always welcome here, especially when we celebrate our WS victory. Thelarmis is just a bit upset... but the guy is a drummer, drinks beer and doesn't blow dope... so we forgive his upset.
[ j/k drummer boy ;) ]
[1271] All right you convinced me, at least.
[1268] If we ingore the facts, you might be right. Done.
[1267] Bullshit, bullshit, and bullshit. I ump that position ALL THE TIME. And you damn well better believe I am watching the fielder field the ball, and THEN throw it over to first. And I am watching that ball and the runner and the first baseman like a hawk the whole way, I assure you.
And guess who just happens to be next to the SS fielding the ball? The ump over there, who will either signal to me that a ball has been caught on a fly or that we have a ground ball situation. Because that makes all the difference in the world in terms of which baserunner I have to watch for.
Done. Don't piss me off about this shit. I'm in a damn bad mood, and I know a buttload about umpiring.
I think Marte is okay as a lefty specialist. Girardi seems to be using him that way now, and that's why he's been more reliable.
[1204] Awesome.
[1213] home base is balky and buggy this PS. http://www.beerleaguer.com. Go fuck with 'em.
1272 You could be right, I just don't think Joba beats himself up as much as Phil does.
[1271] We need to see the replay, but what I remember seeing is the umpire clearly hold his fist up in the air during the entire play, which indicates an out on the catch. Matsui has to know that and get back to he bag. Unless the umpire didn't do what I am saying he did, then Matsui is completely at fault.
[1270] I believe he made the "out because SS stepped on 2nd base" call. Not the "out on a fly" call.
Oh, further evidence that there was no clear "out on a fly" call? Rollins stepping on 2nd base before he threw to first.
[1274] I'll stop back win or lose
[1277] I umpire too, so sorry if I don't defer to you. If the 1B umpire assumed the 2B umpire made a call and then doesn't make his, he would be 100% wrong. There is not disputing that.
[1267] The first base umpire’s job is to call the play in front of him, which was Cano at first.
But how does that make sense? Cano was ALREADY out, so by calling him safe at first he can only confuse the other base runner. And what play in front of him? Cano is not even close to the bag at 1B when Rollins made the play on the ball--wouldn't the 1B ump HAVE to look at the play at second to know what Matsui's base running obligations are? He would have had plenty of time to see what the call at 2B was, then look back at 1B when the throw was made.
I simply do not accept your proposition that the umpire at 1B must stare exclusively at 1B and make safe/out calls without any knowledge of or attention to the context of the rest of the play.
Rather, it seems pretty clear to me that the 2B ump confused both Matsui and the 1B ump, who thought it was a force play at 1B (not a caught fly). That the base runner and the 1B ump were confused (as I see it) suggests strongly that the 2B made some sort of confusing, ambiguous or even improper call at 2B.
And to be perfectly clear - my ability to read the on the bags umpire as the 1st base umpire is very important. If he calls out on a fly, the runner trying to get back to first is my concern. If he calls no out on a fly, the runner coming up the line is my concern. And yeah, this shit is important to me. It's why in 7 years, it's doubtful that I've missed a single one of those calls. NOT ONE FUCKING CALL.
It's too bad about balls and strikes, which they suck at anyway, but which is ridiculously tough. But I've become more and more convinced that they should have me out there doing the umping in the field instead of these jerkoffs.
[1273] Did the 2nd base ump make the OUT call BEFORE Rollins stepped on 2nd base?
OYF, my apologies. I'm tired and didn't notice that there's actually someone posting here with the username Hugh Mulcahy. In light of your name I'd thought you've been conversing with the ghost of the real Mulcahy.
Again, I'm sorry.
Guys guys GUYS!!!
The Matsui / Cano DP is interesting and deserves discussion - academic in nature. Let's not let blood boiling over a loss that really came at the hands of a shit-hot pitcher spill over into stuff like this. All this passion comes from the loss, and of course things may have been different, but 99% of this loss is because the Yanks ran into a buzzsaw by the name of Cliff Lee. Matsui and the umps and certainly your fellow Banterers are not the enemy!
[1286] see my 1287. Keeping in mind that there's a reason that I'm acknowledged in my league as either the best ump or one of the best umps (only because I've been too busy to ump as much in recent years). I get the job done. I take it seriously and I've *doubted* myself on maybe two calls in seven years.
[1286] The action is happening fast. The first base umpire doesn't have the luxury of not making his call. As long as Rollins throws the ball to 1B, he has to make a call on Cano running down the line. Otherwise, would happen if the 2B had called it a gorundball?
Unlike the umpire, Matsui has the play in front of him and does have time to determine the call. What's more, even if there is any doubt, he KNOWS he is at least out on the force, so why wouldn't you return to first.
The baserunner's job is to pick up the umpire ahead him, not worry about the one behind him.
[1288] Yes, I believe he did.
[1290] Oh yes, academic to be sure!
And William is right, we need to look at a replay. But I have to wait for it to come online...I can't watch sportscenter or the like until after we win tomorrow night.
Make peace with the loss!
Let's Go Yankees!!!
[1290] I'm sorry - it was the check swing call, which led to that call, which led to McCarver/Buck praising their little "get the two Yanks off the base paths" conference added to being sick for a month and in deep shit work wise. I'll stop posting for the night. I'm steamed. The story of the game, and I hate the tipping the cap thing - but the story is tipping your cap to Cliff Lee - he was outstanding. Just didn't need the huge pitch count help he got from that fiasco.
[1294] The bottom line is if the umpire clearly signaled out before Rollins touched the base, then Matsui has to know it is a catch. Once we see the replay, we'll know for sure.
Hey on the plus side we won't waste much time surfing the net at work tomorrow to read stories about this game.
[1292] I can't resist this one last thing - your description of a first base ump looking into the field of play, watching the play from the SS fielding the ball to the throw to the catch, down low enough to keep the hitter in his left eye's vision - the description of that ump not having the play in front of him is confounding to me. Just confounding. And I've already explained why [1287] I actually HAVE to know what the call at 2nd was.
[1292] Yes, and it seems pretty clear that the 2B ump did something that misled Matsui AND the 1B ump, who must have been watching the call at 2B so that he could (as your own post indicates implicitly) he has to know whether he is making the call on Cano running down the line or Matsui running back to 1B.
[1297] The ump at first obviously wasn't clear on what he was signaling, so I have a hard time putting that on Matsui. And I've explained - right above - why you need to know the caught on a fly/grounder rule as the 1st base ump.
[1297] If you are correct in that the OUT call was made BEFORE Rollins stepped on 2nd, then the out is obviously on a caught fly... and Matsui fucked up. If the out call was made BEFORE.
I just watched the replay and the umpire not only definitely indicated out before Rollins hit the bag, but kept pumping his fist for emphasis. That is a clear indicator that the out was on the fly.
[1303] I'll defer to you for now...I'm waiting for the clip to be posted on MLB.com.
[1300] Matsui's focus is undivided; the 1B umpire has two responsibilities. Just because he wasn't sure what the call was is no reason why Matsui shouldn't be.
[1304] I taped the game and just watched it frame by frame. As Rollins is headed to the bag, but before he gets there, the 2B umpire throws his fist in the air and doesn't stop waving it until after the play is over. Matsui had to see this early and wild gesitculation. On a force play, umpires do not continue to wave their fist.
In the DS and CS combined, our team posted a line of:
.262 .359 .441 .800
compared to a regular season line of:
.283 .362 .478 .839
So those numbers are not that bad, except for the fact that only 3 players are responsible for most of it.
In the DS and CS combined, the Phillies posted a line of:
.261 .363 .478 .840
compared to a regular season line of:
.258 .334 .447 .781
This does not bode well for the Yankees, especially when you add tonights game to those numbers.
Also, when you watch the replay, Matsui isn't looking at the 1B umpire, who is up the line. Instead, he turns his head as if to watch the play. So, regardless of what the 1B umpire indicated, Matsui wasn't looking on him.
It looks to me as if Matsui doesn't know that when a umpire raises his fist in the air, it indicates an out on the fly.
[1306] That gives you more problems. What it means is that it is all on the 1st base umpire. If that is truly what the call was - and btw, Rollins for some reason decided to step on 2nd - please explain that, if it is as clear as you say - Matsui's immediate responsibility is to get back to 1st base, post haste. And if THAT umpire is signaling safe - and the need for the conference shows that he could not have been signaling this regarding Matsui - otherwise he would have called him out immediately once he was tagged with absolutely no need for a conference - he is confusing Matsui with his call.
And I have already explained why the idea that the 1st base ump should not be taking in the 2nd base umps call is just illogical - you HAVE to know what that call is in order to properly do your job.
The only explanation I can even begin to fathom is that the 1st base ump missed the 2nd base ump's call and therefore had Cano on first, safe by reaching first while Howard came off the bag. At which point he needed to have it explained to him that Cano, too, was out. That would not change that he
1) gave Matsui a misleading call and
2) wasn't aware of the second base call, which, as I have painstakingly explained, is well within your responsibilities, particularly when that call is being made right next to the fielder (Rollins), whose every move you are picking up like a hawk, as you attempt to follow ball from hand, through air, into glove.
[1308] They're called ears. One of the words I'm fairly sure Hikedi knows in English is "SAFE!"
[1305] So wait, now you admit that the 1st base umpire has both these responsibilities?
[1274] i saw that OYF!!! ; )
I can't really blame Matsui.
In Japan, when someone "throws his fist in the air and doesn’t stop waving it", it means your girlfriend is boffing the guy in the first row.
Obviously a language miscommunication.
[1313] i blame you. and only you. inviting philthy phans, getting not one, but TWO 13's in your comment (see above - 1313). you and your little neck!!! ; )
[1314] Dude... I am both from... and have...a GREAT Neck.
And it sounds like (if William's account is correct) that the 1st base ump fucked up. And while Matsui should have been concerned with the 2nd base umps call, certainly, the 1st base umps call would have confused him (as well as the boffing message).
[1315] dammit! i thought it was Little Neck. didn't you make a "Little Neck" comment earlier today? that's what i was thinking of! i have a great aunt who lives in little neck. hotter girls in GREAT neck, for sure!!! : )
[1315] Again, I don't the 1B has the time to focus on the 2B umpire, so he still has to make hsi call if he is unsure. Whether he screwed up or not is irrelevant though because the 2B clearly gave Matsui the indication that it was a flyball out, and Matsui didn't even pick up the 1B umpire. In fact, he gave up on the play immediately.
Anyone still here? Just back to see the final score..
It's already forgotten. We ran into a great pitcher, tomorrow Pedro will not be like Lee..I have faith!
[1316] Great Neck girls way too hot. Surgery, Jewelry and great tans. Had a continuous hardon throughout HS and couldn't concentrate on school. It is however, the quintecential Home of the JAP, so I was happy to leave and meet normal girls. And yes, my 'San Francisco.. is that near Little Neck' comment was mine... but didn't say I was from Little Neck.
And William, I don't know enough about umping to know if the 1st base umps call should have been made in concert with the 2nd base umps, or independent. Nonetheless, the play was confusing for everyone... even the umps
Watched it again. Our first base coach certainly had his head up his ass, as well. But maybe this comes from how ridiculously spoiled these umps are. We get done with two umps what these retards can't get done with twenty guys on the field.
If that 1st base ump thinks his only responsibility is to stare daggers at the first base bag, it makes it that much more incredible that they have missed the calls at first that they have missed this PS (I may have never missed a SINGLE call of this variety).
I start on the line, to determine fair or foul on the batted ball. I follow the hit ball. If there is a play at first coming, I continue to follow the ball, the run around behind the first baseman, and off at an angle, with the whole field still in front of me. I crouch down. which allows me to see ball, 1st baseman, and runner. Until the very moment of first impact by the runner's foot or the caught ball, I am aware of everything else on the field.
And I damn well know if I've got a batsmen coming to first or a runner avoiding being doubled up play on my plate.
The whole thing is pathetic. Right down to the laughably bad check swing call that preceded it.
That rule isn't even a rule. But I figure it's "does the bat cross the plate" or "do your wrists break?" When neither one is close to happening, and you call swing, you should probably just shoot yourself in the face.
Disgusting.
Should read: "I continue to follow the ball (with my eyes, of course), then circle behind the 1st baseman..."
The check swing strike WAS a terrible call. Even Buck said "it wasn't close to a swing".
was at the game ... what's with everyone leaving early? talk about disgusting
For comparison, I checked out CB Bucknor's two awful blown calls at first, and he is not positioned the same way that tonight's first base ump was (in both the Bucknor cases, there was no one on).
I don't know if he positions there for maximum view of any pickoff attempt, once a runner is on (it would be a reasonably good look at a catcher's pick off attempt), but once the ball is hit into play, I really don't think that is the best place to determine ball, glove, bag questions. Getting down and getting close is the way to the right call, imo.
I still find William's contention - that the 1st base umpire operates in a vacuum - which would mean that he doesn't know whether he's calling a play on a runner going from home to first or on a player attempting to get back to the bag - to be utterly bizarre. Think about it, and it should start to sound ridiculous.