You know, in the spirit of Todd Drew and hopefulness in general, I've tried to like Burnett, really I have. And tonight it all comes down to something that John Flaherty likes to talk about and that's a pitcher being proud of his fastball. I think if AJ is proud of his heater, he's got a shot to compete.Doesn't have to be great, but he's got to show up.

I'd really like to see it. For us, of course, but also for Todd because it would be something that would have delighted him, seeing his boy realize his potential, being able to harness it just for one night. Burnett could completely change his Yankee career with a big performance tonight, or consign him to the Kevin Brown pile with a loss.

So in big spots today, with runners on the base, is AJ gunna be proud of his shit? That's the 64,000 question.

No matter what happens, it feels like this might be the game we remember. I sure as fuggin shit hope it's for the right reasons.

LET'S GO YAN-KEES!

Another game I'm having to be @ work on my iPhone reading you guys play-by-play action on this blog.
I'm hoping this game is worth watching from the beginning! Got to be honest, I'm not watching, IF we lose. But I'm not thinking about losing. Keeping hope alive! I represent all NY sport teams while living in Alaska. You better believe I own much stock in Directv sport packages for sure. Yes, most folks waiting to hate on my Yankees as the Evil Empire! It's all good.

I want to give a shoot out to all of you for the comments. It's almost like I'm watching the game. I have to say you guys crack me up! Lol

Anyway, thanks for keepin it real, except I don't like when someone uses the Lord name in vain:( other than that let's go Yanks! I hope they be more aggressive in hitting the ball rather than always trying to read each pitch to be perfect to hit. They hit enough balls to know their hot spot, so SWING AWAY!

2) Nice to have you. You'll have to let the lord's name in vain stuff go cause while we have rules about civility with each other, when it comes to Religious stuff, we've got a "it's a free country," attitude. Don't take it personally. And thanks for swinging by.

Hope we've got reason to cheer tonight, man. Been sitting on our hands for way too fuggin much of this series. Why wait? How about some first inning runs?

I'm hoping for the best, but I'm afraid I don't have much faith in AJ.

But I'm going to enjoy the game anyway. It feels like winter tonight - a reminder that all too soon there won't be any baseball to watch.

"I’m all twitchy about tonight’s game, more than I have been in a long time — years — and I don’t know why."

Might have something to do with AJ starting tonight?

I just don't know how to feel about tonight's game.

[2] Agreed...everyone, please stop using Mariano's name in vain :)

I have a feeling this game will be over by the fourth inning...just not sure in whose favor.

[1] I’ve tried to like Burnett, really I have.

AJ is an odd sort. For whatever reasons, I actually like the guy, a lot more than I figured I would when they signed him. But I detest watching him pitch 90% of the time.

I too trying to remain positive about AJ, but sometimes his fastball floats too much in the middle of the plate. He definitely need his ball to move or maybe that nasty changeup will work tonight. However, we do need early inning RUNS!

Also, I am oddly calm about the game and the series. Or maybe resigned is a more accurate term. I 'm not sure. Anyway, I can't even mount the effort to complain about Cervelli starting in place of the presumably well rested Jorge. Whatever. Maybe AJ will surprise us, maybe not. I picked Texas to win in seven, but right now I am just enjoying the fact that there are at least two games left in the season.

[7] I like AJ too. Actually quite a bit. I still hope the Yankees find away to trade him in the off season.

Fellas,

Do you know what it feel like when your wife is a Texas fan? Wow! She's been quiet since her Cowgirls and Spurs not beatin on one of my NY teams. It was hard having to tell het that Texas beat my Yankees last night and she gave me that silent no response like "oh yeah". All I gotta say when she gets home from school tonight, I hope I can give her that same silent response! Can't do it! He'll yeah we tied it up! Next! Hahahaha!

Got to do some hittin.

I hope the Bernie bobblehead can find his lucky spot quickly! I'm on the couch with my "Swisher dog." A stuffed dog in a Yankees cap and t-shirt that a friend gave me. I don't normally watch games with him, but I've decided that he will be lucky for AJ.

I actually had the opposite reaction to you, Emma. I've been watching most of the playoff games with friends, but I feel like I want to be alone tonight. If AJ bombs (and I don't think that he will!), I'd rather be alone in my misery.

I feel ill.

"So you're saying there's a chance." -Lloyd.
I like crazy, dufus AJ. He just may throw a gem and wind up the WS MVP. Ya just can't ........
Go Yankees! Methinks the scoreboard operator is going to be busy this eve.

I'm actually more concerned with our offense then AJ tonight. Don't get me wrong. I know AJ could blow this game. But I don't think we have a chance in this series if our offense doesn't wake up.

[9] "Also, I am oddly calm about the game and the series."

Me too. I have been all season. For me, its not being resigned, its just feeling content, probably the still-not-gone afterglow of the Serious win last year. I feel like I trust the Yanks again - they found a way to win games all season long, and I think they will tonight, too.

'Course I thought that last night and it didn't get us very far . . .

[1] [7] [10] AJ is alright in my book. He kind of reminds me of Pettitte, actually - sometimes he can be absolutely masterful (though they do it differently, Pettitte's precision vs AJ's gas), and sometimes he flat-out sucks, but usually he can soldier through and get some run support and the Yanks win.

Let's go AJ!

95

Hey, everybody.

Please let the Yankees be up in 15 minutes with the score 0-0.

gas

Here we go . . .

Hey, 1/3 of an inning scoreless!

how good was that umpire last night? i've never seen anyone that precise while following along with the real strike zone.

ok. 1 down. 26 to go.

AJ is going to need a better curve than that tonight.

Nasty slider

25!

The Buckler.

That's the better curve I was talking about.

[27] And the Yankees will have to hit.

[27] are we watching the same thing?

Beautiful curve

Fuckin A!

Yes!!

Slider for the backwards K.

Knuckle curve, says Smolz.

24!

Hamilton late on a first pitch fastball = good sign.

Curve's workin' so far!

I just remembered that Diane is at her first playoff game tonight. Wouldn't it be nice for her to see AJ pitch a gem.

Better first inning than Pettitte.

A SCORELESS FIRST, A SCORELESS FIRST!!

Fuck Yeah. 1,2,3. Roll on Offense!

1-2-3 inning!

[38] i think it'd be nice for everyone!

Wait a second...the Rangers aren't required to score in the first inning?

Well, that went well.

Boy, the energy is electric tonight.

Does anyone actually want to watch Conan because of these commercials?

[32] Amen.

[35] MLB.com's At Bat said the same thing. I didn't know AJ threw a knuckle curve!

[36] I like that idea.

Very nice. Now maybe a lead (dare I dream)?

[38] I had a pretty long postseason winning streak snapped last night, so hopefully she can start another one.

.... hello? ..... Good AJ? ...... Is that you?

Is anyone up in the bullpen?

[49] He uses his knuckles on the curve, like Mussina did.

Jeter's the cleanup hitter?

[52] I think I saw Good AJ on a lonely road, waiting for Godot.

Berkman is going to have a big game tonight.

Teix + ARod = 2 for 24 (and $52m). Not good.

was his foot on the base?

[57] Been thinking that today too.

[47] Not me. But I didn't watch his other shows either. I'm too old & have to get up early.

Has Jeter led of a game with a hit this October?

oh god.

The Yankees seem to be in a hurry to watch AJ pitch.

[61] Me, too. But those commercials are lame.

that was pathetic.

Tex looks terrible. April in Oct.

Sigh. I'd like to see the Yanks wait Hunter out, as opposed to going up there hacking.

Now Tex, maybe I'd like to see him hack a bit, since he's hitless in the ALCS so far. But I guess he ought to do what he's most comfortable with . . .

Remember when Leyland called the Yankees lineup Murder's Row and Robbie Cano? Well, in this series, it's juts Robbie Cano.

What a pathetic three at bats.

switch cano and teixeira soon?

Mark Teixeira has been the worst player on the team in two playoffs. By a wide margin.

[63] ALDS game three

[72] Right...thanks.

[71] Nobody's been much better, except maybe Granderson.

Damn weak outs. Let hope AJ keeps this up

[71] SHouldn't have said that. Cano, too.

I'm pretty sure Vlad Guerrero could make contact with a pitch thrown at CitiField.

Man, did he miss there.

[74] Think he meant over last two years.

[77] Heh. Yeah, and hit it all the way back to Yankee Stadium.

[77] No fucking kidding. It's insane.

Evening, everyone. Another nervous fan checking in.

One potentially good thing about AJ's long hiatus is that his arm should be fully fueled. His stuff looks live tonight (but then again, when doesn't it?)

23!

Damn! Not that one!

Go AJ!

[79] I'm not arguing. He's been a disappointment.

I have to admit, Cervelli's go-go routine behind the plate sort of bugs. Then again, if he can keep AJ on the straight and narrow, I'll live with it.

[82] so far he is throwing strikes. which is a big difference.

The only thing I would improve about the game baseball is the quality of national broadcasts. It's just shameful.

[87] Yes, that's the difference. Athough I thinkt he Rangers are giving him some help.

[88] so you don't supp[ort George Carlin's suggestions for change?

Fuck, that was nasty!

Tied him the *fuck* up1

Wow!

22!

[88] Yep.

cervelli pointed at that like it was the last out of the world series

That ws for Alex...AJ trusted his fastball.

[88] I like Darling, but that's as far as it goes.

[88] that's not the game

AJ's getting the corner.

AJ's going to throw 6 shutout innings tonight just to spite us all.

Nice to see fans standing and cheering A.J.

First yanker...hopefully not many more of those.

[99] Yeah? Well I say he's not!! Hear that, AJ??!

Hello all. Feeling calm and resigned. Rangers swinging at a lot of AJ junk. I'll take it. Lock up your daughters and sisters, AJ looks confident.

21!

Fuck YES!

What I miss??

I got a feeling, A-Rod and Cano are going to make like Tane & Ali, send some baseballs to Mars.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy_3tYlT398

Now score some dang runs!

YEAH! (But they still have to hit.)

[106] of course, that should say "Trane"...

c'mon hitters. hit like you can. not like this shit we've seen here.

Hello, April AJ...welcome back.

[88] The commercials are the worst. Last night's game should have taken 2:30, but instead it dragged on well into its fourth hour.

after today we should save aj until game 7 of the world series if we make it

[99] If the Score Truck isn't freed from whatever deep winter storage it was erroneously put into early, it won't matter.

A-Rod on base here would be very nice.

[112] Yeah, they pack a lot of commercials in, but I was complaining that the commercials weren't funny. A separate issue.

You guys will get a few runs tonight. Just outmatched last night. lol

[106] I think A Rod's gonna belt one that makes you think of NRBQ covering Sun Ra, like so: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZYdTfww0pk

[116] They've really only hit in one inning against the Rangers so far.

Work the guy. He'll crumble.

[117] oh nice!

[117] JL25and3, wherever he is, would get a kick out of that.

I miss the YES pitch counts.

Good eye, Alex.

Way to lay off that slider.

Alex pops out...bye!

A can of corn, but the best AB yet.

well, at least alex made him work.

Go go go go go

if you were in yankee stadium, would you chant mvp even if you don't think cano is mvp? would you not chant mvp just because you don't think he was?

robbie!!!

Smashola

Fucking hell.

Damn!

Did you see that?

Fucking hell, that's power.

I think that might be interference

That looked like interference.

[128] Nah, I'd chant.

Jeffery Maier just became a trending topic.

He looked jammed on that.

And still.

MVP!!!!!!!!!!

home run

Ghost of Jeff Meier.

Is it a Meyer ball?

does ron darling not know the rule?

no interference no interference no interference please...

Definitely interfered with! Is that the only way the stakees can score??

The ball hit the top of the wall.

[135] Heehee.

If the ball is on top of the fence, is that in or out? Does it have to break the plane of the field?

Stankees! Cheat to get a run. lol

Ooops I meant Meier.

the 10th man! i mean men...

[128] Yep, I'd chant it, because I think he should be the MVP.

Now Swish gfoes full count and makes the pitcher stew in his anger.

[150] i'd chant it just because i'm a frackin' homer!

Show us the actual hit, idiots!

I want to see Robbie's swing again!

I can't believe they did not review that...or is interference not reviewable? It looked pretty clearly like the fan made contact with the player's glove on the playing field side of the fence.

[147] Yeah. That fan was actually Tony Pena, stationed there to interfere with fly balls.

i don't think it matters where cruz's glove was, the ball was in the stands.

[143] Isn't there a Texas blog?

On second glance, they didn't touch Cruz's glove until the ball was over the wall.

Well, it wasn't *quite* a rocket to Venus, but I'll take it. Go YANKS!

Oh, Swish, how'd you miss that!

[117] Ka-BOOM! Excellent.

And Robbie Cano goes yard!

WHOAAA!!!

HERE WE GO!

WOO HOO!!!!

No interference there.

fan interference on berkman;s homerun!!!

No interference on that one.

Hunter is at 22 pitches. I was imaging him having 50 or so after the first two innings, so I'd appreciate a long rally about now, please.

Fat Elvis!!!!!!!!!

Youse guys were right.

Big night for Berkman. Who called it?

Off to a promising start...

Jim Reynolds sucks, but at least Berkman's looked good.

[157] i like having friendly opposing fans here.

Oh that was a foul ball.

OR WAS IT??? lol

Ummmm...foul ball.

Dude's got an odd swing.

He looks flat-footed with a dash of Damon follow-through.

Like it's all upper body.

Weird.

Well, that stinks.

Nope, no home run.

It's a foul ball.

Unless it scrapped the pole, alas foul ball.

that's being overturned

[157] There is, but since Ryan took over they have no word counts, many are down with carpal-tunnel.

Cano got me feeling funky! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcjkA5ZAWQo&feature=related

Yeah, that was foul

[128] I would not chant it because I do not think he is the MVP...and because I don't chant. : )

What? Foul? And now replay comes out . . .

"Watching" on At Bat is not fun for this kind of thing.

[172] He's no debris, I'll say that. Seems a little more trollish to me.

FOUL BALL! Come on Stankees, earn your runs!! lol

Wow, I hope Lance gets a hit here now.

[185] perhaps. starting to get that vibe [186]

Looked like a home run to me, pretty clearly was, I mean I'm not biased or anything. :)

Not many boos for that call, kind of odd.

Right call on the reversal.

Good rips.

[185] What was the name of that Philly fan who trolled around during the WS last year?

[189] Replay works.

But that's a strike?

Wtf?

damn.

This game SHOULD be 0 - 0. But that's ok...

Angel Hernandez is going to cause problems tonight

[192] Oh yeah, him. Don't remember.

[196] He had no play on that ball, give me a break. He mistimed it, pretty obviously.

I think Cano's shot would not have been caught even if the fans' didn't give him the bum's rush. What's so insulting is that jerky kid saying, "What? What?" to Nellie Cruz. LOL. Talk about humiliating.

Berkman is going yard before the night is over. He has to right that wrong.

What a crazy inning. Not sure that I feel good about the fact that every hitter that inning had at least one pitch to crush, or be discouraged that they wound up with only one run.

[194] Gameday has all of the balls and strikes during Berkman's AB called correctly, for whatever that is worth.

[200] Agreed, agreed and agreed.

196) Bronx Rules. Up to the umps to call that right, but once you go over that line, the fans shouldn't make it easy.

[200] I agree...that ball was well over his glove. The fans didn't even catch it. It went above their hands and bounced off the the top of the wall.

Dude, 3 fans hit his glove!! His glove buckled by the fans! He was ON IT!! lol That's ok though. The Stankees are scared. That's the only thing I've seen that's obvious...

[204] the banterer has spoken! and it is so...

[200] Humiliating for whom? The kid looked like a tool.

[201] Baby steps. Those were the best swings the Yanks have taken since the 8th inning of Game 1. We're poised to explode second time through the lineup.

[206] See 205.

rt @JPosnanski Ump was right. Rulebook: No interference shall be allowed when fielder reaches over a fence ... to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk.

Now, c'mon AJ!

[206] he was reaching into the stands because the ball was over the wall

[206] Joe Morgan disagrees.

AJ's back.

Good eye Murph! Lead off runner on base!

First test for AJ. That was the classic AJ meltdown AB. Now let's see how he handles it.

Uh oh. Not happy about a leadoff walk....you got this AJ.

Uh-oh..Gameday just had an AJ pitch located below the batter's foot...that is not a good omen...

uh oh...AJ from the stretch.

all ah had to do was throw one more strike. he had the batter off balance.

oh crap

Cervelli is just as bad as Posada.

[212] The fan pretty clearly made contact with Cruz's glove on field side of the fence--the replay was clear, I think. The issue is, rather, did Cruz have a play on the ball had the fan not stuck his hands out. That is questionable.

[220] AJ has to be aggressive ahead in the count. In that AB, they started to go for corners, which AJ can't do. Can't understand why the Yankees haven't learned that.

Meanwhile, there is your defensive replacement.

Murphy to 2nd!!! Uh oh, AJ is going to crack now....and the flood gates will open!!

Tighten the lugnuts!

Here we go.

Oh Jesus here we go.

When was the last time the Yankees played a post season game without a ball getting away from the catcher?

Quick hook...quick hook....quick hook...

[224] concur. hitting molina is just annoying.

Red Alert! This is the kind of inning where AJ Burnett gives up four runs.

SEE!!! Put Molina on base on the very next pitch!! buhahahaha!

20

Does anyone think Burnett gets out of the inning without giving up the lead?

Seriously, I would have someone warming right now. AJ should be permanently on the batter-by-batter watch.

[235] I am more concerned about him giving up three or more runs.

[236] Undoubtedly, but Girardi isn't a quick study.

Texas giving up an out there could be big.

[211] the thing is, the interference itself may have technically been in play. but the ball was clearly over the wall, so my interpretation is that cruz was in the process of reaching into the stands (for the ball). on the other hand, if a bunch of fans were to reach over the fence and smother cruz's glove while the ball goes just over the fence, wouldn't that be interference? the rules are not clear, but i think in this circumstance (a very close call on whether the fans were reaching onto the field; fans reaching for the ball, not purposely going after the fielder) home run is the fair call.

[223] Yeah, I agree. The replay showed the fans reaching over the wall.

This is time for an Eiland visit and the bullpen to get started.

[237] I figured that was implied.

Let's go Elvis. Hit the gap!

[229] Correction:

When was the last time the Yankees played a post season game without a ball getting away from the catcher?

Getting tense.

Come on, AJ, get nasty.

The fans are trying to keep him focused. Dude does not deserve an AJ Burnett chant!

[223] I'd have to watch the replay again, but I didn't think they touched the glove until the ball was already over the fence

19!

AJ covered!

[245] It seems like it happened almost every night last October too.

Tie ball game!! And we earned ours. Like I said, it's all good...

At least he can still play defense. Whew.

Teix is good with the glove.

Remember Giambi?

[250] 19. I may not live to see 18.

Nice snag, Teix. At least he is still showing up to the park with his glove, even if he left his bat locked in the trunk of the Score Truck.

ugh a-rod.

Fuck!

MOTHERFUCKER!!!!!!

FUCKING FUCKING FUCK!

WTF was that?

What the fuck is going on with A-Rod?

Damnit to motherfucking hell.

Molina SCORES!!!! Wow, this didn't take long...

Arod is not having a good postseason at the bat or in the field.

that was a cheapie. owned michael young on that.

Stolen base, walk, wild pitch three run homer.

Don't throw that pitch again.

Key is not to panic here and get Hamilton out. This is going to wind up a high scoring game.

C'mon Josh. Go yard!!!

"Soft ground ball to Alex Rodriguez"..what does that mean?? Damn vague Gameday!

AJ needs to understand his team will score more than 1 run tonight. He must bear down and keep it at 2-1.

2 runs, no hit.

18!

Ok.

But fuck if we're not trailing again.

As we discussed with Mitre, you make your bad luck. When you walk the lead off hitter ahead 0-2 and hit Molina, well, you deserve your luck.

Ted Lilly signed with the Dodgers, 3 years, $33 million.

Finally.

Oh well, we lead...

Given how that started, I'll take it. We need to get some GODDAMN RUNS!

Did A-Rod even have a play by the time he got to the ball? I couldn't tell, and they didn't show a replay.

Ok. All things considered, the damage was contained.

[271] It was a little tapper that A-Rod had to rush to throw and bobbled it. It took them forever to get to it, AJ was falling to the other side of the mound and couldn't get there.

[280] Would have been close...I wonder if his better play wasn't on Molina at home.

I really wonder if A-Rod's hurt or something. He just looks so awkward.

[271] Perfectly placed little chopper between the mound and the shortstop position. Alex charged in, fielded, couldn't find the handle.

[280] Looking at the replay, I don't think he had a play.

[276] I agree, you walk the leadoff hitter after being up 0-2 and bad things tend to happen.

Damage control. Normal stuff. The runs not a product of mental lapses.

I'm enraged right now. Two runs scored solely because of Burnett's stupid fucking bullshit

[280] Nah. He probably wouldn't have gotten him even had he fielded cleanly.

[276] Yep. Hitting Molina...who was sacrificing...square in the back definitely qualifies you for Unlucky™ status.

[284] I agree, all of his throws have been off too. He made that one great play on Molina last night but has looked out of it ever since.

[284] He looked so good in September. Not sure what happened. His swing his long, he is going for pitches out of the zone, and he looks stiff in the field. Maybe the layoff between the series has affected him as well.

[223] the issue isn't really whether he would have had a play on the ball, since if the fans interfere with him once over the wall and the ball goes over the wall it's clearly a home run. it's vague because the rules don't clarify where the fans can interfere on a ball that is in the stands.

[292] Even on that play he bounced the throw.

[283] Ah, good point. I forgot that Crazy Legs Molina was the runner at third.

Easy goes it Matt. Each team should easily score over 5 runs...

I'm satisfied that AJ didn't completely implode. Now if the offensive juggernaut would just get cracking and realize that they are the scoring monsters that they are.

Steeee-rike 3!! Sit down!

bad at bat there from gritner

[297] I have absolutely zero patience for two runs scoring because AJ Burnett has no idea where he throws the ball.

[278] Lot to gloat about in Texas. A fine baseball legacy. Enjoy.

Hey offense. Go $#$$ yourself.

Did I mention how glad I was Girardi decided to play Cervelli?

Nice AB, Cervelli. Thanks for your contributions.

Oh Jesus. I forgot about Cervelli.

guys. 4 pitches and two outs is not how you follow up on that half inning.

Unfuckingbelievable.

Now it's back to somnambulance?

I hear ya, Matt. But your guys have a real good chance tonight. It's all about execution...

I'll take what AJ's given us thus far, really....my beef is with this dormant offense.

[302] Please ignore....ignorance loves attention.

[310] i agree. the offense needs to hit.

woo hoo! CAPTAIN!

Please score him.

This close!

FUCK. Just missed it.

Finally. Someone with a pulse.

Oh Kenboyer, don't start the crying now! You're the Stankees!! You got all that "mystique"! (money can buy anything)

Nice Derek! Now c'mon Grandy - plate 'im!

Hey, guys, I had this great dream that Derek drilled one to the centerfield wall!

It was fabulous!

Hey, what...?

Yay, Jetes!

That's just awful luck. Jeter finally hits a ball well, and it has to bounce off the top of the wall with two outs. The breaks are not going the Yankees way.

It really is a different offense when Posada sits. Having a catcher that can HIT has kind of been beneficial to the Yanks over the years.

Nice Jeter- he drove a pitch!

Yeah, Jete!

CAPTAIN! But can they get him in with two outs?

Cap's best swing all playoffs long.

did they just call hamilton one of the best CF in the game? WTF?

Please don't fuck this up...

[311] SUCH a great addendum to that which I can't share as it violates Banter guidelines...

C'mon Candy-Man!

2-0...

Boy, you'd think Derek would know what part of the park to hit it to by now. What kind of captain is he, anyway?

Fuckin' A!!

YES! GRANDY DANCER!

NEEDED fucking THAT.

Breath!

Curtis! Gettin' the job done.

[322] There's a break!

[322] There's a break!

What's that low rumble I hear? Is that the Score Truck??

Grandy cashes in the two out run!

Hunter has nothing....the Yankees have to start hammering him before the Rangers get to AJ.

[322] didn't the rangers hit 2 lasers off the top of the wall yesterday?

[325] Yes. :-)

The big swings are a coming.

Run, Grandy, Run!

C'mon Tex...big 2 out inning!

Can y'all imagine what this lineup would look like if Jete, Tex, and A-Rod start heating up a little?

[338] Hhahahah! Indeed!

[345] i can imagine it of course. which is what is so frustrating when they are cold!

I'd let Curtis loose here.

[340] Yesterday?

[331] Jeter just wanted to give Grandy an RBI. He is not selfish, you know.

[338] i love that crazy truck.

[348] Definitely. Go.

[350] Its so clear to me now!

[351] They got a higher gear on that thing?

BALK! I LOVE THIS SHIT!

Fat boy's rattled.

Balk! Downright AJBurnettian.

Come on Teix, do something.

[354] am i the only one that imagines some crazy mad mex type truck? all shielded metal windows and spikes.

Balk, triple, semi controversial HR, replay calling back a HR, this game's got everything.

[358] Except make an out, of course. ;)

Fucking shift.

Fuck.

Good inning...

[327] Yes, my reaction was the same. Hamilton's got a great bat, but he's not a very good CFer defensively. He's got so much speed you'd think he would be, but he doesn't seem to have very good instincts. I've seen him camp out under a fly ball...only to have it drop in several feet away. Like Lucy in Peanuts.

shift totally worked there. tex ripped that.

At some point, Teixeira is going to have to produce more.

They're hitting him hard

rats. Alright, AJ. Repeat your 1st inning please.

The shift pays off. Teix needs to get all Ted Williams on that shift.

Think we can hold them this time AJ?

[367] But only two runs, which worries me. The same thing happened with Lewis.

[364] heck he had a ball hop off his leg or something earlier in this series. or maybe that was his glove? i don't even remember.

[366] C'mon, he hit that ball on the screws. I mean, yeah, he's got to get it done at some point, but that's a tough AB to pick on.

Speaking of diving headfirst into third, remember Paulie's would-be triple off Schilling in Game 7?
Smoked into left center, as I recall. Man, did he bust it.

One of my favorite Paulie memories.

That and his 9th inning double in Game 5 in '97.

[359] A tank. A turbo charged tank.

I'm calling the A Rod homer to lead off the bottom of the fourth now. Damn, they are hitting rockets against this guy.

LET's GO AJ

[360] It makes you wonder if it is possible to predict baseball.

Need someone up in the pen. Can't let this get away.

[377] Hey, don't get all John Sterling on me.

[373] I am not picking on the AB per se, but hitting a liner into the shift isn't exactly what he should be aiming for. Tex has to get the ball in the air, and should be able to do that off Hunter.

[375] that would do

[377] *cracking up* Yes, why yes it does, mp.

C'mon AJ, quick inning here. 1-2-3, baby.

0-2. Here come the awful waste pitches

[369] Williams was actually known for being stubborn and hitting into the shift- so Teix IS going all Ted Williams! :)

Jesus fucking Christ AJ

[384] They just don't learn.

[385] His approach wasn't to hit into it, but over it. That's what the Yankees need Tex to do.

5 innings of AJ is plenty.

How did that motherfucker hit that ball so hard?

[387] Its obviously some kind of organizational philosophy.

Another putrid approach leading off the inning.

Lead off single!!! Let's go Rangers, Let's go!!! I hear that truck...

I have a headache

Goddamn, I'm always stuck rooting against him, but I do love Vladdy. That said, LET'S GO AJ!

[392] I'd like to see the thought process that led to ball two

That would have been a big play. I have a feeling AJ is living on borrowed time right now. Every out they can steal would be big.

Wasting an 0-2 pitch is fine for a pitcher who actually HAS COMMAND OF THE STRIKE ZONE.

[385] I was referring to the old saw that he just hit it over the shift --> [388] BINGO!

17!

[374] that double is not my favorite anything (although i know you're just praising o'neill here, and he deserves it). that ball was so close to tying the game.

Good pitch. 1 down. Now a nice 6-4-3.

Fastball velocity is down to 92-93.

[398] Even then, the ball six feet outside or over the batters head is so fucking pointless. Unless Jeff Francoeur is up.

But I'll grant you that one waste pitch can be fine. Its almost always two. With Hughes, its often three.

cervelli was amazed he caught that.

[401] Yeah, I still wince when I think about him running out of gas on his way to third. That's probably my least favorite O'Neill moment actually :( My favorite is the double against Cleveland in 1997, and second is the walk against Benitez in the 2000 Series.

Enough with the slide step! Attack the damn hitter.

[403] I really hope that Girardi is just looking to squeeze five innings out of him.

Convicted pitch? Felony or mere misdemeanor?

16!

[403] He's just effectively changing speeds :)

Yikes. That was a scene.

Here we Murph!...

One more, AJ. Let's go and get the bats back out there.

[404] I'm just thinking of guys like Mussina who could use it well, occasionally get a guy to wave at it.

[406] actually, i meant the double against cleveland.

[408] This game will be decided over the next two innings. If the Yankees haven't jumped on Hunter by then, I wont have much confidence in them scoring enough runs to win this game.

Good pitch in the dirt...

I like when he throws that pitch in the dirt 0-1. he often gets guys to swing at it. but then he needs to throw a strike.

15!

AJ Burnett is exhausting to watch

Gotta love NY media: They already tracked down Jeffrey Maier at LaGuardia Airport where he was watching the game.

Nice job, AJ. Now score some fucking runs.

That flyball went a lot farther than I thought. Off the bat I thought is was a blooper in no man's land. Gotta check my prescription.

Both teams starting to get some awfully good swings. Nellie Cruz JUST missed that second pitch.

[406] Sacrilegious perhaps, but I never liked Paul O'Neil..seemed like a whiny brat...

Well done AJ! Give us 2 more like that, please!

A Rod. Dinger. Callin it.

[416] Got'cha, I was lost there I guess... Nothing new for me!

I still get chills when he walks off of the field, almost in tears after the fans chanted for him.

[426] Right on - time for that Rocket #9 to the planet Venus!

[425] that's beyond sacrilege.

[425] I liked his game, but was not much of a fan of his act. So I guess I agree.

[425] I can see where other team's fans feel that way, but Mr. OK Jazz!

[424] That he did!

Arod, please wake up!

C'mon Tommy. Set down the ex-Ranger...

Arod has been so anxious...and missed so many hittable pitches. That was one.

[404] Mussina and Sabathia threw/throw "waste" pitches that aren't strikes, but are close enough to maybe get someone to offer. That's fine. Pettitte sometimes throws the big whacky waste pitch, but he throws *one*

Burnett and Hughes throw pitches that are literally 8 inches off the plate or over the batter's head. No one is going to swing at that. All you do is put the batter in a better count, and if you keep throwing them, push up your pitch count.

[432] At least some getting on base.

That'll do.

That'll do.

I'll take that

well, that'll work if it gets him on base for rocket robbie.

That's getting on base.

Thatta boy, Stein!

Leadoff man on! (And hopefully seriously pissed off now.)

[431] (hangs head in shame..)..but I'll always defend the honor of Scott Brosius and El Duque against the Yankee haters!

That was a dumb pitch, Hunter. Lead off runner??

It's a baserunner any way you slice it.

[404] Pettitte sometimes throws the big whacky waste pitch, but he throws *one*

I like that- the big whacky waste pitch. Perfect description!

[435] That's kinda what I meant about having a waste pitch if you had command. Clemens could strike guys out on balls in the dirt on 0-2.

ESPN New York is reporting that the kid who ran onto the field yesterday was looking to confront, and possibly attack, A-Rod because of his relationship with Cameron Diaz.

[448] But that isn't a waste.

[447] isn't it?

And Pettitte also doesn't do it every time he gets two strikes.

i agree with the general consensus on waste pitches. useful in certain limited supplies and depending on location.

[449] Seriously?

Steal!

[450] Semantics...it was not intended to be in the strike zone.

Washington looks likes he's going to be aggressive with his BP.

[453] Yes.
http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=5705016

[455] Right. There needs to be a different term for a meaningful pitch out of the zone.

bullshit strike

AB changing pitch right there.

That hasn't been a fucking strike all night until that. booooooooooooo

Grim LeRogue? Really? Did he have a waxed mustache, top hat and cape?

Stay in the zone Robbie.

That was a terrible call on "strike" 2.

If Maier was any freaking good he would have caught that Jeter ball.

MVP! MVP! MVP!

Well done, Robbie en fuego.

Stfu about Jeffrey Maier.

Big inning folks...get that Score Truck revved up!

Opposite field by Rocket Robbie.
He's simply awesome!

MVP! MVP! MVP!

Good start. I smell a rally killer.

[462] That name RULES!

I don't mind it, but Smoltz openly roots against the Yankees. I guess I can't blame him.

And NO BUNT!

Cervelli better not bat this inning with men on base...advance warning, if there are reports of frantic foreigners running amok in downtown Tokyo, Joe G will be to blame..

Uh oh...if Hunter gets pulled, the Stankees should win. Our bullpen is shaky, at best! lol

Nolan Ryan's sour puss again.

Come on Swish...opposite field.

Mike Maddux just told Hunter "It May Just Be A One-Shot Deal." #FZ

Swisher is trying to hit HRs.

[475] Yeah, take out Cervelli and Burnett, too.

i thought ron darling was supposed to be smart. he's said some asinine things this series. he just said he's ok with the hr call because it was going into the stands and cruz probably wouldn't have gotten it anyway, but then he said what he's not ok with is that cruz has a point too, he was interfered with.

[477] Doesn't that look make you feel good?

[462] Yes.

Swish is missing mashable pitches. D"oh!

[473] I used to really like Smoltz because of what a stand up guy he was during post WS interviews in '99. The other Braves made excuses, he just tipped his cap to the Yanks.

I meant [483] Yes.

[486] that's why i like him too. he said the yanks were just in another league.

C'mon SWISH - time to wake up!

Swish is in full pull mode.

Geez Swish, this is not what you did in the regular season!

[473] he kind of does it in a funny, charming way though

[482] I think he just meant that from Cruz's perspective, he might legitimately feel that he was interfered with because the fan did come over the fence and hit his glove. In other words, it was a close judgment call by the ump that, according to Darling, the ump got right. I don't think it was a particularly dumb comment, but maybe I am being too generous.

[486] You can tell Smoltz is kind of new at the broadcasting thing, but he's said some real interesting things so far. His pitch analysis in particular has impressed me.

I was sure he was going to swing at that

These far out shots before the pitch are driving me nuts.

[494] Agreed.

f

Damnit

Fucking terrible.

Oh Swisher.

ball 4 swish. ball frackin' 4.

Dammit.

That's OK, Fat Elvis is going to leave the building.

Steeee-rike 3! One down...6-4-3

[496] I think they're trying to trick kids into thinking its a Playstation3 game.

Damn, Swish!

That's just an awful job by Swisher. No excuse for swinging through a fastball in your eyes. Swisher has reverted.

We NEED to score here. There's no way Burnett holds them next inning

[493] i could just be reacting to the way he said it. first he said he was ok with the call because it was the right call, then he got all worked up and said "but what i'm not ok with..."

[496] I was thinking the same thing. A little over the top, no?

Still got two shots at it.

99 times out of 100 in the regular season Swisher would have taken that pitch, no matter if he was slumping or not. He's pressing.

Well, the ump started off pretty well. Now he's calling pitches well off the corner. Asshole.

Y'all think Joba Hutt will come in tonight?

C'mon - just a hunk-a hunk-a burnin' love, Lance!

[512] Most of the team is. If they don't snap out of it soon...like in the next couple innings...the season will be over.

[513] Its Angel Hernandez

Anyone know Sterling's hr call for Berkman? C'mon Fat Elvis, take it downtown!

Nice job by the umps? Even with extra umps n the outfield they still need a replay to get the call right.

[518] It's in French, based on Camelot.

[518] It's something like, "Sir Lancelot rides to the rescue!"

I'd rather watch this team get shutdown by lEE.

How does Chipper Jones only have 436 home runs?

I'm not an Angel Hernandez fan, in general.

I'll take the walk.

at least berkman doesn't swing at that junk

If it's a strike. Crush. If not. Take it. SImple.

[524] Is anyone?

Come on Lance...hit it where it's pitched.

How does Hunter have only 70 pitches? It feels like he has thrown about 95 so far.

oh my! i'm kind of glad they held arod. That was a good throw.

[527] It worked!

Good hold. Mo Damnit. Hit too hard.

What a laser by Cruz. Rangers have some mighty fine arms in that outfield.

Keep the conga line moving, Elvis!

Thank God they held A-Rod, I thought they were going to send him.

YES YES YES!

Fuck. Alex held.

GOd, I'm so fucking tense I don't know what I'm going to do.

Why is A-Rod only going base to base? Is he hurting?

Let's see if Washington starts the merry-go-round again.

Great decision by Washnington. Yankees really missed a chance to put this game away. Hunter was absolutely awful in this game.

IN THE AIR

[538] Because Nelson Cruz has a rocket for an arm and threw a laser to Molina on a fly.

[537] Woody Allen once said, "I tried to take a valium, but I couldn't get my teeth unclenched."

Good arms in the outfield, but the BP arms are scary!!! Time for your Stankees to score some runs. Let the flood gates open...lol GO RANGERS!!!

A really nice throw, Arod would have been out by 15 feet.

He's not a great bunter, but I would love to see Gardner try to drag one here.

[543] i never really understood the valium fascination. Until I was prescribed valium. wow!

What's Brett going to have in store for us? Got to plate at least 2 more runs this inning. For fuck's sake.

[546] I would too.

[546] We only do plays that are doomed to fail so we can point to them when asked why we don't do plays.

The only situation I hate Gardner in is the bases loaded.

I know we like to rag on Girardi, but we really don't see any way he brings Cervelli back up in this inning, right? I mean, right?

Time to feast on a bullpen.

[540] Will Girardi be a aggressive with his BP?

[547] Nev er had one.

[547] just to be clear, i would never take valium outside of a prescription. That sounded weird i decided.

[552] I hope not. But he doesn't have that killer instinct.

C'mon - don't let 'em off the hook here, Brett.

[543] [547] Heeehee!

Hit the ball on the ground.

[543] He could have tried suppositorily.

Fuck, and it's only the fourth?

“Sir Lancelot rides to the rescue! C’est lui! C’est lui!" is the call.

C'est lui! is Sterling's attempt at a French translation for "It's Him!"

Sir Lancelot sings a song calls "C'est moi!" (It's me) in the musical Camelot.

Urgh indeed.

Up to Gardy. At least he probably won't GIDP.

Lets go Brett.

[542] Nice, thanks. Miss so much only having it online..

[540] I'm not sure about the Yanks missing a chance. The bases are still loaded, and Gardner can hit lefties.

Unless Gardner makes two outs, Girardi almost has to send up Posada or Thames to pinch hit, no? Of course both of those guys kill lefties. That would be yet another chance, even with Hunter out of the game.

[546] MIght work. Would be cool.

FUCK A DUCK!!!!

You're fucking kidding me with that.

I'd love a squeeze bunt here..

What a great play by Andrus! Damn it.

Gritty. Very Gritty.

Very nice play by Andrus. Damn.

Okay. That was goodish.

Great play Andrus!!! Nothin hurt...

What a fucking play.

And that's the rally, as Cervelli strolls to the plate to make his out.

Oh Christ its Cervelli.

Posada! Posada!

Well, same result as a sac fly. Let's go!

Are you fucking kidding me?

One hit by Posada here is worth more than two more innings of AJ.

Oh c'mon Cervelli, shut us all up, would you? Get a goddamn hit.

Is Cervelli really hitting? OK Frankie Brains, let's do something, please?

I'll be honest. I really like the TBS announcers

Cervelli. Sigh.

Lean into one Frankie!

Remember...dont blam Cervelli...blame the manager.

i looked away. the bat broke the camera? wow

Remember when Cervelli would come through every time there was RISP?

Girardi does, obviously..... I barely recall it.

whether its in his head or not, aj is doing much better than expected with cervelli, so i can't argue with this, as much as i'd love to see posada hit here

[586] I do too.

I'm okay with that. Run scored, no DP.

3 runs in 4 innings against Hunter would not be good.

Um why not just remove the broken glass?

Feels hopeless.

[586] I'm fine with them. I mean, Buck, McCarver, Sutcliffe? These guys tower over those ass clowns.

gggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Hell of an at bat by Cervelli

Sigh. Of course. But at least we have the lead.

The Yankees just gave away an out with runners on first and second. I am glad Girardi feels so charitable.

Good job, Holland.

Dammit.

These can't ever be easy, can they?

it's a little early so i'm ok with cervix there

[587] I repeat.

[595] 3 runs in four innings is a 6.75 ERA. That's about right.

[592] He was horrific pitching almost exclusively to Cervelli in the second half

The combo of going with AJ/Cervelli could be a wedge that forces Girardi out.

Man, that was a LONG inning

Take a decent commercial, UPS that's amore/that's logistics; play it to death; become a hater. Next package goes to Fedex in protest.

[603] give away in that posada definitely would not have gotten out or give away in that cervelli didn't even put up a good fight and take a real close pitch to strike out?

4 innings done, 600+ comments..I need a genki drink...

[595] assuming of course AJ doesn't give up 8 in the next inning.

[610] Well, the Cubs are out now.

[606] Yeah, except...I would have a super-quick hook with Burnett. So if you leave Cervelli in, you should be planning on AJ for two or three more innings. I would only be aiming to get five innings max out of him, and would have been perfectly happy to pull Cervelli and AJ both right now.

Cialis commercial. Says you could lose hearing and eye sight. "Honey, you're gonna have to yell to get me to stop! I can't hear a darn thing! But hey, you look b-e-a-utiful..."

[613] Give away in that Cervelli is awful and has no business being in this game.

[616] Let's Go Mets!

[609] i'm not talking about whether he's historically better with cervelli or not. i'm saying that right now it is working, and aj strikes me as someone who will crumble if he perceives a change that will negatively affect him.

Cruz's arm might wind up a big story tonight.

[617] Yeah i get that. fair enough. i kind of am hopeful AJ goes 7 and only allows the 2 runs.

Great decision Girardi!

And here we go.

There we go AJ

So that first pitch ball was better than at least 4 strikes last inning. Whatever, Angel. Douche.

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Girardi doesn't learn from history.

I'm partial to the older commercials: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yW6vObBOVE

13!!!

Hot Damn. That was good stuff.

DP!!!!!! YAAAAAAAY!!

Double play!

I had no idea where that ball was

FUCKIN' A! SOME SMOKIN' D!

AJ covered twice!

Nice play all the way around, and that includes you AJ!

Girardi, you magnificent bastard...

Any cameras broken on that one? Yeesh.

Good DP, Stankees...

[630] 13....13.....yeah....

I'm a fucking wreck.

My body is a raw bundle of nerves on top of muscles clenched with tension.

God help me.

I hope we get to see shots from that camera all game.

That's a pretty cool visual

[642] i hope they show a few pitches live from it.

[642] it's a pretty cool view. real kaleidoscopic or something.

The firstbase camera is now like JamesBondVision.

50 Cent needs to stand in front of that camera and redo his album cover.

Weeping, have a beer! lol

Oh no

RANGE.

where the fuck was arod?

Oh no...here comes the slide step.

[642] As long as we see Mo in the 9th through it with a lead. I'm ok.
Mother Fuck HIM and John Wayne. Damn that young punk. He's good.

aj made his pitch. that just found a frackin' hole.

I know we go through this every night, but isn't it Elvis An-DRUSS? Not An-DREWS?

STEAL Elvis!!!

Attack the hitter!

Forget the runner...focus on the batter...FOCUS.

[655] If he's Hispanic, then it's Androos.

You can't let Andrus impact pitch selection here. Young is too good a fatsball hitter.

You have to pay attention to Andrus. Have to...

Do they sell the jersey with all the patches on it?

that was actually real close

Young has been a thorn in the Yankees side. Let's get 'im AJ!

Burnett can barley throw strikes with full concentration...

cueing thelarmis...?

Let's go, Michael. Call your shot...

why dont they try to jam young inside? all i ever see him hit is outside fastballs.

Oh, Christ, this third out's going to be like climbing Everest.

What's AJ's pitch count?

This has catastrophe written all over it

[666] HAHAHA! I totally did that thinking thelarmis would magically show up and get post 666 and i got it instead!

[664] No doubt. I'd like him to look foolish right here.

come on AJ...attack.

Big moment.

[670] 71

Double effin clutch

Is it asking Cervelli too much to not double clutch on every throw?

Great steal, Andrus

I have little faith that Elvis won't score.

Good double clutch, you almost faked the runner out.....

AJ's at 73 pitches.

"perfect throw?"

I was going to bitch about Cervelli double-clutching, but it looked like he might have been waiting for AJ to get the hell out of the way.

Cervelli DID backhand a curveball in the dirt.

Come on AJ!

I don't know exactly what a professional hitter is, but I think Michael Young is one. Solid player.

COME ON AJ - BEAR DOWN

Full count, Michael. Make him come to you...

Is there anyone up in the pen??

[680] I have little faith that Young wont score

Incredible.

(closes eyes)

what a fucking clown

I fucking HATE watching AJ Burnett pitch

Good eye, Michael. Now Josh needs to go yard! Can it happen??

Gotta pull AJ, no? But no one is warmed up.

That made sense....pitch around Young to face Hamilton. Looks like Joe's decision in the fourth is going to blow up less than a half inning later.

Christ on a cracker. Come on, AJ. Don't give it right back.

Just what you didn't want.

Just realized tomorrow's a 4 pm start. Time to start drinking early.

he better come out now..is anyone even warming up??

Fucking moron fan.

Uh Oh.

fuck. get off the field people!

Fan interference. What a schmuch.

Not job you fucking asshole.

lol, a fan interferes with his OWN team??? That's funny...

Get that asshole out of here.

Idiot fans.

Shit. Well, turnabout is fair play?

Schmuck.

What an asshole.

Jeebus F'ing Christobal fans, you let the fucking hometeam make that play. bunch of fucking bartmans.

Stupid motherfucker. Fuck.

Throw something nasty.

Come on AJ!!!!

Long inning for Carol...Burnett.

COME ON, AJ! ONE TIME!

PUNCH HIM OUT, AJ! LET'S GO!

damn, he's never going to swing at that because he KNOWS IT'S COMING!

I hate watching AJ pitch. I hate watching Cervelli catch.