I Love this Town…

[Picture by Bags]

Yanks, Sox: Lackey, Sabathia.

Do it.

[Picture by Bags]

The Twins beat the Rays this afternoon, putting the Yanks back in first by a half-a-game.

[Picture by Bags]

It’s gunna be a slow day, bloggin’ at the Banter. So here’s some stuff to look at…

Flix by Bags.

It’s hot and damp in New York. AJ Burnett goes for the Yanks tonight and all eyes are on the $82 million knucklehead. With Serge Mitre throwing tomorrow afternoon, it behooves Mr. Burnett to not only pitch well, but deep into the game. Otherwise, he g’wan here it but good, Bronx Cheer Style.

Man-up, tough guy, and let’s go Yan-kees!

(p.s. I don’t think I’m going out on a limb here when I tell you that I think Alex Rodriguez will hit career dinger 600 and more this weekend.)

[Picture by Bags]

Doesn’t take much to get me riled-up. Just ask my old pal Rich Lederer, die-hard Angels fan, who had me cursing like a sailor last night as the Angels pounded the Yanks. Eh, I don’t like to disappoint, so I gave him a show. In honor of Sweet Lou announcing his retirement. Yeah, that’s it.

The Yanks and Angels finish their two-game series this afternoon with Mr. Vazquez and Mr. Pineiro on the hill. Pineiro has been terrific for the past two months, and Vazquez hasn’t been too bad himself.

Another scorcher out there today; this one could be a barn-burner. Nevermind the heat, boys…

Let’s Go Yan-Kees!

[Picture by Bags]

The Yanks got served but good by Felix Hernandez not too long ago in New York. They’ve got to face the tough Seattle ace again tonight. Here’s hoping they give him a hard time. Nobody likes gettin’ played a piano twice in a row, even if the “King” is some kind of pitcher.

Let’s Go Yank-ees!

[Picture by Bags]

The Yankees make their final west coast trip of the season, and we’re not even at the All-Star Break yet. Go figure that.

Sox and Rays are playing tonight, so have at it if you’re just kickin’ around before the late night game in Oakland.

We Keep the Light On…

[Picture by Bags]

I watched the entire game yesterday. Bob Dylan’s voice kept repeating in my head, “It’s a hard, it’s a hard...” Just about everything was hard yesterday, for both teams, but especially for the Yanks who scored just one run (in the first inning). I’m a just try and fergit it and hope for better things today.

The heat has returned. Gunna be a scorcher today and tomorrow.

Keep cool and Let’s Go Yan-Kees!

[Picture by Bags]

Man, has it ever been gorgeous in the Big Apple the past few days. It is bright and sunny again this morning. Gunna get back to real summer over the weekend but for now, it’s just a delight.

Light morning here at the Banter, and another 1 pm start for the men in pinstripes today.

Here’s hoping everyone has a safe and happy holiday.

[Picture by Bags]

A few weeks ago I got together with Bags, whose photographs have graced this space for more than a month now.

Bags takes pictures the old fashioned way. He uses film. Taking photographs is an excuse for him to tool around the city and look, really look at what’s around him (Bags isn’t from New York and I wonder if it takes an outsider’s sensibility to really appreciate the wonders, small and large, that our town has to offer.)

I haven’t used film in years and what I like about it is that it forces you to be selective. You can’t just snap away like you can with a digital camera, not caring how many shots you take. You have to look, carefully, before you decide to press “click.” Also, you may just miss a shot–you get the composition right, but then the classic old guy walks through the frame too quickly and you’ve lost the moment you want to capture. The possibility of this loss, makes it all the more exciting when you do get what you’re looking for.

And then there is the suspense of waiting for your pictures to come back from the lab. Oh, the agony. My feeling is that if you can get one good, I mean really good shot out of a role of 36 you should be pleased.

Anyhow, Bags and I tooled around the Upper West Side–a neighborhood he doesn’t know from–and snapped away. I haven’t gone to the lab yet, but this weekend I’m going to take more shots and then see what I’ve got. In the meantime, I’ve found myself, even without a camera in my napsack, stopping and looking. And for that alone, I am grateful.

All-City.

[Picture by Bags]

Very hot, very hot.

It’s as hot outside as Mattingly was last night after the last out.

Keep cool.

[Picture by Bags]

Tyler Kepner on the one and only, Vin Scully.

[Picture by Bags]

Yanks have the night off, but feel free to fall through and chatter about whatever catches yer fancy.

Stay cool now, y’hear?

[Picture by Bags]

Detail of a New York City Splat Shot by Bags

Hey, y’all. Sorry for the delay in posting yesterday’s recap. It’ll be up jiffy. Then, we’re back to our regular schedule. Hold tight…

[Picture by Bags]

Man, it’s a hot one out there. Damned Mets are hot, while the Yanks are decidedly not.

Still, the Bombers remain tied for first place with the Rays. The Can’t-You-Hear-Me-Knockin’ Sox are just a game back.

Hope everyone is staying cool.

[Picture by Bags]

The Yanks have the night off. Here’s an open thread for whatever should come to mind…

[Picture by Bags]

It is overcast in the Bronx as the Yanks look to inch closer to first place.

Just made flapjacks for the Mrs. We’re at home, chillin’. Hope all am well mit you unt yours.

Go git ‘im, fellas. (And for those who will be watching the World Cup, feel free to chat in the thread below.)

[Picture by Bags]