Game 154: Blue Jays at Yankees
-
- September
- 22
Here is the lineup:
YANKEES
Cabrera CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui LF
Posada C
Giambi DH
Cano 2B
Mientkiewicz 1B
Hughes RHP (4-3, 4.75)
Pregame chatter: Yanks are facing RHP Shaun Marcum (12-6, 4.15). He lasted only five innings against the Yankees on Sept. 12, giving up four runs. … Jeter has hit in eight straight at 14 of 37. … Cabrera is 3 for his last 38 with one run scored. … Yanks have won 11 of 14. … Players didn’t have to report until 11:30 today and half the team isn’t here yet.
UPDATE, 12:00 p.m.: Roger Clemens expects to be able to start Monday despite a little “stinger” in his left hamstring. … The President of Panama, Martin Torrijos Espino, will throw out the first pitch. I suspect Mariano Rivera will catch it. … Kyle Farnsworth is probably not available because a tight shoulder.
Actor John Turturro was in the clubhouse before the game. He was good as Billy Martin in The Bronx Is Burning. But he was better in Quiz Show, Do The Right Thing and Miller’s Crossing if you ask me. Good actor any way you slice it.
UPDATE, 1:01 p.m.: The tarp is on the field but the rain seems to be letting up. I’ll let you know when they announce a starter time.
UPDATE, 1:06 p.m.: Here is some pre-game audio for you:
Roger Clemens talks about his hamstring:
Joe Torre on assorted subjects:
UPDATE, 1:34 p.m.: Well, the tarp is still on the field. They’re showing Andy Pettitte’s “Yankeeography” on the scoreboard and I’m listening to Jackson Browne on my iPod. Not much else to tell you at this point.
UPDATE, 2:03 p.m.: They’re pulling the tarp off the field now. The start time is scheduled for 2:30.
UPDATE, 2:35 p.m.: The president of Panama threw out the first pitch and Mo came out to catch it. As he got behind the plate, Posada offered him his mask. Mo declined. The prez tossed a 59-footer that bounced past Mo.
UPDATE, 2:37 p.m.: First pitch, 2:37 after a delay of 1:12. Now we’ll see if the Franchise can have a good first inning for a change.
UPDATE, 2:44 p.m.: Good start for the kid. He needed to get over those first inning issues he had.
Still overcast here in the Bronx. But the rain is supposedly gone for good today. Huge crowd at the park.
UPDATE, 2:48 p.m.: Anybody checking out the blog from within the park today? Drop me an e-mail with your impressions and I’ll post them. There could be something in it for you. PAbraham@LoHud.com.
UPDATE, 3:00 p.m.: It’s fascinating to watch Hughes mature. Two weeks ago, that jam would have led to two runs. Instead he works his way out of it by getting a weak swing out Lind that leads to a double play. He has a lot of composure for 21-year-old.
UPDATE, 3:07 p.m.: Alex Rodriguez, in addition to everything else, is a heck of a base runner. He goes first to third well not because he is especially fast, but because he always makes a good read on the ball. He doesn’t get himself thrown out very often. Jeter runs the bases the same way, with as much smarts as speeds. It’s the kind of thing guys like Melky need to learn.
UPDATE, 3:09 p.m.: That’s the kind of thing hitting coaches love, a hitter getting turned loose on a 3-0 pitch and hammering a line drive. So may hitters are OBP-conscious that they automatically take that pitch. But Posada is such an aggressive player offensively.
They have a chance to turn this into a big inning.
UPDATE, 3:24 p.m.: Tough to get three hits and walk in one inning and score once but the Yankees found a way. Can’t get a starter off the hook like that. Melky is now 3 for 40.
Meanwhile, for all the good things Robbie Cano does, he still mixes in a knucklehead move from time to time. That was clearly Mientkiewicz’s ball and he bumped into him for some reason. The scorer gave Cano an error for “inhibiting the catch.”
UPDATE, 3:57 p.m.: So much for my faith in Phil Hughes. A guy with his stuff has to be able to put away a “hitter” like Curtis Thigpen, who was 0 for 23 and was hitting .203.
If it wasn’t official before, it is now. Your postseason rotation will be Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens and Mike Mussina. Argue all you’d like, but that’s what it will be be. Torre has been dropping hints left and right and this latest disappointment from Hughes will seal it.
UPDATE, 4:03 p.m.: Shaun Marcum left the game with a sore right knee. Yanks down 3-1 here in the bottom of the fourth. That scoring update is for loyal reader Kasey, who is in a bus somewhere with his band headed for a gig.
UPDATE, 4:47 p.m.: Bad day by Jason Giambi, who has the hat trick and has left three men on base, two in scoring position.
Meanwhile, it seems to me that Torre is trying Ron Villone in a variety of spots to determine his postseason worthiness. … You have to like what you see out of Ross Ohlendorf. He throws strikes
UPDATE, 5:06 p.m.: That’s 145 RBI for A-Rod, the most for a Yankee since Don Mattingly had 145 in 1985. Since 1938, the only Yankee with more was Joe DiMaggio, who drove in 155 in 1948.
UPDATE, 5:15 p.m.: That’s 102 RBI on the season for Hideki Matsui. … A-Rod has scored 137 runs.
UPDATE, 5:34 p.m.: Anybody who believes that the Yankees are going gung-ho for the division title, please take note of Jose Veras being allowed to labor here in the seventh inning of a game they lead.
Torre told us before the game that he would rest the Viz and I guess he meant it. Krazy Kyle is unavailable as well. They obviously have no faith in Bruney and/or Britton.
But Rivera can pitch assuming they figure out a way to get to the ninth with a lead.
UPDATE, 5:43 p.m.: It’s all well and good that the Yankees plucked Edwar Ramirez out of an indy league and got a few good innings out of him this season. But I don’t see how he could survive an entire season as a set-up man with his one pitch being a change-up. You might trick guys once or twice but it’s never going to last.
UPDATE, 5:52 p.m.: Received this e-mail from Ashley, a blog reader sitting in section 301. She writes: “Just wanted to let you know how much I hate the wave.” We’re with you Ashley.
Meanwhile Melky Cabrera is 0 for 4 today and 3 for his last 42. Memo to the Melkman: This is not a good time to give Torre the idea of starting Damon in center and Giambi as the DH in Game 1.
UPDATE, 5:58 p.m.: That would be a huge hit for the Melkman.
UPDATE, 5:59 p.m.: Also, it would seem Joe Torre is a genius as he pinch ran for Mientkiewicz at second base right before a soft single to left.
Krazy Kyle now warming. Yikes.
UPDATE, 6:07 p.m.: 46 at-bats since Alex last homered. He’s about due, don’t you think?
UPDATE, 6:08 p.m.: Nah, just another huge RBI. So long Donnie Baseball, look out Joe D.
This is quite a game as each team’s bullpen tries to stink less.
UPDATE, 6:19 p.m.: I for one am shocked - shocked! - that Krazy Kyle is botching up this inning. They should keep him off the playoff roster just to assure Torre doesn’t use him.
UPDATE, 6:25 p.m.: The fans here at the Stadium chant “MVP” whenever A-Rod comes to plate. They need to chant “DFA” whenever Farnsworth pitches so Brian Cashman gets the idea.
Now Kei Igawa is coming in and the fans are booing before he even gets to the mound.
Now I’m convinced the Yankees will win. The K-Man will get an out, the Yankees will score twice in the eighth then Mo will wrap it up. 11-10, piece of cake.
UPDATE, 6:33 p.m.: See, Igawa got an out. OK, so 12-11. They just need to get A-Rod up again.
UPDATE, 6:48 p.m.: This is either the best game of the season or the worst, I’m not sure.
Meanwhile, Melky was given a single on that last play.
Thank God, Mo is pitching. If Igawa stayed in I might have run out there and tackled him.
UPDATE, 7:04 p.m.: Hey, Toronto didn’t score. What a concept.
I’m supposed to be objective and I’d like to think I am. But, please, somebody win this game right now.
Meanwhile, seriously, you have to admire Toronto. They beat Boston three straight, beat the Yankees last night in 14 and they’re playing this game hard as heck. I give them a lot of credit.
UPDATE, 7:10 p.m.: What a game by A-Rod, 4 for 5 with a walk and three RBI. Now somebody needs to drive him in.
UPDATE, 7:28 p.m.: Wow, what a throw by Robbie Cano and a nice play by Posada. After all that, now somebody has to figure out a way to win the game.
This entry was posted
on Saturday, September 22nd, 2007 at 11:04 am by Peter Abraham.
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Hey Pete, is there a link to that ESPN thing that you did the other day? I missed it, i really wanted to see it…
I can’t fathom why Joe would place a hitter who currently is 3 for 38 over his last forty at-bats in the lead-off spot.
Pete-Abe,
Can you give us an update on Roger’s health as soon as you have one?
Aside from not being able to pinch hit for Molina last night, Melky’s at bat in the 9th was the key. The Yankees had them on the ropes, and Melky failed. I really hope that he can turn it around, no better time than today to start.
With Damon out today, who would you suggest they have leadoff?
You don’t change the entire lineup for one guy. Perhaps hitting leadoff gets Melky going again.
Since he has started to play full-time, Melky has leadoff in the games in which Damon didn’t play. Its not a big deal.
Melky in the leadoff spot for his career: Avg: 292, OBP: 377, RBI: 23, SLG: .411, BB: 25…..respectable
Pete - any stats on when Melky has batted leadoff?
never mind
Thanks, Leonardo!
Disappointing game last night, just couldn’t get that one hit. I didn’t think Bruney’s pitch was that bad, give Zaun credit, as well as Halladay.
Maybe hitting leadoff will make Melky be more selective, though “leadoff” is a bit of a misnomer. It will come down to who pitches better, as it frequently does.
Jeter.
Why give Melky an extra at-bat, if it isn’t necessary? Slot him in the ninth spot and he hits in front of Jeter anyway after the first time through the rotation, but receives one less at-bat.
I realize Joe has been hitting Melky in the lead-off spot when Damon doesn’t play. But that’s precisely my point. Joe gets fixated with a particular order and then shows reluctance to alter it when conditions warrant.
Marcum is the weakest of the four pitchers the Yankees face this weekend. They have to beat him. In fact, I was disappointed to see Joe rest Damon today and not tomorrow against McGowan or Monday against Burnett.
torre shoud try putting abreu leadoff….he was a great leadoff guy his whole career
Melky’s due to break out of the slump and leading off could add some fuel to the fire for him. It’s not a crime to have to rest Damon. Damon’s probably seeing action tomorrow and definitely on Monday against Burnett. Damon socked a homer off of Burnett in last Thursday’s game.
Joe from LI, you’re right, obviously numbers number tell the whole story but they’re still fun to look at:
Shaun Marcum vs NYY this year: 3 G, 6.06 ERA, 16.1 IP, 15 H, 11 R, 11 ER
NYY stats vs Marcum: .250 Avg (15/60), 2 HR, .348 OBP, .400 SLG
Marcums ERA in day games: 4.80, 50.2 IP, 13 HR, 27 ER
left field in yankee stadium: still 314 ft
Why move Jeter out of the #2 spot now that he is hitting again?
He is also playing on one leg. Meaning, he isn’t going to be stealing bases. That makes him batting leadoff an actual detriment to the team.
If Melky gets on, Jeter is the best hit and run guy on the team. He can also allow Melky to steal a base and Jeter advances runners better than anybody on the team.
He is the perfect #2 hitter for that reason.
If you move Jeter, who bats second? Again, you are changing the entire lineup over one guy. It makes no sense.
Arod was 2-33 until last night. You don’t see them moving him out of the cleanup spot.
Torre is set on his batting orders for a reason. Its working.
They have the best record in baseball the last 3 months. They have won 11 of 14 and are 13-5 in September.
The lineup isn’t an issue. Every team has offensive lulls. The Yankees just have fewer than others.
i think we should go after barry bonds at the end of the season…..it would be great!!, this way we can reunite king kong and godzilla
The next few games are must-win for the Yankees. By the end of Monday, they could be tied with the Red Sox.
Pete, Did Bowa send Posada from third last evening on the pop-up that resulted in an inning ending third out, Posada was out by at least ten feet, seemed the odds were not our favor sending Posada, Jackie Robinson possibly, I wonder if he went on his own.
Pete,
is Torre still gunning for the Division? I thought that, in my manager hat, seems like we are in the playoffs - so why don’t we just rest our guys, rotate them in and out of the lineup?
I had a melky wristband (you know the ones they have at the stadium now with the players number and name) that I lost last week….in Boston, on Friday night. And I know its retarded, but I keep kicking myself in the ass. Since then:.095 AVG (2/21), .200 OBP .095 SLG…blame me not melky. love this guy.
Excellent.
You guys are the best!
Yahoo has Roger listed as Monday’s starter. Hopefully that’ll hold true.
I think Joe put Melky in the lead-off spot to let him see better pitches and hopefully start going again. He hasn’t done anything of note (except the slide into first) for a long time so shaking things up is worth a try IMHO.
Not a good idea to shake up the 2-3-4-5 so I like the approach.
I know this isn’t exactly controversial, but FARNSY is driving me nuts with these phantom maladies. How is he hurting himself when he isn’t even making any appearances, I thought he was a fitness freak! Disgusting.
“Joe gets fixated with a particular order and then shows reluctance to alter it when conditions warrant.”
Did you forget last year’s playoffs when A-Rod batted 8th? Or earlier in the year when he dropped Abreu to 7th and 8th.
Or in the past when he dropped O’Neill and Tino down?
Or when he jumped A-Rod up to 2nd to get him going?
Or when he put Matsui in the cleanup spot when he was really hot last year?
I hope the post about getting Bonds was a joke.
Are the Kennedy/Clemens scratches just Joe lining up the rotation for the playoffs?
Look, I think that Faramaduke (taken from another awesome blog http://bronxbanter.baseballtoaster.com/) is just a spineless player. I still don’t condone the boos, because I just think booing is wrong. But this “sore shoulder” thing its bull. He’s trying to stick it to Torre, because he feels disrespected. If he really wants to pitch he should have been available last night, when we needed him. Everyone knew once Bruney came in, the game was over.
I agree - who cares that Damon is out. With the lineup and depth that the Yankees possess there a plenty of options at lead-off and Melky is fine in that position. Maybe they shold put clemens in the lead-off spot..
I just want to win today. Damon’s been struggling lately too, so its not like its a huge hit to the lineup. He’s been strugglin lately too (3/22). His body’s gotten older this year, and he needs the rest. Plus its about pitching. Big big games for Hughes, and his playoff hopes.
I knew it was over when Bruney came in…i figured they just wanted it to end one way or another and go home b/c they had a 1:00 game!
I really need to re-read, apologies.
If the Yankees even consider getting Bonds, I’m going to be so pist. I hate him, he’s a dispicable player. While normally I don’t give a crap what other people think about the Yankees, but just think about, think about it for one second, all the crap that we would have to deal with.
Then again, I really hope the red sox dont get him. He’s still a sick hitter, and he would bring down Fenway. Bonds, Ortiz, Manny (assuming they keep the latter). Not cool.
Bonds has too much baggage with him Great hitter, but a PR night mare. He’s not coming to NY, no way.
No way Bonds comes to New York.
I mean, maybe if Steve Phillips was our GM, but (thank G-d) he’s not.
Not going to happen.
No bonds…
Denise - I agree. When Bruney entered the game, I figured it was over.
BUT - TODAY is a new day!!! GO YANKEES!!!
I wonder how heavily Bruney’s game last night weighs into the postgame roster decision. Couple last night with his “anger” issues and chirping at the umpire and generaly pitching…
I can’t stand Steve Phillips or Bonds. We will never see either one in pinstripes, thankfully.
edit…postseason roster decision.
So guys:
What’s the over/under on the Louisville/Syracuse football game?
I’ve heard 60 points…
We were all shaking last night when Bruney came back in the clubhouse!
bonds will never play for the yanks even though I assume many of our knowledgable brethren would love having him. he fits right in to there plan, he is old, overpaid, cannot move, and gets hurt all the time.. Just what these brain surgeons want..
Yeah change the whole lineup becuase of Melky, smart move Epstein Jr.
We need a Clemens status please??
Look Kennedy gets slight injury and it screws up the whole plan to give the guys a extra day or 2 of rest….
we need a split this weekend eith the jays
Then again if Steve Phillips was our GM we’d have the Blue Jays Joe Kennedy, and not our very own Ian.
see the zambrano trade.
It’s raining in north Jersey.
BAH I SAY! BAH!
I was angry at Posada / Bowa last night for tagging up and getting thrown out on the pop foul out. But after watching the replay on YES, I can understand what they were thinking.
Had Overbay made the catch, he would have had to make a 180 pivot and fire a strike after leaning into the stands and regaining his balance. There was also a strong chance that the exertion of the catch makes them forget about the runner at third. Upon further review, I don’t think it was a bad play.
MLB Extra Innings doesn’t have the game on today…what’s a girl to do?
Torre just said Clemens could have pitched today, but wanted to be extra cautious.
steve phillips didn’t make the kazmir for zambarno deal.
JFW - Sopcast
I’ve been upset with Bruney this year, as well, but he did do a great job at the end of last season, and most recently as that game against Boston where we came back in the 8th (4 big outs, and Torre gave him the lineup card); so let’s not totally bury the guy.
Like everyone else, I do not want Bonds on the team next year. If nothing else, there’s no room for him. Boston might make a grab for him, though they’ve committed a lot of $ this year with Dicey, Drew and Lugo (all not worth the investment to this point). I know the Sox make a lot of money, but apparently John Henry is going through a nasty divorce, as well as a 50% drop in the value of his hedge fund, so he may be a little tight with the cash to pay Barry. Oakland, right across the Bay, might be the best fit for him. Although that would mean deposing Jack Cust, at a lot more salary. But where Barry Bonds winds up - as long as it’s not the Yankees - is the least of my worries.
You can watch the game on sopcast - do you know about that?
MLB TV?
Stuart:
“he fits right in to there plan, he is old, overpaid, cannot move, and gets hurt all the time.. Just what these brain surgeons want..”
That is so 2003
Cashman is fortunate that this year didn’t blowup on him and that the youth movement can continue with him at the helm rather than under the bus.
Steve Philips and Barry Bonds belong together on some hellish baseball island.
no, what is that? (sopcast)
Torre just said Farnsworth is doubtful for today.
Most of those example you cite Phil were in the post-season where Joe has shown greater flexibility with the order, to his credit. In fact, in battting A-Rod 8th, he proved himself downright reckless with the batting order. (But then again the flip-side of stubborn rigidity is reckless panic.)
My two complaints however with Joe’s lineup decision still remain:
1) He waits for too long to alter his order to accomodate changed conditions. Often waiting, as this year, with Abreu, for weeks until he dropped him in the order. More recently, he has stuck with Matsui in the 5 or 6 hole, even though, he’s been mired in a wretched slump– home-run against Burres notwithstanding– and probably should have been switched with Posada and/or Giambi in the order, by now.
2) He’s overly enamored with alternating lefties and righties. This explains why he prefers to bat Matsui before Posada rather than vice-versa, though with the way Posada has hit this year he should never bat below 5th in the order.
3) Melky has yet to demonstrate the plate discipline and/or propensity to walk a lead-off batter requires. As a lead-off hitter, Melky is batting .260 with a .309 OBA and 8, yes eight, BB’s:http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/individual_player_splits.jsp?c_id=mlb&playerID=466320&sitSplit1=All&statType=1&statSet=1&splitSet=2
download software at: www.sopcast.org
view schedule at: http://www.myp2p.eu/MLB.htm
Phil, to add to your point, I think it was still Stairs out there at that point, trying to make the catch by the tarp. He is considerably less capable as a first basemen.
where on sopcast can u watch it?
soem truths.. Arod cannot cathc pop flys, he is scared of the stands..
Posada is a moron baserunner. The guy has been thrown out trying to take the extra base minimum 10 times this yr.
Farnsworth not only stinks which would be bad enough but is a pansy with all his rules and maladies.
the pen today is a joke for a change. Mariano threw very few pitched last night but the problem with VIz is he is pretty good but he throws alot of pitches because he nibbles.
they need to score mucho runs today..The yanks have scored over 200 more runs then Toronto so far this yr..
we need runs today, PLEASE.
Thanks for the update on Clemens, Phil. How did you get it so early? Do they give updates on players’ health on that tedious batting practice show? Thus far, I’ve been unable to watch it. Too tedious. I keep hoping Kim Jones will waltz out in a tight bikini one day during the BP show to keep my attention.
Killer: I’m not arguing in favor of Melky leading off. Not at all.
However, there are numerous instances of Torre making lineup changes during the season, not just in the postseason. I think Torre doesn’t make the panic moves that fans often want made (many of us on this board).
During the season:
-A-Rod hitting second.
-O’Neill dropped to 6th and 7th.
-Jeter being moved around wherever he is needed: 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
-Knoblauch dropped out of the leadoff spot.
-Giambi dropped out of the 3rd / 4th spots.
And I can recite countless others. He doesn’t often make panic moves, but generally (not always) does it over time to not affect the hitters’ confidence.
sopcast channel 25568
During the BP show, when they don’t have any filler, they air some of Torre’s pregame press conference/meeting.
So it’s raining now, but looking at the radar, we should be good for a game…but don’t be surprised if the game doesn’t actually start till later.
Of course, I’m not an umpire, so what do I know.
And holy mother…SYRACUSE LEADS LOUISVILLE!
It won’t last, but for now it’s fun!
I didn’t know Syracuse still had a football team?
I don’t know about Clemens. He says he’ll be fine by Monday, but hammies are scary business, especially for us old guys.
wow, michael kay is bruuutal right now. call me heartless.
I can’t wait to see Hughes in action. He has gotten stronger in his last few outings. Maybe something magical will happen in the Bronx. Is Shelley still hurting? Can he get some starts?
From earlier today:
The D train September 22nd, 2007 at 10:18 am
Sherri –
Steps have been taken with the bullpen/warmup routine of Phil Hughes to try and correct his early inning woes. We’ll see how the adjustment pans out and hopefully it makes a difference.
From Torre:
Farnsworth, Chamberlain, Vizcaino are out for today.
However, Joba can pitch back to back in the playoffs as the rules can be adjusted.
Those steps being taken with Hughes, brought back a name that I hate to hear: Kevin Brown. Apparantly they were thinking of having Hughes throw a simulated first inning in the bullpen, to maybe ease his start of the game jitters. They used to do the same thing with Kevin Brown. Eww.
Brown had problems other than the first inning blues.
The thing to remember though, is that before he joined the Yankees, Kevin Brown was kinda sorta a good pitcher!
Let’s hope Phil gives up less than 3 runs in the first few innings.
It’s pouring here. Wonder if there will be a delay.
Rebecca, I understand what you’re saying. But all I need to remember is 2004, and a certain pitcher punching a wall. I HATE HIM.
Ava: I live northwest of the City, it was raining here for a bit but it’s tapered off and the sun’s beginning to poke through.
We should be fine.
Leonardo: I try not to think about that!
What thus far has amazed me is how Hughes has managed to be so effective with what amounts to two pitches: (i) a fastball that rarely exceeds 92mph and (ii) a very slow 76mph curve?
Is it the movement or explosiveness of Hughes’ fastball that makes it so lethal? Or is it his command and location? Compare it to Joba’s stuff and you wonder how Hughes has been so successful.
If Hughes can perfect that third pitch– I wonder whether a change up, given the slow speed of his curve ball, would enhance his repertoire as much as a better slider would– he could evolve into the staff’s ace one day.
I wonder too whether when he pitches for a full season whether his velocity won’t increase. Evidently, minor league scouts often clocked his fastball around 94mph rather than the 90-91 it has been this year.
I was in my second year of college in the middle of Worcester,MA. I am officially scarred for life. That said while the forecast predictions are normally shady I have a good feeling about today.
I am a little worried about how any sort of delay might affect Hughes.
Well, they’re not going to call the game off cos there isn’t good time to make it up.
Let’s just hope the delay doesn’t last too long.
LET’S GO YANKEES!
Oh good. I live in the city and I was having breakfast outside when it just began pouring, but you’re right. It does seem to be calming down now.
I’m proposing my own version of the Joba rules to my boss on Monday. You know, I don’t work back to back days and obviously two days off if I put in extra time in one day. It sounds fantastic in my head so it should work.
Kill (schill), while I’m impressed with his ability to pitch with two pitches, its really only working for a little more than 5 innings, at an almost 5 ERA clip. His curve, like you said is very slow. And because of a large lack of bite, when he misses its smack in the middle of the plate. I don’t know how I feel about that, other than there’s very little room for error with it.
That said he’s 21 years old, which is amazing on so many levels. He will learn to control it, I hope. Right now though I can’t see him as a number 1. However, #62 might take the cake on that.
You can play in this type of rain, this will not result in a rainout. Can we talk about postseason rotation? I was assuming Wang would pitch game one, but there is some rumors that they would hold Wang for game 3 at home because he has a better record in the Bronx. I personally think Wang in game 1 would be better, than you could use him twice. Wang, Pettitte, Clemens, Mussina if necessary.
well good afternoon my people
young phenom Philip Hughes pitches today, this rain is also lightning up
*optimism + squirrel lets go Yanks !*
I think it depends on who they play in the first round, Jeff NJ.
I’d feel a bit uneasy about holding Wang back until game 3, personally.
The stats do say he is clearly better at home though.
Imagine matchups in games 1 & 2 of: CC Sabathia (cy young winner, IMO) vs Pettitte and Fausto Carmona vs Clemens.
I don’t like either of those matchups for the Yanks.
Ava: it’s 1 oclock and you call it breakfast??? lol!
I like Pettitte, Clemens, Wang, Mussina. Pettite has more experience pitching in big games than Wang, and he’s been just as good if not better in the second half of the season. And game 1 is huge.
Wang’s home ERA is 2.75, while on the road its 5.05, where he’s allowed 12 more ER. There are more pressing numbers to look at, but that disparity speaks volumes to me.
Saving him for a game 3 at home has two advantage: 1) in a potental 2-0 hole you have your best pitcher trying to stop the bleeding, 2) In another other scenaro (up 2-0 or 1-1) you have your best pitcher ready to close it out, continue momemtum, or stop the other teams.
Torre has always stresed the importance of game 3, which is why I think he might want Pettitte, whom he’s trusted forever there. I think that would be wrong, but what do I know.
You forget, we BEAT Carmona.
Ava must have had a long night like me
For Derek, GO BLUE!
Yanks swept the season series.
Carmona’s splits vs Yanks: http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/psplit.cgi?n1=carmofa01&year=2007
Sabathia’s splis vs Yanks: Yanks haven’t faced him = NOT GOOD = season series sweept not as impressive, because he is gross, in the awesome way.
Kill-Schill - Interesting analysis of Hughes. It matches what I’ve read over the year. He does need that third pitch, and this is why they ideally wanted him at AAA for longer than circumstances allowed. He should continue to improve. As far as velocity of his fastball, I think his leg injuries are still having some effect. He will need the off-season for that to completely heal.
thanks Sherri!
whats happening?
what’s the word on the length of the delay? Anyone estimate when they expect to start?
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/07481?lswe=07481&lwsa=WeatherLocalUndeclared&from=whatwhere
Radar.
Storm’s moving north and east, and there’s nothing behind it.
I’m no meterologist, but I *think* this game will start by 3…
If you go to ‘weather.com’ and type in 10012 you’ll get a radar.
Looks like it should clear in a little bit.
After I have downloaded sopcast what do I do? I log in but dont know how to find the game
I’m not saying Carmona is unbeatable, Rebecca, I’m saying I don’t like either of those matchups. I especially don’t like throwing Clemens in game 2. He is also much better at the Stadium. I’d like the idea of having Wang in game 2 and available for game 5 if nec.
MLB Schedule for sopcast:
view schedule at: http://www.myp2p.eu/MLB.htm
However, the channel it’s showing (25568) is not currently working, but it may start up once the game starts up.
this blog and it’s steward are the best.. quick format question, if comments be listed in reverse time order, i.e., most recent first?? puts one right into the action, and one can “drill down” as compared to having to scroll down and “read up”. i think wordpress has this functionality, but use wordpress as a content manager on my blogs, and have no experience managing comments.
perhaps the good ship farnsworth is pulling into port pavano. he can’t be happy. we can’t rely on him. keeping him going, and on the hook, is a lose-lose. maybe the shoulder thing will allow for an mri, and no one passes an mri, thus a bit of wordsmithing can allow everyone to save face and take him off the post season roster… he needs a small market, two saves a week, etc… this town and this team is a terrible match. we’ve all been there. this said with compassion.
as bad a fit as is farnsworth, i suggest ohlendorf is right. how’s about we rev him up?? perhaps he wasn’t brought in last night, in what was at best a 50/50 blow-up loss and confidence hit, because they plan to get him ready this week, and build on success. any thoughts?
was hard to swallow the kennedy in-law caterwauling about the wedding. pretty soon we’ll have donna hanover doing pregame ceremony readings from the monologues.
till next, over and out. this blog rocks.
Rebecca - I think the ORANGE are actually WINNING 21-7 late in the 2nd. I know, they’ll still probably blow it, but you don’t think “winning big games” with the Syracuse Orange much anymore.
John Turturo’s best role in a film was obviously as Jesus “the Jesus” Quintana in “The Big Lebowski”. Any argument against this is merely a farse.
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made.
Okay, anyone mind explaining how Syracuse is up 21-7 on Louisville? My friends and I are all speechless.
The GOOD sort of speechless!
Rain has completley stopped in dear old Northwest Bergen County.
Shouldn’t be too much longer now.
Hughes threw his changeup pretty well in his last start against Baltimore. He doesn’t need to throw it that often, but he certainly needs to be able to throw it for a strike.
The Cuse’ is winning !!!! maybe my Irish have a chance vs Michigan
Can we please get the game started? I’m tired of watching college football!!
BuffaloHead - Yeah I mean, the man just had polio. It’s like the flu, a walk in the park. I mean, the man’s faking it, he doesn’t need that wheelchair, and those rotten teeth are from smoking crack.
Right?
Don’t worry guys, they should start the game soon!
Buffalohead, leave Mr. Joba alone
with all due respect, harlan chamberlain probably has no idea he’s on cameral all the time. the tv guys are exploiting his disability. have a little compassion, dude. in the scheme of life and men, he’s a hero, a man among men.
Quick survey: On a scale of 1 to 10, w/ 10 being most important to you, how important is winning the division to you guys?
Personally, I’m in the camp that the division would be nice, but it doesn’t matter when the playoffs start.
So I say it is a 4.
Folks - do not feed the trolls. Let Pete block them.
What happened to the Ultimate Banter link?
The idea of Hughes scrambling around a wet infield to grab soft grounders scares me a bit. I have visions of him slipping and tweaking his hammy again…
Still, hopefully he doesn’t get injured and ends up having a good start. We really could use the boost after last night!
5 - would like the division (they are the Yankees), but will be okay with the wildcard, too. Main thing - the playoffs for the ultimate goal - # 27!!!!
Sherri - I’m trying this SopCast thing for the first time. It’s also not working for me, but it might be that I’m a newbie at this and I don’t have it set right. Let me know if it comes back on for you so I know it’s not on my end.
Yanks need to take the next three straight from Toronto if they still want the division. Personally, I’d rather see them rest guys and try to get thing completely set up for the playoffs (as the wild card).
Did I hear correctly that Joel Sherman will be in the broadcast booth with John Sterling today? Sooz W is out observing the Jewish holiday.
No, I looked on the forum for sopcast and I think it’s just because we’re in a rain delay. It shows it will be broadcast on 25568 and AFAIK, it will come up once the game starts.
I don’t care what the Yanks do as long as it results in #27!
Twenty-Three - SopCast is spotty at times. It doesn’t always work (in my own experience)…
7–Our pitching sucks on the road. I think we should go for it. We’re only 21/2 back right now. Why not? We can still rest some guys and give the rotation an extra day of rest. If not, we still have the WC.
Sherri - Thanks. I am now getting the Pirates-Cubs game through VLC, so I can’t be that bad at this.
Pete:
Last night you indicated that Sanchez was with the Yankees for some workouts. Any news on the whereabouts of Rasner?
Gotta love Jackson Browne.
freakin’ mlb.com says the game is blacked out?!?
what the heck? They’re not playing the orioles, why can’t they stream the game??
Yeah, what the heck ever happened to Rasner…The forgotten man!
Rebecca,
it’s the power of the squirrel. Spreading to Syracuse.
If the game doesnt start til the Fox window 3:55 lets say can YES still broadcast?? Farnsworth is very frustrating on so many levels.
gayle - The question is, will Farnsworth still be here next year? I, for one, think Cashman should go above-and-beyond to get rid of him, but stranger things have happened!
Rebecca - still raining in southern Rockland, but barely
What’s Yanks record in rain delayed games?
Still raining in Jersey City.
Hmmm…I don’t think the Yankees’ record in rain delayed games is necessarily that good, but 7.18.99 was a rain delay.
You never know. Anyway, it’s not like this game is starting at 11 PM!
LET’S GO YANKEES!
I love how melky is mired in a horrific slump and should be benched today. What does Torre do? He bats him lead off. He was 0 for 5 last nite and is 3 for his last 38. Why in Gods name is he batting leadoff? Torre is just a puzzle sometimes. If this actually works for him, ill bite my tongue. Damon should be playing - hes not forty yrs old. He cant play a day game after a nite game any more. Absolutely retarded. LETS GO YANKS!
Andrea says tarp coming off!
I thought we agreed the use of the term “retarded” was one we were going to avoid on this blog?
Thanks to Andrea!! GO YANKEES!!!!
The Yankee Tavern, Stan’s, et al must be doing a brisk business at this point ….
Well, Alex should get a rest too, and probably Posada as well…But maybe they’re all pleading with Joe to stay in the lineup…Who knows?
SORRY NOT RETARDED -lets just say extremely stupid.
Why shouldn’t Damon get a day off? And Melky maybe gets a better pitch to hit with Jeter behind him as opposed to Damon? And maybe Melky hits his way out of his mini-slump?
Posada is the one I worry about. Day after a lllooonnnggg night game.
According to PETE - game starting at 2:30.
they just had thursday off - we have a shot to win the division - why do they need another day of rest when they didnt play two days ago? Melky needs to come out of the lineup for a day or two and get his act together- we cant afford to have a centerfielder with absolutely no power and an OBP under 330. Thas prolly one of the worst in the league
Phil - Yes, sometimes I wonder why exactly we got Molina? I thought it was so we’d have a quality #2 catcher that would allow us to rest Posada more down the stretch…but I guess not!
i agree The Big Lebowski was incredible. I think Turturro is one of the best actors around.
im not saying damon shuldnt get a day off but they had off on thurs. They treat damon like he is in his 40s and he is as young as jeter. He can play a day game after a night game. And melky is 3 for his last 38 with one run. He shuldnt be leading off! Thats all Im saying. I dont think he should be playing but certainly not batting leadoff. The guy has a 330 OBP right now - worst one the team and its not like hes a speedster. He shuld be batting ninth right now whether damon is playing or not.
This is where we get hurt by not having a true 4th or 5th outfielder on the team that can back-up all three outfield positions. Without Melky, we don’t have a player who can play CF. Damon’s arm is too weak. Matsui did it when he was younger, but I think those days have passed.
Throw in the fact that we don’t have a 3rd catcher, and our 25 and 40 man roster have an odd construction.
since we’re in this rain delay ,i have a question for the statistically adept out there who might be able to answer this. if the yankees wild card magic number is 5 (which i think it is), is the probability of the yankees losing the wild card about one in a thousand.
i figured 9 things would have to go the tigers way( 5 yankee losses and 4 tiger wins ) and the two teams would be tied. then there’d be 4 games left each that would be 50/50. so 2 to the ninth power is 1024( i think that’s how that goes if wins and losses is a 50/50 thing).
is that crazy or close to the odds?
Don’t forget that Turturro saved that god-awful (is it pc to say god?) movie “Mr. Deeds”.
alright tarp is off 2:30 baseball !!!
I wonder if MLB.tv will lift the blackout now that theres been a delay…PROBABLY NOT
Last time I checked the only person’s name with rings as manager is Torre. I guess I must be a chump to not second-guess him all the time too. I must have been born with the wrong fan gene. To me rooting for the Yankees is enjoying the game, watching some outstanding play.
I always thought baseball the ultimate thinking person’s sport, each player having remarkable skills and the manager and coaches working together to create a team. And of course this is just my opinion, perhaps not so humble (was accused of being an elitist fan whatever that is).
Baseball is a thing of beauty and I enjoy it for what it is. I guess I just don’t get off on berating my manager. I do enjoy cussing out the umpire. Maybe I am just old school. Maybe I just do not think I know my players as well as Mr. Torre does or his coaches.
Just one fan’s opinion who gets tired of the Torre haters and beraters.
Randy I,
According to ESPN, the Yankees have a 99.4% chance of making the playoffs right now. Not sure exactly how they calculate it but it is the last column at this link:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/hfo
Phil - thas why we have 16 relief pitchers. I think damon can still play center - his arm is a liability but he has great range. He can play in center if need be. We really just cant keep throwing out a centerfielder every day that just never gets on base any more. He shuld be the one sitting today not damon. Hopefuly with all my complaining he’s go 4 for 4 with a homer now.
ooops meant to say: Last time I checked the only person’s name(mentioned on this blog) with rings as manager is Torre.
I wonder how he _really_ hurt his neck.
“I think I slept on it wrong,” Farnsworth said. “I don’t know if the pillow is too soft, but my neck’s tight.”
I mean come on, that has to be a Yankee PR version of “I have no recollection, Senator.”
Great range is an overstatement. Check out his range factor and zone ratings…you’ll find that he is in the average range for both.
13 - of every one praised every move torre made in every comment - this blog, sports talk radio and espn would start getting extremely boring. Im sorry but not every move Torre makes is brilliant and I dont think he is the only manager that won rings - there been hundreds of managers to win the world series. The fan has the right to discuss moves made by the staff whether they are good or bad. If you dont like reading and discussing torre and the other coach’s moves then stop reading the blog. It will just aggravate you.
…The Syracuse game is on ESPN. I JUST found out. Wow.
Oooh, just in time too!
Rebecca-Louisville just scored a t.d., but the cuse came back and scored one too. 28-14.
ok well average range still means he can play in center a couple of times this season and we will still be ok. Im more concerned with melky batting leadoff then damons play in center but i guess either could lose a game.
Dr. Acula - Farnsy will use any excuse (no matter how flimsy) not to pitch. Then again, with the way he pitches, do we really care?
ach, I meant MSG but all the same!
LET’S GO ORANGE!
LET’S GO YANKEES!
si.com also gives the chances, but they source and link to baseball prospectus.
http://baseballprospectus.com/statistics/ps_odds.php
For those of you currently trying to get the game on sopcast, the channel doesn’t seem to be working. However, there is a Tawainese (I think that’s how you spell it) showing the game. You have to download a different program, but it it working fine. Plus listening to it in Tawainese is absolutely fantastic.
What’s “The Big Lebowski” about ?
I can’t trust the coen bros, not after “raising arizona” and the gimicky “Fargo” (ie “lost in translation”).
Holy Spin Move by the Orange!
GO YANKS - - - It would be great if Phil Phranchise could give them some length today, that’s a lot to ask from a rookie but that is where we are.
Wow, a “Let’s go Orange” chant in Louisville! Who would have ever thought?
Joe- What program are you using?
Is anyone watching on Sopcast and is it working yet?
OK Farnsy really irks me sometimes. He hasn’t pitched in ages, and I bet his shoulder doesn’t hurt when it comes time to cash his paycheck and go buy a deer caller or whatever that contraption was.
Anywho, just had to get that off my chest. LET’S GO YANKEES!
P.S. Why isnt Damon playing today? Bad numbers vs Marcum or just a regularly scheduled day off?
Oh, and the Big Lebowski is the best movie EVER. Evereverever.
Are we gonna split hairs here?
Nvm. It’s called UUSEE
It’s a program called Uusee. It’s listed in the same area as the other Yankees vs. Toronto channel, down three or four lines to the right. They don’t seem to be actually calling the game, just translating the english. Living in San Francisco will not stop me from watching the Yankees games.
U didn’t like Fargo??? One of my favorites.
If you click on the “usee” link above where it shows the Yankee game is broadcasting on the Taiwan channel, it gives you a link to download the software:
Here’s the download linK:
Official Download: http://www.uusee.com/download/UUTV_Setup.exe
cross you fingers for Philip Hughes guys if he pitches a gem this is the 3rd time Toronto has seen him so he is pitching for a playoff job right now.
Fargo is one of my favorites as well. I would be very hard-pressed to decide who I love more, the Coen Brothers, or Buscemi.
There are people that don’t like “The Big Lebowski,” including yours truly…
By no means is it the “best movie ever.” Just sayin’…
DurhamYankee - Sopcast channels don’t seem to be working right now. Try the other link that is on the far right under UUSEE: It’s a Taiwan channel tho. The program is some asian language too. But all ya gotta do is install it and then click the link and it will bring you to the channel
Does this mean Mo is our emergency third catcher?
Can somebody please tell me WHY Mlb.tv is blacking out this game???
Shelly can catch!
PB in DC if you have a premium account and are actually in DC then it shouldnt be blacked out
PB in DC - FOX has rights to ALL games in Saturday. So if you arent in the Yankees area you will see something else most likely.
PB
I believe MLB.tv and Extra Innings block out Saturday afternoon games. Only local cable or free channels can air 1 pm games.
I downloaded USEEE (or however it’s spelled) and I’m getting the game there - still nothing on sopcast. It’s a trip listening to the Taiwanese announcers!!
LET’S GO YANKEES!
Here’s to a good 1st inning by Hughes!
Chi Dave: It’s all relative, but I am sure I love Lebowski enough for the both of us anyway! That movie is my zen.
YankeeJosh: Joe said a while ago that if we needed an emergency catcher, Shelley would do it…without equipment, even. LOL
Where’s Susan Waldman again? She sick?
Angel Hernandez is behind HP again
Luthien, is it extra slow?
I just saw a Taiwanese kentucky fried chicken commercial. Fantastic.
BTW I hate that Angel Hernandez is the HP ump today. Cant they just…ya know…NOT let that reactionary fascist ump our games?
Waldman is off observing the Jewish holiday.
BBB LOL. Yeah, I heard last night that Shelley or Betemit could go back there in a pinch. Somehow I think Mo could do it too, though obviously it will never happen.
Anybody watching on UUSEE and following with Gameday? Am I the only one where UUSEE is WAY behind?
1. I am in DC.
2. Fox is not showing a game as of yet.
3. I don’t have the ‘premium’ account.
DurhamYankee, are you SURE if I get the upgrade, I’ll be able to watch this game??
Thanks, in advance.
I am such a bad Jew.
Ooops.
Why the hell is YES still showing Yanks on Deck????
Luthien,
I’m not watching gameday, but I am watching Uusee, I would suggest you turn gameday off. Gameday is usually a bit ahead of any internet showing.
Dave- thanks for your thoughts. Am not saying to praise him that’s for sure. I just don’t get how everything is Torre’s fault. but then again maybe you have fun doing that and who am I to negate that. Carry on.. just did not understand and now I do.
If Phil is really hitting 95 with his heater that is a really good sign. He was topping out around 91 a couple of weeks ago.
Must be getting stronger after the injury earlier in the year.
good 1st inning PHILIP PLEASE KEEP IT UP !!!
Hughes had a great first inning, nice and easy 1-2-3 inning
BBB - It’s cool…I know lots of people love the work of the Coen Bros. Personally, I dug Fargo, but their other stuff doesn’t thrill me.
I’m much more of a Jim Jarmusch type of guy…
Does anyone know when the last time Syracuse beat a top 20 ranked team on the road?
Rebecca,
Me too.
Im not 100% sure, it has worked for my father in law in the past
Yanks need some bats to come alive again (like Melky, Alex, etc.). No time like the present to start!!!
Isn’t Angel Hernandez the ump that tossed Joba in the Youkilis (sp?) thing?
Maybe the moron can deliver a warning this time if he is feeling froggy.
LET’S GO YANKEES! LET’S SCORE SOME RUNS!
is Sopcast working for anyone. I cant get it to dial up the channel.
Melky has been absolutely terrible with the bat. It’s disgusting to watch!
I know it’s only one inning, but Hughes control looks really good, and if I’m correct that was his staple comming up.
It was good to see Hughes have a good first inning. Whatever they did with him must have worked!! (for today, at least!)
Melky grounds out to second - SHOCKING. A leadoff hitter on the yanks cannot have an OBP of 330 -
Philip has topped out at 93.5 mph according to gameday & his location has been very good on the outs
How nice, Yankee fans of all religions listening to today’s game benefit from the Jewish Holiday.
Not our inning, no worries. We’ll get to them!
LET’S GO PHIL!
LET’S GO YANKEES!
I can’t navigate UUSee at all. I got it from the official download link from http://www.myp2p.eu/MLB.htm and then looked at that forum where they break down how to navigate UUSee, except whatever version I have looks completely different.
Dave Melky is 23 yrs. old calm down it’s just inning # 1
The wood-chipper scene was cool, but “Fargo” didn’t have any car chases or explosions. I mean the greatest movie ever has to be “Die Hard III” - it gets extra credit for filmin in NYC and in yankee stadium.
Twenty-Three Grannies - Ya, it looks like an updated version. I just clicked the link on the schedule page and it loaded automatically. Havent bothered trying to tinker with the interface
I’m Guiseppe Franco.
I’m not turning my TV on, for a team that doesn’t win!
greatest movie ever (runner up) “GI Jane” - bombs, bullets, and boobs
Luthien - Don’t know HOW I missed that, thanks!
thank you mel and josh for the odds links.i’m feeling better now.
Melky is not a leadoff hitter. He should be batting at the bottom of the order. He plays because he’s the only Yankee that can play center, not because he has a good bat.
Phil just got squeezed…DANG !
C’mon Phil, you can do it!
LET’S GO PHIL!
LET’S GO YANKEES!
come on DP ~!!!
Randy I,
Before yesterday’s game espn had the Yanks playoff odds at 99.8% So despite the bad day (Yanks lose, Tigers win and Sox win) our odds just dipped .4%.
Melky’s in there because he’s the only one on the Yankees than can play center field adequately. As far as his bat, he’s league average and doesn’t get on base much. He should be batting at the bottom of the order in this lineup.
YEH BABY GOOD DP PITCH !!
Syracuse now up 37-21, will be 38 if the X