It won’t be a beauty contest tonight when Aaron Small and Seth McClung face off in the final game of the year between the Yankees and Devil Rays (and, yes, I just accidentally wrote “Red Sox”–sure feels like it), but McClung, who has made just one relief appearance and no starts against the Yankees this year, sure will be a welcome change from the endless parade of Hendricksons and Fossums the Bombers have seen in this match-up.
McClung, a burly 24-year-old in his first full season, is a hard cat to figure. His last four starts have alternated between quality wins (including an eight-inning gem in Toronto in his penultimate effort), and disaster loses (a total of three innings pitched in two starts, including just two in a rematch against the Blue Jays his last time out). The bad news is that means McClung is “due” for a quality win this time out. The good news is that he’s had difficulty harnessing his stuff and a patient Yankee offense (like the one that made Mark Hendrickson throw 113 pitches in five innings last night) could wear him out quickly.
Like McClung, Small will be making his first start against the Devil Rays this year after facing them once out of the bullpen. Unlike McClung, Small has been nothing if not reliable for the Yankees this year. The four runs he allowed against the Red Sox in 6 1/3 innings in his last start were the most he’s allowed in any outing this year, and one of those scored after Joe Torre had pulled him from the game. Prior to that he had thrown fourteen scorless innings.
Small’s success may be a fluke, but there’s no reason why that fluke has to come to an end prior to next season, as Tom Zachary’s 1929 campaign demonstrates (a point Steven Goldman likely didn’t realize he was making). The Yankees certainly hope Small’s coin stays balanced on its side, as any loss at this point in the season will feel like a catastrophic one, especially if it comes at the hands of these blasted Devil Rays in the final confrontation of the year.
Oh, and don’t look now, but the Yankees have the fifth-best record in baseball (behind the Cardinals, White and Red Sox, and Indians). It sure would be a shame to see the Yankees sit home this October with a better record than both western division winners. Unfortunately, there are a number of ways that could happen, but none of them can occur if the Yankees keep winning.
Aaron Small, I turn it over to you.
1. From the last thread:
[If] the Yanks win the East and, by a miraculous chance, the Indians win the Central and the White Sox are the Wild Card . . . I think that's the Yankees dream scenario. Let Cleveland and the AL West winner - I'm guessing A's - kill each other while we crush the White Sox, and the Red Sox watch on TV.
Meanwhile, here's to A-Rod hitting second and Giambi hitting 3rd again tonight. That lineup seems to make everyone more patient, for whatever reason. Go Small!
2. Weird injury last night for the Bosox. Gabe Kapler ruptured his Achilles tendon running around 2nd during a home run. They actually had to get someone to finish running the bases for him. He's out for the season.
It's often injuries that are the big difference at the end of the season. Hopefully, the Yankees have gotten theirs out of the way already.
3. I still think it's highly unrealistic that the Yanks can make up five games on the White Sox in the remaining weeks (though the White Sox are certainly doing their best to simulate a total collapse).
I'd just as soon the Sox stumble to the finish and put enough of a hurting on the Indians to keep them within reach of the Yankees.
4. Was that Giambi running well or Sheff running badly?
5. great start for Small 1-2-3
6. I hope we don't have a repeat of the LOBitis.
7. damn, why's Bernie swinging so early for easy out.
8. 28 Pitches for McClung, come on guys, 51 Yesterday, stick to the game plan!
9. LOBitis is cured with some antibiotics and a curing balm from Dr. Bonner, should clear up in about a week.
10. I'm telling you, Small is channeling Ron Guidry or something.
11. I really like Cano, but his incessant first pitch swinging makes me ill.
12. Small's command is not as good as it has been tonight.
13. That's good Small, thumbs up. Show some balls, unlike the rest of the staff.
14. Yeah, he's not sharp tonight.
15. Well, that sucked.
16. I think we are going to lose this game. 2 out of 3 is not bad unfortunately, given the state of the Yanks, it is not enough.
17. Nope, the Yankees will win.
18. tocho,
Chill man, it's the second inning. We will come back, Arod is going to be huge, I can feel it.
19. nonsense, We still have a 63% chance of a win for the sweep. Hope I don't have to revise that down too fast
20. Bubba is en fuego.
21. Don't start stranding runners God Dammit!
22. Play Bubba more, Joe!
And jeez, what is it with all the 1st pitch swings?
23. Shite... this sucks...
24. A's up 2-0, on Don King's protoge. AROD is having quite a series. Come on Giamino. Jesus, right back to their old ways, how mant pitches for McClung, 36?
25. you guys know I hope I'm wrong but it doesn't look good...
26. Dude, it's really early to say that.
27. Ufortunately McClung or Aqualung or whatever his name is looks tough
28. Well tocho, you will be right if they continue to do the pitchers job for him.
Maybe they should save him the trouble, grab the ball and see if they can throw it for a base hit, I know how concerned they are that McClung might tire, they must like him.
29. It's early yet. They're only down by 2. Small had one bad inning. Doesn't mean he'll have a bad night.
30. The third inning will be a success if a batter sees 3 pitches.
31. I want the Yankees to acquire to OFers in the off season and make Sheff the every day DH. Matsui should DH too, but...
32. Another wall shot off Small
33. Time for the bats to stiffen up.
34. I want the Yankees to acquire the Devil Rays' OFers. :)
35. I think that 98 MPH fastball has the Yanks on defense and swinging when they think they think they may hit the ball.
36. Ok guys, lets see if we can have one good at bad it the fourth, two in the fifth, and win in in the sixth.
Clemens throws more pitches than this clown.
37. Duncan and ? for Crawford?
38. Good Mats, one good at bat so far.
39. Good AB.
40. Thats way better....
41. Hideki gets a walk. Thank you!
42. way to make em' work Matsui!!!!
43. 11 pitch at bat and a walk. Nice Hideki
44. The Yankees are calibrating their swings. They will break through soon.
45. Christa is overexposed to the max. Sheesh.
46. yawn
47. Let's go Jorge...put one over the wall baby!!!
48. I hopw they're calibrated by next inning because this guy's killing us
49. Suzyn waldman just said "Bernie is not exactly unpowerful." She does this for a living?
I'm grouchy because it feels like we will lose tonight, thus missing a chance to pick up a half game on idle Cleveland...
50. *I'm grouchy because it feels like we will lose tonight, thus missing a chance to pick up a half game on idle Cleveland...*
Fuck that!!! We're fucking winning tonight boys!!! Where is the faith ???
51. Do not waste this outing by Small!
Stop playing like you're late for a party!
52. ynks4life, tell that to the guys on the field, they're sleepwalking, they probably went out yesterday to celebrate their series win vs Tampa.
53. When Cano goes the other way, he's dangerous.
54. Cano with a double!!! We have bunt! I know it sounds drastic. But Crosby should be able to do it....
55. no out recorded!
56. Come on bring him home...
57. yeah i hear you tocho! But i have to believe man!!! I feel it...I really do!!!
58. Good job, Cano!
I think they're catching onto this guy.
59. Whoop!
60. oh yeaaaaaaaaaaah
61. Bubba singles and then lucks out for his base running gaffe.
Come on, we're freakin' winning this damn game.
62. The young guns doing their job. C'mon give the old farts a lift, pick it up.
63. I would play Bubba every day for now, preferably in CF, but...
64. Now that's the spirit NY!! We got this game won...Let's go Yanks!!!!
65. WP
66. Jeter couldn't advance the runner. AAARRGGGHH!!!!
67. KNOCK HIM IN
68. Was that payback?
69. Fuck you McShit.
70. Throw the next pitch at Lou's head.
71. Bury these scumbags.
72. Jeter did advance the runner, sort of. Bubba got from 1st to 2nd. :)
73. Is A-Rod OK?
74. Dude, you knew that was coming eventually.
75. Bury them Jason
76. yeah, thats not what I meant
77. This is not a fair bean ball fight. 98 mph versus Small's stuff
78. Wonder Twins Power Activate!
Form of, LOB!
79. A-Rod got hit right in the ribs. It hurt, but he seems to be okay.
The ump warned both sides.
80. Has Sheff homered lately
81. Is it me, or does it seem the ump always warns both sides after one of our guys gets hit, so we can't retaliate?
82. depressing
83. Yankees, thy name in LOB!
84. I thought Sheff could hit a single every time up? Hey, I love the guy, but that comment still bugs me.
85. thanks rndym
86. One run after five innings, and a failure again to drive in runners in scoring position (by the heart of the order, no less).
At least they drove this stiff's pitch count up slightly. Hold the fort, Small.
87. Sheff likely doesn't catch that.
88. A's are up 3-0.
89. As I have said, I wouldn't pitch to Crawford.
90. Stupid fucking park.
91. Why stuid fucking park? where did it hit?
92. Looks like the annoying, can't score any runs against crappy pitchers, leve 18,000 men on base and not make the playoff Yankees are back
93. Not for nothing but you could just see that Gomes dinger coming after he nailed that double his last time up.
Crud.
94. Well at laeast we're going to get at least 4 innings at the plate. Unfortunately they get 5
95. The ball hit the catwalk and was ruled a homer. Bernie was at the wall, looking up. He seemed to think he could catch it if the catwalk weren't in the way.
96. Hit the catwalk bernie!
97. the guy's thrown 84 pitches. They got to pound him out of the game, he's been too good
98. Hideki hit a double and Bernie walked. No outs, with Posada up next.
I think Big Red there is getting tired.
99. Posada hits a single to load the bases. Still no outs. McClung is definitely tiring.
100. Let's kill these mofos.
101. Sterling and Suzyn trying to explain the catwalks and finally he says it's like a circus, not a ballpark
102. When was the Yanks last triple play?
Come on Guys!
103. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM
104. GRAND SLAM! CANOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
105. Robbie!!!!
106. Told ya. We're going bitch slap these jerks.
107. c'mon Cano, patience. get this guy out of the game HOLY SHIT!
108. Moiderers Row, I tell ya!
109. I don't believe - - - - what I just saw!!!!
It's freaking Gibson in the Body of Cano!
Two days in a row!
110. And it was a real home run, not one of those catwalk things. They didn't even bother to chase it.
111. Oh yeah!
112. Ok. That's more like it... Now we need to WIN.
113. the young guys picking up the old guys. c'mon lets seal it. we need to be 1 1/2 back in the division, right now we can't rely on the WC.
114. We need Winfield to hit a line drive at his head.
115. Does Michael Kay have to be on fire to get excited?
116. 98 pitches now. another man on base and Lou's gonna pull him
117. How about some payback, Alex?
118. Jete walks.
McClung is losing it. Keep the pressure on, A-Rod!
119. F him up Alex.
120. C'mon Arod you're young too, give us the lead...
121. Told ya.
122. Oh, yeah!!!!!
123. That's WHAT I"M FUCKING TALKING ABOUT KID! YEAH, DOG, YEAH DOG!
124. HOME RUN!!!!
"Old guy" A-rod comes through.
And hey, it was "old guys" the bases were loaded with.
125. Just walked in.
Check the score.
5-1....... SHIT!!!!!!!!
Man on second... ops Bernie walks.
A quick single to Posada.
I call up this site, take a quick look, back to gameday and HOLY SHIT....
A SLAM!!
We're back.
And.............. AROD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow!
126. Come on Kay, where is your Culmn A, Column B, comment, I know it's coming.
127. Grab some pine, meat!
128. MVP
129. MVP - - - - - Thy name is Alexander the Great!
130. I know the big talk is on the MVP (as it should be, come on ARod). But I think Cano really has more than a great chance for ROTY
132. Wow, Sterling even broght back the A-Bomb for that one. Take that you piece of shit for hitting me
133. I know the big talk is on the MVP (as it should be, come on ARod). But I think Cano really has more than a great chance for ROTY
134. Not for nothing, but that A Rod homer was something you just got a feeling about wasn't it?
135. Do we really need to play the last few innings? This game is over.
136. Wow
137. the "old guys" walk (including Jeter) and the young ones bring them home... ;)
138. No let up.
139. OK. Now my comment. I don't like this order. Not enough OBP in front of ARod. Too top heavy.
Jetes
Bernie
Sheff
Giambi
ARod
Matsui
Posada
Crosby
Cano
140. Boy, is McClung PO'd. If this were tennis, they'd dock him a point for equipment abuse.
141. Lou is on the verge of pulling a Woody Hayes.
142. How can McClung be PO'd, doesn't this happen every 5 days or so?
143. I can't complain about this batting order. It's freakin' working.
144. C'mon Matsui you're my age, you are very young... bring them home
145. A-Rod is a better hitter than Sheff. He should bat 3rd to get more ABs.
146. Can we have a Tatis? Can we?
147. C'mon Bernie — no mercy...
148. Happens about every ten days, I think. But it must be especially galling when you thought you had that W.
149. Shit, Bernie.
150. Man, an absolutely horrid at bat for Bernie.
151. what'd i say baby!! Let's go yankees!!! woo-hoo!!!!
152. This is the batting order I gave been begging for all year! Don't Fuck with it!
153. OK bernie, better a strike out than a double play
154. This game isn't over. Let's go Po.
155. Terrible at-bat by Bernie. Time for Posada to walk
156. I was in car, driving home, and it was 2-1 TB. Not ten minutes later, I come in to find it 5-1, bases loaded with Cano up. This has been a hell of a game - and Alex, your post 123 is exactly what I would have said if my mother-in-law wasn't sitting in the kitchen. =)
Now we need to capitalize here, got that Jorgie?
157. Got to hold the lead Smally....
158. In all a very excellent inning. Still, not to be a downer, but bases juiced and one out, dude, they've got to get at least one more there. With the way Small is pitching tonight I think the Yanks could use some insurance. Then again, if he can get them 3-6 more outs, it'll be a terrific job on his part. I'll take the 3.
159. Bernie, that better not come back to haunt us!
The batting order is perfect! I still have not a clue why Joe changed it at the beginning of the year.
160. A six-spot will do for now, but that could have a dagger inning... this is still a tight game. I'm confident Small will take advantage of his new lease on life and pitch us into set-up/close time...
161. What a play for Cano.
162. Nice play, Mr. Grand Slam and Mr. Small!
163. Only the 2005 Yankees can put up a kickass inning like that, and still manage to blow a golden chance to drive in more runs with the bases loaded. That Bernie at bat was just awful.
Next two innings are crucial...going to be a real tightrope pitching wise.
164. Wow! Cano is having a great night!
165. Good play by Cano and Small.
And Boston's still down 0-3, top of the 6th.
166. Gorgeous inning for Small. Quick, efficient, painless. Well done.
167. The only thing stopping him from getting the ROTY will be the damn NY media and fans for blowing his mistakes all out of earthly proportion and influencing others.
He's got it hands down, who the hell else can they give it to?
168. Small could almost end up the second winningest pitcher on the team, wow, what a commentary.
169. Where's a catwalk when you need one?
170. If the White Sox collapse, and the Yanks make the playoffs - especially if they win the division - I think you're right Stormer, Cano has ROY. If the Sox hold on, Tadahito Iguchi has had any excellent season, even if he really isn't a "rookie".
171. Good line by Singleton.
172. Bubba has been overswinging since Cano's HR.
173. Is Joe's knee jerkin in the dugout?
Please please please Joe, do not put Cano back at number 2, leave well enough fucking alone for a change, can you, for a few days for Christ's sake?
174. There's also the anti-NY bias element in the voting — which I do think exists.
175. If Matsui wasn't ROY, Iguchi shouldn't be, either.
176. randym — thank you. My sentiments exactly...
177. Yanks could really use another good frame from Small here to set things up for Flash and Mo.
178. Rich, if you were Bubba, wouldn't you be? I like Bubba, he doesn't seem like the sharpest tool in the box but he is the best (only) defensive OF on the team and needs to play every day, period.
179. Rich, if you were Bubba, wouldn't you be? I like Bubba, he doesn't seem like the sharpest tool in the box but he is the best (only) defensive OF on the team and needs to play every day, period.
180. By the way, shouldn't the kid H. Street on Oakland be the ROY. Heck, I'd be tempted to pick Gomes over Cano, though he is a DH.
181. Jeter, what are you doing swinging at the first pitch?!
Meanwhile, I'm glad to see Small coming out to at least start the 7th - only 79 pitches so far, and he looks sharp now.
182. Shaun,
I agree, but playing in NY as a Rookie has got to count for something, that, coupled with Igucji's "rookie" status, should be plenty!
183. Jason seemed to motion with his other arm for Cano to get away. Heh.
184. Dream tem warming. Joe is like Bad Movie where the main charachter refuses to change his ways, or learn anything.
185. I thought Jason was going to literally elbow Cano off the play.
186. tocho,
I would hope not. The guy's only hope for a ML career is to be a slap hitter.
187. Alex, good point on Street, he's been very impressive. I think his chances will be better if the A's make the playoffs, though.
BTW Kay, shut up before you jinx us, and someone makes an error!
188. Shit. Bear down, Small.
189. Small is gone. Bernie can't play CF.
190. Alright Embree. Time to earn your dough, dun. Crawford has been killing the Yanks this year and he's got a couple of base hits already tonight.
191. Embree versus Crawford. We'll see
192. I say in advance, Fuck you Joe!
193. Embree's coming in.
194. Are he an Embree having an affair?
I think we need Bubba in center, for the good of the team.
195. . . . get this guy out, Embree.
196. Rich you are right, he should only be a slap hitter, but he needs to mature a little bit, I know its late (at 27) the Yanks only need him to get outs on the outfield as a CF.
Embree in, prove us wrong.
197. Embree got the job done!
198. WTG, Embree.
199. Embree foe MVP
200. tocho,
It's worse than that. He's 29.
He is the best CFer they have though.
201. First pitch to Crawford, slow breaking pitch on the outside corner, called strike one. Next pitch, slider low and out of the zone, swung on and missed. Then another low pitch, can't tell if it was another slider or a fastball, ball one. The fourth pitch was another slider, low, inside, in the dirt, swung on and missed. Posada throws to first for the out. Excellent job by Embree.
More runs please.
202. Please tell me Gordon is warming?
203. damn, Gordon and Mo used pretty hard last nite. Looks like needed runs not coming
204. WTF was Sheff doing there?
205. Will Sheff get up?
206. Holy crap! Sheff, are you sure you should be doing that?
207. Woe is still alive. :( ;)
208. Anyone else hold their breath there when Sheff dove head first into first? Memories of K. Lofton dance in my mind. Thankfully, he's ok.
209. tony who???
210. The team gathered around Sheff, all smiling, as he came back in the dugout. Torre was right there with a few words for him, in the "what are you trying to do, give me a heart attack?" funny mode...
211. He's too old for that stuff... aside from the fact it was completely unnecessary...
212. Gordon and MO must be used Joe, we can pick up a fucking game damn you, as Quint would say "Ain't you Watchin it Hooper!"
Is it the "playoffs" or not Joe, if you say it, God Damn well mean it!
Sorry to ba all over Joe but sheesh, take care of Tomorrow, Tomorrow.
213. Man, 29 years old, that's patience.
214. I must say, the "looseness" in the dugout is surely a good sign.
215. Sheff was just trying to protect his leg with his head instead
216. C'mon, MatsZilla... let's take the drama out of this game...
217. Of all the plays in baseball, the dive to first, I will never understand why Major Leaugers still do that.
218. God, if they wish me a happy cat birthday one more time I'm going to punch the wall (with my left hand...)
219. Flash is warming.
220. randym,
thank Jesus!
221. It'll be Gordon v. 3-4-5 in the eighth.
222. Oakland up 4-1 at Fenway, 7th inning. Schilling's done for the night.
223. Schilling: 4 ER, 6.2 IN.
224. Good morning, good afternoon and goodnight to Gomes.
225. Schilling's done? Don't the red sox have the worst bullpen in the league...oh yeah baby!!!!
226. Schilling's done? Don't the red sox have the worst bullpen in the league...oh yeah baby!!!!
227. Huff bloops 1-2 pitch into center for a base hit.
228. Force out at 2nd.
229. Boston has 1st and 2nd, no out.
230. Whoa. Hollins bounced a high grounder to a charging A Rod. The play at first would be close, so Rodriguez threw behind his body to second. But the throw was low. However, Cano made a nifty scoop and recorded the out. Big play there.
231. 2-0 to Travis Lee...
232. This could be Gordon's last batter.
233. Four pitch walk.
That is not good.
234. I don't even want to tell you what my stupid "gut" is telling me...
235. And here comes Mo. But my stomach is still feeling wary about this...
236. Looks like Mo's coming in.
237. Alex,
Shhhhhhhh
238. My gut's telling me I should never, ever eat Burger King. As far as the Yankee game, fingers are crossed we can get it to Mo.
239. Did anyone else see those clips of Tino fielding balls at 1B, and start to cringe inside like I did?
Couldn't Sierra sit on his ankle or something?
OK Mo, we need you for 4 again . . . not sure I would do this. Munson is not exactly a threat, and if we score a bunch in the top of the 9th, do you risk taking Mo out knowing both he and Gordon are done?
240. I'm staying positive.
241. I just don't want to start seeing Torre DH Giambi and play Tino at 1B.
242. I'd like to think the A's can hold that lead in Fenway, but if you think the Rays have us spooked (this year, at least) — the Sawks have been into Oakland's head for a long time. Love to be surprised, but I ain't counting on the A's for any help...
243. E. Perez pinch hitting again.
244. My thoughts exactly, Rich.
Alex, did your gut know Perez was going to come up?
245. Shaun,
Goose Gossage is laughing at you.
246. That was kinda funny, huh? =)
247. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
248. Mo wasn't even fucking close. Walks him on five pitches.
249. Well, now there's a force at every base...
250. Ball one, way high to Toby Hall. Ideal guy for a bloop hit.
251. Come on, Mo.
252. Just had a mild heart attack...
253. Cake.
254. phew..
255. Anyone think a run or two or six would help right about now?
256. Phew! That was close.
I might have some fingernails left if the Yankees had scored a little more when they had a chance.
257. Fastball down and in, swing and miss. Line Drive foul down the right field line (caught by D. Baez who is warming up), then easy ground ball to Robbie Cano to end the inning.
Ah, me of little faith.
Still, there are three more big outs left before we can get too happy here.
258. Me too, Bklyn, me too. Some runs would be very very good right now . . .
Meanwhile, Oakland's lead now 4-2, but they got out of the inning. I'd like them to score some runs, too.
259. NEVER EVER DOUBT MO AGAIN, NEVER!!
Ok guys some insurance please.
260. Po doubles.
261. Lead off double to left for Jorgie. Gotta score 'im folks.
262. I still say Mo is a viable Cy Young candidate.
263. A double for Jorgie!
264. we have to get Posada home somehow.
265. wow Tocho you went from mr.negative liek an hour ago to Mr.pump it up!!!! Im diggin it bro!
266. Carew triples.
267. Ca-yes!!!!!!!
268. Whoop! Triple for Cano, Posada scores.
269. oh yeaaaaaaaaaaah baby....
270. Why do I keep thinking back to Bernie's 3 pitch strike-out with the bases loaded?
Aaarghhh! as the kite ate the tree.
271. Cano is a s s s s s s
STUD!
272. Robie!!!!!!!!!! now come on home! we miss you.
273. you wanted insurance, you got insurance!
274. I love the way Sterling says it's going ALL THE WAY TO THE WALL
275. ynks4life, its the life of a 2005 Yankee fan, up and down and up and down and up and down.
276. YES!. Stand Up Triple for Robbie. Line drive into the left center field gap. Fabulous.
277. Bub-ah!
278. Bubba's got some power, huh? C'mon, straighten it out already! At least don't make an out!
279. 3 for Bubba, you might not get him out of t he lineup.
280. Way to go Bubba. Another two strike hit. Plus an RBI. That after missing a home run (foul, and he hit the piss out of it) for the third time in three days.
281. Holy Shit!
Bubba, Cano, Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
282. Bubba & Cano 7 driven in. Who'd have thunk it?
283. Bub-ahhhhhhhhh! ;(
284. Bubba is still a sucky baserunner, though.
285. MVP, MVP, MVP - triples!
286. Bubba, I'm tellin'ya you are not the brightest star in the sky, man, just catch the ball in the outfield and slap hit a few ones and we'll be very happy. We don't need you to be a hero.
287. After Bubba gets doubled off first on Jeter's shallow fly out to right (he was stealing), Rodriguez triples to the left center field gap. His first triple of the season.
288. And BTW, Oakland 6, Boston 2 in the top of the 7th!
289. Yeah, Bubba tries toooooo hard. Just be the prototype 24th or 25th man and enjoy life...
290. It's 6-2 in Fenway.
291. is this still a "save" situation for Mo' ???
292. 6-2 Oakland, in the 8th.
293. is this still a "save" situation for Mo' ???
294. Nice inning, even with Bubba channeling the spirit of Mike Vento on the bases.
295. Why is Rivera still pitching when we don't have another day off?
296. "I'm gonna go get the paper...get the paper" Goodfellas...lol
297. Oakland 6-2, yum yum.
298. Zack, because Joe is not very smart.
Maybe Boston is the only team in MLB that wishes they had Alan Embree right now!
6-2, Oaktown.
299. Why are we the only team that can't hit Gehrig38?
300. Hey kids, did I miss anything?
A pair of triples in the ninth? Cano salami and a single shy of the cycle? Hubba Bubba?
ynks4life, it will be a save for Mo because of the situation when he was brought in in the eighth.
Bkln, I f-ing love "Ca-yes!" So wonderful and awful at the same time.
So . . . check out the 2005 Yankees stepping up!
301. Wow! Rockin' Robbie! Nice play!
302. yeah, Mo gets a save since he came on with the tying runs on.
Also, not sure if anyone cares but our minor league team just took their championship - Staten Island Yankees. I say this only to point out that the minors are starting to bubble again.
303. If there is such a thing as a "must sweep," this was it.
304. Hey guys,
Bubba was just trying to do the right thing, running as hard as he could towards second, he was sent by Joe, ease up.
305. Any of you guys ever heard of Company 3 New York..it's a post production company???
306. I still think you trade the save for the rest.
307. Nice.
308. SWEEP - alllllllllllllright!
309. Cano's got to be player of the game.
310. I agree Stormer, but we're talking about Torre.
311. But it's just more change in Mo's Cy Young piggy bank.
AROD-RIVERA . . . either could win the MVP over Ortiz.
Colon, Pashaw!!!!!!
312. Let's hope that the Yanks have a couple of easy games coming up. Gotta give Mo a rest! All and all a great sweep, considering the history with the D-Rays this season. When they needed to stick it to them, they did!
313. I really think you gotta give Mo the Cy, if, as the writers say, Pitchers have an award, he's certainly the best pitcher in the AL.
314. Either way, if you have to send Mo out there 17 days in a row, you do it. Mo would want it that way.
315. Awesome...glad to be proven wrong (since I insisted that the Yankees were unlikely to sweep the series).
Tampa fails to become the first team to put a 12 spot on Torre since he started managing the Yankees.
I would love to see Shawn and Randy eat up some serious innings this weekend...Mo and Flash are not going to have arms left by the end of September at this rate.
316. We could definitely use more games like that 17-3 one. The Yankees play every day until the end of the season. No more days off. They can't use Flash and Mo every day like they did the last two games.
317. Chacon scares me a little. He needed to be effective against Boston and he was bad.
318. yeah but on the same token Small was affective against the Redsox and not affective tonight....I'm not worried about Chacon...i'm worried about our offense..can they stay this good ????
319. Guys, just enjoy this sweep, start worrying tomorrow. Great wins, much needed wins, picking up games in our races. That's what its all about.
Now the A's need to bring the heat to the Bosox this weekend and evidence their lack of pitching. I think if they play smart they can take 3 of 4, and that would be huge for the Yanks.
320. Is that the same tocho who posted two hours ago? ;)
321. Hey Tocho we did it man! What did i tell you man...i had that feeling since we were down 2-0....what a game!!!!
322. WHEN we make the PS, one thing this maddening season may produce that recent ones haven't is a team that has been playing do-or-die games down to the wire. Wild card mentality — which seems to be working of late. Unit, Small and pray for rain?
If Baastin somehow gets nudged out, we are hands down the most dangerous lineup in the playoffs. Hopefully not only on paper, but in the box scores. We have some very interesting baseball coming up, my brothers.
Bottom of the 9th at Fenway, Street on the mound...
323. LMAO...good one Rich!!!
But we won so enjoy the victory!!!
Go A's !!!!
324. Street blows a 91mph knee-high fastball past Varitek. 1 down. CP-3-O lerud up...
325. The last three WS champions were WC teams.
326. Olerud skies out to Payton in left. 2 down.
327. Rich, it is the same tocho, just a couple of pounds lighter after suffering through the game and currently enjoying Mexico's Independence Day tonight. Viva Mexico!
I'll drink a few tequilas to the Bronx Banter community's health tonight!
ynks4life, you did say it man, lets hope they keep this winning streak all the way to the title.
328. tocho, I'll live with the A's taking 2 of 4. I think the Yanks have to stay within one game of the wild card and division from now on. This was the week they needed to make up ground, and everything is going according to plan.
randym, I could have sworn the team had one more day off, but damn, looks like you're right. Even the Red Sox have a day off next week, though they'll have played 30 (!) straight days by that point.
329. Millar doubles.. inches from a dinger
330. I think they were supposed to have Monday the 26th off, but they're playing a makeup game that day now.
331. Hurray for the Yankees and Hooray for Mexican independence....Time to get crunked up!!!!!
332. Graffanino grounds out to 2nd. A's win!
1.5 and charging!
333. Sox lose!
334. Oh, and the best part? No more Devil Rays until 2006.
335. Imagine seeing the DRays above .500 next year.
336. Good riddance to Tampa Bay - may they sweep the Indians, the Red Sox, and the Angels. Strangely, unlike last night, I feel un-drained. A sweep of Tampa + a Sox loss is a good pick-me-up.
I think it will be fun to see an above .500 Devil Rays team, vockins. That would (hopefully) mean they played well against Boston, too!
Viva Mexico, tocho - happy Independence Day to you and your wonderful country!
See you all tomorrow night.
337. Doesn't sound like Small was that bad, the homer was a freak of architecure. But I didn't see the game so I don't know for sure.
338. Times article said that after tonight, Cano is hitting over .450 in September!! Wow, talk about a nice boost!
339. Zach,
Times article said that after tonight, Cano is hitting over .450 in September!! Wow, talk about a nice boost!
Not bad for a depleted, exausted, drained, empty, talentless . . . farm system.
Suck on that Gammons! How is that buff Red Sox farm system, that middle relief is outstanding!
340. TROUBLE
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/story/346960p-296090c.html
341. Don't look now, but other than Rodriguez and Ortiz, Vlad Guerrero is in the running for another MVP too.