Saturday was a great day for a baseball game. It was a gorgeous, sunny, breezy, summer day and the Yankees and Tigers each had their ace on the hill. CC Sabathia and Justin Verlander delivered on the matchup’s promise, each holding their opponent scoreless for six innings.
Verlander actually out-pitched Sabathia for those first six frames, but CC continually fought his way out of jams. He needed 51 pitches to get through the first two innings, but stranded a pair of runners in each, then got inning-ending double plays in the third and fourth before finally working a 1-2-3 fifth inning. The Tigers got two men in scoring position in the sixth when Marcus Thames beat out an infield single to the shortstop hole and Magglio Ordoñez doubled him to third, but Sabathia got Ryan Rayburn to fly out to shallow left, holding Thames, and got Brandon Inge to pop out to strand both runners. He then worked a 1-2-3 seventh, finishing his day after 114 pitches.
The Yankees managed just two singles and walk off Verlander over the first five innings. In the sixth, Johnny Damon doubled off the base of the right-field wall with two outs, but was stranded when Verlander got a favorable high strike call on a fastball to get Mark Teixeira looking for his sixth strikeout of the game. Alex Rodriguez led off the bottom of the seventh, took ball one, fouled off strike one, then lifted Verlander’s 92nd pitch to the first row in right field for a stalemate-breaking homer that gave the Yankees a 1-0 lead. With two outs in the inning, Robinson Cano singled up the middle, moved to second on a Nick Swisher double to left, and scored when Melky Cabrera beat out a grounder to deep short.
That extra run proved crucial when Thames connected for a two-out homer off Alfredo Aceves in the eighth. In to protect the slim 2-1 lead, Mariano Rivera worked a perfect ninth to give the Yankees the game, series, and season series over the Tigers. It was a crisp, two-hour 39-minute game on a crisp, beautiful afternoon. Nice.
It’s worth mentioning that David Cone threw out the ceremonial first pitch in recognition of the tenth-anniversary of his perfect game against the Expos. It’s worth mentioning because Cone, throwing to his catcher in that game, current Yankee manager Joe Girardi, dropped down and delivered a laredo slider that had a nice, sharp, late break. Girardi caught it easy and Cone followed the pitch with a fist pump. Good stuff.
It was a great day for Yankees Universe!
: )
indeed, a great win. anyone know what the yanks record is on old timers day? seems like they always lose...
[2] I don't know, but we did win a wild one last year against none other than those damn angels. Tex hit a grand slam off Edwar
Joe Torre turned 69 today. he won't be at Old Timer's Day though...
This excerpt, from the NYT, shows what an asshole Verlander is:
I came in knowing full well this isn’t a pitcher-friendly park,” Verlander said. “But in that situation [when ARod homered], it’s a shame that the park played such a big part in the game.”
You mean like the way Comerica plays such a big part in your season stats? Or was CC pitching in a different park today? What an idiot. You lost. Act like an adult.
[5] well put, my friend! : )
GO YANKS!!!
[5] Oh man, what a total IRABU Verlander is! Always liked him but that is so lame..should all the Wrigley Friendly Confines homers be a "shame"? any of Boston's 10,000 pop fly homers over the monster (allegedly only 303 down the line..)..so tired of hearing people go on and on about the dimensions..part of the fun of baseball are all the different quirks in each stadium..
Even Leland later said that he thought Alex's dinger was going to make it out. He wasn't so sure about the Thames shot, which was as much as "Yankee Stadium" cheapie.
At least we won't be hearing Tom Watson cry, bitch and moan about Turnberry should he lose today! You see as a man, Mr. Watson actually has a pair and knows when he deserves credit for his accomplishments, and when poor play is only the fault of his own!
If it's one thing I can't stand is overpaid idiot children blaming everything but themselves whenever they fail!
I never new pussies could throw 100 MPH, but obviously they can...
: )
knew even...
I have to say I'm really pleased the 'score truck' is becoming part of the banter language. It was such a PERFECT typo/confusion/phrase of brilliance, and it felt that way when it first showed!
I'm feeling easier on Verlander than some of you ... yes, Comerica is easy to pitch in, but it is hard in a scoreless game to have a pop fly go out. Period. It was situational, it was a brilliant duel. There's some difference between established, well-known park factors, and a first confrontation with a NEW and pretty dramatic park element. I won't say he's a jerk till I get a bit more evidence. Has become a terrific pitcher, though.
It does make me realize how CC is going to have to struggle a bit to be as good (in numbers) as he has been. I also expect some adjustments to that right field fence in the off-season. Some will laugh and point fingers, but I think it is just common-sense to watch a new park for a year and then adapt to what you see happening.
The pitching favors Detroit big-time today. Sweeps are hard. Having said that ...
Let's go Yan-kees.
[11] I agree with you, H-C-E, about Verlander's comments. NYS is giving up HRs at a near record pace. When Coors gave up this many HRs, the league let them more or less doctor the ball (humidor) to make it play more like a regular park. On the other side, when Comerica played "too big" and all of the hitters complained after the first year, the pulled the LF fences in 20 ft. We'll see how the Yankees respond to NYS after the season, especially if the park continues to play small.
I don't have a problem with Verlander's statement. I'm sure someone asked him about it specifically.
Verlander broke into a big smile after the Rodriguez homer. You could kinda tell he was shaking his head about the ballpark. I should have included that in my post above. I can't say I blame him. Hurts to lose a duel like that on a wall-scraper in an extreme hitters' park, especially when he had out-pitched Sabathia to that point.
It wouldn't have been a HR if Verlander didn't throw so hard. ;)
Nice to see Zim back.
[16] It'd be much nicer if he stayed :(
"Now Mussina's gonna get pissed off..." Lol!
Moose's knuckle-curve in spring-training shape. Goose came in throwing hard, tho; nice!
Watching Zim is almost like watching Yogi, just a tender moment.
Jeff Nelso throwing heat. Jesse Barfield almost takes it out; long single. What would that have said if he did take it out? Nelson buzzes Griffey Sr, then he bounces into a dp. Good times...
Joe catching Gator; both looking just about the same as they were in their heyday. Is Doc pitching, and will he bring heat?
Gator throws it to the backstop. Game going on and all we see is Kim talking to Doc (thanks, YES) Someone hits it to Jeff Nelson, playing LF(!) who makes a nice running play. Stick stumbles out the box and falls as he hits it down 3rd.
Too much talking, not enough game. I wish I knew some of these guys better to tell you who was up. Long foul down right, then corkscrew strikeout. Kay says Gator threw slider to Mazilli.
Gator still in pitching coach mode, talking about his pitch sequence and desire to make the out. Fun stuff. But again, too much talking and not enough game. I know, some people don't care since it's an exhibition, but...
Joe Pepitone with a long fly to RF, basically a single. Hayes up against Doc now...
Pop to short left, Maz throws to Chad Curtis for force at third.
Bucky Dent up. Evereyone's getting their turn. Bucky rips it down thrid, bases loaded. Griffey Sr. and Jr. sound just like each other, no wonder they're so close.
In non-exhibition baseball...I'm watching Halladay showcase his stuff against the Sox. Go Jays!
Good clip of Griffeys playing together the first time. Sr. making a long dash to catch a ball in LF and Jr. laughing. Wish they showed them hitting back-to-back HR that same game... Mick The Quick out in RF.
Mel pitching? Ron Bloomberg looking stylish with grey goatee. Sorry, Jeff Nelson in RF, misses catch on Ron's flyball. Mike Eaasler up.
Good turn of the dp, can't keep up with who's who; that's why I'm mad at the constant interviews.
Jesse Barfield with HR-length foul down LF...
Damn, Jesse pimpin' with the gaudy gold ring and watch...
Bucky comes up, with Mick the Quick's bat. Out at 2nd, missed at 1st. Mick's up now. Slapper to RF off Coney. Jogs to first and OH SHIT, LOOK AT HIM GO!! Nice double there, and LMAO at him gunning for two. He's still got it.
Cone looking competitive after pop-up drops in past SS. Funny!
Cone vs. Gator...
Dang, Watson just bogied on 18 for a four hole playoff.
Hot comebacker, toss to first bobbled and recovered, game over. Clippers over the Bombers; Stick Michael takes the win and the loss as manager of both teams. Good to watch these guys smiling and having fun. Wish they would have conducted interviews the same way as they do during games, because I don't know all the players by face or number; how could I expect my nephew to know who these guys are? (poor choice by YES), but a fun game to watch.
Highlight of the game was Mickey Rivers double; he watched the flight of the ball as he jogged down first and when he saw the ball was dropping in, he suddenly turned on the jets and next thing you know he's at second. 60 years old and can still run faster than most current players; that's why he's Mick the Quick.
For some comic relief, here is some of the most profound, sustained sarcasm I have ever seen. It's on the topic of the Mets' acquisition of Julio Lugo. Sample:
Best interviews were Zim (naturally), Gator (still in coach mode) and Griffey Sr. (great clips). Griffey missed his call to play because of interview, so Mick took his place and we got to see him run.
Whaddaya know, I didn't cause Banter to explode. Perhaps because I was talking to myself the whole time >;)
[39] Mets are the 1980s-90s Los Angeles Clippers of the MLB. Front office is a joke, clubhouse is a hot mess and their games are painful to watch. Actually, seems that the Mets are reverting to their roots.
Okay we get it, Omar, you love Latin players to death; particularly those from the DR. That's not a problem. How about trying to get ones that aren't OPP?
Tim Redding gets the Willie Randolph treatment. Manuel looking more and more like Richard III. This is getting more cringe-worthy than those Geico Cavemen commercials with the alt-rock song playing over them. Both of them are going too far...
What the hell is an IZOD? The Nets play at the IZOD Center. I see IZOD commercials and think of the many commercials that never tell you what the hell they're selling; and these are not great even that category.
Per Pete at LoHud:
Jeter SS
Gardner CF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Cabrera LF
Gardner second and not Swish?
Afternoon, Team. I missed the festivities, unfortunately. Good stuff, I presume? I did catch an interview with good old sour puss and for Christ's sake, a sour puss he remains. Would it kill him to admit it's a fun thing to be at Old Timers' Day?
[42] Clothing. Specifically, the shirts that have the little alligator on them.
[45] Moose started and give up five back-to back hits as he was lobbing it in. Someone shouted something [18] and yunnow, he just might have been on to something...
NIce, Joba, but man, all those pitches.
[46] The Le Gators that the snobs wear? Nice, that explains why I didn't understand it >;)
[45] haha gotta love it - moose is who is - a wonderful sour puss
Oopsies!
Oy, this will be a rough game with the sun...
[50] So wonderful, in fact, I could see him pursuing a career in comedy if he put his mind to it. He'd make a hilarious straight man, a Tom to someone's Jerry.
Ha! The ball dropped!
[53] Curb your enthusiasm, Weep >;)
damn i just noticed mk is back for the last game of this series
Maybe it has been mentioned, but the game is on TV on TBS.
[54] Heh heh heh heh! Yes, very nice! Perfect.
Not in NYC it isn't >:'
[55] You know, I gotta admit, it's kind of nice to have him back. Not that he needs to do the whole game or anything; a couple innings just to say hello would suffice. The big lummox.
[58] mk is far easier for me to take than that obnoxious fucking buffoon chip caray
Oh, come on, Joba.
Enough!
[59] yeah i have to admit i ever so slightly missed him.
i find it odd both mk and petey got the days right after the asb off.
Shop Rite just can't get over the can-can ads. They've had those for what, thirty years now?
If you haven't figured it out by now, I will occasionally provide commentary on commercials; good or bad ones (but mostly bad ones >;)
[58] Nor in Toledo. I only get the Detroit feed. Rod Allen has gotten a bit less annoying though he's still too much of a homer for me. [60] Even Rod is better than Chip.
[60] Or even worse, that "he'll grab some bench" motherfucker in Chicago.
Oh, man, it's brutal out there. Check out Gardner's catch.
Damn.
did melky lose it or did gardner call him off?
[60] True, he's better on his radio show when he gets to do commentary; he can actually be funny sometimes. But a little Kay goes a long way. Maybe one game in each series would be enough.
Jesus, another balk?
[65] oh hawk - he really is the biggest fucktard out there
Man, I'd like to strangle Kay when he starts that bullshit about how Joba's stuff is so great, he can't get guys out after he has two strikes on them. Riiiiiight ... The apologists have got to stop.
[67] I think the former or some combination of the two.
so jorgie is catching all 3 games this series
Nice work, Joba.
[71] Hey, I'm so good at math, I can't solve any equations. My brain is just too powerful.
[71] I know! I couldn't believe he said that. His stuff is so great that hitters consistently have tough ab's against him, fouling off pitches because they can't put it in play because it's so electric!
Is he kidding with that shit?
[75] "Your primitive mathematical equations mean nothing to me, earthling! Bwuh-hah-hah!"
Dang, Watson lost.
"Whatever, Jim. Whatever it takes."
Heh heh heh.
Damn. How'd they turn two on that?
Sigh.
[77] "Strikeouts? Ha! The great Joba is too powerful for strikeouts."
Yikes. That was close. Joba's stuff is so electric he can barely pick up a slow a comebacker.
Heh, they're advertising for Detroit's football team: "Experience the Lions"
I thought the Geneva convention would prevent such an action.
Damn, another one.
Yeah, Swish went a bit too far out of the base path.
[83] They're probably thinking more on the lines of the Treaty of Versailles >;)
North End Wine & Liquor - A good idea gone mediocre...
damnit clete
[77] [81] "Pay no attention to the fans in the stands! The great and powerful Joba throws all!" - "The Wizard of Words" Michael Kay
Follow the pinstriped brick road!
Wow!
*rolls eyes*
fuck. a guy named "Clete." ugh.
Chyll = thanks sooo much for the Old Timer's Game updates, that rocked!!!
game on tbs here. was Old Timer's Game shown on tbs? something tells me no. if it was, i'll be upset i missed it...
no new game thread for today. huh...
[86] Ha.
Wow. A nice, easy inning.
Well done, Joba.
[89] TWIB! >;)
[92] except that damn hr
[90] At least somebody liked them, thanks >;)
[93] TWIB?
Tom Watson is Buggered?
: )
supposedly that lobells steak sandwich is pretty good
What was the question? "Which players did Cashman think would be the one move to return the Yanks to Dynasty form?
[98] couched as who was coached by both leyland and girardi
Woohoo Alex!
Well done, Alex.
No doubter!
i was gonna call that, but was eating cereal!
that ROCKED!!!
no ys cheapie there tigers!!
[96] Near the end of yesterday's thread. It applies...
That Alex with his selfish, spotlight-hogging attention-grabbing home run >;)
That's such a beautiful sound.
i don't like being told i'm posting too quickly damnit
let's go back-to-back!
[107] ack. i hate that shit. word press... : /
[107] I know! Damned fascists.
[104] Heh heh!
[97] What's the interest rate on that, Ms October? I heard it was 6.9% but negotiable with an excellent credit rating...
: )
[107],[109] I had that happen yesterday. Not a fan...
[109] yeah it's not cool.
plus i wish there was a way you didn't have to scroll thtough the sidebar stuff if you look at the banter on your blackberry. maybe i'm not doing something right, but if you look at lohud on a blackberry you just see the post.
[111] that sounds about right :}
the hip hip guy in the stadium is quite persistent
Doc Halladay w/ a complete-game victory over the Shit Sox!!!
Now I got that "Let's go (Jorge)" stuck in my head... ugh...
Does anyone know why the Rays gave up Jackson for Matt Joyce? Yeesh.
[114] Was it "hip-hip"? I couldn't tell, it sounded so shrill...
damnit, robbie. at least we're tied...
[118] yep - hip hip - jor ge (repeat a 1000x)
[117] i don't get it when andy sonastine is still on your staff
[115] Yay Roy Halladay! You may now return to languishing in relative obscurity with the Blue Jays...
: )
[117] Wasn't it because Longoria was down and they needed a big bat, and they thought Joyce would be a big bat?
holy fuck what was that swish?
I'm sorry, Swisher sucks ass as an outfielder.
I don't care what the stats say.
Spanky!
boooooooooo
christ almighty. swish has looked like a moron twice today.
i was hoping for a quick, easy inning. damnit! : /
Nick "Flapjack" Swisher... "Adventure!!" :'
That's no efffin' triple. Gimme a goddamn break!
that was closer at 3rd than i was expecting.
we really need a strikeout here...
He looked like he was trying not to get hit in the nuts. Aren't you supposed to be wearing a cup?
No, Kay, it's *not* a triple! He misplayed that terribly, like a rank amateur.
yikes.
well, at least it sets up the DP! ; )
[120,122] Thanks. It looks like Placido's head has been shrunk. It used to be ginormous.
Nice first pitch breaking ball, Joba.
i'll take that!
now, i'll take one more quick out!
thank you, please : )
always love a shallow pop-up (not during yankee abs of course)
[134] Apparently, you've been seeing a bit too much of Gardy without a hat.
: )
[138] it's amazing how different baseball players look with a hat on.
coney loked much more normal yesterday with his hat on.
yes, nicely done joba
NIce job, Joba.
Easy, Hut. Good work, though. : D
fist pumpin' good times!!!
84 pitches thru 5. he should be able to give us another inning, no doubt!
tie in tact...
Tigers now 1-24 w/ RISP this series.
[139] Remember Kevin Mench? Now there was a huge dome! Size 8 IIRC...
: O
Wtf is up with all those empty seats, btw?
How lame and unjust.
In my day, a person could migrate down to fill those seats in the middle innings with no fuss or corporate meanness of spirit.
[146] Agreed Weeping, especially since OTD is such a premium ticket.
I thought it would be packed today of all days...
: /
i still always think it's boBBy abreu when i see Melky wearing #53.
damn, that was a quick inning. : /
[145] oh yes, he was pretty much an ogre
that was an easy action jackson inning
7 pitch innings are unacceptable.
[150] apollo creed! Vanity was sooo hot in that movie. : o
jackson has thrown 69 pitches - 37 s/ 32 b
[151] i'd gladly take one this half of the frame!
Gator in the booth!!! Louisiana Lightning. Ragin' Cajun!!! i LOVE him : )
the yanks really did love their soutnern boys for a while there
Guidry is a drummer! : )
beautiful pitching, joba!
hey i like this joba
6 innings, 98 pitches. 1 run.
good stuff.
will we see him in the 7th?
[148] I still think it's Dave Winfield when I see #31 du jour and wonder what the hell a pitcher, of all people, is doing wearing Dave Winfield's jersey.
Hey there.
All I've seen is that last half inning -- Joba looked utterly dominating. I see it's all up to A-Rod again for offense today.
I'd let him throw another inning. He looks great to me!
Egads, Joba is venturing into uncharted waters. Does he start the 7th with 98 pitches?
[163] he doesn't look like he is tiring - in fact has settled into a pretty nice groove
[163] I'd be concerned. I bet Joe does have him start the inning, but I'm going to be uncomfortable.
Except that he looked really, really good in the sixth, so maybe I'm wrong.
[155] Interesting observation. It'd be interesting to know if there's any relationship between that and the team's apparent slowness to sign black players before the seventies.
holy crap is Gritner FAST!!!
He does look good, but you never know. I'd send him back out there only with Hughes warming up.
gardner batting 2nd is throwing me off
Phil is off today, so give Joba a shot at the 7th.
Hm, Damon is out today -- is that his back aching? Has anyone said how bad that might be?
anyone warming in our pen? let's let joba start the 7th, but have people throwing in the 'pen...
[152] Yeah, but her life's tailor-made for VH1 Behind the Scenes...
[167] I know, it's ridiculous.
TEX!!!!
we've got a lead!!!
hell yeah tex - the score truck has another driver!!!
Woohoo Tex!
I'd send Joba out for the seventh. Just have someone warming up in the pen.
Oh yes, a Tex message!
[170] Oh, man. Hughes rules?
I guess if he pitches two innings, you should give him two days off.
KABOOOM!
Move over, Alex...
Juuuuuuuuuuuuuuuust past the 2nd row!!!
Yay, Teix!
Rightfielder didn't even flinch. Just twisted his head back.
Teix joins A-Rod in the score truck.
A Tex Tee! >;)
I like that they have the gun in on the act - I've seen breaking pitches show up as 95 mph more than once today.
[181] This must be very painful for you, Weeping.
[179] Not 2 innings as much as 40 pitches
[167] [174] I've done extended research and calculations on that guys.
It's because he's so top heavy, his legs have to be that fast in order to keep from falling...
[171] girardi via petey said he has assorted aches and pains and just needed a day off. but i agree with you - is of play indicates this might be more than just ouchies
[171] pete abe said it's "assorted aches and pains." girardi said he's just "giving him a day."
loooong single for Alex
Ohh, beautiful swing, Alex.
So sweet.
Wow, Kay is right, that was one long single.
[185] Heh heh heh.
Wow... the same swing for another player that slaps a single just over the 2nd baseman's head is a one-hopper off the wall for ARod. The guy is strong.
TB down 3-1 after 5.5
[182] i wonder if the score truck resembles the A-Team van?! ; )
petey seems to think phil is available
as he just wrote 9 outs - joba+ phil + mo
[194] Yes! I'm sure it does. And sometimes Joe G. has to figure out some sneaky, implausible way to manufacture a run. That would explain some of his harebrained schemes.
[173] oh, i know. her part in Nikki Sixx's "heroin diaries" is scary sick...
[194] haha - i like that - either the a-team van or the mystery machine van - but the a-team van is better
[195] Could that mean Coke, though?
[196] i love it when a plan comes together!
[199] damnit riyank.
phil = hughes not cokey
[199] Nah... Phil is Phil, but Phil is Cokey.
Damn, foul.
Nice swing, Jorgie.
wow miggy is a 22 cu fridge at 1b
Yay!
Nice hit, Jorgie, but I wonder if Cabrera should have had that.
HIP-HIP!!!
i really wanna plate these 2 runners...
[201] [202] Oh, sorry, I guess I don't speak Pete Abe very well. How embarrassing.
No, thing was blistered.
Maybe we should call Phil 'Pepsi' to differentiate
Man... Cabby had his life flash in front of his eyes there
Bah!
Oh, fuck.
Good swings that inning, anyway.
oh, boo.
Ohhhhhhh, shid.
Damn, we deserved more runs that inning.
1 run. Single of the wall, double and HR...in the wrong order.
If Posada's hit hadn't kicked so hard and far out of the corner, A-Rod would have scored. So in a way that's two balls hit too hard, with the result that we don't get a run.
[207] nothing to be embarassed about. you were one of the first supporters of the score truck :}
[214] Yah. Plus, [215].
Is the official scorer permitted to award a second run in a situation like this? I think he should.
This team sucks! They hit the ball too damn hard!
edpcy is up!!
nice K, kid!
[217] Maybe only for the pitcher's ERA.
Joba on the rubber after each and every pitch, ready and raring to go is breath of fresh air.
So I imagine Cokey will come in to face Grandy?
this is just fun to watch!
Hmmm. He's not tired.
Maybe he could always pitch on eight days of rest?
107 pitches, he's done.
it's Cokey.
he looks really good. i guess it is looked now.
[222] definitely - maybe he can smell sunday night coming
Well done, Joba.
And I think this is a good move by Joe.
TBS says "Joba could yell 'Slider' and they still couldn't hit it"
[223] Ask, and ye shall receive...
[223] I thought you were joking.
Oh well, I can't complain too much about this. Although it would not surprise me to see Cokey walk Grandy.
nice ovation for Joba.
Cokey turns 27 today!
[231] No juoke...I figured Girardi would go with the lefty-lefty thing. Now, if Cokey does his job here, i would have him pitch the 8th as well.
[232] He deserved it, especially for gutting out Flapjack's misadventure in RF.
Good god, what's happened to Kay???
That was a very disconcerting return from the commercial. I thought he'd had a stroke or something.
Girardi is a genius.
awesome!
Nice, Cokey!!
[234] Is a juoke an Italian joke?
Joba is the best 'lousy' pitcher I've ever seen.
[234] grr..joke
And, since he threw only one pitch, he should pitch the eighth.
[234] You are an oracle today. Can you post some numbers for Mega Millions while you're at it? >;)
[241] No, Cokey is for lefties. And, Hughes pitches the eighth.
[239] I think it's a tall tree that sprouts yarmulkes during the autumn season...
Halladay's CGW, 105 pitches, 78 strikes. Yowzas.
and philly h is up!
[244] Oh, I was mispronouncing it then.
ouchie!
ouch - hope swish is okay after that
Nah, you know "that was for Polanco" >;)
[246] Yes, because Hughes pitches the eighth.
Sheesh.
[251] of course.. but what the hell does bruney do now, besides whip it up?
I wish had the power to eject people in the fancy seats each time I see one of those close up shots of a pitch and they're not paying attention. "What. Swisher got hit. I was reading my friend's text that he's at Starbucks." Bollocks.
[247] It's a regional thing.
Hmmm...Hughes to pitch the 8th, it sounds like. This seems like over-managing to me. Then again, the Yankees don't want to tempt the baseball gods by not using Hughes in the eighth inning two days in a row.
[252] Bruney, bruney.
Nope, can't place the name. Describe him?
I don't think Swish can score on an infield hit...
[256] Hard thrower, lots of balls, oft-injured....heh-heh.
[256] once fat, now skinny. once had a terrible mustache. ugly ink on his arm. throws a lot of balls, walks a lot of batters. fights other teams' closers. any of this ringing a bell?! ; )
[256] [258] occasinally has a creature on his upper lip
[258] Oh, sure, big kid, glasses. We traded him.
we're in the detroit pen...
tiger bp time
Oh, man, that's a pretty good PA for Gritner.
And it drives Jackson from the game! Cool
Oh no he didn't!
[263] or not - jackson tiring is better than that pen
wait, he's keeping him in? really?!
make him pay, Tex!!!
This is good. Now Jackson really, really doesn't want to walk Teix, since it's his last batter.
[252] He has plenty of options. He can shape it up, get straight, go forward, move ahead and try to detect it. It's not to late.
[267] wait, he’s keeping him in? really?!
Leyland.
Dang it. Off that bat I thought that was going to be a little soft flare that dropped in.
But I'm so damned bad at judging balls off the bat, it's ridiculous. I could do better picking cards randomly.
[270] Blech..I was going to post something about Leyland trusting his pitchers more, blah-blah.
[269] But can he undress a blindfolded smoking woman with his fastball? : )
[265] Sucker tried to play me, but you never paid me, Neva... [ /Pa Pinstripe imitation]
uh oh - mk stole cult's name - the philthys
Completely unnecessary. I cannot believe that using a pitcher for only one pitch is optimal.
Oooh, hey, it's my boyfriend! I thought he wasn't available today!
[276] what the hell makes you think optimal is the goal here?
And I have noticed in the last few games (listening on the radio) that Sterling/Waldman have been gushing the party line about Hughes as the eighth inning savior. I wonder of they got the call from head office?
Sweet.
nice K, kid!
shit - apparently i said that earlier. i got slapped on the wrist for it. fuck you, word press!
This guy just flat out turns me on.
I'm not one to usually go for power (I find finesse much more interesting), but man, this guy's attitude just hypnotizes me.
What moxy.
[281]
You're posting too fast. You already said that. You can't post three in a row.
Blow me.
He just keeps coming at 'em, right down the middle.
i knew that was coming!
hell yeah, Hughes!!!
[279] Kay apparently got the memo, too.
nicely done philly
AND THE 8th IS NOT HIS NICHE MK!
Shit.
Okay, he can be the eighth inning guy. It's just too much fun to watch.
Well, can we agree that That was optimal?
GAS FACE. : O
[288] I know.
They just can't hit the baseball.
It's like magic.
The fist-pump must be inherent to the eighth-inning.
[291] It's not optimal. It isn't. He should pitch seven innings.
But the thing is, he'll never pitch eight innings like that. I really look forward to the end of the game when we have a one run lead now, I have to confess it.
[291] so, the wizards aren't bogus, after all! take that, Chyll !!! ; )
[292] i saw that and chuckled, myself!
Off to dinner, LockitdownMo.
Clete Flanderson, love that guy.
no, Chip Caray, we DON'T have Thurs the 23rd off. i believe we have a makeup game vs. Oakland that evening at 7:05...
[294] No, when you see Brunnhilde you have to figure a magic helmet is involved, so it doesn't count >;)
Groundzilla looked pretty awful in that AB.
Lyon's got a really nice Uncle Charlie today...
oh kenny we can hear it and it is not new
just newly over done
3 easy outs from Mo.
thank you, please!!!
[298] Wooo hooo!
Suddenly it seems like Bronx Banter has been waiting for years for that joke to be set up...
[297] "No, Colonel Sanders, you're wrong... EEEEEEEE!" (crunch!) >;)
I guess no Hughes for me at tomorrow's game. Wahhh.
[298] A "spear and magic helmet?"
: )
[305] Probably no Mo either.
[305] Girardi is the Hughes nazi.
Heh heh heh!
[306] Magic helmet!
Here we go, Mo.
62 K's
2 BB's
WOW!!! : O
Bullshit.
That was a strike.
good job. 1 down!
One out.
1 down - 2 more chances to get weeping his backward k
Yes,
MA-gic HEL-met,
and I'll give you a SAMple!
Strike one.
[313] Every pitch to Inge was in the strike zone.
1 more to go!
Two outs.
[316] :(
One more chance.
2 down - last chance mo and weeping
[318] that was a beautiful pitch.
The ump beats his wife.
It's all up to Gerald Laird.
That must be a nice feeling for Tiger fans.
The balls and strikes calls are just random.
Strike two!
I can taste it, come on, Mo!
Okay, I'm standing too...
[303] Some jokes take time to prepare. For example, 12-year old scotch by Safeway...
oh what the hell ump
WTF?!
that was it, weeping. boo.
[326] I know!
Aggggggghhhh!
What's that, his fifth walk?
Robbed.
Ball 3 was strike three. Ump must not have a hot date tonight.
that should NOT be considered a walk. bullshit.
What the hell was wrong with the 2-2 pitch?
[333] 3rd. and it was bogus.
Strike one.
Yeah, I already said that because he had strike one before, fucking computer!
Woohoo to the sweep on OTD!
Great work against the Tigers!
I've seen tougher "war kittens!"
Have a great rest to your Sunday everyone!
: )
SWEEP!!!
1 game outta 1st!!! : )
i love you, Mo!!!
Good enough.
No backward Ks, but two broken bats!
Okay, that took longer than it should, but that was not Mo's fault.
YES!
nice win team
and fuck that ump
Booooo!
Seriously, what a great fucking game.
That was some fine ass pitching all around.
Two nice solo shots.
Beautiful game.
That was a good win.
rays have tied the royals and have the bases clogged w/ 2 outs in the 8th...
[342] Yeah, it'll have to do, I guess.
Gatorade, the Official Drink of the A.D.D. Generation...
[348] Be careful, thelarmis, or you will even fear the Indians of Cleveland.
Joba pitched much better, you have to say. He handled the rough spots really well.
[351] rays take the lead...
i gotsta go support a buddy of mine. he's playing/singing a solo acoustic gig...
Okay, later, thelarmis.
And seriously, don't worry about the Rays.
[353] What, is he feeling lonely? >;)
OK, now Yankees, you just swept a divisional leader, and are 5-1 against a divisional leader. See, there's no reason to be afraid of divisional leaders.
[356] Yeah, but watch: now the Tigers will fall out of first, so it won't count. Then the fact that we haven't beaten the tar out of the White Sox will have everyone all worried.
[356] Yes, but remember, by definition Detroit ≠ Big Boys.
Al Leiter looks just like Al Neri; Michael Corleone's axe man.
How really, very, extremely satisfying was this weekend? (Aside from Watson losing, damn!)
I am VERY happy to see RIYank and (especially) MsOct keeping the score truck going. It is now my Banter talisman phrase for good luck this season. Someone's gotta keep getting it out there.
This was the pitching series, boy. We beat two VERY good starters with two wonderful starts and really good pen work, and I have to say I don't have the slightest problem with Girardi going to Coke for Granderson. That is what should be Coke's main job(a), and when Marte's back Girardi has another bullet in his lefty gun.
Hughes was actually electric today. Down the middle on 2-0 and it couldn't be touched. My, my. I still see the chance of a shift of roles late this season for Joba/Phil, as Joba nears the innings cap, but Phil is so effective here (as Joba was when he came up) it is - as someone said above - a pleasure to anticipate him with a small lead in the 8th.
And how cool is it to have your two sluggers ... slugging?
Even william would have to be mildly pleased today.
I was driving from Montgomery today listening to the game. Sterling made the oddest comment about how the Marlins had been in a long today (it might have been today or this week) and "wasted" Josh Johnson. He commented that the delay was so long they couldn't pitch Johnson or might risk injuring him and that any manager crazy enough to do that would have to be fired.
IIRC, Johnson's the young pitcher Girardi hurt in just that manner. I wonder if Sterling was taking a swipe at Joe or if it was more happenstance.
[360] Yes, that was me giving in to the aesthetics of Hughes Pitches the Eighth, abandoning my sabermetric principles.
Weeping did admit to satisfaction with the two solo bombs, so I think William has to accept them.
[360] thanks hoss! yes, i think the score truck is going to prove to be quite the charm. monkeypants and thelarmis have also been strong score truckers.
if the starting pitchers can give some length most nights out - well my, my, my.
[354] i'm still slightly worried about the rays riyank. that differential is hard to ignore. i'd like them to fall out sooner rather than later and just have to "worry" about the sox.
[194] going through the game thread now while watching the game..man, that comment just made me spit up my mueslix, hysterical!!!
and MAD props to you, Chyll Will if you are still lurking, your commercial commentary has been killing me!
[364] Thanks, I've been steadily working that into my routine. Just kinda happened, really. I'm a writer/director, so I analyze the stuff I see on TV. If it's compelling, I don't analyze until afterwards. It's my natural QC for TV programming >;)
[365] In the offseason we should have some good film chat..i'll drop some thoughts over at your blog. I recently got a 3-DVD set of Hiroshi Teshigehara, "Woman of the Dunes", `Pitfall" and "Face of Another", 1960s avante-garde Japanese insanity..but waiting till winter to dive in. Summer is for baseball and jazz only..
Holiday here so a sleepy Monday morning, got the Yanks on the web, and at 9am on tv is the replay of Sox-Blue Jays..will try to multi-task and catch both games (my lady will surely love me hogging the computer AND the tv..)
You still working on the set of that Indy jones film?
Theme song for the 2009 Mets:
Another One Bites the Dust.
[364] Just based on the starters -
Hannibal --------------------> Jeter
Face -------------------------> Alex
Howling Mad Murdock --> Swish
B.A. Baracus --------------> Jorge
I would say Teix as Murdock because that crooked grin he always has makes him look Jack Nicholson-crazy, but Swish is definitely the crazier one. Or you can argue JD for that one too.
Honorable mention - Robbie as Face, CC as BA (interleague and WS only), AJ as Murdock (just because), Joe as Hannibal.
Mo is too cool for A-Team, so I won't even try with him...
[366] My producing partner is working as a PA on it today. Since I'm PAing on a reality show right now, I can only fit it in on off-days; hard to do when you don't know what day is an off-day.
Yes, we must chat about that. I have Ozu queued in my Netflix; probably will start getting them in late September. Just completed my Fullmetal Alchemist collection and I'll try to catch up with the "Brotherhood" series after this gig is through. I've been on an anime kick lately; Funimation has all the best ones.
[368] Oh perfect, Jeter is certainly Hannibal! Swish as Murdock is perfect too..that would be a great promo if they ever got creative at Yankees HQ..
[369] Nice, Ozu is my all-time favorite. I kind of stopped buying DVDs for lack of space, try to keep it to things I know I will watch once a year at least.
Working on the reality show..wow, that must take patience!!
[370] Patience is certainly key. All film work has a lot of hurry up and wait, but this reality series that involves competition is that, plus STFU and nownownow!
I've been doing a little of all the grunt work on this one; assisting the cameras and grip/electric, doing lockups (ugh) and releases (double ugh), standing-in for contestants, babysitting contestants, running errands and security (aka "firewatch"). I've been mostly working nights, though the schedule flips around quite often. The crew has been mostly nice, with the exception of a couple of coordinators who many think are misplaced. I've heard some very bad stories about how some people get certain positions and that might have been the case there, but other than that It's been good work for the time being. I've had to turn down a few gigs I would normally take because of my schedule; I just hope they still call after this one's over. My main goal now is to move up to freelance AC (assistant camera) and/or grip work so I can make better money and move out of hillbilly hell >;)
[371] Mind you, my ultimate goal is to be a legendary writer/director and artist, but that will likely come on my own projects. Might direct my first feature this year, so keep the faith >;)
[371] AC job would be great! do you have to be in the union for that position?
I read an article recently on how NYC promotes and encourages film studios to do location shooting around town..conversely, the Tokyo authorities are notorious for making it difficult to shoot here..many "tokyo" scenes you see in US films were actually shot elsewhere..
A-Rod just homered! What a shot!! Guy is stupidly strong...
Hey, I don't mean to interrupt the cinema talk, but did everyone see the Trenton Thunder report from yesterday?
Thunder trailing 4-0 in the seventh. They load the bases with two out. Jesus Montero steps to the plate. The count runs full....
Yep. He seems to be the real deal.
The Thunder scored a couple more and won 6-5, but nobody is going to be interested in that part.
Nice report by Mike Ashmore, whose Thunder Thoughts must be your first stop for all things Trentonian. Uh, well, as long as they're baseball.
[372] WOW, that is awesome..my friend from college made a documentary a few years back and just is wrapping is first feature..after years of slogging though making commecials.. maybe you saw it, called "John and Jane" about modern India..?
Good luck this year and keep us posted..and drop a "score truck" reference in to the script as an injoke!
[373] Hah, you're watching the archived game. I'm watching the Sox-Jays. Rios and Overbay just scored to put the Jays on top.
Lester is damn good, but today clearly the second-best pitcher in the game.
[376] Nice, I got that game on tv here in about 20mins..watching Doc H is always a thrill.
Thanks for the Trenton link, I usually don't follow any minor league action so that's a good site to ctach up.
Oh man..WHAT was Swisher doing on the Granderson hit..Fat Pat back in Little League would have kept that in front of him..
Easy to forgive him when you know it's a W, though, huh? ;-)
[379] I know, just trying to recreate some "live thread" magic on my own..am used to morning baseball but still strange to often know the results beforehand! Time for Sox-Jays so will catch the rest Joba-EJax tonight.
Okay, now that's something I have never seen before. Sixth inning, Lester still pitching, Jays have runners in the corners with nobody out. Overbay steals second, but the umpire sends him back. When Tek was throwing, his elbow hit the ump in the face mask! I guess that makes the play dead or something.
Oh, sorry, Rios was the one who stole the base. Overbay is on third. Whatever.
[380] you usually allow yourself to be spoiled? I was wondering how you handled that.
Joba looked great today, particularly the last 3 innings or so. He went after hitters. He threw strikes. And he had a confidence about him I haven't seen about him in a bit. He always has cockiness, but I think today he had confidence to boot. If he can follow that with another top performance next time out he might just get on a roll. Which really eases the pressure on the rotation pending the Wang outcome.
[383] Yeah, for any day games I usually check the box scores first thing..if it's a day off (like today) I may watch it blind but inadvertently saw a "joba's back!" headline so...
wow, Angel Berroa is batting here in Atlanta in a major league baseball game. just...wow!
...and he struck out. shocker!
joe morgan is a tool. i thought espn was lessening his role. couldn't happen any sooner... : /
[387] Agreed..though a genius compared to Steve Phillips!
[388] They're both tools, but Morgan has the advantage of having been really, really good at the actual baseball thing he did. Phillips, not so much.
at least everyone makes fun of phillips. nobody challenges morgan, even when he's so blatantly outta order. everyone walks on eggshells around him. fact is, he's a fucking moron!
and why can't he EVER answer a goddamn direct question. he skirts everything. simple questions that can be answered definitively or where he can at least give his opinion. but he dismissing everything with utter bullshit. it's infuriating.
[391]hmmm..maybe you should start a website about that.. :)
bagel w/ cream cheese and coffee ready, time for Halladay vs Boy Wonder Lester on tv!
[392] !!!!! ...i do miss FJM. i really do. even though they were Shit Sox fans, they were bright, insightful, witty and funny as hell.
i'm just finishing chips/salsa and a giant burrito! : )
[373] Sorry about the delay, about to cook dinner. It depends on what kind of production you're working on. Big budget films are usually union, so I wouldn't be able to work on those as an AC (I could only be in the production department as an assistant, or an intern/trainee in others.) Same goes with most commercials and industrials; if there are any union people involved besides SAG, then it's all union (PAs don't have a union in NYC, but in LA they do; go figure)
However, if the project is an indie, then I ostensibly can be an AC; the thing is, you have to be hired by the cameraman/woman or DP, (if you have one). If I can get attention from a few of them, I can get experience and, yes, gigs!
It's hard here in NYC though, because there are a lot of "politics" involved. From what I hear, it's not like that in LA (or other places) because they just don't have time for that. The catch is that there are less productions in LA right now because of the recession, and other states and regions are offering competitive discounts and incentives to film in their locations. NYC has been encouraging film production with tax breaks and promotion deals, but it's really competitive. I've made a name for myself as a PA, but who wants to be a PA for the rest of their lives? Just have to work really hard to make it happen.
[391] Dude, go read some of the FJM archives. You'll feel better.
I just listened to the Joba post-game interview, courtesy of Pete Abe. Interesting. His four days in Nebraska were vital, and vitalizing.
[395] i prolly should! i've actually read everything on that entire site!
[395] That's not surprising. Nebraska is home, with people who actually love him. He's young, so it makes a difference. New York: It Does Things To You!
man, i wish i could see this! (maybe i'll ask my pop or brother to record it, or something...)
Monday on YES: The Mike Mussina Yankeeography will debut at 11 p.m. Those interviewed include the Moose, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, Willie Randolph, David Cone, Joe Girardi, Joe Torre, Tino Martinez, Brian Cashman, Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, Mike’s parents, Mike’s brother Mark, Stanford coach Mark Marquess and Jim Palmer along with a few no-account sportswriters.
[399] No word on Mickey Mouse, Might Mutt or Lil' Mo Mitchell... I'll bet he doesn't know about Moms Mabley either >;)
[399] I talk to myself cuz there is no one to talk to. People often ask me why I do what I do. >;)