I haven't seen the Big Papi address or heard what he said; can someone fill me in? I hope he addressed the following:

*Needle fights in the clubhouse in 2004

*The sweet feeling of Winstrol hitting your veins

*Senator Mitchell's conflict of interest and how that conflict actually manifested itself when Paul Byrd's name was released as being in the report prior to ALCS game 5 in 2007

*The hypocrisy of Roid Sox fans who've been screaming at our juicers for year, and yet dare to cheer him...

Sorry, I'm only a little bitter about all of this.

I said it last night. The Yankees need to pounce on Laptop and then Girardi has to resist every Sunday Lineup temptation in his body and go for the kill on Sunday.

Never mind the Fox broadcast, here come the Yankees!

[1] So he's going the "denial" route...He never bought them; he never used them....

I suppose it depends on how we define the word "is".

[3] I agree in principle, but the problem is that there are some guys on this team who just need rest: ARod, Jeter, Posada, and even Cano all look to me like they need a couple of days off. I'm happy to see Posada sitting today. I wish Girardi had given Jeter the day too, and let Pena get the start -- Jeter looks like he's been flat to me.

I just seen the David Ortiz news conference, he sounded a bit sincere but if the news media didn’t give A-Rod a pass why then should David get one?

The news media called A-Rod’s confession phony, staged and it opened up more questions then answers, maybe.
But I didn’t see David’s new conference any different then A-Rod’s, just shorter.

[6] I remain convinced that he juiced. He's on the list and he became a great hitter kind of overnight after the Twins didn't protect him (because he wasn't a good hitter). I don't know what kind of weight gain he's had, but I don't believe him for a New York minute. I wouldn't go to the stadium and scream "Steroids Steroids" at him, but I wouldn't cheer him either.

It's also funny what NoMaas pointed out about the Schilling's views on players who juiced being different until the chickens came home to roost.

[6] [7] [1] and one more thing I'll add is this. What if, right before the Sox were playing for their playoff lives in 2007, a report was released that Papi was on the list; how might that have impacted history? If the report about Byrd didn't come from someone working for Mitchell, I'd like to know where the hell it came from.

I had the distinct pleasure and utter agony to be at the game last night. I am still exhausted. A 5-run first inning and CC dealing would really be nice.

[5] I don't mind resting players. I'm very much against the concept of the Sunday lineup, where everyone that needs rest gets the same day off, and three or four scrubs are in the lineup. I don't understand the point.

[6] I half expected George Mitchell to come charging out and scream "See, see? I told you! Not guilty! No Red Sox! Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!"

And Jesus Christ, Michael Weiner couldn't even take a shower before this?

there is something very fishy about the union speaking now about "inconclusive results" and not when previous names became public. They seem to want to imply that Ortiz tested inconclusive, but they could not mean that at all.

Josh Towers is on the roster.

While that's awful, at least it moves Marte on to the 60 day DL

Winning Non Stop is a wonderful thing!

CC needs to be "Big, like beating 'you know who' big," today! My wife and I always thought that referred to Boston anyway...

: )

From Pete Abe: "UPDATE, 4:00 p.m.: Chad Jennings reports that Josh Towers is on his way to New York. Mark Melancon optioned to Scranton. Guess they wanted some innings available."

Why? Is Towers better than Melancon? (no.) Would it really be that bad to go into today's game with only Hughes, Rivera, Robertson, and Melancon to back up CC? (No.) Guy's been pitching well. Why demote him now?

robbie is an artist.

McCarver. Ugh.

Maybe a list of all the things Timmy thinks are silly, or that he's never heard of?

Wow!

He sucks worse than Swisher!

Ha!

Shades of Jeremy Giambi out there

In my dream last night I was in the right field upper deck. A-Rod blasted a homer over my head, hit a guy in the face, and I made away with the ball. : ?
Nice catch, Shrek.

Fuck!

Damn, that was scary.

Right towards his face.

Only the Red Sox can plunk a Yankee, and not only get away with it, but it counts as a strike...

Heh heh!

So, is that for thursday? First base open?

Always an adventure with Swisher.

i missed something. WHo got thrown at? was it on purpose?

A-Rod got plunked.....in the bat. The bat was behind his head though

[28] Laptop threw a breaking ball with no bite to A-Rod, it went at his face, and he bent over to get out of the way. The ball appeared to barely miss his back (or graze his back), and then it hit his bat for a foul ball strike...

CC looks pretty good today

I feel like there should be provision for balls that are thrown behind your head but happen to hit an unswung bat. I mean, it's a little ridiculous that that is a foul ball.

Must be glove 'cause offense don't smell like that!

: )

If Pedroia makes the 2 plays Cano has made the boys in the booth would be losing their minds.
Chumps.

[29][30] thanks! doesn't sound intentional at all.

shit

Jeter may need an entire week off.

Fuck a duck.

...

If Arod was having a series like Jeter is...

by the way, how long has it been since the Yankees have had a hit with runners in scoring position? This would be a good time to change that, Tex.

It just seems like 9 out of 10 balls Jeter puts in play are weakly hit. Not to mention, swinging at anything that's not altogether cherry from Bucholtz seems ill-advised at the moment.

Woohoo Tex!

score truck!

Atta-boy Tex

sweet

[40] A Rod's not doing so hot either, though. He just had a huge hit last night so no-one cares how much he's scuffling otherwise, including me.

Damn, Goldie Hawn's face looks like it's about to fall off. I'd be sacred to kiss those lips if I were K. Russell.

That's still terrible with first and second nobody out for the top of the order... just terrible!

[47] I only deal in clutch.

[49] It's the way to go, definitely.

[48] It's on Jeter though, aint it? Considering his haplessness, the result was pretty good. Run scores with 2 outs - not bad.

[51] I don't mean to pick on the Captain...just to illustrate how stupid some Yankee fans continue to be with Arod.

80, 83,89,96,98 MPH - love Bath's variation.

Let's go Yankees

[47] Arod is batting .333 with a 919 OPS in his last 7 games. Jeter in the last seven games is batting 219 with a 469 OPS.

It seems that the desire to bash Arod is almost reflexive even if the stats dont back up the statements.

[51] Yes, between swinging at first pitches, failing to work counts, failing to advance runners, and failing to steal bases, which are all what he does, Derek has not looked very well in this series so far...

Do something good Melk Truck.

[47] Even see the great movie "Death Becomes Her" (1992) with Goldie Hawn, Meryl Streep, and Bruce Willis?

Damn.

Yankees could have really delivered a knockout punch in this game.

Shut up, McCarver.

And the man's name is Cone, not Cohen.

The troll almost beat that out.

Another thing Tim thinks is silly. Talking about a no-no.
Along with pitchers getting stronger in the second half, and pitch innings restrictions for 23 year olds.

He is SUCH a tool

Big mistake to throw a curve there...Papi had NO chance to hit the fastball. Just can't understand that pitch selection.

81 pitches. :(

Derek really looks awful.

This would have been a great day to give Jeter a rest...Buccholz is a different pitcher against lefties, so Hairston might have had some success.

[66] Bad matchups...ad throwing righties are probably his most difficult matchup.

[68] Make that "hard" throwing...Jeter has no problem handling Madison Avenue pitchmen.

These bats better wakeup because they leaving the Red Sox in a game they really should not be in.

YOOOOOUUUUK

A couple runs here, fellas.

Smart pitching by the rookie...he has repeatedly gotten out of jams by getting a right handed batter.

Let's go Godzilla...these runs would be huge!!

I feel like the Yanks are swinging at pitches they ought not to.

laptop has 90 pitches at the end of the 5th. Who the Sucks going to pitch first?

If the Yankees lose this game, I think it erases yesterday because this is a game in which they should be cruising. The ABs in this game have been very lazy.

Damn these too-early games! How is CC looking? As good as it looks on Gameday? But why only 1 run off of Laptop?

[76] The problem is most everyone in the Sox pen is better. You want to face Bucchholz. Jeter and Arod in particular have really fizzled, which is understandable considering how much better he looks against righties.

Sabathia's the better pitcher obviously, and he's pitching better, but I'm thinking fatigue on both sides is acting as a bit of an equalizer.

[77] Thanks for nullifying one of our best pitched games in our modern history.

[80] Agreed. Shit, I'm still tired from last night's game.

shitshitshit

CC has to bear down here...one SB and one bloop (or worse) and all of sudden the lead is gone.

[81] You're welcome...it was a great pitched game, but it still only counts for one win (unless I missed something).

That's how you deal with speedy guys on the bases...you blow away the hitter. Please remember that the next time the Angels show up on the schedule.

a championship team would have no hit them here.

[87] CC definitely had no-hit stuff. Hopefully he still has shutout stuff.

I'm kind of relieved the no-no is gone ... Too much pressure!

[86] Especially with two outs!

Nice hit, Robbie.

Robbie is havin himself a day here

I hate when runners break it down into 2B (most do it). Why not run through the bag in case there is any misplay at all (unless the infielder is stationed on the bag)?

Hey, someone agree with my hypothesis that fatigue is an equalizing factor in this game, please. [80]

Atta-boy Swish

What??? Bucchholz has been awful against lefties. No, the Sox can make Melky chase and worst case set up a DP for Molina. That's bad managing in a close game.

Swishy with thr bunt? Did Gameday switch to a Japanese baseball game all of a sudden??

[80] They DO like tired

[94] Agree!

Did Girardi really not see this coming from a mile away? Molina could hit the ball off the roof and this is still a terrible move.

look, rather

Why not squeeze here?

[96] I'm a fan of bunting and I agree. Unless Joe was prepared to bat Jorgie for Molina or something (still dubious, since Jorgie's a prime dp candidate) it doesn't seem to make much sense.

101 pitches for Laptops

Hey, how 'bout that?

He came through!

Jose does the job and picks up his manager. Meanwhile, Bucchholz and Martinez should be flogged for throwing anything but the changeup or slider.

Oh ye of little faith :)

They will win this game! No doubts!

Erik Bedard has "fraying" in his pitching shoulder..no idea what that means but it sounds terrifying..is he done?

[106] Since Laptops ain't none too bright, that would be flogging the dummy.

Ok. Glad we got the one.

[108] Shoulder injuries are always scary. I ams ure it depends on the severity, but if he goes under the knife, I would say he'll never approach his brief peak again. That trade is going to go down among the all-time worst, perhaps on par with Slocumb for Lowe and Varitek.

How did he lay off that!

Just challenge him CC.

That's a very bad AB by CC. Martinez was setup for another K and his last two pitches didn't even give him a chance to swing the bat.

Please don't start talking football.

Sabathia has to close this deal...he has a few games this year where he was dominant throughout, but faltered late. He can't let that happen here.

This is not good.

Good. 3-2.

Damn it.

Damn it.

If CC walks off this mound without a lead, it's really a blow.

Papi sure has turned into a sinkhole in that lineup, huh? He's right there with Nick Green on the list of guys you like to see at the plate.

one down, CC, come on now.

Beautiful

Weird.

Nicely done, Derek.

Incredible DP. Damn, Lowell is slow.

Now that's coming up big, CC.

CC, welcome to the "Acehood"..

This Sox futility is bizarre. And wonderful.

Why when someone throws a curve at a batter's head, do others claim it wasn't intention because it was a curve? I've nver been hit in the head by a 79mph curve, but I'd imagine it would hurt quite a bit.

[126] Their lineup has just collapsed..Youkilis is really the only bat in their that scares me..

Josh Hamilton with the alcohol relapse..wonder if that is behind his struggles this year?

Yankees could really use another run or two, obviously.

[128] I hadnt heard that about Hamilton, that sucks.

[128] Those pictures were crazy. Why do these guys make such public displays? They must know pictures will be taken.

[127] No doubt. I think, though, it's because the curve is too unreliable to be thrown up and in by anyone but a Hunnish savage.

Enough is enough.

Bout friggin time

Stfu, McCarver.

That's so weak. I think Bucchholz was throwing at Arod and Ramirez was throwing at Tex and now Alex. I really like the way the Yankees take these HBPs...no need to whine about it.

[131] Alcoholism a nasty thing..incident was in January and he told the team right away so maybe just a one-time slip..tempted to make a Jesus-joke here but it's not really funny to make fun of drinking problems...(thinking of Billy Martin, who ever thought it was a good idea to put him in a beer commercial?!?!)

Good job, A-Rod. Right to 1st. No pissing and moaning.

[132] Some pitchers control their curves better than their fastballs. It's almost like throwing a curve is a get out of jail free card.

WTF? Gameday has A-Rod AND Matsui as "HBP"..and RamRam ejected...

[137] I am sure people will mock Hamilton's faith, but I've never read where he has claimed to be infallible because of it.

I wouldn't put it past Boston to try and spark the team by inciting an Arod-centric brawl.

[99] Thank you!

so ONLY A-Rod was hit? must have been a glitch on Gameday as it says RamRam ejected before the Matsui AB..then Matsui with the HBP...

[141] He seems a very sincere guy, it just can be difficult to listen to someone so gung-ho about how anye religion "saved them".anyhoo, who is Enrique Gonzales??

[144] Tex was buzzed; Arod was hit.

I hear you about those who preach their faith (kind of like spouting politics), but in Hamilton's case, I think it's sincere.

[144] Teix is on second. MIssed how he reached. Hideki up now...

I don't think alcohol was the thing that took Hamilton down, anyway. I mean, a drug is a drug, abuse is abuse, but at least it wasn't [insert whatever Hamilton was hooked on].

[146] Walk.

Nice little hit.

Stop complaining Timmy...hust because of the warnings doesn't mean the pitchers cant throw inside.

Tex usually reads those better.

Come on Robbie...patience.

He is really a different hitter with the bases loaded.

Wow, he took that.

I'm pleased. And surprised.

And that!

2-2.

I smell a DP

Full!

If Cano walks in a run, I'll eat my hat. Gladly

Grrrrrrr.

Why can't hit the ball hard with the bases loaded???? It's is so damn frustrating.

Ugh. Fly ball for chrissakes. I hate leaving it up to Swisher, though you never know.

The Yankees have had countless chances to put this game away...they better take one.

I will not eat my hat is Swisher walks in a run. I'll still be glad though.

Robbi isn't really busting it down the line. Lucky us there was no play.

[159] It really, really is.

What can you do? He is what he is.

Is it true that Cano's batting average just went past the Captain's for what I believe is the first time since the beginning of the season?

Swish is happy to take a walk

[159] For someone who comes across so relaxed he sure gets tight in those situations ...

Do you green light him?

LET'S GET HAPPY SWISH!

Swishy with the goodeyegoodeye..

[168] No...nor do I on 3-1.

[168] You joking?

Reprieve.

Whew!!!

Great job by the fans.

[172] I actually wasn't. I was feeling greedy.

[167] That's my point...he really isn't the kind of guy you'd think would be affected.

McCarver said last week no one ever uses the word "effort" during a baseball telecast

For a rookie...those are 3 ice cold pitches.

Times like these, one wishes Swisher was actually a good hitter.

[178] I remember when Timmy did Mets games on Channel 9..and was really good...what happened??

YESSSS!!!

[180] Easy on the Swish...he is a good hitter and an even better walker!

Base hit now. That would be sweeeeet.

[162] Ha, good call

Thereyago. Swish is no Cano (with the bases loaded).

[181] Age makes so men wise and other men bitter.

Come on, Melkius!

1nce again..Swisher was acquired for Wilson Betemit..let's all think about that again!

[183] His batting average is not good. He is a good walker though. That's why I didn't want him swinging, and thank god he obeyed me.

Fuck.

Nice play.

Damn it....that would have been game (and maybe a get out of Mo card).

My Banter page is causing me massive problems. WTF?

Almost, Melky.

[190] But we don't define a hitter on his BA, do we? His OPS+ has been around 125 all season. That's very good and very valuable.

Siwsh is 4th on the team in OBP. That's what count with the bases juiced.

Can't fault Melky for that, all you Mike Francesas of the world. Why, he hit that ball rather well, I do declare.

[181] I think he spends more time working on his career as a lounge singer than he does on baseball

Not only is Melky's production better, but his ABs and even his outs are also better.

[195,190] There's no question Swish has been a very good value for the Yanks and never a bad guy to come up in a pinch. Rather than thinking about the proportion of at bats that he gets a hit, it's much more meaningful to think about how many outs he creates in the same at bats - and it isn't many.