Prior to the Rangers’ just-complete series win in the Bronx, the only series the Yankees had lost in the second half came against the White Sox in Chicago. The Sox took three-of-four in that weekend series as July turned to August. The first win came via an unearned run off Andy Pettitte in a 3-2 game. The next two came by a combined score of 24-9 as the Sox tore into Sergio Mitre, Alfredo Aceves, A.J. Burnett, and Phil Coke, who combined to allow 22 of those 24 runs.
Since then, the White Sox have acquired two high-profile players, but have yet to see any benefit from either addition. The first actually occurred on the eve of that last series, when the Sox traded for injured Padres ace Jake Peavy. I analyzed that deal for SI.com:
The White Sox’s trade for Jake Peavy appears on its surface to be a trump card designed to keep them in the division race. It is not that. . . . Peavy is hurt. He tore a tendon in his right ankle in early June, hasn’t pitched since, and isn’t expected back for several of weeks — if at all this season. Certainly the White Sox could benefit from activating Peavy down the stretch if they’re still within striking distance (they’re 2½ games out entering the weekend), and would benefit from his presence in the postseason should they get there. But more likely, the Tigers, with Washburn, are going to win the division.
Indeed, the Sox have since fallen to four games behind the Tigers as Peavy remains on the DL while the Sox have scrambled to fill Clayton Richard’s spot in the rotation. Richards’ spot has come up four times since he was dealt to San Diego in the Peavy deal. The Sox won the first two with spot starters, but have lost the last two behind Freddy Garcia, who will start again on Sunday after Peavy took a liner off his elbow in what was supposed to be his last rehab start.
The other big acquisition was their waiver claim of the Blue Jays’ Alex Rios. The White Sox seemed like one team that could actually benefit from taking on Rios and his contract given their proximity to first place and the .224/.280/.311 line their center fielders had put up prior to Rios’s arrival. However, Rios has started just eight of 13 games in center since joining the Sox, including just three of the last eight and is hitting a mere .200/.213/.333 in that limited time. Rios isn’t helping the White Sox at all, but he’s still going to cost them $59.7 million over the next five years. There’s still a month to go in the season, but Kenny Williams’ claim of the 28-year-old Rios is already looking like a worse move than the contract J.P. Ricciardi signed the 27-year-old Rios too last April.
It will be a great story if Peavy and Rios suddenly emerge to carry the White Sox to the Central title in September, but it ain’t gonna happen. In the meantime, the team the Yankees face this weekend is much the same one they faced at the beginning of the month, minus speedy second baseman Chris Getz, who is out with an oblique strain, and with better work from their bullpen (led by the major’s top set-up man), but weaker work from their rotation.
Tonight’s game pits lefty aces Mark Buehrle and CC Sabathia against each other. The two have had wildly disparate Augusts:
Sabathia: 5-0, 2.65 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 9.40 K/9, 7.8 K/BB, 1.2 HR/9
Buehrle: 0-3, 6.03 ERA, 1.76 WHIP, 2.59 K/9, 1.5 K/BB, 1.7 HR/9
On top of that, Sabathia and Buehrle have met up ten previous times without Buehrle ever picking up a win. CC is 6-0 in those match-ups.
Jose Molina starts again today as Jorge Posada continues to rest his bruised ring finger. Same lineup as yesterday.
In other news, the Yankees have decided to put Joba Chamberlain back in regular rotation, but to honor his innings limit by taking him out early. Sounds like a move to long relief minus the baggage of the word “bullpen.” This is a viable option because of the team’s lead in the division and rosters expanding on Tuesday, thus deepening the bullpen in support of Joba’s short starts. Given how poorly Joba’s pitched on irregular rest and how well he’s pitched in short stints in the past, this does seem like a better plan, even if it will drive some fans nuts to see Joba repeatedly pulled after five or fewer dominant innings.
Chicago White Sox
2009 Record: 64-64 (.500)
2009 Pythagorean Record: 65-63 (.508)
Manager: Ozzie Guillen
General Manager: Kenny Williams
Home Ballpark (multi-year Park Factors): U.S. Cellular Field (105/105)
Who’s Replaced Whom:
- Alex Rios has replaced Dewayne Wise (DL)
- Brett Lillibridge (minors) has replaced Chris Getz (DL)
- Freddy Garcia has replaced Clayton Richard
25-man Roster:
1B – Paul Konerko (R)
2B – Jayson Nix (R)
SS – Alexei Ramirez (R)
3B – Gordon Beckham (R)
C – A.J. Pierzynski (L)
RF – Jermaine Dye (R)
CF – Scott Podsednik (L)
LF – Carlos Quentin (R)
DH – Jim Thome (L)
Bench:
R – Alex Rios (OF)
R – Brent Lillibridge (IF)
L – Mark Kotsay (1B/OF)
R – Ramon Castro (C)
Rotation:
L – Mark Buehrle
R – Jose Contreras
R – Freddy Garcia
R – Gavin Floyd
L – John Danks
Bullpen:
R – Bobby Jenks
R – Octavio Dotel
L – Matt Thornton
R – Tony Peña
R – Scott Linebrink
R – D.J. Carrasco
L – Randy Williams
15-day DL: RHP – Jake Peavy (strained ankle), RHP – Bartolo Colon (inflammed elbow), 2B – Chris Getz (oblique), OF – Dewayne Wise (strained shoulder)
Typical Lineup:
L – Scott Podsednik (CF)
R – Gordon Beckham (3B)
R – Jermaine Dye (RF)
L – Jim Thome (DH)
R – Paul Konerko (1B)
R – Carlos Quentin (LF)
L – A.J. Pierzynski (C)
R – Alexei Ramirez (SS)
R – Laynce Nix (2B)
I'm here to see Jete get his 17th homer and 2705th hit. A win would be quite nice. Hope everyone stays healthy today.
First Friday game I haven't mean at the Stadium in a while...never thought they'd play.
Looking at the radar, I would have moved Mitre up to this start and pushed CC back. It looks like a lock for a delay or two or three.
So now they will start Joba regularly, but lift him early in the game..exactly what am I not understanding about this whole thing? Is Joba a damn ming vase that has to be handled with padded gloves? No one is calling for him to throw 275 innings but this is just getting ridiculous...
[2] I wonder whether CC would be comfortable coming into the middle of a game.
Man, he sure looks comfortable now.
[3] The way he is going, Joba will likely take care of the lifting early part all on his own.
[3] What the...? What are you doing up at this hour??
[5] Maybe, or quite possibly the psychology of expecting to pitch only four innings will make a huge difference.
[4] They could have pushed him to Saturday. Hopefully, the rain holds up and it works out. With Buerhle on the other side, the game should move along quickly.
Unbefreakinglievable.
yeah jeter with the rickey henderson special
Whoo-hooooo. : D
[1] well. I guess I got what I came for. see you all later...
Well, there goes the perfect game!
[6] 8:15am here..but been up since 6..such is the jazzy life with a 1.8yr old in the house...
Jays-BoSox on tv, maybe will turn in to see if the Grinch gets pounded again..
[12] Oh please stay.
[12] damn your wish didn't take long
[14] Check in right away. Good start for the Jays.
Too high. : /
damn i think the wind stifled that hr
Mr OK Jazz, that Teix shot realllly looked like it was going to leave the stadium. The wind is blowing straight in, and hard.
Yanks getting started early tonight. I like it!
What's chill, everyone?
[20] Reverse jet-stream?
I'm back after witnessing that debacle in person yesterday afternoon. After two visits I have decided that the new stadium...just doesn't do it for me.
Go Jays!
The radar is so colorful...lots of pretty reds and greens. I can't imagine how they are going to get through this game.
[23] $10 beers? JumboJumboTron? "Attentive" security guards? I hear the garlic fries rock though..
Jeter kills the rally before it even starts, and the Jays stink (as usual).
Beckett is pretty bad tonight, but he got out of a big jam scoreless.
[23] that must have been torture. just following on gameday sporadically sucked.
guess the goal is to get through 5 with this lead as fast as possible
Yow.
[25] Not those things in particular.
The Yankees (or whomever is responsible) are stupid for playing this game. I am not a meterologist, but if the radar I am looking at isn't accurate, then they should dispense with the science altogether.
[24] i wonder if that is what melky saw too
Gulp.
mk that was foul by QUITE a lot
The umps are in rain delay mode!
[31] what sucks is possibly wasting a cc start
NOAA website is down! Please evacuate!
[36] Yep, see [2].
[37] Wha?? I'm looking at it, and clicking around (hourly weather charts). It's fine.
[31] I believe they want to get this in because the weather doesn't look too promising for tomorrow
That ball Melky butchered b/c he was waving to the bleacher creatures was rough. At least he has a semi-good excuse tonight.
I wish the Yankees could let the White Sox take all their ABs first like in Cricket.
Hm, so Konerko reached on a double.
It's really hard to make an error in the OF, isn't it?
[40] Tomorrow afternoon, but a twinighter seems good.
[39] Hmmm...I am getting a server busy notice.
[41] Yeah, can't really blame Melk, but on the other hand chalking a double onto Sabathia's record is a bit rough, too.
[38] yep - you called it early -
the only bright side for me is i am going to be out of town for the next week so i much prefer to see cc than mitre for my last game for a week -
but i am not so selfish as to want to waste a cc start
[45] forecast.weather.gov
Well, 14hours ahead of all youse guys I can say the sky is bright and the temperature is HOT!
RIYank, going to skip Beckett and watch King Felix at 11am..he's facing the Royals so definite No-No possibilities!
[46] petey is trying hard to - it was obvious he lost the damn ball, it happens
since buerhle pitches so fast and cc is working quickly tonight and striking guys out, there is a decent chance they do get in 5 quickly
Did Molina really just swing 3-0? Couldn't be?
[28] Yesterday's game featured so many of my favorites coming into play: thirteen man staff meaning short bench, so PH for awful Molina (or Melky for that matter); AJ pulled after six innings because he crossed the magical number of pitches. Phil Hughes not used in seventh because it was...the seventh inning, not the magical eighth inning. The best relievers watching in the BP, for the third straight game, while the game was basically lost in the seventh.
Add to that the specific frustrating aspects: I called for Molina to bunt, only to watch him rap into a DP (fourth inning, maybe?); millions of base runners but no one scores; bad AJ makes a devastating appearance in the fourth inning.
Add to that features of the live game experience that I found personally irritating: despite the purpose-built design in new stadium, lines for monument park were again insane, and I missed the cutoff to enter even though I lined up plenty early; music and sound effects were excruciatingly loud; fans chanting for the opposing team's HRs to be thrown back on the field (a la Wrigley Field) and, worse, the relevant fan obliging.
Grrr.
The one god thing--it was a beautiful day for baseball, and watching batting practice for the first time in years was fun.
Hey, Team.
Oh no, what's the word on Jorgie?
HOWDY folks
[52] It was 2-1, actually.
[53] Hey, mp, I was there too, with the kid and his cousin! Too bad we missed each other!
I could not agree more re: the music. It was the same in the old place. It's like they're doing their damndest to sabotage the pastoral baseball experience. It's just noise, noise, noise for the sake of it.
Imagine how pleasant the experience would be without it.
[56] Good...YES had 3-0 and I thought that was wrong.
Whenever weather comes up I think of the whole dome debate. I recently heard Seattle has less summer rain than NCY so I checked it out. Huh?
From Wikipedia
Average rainfall
June Seattle 1. 49 inches NYC 3.84 in
July Seattle 0.79 inches NYC 4.62 in
August Seattle 1.02 inches NYC 4.22 in
[57] funny thing is that sterling actually kept repeating 3 balls like some kind of incantation. I even doubted gameday. And then molina swang and I had the same [52] annoyance.
mk saying he just got a text from coney made me think of this link i saw for the michael kay drinking game
Jeter nicely handled a nasty hop on that grounder. Yikes.
Dude is dealing tonight.
[57] did the boys at least enjoy themselves weeping?
[57] I was hoping that the new stadium would bring with it a new sound system and, thus, less obnoxious noise. Not quieter, per se, but better sounding, less distortion, etc. Instead, I am convinced that the sonic assault is actually worse.
[59] New York is a pretty rainy city, but it's usually more concentrated. I can't remember a summer with this many days of rain. Still, rain delays have never been a problem in the team's history, so I don't think it's worth the extra cost for a dome. Aesthetically, I also prefer the wide open view.
[59] Seattle is rainy almost all the time, but it comes down in mist so doesn't accumulate a lot of inches.
[61] That's the 3rd time I've read that. It kills me. Many of them I enjoy. Most make me want to bang my head through the table. : )
johnny damon with a johnny damon special!!
[65] I haven't noticed the increased noise...maybe it's louder during the day (or the crowd is more subdued)? I too would love to get rid of the extra noise, but the players ask for it and much of the crowd seems to like it.
Good.
This means Teixeira will homer in the fifth.
(61} Playing with shots of JD would be deadly. Whoo-hoo.
[41] Is that what happened?
Teixeira runs alot like Mike Piazza...maximum effort.
[68] yeah he did a good job of putting the list together - it's pretty funny
[74] And yet, when he tries for second, you don't have that "Uh oh" feeling like you might with about half our guys.
Ozzie looks like a vampire.
[70] Just FYI..at the last Yakult Swallows game I went to, the "coming to bat music" for the Good Guys included, the Doobie Brothers "Without Love, where would you be now", some Jay-Z track, a Japanese folk song, "Africa" by Toto (seriously..who would choose that?) and some pretty bad country music for Aaron Gueil...I was riveted...
[66] Agreed. This summer has been unusually rainy (and cool) through much of North America. One of the benefits of the new stadium (for both players and fans) are the superior amenities for waiting out a rain delay. Better to delay a game at the beginning than in the middle. In any case, no real "need" for a dome.
Beckett is really struggling. Of note, this is the first season in which the Red Sox HAVE NOT given Beckett a midseason beather by sending him to the DL.
[73] raf - no melky did that last year - tonight he lost the ball in i think the combo of the wind and lights
[74] he should be the inspiration for the other slow basrunners on this team most of whom not only give medium effort but have horrible instincts (though i don't think they can improve the latter much)
[80] It's too bad that the Jays are just so pitiful that they can't seem to take advantage.
[66] I agree. I'm no fan of domes but everytime I'm looking forward to a game and it rains I think hmmmm...
[67] That's interesting. I had not considered the mist. Playing 81 games in that would be....not good.
[77] the teeth?
Nice play by Beckham...he is going to be a good player for a long time.
[82] Well, it's 3-0, so they are.
Nice bunt, Swish!
[82] Ah, but I look back at the game and the Jays lead 3-0. I should leave the room more often?
Too. Many. Men. Left. On. Base.
Yankees are really wasting opportunities. Sad to see Cano continue to have poor ABs with men in scoring position.
[64] They did very much, Ms. O, thank you.
Yes, mp, it may actually be worse, if that's possible.
One of the funny things about yesterday was that we watched the first four or five innings from our actual seats, way the hell out, last row, behind the left field foul pole. I was less inclined to find a proper seat (behind the plate) with two extras in tow. It's one thing for one person to slip into an an occupied seat, another for a group. Anyway, it was really strange from out there, like watching the game through the looking glass. Teix bounced a hit past 1B and I had no idea where the ball was. Simply didn't see it at all but only knew it got through from the fan reaction. Also, there was a line drive I swore was going right to Melky but in reality it ended up in Swisher's mitt.
I don't know how anyone can watch a game from out there and have any idea what's going on. Maybe your mind adjusts to the distortion and to the fact that most of the people around you aren't really that locked in to the game, but it was kind of weird.
[90] I had pretty much the same seats, but on the RF side. My depth perception is so bad that I have pretty much given up trying to judge where the ball is going. Once it goes in the air, I just switch to tracking the fielders.
Oh, *THAT* was a check swing?
wtf?
What a beautiful change.
Oh, man.
Leiter called it a cut fastball. Whatever it was, it was gorgeous.
[92] I no longer have an opinion about check swings. I just have no idea. I was glad to hear Leiter sound mystified, frankly, makes me feel better.
[94] Heh heh he heh he.
Should the rain be causing me this much stress? I feel like I am playing beat the clock.
Hey, Blue. You're missin' a great game back there!!
I do have opinions about balls and strikes, though.
[90] I had the same reaction sitting in those seats. It wasn't quite as bad in the old place, but those wings obstructed half the outfield. Of all the vantage points I've had, the only places I didn't like were high up in the wings of the upper deck.
[83] They seem to do fine in Tacoma
I feel fairly confident that we'll get an official game in, and I suppose it's a good thing to get a W and keep CC down to 70 pitches or whatever. But we'll be deprived of an hour of great pitching if the rain does come down hard after five.
[23] As someone who has yet to go to the YSIII, could you give some details of your impressions?
Melky should have to register Mark Buerhle everytime he comes to the Bronx.
Wow, did you all know there was a deal being negotiated by the Halos for Kazmir?? But it fell through, apparently. Good!
[90] good to hear weeping
[101] me too - i think that is why i am not as disturbed by all the men lob - because i feel it is for the greater good
Here's what it comes down to with Cano: Why, if he's such a relaxed player, does he underperform in "clutch" situations so often? It sort of gives the lie to the loosey-goosey Cano - if he were really that relaxed he wouldn't choke all the time.
Here's what it comes down to with Cano: Why, if he's such a relaxed player, does he underperform in "clutch" situations so often? It sort of gives the lie to the loosey-goosey Cano - if he were really that relaxed he wouldn't choke all the time.
Joe...this is the time to bunt!
Hey look at me - double-post. I am special
Beckett has thrown 36 balls, 34 strikes. Something's up, I bet.
[108] Seriously
[104] Heard about it...have to be honest, I was on the fence about it. I have concerns about Kazmir's arm and was thining the Rays might be doing something smart.
can we officially crown molina the dp king now?
Girardi's lack of feel for a baseball game is astounding. He has no strategic instinct.
M ... V ... P ...
[113] Yes, as long as we can crown Girardi the perverse bunt-calling king.
[102] This may sound obnoxious, but ask me again after the game and I'll try to type out a longish response. The short version is that it doesn't do enough to capture the feel of the older stadium in terms of the field dimension; though it is aesthetically attractive for the most part, certain features seem rather ugly to me; for some reason the "big ball park in the Bronx" now feels small and somewhat underwhelming; and I cannot even look at CF with getting extremely angry because of that godawful, obnoxious; visually offensive restaurant.
On a side note, I really like Sabathia. Obviously part of it is he's a very good pitcher, but I love his presence, how he goes about his business.
I think he and Swisher have done good things for the personality of the team. Out with cold Mussina and boring Abreu, in with warm Sabathia and ... interesting Swisher.
Good to see all those fans practicing safe spectating :-)
[117] Look forward to your longer response because I feel exactly the same way. I think they did a great job capturing the feel of the old place, so much so that it seems like the new place was just a fancy renovation. I do agree about the restaurant...it is the one feature of the new place that I really don't like.
[120] Meant to say I feel exactly the opposite.
[118] The thing I like about CC is you feel like he is always under control. A bad call or an error isn't going to send him into a tailspin.
[117] I think I had a more positive reaction overall but I agree with those specific details about the size and that god-damned restaurant.
[116] sure - i have come to the conclusion that girardi's bunt calls are similar to the time on seinfeld when george decided to do the opposite of his natural instinct - only that worked out well for george - the bunt decisions are not working out so well for girardi, so something is flawed, either his natural bunt instinct or the opposite of it
Hmmm...Damon made a nice throw. I wonder why he can't do that more often.
The CF batter's eye seats are IN NO WAY worth the $125 they are getting .
[114] But if he bunted he may have started a rally. Which could have led to a long inning. Joe G. knows the rain is coming too, so he wants C.C back out there asap. : D
It's official.
Now let's kick the Score Truck into high gear!
[118] Exactly. Very true. There's a certain comfort having him on the mound, a secure feeling, even if he isn't dealing ... per se.
[127] Right, because making an out does increase the chance of a rally.
[127] Y'know ... that is possible!
[118] [122] yeah cc is very enjoyable to watch - even earlier in the year when he was not at his best i did not find him frustrating
as i said earlier the only sp i enjoy watching right now are cc and andy
Jeter cleanly fielded at least 2 of those bad hops.
Was it really a bad hop? Didn't look like a bad hop. Ramirez just lost concentration or something.
Yanks need to cash in these opportunities or they will regret it.
[129] The ultimate comfort is provided by Mo. Not only do you feel like he is in complete control, but you know there is no one else you'd rather have out there. When Mo does fail, it does still sting, but there really is little regret.
[135] The Red Sox have just failed to cash in. Scott Richmond really doesn't look good, but the Sox are kind of tired-looking.
[134] Looked like thre was some backspin on it.
Cano + bases loaded = ?
[137] I would love to watch that game, but my wife just mandated that we watch some clothes-and-make-up show on TLC. This is the price for me listening to Sterling-Waldman on the radio.
Egads!
oh robbie - what is this hangup you have?
Cano's body language was telling...it looked like he went up taking the first pitch and when it was right down the middle, he slumped a little, almost like he was saying, that's why I swing at the first pitch.
Then, it looked like he decided to just swing at the second pitch. The Yankees have to fix this Cano problem, or move him down to 8th when Posada plays.
[140] Beckett's control is the worst I've ever seen him. Five walks, and he just hit Scutaro. 42 balls, 41 strikes. Fourth inning.
Scutero was just beaned by Beckett. He looks OK but is out of the game. Jays up 3-0 in the top of the 4th.
[132] I feel the same way about Swisher. He's a professional and doesn't get flustered at the plate. He's obviously not in CC's class, but in a tight spot he doesn't give me much anxiety cause his OBP is so high. He might not hit for average, but at least he's not going to start guessing like Arod (which might work, but makes me anxious), and he's not noticeably worse with risp. I pick cano and arod because they are both better than Swisher but both make me more nervous. Jeter and Damon are also rock solid, but that's pretty obvious.
[143] Wouldn't be surprised if he has an injury. Beckett has really never been able to go much more than 200 IP.
Hello everyone. I'm stuck with Hawk on EI...at least I'm not in the same boat as [140] btw, monkeypants you need to get picture in picture... ;-)
[147] Me too. Hawk puts me in amurderous mood.
what a nice throw - why doesn't everyone try to take 2nd on a hit to a jd manned lf?
Damn, we're in the sixth already?
[147] [148] that's awful - those hawk experiences i had when i got ei were beyond awful - hopefully he is least a little tempered by the white sox losing
[145] I'm a data librarian and I'd get kicked out of the club for saying this but Hideki also gives me that comfortable feeling. If the lineup was swish, jete, damon, and matsui, I wouldn't even watch the game I'd be so comfortable that they did what they could. The human element seems like a big part of Tex, Arod, Cano, and Melky's game. I should do the numbers to see if the amplitude of performance variation matches my comfort level.
What does Youk say to Beckett after he hits Scutaro in the head?
Okay, I'm flipping over to the Chicago broadcast. I just have to hear this.
[151] Yeah, about the only way I can take Hawk is when the Sox are losing...
So many check swings. Let's hope he can do this in a month.
chi town announcers are actually being very complementary towards CC right now, and saying that konerko should have been out on the check swing. I hate hawk but it's definitely different when the sox are losing
[153] Grinch has been all over the place this game, Jays won't retaliate I think..
[154] Have grown to enjoy the sheer horribleness of Hawk!
[140] You got TLC clothes programs, I got Japanese gossip shows..it's a push.
Got to jet now, hey thelarmis, if you game thread troll later then let me know how the fusion gigs went!
That really wasn't so bad. I've heard worse. Pretty innocuous, really.
okay team, extra runs are okay, really is an official game
Let's go, Melkius!
[159] well paraphrasing singleton a bit, that was not representative hawk - put on a cws game when they are winning - then tell us:
"That really wasn’t so bad. I’ve heard worse. Pretty innocuous, really."
that wind is not cool
Was that really going out but for the wind?
Looked like a fly ball to me, but whatever.
[162] No question, it's excruciating.
Funny, with no men on, now Molina squares to bunt.
I believe Hawk has only thrown out one "He Gone" tonight. But he has openly tried to "Carlton Fisk" a foul ball into a home run earlier and he continues to refer to the Yankees as the Bad Guys... He's not that bad tonight, but of course, his "Good guys" are losing....
by the by i hope joba is taking extra notes tonight
[167] Yesterday, they kept saying the "Right Sox".
probably for the best anyway - molina's legs make me nervous when he has to play back-to-back games - might as well keep him off the bases
Yanks are really leaving this all in CC's hands.
[169] Lol. I agree with him on that one... ;-)
[169] Oh, dear Lord, deliver us.
Btw, what's the word on Jorgie?
Uh oh, my wife just turned it to HGTV.... I knew I shouldn't have jinxed it with the monkeypants dig earlier... ;-)
Time for the split screen...
[170] I'm not sure why the Yankees do not demote Coke (since he pitched yesterday) and call up Cervelli so that they have some extra backup while Posada sits. They would only lose Coke for a couple of days, since the rosters go to 40 men on Tuesday.
Damn, that Dye can hit.
Did you see that?
What a strong man.
I hope we don't wind up with an AJ situation...Yanks waste opportunities all day and then one bad pitch costs them the game.
I see the immense suckitude of the Jays is slowly but surely carrying the day.
[178] Jesus, are you *trying* to hex us?
Come on CC...keep it together.
[174] Word on Jorge:
The joint on his his glove hand ring finger is beat up, bruised. It will not heal fully until the season is over and he can give it long rest. They're treating it, getting the swelling down, etc. "He's day to day."
[180] If I had that power, I'd be a rich man.
Oh no...
All right, get Hughes up.
Pronto.
[185] Sorry, wrong inning.
[176] that makes sense - in fact too much sense
[182] Oh, no, that sounds terrible. That sounds like it'll effect his hitting for sure.
Not good at all.
[186] Grrrrrrrrrrr.
Oh, fuck it all.
This is on you, william.
damn this
turn on the chicago feed now. I smell bad hawk coming. he's starting to get a little animated
[191] It's like I fell asleep and woke up during yesterday's game again.
Well, that's what happens when you squander so many opportunities. The Yanks had so many chances to get a few extra runs and now they are going to pay the price. This has been a VERY sloppy week that could end with the lead being seriously trimmed.
nice snag robbie
Goooooood Robbie.
Ok, motherfucker, what's the story on Hughes? Is it illegal to use him for more than three?
[190] I wish I was in the dugout.
Outs, that is.
CC's location is really off now. I think it's time for Hughes right now.
Wow, risky play.
Well done, Alex, but I'm not sure that was the smartest play.
nice play alex and molina - now get 1 more
He was safe.
No, he wasn't, never mind.
[199] I believe that he is on an innings limits, nine maximum for August (http://tinyurl.com/n4ao2c). You don't want to use up all of his few remaining outs on just one appearance.
[203] Eh, I think they got him, but it was too close for comfort, imo.
good stop alex - jesus let's get this out team
I know the temptation to let him finish this inning, but you have to go to Hughes here.
That really was a great play.
Alex's defense is so, so valuable.
Wow...can't believe he is leaving him in here.
CC is really overthrowing...
[208] In this case, I would actually give the big guy a chance to close out the inning. But this is the last batter, for sure.
Come on CC!!!!
shit
Oh, motherfucker.
Fuck it, fuck it, fuck it.
Barajas just hit a friggin' moon shot, Jays lead 5-3. Meanwhile, at Yankee Stadium...
Wow.
Defense really saved the game this inning.
[212] It's not an awful decision, but I thought it was pretty obvious that CC was diminished and that a fresh Hughes would have been the better option. I wouldn't kill Girardi for sticking with his ace, but think it's another example of his lack of instinct.
I dunno, with runners on second and third and no outs we were one run up. Now out of the inning, tied. I'm pretty satisfied.
one of the better throws i have seen swisheroo make
now score some god damn runs team
Thornton is tough...would have been much better to face him with a lead.
[218] My fear would be that Hughes is rusty after
rottingsittingbeing saved for so long, so I would be hesitant to bring him in with the bases juiced. Then again, I wouldn't have "saved" Hughes for so long.[222] I actually thought he should have been in earlier, but I still trsut Hughes even with the bases loaded. If it was anyone but CC, I would be killing Girardi.
Yankees have to start playing better baseball...it's way too early to coast.
[223] I only meant with CC. That is, Hughes would have been in with any other starter. But with CC, I figured he as good a chance to get out of it as rusty Hughes.
And as I type, the Jays...well....
Bad Sox tie it on a 2-run Jason Bay dinger.
[225] Yanks can't depend on the Red Sox losing. It seems like they left Fenway thinking the division was over. Their play this week has been far from sharp.
Any chance Hughes gets two innings if we don't get the lead in the eighth?
[228] He probably goes right to Mo because that is what Girardi does. As it remains close and gets late, the chances of Joe throwing a monkey wrench into this game increases.
[228] Do you want my snarky answer or serious prediction? Both are "no".
So now Hughes comes in.
Why not with the tying and go-ahead runs on base?
Oh, right, he's the Eighth Inning Guy. Silly me.
[228] Hm. John Sterling just proclaimed that Hughes has been "anointed the eighth inning pitcher." So there you have it.
Right, 'cause he couldn't have done that with runners on.
Great pitch.
What's the point of having a dominant, strike-out pitcher out of the pen if you don't use him when you need a strike out more than anything in the world?
[231] Don't get me started...I am inching closer to putting this game on Girardi again, and I really don't need that aggravation.
Hssssssssss.
(Sound of the ball going through the strike zone.)
[232] Jesus.
I am getting sick and tired of hearing every talk about the luxury of a 6 game lead in AUGUST!
Did you have to be that dominant Hughes?
[234] Heh he hh eh.
Man, how 'bout that Phil Hughes, huh?
You know, we could still be looking at a one-run lead if only...if only...if only what?
Why didn't we bring him in one batter earlier?
Doesn't anyone care?
We could have been *winning* the baseball game.
[236] Well, yes, He was anointed to.
fuck off mk and quentin
[240] ...too.
[239] Mariano is warming up...I feel like a broken record, but Girardi shows us every game why he should not be managing this team.
[240] Heh heh heh. Indeed. That was his last name.
Damn, nice play.
You know, now I'm pissed. Are we going to be here til midnight now because we couldn't bring in Hughes when it made sense?
[244] Stop it please!!
[241] quentin?
[245] I know. What can I tell you?
[247] Tell me that you have a source that says Girardi will be fired?
Besides, william, we have a six-game lead, so don't sweat it.
[246] for making the catch - wasn't a hr ball but i want the yanks to win it now
[244] The thing is, I agreed with the decision to keep CC in the game, but only if the subsequent plan is to use Hughes for two innings. In other words, I would try to get the most innings out of my best pitchers. But if Hughes is only going to be used for one inning (one one inning+), then bring him in earlier rather than later. And most of all, his use should be determined by the game situation, NOT the inning.
[248] Hah ahh ah ah ah ah hah hah ha ha! Sorry to disappoint.
[249] Right...forgot about that. Silly me, I thought they were still trying to win these games.
if Mariano comes in in a tied 9th, I'm gonna lose my shit right here in this comment box....
[250] Oh, the dude's name is quentin. I can never be bothered to keep track of what the other team's players call themselves.
[254] Why?
[256] Because his record in tied games is not Riverish.
We're going to be here all night.
Oh, crud. And after all that work.
Swisher K's the same way every time.
swish got a bit anxious there
this guy can't go much longer can he?
Anyone know whether Posada could play if nec.? (Thinking about pinch hitting for Molina when he comes up in the, well, I assume in the ninth.)
[256] because Hughes is dominant as fuck and has now pitched 9 innings all month...the Yanks have been wasting him shamefully--and after an inning of Mo, we'd be likely to lose that hypothetical ballgame since we currently have only two trustworthy arms in the pen.
If Joe goes to Mo, the Yankees will have Melky and Molina in the 9th, meaning there is a good chance there will be a 10th, meaning this game will be in the hands of a lesser pitcher. Regardless of the outcome, any decision which makes that chain of events likely is a bad one. It's so frustrating that the Yankees can't just lose a game because they got beat.
[257] I still don't really buy into that (that Rivera is somehow a worse pitcher not in a SAVE SITUATION). Even if he is less-than-Rivera, that STILL makes him the best reliever in the pen (or maybe second best, after Hughes). The ONLY reason not to go to Mo in the ninth in a tie is if you are going with Hughes for two innings.
You mean a third of an inning, Al.
A third of an out would be a funny thing to see a guy come in and try to get.
*WHAT* are you so excited about, Kay?
[264] THAT is a good reason, as opposed to [257, 266].
[266] Exactly...the reason to not go to Mo is because it gives you two more quality innings instead of one (or 3 instead of 2 if Mo is available for two innings).
[267] One strike.
I will hear bogus Sterling home run calls in my nightmares tonight...
[263] don't know anything beyond what you posted earlier - this might be one of those times where being worried about the 2nd catcher getting mauled by a bear is valid (ie jorge gets hurt then what)
[263] If he can't play at all, someone should be fired for not getting another catcher on the roster until Tuesday. So I have to think that he can, in a pinch, play.
[268] seriously the ball was obviously foul for most of its shelf-life
If you told me today that the Yankees would not at least make the World Seires, I would rather have them lose every remaining game if it meant getting rid of Girardi.
[273[ Roster management continues to drive me bananas.
$%*I)%$#^&(*U$#@(*%^$&$
And here comes Rivera. My two-day odyssey of frustration is almost complete.
Boston's tied.
Let's not lose this game.
How big was our lead at its peak? Was it 8?
After tonight it could be 5?
All because Hughes is the Eighth Inning Guy.
[277] me too - i think this is our cause
Damn... why isn't Hughes in now? If we don't score in the 9th, we are handing the Sox this game.
Yeah, I'm thinking about the tenth inning already. Argh.
Mo's cutter is breaking an awful lot outside.
I feel defeated...Joe Girardi is sucking the enjoyment out of rooting for this very talented and spirited team. It's such a helpless feeling.
Nice play, Alex. Way to stay with it.
i LOVE, i mean love mo - but mo as mvp? my lord mk
[280] 7 games in the loss column. 7.5 games if you take seriously the extra half game produced because the Yankees had played one more game and won it.
[283] No confidence in Mleky and Molina? I wonder if Girardi even knows that they are coming up next inning.
We got a break there. That thing was 89 and right over the dish.
tex made damn sure robbie stayed away from that pop-up
[288] Thanks for the hat tip!
[288] Only the loss column matters.
I believe you've been told that several times and I'll thank you to write it down this time.
[287] Well, every SAVE is a WIN. So Mo has won like 38 games all by himself. He could only be more valuable if were the eighth inning guy. Maybe.
TB just can't get any kind of winning streak.
[293] I hope that's sarcasm. My sarcasm meter is out of service tonight.
[288] [293] I've always looked at that 1/2 games as like a first goal in penalty kicks. It doesn't guarantee you a win, but it puts all the pressure on the other guy.
Of course, he could pitch another inning. That would be nice.
He'll grab some bench!
Nice pitching, Mo.
Ok, Derek just has to hit one over the 314 sign. Then we can all go home. Otherwise...
still such a treat to watch mr. rivera
[295] Trying to trade on of your more prominent players can't be a morale boost either.
[296] =P
[294] Hah ha h ah ahh ha h hah ha!
Maybe someone hypnotized Melk.
Remember the Spring, Melk. Think back...
"Melky Cabrera results in three...walk off wins."
What does Michael Kay result in, one wonders.
Melky just took an 83 mph pitch down the middle.
Uh.
He's hypnotized all right.
Inspiring.
Great pitch to swing at, Melk.
[306] I guess he was waiting for that one.
oh mp - mk says the yanks probably won't push posada and are waiting for the rosters to expand - shall we scream?
This game should by all rights be over already.
Yet here we are.
Oh, yes!
BB warming up!
The fun's just getting started.
Hoo boy, there are words to inspire confidence. "Bruney is warming."
what a dilemma
Good news...Bruney is up. Apparently, with a 6 game lead, Girardi isn't trying to win this game. He did the same thing yesterday. What the hell is going on with this team?
now they can't pinch run for molina's slow ass because of their bs roster management
Yankee organizational incompetence is on display in this inning.
Did Posada just say, no, I can't do it???
Sigh.
Oh fer...
Well, nice grab.
[318] It kind of looked like that.
c'mon johnny - be a hero
you're our last chance, Trader!
I feel like writing a letter to my congressman. Someone has to be able to do something about how the Yankees are being managed.
Molina getting a hit was a bad thing.
Sigh, again.
[325] I'll bite. Why was it a bad thing?
Holy shit, I can't believe how f#$%ing incompetent Girardi is.
[311][316] I just can't even find the energy to make a clever and/or snarky comment. They've finally beaten me down with the roster. Maybe they should just carry 15 pitchers and BUC.
[327] Because Damon leading off the inning might have had a better AB.
I have no words......
Leadoff walk anyone?
I guess Hughes, Mo couldn't go longer than an inning?
[320] Oh, well, maybe.
But I'm not unhappy with Teix, A-Rod, Matsui.
[333] Nope...Yankees are tuning up for October in August.
I meant [330], not [320], in [334].
I don't hate Bruney...I hate Girardi for constructing a situation in which Bruney would blow the game.
Come on, bud, take it easy.
[336] Who's on first?
[337] Neither do I. I would've gone with Hughes for 2 or 3, and Rivera for one. Not a big fan of an inning per reliever.
[340] There are so many ways it could have been played smartly and Girardi predictably opted for the worst course.
Very nice, Brian! Very nice.
I see Damaso is preparing to enter the game as soon as Bruney puts two guys on.
Good news...Cokey is stretching!!!
It's not semantics anymore.
Al Leiter is deep.
Bruney can't nibble...he doesn't come close. Why do they keep trying?
[343] Ah, so THAT's why Coke was not sent down for a few days so the bench could be strengthened. I thought that he was out of service for a few days since he pitched two days in a row. Silly me.
I really, really don't want to see Marte to Thome, which I think is what's coming up if Bruney doesn't get Beckham.
[244] ?
[346] No!! Cokey is available today. In fact everyone could be...that's usualy what happens when you waste your best picthers for one inning in a tie game.
[348] Leiter talking about Bruney said that he's come to accept his role, that the bullpen is a unit... then he said, possibly speaking in Bruney's voice, "It's not semantics anymore."
[349] You see, that's why I could never be a MLB manager.
If anyone ever swing at the 0-2 Bruney three feet off the plate, I am going to uncork some champagne.
And the genius of not pinch running for Molina becomes clear!
Bruney lookin good, what say we give him another inning? ;-)
gotta hand it to bruney
[350] I'm not sure I understand the story, but I assume that it has something to do with the eighth inning. Which, as we saw tonight, is Holiest and Most Sacred of all innings.
Please Tex...
[355] Yay, Bruney!!
Come on, Teix, end this thing.
That was low.
i'm still amazaed molina moves as well as he does when catching
maybe he should don the tools of ignorance when he is "running" the bases
Everytime they flasy Girardi on the screen my blood boils.
Fuck
[356] I think Al is just getting tired. He just said Bruney saw Molina coming after that tapper so conviction.
Grrrrrr.
Ok, Alex, it's on you.
Btw, we've now scored four runs in 18 1/3 innings.
alright "tricky" is code for he is doing it with smoke and mirrors and his stuff is shit - how about we end it here alex
The YES camerman is a FUCKING ASSHOLE.
I hate John Sterling.
your fast ass thought he had it mk - fuck
HOT FUCKING DAMN!
Fuck you, Kay, you roped me in.
Fucking Michael Kay.
Fuck.
Kay sounded like Sterling there.
F... U... K... Learn to read the outfielders
Did everybody REALLY think that was out or is Sterling plain lying?
Not even warning track.
Why did I let Kay fool me like that?
Sterling, Kay, Alex, the crowd.
Stinking wind, I guess.
[375] Because the damn camerman shot the fucking moon.
I guess Accu-Weather was right. They predicted the new Yankee Stadium would only be a wind tunnel in April and May.
[377] Grrrrrr.
what is girardi doing?
Girardi is clueless...he really doesn't know what he is doing right now. It's embarrassing.
Wait, what?
They're running for Hideki with two outs?
Wtf?
This motherfucker better steal second, third and home.
Wtf?
The Girardi comps to Billy Martin were so off it's not even funny.
swish deserves some pie
[361] Like in Basebrawl, from Mad Magazine (in the early 1970s)?
JHJr stealing? Why else would he be in there?
walk would be okay - til you remeber robbie is on deck
Please Robbie...Please....Please...Por Favor!!
Leiter 1, Kay 0.
Sterling wd seem to be unaware of Robbie's RISP issues....
[384] How? They're both little white guys who've played for the Yanks? :)
Come on, Robbie. Come on.
pete abe's punching bag up. come on robbie!!!
Huh, if Hairston scores on a single here...
[382] I can't even get mad about that. they have essentially a one-man fucking bench. Who cares when they use it.
Figure the law of averages (or big numbers if you prefer) with Robbie
Two and one.
c'mon robbie you have the most beautiful swing on the team - now is a great time to use it
That wasn't a very good swing on 2-1. Robbie looks lost.
Watch out for the hook.
[400] ... but now he's found!
thank you robbie, I'll sleep well tonite.
oh my oh YES!
He found it!!! Muchas Gracias Robbie!!
robbie my man!!! i never doubted you :}
yayyyyYAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!
ROBBIE!!!!!!!!!!!
[400] heh heh heh
Oh, that feels good.
All right! Good for Cano!
Walkoff Friday continues. I think I've seen 4 or 5 of them as part of my plan. Glad they still had the magic without me there!!
shades of Bucky Dent!
really glad to get this win
Nice shot, Robbie.
Nice shot.
funny, I overheard a girl talking to her friend on the LIRR recently about meeting Robbie at some club in the city, how he was supposed to call her. Here's to hoping he spends less time in the clubs and more time on that swing. It's sweet.
[399] He does, indeed. He does, indeed.
Kazmir to the Angels is a done deal...very interesting. Not sure what it means. I guess it all depends on the health of his left arm.
Hawk says: "This ballgame is over" just as the ball left the bat. You gotta love it. I almost felt sorry for the guy, but I did rewind it just to hear him say it again... ;-)
[415] You're kidding me! That's too funny. Only, it's not, because you're right.
[418] :)
Rangers just missed tying the game off Nathan by about 3 inches.
[418] I'll definitely watch that one tomorrow, or even tonight if it shows up in mlb.tv archives soon enough.
gotta run it out though Robbie, get out of the box. No Mannys on our club. please.
is anyone better than melky at catching the thrown helmet?
Oh, and a well-deserved W for BB.
Fuck yes!!!!
[417] Crap, looking at William's post - what the hell are the Rays doing? Guess they just have such a slary limit that they won't break.
I have a pretty good friend who is fairly high up in the Rays org - very, very sharp guy, and I get the sense that most of the Rays management is from that cloth (young, very sharp, very hard charging). I'll try to ask him about the why, although he's obviously hell to reach until the season is over.
Back to the Yanks -
Fuck yes......
Damn, though, I'm telling you, I had this thought before, but hitting-wise, I've been calling Cano mini-Manny this year. Not so much with the RISP match, but with the ill natural swing and the ability to hit anything off of anyone - and... also with the crazy posing. He sure styled on that one.
One other thing for now - when CC loses it, he really does not seem like a guy you want to hope can get a few more outs - I was very upset that Hughes wasn't up and ready during the 7th - I just recall the game in Fenway where they tried to get CC to get through a few more and it as disastrous. I feel like I have the same recollection from when CC pitched against us in the playoffs, but that may not be right.
Anyway, a ton of other stuff, I really wanted to respond to Raf's post from last night, which I disagreed with vehemently, but I was exhausted last night and crashed. Wiped out tonight, but pumped up now, thanks to Robbie!
[423] You were reading my mind! I've been calling the resemblance for a few months now.
[418] Hawk is such a douche. I listened to a few White Sox games when they were at Fenway - Hawk on Garcia pitching well- "If he can pitch like that, if we just don't step on our own feet, we'll win the division." Right, Hawk. Way to give the team that's been better than you all year (Tigers (although they suck on the road)) no credit.
He's a turd.
Nice job by Girardi to get Bruney some work in a tight game... ;-)
Seriously, I would have went with Hughes for 2 and Mo for 2 and then Bruney, but it did work out okay the way he played it and the shot of confidence for Bruney can't hurt down the stretch...
[428] Yeah, everyone was scratching their heads on Hughes. I thought it was a terrible misuse of him, especially considering how fresh his arm must feel after hardly being used this month.
But Mo... I'd rather just let him pitch 1 inning, rather than risk overusing him in a tied game. He's our best arm!
Girardi says CC didn't lose any stuff, but the radar gun says that's wrong. I noticed the gun readings right off the bat on the first batter of the 7th inning.
[429] Yeah, you're probably right about Mo. It's not worth it at this point in the season. So, I would have went with Hughes for 2 and Mo for 1 and then Bruney. Let's just hope Bruney is getting back on track...
Oh - two more quick things - William, I see you were all over Girardi about leaving CC in during the 7th. I was definitely right there with you.
I also thought that was a sick tag by Molina - the way he went one way to field the ball and back the other way to tag Castro with his bare hand was awesome. I'll have to watch it again, but it seemed like a very underrated play at the time.
just back in, looks like I missed some fireworks! Archived game ahoy!
[426] On the surface, the trade seems to be a salary dump.
6-5 Sox, bot 8. *sigh*
I figured the Jays would blow it, no shocker there.
Kaz was owed $22m over the next 2 years. Simply too rich for TB's payroll.
When you are trying to entertain 4 of your wives friends and you're the only one watching the TV, you look pretty silly when you're the only only one to stand up and cheer. Fun win. Good on ya', Robbie C.
Papelbon is Wetteland reincarnated, isn't he?
Bases loaded 1 out!
[437] That, and his numbers have been declining
[439] It appears so; bases loaded 1 out
Sox win..
[439] EVERYONE GET OUT OF MY MIND!!!!!! Wow, we are all on the same page at the moment with the comparisons. All I could think watching Papelbon's 9th was "Glorified John Wetteland." Amazing that others were thinking the exact same thing.