"A New York Treasure" --Village Voice

Must-Have

In every postseason series there are certain games that, based on the starting pitchers, teams consider built-in wins. These are the games that a team believes it has to win in order to, if you’ll pardon the mixed-sports metaphor, hold serve in the series. For the Yankees, those games are the ones started by CC Sabathia (they’re 2-for-2 thus far). For the Phillies, they’re the games started by Cliff Lee (3-for-3). For the Dodgers, they’re the games started by Clayton Kershaw (their loss in his Game One start is why they’re trailing in the NLCS).

The Angels’ must-win games are those started by this afternoon’s starting pitcher, Jered Weaver. The Angels won Weaver’s Game Two start in the ALDS against the Red Sox, taking commanding 2-0 lead in the series on their way to a three-game sweep. Coming into this series, they rejiggered their rotation so that Weaver could make his first start at Angel Stadium, where his ERA this season was nearly two runs better than it was on the road (and is nearly a run better on his career) and where he made his strong ALDS start. Weaver was the Angels’ best starter during the regular season and tonight matches up against Andy Pettitte, the Yankees’ number-three. That’s as close to a favorable pitching matchup as the Angels are going to get prior to John Lackey taking on A.J. Burnett in Game Five. This is a game the Halos have to have.

That would be true even if the Angels didn’t come home down 0-2 in the series, but given that predicament, this game goes from a must-have to perhaps their last chance to save their season. Because both of the games in New York were played as scheduled (despite foreboding forecasts of rain), CC Sabathia remains on schedule to start Game Four on short rest against Scott Kazmir, who struggled in his ALDS start against the Red Sox. If the Angels lose again tonight, Sabathia, who dominated the Halos in Game One, will take the mound with a chance to complete an unexpected Yankee sweep. (I’d quote the unfavorable stats about teams down 0-3 in best-of-seven series, but the lone exception to the rule just happens be the last team to face the Yankees in the ALCS.)

However, if the Angels win tonight behind Weaver, it makes Game Four a must-win for the Yankees, not only because Sabathia is starting, but because another loss there would let the Angels all the way back into the series, tying it up 2-2 and giving Anaheim all of the momentum heading into that Lackey-Burnett matchup in Game Five.

Weaver made three starts against the Yankees this season, the best of which was the one he made at home, when he struck out nine Yankees in six innings on July 11. Still, even in that game, Weaver allowed four runs (three earned), in part due to the two home runs he allowed. One of those homers was hit by Eric Hinske, who was left off the Yankees’ ALCS roster, but the other was hit by Mr. Clutch himself, Alex Rodriguez.

The loser in that game, incidentally, was Andy Pettitte, who gave up six runs on seven hits in just 4 1/3 innings. Pettitte was similarly kicked around in an earlier start against the Angels in the Bronx, but a return trip to Anaheim resulted in a quality-start win on September 21. The difference was the overall improvement in Pettitte’s pitching in the second half, which he maintained with a solid start against the Twins in the clinching game in the ALDS.

In his two postseason starts since returning to the Yankees, Pettitte, who tied John Smoltz for the most postseason wins ever with that win in the Metrodome’s final game, has allowed just one run in 12 2/3 innings, striking out 12 against three walks and no homers. Weaver has a 2.19 ERA in two career postseason starts, both of them coming at home against the Red Sox in the ALDS. He’ll face the usual Yankee lineup this afternoon.

Categories:  Cliff Corcoran  Game Thread

Tags:  2009 Playoffs  ALCS

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1353 comments

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1 RagingTartabull   ~  Oct 19, 2009 2:30 pm

I can't remember the last time I was this nervous going into a Game 3 with the Yanks up 2-0. Probably against Seattle in '01, but even then we were home for 3-4-5 so it was all house money anyway.

2 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 2:42 pm

[1] Yeah, I am nervous as all heck, too. Part of my nerves are we haven't seen what happens to this team when they lose a playoff game and I know that in previous years 1 defeat has made them fold up their tents. But that was the past right? And this team has show that special "it." I also would love this team to step on the neck of a dreaded opponent.

I also keep thinking how horrible it would be to lose game 4 if they manage to get up 3-0.

Is this what it felt to be a Red Sox fan for 86 years???

It's horrible because I am not "that" kind of fan. This morning I woke up with a bad case of the Los Paranoia's. Fear and Loathing in Northern Jersey, indeed.

3 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 2:47 pm

i'm pretty confident. confidence has it's share of nerves though. In any case, i just hate that rally monkey silliness.

4 RagingTartabull   ~  Oct 19, 2009 2:50 pm

[2] The 1 loss and they fold up the tents thing doesn't concern me too much because in years like '06 and '07 those were 5 game series...which are completely different animals than what we're dealing with here.

Really this is nothing that a nice 6 run Yankee top of the 1st won't go a long way towards putting to rest...but I don't anticipate that.

5 Shaun P.   ~  Oct 19, 2009 2:55 pm

The only thing I'm not confident about is my ability to get home in time to see the game from the start - which would mean I need to leave work right about now. I just don't see it happening.

If the Yanks win today to go up 3-0 in the series, I say let FOX, ESPN, and every Red Sox blog/beat reporter/columnist/fan on the planet bring up 2004. I don't care anymore. That was then and this is now. The only that will matter to me is the Yanks winning.

BTW - I'm wishfully dreaming that if the Yanks sweep and the NLCS is over Wednesday night, that the Serious will start this week and not next week, right? That week-long layoff could suck. A lot.

6 Alex Belth   ~  Oct 19, 2009 2:58 pm

5) You are WAY ahead of yourself.

LOL

7 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 2:58 pm

The other difference between now and 2004 is that if this does go 7 games, we have CC starting. Then we had to choose between Kevin Brown and Javier Vasquez.

8 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 3:02 pm

[5] keep wishing and dreaming - the ws is pre-scheduled

[2] i'm with you - i want to step on necks
is it really asking so much to run the post-season table :}

[3] yeah i am nervously confident

9 Shaun P.   ~  Oct 19, 2009 3:12 pm

[5] [8] I know (on both counts). But 8 days is a long time. A man can dream!

And I want to say that no team has run the table since the LDS were added. Two did, though, go 11-1 - the White Sox in 2005, and the Yanks in 1999. So why not?

10 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 3:23 pm

yeah, we need to win today and tomorrow. fuck this, let's sweep and be done with it!

LET'S GO YAN-KEES !! !!!

11 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 3:27 pm

I don't think the Yankees face the level of urgency with Sabathia that is implied here. Sure, they are much better off when he wins, but it's not like they haven't been able to win games started by Andy and AJ. At this point, "must wins" are about more than just who is starting for the Yankees.

[1] I think part of the apprehension stems from where these next three games are being played.

12 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 3:31 pm

[11] I also don't think the Phillies need to win games started by Cliff Lee (at least not until the World Series), nor do I think the Dodgers have the right to expect Kershaw to be a stalwart.

13 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 3:34 pm

Well.... Our 5-0 record so far has been temped by some luck and our opponents poor defense.

The good news: Our SP, BP, ARod, Jeter and a nod to Matsui.
The bad news: It seems like our SP can't get any better, and the only future direction is down.... and we have not exactly been a scoring maching. We have 5 of our starting 9 with an OPS under .570. Meanwhile, Philly has been crushing the ball. I do believe we will make the WS, but the problem with being a Yankee fan, is that it has been 1,543,357 years since we won a WS, and every year we dont, hangs us out to be the media's whipping boy and gives Red Sox fans way more pleasure then they deserve.

I believe Tex and JD will pick it up, but we can't win the WS if Swish, Melky and Cano are black holes.

14 RagingTartabull   ~  Oct 19, 2009 3:35 pm

[11] oh I'd say about 95% of my apprehension is a direct result of where these games are being played. If these games were in, lets just say, Detroit I wouldn't be nearly as nervous.

15 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 3:40 pm

Weavers vs.

Jeter: .462 OPS/22 PA
Damon: 431 OPS/22 PA
Tex: .998 OPS/26 PA
Arod: 1.607 OPS/19 PA
Matsui: .550/12 PA
Posada:.572 OPS/14 PA
Cano: .933 OPS/15 PA
Swisher: .838 OPS/24 PA
Melky: .237/13PA

Noticeably absent:
Hinske: 1.000 OPS/11 PA

16 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 3:43 pm

[13] I look at it like the Yankees have gone 5-0 without their entire lineup firing on all cyclinders. I also am not bothered at all by how Red Sox fans view the Yankees World Series "drought". There really are no problems with being a Yankee fan, in my opinion.

17 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 3:46 pm
18 cult of basebaal   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:00 pm

Off to a bar to watch the game, it sucks not being able to Banter at the same time ... thanks mlb blackouts!

19 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:03 pm

yet another wonderful slice of life from Joe Pos ...
http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2009/10/19/a-day-in-the-life/

20 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:13 pm

[15] 9-1-2, not looking good to set things up.

joe buck sounded completely disinterested recapping game 2. fuckhead.

ok, i'm rather nervous...

[18] enjoy! oh, and i gotta be careful - just got my last cell phone bill a coupla minutes ago...not good on the texts!!! way over my package... : /

21 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:14 pm

i've placed a 2004 Topps Andy Pettitte card atop my television set.

22 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:15 pm

MR. OCTOBER!!!!

23 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:16 pm

i dream about that.

Derek Jeter RULES!!!

i LOVE my captain!!! : )

the ball sounded *amazing* off that bat!!!

24 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:17 pm

Always good to see a Yankee homer off a Weaver.

25 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:17 pm

Jesus, I race in, fumble around with the remote, and lo and behold, I see one Derek Jeter rounding the bases.

That was fast!

26 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:17 pm

damon looks as bad at the plate as he does in the field.

why boo Tex? whatever...

27 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:19 pm

ooh, Alex was just on top of that one...

28 RagingTartabull   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:19 pm

Jon Miller just said that was the first time Jeter ever led off a postseason game with a HR

Subway Series anyone??

29 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:19 pm

and just under that one... : /

30 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:19 pm

Stuck at work for 30 more minutes. These words are music to my ears. : D

31 Bama Yankee   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:19 pm

I'm not used to following on Gameday. I wasn't sure what it meant by "In play, run(s)" but I like it...

32 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:20 pm

[28] operative word: jon miller. hahahaha!!!

33 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:22 pm

[28] according to LoHud, it's Derek's 3rd postseason leadoff homer. it doesn't list the third one - subway series, today, . . . ?

34 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:23 pm

still, Weaver only threw 14 pitches that inning. we need to make him work.

let's hope for - "Good Andy"

35 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:23 pm

crap. figgins through the 4.5 hole.

36 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:24 pm

Shut UP, Joe Buck!

37 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:25 pm

why did this game start 2 minutes before its listed start time?

38 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:25 pm

andy keeping choad close. he's not taking a big lead. boBBy showed bunt on the 1st pitch, which was a ball. he's smiling. many many throwovers. just pitch to the hitter, Andrew...

39 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:26 pm

throw to the plate. and NO pitchouts.

40 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:26 pm

Good work, Andy.

41 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:26 pm

popped him up to Tex, just behind the bag, barely foul.

boBBy's 0-10

42 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:27 pm

[40] i'm glad you're getting to see Andy!!! : )

43 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:28 pm

still worried about deChone. more throw overs...

44 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:28 pm

i just had a meeting with my coworker and yes'd my way through the whole damn thing so i could get back to my office load up gameday - i wrote on the last thread derek and alex had the score truck key - hell yeah take that jered weaver

45 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:28 pm

[42] Me too! :)

46 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:28 pm

andy's 5 'o clock shadow is at about 7:30

47 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:28 pm

Good work, boys!

48 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:28 pm

Trying to work and keep an eye on the game, another on the banter and I just hope I don't type anything about the Yankees in my reports.

Go Andy!!!

49 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:28 pm

[36] Sun, stop rising in the east!

50 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:29 pm

[44] Heh heh heh.

:)

51 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:29 pm

double play!!!!!!!! 6-4-3

not sure what he said to the home plate ump. didn't seem like he was squeezed, or anything.

keep Choad OFF the basepaths!!!

52 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:29 pm

[44] I'm sure you were discrete.

53 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:29 pm

Yay Andy!
Face the minimum, you Golden God.

54 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:30 pm

[51] maybe asking about his move to 1st?

55 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:31 pm

[52] I think she was continuous.

56 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:31 pm

[50] i think agreed to do all the work on our project :}

57 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:31 pm

[49] Hehheh heh heh!

You're right, you're right, I know you're right!

58 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:32 pm

Good take, Hideki.

59 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:33 pm

please start making Weaver work

60 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:33 pm

well if he throws almost only curveballs he won't last very long

61 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:34 pm

great 8-pitch AB, Mats!

62 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:35 pm

Nice, Hideki!

And fuck you, Joe Buck.

Last inning, Figgins got on and Joe's like, "Hot damn, great start for the Angels."

Hideki singles: "Good curve ball but it's ripped into right field."

63 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:37 pm

hahaha you idiots. as much as joe buck should know the count, the home plate umpire definitely should.

64 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:37 pm

that was LOW! easy there, Ump. only 2 strikes. isn't it Jorgie that always forgets the count?! ; )

65 RagingTartabull   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:37 pm

I hate Miller and Morgan, but I gotta give them credit for working an Enrico Pallazo reference into the broadcast

66 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:37 pm

Nice ab's, boys, nice ab's!

Come on, fucking Frosty...

67 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:37 pm

terrific start to this inning!

oh, and look at that SPEED on the bases!!! ; )

68 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:38 pm

good job jorgie make that bw work

69 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:38 pm

weaver has thrown as many pitches to the first two batters - recording no outs - as he did in the 1st inning.

70 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:38 pm

[64] swishy too (forgetting the count)

71 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:38 pm

[68] Butt-wanker?

72 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:38 pm

i like how Robbie is NOT swinging at 1st pitches lately

73 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:38 pm

Knock a wall down Robbie!

74 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:38 pm

Those guys are clogging the bases, I wish they had made outs.

75 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:39 pm

[71] i was thinking bitch weaver, but butt-wanker is dpot on too

76 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:39 pm

Hardly ever watch gameday. Praying for a blue dot.

77 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:40 pm

so THAT'S what robbie looks like!

that low-inside pitch to lefties is being called. i hope Andy and Po are noticing that.

c'mon Robbie. be selective and be productive!

78 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:40 pm

Damn it, Robbie!

79 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:40 pm

fox's split screen between pitcher and batter with a box in the middle with a close up of the catcher is beyond ridiculous. the center field camera does just fine.

80 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:40 pm

does robbie look like he thawed out yet?

81 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:40 pm

too slow to be a DP.

man on 3rd, 1 out. bring him home, Swish!!!

82 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:41 pm

weaver looked better with longer locks

83 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:41 pm

Dang work is interfering with baseball. I turn my back for a few minutes and it looks like Jared is weaving himself into trouble.

84 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:41 pm

Wtf are they on about?

85 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:41 pm

[76] It was the Bad Blue Dot. You have to be more careful with your prayers.

86 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:42 pm

[80] In body if not in bat.

87 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:42 pm

FUCK!!!

too shallow to run on Rivera.

damnit

88 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:42 pm

Hey guys, just got home. Man, this weather seems NICE. These guys are lucky!

89 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:43 pm

Patience, Melk, Mr. Oct is on deck!

90 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:43 pm

let's go Leche !!!

91 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:44 pm

Just when can we say Swish is unclutch and can't hit on the PS?

92 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:44 pm

[88] it's beautiful here in Atlanta also.

93 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:44 pm

why is bw throwing over to 1b?

94 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:44 pm

Oh, Melky.
Patience!

95 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:44 pm

92 About time my wife's been complaining about all the raiin lately.

96 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:45 pm

Horseshit.

97 RagingTartabull   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:45 pm

fuckin eh

well at least they made him throw 26 pitches

98 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:46 pm

Dammit. Melky really needs patience.

Well, 40 pitches for JW. We'll get him outa here early.

99 Alex Belth   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:46 pm

DAMMIT. C'mon you fathead have got to score there!

100 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:48 pm

Pound it, Andy.

Show/Hide Comments 101-200
101 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:49 pm

Shiznit.

102 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:50 pm

fuck, another leadoff hit.

double fuck - music college just called. a handful of new students will NOT be attending this quarter, so i don't get to teach there til January, at the earliest. work SUCKS!!! : /

let's go Andy!!!

103 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:50 pm

Melky is still scuffling I see (he says upon just getting home from work early after a public transportation odyssey).

Methinks the Yanks blow this open by the fourth inning.

104 RagingTartabull   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:51 pm

[103] from your keyboard to Rivera's ears

105 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:51 pm

[95] yeah, it's been cold and rainy. really yuchy weather. today is gorgeous. i think i'll sleep too late then stay in watching baseball all day/night... : ~

106 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:51 pm

[103] Screw the rally monkey, we have monkeypants!

107 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:52 pm

Ouch--I thought Cano got him.

108 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:52 pm

Nice play, boys. Almost turned it.

109 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:52 pm

wow good call but nice try

110 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:52 pm

That didnt look like the strongest Cano-Throw

111 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:52 pm

nice play by cano, but just missed the DP.

112 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:53 pm

[104] Ha!
Did you see the NoMaas entry showing why the Yankees must win? (God > Angels.)

113 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:54 pm

[112] yeah, they've been fun lately! : )

114 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:54 pm

Curiously no 43-thousand replays on that almost DP at first. I'd like to see at least one slo-mo.

115 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:54 pm

Andy's keeping 'em off-balance nicely.

116 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:55 pm

[114] fox showed it, he was clearly safe

117 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:55 pm

Thank you, Andy.

118 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:56 pm

fucking gorgeous!!!

nice DP!

Andy's at 20 pitches thru 2.

119 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:56 pm

DP revenge today!

Andy has pretty good velocity.
Okay, I'm taking off. We should have a nice lead when I get home...

120 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:56 pm

BEAUTIFUL! I want to see it again now.

121 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:56 pm

[116] Thanks. I'm getting the ESPN feed here in Canadia. Marginally better announcers, at least.

Well, now, THAT is a DP.

122 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:57 pm

Yes!

Now off to home & walk the dog. It'd be a real shame if I missed seeing a big ole score truck for the Yankees the next 30 minutes.

And by real shame I mean I wouldn't mind it a bit.

123 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:59 pm

Damn, that pop fly by Jeter carried.

124 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 4:59 pm

damn, Jetes gave that somewhat of a ride, too...

125 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:00 pm

johnny looks bad.

126 Hank Waddles   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:01 pm

Hey all... I'm actually trying to teach grammar to eighth graders right now. Here's hoping the Score Truck rolls on until school is over. Sixty minutes to go...

127 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:01 pm

Umm, I don't much care to hear about the whereabouts of bw's parents.

128 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:02 pm

Ok, I'm officially worried about Teix.

129 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:02 pm

Tex ain't lookin' so good, himself... : /

130 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:05 pm

[125] Melky and Johnny look sorta bad. I thought that Gritner might get a start today (not that I think that he's the solution or whatever), but I guess he is more valuable as a pinch runner or something.

131 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:05 pm

finally - the leadoff man is erased.

132 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:06 pm

[130] i, too, was expecting to see Gritner get the start today...

133 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:06 pm

Nicky Baby!!!

134 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:06 pm

Nicely tracked, Swish.

135 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:08 pm

Another broken bat.

136 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:08 pm

for those not watching. two fly outs to Swish. very sunny in right. first one was pretty much right at him. second one, was a broken bat chip shot that took some running in. he made both catches just fine.

7 pitches so far this inning. Snoop w/ a clean single to center.

137 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:08 pm

[91] Never. There is no such thing as clutch/unclutch. Just good player/bad player.

138 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:08 pm

alright team i am leaving work and am off to be a good person tonight - hopefully i will make it home in time for a nice celebration

keep up the andy is a golden god and help get the score truck going

139 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:09 pm

If I ruled the world (bwahahaha), or at least MLB, I would put in rules dictating bat construction---I would eliminate the really skinny-handled bats.

140 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:10 pm

Agggh!

Just missed him.

141 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:10 pm

OH, soooo close on the pickoff. safe call was correct.

142 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:11 pm

Andy pick him off, please!

143 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:12 pm

[138] So cryptic!

Have fun "being a good person," Ms. O, we'll leave the light on for you.

144 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:12 pm

that was really nice on Strike 2

145 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:12 pm

Hahah, I love you and your pickoff shenanigans Andy

146 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:14 pm

stolen base. crap. get Choad here. it's only a 1-run game.

strike his ass out, Andy!

147 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:14 pm

Nice free ad for Taco Bell on the beach ball there.

148 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:14 pm

Andy's a golden god.

149 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:14 pm

Old Meter:
After 3 innings
Weaver: 50-33
Pettitte: 32-20

150 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:14 pm

wow buck seemed pretty pissed on that pop up

151 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:15 pm

That's what we're talking about!

152 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:15 pm

Thanks, Choad. You're a real sweetheart.

153 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:15 pm

that'll do! foul pop to Tex.

Andy - 33 pitches thru 3

Andy - 51 throws to 1st to 3 baserunner

154 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:18 pm

[153] Throws to first have gotta add up eventually and contribute to fatigue...

I'm gonna pull some numbers out of thin air and conclude 3.5 pickoff attemps = 1 pitch

155 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:19 pm

SUPERMAN!!!!!!!!

156 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:19 pm

HOLY FUCK WHAT A BOMB!!

157 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:19 pm

Yes siree. What a blast.

158 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:19 pm

See. Let A-Rod show everyone why there's no such thing as clutch/unclutch.

159 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:19 pm

Alex KILLED that

160 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:19 pm

Ha!

161 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:19 pm

what an awful pitch there

162 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:20 pm

once again, he crushes it *just* as i reach out to grab his baseball card! : )

he and jeter both SLAMMED the fuck outta the ball, to the same place!

and, like clockwork, i just got a text from Cult! : )

so much for the righties not hitting Weaver well !!!

163 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:21 pm

every once in a while fox does something right. they just showed a slow mo closeup of arod's face as he hit that ball, and continued it long enough to see his expression once he realized he had crushed it. it was pretty nice.

164 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:21 pm

Good eye Matsui-San.

165 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:21 pm

Weaver is not locating. He must be feeling the pressure of a must-win game. I say, that's ok by me.

166 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:23 pm

[154] well, i wonder. there's also the bullpen pitches and 8 warmups before each inning. i guess those are all a little less "stressed". he's throwing as fast to 1st as he would a fastball, right? i imagine so, maybe even faster. what's the distance from the mound to 1st???

he threw 12 pickoff attempts to 3 batters. 6 in the first inning. i'm not sure how pitches went to the plate during those AB's...

167 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:23 pm

This seems like the 2003 part of the Weaver genome right here.

168 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:24 pm

Molina!

169 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:24 pm

Does Cano try to drag one here? Wouldn't shock me.

170 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:24 pm

Mats and Po, once again making Weaver work!

Yankees 10 postseason homers. allowed ZERO! (did i see that chart right?)

great hit by Po, but Mats can't run. let's make this stand up more than we did the other inning.

c'mon Robbie, Swish & Melk !!!

171 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:25 pm

[169] no his numbers against weaver are too good

172 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:25 pm

Kate Hudson has 9 RBI in the postseason, thus far...

173 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:26 pm

Deja Vu. GODDAMN IT.

174 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:26 pm

What is going on with the bottom of the order?

175 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:26 pm

cano did the same *exact* thing in the same situation. crap.

Swish - do something different than last time. read: get an RBI !!!

176 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:27 pm

Hmm. This looks familiar.

177 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:27 pm

I like how Aybar made a point of stomping his foot on second base.

178 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:28 pm

Is that Pat Sajak?

179 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:28 pm

[178] Yep!

180 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:29 pm

137 Sarcasm, related to all the Arod is not clutch BS that is dead and buried now.

181 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:29 pm

good eye, Swish. keep making him work...

182 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:30 pm

[178] i'd MUCH rather see Vanna White! ; )

183 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:30 pm

Yuck

184 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:30 pm

booooooooooooooooooooooooo

185 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:30 pm

damn you, Swisher. : /

186 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:30 pm

[182] Yuck

187 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:30 pm

well that was a pretty nasty pitch but i'm surprised swisher didn't know it would be low

188 ed   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:31 pm

You have got to be kidding. Ug. How about a HIT, Melky?

189 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:31 pm

That was a really cool camera shot of the Weaver slider. I second the earlier comment about the FOX photography in this game.

Although I guess anything looks better than dreary NY.

190 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:32 pm

Put in Pena, Hairston, and Gardner. Fu%^&ing Hell.

191 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:33 pm

Replay of second inning.

192 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:33 pm

My prediction [103] looked good for three batters.

193 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:38 pm

close calls on the 0-1 and 2-1 pitches

194 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:38 pm

whew. damon fields so strangely.

that was cool audio of the ump.

195 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:39 pm

I really thought Melky was going to get a big hit there. He really needs to stop trying to hit everything over the fence- at least that's how it looks to my untrained eye.

196 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:40 pm

just settin' up another DP!!!

197 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:41 pm

a few more close calls, this ump isn't giving anything

198 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:42 pm

damnit, andy. 2 pickoff moves. 3-0. crap.

199 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:42 pm

Thus Far:
ARod: 4 HR, 9 RBI, .381 .417 .952 1.369
Jeter:: 3 HR, 5 RBI, .364 .462 .864 1.325

200 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:42 pm

Stop worrying about the runner...

Show/Hide Comments 201-300
201 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:42 pm

god, vladi's helmet is disgusting.

202 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:43 pm

on 3-1??

203 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:43 pm

[200] Shut up.

204 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:43 pm

That works

205 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:43 pm

YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!

206 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:43 pm

Yes! I love it. Outsmart yourselves boys.

207 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:43 pm

Hahahah. And nice stab by Cano.

208 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:43 pm

[195] Correct. Melky REFUSES to cut down on his swing or slap at a pitch.

209 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:44 pm

Golden God. Thanks Toriiiiiiiiii. And thanks Teix for not Giambiing it into left field. : D

210 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:44 pm

damn, lost him. strike 2 was a great pitch.

get outta this right here.

211 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:44 pm

Wow, Vlad walks...walks!...just to rub it in.

212 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:44 pm

[200] What was that now?

213 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:44 pm

[200, 212] :-D

214 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:45 pm

DON'T show that stat again - it makes me nervous...

215 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:45 pm

why is rivera batting before morales?

216 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:45 pm

C'mon Andy. One more out. Shut down these Rally Monkey clowns.

217 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:46 pm

199 Also Runs scored:

Jeter 7
Arod 6

218 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:46 pm

That ball fooled me and Johnny off the bat.

219 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:46 pm

Old Meter:
After 4 innings
Pettitte: 51-31
Weaver: 79-49

220 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:46 pm

awesomeness.

Andy = 51 pitches thru 4

Andy = 112 throws to 1st to 4 runners

221 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:46 pm

[218] Yeah I thought that was a homer. Twas not, luckily.

222 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:47 pm

It sounded better than it was.

223 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:48 pm

[215] i was wondering the same thing, but i'm guessing it's 'coz there's a lefty on the mound and Kendry is much worse from the right side. torii, vladi and juan gives them 3 righties in a row...

224 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:48 pm

Yeah, I thought he got all of that, I'm worse than Michael Kay I guess.

225 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:49 pm

[223] yeah i just looked that up and rivera is much better against lefties than morales

226 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:49 pm

jeter's driving the ball. i'd like to drive weaver's pitch count up. bullpen was already warming...

227 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:49 pm

But no worse than John Sterling.

228 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:50 pm

Isn't Pettitte better against righties though?

OH HELL YES!

229 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:50 pm

DAMONIC !!!!!!!!!

230 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:50 pm

Well, that one was hit a bit better!

231 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:50 pm

JD joins the party.

232 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:50 pm

Just in time for a Damonic dinger!

233 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:50 pm

Welcome to the party JD. WHoooooohoooooooooo

234 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:50 pm

badda BOOM!

235 Simone   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:50 pm

Johnny D!

It sounds like a lot of Yankee fans in the park.

236 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:51 pm

these homers are absolutely being *destroyed*!!!!

237 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:51 pm

[228] they both bat righty (morales is a switch hitter)

238 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:51 pm

Man, it sucks that the Yankees keep hitting all these rally-killing homers.

239 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:52 pm

[235] I know it, I was leaving work and turned the radio on just as A-Rod hammered his and thought "oh crap, what did the Angels do?"

240 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:52 pm

[237] Oh, yeah, ummm, duh....

241 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:52 pm

Is the game being played in Yankee Stadium? The Yankees couldn't possibly be hitting all these hr's in Anaheim, or wherever they say there stadium is. And the Angels fans call the stadium a bandbox.

242 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:52 pm

[232] welcome home, my friend!

good AB, Tex! Weaver looks completely deflated.

[235] yeah, sure sounds that way! : )

243 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:53 pm

This asshole looking ahead to the World Series. Come on.

Oh, so close.

244 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:53 pm

Yes, maybe the Phillies would be "tough-minded" enough to beat the Yankees.

Oh, close. So close.

245 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:53 pm

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

juuuuuuuuuuuuust missed it. that woulda RULED!

damnit

246 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:53 pm

kate hudson is sooooo adorable!!!!! : o

247 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:53 pm

Why, thank you, thelarmis. And you had a cocktail waiting for me!

248 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:54 pm

240 Isn't Morales much better from the left side, not so good as a righty?

249 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:54 pm

[246] NoMaas' Kate as Wonderwoman was... wonderful.

250 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:55 pm

[248] Yes, good call.

251 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:55 pm

[249] yeah, i loved that! enjoy your drink - no beer for me til Thursday night...

252 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:55 pm

[248] right, so he's batting behind rivera against pettitte (and cc)

[238] but it would be nice if they hit them at the end of each rally instead of beginning

253 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:56 pm

Oooooo...just missed!

254 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:56 pm

oh, that was ball 3, Mats.

weaver just under 95 pitches. does he come out for the 6th?

255 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:57 pm

I sure do like players who can hit the ball over the fence.

256 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:58 pm

254 I don't think Scioscia trust more than 2 guys in his pen, he pretty much is trying to get 7-8 innings out of his starters every game.

257 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:58 pm

[252] Since HRs are rally-killers, by definition every one is hit at the end of a rally.

258 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:58 pm

[254][256] Tough call--he hasn't pitched that poorly, but he has also had Oliver warming for a while. I'll guess he's done.

259 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 5:59 pm

3-0 already? Stuck in bed with 38.5 fever and achy bones..thw Power of A-Rod compels me...

How's the Banter mood?

260 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:00 pm

[258] Looks like you're right. (You're watching ESPN -- Fox showed Scioscia plainly telling Weaver he was done.)

261 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:00 pm

looks like Weaver is out. who's the first one outta the pen? Oliver has been up already.

Andy w/ his first K !!!

262 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:01 pm

bollocks. 1st homer allowed by the Yanks. i blame joe buck.

263 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:01 pm

[259] Mr OK! I'm sorry about your fever.
We have three solo dingers, and all of them serious ones. It takes the edge of the two innings when we had runners on first and second with nobody out and couldn't score them.

Dang. Stay cool, Andy!

264 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:01 pm

Awww. no no, the homers are for the Yankees!

265 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:02 pm

[259] the mood is not as good as it was 2 minutes ago... : /

it had been rather great! we've wasted a lot of chances so far today. all runs in this game are on solo homers...

266 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:03 pm

so, now Andy is all about the K's & HR's. he's become Mark Reynolds! ; )

267 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:04 pm

Good evening ..

why are those talking heads still talking about the difference in velocity from the hand to the plate? sheesh

268 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:04 pm

i'm tuning Joe Fuck out. who'd he say is coming in to pitch for Cali?

269 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:04 pm

[260] Welcome back!

270 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:05 pm

Big 3rd out. Phfeewwwww.

271 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:05 pm

good play, A-Rod.

Andy at 67 thru 5

272 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:06 pm

Old Meter:
After 4 innings
Pettitte: 67-41
Weaver: 95-59 and gone

273 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:06 pm

The black hole gang coming up this half. : ( Maybe they'll break out of their collective funk against cousin Oliver.

274 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:07 pm

A corollary to the differences in pitch speed ...

When a statement is formed in the minds of Caray and McCarver, it possesses a relative IQ of 163 .... which dips to 63 when it is heard over the air ...

275 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:08 pm

[272] After FIVE innings

276 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:08 pm

from 1998-2004, darren oliver was below average to shitty, except in 1999 when he was just above average (108 era+). he missed all of 2005 after being released by the rockies, and since 2006 has been a valuable reliever (era+: 127, 121, 155, 168). kind of strange huh?

277 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:08 pm

[273] well, Po's been on base twice today...

278 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:10 pm

i blame that on the shadows and lights not being on! ; )

279 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:10 pm

[277] You can say that again.... : )

280 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:10 pm

i love Robbie letting that 1st pitch go by

281 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:11 pm

good job, Rob!

282 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:11 pm

That's gotta be a hit, took a weird bounce.

283 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:11 pm

[274] Wow! That's an incredible drop-off. I'd love to hear their version of the theory of relativity.

Uh, light is so fast!

284 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:11 pm

I like how McCarver always thinks that Cano is some speedster. Let's go Swish. Get that run back.

285 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:11 pm

[263] Thanks man, it's back to bed in 10mins with the game on the tv..

[273] Cousin Oliver..I will gladly buy a beer for whomever coined that.

286 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:12 pm

Oh, good, if we beat the Angels here then we get to hear about 2004 for the rest of the ALCS.

287 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:12 pm

i just hit mute, as i know where Timmay is about to go. please let me know when it's safe to turn it on.

ooh, that was close. careful, Robbie!!!

288 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:13 pm

[287] You misspelled "moot".

289 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:13 pm

[283] 186,000 miles per "seconds"! (or some shit like that...)

290 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:13 pm

I just noticed that the left field ump is about 45 feet behind the 3rd base bump. That seems rather unbelievable.

291 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:14 pm

[288] not nearly as incorrect as my next comment! : ~

292 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:14 pm

[290]

That's the Johnny Damon umpire ...

293 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:15 pm

[289] Like Carl Crawford!

294 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:15 pm

You're killing ME Swish. Pathetic hacks.

295 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:15 pm

great job by fox showing almost none of the important plays live (or cutting back just in time for them)

296 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:15 pm

Swisher looks terrible.

[285] Cy Oliver. not to be confused with Sy Oliver - Hank Mobley recorded one of his tunes!

feel better, bro!!!

297 ed   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:16 pm

What is up with Swisher and Melky? I would not mind seeing Gardner get some playing time.

298 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:16 pm

In the dugout Rob is going to have to inform the boys that the pitcher is Darren Oliver. It seems to have escaped their notice.

299 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:17 pm

Really resisting the urge to get a black jack taco for dinner.

300 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:17 pm

swisher looks terrible right now. he is swinging (kind of) at every curve in the dirt.

Show/Hide Comments 301-400
301 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:17 pm

[285] Set me up then. It's simply from watching too much Brady Bunch when I was a kid. : D

302 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:17 pm

[276] Strange in the "starting is harder than relieving" way, or in the "good starters are worth more than good relievers"way?

303 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:18 pm

[299] i'm gonna grab a burrito from Moe's after the game. you have those in the Triangle area?

top of the order comin' up for Andrew Eugene

304 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:18 pm

[286] Correct... yet even at that speed, to get light from here to the Andromeda Galaxy (#1 on my vacation list), it takes 2,500,000 years (or so).

305 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:18 pm

from LoHud:

Random fact: Darren Oliver’s last postseason appearance against the Yankees? For the Texas Rangers in the 1996 ALDS (as a starter!).

306 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:19 pm

If we hold on, Andy is #1 all-time on the PS Wins list. LETS GO TEAM!

307 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:19 pm

Just got him.

308 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:19 pm

nice play, Jetes!

siddown Choad

309 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:20 pm

Choad looks so much better sitting on the bench. Good play, Jeter! YES!!

310 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:20 pm

[299] I just finished a burrito.

311 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:20 pm

OK folks, Andy is more or less rolling right now. Would you go with a quick hook? Say he gets through the sixth unscathed, do you bring him out for the seventh, or go right to Joba-Phil-Mo?

312 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:20 pm

Booboo Abrasion having a poor series....

313 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:21 pm

[306] Is that enough to tip him into the HoF? I think it does.

314 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:21 pm

[302] right. i looked at the innings pitched and thought he must have been converted to the bullpen much earlier. but no, it only started in 2004.

315 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:21 pm

c'mon Andy, don't lose him

316 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:21 pm

[311] Bring him out for the seventh. Even those three guys constitute Bull[pen Roulette, in my book.

317 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:22 pm

Bobby is still smiling. So chill.

318 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:22 pm

Dang. Good smack, Bob.

319 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:22 pm

[311] let's think about that after this inning.

320 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:23 pm

[303] Oh man, Durham is a Tex-Mex heaven. There's at least four places in walking distance with amazing burritos/fish tacos/quesadillas. Other places have a taqueria on every corner. All of which would make it a crime against my taste buds to actually eat at Taco Bell.

321 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:23 pm

[319] Indeed. Things are now a tad more tense.

322 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:23 pm

Our Win Expectancy is 71% right now.

323 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:24 pm

Thanks Toriiiiiiiii

324 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:24 pm

Phew. One more.

325 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:24 pm

... and it jumps to 78%.

326 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:24 pm

i would be careful with vlad here

327 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:24 pm

[311] definitely bring him out for the 7th. well, let's get thru the 6th first. boBBy was due. let it be a single...

[313] well, i wonder how much the HGH thing will hurt him. he certainly has a good win %age and the postseason record. i think he needs to come back next season and reach 250 wins. he's never won a Cy and i don't know how many high finishes he's had. that's big in the eyes of the idiot voters.

good on the pop-up. now let's get Vlad.

Joba's up in the pen, so who knows about the 7th, just yet...

328 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:25 pm

[322] 77% now

329 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:26 pm

Vlad with a bat in his hands at 70 will still look scary.

330 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:26 pm

[320] yeah, there's a lot of great places here, too! i used to go to pretty much all of them. now, i just hit Moe's. i like it a lot!

331 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:26 pm

[327] came in 2nd in 96, 5th in 97, 4th in 2000, 6th in 03, and 5th in 05

332 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:27 pm

[296] Or Cy Tolliver, from Deadwood.

333 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:28 pm

[331] good enough for me - put him in the Coop !!! : )

334 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:28 pm

Finish Him!

335 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:28 pm

Weird time for a visit.

336 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:28 pm

[327] I think the HGH & steroids thing will fade in time. People like Bonds and A-Rod will get in, because they were good enough even without the steroids. That'll open the door for others. But yeah, Andy does need 250, which will become the new 300 IMO. He'll have to wait for the Hall, probably 8-10 years.

337 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:29 pm

i'd go fastball up and way outside

338 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:29 pm

Crap!

339 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:29 pm

Freakin Vlad. Wow.

340 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:29 pm

Ooop.

341 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:29 pm

Damn...

342 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:29 pm

that just ruined my dinner later...

343 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:29 pm

That sucks.

344 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:29 pm

So, Girardi told Pettitte to throw a meatball, then?

345 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:30 pm

Damn it.

346 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:30 pm

Andy has a 2nd, 4th, 2 5ths and a 6th in Cy voting over the years ...

347 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:30 pm

And now we're underdogs, 47%.

348 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:30 pm

332 Nice reference, great show.

349 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:30 pm

Terrible pitch. Ugh, so many missed chances this game.

350 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:30 pm

What did Girardi say in that visit again?. Oy

351 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:31 pm

this will be a battle of the bullpens. we will win.

352 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:31 pm

[301] Anytime you're in the neighborhood! Of course, I was a Brady kid too, even at 8 yrs old I wondered why they had artificial turf in their backyard? But that's a discussion for the offseason..

Seems Vlad can still mash it now and then..DAMN DAMN DAMN

353 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:31 pm

Damn it.

Still, nice outing, Andy.

354 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:31 pm

[347] That's a lot of WPA.

355 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:31 pm

We ARE scoring in this inning ...

356 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:31 pm

what the fuck? that was the worst pitch to throw there in the worst location.

357 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:32 pm

Really, with 2 outs I'm not sure why he worries so much about the runner.

358 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:32 pm

If only we could figure out a way to score otherwise than with the long ball...

359 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:33 pm

[350] "Don't worry, we have Molina, Cervelli, Garder and Guzman on the bench" ?
.
.
.
I kid, I kid. In fact, despite [347] RIYanks so-called math, I am extremely confident. The Yanks break it open this inning.

360 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:33 pm

well definitely keep pettitte in to face morales. after that i'd play it by ear.

361 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:33 pm

[358] Why? It seems to be working fine for both teams.

362 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:33 pm

That pitch to Vlad was almost as dumb as the pitch to Arod the other night. Ugh.

363 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:34 pm

It's part of the game, but it really makes you wonder why they would even consider throwing a Vlad a strike there. Not once did they try to get him to chase a fastball, and compounded that error by throwing an off speed pitch, something Vlad can still turn around.

One error by Pettitte and now the absolute futility of Cano and Swisher comes home to roost.

364 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:34 pm

[357] If he catches Abreu sleeping it's still 3-1.

365 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:34 pm

Ok, this game is ours.

366 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:34 pm

does Andy start the 7th? i say - yes.

367 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:35 pm

[366] For Morales only, probably.

368 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:35 pm

[361] We keep leaving runners on base, though. Both *and*, is all I'm saying.

369 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:35 pm

What's his pitch coint?

370 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:35 pm

ugh. that Jepsen fireballing kid is up in the pen. he went 2 innings the other night, irrc

371 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:35 pm

[366] I probably would, but Girardi had Joba warming. I bet we see the BP.

372 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:36 pm

[369] 89 pitches for Andy

373 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:36 pm

[372] Oh that's all....hmm, maybe I'm wrong at [371].

374 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:37 pm

FUCK.

375 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:37 pm

The sad part of this game is Pettitte has made two mistakes and the Yankees could easily have had 5 or 6 runs with better outs (not even hits). They've been getting by without making the most of these opportunities, but if they the Angels back in this series, I think the ABs by Cano and Swisher will be the keys that unlocked the door.

376 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:37 pm

I agree with [367}. One batter only.

Please Tex. I beg of you.

377 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:37 pm

Move the line a little. I don't want to see 7,8,9 in the ninth. Ugh.

378 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:38 pm

Come on Teix.

379 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:38 pm

Let's go, Teix!

380 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:39 pm

Ok,. Jepsen against A-Rod. Good match-up.

381 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:40 pm

Alex Rodriguez is 0 for 3 with two strikeouts against Jepsen.

382 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:41 pm

If there were not two outs, would anyone consider PR for Teixera? Say with Gritner (then Swish moves to 1B)?

383 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:41 pm

i still can't imagine what they were thinking with that pitch to vlad. he's not going to let it go for a called strike 3, he's not gonna swing through it. so why toy with him? really really stupid.

384 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:41 pm

[382] Absolutely not.

385 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:41 pm

[381] Plus a ground out in the 9th inning of Saturday's game.

386 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:42 pm

[382] not a chance.

387 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:42 pm

goddamn, this kid throws FAST!!!

388 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:42 pm

green light!!!

389 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:43 pm

[383] I couldn't agree more, but if Fuentes was careful to Arod, the series would be tied 1-1. Still, I prefer for my team to not make the stupid mistakes and really wonder what was going through their heads when they conceived that pitch.

390 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:43 pm

3-1, this is the pitch to watch.

391 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:44 pm

I do not feel good about this game guys.

392 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:44 pm

fuck

393 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:44 pm

Darn. Guess he's 0-5.

394 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:44 pm

Not everyone will appreciate this, but it really feels like the momentum has shifted...

395 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:46 pm

[394] When you blow chance after chance to tack on some runs, how can you not feel that way?

396 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:46 pm

well, let's just shut them down, here and now. nice 'n quick. 1-2-3

397 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:46 pm

[394] I'm in the category of person not appreciating this so called shift in momentum.

398 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:47 pm

[385][386] I would not either, but he won't hit again until the ninth or tenth, and he has been scuffling, and he one of the few players on the team for whom one would PR (because he is slow).

I'm just musing.

399 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:47 pm

We need us some good pitching and timely hitting. Is that too much to ask?

400 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:48 pm

[394] yeah, but i also felt that way about 20 times so far this series

Show/Hide Comments 401-500
401 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:49 pm

i'm finally live! hey folks. my dvr just caught up. i fast forwarded through vlad's homerun. i guess that is ok but i'm bummed we lost the lead. LET'S Go Yan-kees!

402 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:49 pm

Baseball is really an incredible game...one BIG mistake and it feels like everything has changed. That's what I love and hate about baseball.

403 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:49 pm

phew

404 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:50 pm

c'mon andy!!

405 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:50 pm

[394] Well, you know my feelings on momentum. What I am more concerned about is that the bottom of the lineup has been a black hole, and so is the bench. So, in my mind they have to score next inning early or wait for two innings...and I don't want to have to keep outlasting the second best offense (and team) in baseball.

406 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:50 pm

[402] I still have more confidence in the Yankees bullpen and bats compared to the Angels' bullpen and bats. Assuming Girardi doesn't waste Joba/Hughes/Coke and Mo all in one inning....

407 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:50 pm

When Damon it that HR, it felt like the score was 10-0. Now it feels like the Yankees are behind in this game.

408 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:51 pm

phew! he hit that too well.

409 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:51 pm

whew.

good game, Andy. no #16 W for you.

it's Joba Time

410 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:51 pm

Nicely done JD.

411 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:51 pm

Mercy. Put a tent on that circus, Johnny!

412 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:52 pm

[407] but it also feels like they're tied in game 3 and up 2 games to none with cc pitching tomorrow

413 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:52 pm

It was hit well, but someimtes it seems as though JD makes it look hard.

414 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:52 pm

don't worry - Hinske will hit a game winning shot for us. oh, wait... : /

415 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:52 pm

Somehow I miss Bernie Williams right about now ... this feels like a game he would win for the Bombers ...

416 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:53 pm

[405] The bottom of the lineup has been so bad that I was both considering having Swisher attempt a squeeze and also thinking about which of the two I would replace with Hairston in game 4. The fact that they've had poor results is not the issue...what makes their post season so putrid is so many of their ABs have been awful. Cano and Swisher do not have the reputation of being the brightest of players (maybe try to take a Weaver curve the other way), and it seems like that is coming into play.

417 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:54 pm

goddamn motherfuck!!!

418 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:54 pm

[412] Mmmmm....I like that feeling. especially after THAT hit.

419 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:54 pm

Fuck. That was smoked.

420 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:54 pm

Crud!

421 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:54 pm

415 Not to mention Brosius, Tino, and O'Neill.

422 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:54 pm

That is some dejected Pettitte :(

423 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:54 pm

I HATE FUCKING HOWIE KENDRICK. He is now hitting 241,200,000 vs the Yanks. Asshole.

424 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:55 pm

So this is a squeeze, right?

425 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:55 pm

I smell a missed squeeze.

426 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:55 pm

Slip sliding away...

[412] If they can't come back in this game, they'll be looking at CC on short rest against a lefty who has given then problems...followed by their Ace against AJ.

In other words, when you give away a golden opportunity to win a game in the post season, the tide can quickly turn against you.

427 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:55 pm

I hate being at work and being behind the action. Seems like the bad news comes to quickly.

428 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:56 pm

Well, there you go. Yankees will win this.

429 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:56 pm

Grrrr.

430 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:56 pm

total bollocks.

Joba is getting hit HARD. : (

431 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:56 pm

Doggone it. At least it was caught and stayed in the park. How come Cano, Swish and Melky couldn't manage that in two tries?

432 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:56 pm

why is bad joba pitching?

433 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:56 pm

We had plenty of opportunities to step on their throats... and we did NOT!

434 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:57 pm

[426] i pretty much agree with william on this stuff. if we don't win today, we could be really really fucked in this series...

[428] i sure hope so...

435 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:57 pm

effin ESPN had Kendrick hitting a HR. Just changed it to a triple and then showed the SF right away.

436 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:57 pm

[431] actually only swisher had that opportunity twice

437 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:58 pm

jepsen only threw 5 pitches, so i'm sure his cannon will be out on the mound for the all-important 8th...

438 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:58 pm

Marte warming up? How relaxed that makes me feel (sarcasm).

439 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:58 pm

Joba f'ing sucks.

440 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:58 pm

hughes. bring in hughes. please.

441 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:58 pm

joba's getting crushed.

bring in Hughes NOW!!!

442 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:58 pm

[436] et al. Melky should not get a free pass, though he was up with two outs and men on.

443 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:59 pm

Damn, they have been tee-ing off on Joba.

444 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:59 pm

This looks more like the Joba we've seen all season...the momentum has definitelty turned. Now the Yankees really need CC to be 100% or else this series could go up in smoke.

445 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:59 pm

Are they hitting Joba's fastball or is he throwing offspeed crap?

446 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:59 pm

[442] melky has had some good at bats this post-season.

447 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 6:59 pm

[440][441] Yep. Here I definitely agree with the quick hook.

448 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:00 pm

marte???

449 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:00 pm

Cano hit into two fielder's choices. He had two tries too, no?

450 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:01 pm

[446] I meant this game, though I honestly don't remember him looking good at all (though to be fair, I couldn't follow the Twins series as closely as I would have liked).

451 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:01 pm

i remember in '04, saying when the Shit Sox got 1 win, that they'd sweep us. i don't totally have that feeling here, but if we lose today, i can totally see us losing this series. that would seriously SUCK!!!

452 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:01 pm

Bullpen roulette. I hate bullpen roulette.

453 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:01 pm

[442] [449] i don't think anyone should be let off the hook, i just mean that only swisher could have driven a run in with an out

454 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:01 pm

The Yankees win this game and it's a sweep; they lose and this series definitely goes back to New York at 3-2 (with tomorrow's game being the swing).

455 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:01 pm

[451] I hate your crystal ball. Get a new one.

456 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:01 pm

Melky was pretty good the first 2 games.

457 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:02 pm

Girardi should have yanked Pettitte against Vlad. Although I would have put in Joba, so maybe it didn't even matter.

458 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:02 pm

[445] i think it's his FB. his offspeed stuff actually looked pretty good...

459 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:02 pm

[451] I had the same feeling in 2004...I don't have that yet here, but if the Yankees are trailing 2-0 early in tomorrow's game, I think that's where I will be.

460 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:02 pm

Damaso Marte, what a stud.

461 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:02 pm

Good work Choad!!!

462 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:03 pm

girardi's a genius...

please score some runs here and don't look back.

463 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:03 pm

Effin monkey.

464 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:04 pm

[455] My crystal ball says..."Yankees win."

465 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:04 pm

I know I have no confidence in them winning this game because I wasn't the least bit nervous in that AB, nor was I delirious with anger at the site of Marte.

466 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:05 pm

[464] "Outlook cloudy, try again later."

467 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:05 pm

[464] Today or the ALCS?

468 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:05 pm

jepsen had a 4.95 era and 1.50 whip this year (92 era+), by the way

469 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:06 pm

This series has turned on two stupid pitches, which makes you appreciate that a great pitcher combines great stuff with great intelligence (I am thinking about guys like Maddux, Pedro and Mariano).

470 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:06 pm

[455] i'd like to trade mine in for an official Palantir, from Middle-Earth!!!

471 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:06 pm

[459] Be glad they pulled out Saturday night...

472 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:06 pm

why are y'all panicking?

473 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:07 pm

[468] I was going to ask how that could be, when he looked so electric against us. Now I understand.

474 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:07 pm

Get those quick legs motoring.

475 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:07 pm

nice matsui!

476 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:07 pm

[470] It comes in pints?!?!? I'm getting one!

477 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:07 pm

great job, Mats!

PR?!

478 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:07 pm

So, I assume we see one of the three PRs now?

479 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:07 pm

[469] Pedro begged to stay in Game 7 in '03, so you know, not too wise.

480 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:07 pm

Way to go Matsui, Gardner please.

481 dorian greybeard   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:07 pm

is there a reason posada cannot bunt?

482 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:07 pm

Oooooh. Interesting. No DH now.

483 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:07 pm

Gritner in. Matsui on base 3 times today.

c'mon Jorgie!!!

484 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:08 pm

I would rather use Guzman...speaking of questionable intelligence, I don't trust Gardner in this spot.

485 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:08 pm

Why Gardner as the pinch runner? Wouldn't you want him for defense, plus he refused to run last time. I would have gone with Guzman.

486 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:08 pm

[469] I'm not convinced the series has "turned." We have to see how it ends up before making that call.

487 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:08 pm

[482] if we don't tie it, who cares?

488 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:08 pm

Now Gardner don't just stand there, RUN Dummy!

489 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:08 pm

Take the thunder stick out of your ass this time Brett and use those wheels. If you freeze up again you're dead to me.

490 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:08 pm

[481] Because giving away outs is the best way to stop a rally.

491 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:09 pm

Damnit, my computer is so far behind the action. I think I'm almost a full 5 minutes off.

492 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:09 pm

Sigh...

493 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:09 pm

[487] But we have to win it. You have to think about two runs, not just one.

494 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:09 pm

[476] wait, what?! it does?! i'm so confused...

run, brett, run

495 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:09 pm

RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

496 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:09 pm

[482] Gardner is now the DH.

497 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:09 pm

[485] Good call regarding defense. But, you could let him stay at DH and then move him into the field after Johnny bats...losing the DH won't matter this game, most likely.

498 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:09 pm

[473] but actually he only allowed 3.1 bbs per 9. not good but not abysmal. but he allowed 10.4 hits only struck out 7.9 per 9.

499 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:09 pm

[493] i don't see what the difference is. without one we have no chance of winning.

500 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:10 pm

[494] Just mixing my LOTR book and movie references.

Show/Hide Comments 501-600
501 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:10 pm

[485] yes, i agree

502 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:10 pm

0-1 watch for the pitchout.

503 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:10 pm

[496] Yeah, that's what I meant.

[499] Uh. Huh? You don't see the difference between scoring one run and scoring two runs?

Ohhhhhhh fuck.

504 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:10 pm

Damn!

505 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:10 pm

that's why you don't just run on any pitch.

506 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:10 pm

Darn.

507 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:10 pm

And so much for the PR.

508 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:10 pm

Why is Eric Hinske not on this roster if Gardner is never going to start? Do we really need two PRs with no power?

509 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:11 pm

Motherfucking motherfucker.

510 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:11 pm

Good thing Matsui isn't standing there on first base.

511 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:11 pm

[503] you can't score two without scoring one.

512 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:11 pm

i HATE you, brett gardner.

513 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:11 pm

Can we please have our momentum back?

514 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:11 pm

That was very predictable...Girardi needs to realize that Gardner is too sketchy to trust there. The Yankees just gave away an out playing in a way they have no business doing.

515 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:11 pm

YES!!! HIP HIP!!!

516 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:11 pm

ohhhhHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

517 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:11 pm

Oh good/sonofabitch. What a stupid chess player...

518 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:11 pm

A lot of times the manager calls the pitchout.

Hip Hip Jorge!

519 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:11 pm

HIP-HIP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

520 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:11 pm

See ya, to quote MK.

521 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:11 pm

I was going to say, wait for the first pitch out

522 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:11 pm

Eat shit Scioscia.

523 dorian greybeard   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:12 pm

we must win!!!!!!

524 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:12 pm

That's why you don't fool around with this stupid small ball shit.

525 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:12 pm

Man, that thing carried!

I didn't think that was going out off the bat!

YAYYYYYYY!!!

526 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:12 pm

[511] True, but what does that have to do with it???

527 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:12 pm

Well we're alive.

528 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:12 pm

fuck you, Gritner!

529 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:12 pm

Molina!!

530 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:12 pm

HIP HIPJORGE!

531 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:12 pm

Jepsen relaxed with no one on base, and Jorgie made him pay ...

532 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:13 pm

Time for the black hole to find the light.

533 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:13 pm

[512] Not his fault. A perfecr pitchout... and it was still close.
Meanwhile.... POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO sada!

534 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:13 pm

Ok, Robbie, that's something.

535 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:13 pm

ROBBIE!!

536 42yrOldRookie   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:13 pm

nice snag by Arod

537 Emma Span   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:13 pm

What's up rockers? Hope you're all enjoying the emotional roller coaster.

538 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:13 pm

Can't blame Gardner. It was just bad chess by Girardi. Ugh.

539 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:13 pm

Final score Yankees 7 Angels 4. Yankees score all runs on solo hr's from 7 different players;)

540 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:13 pm

[524] I don't know...putting in a PR and sending him was the right call, IMO. It took a perfect throw on a pitch out to get him, barely. Sometimes things don't work out.

541 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:13 pm

Could I make a request for a Yankee home run with runners on base.

542 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:13 pm

NOW, robbie gets a hit...

543 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:14 pm

it's time, Swish...

544 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:14 pm

Think Kate Hudsony thoughts Swish.

545 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:14 pm

Does Scott Boras ever not have a cell phone attached to his ear?

546 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:14 pm

[537] Yo. I guess we're on the up part now.

547 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:14 pm

[533] It's his fault for not going on the first pitch, when a pitchout was less likely. He not only cost Jorge a strike, but he also allowed the Angels to pitch out. Gardner has poor baseball instincts. If they are going to use the PR strategy, I would rather go with Guzman, who seems better at getting a quick jump.

548 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:15 pm

[544] swish's womyn is hot enough he doesn't need to think about kate.

549 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:15 pm

[537] But of course. :)
[542] But of course. :)

550 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:15 pm

why didn't he swing at that last pitch?

551 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:15 pm

4 Runs on 4 HRs. Our RISP is still shit.
This team needs to pretend our pitching sucks nd it's up to them to score 8 runs.

552 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:15 pm

It's too bad I don't believe in sports momentum, because otherwise it would feel like the momentum had switched back in favor of the Yanks.

553 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:15 pm

545 Not nice to tease, he was born that way:)

554 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:15 pm

[540] I don't think so. Brett's just not quite good enough for that to be right. And think about it, all of our homers have been solos, right? Now what does that suggest to you...?

555 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:16 pm

[540] Monkeypants, you got OB & Sutcliffe right announcing right? Had to get up from my futon to come complain about the endless fellating of Mikek Sciosia by those two..it's unbearable! So cool to see Posada jack it there and shut them up.

556 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:16 pm

[540] But why play for the tie...the Yankees are a power laden offense that feeds on baserunners. Unless it's a tie game and Mariano is looming, I would prefer to never sacrifice my power for building a run.

557 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:16 pm

At the very least, they have cleared the bottom of the line-up. Please DO NOT PR for Swish.

558 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:16 pm

good job, Nick.

do it up, Melky. do it up BIG TIME!!!

559 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:17 pm

basehit down the left-field line ... I'm callin it ...

560 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:17 pm

[556] Exactly.

561 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:17 pm

I don't trust Melky here, but you have to roll the dice.

562 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:17 pm

Are you fucking kidding me, Melky?

563 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:17 pm

[556] because, as a 13 inning game should have shown us, just because we are a good hitting team, doesn't mean we always score when we want to.

564 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:17 pm

This is why its awful decision making that there is no Hinske on this roster.

565 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:17 pm

[556] I agree with Seamus on this one (!!!)---down by one late, you need to tie before you can win. I don't mind playing for one to extend the game.

566 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:17 pm

melky takes a terrible hanging changeup and then swings at a pitch in the dirt.

567 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:17 pm

terrible swing, melk

568 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:18 pm

Well, that explains Jepsens ERA.

569 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:18 pm

[563] Nor do we do a good job scoring by playing smallball. (Second inning tonight, fourth inning...)

570 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:18 pm

Lean into one Stein,

571 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:18 pm

[564] Now I agree with YOU on this point, most strenuously!!

572 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:18 pm

double steal, haha!

573 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:18 pm

[565] !!!

574 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:18 pm

Oh, Melky, you're *killing* me.

575 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:19 pm

Hm. At least Melky did not GIDP.

576 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:19 pm

boooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Not even fucking close

577 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:19 pm

Look, with a two run homer, you do not have to tie before you can go ahead! What are you guys talking about?

578 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:19 pm

Hairston would have also been a better option there...Melky has been so bad that letting him hit pretty much was like giving away an out.

579 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:19 pm

that was awful, Melky. his shoulders were high and tight.

Captain Time

580 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:19 pm

It's a nail bita.

581 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:20 pm

Oh, Derek, that was fat!

582 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:20 pm

FUCK YOU, ump.

583 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:21 pm

Damn.

584 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:21 pm

I have to say I like our bullpen better than theirs right now. The tie isn't so bad. I'm feeling somewhat confident despite the bad chess.

585 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:21 pm

Oh, Lord.

So we're going 15, right?

586 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:21 pm

[577] I don't know, the first run that crosses the plate ties the game, the guy hit the HR puts them ahead. When I am down by one late, getting that one run is of infinite importance.

587 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:21 pm

I don't think I can take another extra inning game...

588 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:21 pm

wasted opportunity #3. L.A.M.E.

589 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:21 pm

[584] My thoughts exactly

590 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:22 pm

melky fucking sucks. get him out of the lineup.

591 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:22 pm

The momentum is taking a roller coaster...Angels have to feel great about how that inning ended...Jepsen was ready to implode, but Girardi threw him a lifeline by leaving Melky in to hit and then Jeter let two fat breaking pitches go.

592 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:22 pm

[584] I like our BP better if and only if Girardi is willing to extend Phil and Mo, which he *might* do in a tie game, provided Hughes keeps guys off the bases.

593 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:22 pm

[584] i'm pretty ok. as i said earlier, why all the panic? We now have hughes and Mo to go...

594 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:23 pm

Looks like Coke is coming in to face Abreu.

595 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:23 pm

bollocks.

at least we're tied.

should be Hughes for the 8th. make it quick, son!

596 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:23 pm

[586] Ah, well, that's the key difference between us. I definitely do not give the one run infinite importance. If you don't get another, that one run turns out to be wasted.

597 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:23 pm

[594] Are you serious? Is Girardi trying to lose this game?

598 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:23 pm

Will Marte face Abreu?

599 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:23 pm

[594] Marte is already in, so I'd imagine he stays.

600 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:23 pm

[591] I said it at the time rosters were announced and I'll say it again, not taking Hinske is the biggest strategic blunder this team has made in quite awhile.

Show/Hide Comments 601-700
601 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:23 pm

why all the sudden melky hate? not a good day for him, but other than that i don't get it.

602 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:24 pm

[594] boBBy aBBreu.

603 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:24 pm

Coke it is.

604 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:24 pm

[595] I hope this doesn't mean Coke for the lefty and then Hughes for only two outs. But wait, why not Marte v. the lefty??

605 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:24 pm

Interesting. I'm not ecstatic, because I expect him to walk Abreu.

606 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:24 pm

why didnt he just go to coke instead of marte against chone? not that it's such a bad thing for marte to be unavailable.

607 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:24 pm

[604] I'm hoping it's Phil for Phive, or at least Phour.

608 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:25 pm

Oh, fucking yes. Fucking yes.

609 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:25 pm

OHHHHH, HE'S OUT!!!

610 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:25 pm

Oh Bobby.

611 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:25 pm

[601] He hasn't been very good all post season, and I don't believe he ended the season well.

612 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:25 pm

I thought you always play for the tie on the road? Or has flu medicine make me spout kooky talk? I got no problem with the Garner steal attempt..if you don't steal there's no reason to take Matsui out.

Oh my god, the Angels fundamentals are just apalling!! How many baserunning mistakes is that in this series??

613 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:25 pm

Those fundamentally sound Angels!!

614 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:25 pm

Oh Bobby, how much I love you!

615 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:25 pm

MOMENTUM, hahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

616 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:25 pm

Thanks, Bobby

617 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:25 pm

Way to not cut if off Melky.

618 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:25 pm

Cokey did his job!!!!!!

619 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:26 pm

how about Tex over there at 2nd?!?!

620 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:26 pm

Incredible...using Coke ahead of Hughes was as bad a blunder as Abreu getting caught there, but the Yankees come out ahead.

621 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:26 pm

Wow. We got away with one. Why was Cabrera so far left? Is that a normal shift for Abreu?

622 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:26 pm

What's Teix doing there?

Is that normal?

623 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:26 pm

Teix on 2nd. Madness.

624 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:26 pm

Way to go Jeter and Tex!

625 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:26 pm

Oh, that was Teix at second! I didn't even notice that. Way to go, team!

626 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:26 pm

Melky not so bad, 3 for 8 in first 2 games, on base 5 times in 10 PA. Not his fault we are tied right now.

627 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:26 pm

so, why Coke over Marte, if playing the lefty matchup? was it a personal matchup thing? boBBy own Marte, or something? 'coz he sure looked good against Coke...

628 ed   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:27 pm

That was a really good move, going to Coke for one hitter.

629 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:27 pm

Seriously. Melky was in left center. WTF.

630 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:27 pm

[612] Actually, the old adage is you play to tie it at home and win it on the road. The theory makes sense because if you are the home team, you get the last AB in a tie, so, you can play small ball.

631 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:27 pm

Considering Marte only made one pitch.

632 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:27 pm

nope, boBBy was 0-3 vs. Marte. now there are no more lefties in the pen and GI Joe loves his portsiders. strange things are afoot at the Circle 'A'...

633 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:28 pm

Wow. Melky sorta fucked up defensively, but then made up for it with a great throw. I thought Bobby was making third easy...but then, what WAS he thinking? And once you make the big turn around 2B, you might as well put your head down and keep on going.

634 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:28 pm

[611] he was hitting .333 with two walks in the first two games.

635 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:28 pm

[630] Right, as Standard Wisdom goes, it's not too bad. (Actually thinking it through is better, though.)

636 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:28 pm

[626] Fine...I take it back...but he has been hideous today, which I guess clouds more reasonable judgment.

637 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:28 pm

I don't understand, if you don't trust Marte to get a lefty out why the hell is he even on the roster? Isn't that his purpose. You're burning pitchers in a potential extra inning game with a guy going on short rest tomorrow. Why Joe? Why?

638 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:29 pm

Huuuuuuuuughesssss!

639 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:29 pm

[626] Except for all the men he's left on base, especially in the 8th...

640 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:29 pm

HUGHES!!

641 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:29 pm

620 Technically the Angel's blunder was worse.

642 dorian greybeard   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:29 pm

what an amazing display of athleticism by jeter. boneheaded melky threw it a foot over his head. captain saves the day again

643 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:29 pm

[632] Yeah, I have defended Girardi's BP use overall (with a few annoying quirks), but he sure has burned through relievers in the last two games. Ultimately it probably won't matter if he makes the most of Hughes-Mo.

644 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:30 pm

Yes, we're all agreed that putting Coke made no sense in the first place, turned out badly indeed... and then Abreu bailed out Girardi and Cokey both.

Now let's enjoy our Phil.

645 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:30 pm

[637] Yeah, he took out his lefty specialist for his other lefty specialist... To face a lefty

646 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:30 pm

Joe Buck may be rooting for the Angels, but Timmeh takes any chance he can get to get on his knees for Derek Jeter.

647 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:30 pm

[637] The better question is why is he on the roster ahead of Hinske?

648 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:30 pm

Damn You, Vlad. You and your goddamn game tying homer.

649 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:30 pm

[637] i agree with you, but at the same time don't think it's all that bad that marte and coke are now not available

650 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:31 pm

[643] I think the reason is that he has Gaudin as his security blanket. He feels that if he burns through all his pitchers, he can just let Chad go until the game is over.

There are worse moves, frankly.

651 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:31 pm

[633] By "great" I mean "strong", getting it back to Jeter to allow him to do his thang.

652 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:31 pm

Dear Jorge,
Don't throw a fastball up and in.

653 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:31 pm

Nice play, boys.

Good work, Hughes.

654 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:31 pm

Freaking Mark Teixeira. Awesome.

655 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:31 pm

Teix! I just love having an athletic first base man.

656 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:32 pm

Tex RULES!!!

how in the fuck did Vladi make contact on that?

ooh, i hope it's Fuentes!!! prolly be Bulger though...

657 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:32 pm

i like this guy tex. too bad he can't hit for a lick. :b

658 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:32 pm

Teix flashes the leather, and symbolically flashes Monkeypants the bird ("take that, you and your defense at 1B is not important")!!

659 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:32 pm

You know, if we had corner OF defense, and Molina behind the plate, there might never be an unearned run (except when Cano loses focus)

660 rbj   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:32 pm

OK, that gatorade ad is getting annoying.

661 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:32 pm

Will Hughes pitch the 9th if it's tied? I too am very confused by Joe's BP moves..

662 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:32 pm

that's only 8 pitches for Hughes. he best start the 9th...

663 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:33 pm

Win Expectancy: 48%. (But here it's important to note that the Calculator doesn't know about our bullpen or theirs...)

664 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:33 pm

[647] I'm fine with the second lefty in the pen, its Guzman on the roster that makes no sense. If you want a PR for games you start Gardner that's understandable (I disagree but I see the logic). But Gardner is your PR now, soooo Guzman is your PPR. That's more valuable than having a single guy on the bench who can hit a ball out of the infield?

665 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:33 pm

Mo will start the 9th if we take the lead!!

666 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:33 pm

Joe won't do it, but if we are still tied in the 9th, I leave Phil in there. We could go 13 again.

667 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:33 pm

[661] [662] I'm almost sure he'll pitch the ninth if we don't score. I mean, Girardi really isn't an idiot.

(rest, rest)

Right?

668 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:33 pm

[660] yeah, but i dig the percussion music in it. a lot of commercials actually have incredible music in them...

669 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:34 pm

[664] Two pinch runners makes sense WITH Hinske, not without.

670 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:34 pm

[661] he'd definitely start the 9th if we don't score here. but we will.

671 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:34 pm

650 I se his point about Gaudin, But that last move was baffling, Marte's already in the game. Abreu's 0-3 against Marte, admitted small sample size. I don't think Coke is that much better than Marte. Girardi's moves are like a millionaire buying to Ferrari's in different colors cause he can.

672 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:34 pm

[666] damn you.

oh good, it's fuentes!

673 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:34 pm

Please score 8 here in the 9th. My head can't take it anymore.

674 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:34 pm

[664] Hear hear! I made that point before the ALCS.

675 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:35 pm

Was hoping that HR would get Damon going, but I guess not.

676 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:35 pm

[664] I'm not thrilled at all with carrying a third catcher whose only purpose is to be the emergency catcher on games that Molina starts, gets PH for and Posada gets hurt (or, possibly PR for in extra innings).

Lots of wasted roster spots.

677 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:36 pm

tex just looks bad.

678 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:36 pm

Teixiera needs to wake up...he has looked downright awful.

679 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:36 pm

[676] Cervelli is a waste, can't argue with that. Glaring.

680 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:36 pm

chances fuentes throws anything close to arod? 0?

681 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:36 pm

[663] How does the calculator work?

682 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:36 pm

Hoo boy. He really does look bad.

683 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:36 pm

fuck, tex. what's goin' on with him at the plate?

always comes down to A-Rod.

do it again, buddy!!!

684 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:36 pm

the only roster move i would have done differently would be hinske for Marte. But I fail to see how it makes much of a difference.

685 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:36 pm

Okay, if they don't walk Alex I'l be very, very surprised.

686 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:36 pm

Good heavens. It's tough when you have to justify your 1B because of defense, especially when he is batting third.

687 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:37 pm

Take out Tex and put in Miggy Cairo.

688 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:37 pm

they won't pitch to a-rod.

689 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:37 pm

Wow...Tex has almost been as bad as Arod when he was bad. Too bad for Arod he didn't have someone to pick him up.

Meanwhile, the folly of Gardner comes home to roost as Arod now has 0 protection. Girardi has really not distinguished himself in this game.

690 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:37 pm

WOW

691 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:37 pm

[681] There are only so many different inning/score/bases/outs combinations. It takes the current combination and see what percentage of the time a given team won, based on all the major league games since 1972.

692 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:37 pm

I would not PH for Gardner. I don't think that Hairston is that much of an offensive upgrade over Gritner, and now you lose the possibility of swapping Gritty in for Johnny on defense.

693 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:38 pm

Kelly Leak it for an inside the parker. D'oh.

694 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:38 pm

PH for Gritner? should be HINSKE!!!

Hairston. i dig him. hope he comes through again...

695 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:38 pm

[681] It uses historical data. It takes the situation (run difference, men on base, outs, inning) and it tells you what percentage of games the home team wins in that situation.

But it doesn't incorporate any specific data about the particular teams. It just gives you a nice starting point to think about your chances.

696 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:38 pm

Gritner with the "clutch" hit?

697 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:38 pm

[692] yeah i would have let him hit.

698 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:38 pm

[692] Gardner has no chance against a lefty.

699 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:39 pm

Good to hear some other team getting slammed for the "bad chemistry" bullshit.

700 ed   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:39 pm

Is Gardner really such a bad hitter? They don't want to give him ANY at-bats?

Show/Hide Comments 701-800
701 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:39 pm

Great and now with no Hinske, they can walk A-Rod. great managing.

702 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:39 pm

[696] Nope.

703 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:39 pm

that was a nice curve.

will alex run?

704 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:39 pm

I'd send A-Rod.

705 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:39 pm

I literally just walked in the house from work and put on my spring training jersey.

Spring training jersey + John & Suzyn - McCarver & Buck + commenting on the Banter = win for the Yankees

706 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:39 pm

Mo's warming. Girardi's going to fuck this one up.

707 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:39 pm

[698] neither does hinske, which i imagine is why he's off this roster (la's 2 best relievers are lefties)

708 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:40 pm

OK, does JHJ like pie?

709 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:40 pm

Yeah, he can't catch up to a 90 mph fastball.

Somewhere, Eric Hinske winces.

710 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:40 pm

oh Jerry!!!!!

711 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:40 pm

Please don't fucking waste mo yet

712 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:40 pm

Sigh.

I think this is Girardi's worst game.

713 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:40 pm

godamn motherfucking bullshit.

terrible swings that inning.

that blonde, however, was cute as hell !!! ; )

714 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:40 pm

That was rather putrid.

715 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:40 pm

[706] mo has to be warming in case they take the lead. i still think hughes stays in.

716 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:41 pm

Gaudin in the 11th. : (

717 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:41 pm

[707] He could have hit for Melky against Jepsen...there are spots to use Hinske.

718 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:41 pm

713 That's it focus on the good!

719 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:41 pm

It's still Phil, don't worry.

720 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:41 pm

[698] Even if he has 0%, Hairston has almost 0%. In that case, I would save Gardner for the chance to use him on defense. Now Girardi has basically no PH or PR or LIDR options (he can't use Guzman unless he wants to set up some goofy defense).

721 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:41 pm

[706] Huh? I thought everyone hated Joe Torre for not putting in his closer in a tie game on the road in the 9th. I don't want to lose with the greatest of all time still in the bullpen.

722 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:42 pm

EIGHT pitches for Hughes. PLEASE send him back out.

PLEASE!!!

723 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:42 pm

There's no way Girardi pulls Hughes...it would absolutely defy any kind of logic.

724 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:42 pm

Does anyone think the lyrics in that commercial with the dog sound like "oh edwar oh edwar oh edwar?"

725 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:42 pm

[692] Agreed. Once again we are burning through or BP and our bench.

726 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:42 pm

I'd pitch Mo right now for 1 inning, then Robertson for 1, then Aceves. That way everyone's available for tomorrow. No sense going for 2 from any reliever before Aceves.

727 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:42 pm

[720] He can use Guzman for Posada, actually.

[721] We have to get through two innings! Obviously you have to stick with Hughes.

728 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:43 pm

[721] I think there is a difference between Hughes and Weaver. Also, Mo is coming off 2 1/3 innings, so he cant give you another long outing.

729 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:43 pm

Ok Good. Let's go Phil. Shut 'em down.

730 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:43 pm

That curve was unhittable.

731 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:44 pm

one down.

732 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:44 pm

I'm giving Girardi back some credit. I thought it was a no-brainer leaving Hughes in, but I guess some people would have gone to Mo. This is much, much better.

733 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:44 pm

I'm already sick of that DirectTV commercial with the Black Eye Peas ...

734 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:45 pm

733 It's the only one time I've seen Fergie look halfway decent, still she freaks me out.

735 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:45 pm

I guess Hughes is a good call, but I don't like inconsistency :-)

Plus we have David Robertson, extra-inning specialist!

736 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:45 pm

Know I am beating a dead horse here but can't take it anymore..Sutcliffe said they should build a bronze statue of Sciosia outside the Stadium if they come back to win this series..

Philthy looking filthy!

737 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:46 pm

nasty curve ..... 16mph difference

738 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:46 pm

[735] our 11th inning guy

739 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:46 pm

scary

740 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:46 pm

[735] Robertson could be the eleventh inning guy...

TEIXEIRA. Goddam. Just too damn good.

741 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:46 pm

thank god he caught that!

742 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:46 pm

Tex is UNREAL in the field! : o

743 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:46 pm

I <3 Teixeira

744 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:46 pm

[732] Yeah, but if we lose my guess is that Hughes won't be available tomorrow. That may not matter with CC on the bump, but it could also be huge....

745 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:47 pm

[740] stop trying to steal my thunder!

746 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:47 pm

The fickleness of the curve...it's either an excellent or an awful pitch.

747 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:47 pm

[735] [740] I owe you a root beer.

HUUUUUUUGHEESSSS!

748 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:47 pm

Yikes. That hancuffed him. YES!!!!!!!! Sit on it Howie.

749 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:47 pm

easy is as hughes does

750 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:47 pm

ok it's time for the bottom of our lineup to step it up big time

751 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:47 pm

If it stays tied, you could try to steal another out or two with Hughes, before going to Mo. Or go directly to Mo, do not pass go, do not collect $200.

752 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:48 pm

what is that, like 17 pitches for Hughes. fuck it, send him out again, if need be...

753 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:48 pm

Okay. Let's get a couple and hand the ball to His Moliness.

754 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:48 pm

[736] They can have mine. I just ordered a new one made of Gold.

755 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:48 pm

If they don't score, I hope Hughes can go another.

756 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:48 pm

If you would have told me Arod would absolutely go off before the start of the series, I would have thought this team would score 10 runs per game. It's amazing that they have been pretty much held in check, and even more amazing they haven't lost a game...yet. These other bats better awaken before that changes.

757 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:48 pm

[751] probably go to Mo now. Hughes effectiveness goes down eventually. Then Aceves and Robertson. Then Gaudin. ANd hopefully we just end this soon.

758 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:48 pm

But if we win this game and everyone pitches more than an inning it will show I knew nothing....I'm just worried about tomorrow if we lose...

BUT we can't lose because

Spring training jersey + John & Suzyn - McCarver & Buck + commenting on the Banter = win for the Yankees

[sorry but this inane comment has gotten me this far! I'm sticking with it until it doesn't work].

759 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:49 pm

i would stick with hughes and worry about his future availability later.

it's gonna be mute though, we'll score 2 runs here.

760 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:49 pm

it's time for Swish to come thru...

761 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:49 pm

In lieu of me catching up by reading all these comments ... How's everyone doing?

762 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:49 pm

Yeah, I'd stick with Hughes if we don't score. But I bet Girardi goes to Mo.

Big Plus credit if he stays with Hughes; zero for Mo; negative if he goes to Robertson in the tenth.

763 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:49 pm

Ah, Ray Bulger onto pitch...I loved him in the Wizard of Oz.

764 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:50 pm

The game ends this inning. Yankees win.

765 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:50 pm

Lots of singles strung together with a big homer to end the rally. Let's go Yankees.

766 festus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:50 pm

Crazy thing about that Abreu play is I don't think Abreu would've gone so far out if it didn't look like Melky's throw was headed for 3rd. It was just one of those instinctual Jeter throwouts.

767 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:50 pm

[759] Moot or are you making fun of monkeypants?

768 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:50 pm

If Jorgie reaches, Guzman?

769 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:50 pm

Maybe the Score Truck has finally fought its way through the OC traffic.

770 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:51 pm

don't swing at this pitch

771 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:51 pm

Kate Hudson is looking ravishing today....I hope Arod goes yard for her.

772 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:51 pm

[768]

does Cervelli have any footspeed?

773 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:51 pm

[761] One sick and tense jazz fan here..the fever and Rick Sutcliffe combining to make me a bit loopy..

More Hughes please! He can get at least one more..

774 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:51 pm

Ok so if Jorge walks here do we put in Guzman?

775 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:51 pm

[772] I think he's been used as a PR before, actually. But what else is Guzman good for??

776 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:51 pm

Ray Bulger is too much of a cowardly lion to pitch to Jorge.

777 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:51 pm

[767] making fun! : )

778 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:51 pm

[772] Relative to, say, Posada? I'd say yes.

779 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:52 pm

[774] Is there an echo in here?

780 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:52 pm

those were not strikes

781 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:52 pm

[776] want to play with fire scarecrow?

782 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:52 pm

Goddam.

783 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:52 pm

bah

784 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:52 pm

Everyone knows Italians are fast.

785 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:52 pm

What an absolutely demoralizing AB.

786 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:52 pm

[774] Mute. or Moot.

787 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:53 pm

The two called strikes to Po were both outside. Check it out on Gameday.

788 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:53 pm

that was ball 4. FUCK!

[771] she sure does look amazing!!!

789 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:53 pm

I do believe Jorgie grabbed his bizness on the way back to the dugout :LOL

790 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:53 pm

Come on Robby!

791 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:53 pm

773 I think the Yanks score here making Hughes mute.

792 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:53 pm

[786] mewt

793 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:53 pm

[786] shall we go mute on the mootness.

794 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:53 pm

[784] My preceding comment neglected to mention that I, as an Italian American, am able to make fun of Italians, as per the International Internet Code of 2009.

795 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:54 pm

Swish must get on to clear Melk!

796 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:54 pm

OK Swish, it's up to you to validate my bold prediction.

797 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:54 pm

My patience is wearing thin with Cano...he is having some all-time bad ABs.

798 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:54 pm

789 If it wasn't properly arranged it could have thrown his swing off.

799 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:54 pm

[771] The only way A-Rod sees another strike in this game is if the bases are loaded when he comes up, and even then I'm not sure.

800 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:54 pm

Snellville? my jazz trio played there 3 weeks ago. not far from here...

Show/Hide Comments 801-900
801 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:54 pm

[779] yes...yes...

802 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:54 pm

I say we have to go to Mo here....

803 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:55 pm

really, the team has not looked that great at the plate as a whole. jeter, arod, posada, matsui, and melky have probably looked best.

804 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:55 pm

[796] i predicted he'd come through, too... let's hope!

805 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:56 pm

Swisher CAN'T hit the curve. I wonder why he doesnt see one on every pitch.

806 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:56 pm

8,9,&1 up for the Angels..let's have more Phil!

807 Emma Span   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:56 pm

Does the fact that every time I hear "Bulger" I first think of Fatty Bolger make me the biggest nerd watching the ALCS?

808 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:56 pm

Fug. Now Melk leads off.

809 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:56 pm

OMG. pathetic.

810 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:56 pm

[805] He needs to have a talk with Pedro Cerrano.

811 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:57 pm

[805] i think because he would just walk.

812 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:57 pm

Sigh.

Let's go PhilMo...hold the fort until Jeter or A-Rod run into one.

813 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:57 pm

i think swisher has been the worst hitter today

814 BuckFoston   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:57 pm

810 he needs to pray to Jobu.

815 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:57 pm

my god, i wish y'all could have seen the commercial i just saw. this guys hair. my god. i love local commercials!

816 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:57 pm

Home team is 65/35 favorites when tied starting the bottom of an extra.

817 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:57 pm

Ok, so it's Mo and Robertson? I'll say this much, we've got better relievers in the pen from here on out. I assume the Scarecrow will give way to Mrs. King aka Ervin.

818 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:58 pm

[815] I got a commercial for the NC State Fair. It was predictably.... Southern.

819 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:59 pm

[808] If it gets to the 11th, we will see Melky Redemption.
.
.
.
Yeah, my credibility with predictions is real, real low. But I still say that the Yankees win this game, even if I can't foretell the exact path.

820 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:59 pm

With the way the other batters have performed, the Yankees likely would have been bounced from the ALDS without super Arod. Should he hit a mini-slump, this team is in huge trouble.

The Yankees should have won all three games in this series with relative ease, but their inability to capitalize on opportunities has kept things close. I hope there good fortune doesn't run out. Either way, I think Girardi needs to consider sending Cano or Swisher to the pine for a game.

821 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 7:59 pm

Huuuuuughes!

+ to Joe.

822 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:00 pm

OK. Now you go to Mo.

823 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:00 pm

Hoo boy.
Come on, Phil!

824 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:00 pm

Bring on Mo now, walk Aybar and let Mo finish.

825 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:00 pm

OK now Mo. Please.

826 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:00 pm

A double to Mathis??

Karma not with us this game, 2-1 series lead still not too bad..

827 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:00 pm

ugh.

828 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:00 pm

i tried to explain. Hughes effectiveness goes down dramatically past two innings.

829 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:01 pm

Wow, I agree with Tim. That's scary.

830 Emma Span   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:01 pm

I want Mo right now like toddlers want their security blankets.

831 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:01 pm

You can't live dangerously and live to tell about it every game...this game was lost well before this inning. Now, the Yankees have given life support to a dead team. If CC isn't CC tomorrow, the panic button will be blinking.

It's time for Mariano...you lose it with your best.

832 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:01 pm

[820] For who? Gardner and Melky in the lineup?

833 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:01 pm

Well, if they're gonna walk Aybar, I'd prefer Hughes does it.

834 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:01 pm

[828] But it wasn't two innings. He got four outs.
Anyway, you were right. Damn.

835 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:01 pm

[828] True, except he hasn't pitched two innings, at least not two full innings.

836 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:01 pm

it's Mo time. please don't give this up here. please...

837 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:02 pm

I have a bad feeling about this, even with Mo on the MOund

838 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:02 pm

[834] [835] yeah true. But when I looked at that earlier this season i didn't look at partial innings.

839 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:02 pm

Well we may lose this game but on the bright side only Hughes is burnt for tomorrow and we'll have everyone else I would think.

840 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:02 pm

[833] Good point. Huh.
But ya know, Aybar sucks, so they won't walk him. They'll let him bunt. And for that, you want Mo, right?

841 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:02 pm

Right move bringing in Mo here, and the right move starting the inning with Phil. That decision was made correctly.

842 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:03 pm

Their black hole has a few BIG hits. Our bottom 3 have been useless.

843 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:03 pm

[833] [840] I guess it depends on the poison you like, a bunt from Aybar to move Mathis to third or 1st and 2nd no outs and maybe they bunt anyway.

844 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:03 pm

[832] I'd give Hairston a chance...both have been so futile that maybe a day off would be a wakeup call. They have pretty cost the Yankees this game and put a trip to the World Series in jeopardy.

845 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:03 pm

[842] useless is an understatement. they've been disgusting.

846 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:04 pm

This is mission impossible for even Mo.

847 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:04 pm

I guess it's a moot point, he'll bunt him to third and then figgins and abreu...

848 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:04 pm

[842] why blame the bottom 3? they've been better than our 2-3. Damon's homerun was an aberation for those guys. Look, you bottom 3 is a good bottom 3 as there is.

849 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:04 pm

I like this. Aybar might pop the bunt up...

850 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:04 pm

let's hope we can get the lead runner

851 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:05 pm

I can't believe he did it again.

Mo!

852 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:05 pm

Fuck.
I think Mo did it right. It was worth a try.

853 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:05 pm

or 1st and 3rd nobody out...FUCK

854 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:05 pm

Hm. Shades of 2001 on that play. Bad call by Mo.

855 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:05 pm

oh god. mo? wtf?

856 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:05 pm

Shades of 2001

857 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:05 pm

Mo with a cutter in the dirt to A-Rod...

858 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:05 pm

Dang. He would have had him.
Damn.

859 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:05 pm

a good throw had him all the way.

WTF?!

860 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:05 pm

Wow...Mariano absolutely had him dead...who would ever think he would make another error to cost the Yankees a game.

The Yankees have flat out given this game away...it's exactly what the Angels needed. The series is 2-1, but it feels like the Angels are at least even.

861 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:06 pm

I think it was the right play. Just didn't execute it.

862 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:06 pm

[852] OK, on replay he did have a chance at him. Still, I think you take the out at 1B. Now the IF is in for the inevitable blooper.

863 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:06 pm

You know what though, I'm glad he took a shot. If Arod caught that we'd get him and push on from there....otherwise it's 3rd base with 1 out ...If Mo gets a K here we've got the DP

864 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:06 pm

Don't you walk him to set up a force at home?

865 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:06 pm

Squeeze?

866 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:06 pm

Mo works in mysterious ways.

867 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:06 pm

strike him out. then DP.

868 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:07 pm

wow, lucky!

869 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:07 pm

Tex is AMAZING!

now, DP please.

870 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:07 pm

Whew.

Teix is really, really sticking it to me today!!

871 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:07 pm

[864] No, because Abreu >> Figgins.

872 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:07 pm

Nice play Tex-era (as Johnny damon would pronounce it). Do we walk Bobby here?

873 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:07 pm

Now you walk Abreu.

874 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:07 pm

That was scary

875 Shaun P.   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:07 pm

[852] Right play, wrong execution.

I know fielding can be overrated - but as bad as Tex has been with his bat, he's been as good with his glove.

876 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:07 pm

[869] No DP unless they load the bases.

877 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:07 pm

The stupid idiot Fox announcers are right. Scioscia screwed up by not pinch running.

878 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:08 pm

[876] And there you go.

879 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:08 pm

bases loaded, vladi.

Mo > Papelbitch

inning ending DP, please!!!

my stomach is killing me...

880 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:08 pm

I like walking Bobby here...I'd rather lose to Hunter than Bobby....hell, maybe Mo gets a K and a ground out.

881 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:08 pm

Anybody but Mo, I would say do NOT give the IBB. But with Mo, okay.

882 Shaun P.   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:08 pm

Hi all - was watching with the kids before - holding kids means not holding the laptop. These nail biters are getting to be something, huh?

883 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:08 pm

[877] I first used "stupid idiot" to yell at my brother when I was five. Proper citation, please.

884 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:09 pm

[878] i was looking in my Palantir! ; )

885 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:09 pm

[879] It's Torii. Scarier.

886 Shaun P.   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:09 pm

[881] Agreed. He won't lose his control.

887 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:09 pm

smart move now

888 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:09 pm

Um, well this is clearly so that Rivera can hit the game winning home run.

889 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:10 pm

good move here. gotta put in even a slightly stronger arm.

890 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:10 pm

Great play by JD backing up Mo's bad throw. He was right there on a bang bang play.

Mo must throttle up!!!

891 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:10 pm

What? This is insane. Isn't Guzman an outfielder?

892 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:10 pm

i would maybe put hairston in the infield here and use only 2 shallow outfielders

893 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:10 pm

So Girardi ends up using Hairston in the OF after all. I of course would have had Gardner in CF and Malky in LF. Oh well.

894 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:10 pm

Wow. Now we really don't have a DH, literally. Mo will have to get the go-ahead RBI!

895 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:10 pm

Hairston for pinch thrower?

896 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:10 pm

This game has been managed weirdly.

897 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:11 pm

[893] You called it... I agreed.

898 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:11 pm

I think it's a reasonable move to put in Hairston. I mean, a fly to LF and we lose, with Damon.

899 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:11 pm

The story to me is how bottom-of-the-order-ly the bottom of the order has performed. I mean Swisher has been atrocioius today, and distinctly un-Swisheresque. Cano is a waste of an at-bat with runners on.

That and Girardi burning through relievers like there's no tomorrow.

I disagree that the only positive has been A Rod, as Jeter, Posada and Matsui have been plenty good.

900 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:11 pm

[888] [894] Another Root Beer, please.

Show/Hide Comments 901-1000
901 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:11 pm

[894] Except that Mo is probably a better hitter, they can always PH Guzman or Cervelli for the pitcher/DH spot.

902 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:11 pm

K him

903 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:12 pm

wHooo!

904 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:12 pm

I love Tex...

905 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:12 pm

And it always comes down to Vlad!

906 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:12 pm

ok, good.

we're still alive.

good job Mo & Tex.

1 more. PLEASE!!!

now, it's Vlad...

907 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:12 pm

Teix is putting on a frigging clinic.

908 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:12 pm

Mo and Tex!!!!!!

If we get out of this inning I would think the Angels are going to start looking at each other with the "we can't beat them faces" just like the Twinkies.

909 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:13 pm

[907]

Reminiscent of Nettles against the Dodgers 30+ years ago ...

910 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:13 pm

In Mo we trust!

911 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:13 pm

YES!!!

912 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:13 pm

WOW! MO!!!!!!!

913 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:13 pm

wooohohohohohohohohoh

914 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:13 pm

I'm going to cry.

Praise.

Be.

To.

Mo.

915 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:13 pm

Mehmattski, I will happily buy you rootbeer.

Thanks be to Mo.

916 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:13 pm

i LOVE mo!!!!

exhale

917 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:13 pm

Mo = Playoff Jordan, he will not be denied.

918 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:13 pm

That was interesting. Christ my heart.

919 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:13 pm

I love Mariano more than any man in the world except my father..St.Mo, we all worship at your feet!

920 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:13 pm

The legend of Mariano grows, which is incredible in and of itself.

921 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:13 pm

HOLY SHIT MARIANO + TEX FUCK YES

922 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:13 pm

I really can hardly believe he got out of that. Truly magnificent.

923 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:13 pm

oh lord jesus team i got home to see that whole 10th inning but was too nervous to post - okay team score

924 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:13 pm

man, that was rough.

925 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:14 pm

And Mo saw that the game was in darkness.
And Mo said "let there be outs!"
And there were outs.
And it was good.

926 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:14 pm

[907] He is amazing.

927 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:14 pm

i'm waaaay too young to have a heart attack.

Hughes about put me over the edge that inning. well, Mo's throw, too..

i'm sooooooooooo hungry....

928 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:14 pm

Teix has been like a goddamn ball-magnet.

929 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:14 pm

I just cursed in front of the kids. That cost me money. But, biy am I nerve wracked.

930 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:14 pm

[919] i love mo even more than i love your father

931 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:14 pm

I don't know when Mo is supposed to bat but he could always bunt....didn't he draw a big walk this Summer? I am trying to remember.

932 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:14 pm

MO KILLS US... AND THEN RESUSITATES US.
(with a few check pumps from Tex!)

933 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:14 pm

Well, to be fair, Mo DID contribute to the mess ... but Tex bailed him out ...

934 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:15 pm

[925] fabulous

935 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:15 pm

[931] he got an RBI. and hit the ball hard in an out as well.

936 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:15 pm

[931] yep off krod and got an rbi

937 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:15 pm

[925] Amen.

938 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:15 pm

I interupt this joy and enthusiasm to announce the lineup in the 11th...Melky, Jeter and Mariano!

The question for the day now becomes, do you hit for Mariano, or do you let Sabathia take some swings.

939 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:15 pm

[923] glad you made it!

940 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:15 pm

Holy shit! This game is going to kill me.

941 42yrOldRookie   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:16 pm

http://tinyurl.com/yk3fq9e Mo has a .315 WPA today

942 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:16 pm

I'd love to see the Yankees score like four runs here. Feel like it may not happen tho

943 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:16 pm

[938] Yes, I can't wait to see Mo hit.

944 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:16 pm

[939] thanks seamus - that was some serious stress though

945 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:16 pm

melky loves taking hittable pitches

946 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:16 pm

Wow .... let CC bat for Mo???? I like it!

947 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:16 pm

[938] depends on the situation.

948 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:17 pm

I wouldn't pitch Mo in the next inning though to save him for tomorrow....

949 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:17 pm

I actually feel like Melky has as little a chance to get a hit as Mariano does.

The Yankees circular lineup is missing a hemisphere.

950 Shaun P.   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:17 pm

[940] If Saturday night didn't kill you, this won't.

OK, does Mo hit?

951 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:18 pm

Christ... that was fast.

952 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:18 pm

no mo

953 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:18 pm

Frankie Brains for the go-ahead tater?

954 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:18 pm

[935] [936] Right I remember now...and I believe he may have gotten some pie.

955 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:18 pm

this makes no sense. cervelli isn't going to get a hit anyway!

956 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:18 pm

I'm glad they're not letting Rivera hit.

957 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:18 pm

Aww.

Come on, Frankie!

958 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:18 pm

[953] yeah right!

959 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:18 pm

umm. wish we had hinske lol

960 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:18 pm

I would let Mo hit. Seriously.

961 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:18 pm

Why not hit with Sabathia here? I actually think he has a better chance of getting a hit than Cervelli.

962 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:18 pm

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Last Mo take every pitch!
There's 2 outs.
We need Mo on the mound!!!!!!!!!!!

963 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:18 pm

I'm glad Melky is hitting so well. Really speeds up the game.

964 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:18 pm

This is a very odd PH...Cervelli for Hairston? And that will push Guzman into the OF. Goodbye remaining bench.

965 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:19 pm

Honest Abe on the mound...

966 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:19 pm

Girardi really screwed up here..the chance of a shallow fly ball was not worth losing a HR hitter in favor of Cervelli.

967 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:19 pm

Damn, I don't like this. Now can't pinch run for Po.

968 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:19 pm

Evil and I were there for Frankie Brains' 1st homer. let's witness another one...

Mo's work is done...

969 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:19 pm

Wait, have I missed something?

How many outs did Mo get?

970 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:19 pm

[964] cervelli for mo

971 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:19 pm

[964] For Mariano.

972 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:19 pm

please let it get to Tex.

973 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:19 pm

[964] Can hairston not take Johnny's spot since he was in left field?

974 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:19 pm

Melky not hitting isn't bothering me too much for some reason. Swisher and Cano are.

975 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:19 pm

Cervix with instructions to take a BB.....

976 mehmattski   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:19 pm

Lean into it, kid!

977 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:19 pm

[956] This has nothing to do with Rivera...his spot does not come up for another three batters or so.

978 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:19 pm

I would have let Mo hit too..we need another inning from him, then let the boppers come up to win it..

979 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:19 pm

Frankie ... just make believe its a Ray pitcher out there ...

980 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:19 pm

Oh, Molina, sorry, I forgot. Okay. Still would let Mo hit (so he could pitch again.)

981 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:20 pm

Garbage.

982 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:20 pm

[973] Hairston is batting 4th...you can't move hitters around once they are in the lineup.

983 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:20 pm

Sigh.

Bad bench management by Girardi, very bad. Good bullpen use, bad bench management.

984 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:20 pm

[977] Mo replaced damon in the lineup when hairston (who replaced gardner) went into the field.

985 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:20 pm

[968] sadly I didn't make it to Hotlanta until the next night...But I did hear an old man yell "Sucks!" in front of his child every time I yelled "Johnnnn-ny Daaaa-Mon!" [clap clap clap clap clap]

986 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:21 pm

that fucking blew.

and no more Mo on the mound...

987 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:21 pm

[977] Well then the men on the TV are full of shit.

988 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:21 pm

[977] hairston is in matsui's spot

989 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:21 pm

Using Cervelli was stupid...he should have Guzman go into play LF for Damon and then have him try to bunt. Girardi has once again managed a close game without a clue. They can't keep bailing him out.

990 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:21 pm

I don't understand. Mo was already in the game. Hairston was already in the game for Gardner/Matsui (batting 5th). Hairston went into the field for Damon, that makes Mo have to take Damon's spot in the lineup (2nd). So why pull Mo here?

991 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:21 pm

Admittedly I am not well versed on substitution rules.

992 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:22 pm

[977] It absolutley does...Mariano was inserted into Damon's spot.

993 Shaun P.   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:22 pm

As much as I relish seeing CC loft one into the stands - if he got, let's just say as an out of this world example since it destroyed Wang, hurt running the bases, that would be a HUGE problem. Not sure Girardi can risk that, bat or no.

994 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:22 pm

[990] because it was his turn at the plate. i would have let him hit.

995 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:22 pm

[989] Yep, if the Yankees manage to pull this out, it has nothing to do with Girardi's management. Really he handicapped the team. He is playing chess looking no moves ahead.

996 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:22 pm

ryan howard just crushed a 2-run bomb in the 1st. he's en fuego!

997 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:22 pm

[986] But Mo is available tomorrow...In fact, everyone but Hughes is....So I'm not sure I mind that....We've got Robertson for up to 2 and then Aceves for 2. After that it's our boy Chad Gaudin.

998 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:23 pm

Our 11th inning guy!

999 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:23 pm

[984] Yep, you are correct. In any case, Mo did not have to bat for the DH spot, which is what some were saying (including the TV announcers).

1000 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:23 pm

I would much prefer Aceves...Robertson is still too wild for my taste.

Show/Hide Comments 1001-1100
1001 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:23 pm

So, that Eric Hinske, comfy on the bench in his hoodie?

1002 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:23 pm

[990] they should have sent mo up with do-not-break instructions not to swing

1003 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:23 pm

[983] The bullpen use was effective in each instance but kind of short-sighted. It's like Girardi wanted to see if he could run out of relievers faster than he did in game 2.

1004 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:23 pm

[999] They just put it badly. They meant we lost the DH, so Mo had to bat.

1005 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:24 pm

[996] Wow, the Dodgers would appear to be toast...Torre better go to Proctor.

1006 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:24 pm

[1000] DRob has the best K/BB split in the majors this year.

1007 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:24 pm

[985] oh, there was awful stuff being said about Johnny the night you were there. i was sitting right behind JD. it was disgusting...

1008 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:24 pm

Not sure Rivera could have gone more than one tonight anyways. He went what, 2 and a third on Saturday?

1009 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:24 pm

I feel we are significant underdogs here, but it's far from hopeless. Maybe 2:1 against. It was much longer last inning with 1 and 3 and nobody out!

1010 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:24 pm

[1000] at this point in time i think robertson is better than aceves

1011 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:25 pm

i think the bullpen management was fine, hughes fucked it up by giving up a leadoff double.

1012 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:25 pm

[990] Oh cripes, shoot me. I understand the fucking rule but managed to have the wrong spot in the order.

Yes, I would have let Mo hit with two outs, and then go batter-to-batter with him.

1013 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:25 pm

[1005] is proctor's career over?

1014 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:25 pm

[1006] It's the walk portion I worry about.

1015 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:25 pm

Thank goodness he hit that to Jeter and not Cano....I freak out every time I see Cano field a ball.

1016 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:25 pm

[1008] Hmm, good point. I did underestimate Hughes' drop-off. Maybe Mo was good for one incredible inning and no more.

1017 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:26 pm

[1012] yeah you had it right the whole time - deep breath, you're good

1018 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:26 pm

i would've let Mo hit w/ 2 outs.

1019 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:27 pm

There's another reason to have let Mo hit.
Dude can hit. He might have reached.

1020 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:27 pm

at this point i suppose it actually is best to save mo for possible use tomorrow

1021 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:27 pm

[1013] I don't know but he didn't pitch this season.

1022 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:27 pm

[1017] Apparently I was asleep at the switch. ; )

1023 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:27 pm

[1019] yep i was thinking he may have been our best choice. though as some have said, sabbathia was probably our best hitter there

1024 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:27 pm

Oye, just walk Morales here...don't pitch to him. maybe they'll pull him for Wilits.

1025 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:28 pm

I don't think this game would be a disastrous loss for the Yankees. Sure they had their chances, but the Angels have wasted chances all series long. These have been close games with good pitching; there are always missed opportunities in those cases.

That being said I really hope the Yanks pull it out.

1026 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:28 pm

[1021] thanks. i kind of forgot what happened with him.

1027 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:28 pm

[1020] Not if he's still effective tonight. This is the highest leverage spot there is.

1028 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:28 pm

I am surprised no manager has dropped dead on the field. The tension in these ganes is unreal.

1029 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:28 pm

nice!

1030 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:28 pm

beautiful.

1 more out.

then...TEX!!!

1031 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:29 pm

whew! I am frightened of Morales....

Ugh, I'm more frightened of Kendrick who, for some reason, makes me think of Fred McGriff....

Why the hell is Robertson being pulled here? BIG mistake.

1032 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:29 pm

why pull robertson?

1033 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:29 pm

ok now what the fuck is he doing??? this is fucking AWFUL, by far the worst move he's made this series.

1034 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:29 pm

WTF?

1035 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:29 pm

Oh fer god sake.

Joe loses all the credit for bullpen management.

1036 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:29 pm

WTF? why take out D-Rob?!?! oy vey!

1037 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:29 pm

what in the fuck is girardi doing?

1038 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:29 pm

[1020] I might still have let him pitch just to "save" the PH. It always strikes me as futile to PH with an incredibly crappy hitter with two outs.

WTF???!!!??? Robertson for one batter????

1039 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:29 pm

Say what??? What the fuck is this about? Girardi has really outdone himself.

1040 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:29 pm

Ok, someone take the crack pipe away from Joe, please.

1041 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:30 pm

Is Robertson hurt?

1042 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:30 pm

I don't get it. We call this over-managing. I hope I'll eat my words.

1043 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:30 pm

I got an idea, let's throw a slower speed Aceves to the guy hitting like Lou Gehrig tonight

{/Girardi}

1044 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:30 pm

[1039] And I say that as one who is more comfortable with Aceves, but after Robertson exhibits good command and gets two outs, how do you pull him?

1045 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:30 pm

[1038] two batters bro. right? am i wrong? ack. my brain has lost it.

1046 joe   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:30 pm

Well I guess I'm not the only one that thinks Robertson should have stayed in. He looks pretty strong, 11 pitches too. And fearless.

1047 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:30 pm

[1027] highest leverage for the same reason angels have a huge advantage in this game. i think we need him well rested for tomorrow.

1048 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:30 pm

Wait, what, what what what?! Tie game, extra innings, and you are lifting Robertson?! WHAT?!

1049 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:31 pm

(I think Howie Kendrick and Fred McGriff favor one another in the face; not how they bat or positions, etc.).

1050 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:31 pm

[1026] i think proctor had TJ surgery for the Marlins organization...

[1028] LOL. i'm surprised *I* haven't lost it. these games KILL me... : ~

1051 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:31 pm

Does DRob have any history against this batter???

1052 nemecizer   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:31 pm

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?

1053 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:31 pm

is this a matchup issue with robertson-kendrick?

1054 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:31 pm

I bet in a extremely small sample size, Aceves has better number against Kendrick.

Did you see that shot of Joe looking at that huge binder.

This is a horrible call.

1055 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:31 pm

What has Kendrick done against Robertson? Has he even had an ab against him?

1056 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:31 pm

[1038] Why not PH with Guzman? He must know how to bunt. If he gets on base, then you roll the dice that Teixeira will remember how to hit.

1057 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:31 pm

Keep cycling through the pen, you're going to find the guy that doesn't have it...

1058 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:31 pm

[1045] Monkeypants having trouble with numbers tonight...

1059 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:31 pm

[1050] ok thanks thelarmis.

1060 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:31 pm

This is an insane move.

1061 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:31 pm

[1038] That is, TWO batters.

And the sad thing, I have not been drinking at all.

1062 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:32 pm

[1050] you are correct. he signed with the marlins on 1/1/09 per baseball reference.

1063 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:32 pm

i am so pissed right now. this is bullshit.

1064 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:32 pm

i wish Jeter woulda grabbed by Joe by the ankle and been like, "what the fuck, dude? NO!!!"

1065 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:32 pm

[1058] ok not me. good. well, not good for monkeypants. sorry.

1066 Just Fair   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:32 pm

I hate Howie Kendrick. I think he homered off Robertson in Little League. Good call, Joe.

1067 matt b   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:32 pm

This is an absurd move.

1068 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:32 pm

When I expressed fear about Girardi in the post season, this is what I was talkign about.

1069 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:32 pm

sigh ...

1070 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:32 pm

But really....
DRob is going to have a long, successful run with us... yes?

1071 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:32 pm

[1058] Yes. Yes I am.

I'm still in a lather over my losing-the-DH fiasco.

Still, it seems silly to pull Robertson.

1072 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:32 pm

JOE GIRARDI I HATE YOU RIGHT NOW _ THIS IS BULLSHIT

1073 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:33 pm

Ugh.
Nice try, Rob.

1074 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:33 pm

Oh now I see why Robertson was pulled.....Great move Joe.

1075 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:33 pm

ludicrous.

1076 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:33 pm

So uh, why the switch to Aceves, exactly?

1077 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:33 pm

Now Kendrick steals 2B, Mathis singles and Girardi can finally claim the manager's loss I've been fearing.

1078 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:33 pm

I officially hate Joe Girardi, because this move is so far beyond dumb.

1079 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:33 pm

This is fucked up.

1080 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:33 pm

I want Ace to throw over to first about eleven times.

1081 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:33 pm

[1068] me too William...over-managing.

1082 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:33 pm

[1065] : )

1083 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:34 pm

get this scrub hitter

1084 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:34 pm

i don't know enough to know if the mvoe was dumb.

1085 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:34 pm

and to fucking boot fox and or time warner is fucking up again

1086 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:34 pm

this is so fucked up

1087 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:34 pm

[1084] You're thinking of the history of Ace and D-Rob against these two batters or something?

SSS.

1088 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:34 pm

Don't worry guys, we have Chad Gaudin left to save the day and CC to hit the game winning HR.

1089 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:34 pm

Maybe we should start throwing at Kendrick...that seemed to cool off Mike Piazza a few years ago.

1090 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:35 pm

[1084] yes you do. it was DUMB!

1091 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:35 pm

Did he really go by the 1 for 2 that Robertson had against Kendrick?

1092 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:35 pm

And that's a Girardi loss.

Damn.

1093 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:35 pm

Nice play Jerry...

1094 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:35 pm

FUCK YOU GIRARDI

1095 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:35 pm

fuck girardi. seriously. FUCK him

1096 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:35 pm

Joe Girardi with the L.. damn it..

1097 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:35 pm

Yanks 2
Halos 1

Halos 1
Girardi 0

1098 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:35 pm

Does JD maybe catch that?

1099 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:35 pm

awful awful bullshit - eat a bad in-and-ot burger joey joe joe

1100 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:35 pm

damn. aceves has really struggled this post-season.

Show/Hide Comments 1101-1200
1101 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:35 pm

FUCK JOE GIRARDI!!!!!

1102 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:35 pm

That was just frigging brilliant. And it was noce to see Hairston trying to "play" OF on that, instead of, say, Gardner or Melky.

1103 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:36 pm

Good thing Boss George isn't in the stands ...

1104 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:36 pm

[1084] Now you do.

1105 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:36 pm

Overmanaging moron.

1106 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:36 pm

Gift wrapped by Girardi...this is a crushing loss that should have never happened. Girardi finally beat himself...now the Yankees face a must win tomorrow. If they lose, the series ends in 6.

1107 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:36 pm

Again... there worst fucking hitter!!

1108 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:36 pm

What a fucking idiot.

1109 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:36 pm

That's ok, well not ok, but I'm rationalizing. We've got CC tomorrow and everyone but Hughes should be available...then a day off....so we're going to be fine. I didn't think we'd sweep this team. We're still up 2-1.

1110 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:36 pm

Hairston may be dead as well.

Hey Torre, your Weaver move has been subplanted!

1111 seamus   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:37 pm

ok i'm out of here. i don't get the girardi hate and probably never will. see y'all tomorrow.

1112 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:37 pm

YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME

1113 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:37 pm

I would like to punch Girardi in the face right now. No second-guessing here. EVERYONE in the free world saw that as stupid, unnecessary move. What a douche.

FIRE GIRARDI

1114 jjmerlock   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:37 pm

Is our manager retarded? I think there's a really good chance he's retarded.

And because of all those protein shakes, no one could tackle him and say, "hey, Joe, don't be retarded." Holy fucking shit that was inexplicable. Holy fucking shit.

1115 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:37 pm

that was such a fucktard move - fucking shit for brains girardi

1116 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:37 pm

Melky has a hell of an arm, though, huh?

1117 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:37 pm

$60 million payroll advantage fraud.

1118 Bobtaco   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:37 pm

[1110] Well, it wasn't in the World Series at least.

1119 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:37 pm

JHJr took a bad route to that... but the guy is not an outfielder.

1120 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:37 pm

I'm going to watch the postgame, I want to know just what the fuck Girardi was thinking

1121 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:37 pm

How can anyone not hate Girardi after that one?

1122 matt b   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:37 pm

First he pulls Marte for Coke, so he has no lefty left...then pulls Robertson? Girardi has got to calm down.

1123 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:37 pm

why in the world did he lift david robertson? WHY?!?!?!

1124 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:37 pm

First pitch with CC tomorrow I hope he goes "Roger Clemens meet Mr. Piazza" on Kendrick...it's the only way to cool his ass off.

1125 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:37 pm

This game was pretty poorly managed, but also revealed the deep weaknesses of a roster built to feature a bench of BUCs and PRs. In other words, this game exposed both tactical and strategic flaws.

1126 Shaun P.   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:38 pm

Well, there's always tomorrow.

1127 Yankee Mama   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:38 pm

This was Girardi's loss. Pure and simple.

1128 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:38 pm

SHIT!

1129 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:38 pm

[1125] I agree, because it helped give Girardi carte blanche to manage like shit.

1130 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:39 pm

[1120] i don't think i can watch that without getting even more angry because no matter what he says it is a bunch of stupid fucking bullshit and he'll just be fidgeting around and saying well a whole fucking lot

1131 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:39 pm

[1109] CC is going tomorrow...but on short rest and with a tired bullpen thanks to Girardi. If the Yankees don't win, the Angels have Lackey going in game 5 and then all they need to do is steal one game. The Yankees are looking at another epic ALCS collapse. If it happens, Girardi has to go. It's time for the Yankees to stop losing playoff series because their manager is a fucking moron.

1132 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:39 pm

CC will smoke their asses tomorrow. I just wish it was going to be FTW. Instead of WTF.
See you then!

1133 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:39 pm

[1011] By the time it had gotten to Hughes in the eighth Girardi had already burned through BOTH his lefties.

1134 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:39 pm

[1111] You kidding? EVERYone first-guessed that as an awful move..bad game for Joe G, this team is good enough to rebound but he is not really bringing anything to the table at this point.

1135 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:40 pm

i have to go get dinner now. gonna bring it home so i can watch the phillies game. i'll check in here, see if anyone's still around to commiserate later...

this SUCKS!

i definitely become pessimistic here. if CC doesn't win tomorrow, i think we're cooked... : (

1136 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:40 pm

Kendrick was 1-2 off Robertson before that AB
Kendrick had never faced Aceves

Apparently the sample size police are chasing Girardi in the parking lot as we type.

don't worry fellas we'll get this one back. Just win 1 of 2 out there and we're good.

1137 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:40 pm

my brother, who knows NOTHING about baseball, just texted me asking "why'd he switch pitchers there?"

1138 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:40 pm

[1133] BOTH his lefties for consecutive batters, IIRC.

1139 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:41 pm

I think I'd rather listen to Omar Minaya than Girardi right about now ....

1140 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:41 pm

Let me also mention that if our players could hit a fucking fly ball earlier in the game then we wouldn't have been in that position.

1141 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:42 pm

this is the maddest i've ever been at a manager, even madder than i was at torre after game 5 against boston. this is inexcusable.

1142 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:42 pm

Just like with park factors, there should be a payroll factor with with to evaluate managers.

1143 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:42 pm

[1131] Tired pen? Marte threw one pitch, Robertson threw like what, 8? Aceves is rested.

Aggressive BP management is going to Mo in the 10th, that's a good move. If Robertson comes in and walks two guys, you lift him, but he was dealing. All he does is strike people out and not give up XBH. Why? Why? Why?!!!!!

1144 tommyl   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:43 pm

[1138] Well Marte did throw that one pitch. Maybe he was winded.

1145 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:43 pm

[1143] because Kendrick was 1-2 against Robertson and Joe Girardi thinks that means 50 for 100.

1146 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:43 pm

[1134] Ummm, the offense isn't bringing anything to the table. How many chances were utterly blown today? And that's Girardi's fault?

By the way, everyone but Hughes is available tomorrow

1147 Emma Span   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:43 pm

Well, I never thought the Yankees would sweep the Angels out of the ALCS in Anaheim... if they can get it back to Yankee Stadium up 3-2 I still like their odds. See y'all for tomorrow night's recap!

1148 Evil Empire   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:44 pm

Later Guys and Gals...We'll get 'em tomorrow while I'll be traveling to Phoenix.

1149 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:44 pm

[1146] The offense sucked, but that doesn't mean the manager can go and make things worse.

1150 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:44 pm

[1141] me too - this was just ridiculous bullshit
aceves has been a bit off for a while now and robertson looked good

1151 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:44 pm

He liked the matchup better with Aceves... That's why Robertson was pulled

1152 Diane Firstman   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:45 pm

MLB.com tweet:
That's the Yankees first loss in 31ALCS games when leading by 3+ runs -

1153 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:45 pm

Paul, I mean Bum's Rush, must be related to Girardi.

1154 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:45 pm

[1142] Yeah, cause all the previous years with a 200 million payroll they made the ALCS.

Meanwhile, it's the manger's fault they're overpaying almost every player.

1155 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:45 pm

But what also kills me was the cascade effect started by the PR merry-go-round:

PR Gardner for Matsui (ok, I can see why he did it) ---> PH for Gardner with Hairston, with 2 outs (bad move, as I posted at the time) ---> which forced Hairston into the OF as a pinch thrower ---> which left Guzman/Cervelli to PH for the pitcher batting for Damon (by that point, this was irrelevant).

So the game ends with Hairston unable to make an OF play, Guzman on the bench, and Gardner never able to play the field.

1156 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:46 pm

The mistake was taking Gardy out instead of having Melky in LF and Gerdy in CF. That started the snowball that lead to JHJr in the OF and wasting a player. And the Mo AB. Melky catches that last ball.

1157 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:46 pm

[1151] well he shouldn't have liked that matchup better - robertson is a better pitcher than aceves - robertson's weakness is too many balls, but that didn't seem to be an issue tonight

1158 jjmerlock   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:47 pm

I also officially remember why I hate the Angels fans. I hate that whole fucking team, because, like, duh, but there's no disrespect in why I hate the team. We all know why I hate that team.

But that stupid fucking lazy piece of shit fanbase doesn't deserve that team and that owner. Nice contribution you made to that win, Angels fans, absently mindedly tapping your blow up sticks for retards and chewing your fingers. Fuck you right in all your vapid faces.

Meanwhile, every Yankee playoff game I've ever been at, I'm busy howling like a lunatic at the opposing team and let them know that there's a perfectly good chance that not only are they going to die, but WE JUST MIGHT WANT TO MURDER YOUR WHOLE FUCKING FAMILY. For fun. Because it's like that in New York. That's called putting in work.

I always said that if MLB wasn't the feckless piece of shit that it is, the rule would be that if you can't fit it up your bum, you can't bring it into the park, and watching - actually watching what the fans were up to during this game, I saw just how right I am about those stupid, pathetic, lousy douchebag sticks. I don't think a drop of sweat was shed in those stands. I look and feel like I've been rolling jujitsu for around twenty straight hours when I drag my shivering ass to the subway platform.

The list of fan bases I hate is obviously far too long and basically reads: "all fan bases that are not ours, and sort of ours, sometimes" but while Red Sox fans are the shittiest, most depraved baboons with an extra chromosome of pure evil, Angels fans are the least deserving fan base on earth.

So what the hell did Girardi say to explain his idiocy?

1159 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:47 pm

[1155] If Matsui had sat there on first (and everything else stays the same), we win. Posada's homer goes for two runs.

1160 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:47 pm

[1146] no one is saying girardi is at fault for the hitters sucking, we're saying he's at fault for making stupid moves. in fact, i really only have a big problem (i have some other little ones) with the last one. but it was a huge and blatant and inexcusable mistake.

1161 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:47 pm

[1151] And he's an idiot. Get out of that inning, let your big bats come up, and hope for the best. Robertson was fine!

1162 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:48 pm

[1146] It is Girardi's fault that his bench consists of Molina, Cervelli, Guzman, Gardner, and Hairston.

Not one credible offensive threat in the bunch, and so when the starting offense doesn't show and he is compelled to mix and match PRs, the offense is crippled even worse.

1163 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:48 pm

If only Girardi's mismanagement was limited to the last pitching change, but he pretty much managed without a clue for most of the late game. As feared, Girardi remains this team's biggest obstacle...it's very possible that he just set in motion events that will lead to another ALCS collapse. If that happens again, he must be fired.

1164 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:48 pm

[1156] You lose the DH in the 8th inning?

[1147] Exactly, win one in Anaheim and I like our chances. I also like that I have tix to Game 6.

1165 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:49 pm

As feared, Girardi remains this team’s biggest obstacle…it’s very possible that he just set in motion events that will lead to another ALCS collapse.

QFT

1166 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:49 pm

[1159] Oh sure, you and your Occam's razor.

1167 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:50 pm

Come on, it's not a crushing loss. They were liable to lose one at least, right? Why not this one? I think it's as good a loss as they could have. They fought and fought, into extra innings again, really withstood some tight situations, etc. It was a good game, anyway. Sure if they could've piled on a bit earlier as they should have, things might have been different.

GIrardi screwed the pooch, let's face it. But there are worse ways to lose, I think, as far as the psyche of the team goes.

One thing I'll say about Girardi, I didn't see why he made the switch, but I suspect it's an unfortunate case of looking too hard at numbers and not just look at what's going on in the game - in this instance, Robertson was pitching well and Girardi ignored it.

1168 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:50 pm

[1157] I know, I know, I'm just repeating what he's saying

1169 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:51 pm

[1159] i'll take your 'you just can't predict baseball' and raise you a 'fallacy of the predetermined outcome'

1170 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:51 pm

You can't get on Girardi for putting in Gardner. You can get on Gardner for not going on the first pitch. And you can also get on Girardi for not putting the red light on the 0-1 because (see [502]) you could see the pitch out coming a mile away. But it doesn't mean Jorge hits a 2-run homer anyway.

Girardi's over management with the bullpen is the biggest concern. But almost as a big concern is the team being ice cold except for Jeter, Arod, Matsui and Jorge. Swisher is a black hole and Melky is over matched. Cano is lost.

My other concern is the constant bullpen over management breeds anxiousness in the team. Could this be why they aren't hitting? Is Girardi too tightly wound?

My biggest fear has come true (see [1]). Let's see if the Yankees can get off the mat and win a game after a tough loss.

1171 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:51 pm

[1166] Took me a few seconds to remember that reference.

Ah, well. I figure we had only a 50-50 chance to win even with good managing, so I take back half of my "Girardi Loss".

1172 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:51 pm

[1163] What are you talking about? He left Hughes in as necessary and he brought Mo in at exactly the right time. And the matchups worked just fine.

Perfect example why I hate criticizing the manager. Any one can say anything they want and there's no Truth to any of it. Might as well make up anything.

If the offense executes, this game never makes it to extra innings. But, nah, let's bench Swisher and Cano for Gardner and Hairston. That would help.

1173 jjmerlock   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:51 pm

[1155] I fear those are painfully good points.

Any comments on my feelings towards the Angels fan base? Am I out on a limb here? I spend a lot of time out on limbs.

1174 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:52 pm

Dear Girardi Apologist;

If everyone executes, you don't even need a manager.

1175 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:52 pm

[1167] It's crushing because it was a give away game. That's how you give your opponent life.

1176 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:52 pm

[1168] i am really sorry raf - i am still so fucking angry i thought that was your words - alright i just turned on martin, perhaps i will relax a bit

1177 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:52 pm

[1169] Hmmm.
Okay, I see your fallacy and raise you It always begins with a walk.

1178 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:53 pm

Michael Kay is really giving it to Girardi, which is interesting considering their friendship. It is refreshing to hear someone not afraid to criticize the Yankee manager.

1179 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:53 pm

[1164] Why would you have to lose the DH in the eighth inning? I simply would not have PH for Gardner (then in the DH spot for Matsui), which would have left him as a defensive option in case the team took the lead. Then, when the fateful ninth inning came, he could have put Gardner in CF and Melky in LF (rather than Hairston, who had hit for gardner).

I posted at the time, not after the fact, that this was a bad move...that it was worth it just to let Gardner hit for himself with two outs.

Quite simple, really.

1180 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:54 pm

[1158] Nice one

1181 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:54 pm

[1176] No prob, everyone, including myself, is kinda on edge right now. This was a stupid loss.

1182 jjmerlock   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:54 pm

Btw, I was furious about bringing Mo in exactly when he did because I'm sorry - anyone who doesn't admit that Mo has bunt fielding issues is living in a big ball of self-denial, but in the history of Mo the deity, that was definitely another entry. I know there were some balls hit reasonably well in Mo's inning, but his poise and the way he insisted the Angels beat him with no free cake was just awe-inspiring to watch.

1183 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:56 pm

Girardi is like a little rich kid with too many toys.

1184 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:56 pm

[1170] Is Girardi too tightly wound?

Is the pope catholic?

1185 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:56 pm

[1170] And yet if Aceves gets one out, with no one on base, and goes another two or three innings no one here says anything. That tells me the criticism just fits pre-determined biases.

It's one game. If they can't win one with CC and Burnett pitching, they really don't deserve to advance. The big problem is the offense. I'd say the Yankees are very lucky to be up 2-1 as it is. The manager gets credit for that. They've won very close games with all the "overmanaging".

1186 edoubletrouble   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:56 pm

Now that I've got my stomach out of its knots, it's good to come here to decompress. Everything is gonna be alright Banterers, but we may have to go through four more games of this. Do we have the fortitude and stamina to stay up late into the nights to come?

1187 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:57 pm

And someone needs to explain the logic behind using tow LOOGYs on two consecutive LHB.

1188 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:57 pm

I still can't believe the manager of the Yankees just did everything in his power to give away a playoff game. I mean, I should be able to believe after watching him manage all season, but still, it's hard to believe that this talented team has been handed over to a man without a clue for managing.

1189 jjmerlock   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:57 pm

[1180] Thanks, Hawk. If I managed to help one among us crack at least a slight smile during this momentary aftermath, it makes it all worth it. I have to say that I am sincerely astounded at just how lame that crowd was - to the point of them being even lamer than I already thought they were. And it was a high bar to clear.

1190 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:58 pm

[1185] And yet if Aceves gets one out...

And if he was a better pitcher, he probably would have. Give it up.

1191 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:58 pm

[1184] Is the pope catholic?

Yes!!!

Do I win?

1192 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:59 pm

And someone needs to explain the logic behind using tow LOOGYs on two consecutive LHB.

The same reason as the Aceves thing: Some wacky notion of a matchup advanatage.

1193 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:59 pm

[1189] Amidst a spirited general bloodletting, you distinguished yourself, buddy.

1194 ms october   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:59 pm

[1191] no - you just pulled a pitcher who was doing fine for one who didn't!

1195 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 8:59 pm

[1179] If you put Gardner in the outfield.

[1175] Crushing? Drama! It's one game, and one they came very close to losing multiple times. If anything, they benefited from more egregious mis-managing (not pinch running Willits).

1196 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:00 pm

[1191] Yes, you win! And as soon as we find that bear in the woods, I'll send you your prize. I may just leave it on your doorstep on Halloween.

1197 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:00 pm

[1185] why don't you go back and read what we were saying at the time before you accuse us of that.

1198 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:00 pm

Forget about Robertson and Aceves; I still want to know why he pinch hit for Mo.

Anyone? Anyone?

1199 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:01 pm

The only positive about a game like this is it should seal Girardi's fate if it precipitates a collapse. It would be a high price to pay, but hiring a competent manager would be nice.

1200 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:01 pm

[1191]

[1184] "Is the pope catholic?"

Yes!!!
Do I win?

Is that a rhetorical question?

Is this?

Is this???

etc

Show/Hide Comments 1201-1300
1201 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:01 pm

[1198] My guess: he thought Mo shouldn't pitch more anyway, after the 2 1/3 on Saturday (or was it Sunday morning?).

1202 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:01 pm

[1190] Yeah, a guy who went 10-1 with a 126 ERA+ sucks.

1203 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:02 pm

[1185] And if Robertson gives up a home run to Howie Kendrick you tip your cap. It's not like the guy is Edgar Martinez vs. John Wettland. Aceves had a rough outing in game 2. D-Rob seems to have the hot hand and seemed to have good stuff today. Girardi could only make a bad move in that spot and he did.

I agree that if CC and AJ can't get it done they don't deserve to advance. If the batters don't hit, they don't deserve to advance. It's on CC and the bats tomorrow.

1204 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:03 pm

Thing is, I don't really care much whether the Yankees deserve to advance. If would rather have them advance and not deserve it, then deserve it and not advance.

1205 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:03 pm

i'm done with this game. we'll win tomorrow and then on thursday. and if all else fails (i mean, if 2/3 fails), we still have cc on regular rest for game 7.

1206 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:04 pm

[1199] Define "competent".

Scioscia has been far worse this series and he's considered among the best.

So who is "competent"

By the way, keep dreaming. Girardi isn't going any where because he's Cashman's guy. And Cashman ain't going any where.

1207 RIYank   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:04 pm

[1205] Okay, dat's it, I'm done too.
We play tomorrow, we win tomorrow.

Later.

1208 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:05 pm

Again, this is not a crushing loss. Would've been for the Angels, but not the Yanks.

The game was tied on the starting pitcher's watch, in the middle innings. It's not like we had a huge lead anyway. Should've, maybe, but didn't. Again, the Yanks were all but indomitable, despite certain players' poor performances. As a team, they stood pretty damn tall, I thought.

1209 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:05 pm

Even Andy is subtly questioning Girardi. He said he didn't want to come out of the game, but "the way Girardi has been managing..."

Even the players realize their manager is a moron. I wish more would speak up.

1210 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:06 pm

Correction:
If ANYone executes (this game), you don’t even need a manager.

1211 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:06 pm

[1201] He barely pitched. though. He could have gone one more, don't you think?

1212 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:06 pm

[1195] [1179] If you put Gardner in the outfield.

So you didn't even read what I wrote, did you? They lost the DH in the ninth inning anyway, when Hairston went in for Damon. But that would have been Gardner in the field instead of Hairston if Girardi did not PH for Gardner with Hairston with two outs.

It was a bad move at the time (PH for Gardner in the 8th) and I said it at the time, and events proved me correct.

1213 jjmerlock   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:07 pm

[1993] I think if an angry person can't be funny, it's like a fat person who can't be jolly.

1214 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:07 pm

I'm a little worried about Sabathia, cause he can't give up just one earned run a game forever. Short rest, high pressure game ... I'm slightly concerned.

1215 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:07 pm

[1204] It's better to have a gun and not need it, than to need a gun and not have it.

1216 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:09 pm

[1209] And that is a huge fear. Pitchers looking over their shoulder.

[1210] True.

1217 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:09 pm

[1208] As pissed as I am, Hawk, I totally agree with you. They win this series. Till tomorrow, folks.

1218 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:10 pm

[1210] And the same guy ripping the manager says he shouldn't get any credit with a $200 million payroll. Except that payroll doesn't execute - Teixeira I'm looking right at you. Mancaveitch could field the position.

[1209] Still waiting for you to define "competent". Here's an easier one: Who's more competent than Girardi? Name one manager. Cause it ain't Scioscia or Manuel and especially not Torre. So who? You have your pick of any "competent" manager in the game. They could pay him anything. Who is it?

1219 jjmerlock   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:11 pm

[1202] I'm afraid there's been a noticeable decline in performance though for a number of months now.

I hope I'm not being irrationally unimpressed by them throwing Kazmir at us. I know he's been good against us recently, but I feel like our guys definitely have it in them to battle him into cracking. A little worried about CC on the West Coast, though.

1220 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:11 pm

Yeah, a guy who went 10-1 with a 126 ERA+ sucks.

Did I say he sucks? Nope. I said Robertson was better. BUT, ERA+ is a bad stat with which to assess relievers, as is W/L, and most of Aceves's best pitching was before the AS break:

Pre: 2.49
Post: 4.65

Other than that, great post.

1221 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:11 pm

[1214] Agreed. Also the Angels bats are starting to wake up a little bit, while the most of the Yankees bats show no sign of life. The switch hitters are ice cold hitting righty as well, going against Kasmir.

1222 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:12 pm

[1212] Usign Gardner to PR when he has proven he is too hesitant to go on the first pitch was a mistake. Not giving him the red light when Posada fell behind 0-1 was a mistake. Even if you wanted to PR, Guzman would have been the better option because he is expendable. Had he done that, Gardner could have been used for DH.

Of course, replacing Damon was pure folly. The chances of Mo giving up a medium fly ball to left wasn't worth leaving Mo in the #2 slot. Girardi's stupidly stated that he would have left Mo if the Yankees scored, but with Rivera batting 3rd, he couldn't have known that.

The bottom line is Girardi did about 4 or 5 stupid things...which is exactly how I expected him to manage in the postseason. Now, if Swisher, Cano and Melky didn't play like dogs, it wouldn't have mattered, but my argument all season was that in a close game, Girardi would show is incompetence.

1223 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:14 pm

[1212] I was never talking to you. But why second guess one decision when you can second guess three?

Pinch running for Matsui was justified. Then using the righty against the lefty was also justified. You guys are nitpicking borderline decisions.

Would I have put in Aceves? No. The manger guessed wrong (because Kendrick smoked two fastballs earlier in the game). It happens.

Next.

1224 Mattpat11   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:14 pm

I have no idea how the Yankees can win a championship with Joe Girardi. I hope they prove me wrong, but that man is just an anchor.

1225 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:15 pm

Everyone is banking on CC, but using him on 3 days turns him from an ace into a question mark. Also, what is going to happen when Arod doesn't hit a bomb? He isn't going to keep this up...no one else has shown signs of life. With Girardi in full blown incompetent mode, this 2-1 lead is dangerously close to a deficit. It's hard to be confident with a manager like Girardi...we've now seen the damage he can do.

1226 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:17 pm

Of course, replacing Damon was pure folly.

Damon trying to throw to the plate from ten feet past third in the last game was folly.

P.s. Damon doesn't catch that ball either.

Let me break this to you: Every manager does "stupid" things when you're the one posting on internet message boards. You still haven't named though a manager who's least stupid.

1227 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:18 pm

And the same guy ripping the manager says he shouldn’t get any credit with a $200 million payroll. Except that payroll doesn’t execute – Teixeira I’m looking right at you. Mancaveitch could field the position.

The payroll put them in the playoffs. You don't seriously dispute that, do you?

1228 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:18 pm

[1225] All true. However, since CC is a question mark you could look at it the other way and think, "hey maybe he'll be the same ace he has been. This year's Josh Becket." I can see people being optimistic.

My biggest fear was what would happen when this team got hit in the mouth. Well they've been decked . Let's see what they do tomorrow. If they lose again then I'll go into panic mode.

1229 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:20 pm

Usign Gardner to PR when he has proven he is too hesitant to go on the first pitch was a mistake

Not really. Give him a couple of pitches to read the move/time Jepsen. I'd do that move again.

I have no idea how the Yankees can win a championship with Joe Girardi.

It can be done, Bob Brenly won despite trying to give the series away in 01

1230 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:20 pm

The manager is an anchor? What? He's been batting very well this post-season. I'd argue better than any of his colleagues (only undefeated team before tonight). But he's an anchor, sure.

Someone dig up and animate Stengel. I'm sure a dead corpse would go over really well here.

1231 matt b   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:21 pm

I am not worried about CC, but the bottom line is that this team needs to start hitting. Remember things like doubles? Two out hits? Rallies? We've seen no big innings all post-season. A-Rod can't bail us out of every game.

1232 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:21 pm

The payroll put them in the playoffs. You don’t seriously dispute that, do you?

Of course you can.

1233 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:22 pm

[1228] I am not suggesting one not be optimistic...I just think awful managing like we've seen from Girardi has just scratched the service. He completely lifted the Angels from the ash heap, so I see no reason why he wont throw back another game or two. Without the lineup firing on all cyclinders and the pitchers on full rest, I fully expect Girardi to do something to put every close game at serious risk. There ability to over come his incompetence was too good to be true...I have the strong feeling that only the first shoe dropped tonight.

1234 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:22 pm

[1231] Amen.

1235 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:23 pm

[1229] You don't have a couple of pitches...you can't just give away Posada's AB. The focus should be on allowing Posada to work himself into a good hitter's count. Not waiting for Gardner to attempt a SB.

1236 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:23 pm

Of course you can.

A-Rod, Jeter, CC, Teix, Po, Mo,

What other team can afford all of them and still field a team?

1237 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:23 pm

[1233] I don't disagree with Girardi being a liability. Right now I am trying to figure out who is more of a liability, the manager or the 3 or 4 guys in the lineup not getting it done.

1238 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:24 pm

[1227] Like 2008?

People are missing the point: Who's the bigger question mark: CC or Gaudin? Is it any contest? What's the point of criticizing the move? To set up another "Told you so" for tomorrow? I can't wait.

River Ave Blues ran a poll today on tomorrow's starter. 3% said Gaudin. If you think "Not CC" you're in a tiny minority - or about ten times smaller than people who think Palin should be president.

1239 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:25 pm

Payroll is irrelevant...Girardi should not be managing any team.

[1237] The manager is...at least there is hope the 3 or 4 guys can wake up. Girardi is a confirmed awful manager.

1240 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:25 pm

Like 2008?

Po, Matsui, and Wang's orthopedist says hi.

1241 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:26 pm

Payroll is irrelevant…Girardi should not be managing any team.

My point is that but for the payroll, he would have been exposed long ago and as a result, he would not be managing this team.

1242 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:27 pm

[1229] You need to go on the first move there. Put the pressure on from the onset. What bothered me with putitng Gardner in, is he'd not only had two base running gaffes in this postseason, but I wanted his glove in the outfield. Imagine he was in center and Melky in left in the 11th? Does that ball Mathis hits even fall in. I would have pinch run for Guzman and told Jorge to take the first pitch while Guzman steals.

But once Gardner didn't run 0-1 is the PERFECT pitch out. I first guessed it in [502]. Let them pitch out and it's 1-1. Then you know they aren't pitching out again and let Gardner run or GASP put on a hit and run to start a rally.

1243 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:28 pm

[1237] I disagree whole-heartedly. If Girardi is a liability, then every manager is a bigger liability.

[1236] What other team overpays each of those players by 20-30%?

$200 million hasn't made the ALCS in five years. But, sure, it's a "given".

The Mets and Cubs, and their payrolls, say hello from the golf course.

1244 Rich   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:30 pm

What other team overpays each of those players by 20-30%?

$200 million hasn’t made the ALCS in five years. But, sure, it’s a “given”.

It really doesn't matter because it yields quality and they can afford it.

A payroll advantage has its potency in the regular season. Playoff success is far more random. As such, there are few examples when a manager can blow a game the way Girardi did today.

1245 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:31 pm

[1240] Yeah cause Wang really helped this year. Keep reaching.

[1239] [1241] Ah yes, the Girardi haters say he's not qualified but yet can't name one manager who's better...

"Girardi is a confirmed awful manager."

Confirmed how? Because of one game. Then Teixeira is a confirmed awful clutch hitter.

1246 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:31 pm

[1241] I know...but my point is the only point should be Joe Girardi is an awful, incompetent manager. Nothing else seems to matter right now.

1247 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:32 pm

i'm still seething. i'm majorly pissed at girardi for pulling D-Rob. this is brutal.

i am most worried about tomorrow... : (

1248 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:33 pm

[1239] I'm going to spin this into a positive. Girardi's blunder is taking the heat off of Tex's struggles, Gardner's brain freeze, and Cano/Swisher/Melky's ineptitude. If that keeps their hands a little looser on the bat and the lumps out of their throats for another game that's a plus. Let Girardi take the heat and hopefully it does give the batters a chance to break out. :)

1249 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:34 pm

[1244] If the playoffs are "random", why are you so upset? Might as well get made at a coin flip.

And with all that payroll advantage, they couldn't overcome an injury to one player (Posada) in 2008? Some "advantage"...

1250 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:34 pm

matt kemp just gave the Torre's a 1-run lead.

3-2, top 5

1251 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:34 pm

[1247] I am with you...I strongly suspect that this loss, orchestrated by Girardi, is the beginning of the end. If CC isn't strong, I think the next few games could be ugly.

1252 cult of basebaal   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:36 pm

well, this is precious (from Sam Borden over at LoHud)

Joe Girardi’s postgame press conference lasted about three minutes, and his explanation for taking out Dave Robertson and bringing in Alfredo Aceves was that the Yankees “liked the match-up better.” Asked to elaborate on that since Howie Kendrick was 1-for-2 lifetime against Robertson and had never faced Aceves, Girardi declined. Pitching coach Dave Eiland did the same.

1253 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:36 pm

william, you went from crediting girardi for being good through the first 4 playoff games back to declaring how incompetent he is in 2 games. and i think you're exaggerating how bad each of those moves were. i really think all of them were defensible until the last, which was inexcusable. still, we have a 2-1 lead against the angels with our ace going tomorrow and home field advantage. you said you weren't as stressed about the playoffs as the regular season. so how can you be so pessimistic now? if we were going to lose a game at some point, this is a fine one to lose. i agree that girardi fucked up, but he didn't lose the game by himself, and the series is still far from lost.

1254 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:36 pm

it's amazing how i can watch a baseball game with every freaking emotion running thru my entire being at - the speed of light! - and then watch another one without the slightest care.

Dear Yankees,

Win.

Just...WIN!

please,

thelarmis

1255 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:37 pm

The 1996 Yanks overcame losing the first two at home against the defending champion Braves. The 1998 Yankees overcame Knoblauch's error and a 2-1 deficit to Cleveland. The 1999 Yanks overcame getting blown out in Fenway. this team has a chance to join those teams as champions. Let's see what CC brings tomorrow.

1256 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:37 pm

[1222] Even if you wanted to PR, Guzman would have been the better option because he is expendable. Had he done that, Gardner could have been used for DH.

This is true as well.

No matter how one slices it, someone made the decision to fill the roster with BUCs and PRs who can't hit, and then employ them rather oddly during the game.

1257 Sliced Bread   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:38 pm

We stole one the other night, we gave one back tonight.
Too many runners left on, definitely one pitching change too many. The Angels are too good a team to let us get away with that shit.
Fuck it. The Yanks are still the better club. They'll prove it over this series.

Mo's body language in the dugout after he got pulled told me we weren't going to win. Did you see his blank expression? He saw the train wreck before it happened.

Girardi: What are you thinking, Mo?
Mo: I see dead people, and they're us.

We'll get 'em tomorrow, and eliminating these fuckers, whenever we get around to it , will be that much sweeter.

1258 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:38 pm

A-Rod, Jeter, CC, Teix, Po, Mo,

What other team can afford all of them and still field a team?

How much was Carl Pohlad worth? Tribune? AOL Time Warner? Disney? Fox? Tom Hicks was throwing a boatload of $$ around.

The owners have the money, it's up to them if they want to spend it.

1259 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:38 pm

[1251] Seriously, you can't name one manager who's not incompetent? Not one?

You'd think with all the wisdom you share on an internet message board, you'd have a ready answer.

Name one great manager. Hell, LaRussa could be available this off-season. You don't even count him?

1260 jimcobain   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:39 pm

[1256] Roster construction is another argument. I didn't see anyone endorse Marte on the roster other than Cashman and Girardi.

1261 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:40 pm

[1252] I guess it's better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and prove it. Nothing he could say could justify his idiocy.

[1253] I gave him credit for having two good games in the ALDS, but I was all over him last night (and was at the game on Friday). If you want to defend some of his moves, that's fine, but I don't see it. As expected, I anticipated that he would have a game like this. Being right (in my mind) is no consolation though...I would have done anything to have the Yankees recognize their mistake and make a change during the season. Now, we are stuck with a manager who has no clue and a World Series appearance that could be going up smoke.

1262 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:41 pm

You don’t have a couple of pitches…you can’t just give away Posada’s AB. The focus should be on allowing Posada to work himself into a good hitter’s count. Not waiting for Gardner to attempt a SB.

Of course you have a couple of pitches, unless Posada swings at the first one. The two aren't mutually exclusive.

Posada worked himself into a hitters count, and on top of that with the distraction Gardner presents @ 1st, there's the possibility that Jepsen misses his target and Posada lays into one (which he eventually did)

1263 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:42 pm

[1253] You're talking too much sense. Stop. It's not welcome here.

And why expect logical consistency?

[1258] You forgot the billionaire in Boston - the one who threw a hissy fit at Boras over Teixeira. They sign him and they win the division. But sure, the playoffs were a "given".

[1256] You don't really think the manager makes those decisions all by himself, do you?

That's why Girardi is very, very safe.

1264 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:42 pm

[1260] Yep. The roster is poorly constructed, and I (and others) have been saying so for days...not after the fact. Having Molina and Cervelli, Gardner and Guzman, and Marte and Coke is a horribly inefficient use of roster space, especially when Marte and Coke are used---as they were tonight---for consecutive LHB, and especially when the result is a roster with not a single credible batting threat off the bench.

1265 williamnyy23   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:42 pm

Could someone let Bum Rush know that I am still ignoring his posts :)

Oh well, I am done for the night. I am sure I'll toss and turn for hours pondering the Yankees wonderful manager and how else he might sabotage this championship caliber team.

1266 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:45 pm

especially when Marte and Coke are used—as they were tonight—for consecutive LHB

I missed that, what was up with that?

1267 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:45 pm

[1261] And yet how do you know they make a change for the better? It's easy to say the manager is a problem, but how it is you avoid saying who's better? Or would you just continue this holier-than-thou act with the next guy?

Seriously, you fire Girardi. Who do you hire that's any better? Why can't you answer this simple question?

1268 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:46 pm

Could someone let Bum Rush know that I am still ignoring his posts :)

Can't be him, not enough profanity :-D

1269 51cq24   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:46 pm

[1261] well it's hard to defend him after such a blatant error, and i'm not going to just ignore it or rationalize it by saying that other managers are stupider, but i think you're exaggerating. in your mind a lot of his moves were bad, but until now everything was going well. in fact the team escaped from some tough situations and bad errors, in large part because of the manager's moves. whether or not other moves would have been better was never proven. so now he's made a big mistake that cost us a game. maybe as a result he'll be less quick to take out a pitcher who looks good. maybe he won't. but it's just a game, and we still have a big advantage.

1270 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:46 pm

[1263] You don’t really think the manager makes those decisions all by himself, do you?

I do not, but I assume that the manager makes key grand tactical decisions (like opting for Guzman over Hinske).

That’s why Girardi is very, very safe.

Huh? You must be talking to someone else. I am not calling for Girardi to be fired, nor do I predict that he will be. But just because I am not as critical as some (e.g. William) does not mean that I am rah-rah and/or nonchalant.

Someone fucked up putting together the post-season roster. Sure, the differences are marginal and if the big bats slug it wouldn't matter. But they are still mistakes. And, given that roster, Girardi managed it very poorly---or at least very oddly---tonight. That is undeniable.

BTW, the Yankees will still win this series, of that I am confident.

1271 Joel   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:48 pm

Has Girardi given a reason--any reason--for the move?

1272 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:49 pm

I hope they fire Girardi.

Bobby Valentine would be awesome.

Donnie Baseball is a genius.

Buck Showalter has been a success everywhere he's been.

Lou Pinella really knows how to develop young pitchers.

Looking forward to the "I told you so" tomorrow when CC gets shelled. Then when Gaudin shuts the Angels down with a five run deficit it will just cement Girardi idiocy. That's going to be really fun.

1273 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:50 pm

Please read [13]. To summarize:
It seems like our SP can’t get any better, and the only future direction is down…. and we have not exactly been a scoring machine. We have 5 of our starting 9 with an OPS under .570. 3 of them with an OPS under .500.

I believe Tex and JD will pick it up, but we can’t win the WS if Swish, Melky and Cano are black holes.
(Update: We may not win the ALCS if Swish, Melky and Cano are black holes.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Girardi had a VERY bad game. But there are 25 other guys on this team. We were the best team in MLB because of the 25 guys, not because of Girardi. And if we blow this series it will be because of the 25 guys, not because of Girardi.

Girardi sucked tonight, but let's not blow his impact out of proportion.
Anyone know our RISP over the last 3 games?

1274 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:50 pm

[1266] I have no idea. Marte got the last out in the seventh inning (on one pitch, to Figgins), and then Coke replaced him for the first batter in the eighth (Abreu, who doubled).

1275 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:53 pm

[1269] Sorry, but realistically, he was part of the problem - not the whole problem. It happens.

[1271] He was playing a hunch - given Kendrick smoking the fastballs he had previously seen. Nothing more or less, just like batters guessing fastball and failing to deliver a fly ball on multiple occasions in this game.

1276 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:53 pm

[1273] Girardi had a VERY bad game. But there are 25 other guys on this team. We were the best team in MLB because of the 25 guys, not because of Girardi. And if we blow this series it will be because of the 25 guys, not because of Girardi.

Girardi sucked tonight, but let’s not blow his impact out of proportion.
Anyone know our RISP over the last 3 games?

Yes. Yes, yes, yes. Yes, yes. Yes.

1277 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:53 pm

[1271] He liked the match-up better and declined to elaborate.

I don't think Girardi has been terrible until tonight, but his bullpen management in game 2 was pretty rough and he screwed the pooch on this one. Are some of the bats killing them? You bet. But pulling Robertson was beyond the pale. And if this was the Aceves from the first half, maybe it's OK (it's not, but at least I can see some rationale there). But he has stunk and stunk in game 2 as well.

I'm not a Gardner fan, but I'd start him over Cabrera at this point. Melky is a black hole right now. Gardner might at least get a dribbler for a hit or something.

1278 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:54 pm

Ahh ... another fisting from Chip Caray.

Going way back to [1209], the end of that sentence of Pettitte's re: Girardi was something along the lines of "has been great", ie the way Girardi's been managing has been great.

I also would like to help you off this "only A Rod has been any good". He's been amazing, no doubt, but Jeter, Matsui, Posada have all done their part. Damon has climbed out of the basement a little, even.

Tex is a problem, though. Swisher and Cano are serious problems.

1279 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:56 pm

[1277] I don't think I heard any followup questions to that.

1280 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:57 pm

[1273] I don't know about "very". They kept a game close they should have lost for failing to execute. I didn't agree with the final decision, but then I wouldn't have let Pettitte pitch to Vlad. We can second guess every decision that doesn't turn out the way we'd like. But ultimately, that's meaningless.

"Anyone know our RISP over the last 3 games?"

That's the best question of them all. But I'd extend it to the whole post-season. To me it's simply amazing they've only lost one game.

1281 Mattpat11   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:58 pm

[1230] I'm relatively sure that Stengel's corpse wouldn't pull an effective pitcher in the middle of an inning just because, so, yeah, it might work.

I've said this for two years now, but Joe Girardi's biggest problem is that he's obsessed with tricking people. Its why he lied to the press all last year, its why he lied about A-Rod's return this year until he actually filled out the lineup card, its why he loves the pinch stand there, bunting over a pinch runner, "Wilson Betemit: Defensive specialist" and bullpen roulette. If no one expects him to make move "B" then it must be the right move. He needs to learn that sometimes everyone expects scenario "A" because its the right way to go.

1282 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 9:59 pm

"Tex is a problem, though. Swisher and Cano are serious problems."

Nah, 30-50% of the lineup sucks right now. But let's worry about every last bullpen move.

BTW: What's the bullpen ERA this post-season?

1283 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:02 pm

[1281] Yeah, Stengel was always completely rational.

How many sacrifices has he called for this off-season? I seem to remember alot of bitching about that possibility. What's happened?

Since the other haters haven't answered the question, can you name one manager who is obviously better than Girardi? All I want is one. One.

1284 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:02 pm

[1280] We didn't second guess Paul. We were flying off the handle the second it happened!

1285 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:03 pm

[1277] Girardi hasn't been terrible until tonight, but he's played with fire the whole time. It looked like all his bullpen calls were really well-considered but I tend to think now that to a certain extent, he must have been lucky.

My biggest concern is that he is doing what I thought he was doing earlier in the season, which is trying to be too clever. Almost as if the big stage of the playoffs is bringing out in him a desire to prove his managing acumen by making the right move over and over again. It's a dangerous game, and tonight is evidence of that. I mean, he got carried away, I can't really see it any other way. It was a completely unnecessary and counter-intuitive pitching change and everybody knew it as it unfolded.

The thing is, even if he never makes a boneheaded move like that, with the frequency with which Girardi changes pitchers and pinch hits, pinch runs and pinch fields, something would blow up in his face anyway, it's just too many gratuitous variables, too many balls in the air.

1286 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:04 pm

[1278] Yeah, the offense has been A-Rod, Jeter, Matsui, and Posada. Not sure who is saying differently there. Damon has showed some life, but the other guys have been awful. Not sure what's up with Teixeira, but at least his glove has been A+.

1287 Joel   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:04 pm

[1272] I hear you. But you have to admit that was a mind-boggling move in a spot like that. Even Grady Little could say with a straight face, "I just trusted my tired first-ballot HOFer more than my bullpen." Not that this rises to that level, but really, what was the guy thinking?

1288 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:07 pm

[1284] But how many times has that happened this off-season here and yet everything turned out okay? Give me some percentage. By my count, Girardi is batting between .600 and .800 this post-season. Sure, criticize the 20 - 40% of the time he's "failed" but the rest of the nonsense (anchor?) is just that, nonsense. Even still, he's been far better than any of the managing I've seen this post-season. I can easily live with a unnecessary pitching change in extra innings, especially in their first loss. But that decision, even all the bullpen decision, pale in comparison to the multiple missed opportunities to actually score runs. Same with Pettitte giving Vlad anything to hit and Joba grooving a fastball to Kendrick.

1289 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:10 pm

[1285] Sorry, but the pinch running and fielding has been justified. Damon can't throw the ball 100 feet. Matsui and Posada are slow as hell. Nothing is gratuitous there. It's not like he's pinch running for Teixeira or Cano.

And if only one out of every twenty bullpen moves goes wrong, Girardi is doing something right.

What's the bullpen ERA this post-season?

1290 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:12 pm

[1286] williamnyy was saying different; that's who I was addressing specifically.

Teixeira's glove has been so amazing, it almost makes up for his lack of production, and that's saying something because he's been useless save for one AB.

Did anyone think when the Yanks were up 3-0 that they were just gonna run away with the game? I mean it was a nice idea, but I never really thought that was gonna be the case.

1291 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:13 pm

[1287] Sure, but I understand it. Kendrick smoked two fastballs already in the game, including a 96 mph from Joba. Giving him a different look wasn't the worst decision. It was a total gut call and the first one to go against him this post-season.

1292 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:14 pm

"Teixeira’s glove has been so amazing, it almost makes up for his lack of production, and that’s saying something because he’s been useless save for one AB."

Not when he's batting third. Here's an idea: Drop him to 8th!

1293 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:15 pm

[1288] I would say that's the first time it's happened. Sure people have expressed doubt or disagreement here and there, but this was the only time so many people so vociferously and expressly came out against a move.

1294 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:15 pm

I'll answer my own question. 2009 PS RISP:
37 AB, 9 H, .243 .383 .351 .734
However, of those 9 hits, 7 were by ARod, Mats or Jeter.
So SIX of our guys are a combined 2 for 24.
TWO for TWENTY-FOUR

1295 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:16 pm

Geez, I really can't wait for people tomorrow to say they should have started Gaudin because of the "questions" about CC. Un-believable.

1296 Mattpat11   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:19 pm

[1283] I just figured that a rotting corpse of anyone is less likely to get bored and pull a pitcher that's performing well.

And I'll be honest. I think Torre is much better. I never hated him as much as everyone else anyway, but I'm positive he was better than this. I think Torre had bullpen issues as well, but he was far less likely to just make a nonsensical MOVE at completely random points, which is Girardi's worst trait.

1297 thelarmis   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:19 pm

wow, manny just made a game-tying, charging, shoe string catch.

torre's a genius! ; )

1298 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:19 pm

[1294] And the thing is, everyone here had been squawking about the lineup's problems. It's not as if everything was hunky dory until Girardi screwed the pooch, the hitters were being rightfully taken to task. In Girardi's case as well, there were rumblings that he was over-managing. Of course no-one's going to lose their shit about it if the Yankees were winning, but it doesn't mean he wasn't doing some weird stuff and it wasn't being recognized.

1299 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:20 pm

[1293] Not for nothing, but if it's the first time then Girardi has been doing very, very well.

Girardi rolled the dice, no question. It came up snake eyes. At least Robertson (and Joba, and Coke, and Mo) are available tomorrow.

[1294] Great job. But, nah, it's the idiocy of Girardi they've managed to lose one game this post-season.

1300 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:22 pm

[1295] I can't either, because I haven't heard anyone say that tonight, so this seems a strawman. Meanwhile, lots of complaints tonight were first guess, not second guesses...and those complaints were justified. You seem not to want to accept that. Oh well, you really, really like Girardi.

Show/Hide Comments 1301-1353
1301 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:22 pm

I think Torre is much better.

You've just lost me. Under Torre, Marte and Bruney would be the eighth inning guys. That's far, far more damaging than one bullpen move that breaks the wrong way.

Again, what's the bullpen ERA this post-season?

1302 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:23 pm

[1299] it’s the idiocy of Girardi they’ve managed to lose one game this post-season.

I agree with this entirely, but not for the reasons I think you meant.

1303 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:24 pm

[1299] it’s the first time then Girardi has been doing very, very well.

That's not necessarily true at all. Tonight was a Class A fuck up. Just because his other miscues haven't been as egregious doesn't make them non-existent.

1304 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:24 pm

[1291] If there's that much concern over Kendrick, then have Robertson throw him a breaking pitch.

1305 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:25 pm

Anyway, we can all go around in circles on this all night. I'm now more interested in what our fearless leaders (Alex, Cliff, et al) will write about this game, as well as the opinions of other Yankees writers (Goldman, e.g.). G'night all.

1306 RagingTartabull   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:25 pm

I'm as furious about this as anyone, believe me. But a few questions:

is it the manager's fault this team can't seem to buy a hit with RISP?

is it the manager's fault that Andy pissed away a 3 run lead?

was it the manager's fault when Joba gave the lead up?

I hate to break it to you gang, but this team wasn't going to run the table in the playoffs no matter who the manager was. We have a 2-1 lead with our ace on the mound tomorrow, a scenario every single one of us would've signed up for on Friday afternoon. Game 4 is a must-win, no doubt about it...you can't let the Angels tie this thing up.

But for everyone who bit their tongue while this team won 5 of their first 5 playoff games to pile on now? Spare me.

1307 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:26 pm

[1300] Read the thread. You'll find some examples of people questioning CC starting because of some nebulous sense of "questions" about him.

Otherwise, you must have missed the multiple times where I said I wouldn't have made the move. But I just can't question the manager, like I know better, when the team has won many close games this post-season in large part because the bullpen was effective. And that's in spite of the lineup sucking overall.

1308 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:26 pm

Remember when Mathias was on 3rd with NO outs, and Timmy and Buck were stunned that he wasn't PR for. And maybe on that grounder to Tex, a faster runner, going on contact, scores. Timmy and Buck were STUNNED that Mike Scioscia didn't PR there. So what happens? Mathias wins the game.
So is Scioscia an idiot, or an idiot savant?

Much of managing is a crap shoot. Matchups are almost always on small sample size. SSS Stats applied to any one instance is all but useless. Girardi went with the kid (DRob) in a crucial situation and won.
But guys.... RCNB rules. Managers are often just observers of their own best guesses.

It aint science. It aint Math. It's best guess and cross your fingers.

1309 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:27 pm

Actually, no. I will ask one last issue. Since the offense is scuffling so badly, and Posada actually seems to hitting, this draws attention to the decision (which has been working so far) to start Molina over Posada when AJ starts.

Now, everyone here knows that I do not agree with this, but that is neither here nor there. I wonder if Girardi will go with more offense when Aj starts next, or stick with the plan. I guess it depends on how the game tomorrow goes.

1310 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:28 pm

[1300] Oh well, you really, really like Girardi.

At the end of the day, and mayhap this thread, this is what has become the overriding issue.

1311 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:28 pm

[1292] Tex-Fraud?

1312 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:29 pm

[1307] I have questions about CC starting, and I think that's appropriate given the circumstances. However they're nothing that would make me think he shouldn't start; I really think he should, and have since the idea was floated.

1313 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:30 pm

So is Scioscia an idiot,

Sure, look at the way he's used Mike Napoli

1314 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:31 pm

[1303] What's a "miscue" if there were no negative effects? Seriously. Just cause people didn't agree with a decision that worked, that's a miscue?

[1304] Except D-Rob works off of the fastball - just like Joba.

"But for everyone who bit their tongue while this team won 5 of their first 5 playoff games to pile on now? Spare me"

Exactly. All the Girardi haters with the "I told you so". Brilliant! You should all be managing the NY Yankees rather than posting your brilliance on an internet forum.

And then to second guess CC tomorrow? I can't fathom the blinders necessary for such "woe is us". Hell, I like the Yankees chances even if they lose the next *two* games.

1315 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:32 pm

[1306] This misconception seems to have legs but I'll say again, people have been questioning the bats for a while. It's not as if everyone ignored the other problems then came down like a ton of bricks on Girardi.

1316 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:33 pm

[1314] What’s a “miscue” if there were no negative effects? Seriously. Just cause people didn’t agree with a decision that worked, that’s a miscue?

Let me put it this very broad-strokes way: If you drink a bottle of vodka then drive 70 miles an hour through crowded streets for five hours, and somehow nothing bad comes of it, it's still a bad decision.

1317 RagingTartabull   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:33 pm

Mike Scioscia has gotten 7 years worth of mileage out of a championship that was only won because a) Robb Nen's shoulder was being held together with scotch tape in Game 6 and b) the guy in the other dugout was named Dusty Baker.

since then its been:

- first round sweep
-out in 5 in the ALCS
-first round sweep
-first round out in 4 (lets squeeze with the season on the line!!)

Mike Scioscia is not the worst manager ever or anything...but John McGraw he ain't.

1318 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:35 pm

[1309] You gotta stick with the plan, I think. If Burnett can go another 6+ with 2 runs allowed or less, then that's huge.

1319 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:35 pm

[1309] Even that Girardi has handled it well. Burnett has pitched well. Molina went 1 for 2, and then he's pulled him at the first opportunity. It's not something I agree with, but it's worked - especially since they won both games.

Now, if the series is tied for game 5, that's a very, very tough call. I still think you start Molina. He's barely kept Burnett together, but he has. And with the way the offense was been scuffing they can't give up four runs from the starter.

1320 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:37 pm

[1314] All the Girardi haters with the “I told you so”.

So my question for you: is anyone who criticizes any move by Girardi a "hater"? In turn, does this invalidate their criticisms? Further, is it even possible, in your eyes, that he has made any errors at all?

You should all be managing the NY Yankees rather than posting your brilliance on an internet forum.

That's a silly statement, and you are above this level of argumentation. This is a sports banter blog with discussion threads. You would disallow or discourage critique and criticism simply because none of the posters are paid employees of the NY Yankees. Come on, man. Why not level the same charge against the authors of the blog, who regular question moves?

1321 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:37 pm

Girardi made mistakes tonight.
Girardi made mistakes tonight.
Girardi made mistakes tonight.
We (almost) all agree.

However:
Yankee fans blaming Girardi for PS loses
= (equals)
Yankee haters blaming ARod for past PS loses.

(Vlad is 0 for 3 with the bases loaded).
G'Night.

1322 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:37 pm

I was expecting the Yankees to win one of these three games. If they win two that will be fantastic, but I'm not really concerned with them dropping two, however it happens.

1323 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:38 pm

Except D-Rob works off of the fastball – just like Joba.

So does Aceves (and most of the pitchers in MLB). Matter of fact his nibbling around the plate with his secondary pitches hurt him, he gave up Kendrick's hit on a cutter and the GW 2b on a fastball. Having said that, that double should've been caught.

1324 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:39 pm

[1316] Broad strokes on a completely different canvass. Baseball has numbers. What's the bullpen ERA this post-season, including the two runs in five innings this game?

I don't see how anyone can say Girardi has been mismanaging when it's worked. Tonight was the first time it didn't. That's the game we love.

1325 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:40 pm

[1320] Hell the same charge could be leveled at Michael "Frickin" Kay, who took Girardi to task not just for tonight but who said he'd been over-managing the entire series! (A popular theory, I'm told)

1326 Mattpat11   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:41 pm

[1301] Bruney and Marte? Didn't Giardi make Bruney a late inning reliever and stick with him well past the expiration date? And I don't even know why Marte is on the playoff roster, but I do know that Torre had nothing to do with it.

I'm not a fan of either's bullpen work, with Torre's over reliance on certain people and Girardi's Tony LaRussa bullshit, but, I think Joe Torre was far less likely to make a totally pointless move, so he wins in my eyes. I think if David Robertson was pitching like he was tonight, Torre probably wouldn't have gotten bored and decided to make a change, any change. I think Torre is far less likely to insert a pinch runner and then refuse to put on any kind of play, which is my biggest Girardi pet peeve. (Torre also didn't have anything close to Girardi's Wilson Betemit fetish, but that's another argument entirely.)

1327 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:42 pm

[1318] [1319] I'm not asking what should be done. I am just wondering what Girardi will do.

1328 RagingTartabull   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:43 pm

I shall leave with this (because those clam strips I had for dinner are starting to take their revenge on me)

good managers make bad moves, this wasn't the first time it's happened and it won't be the last. if you want a game where the "best team" wins 10 out of 10 games, start following the NBA.

just win tomorrow CC

just

fucking

win

1329 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:43 pm

"is anyone who criticizes any move by Girardi a “hater”? In turn, does this invalidate their criticisms?"

No.

"Further, is it even possible, in your eyes, that he has made any errors at all?"

Are you reading what I'm writing? Or what you think I'm writing?

"That’s a silly statement"

I'm talking about the people who think the guy should be fired because of one bullpen move that didn't work.

"So does Aceves"

It's different. You know that. And he has a deeper pitch selection than simply fastball-curve or fastball-slider.

1330 The Hawk   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:44 pm

[1324] Okay here's a broad stroke on the same canvas: You pinch hit Andy Pettitte for a healthy and happy A Rod in the bottom of the ninth in a tie game vs someone who A Rod is batting 1.000 against with 60 HRs in 60 ABs and Pettitte hits a game-winning home run.

Still a bad move

1331 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:47 pm

[1329] Are you reading what I’m writing? Or what you think I’m writing?

I don't know what you think you are writing. But you systematically deny that any maneuver by Girardi has been a mistake, and you seem to have balled all criticism together as the rantings of "haters." That's what I am reading...maybe someone else has read something different.

1332 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:47 pm

"Didn’t Giardi make Bruney a late inning reliever and stick with him well past the expiration date?"

Where is he now?

And if you're complaining about Betemit, I give you Miguel Cairo and Bubba Crosby.

There's also A-Rod batting 8th, Sheffield playing first, Wang starting on short rest, the midges, Jeff Weaver, etc.

When Girardi doesn't anything like that, we can talk. Aceves one batter early doesn't come anywhere close.

1333 monkeypants   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:47 pm

The Yankees will win this series. In five games.

And now, for real, g'night.

1334 Mattpat11   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:49 pm

[1317] And lets not forget that one of the reasons the Angels lost the ALDS in 2004 was that Mike Scioscia pulled an effective pitcher with two outs in the bottom of the tenth for reasons I still don't fully understand.

1335 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:50 pm

If I email Tex a photo of me sick in bed with my Mattingly jersey on, you think he can hit a homer for me tomorrow?

1336 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:51 pm

The Aceves move is beyond defensible. Period. He has not been good lately, stunk in game 2 to boot, and Robertson was pitching well. It was cute overmanaging at it's worst. I am not arguing more or less. It was a move based on a sample size of 2 (he looked at his binder before he made the move!) and nothing more. It was a move so bad that it basically obscures any good moves he has made this series.

Did I think the Yankees would sweep? Hell no. Would I have been happy to be up 2-1 at this point? Hell yes. But I also think you put your best foot forward and go for the throat when you can. It's not time to be cute.

1337 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:54 pm

[1330] Or batting Teixeira 8th.

"But you systematically deny that any maneuver by Girardi has been a mistake"

Try again.

I'm not going to hammer the guy for one move that didn't work. It's one I didn't agree with, but then what's the bullpen ERA this post-season? At a certain point, the manager gets the benefit of the doubt. After the first five games this post-season, Girardi reached that point for me. For you, maybe not. You may not be a hater, but there's was much nonsense being spewed. All I want to know is one manager who's clearly better. Failing that, what's the point? To bitch and moan? When this team has much bigger problems than one bullpen move that failed? Again, what's the bullpen ERA this post-season? And the offense's average with RISP? Some problems are major. Others are minor. I know which is which. Do you?

As for the rantings, they're very easy to identify in this thread. And they don't belong to me.

1338 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:55 pm

[1337] Fari enough, Paul. I actually agree with you..I think it just shows how managers CAN lose games, but very rarely WIN them..and Joe G did lose this one with a move that everyone on this site saw miles away as being unnecessary..

1339 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:56 pm

"But I also think you put your best foot forward and go for the throat when you can."

They were lucky to even be in that game. The other manager gave them that opportunity. It certainly wasn't a game they should have won.

1340 Mattpat11   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:56 pm

[1332] "Where is he now?"

Marte took his spot.

And I will go to my grave saying Wilson Betemit is the worst baseball player I've ever seen. I'll hear no arguments that using anyone in any situation is worse than using Wilson Betemit as the regular LIDR and pinch runner.

1341 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:58 pm

[1338] Sorry, but I don't think Girardi lost this game. If I had to rank it:

1. Swisher
2. Melky
3. Pettite
4. Joba
5. Girardi

Teixeira should be in there somewhere too.

1342 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:59 pm

"I’ll hear no arguments that using anyone in any situation is worse than using Wilson Betemit as the regular LIDR and pinch runner."

Miguel Cairo

1343 Mr. OK Jazz TOKYO   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:59 pm

[1340] If I gave you WS tkts by the dugout but said you had to wear a Wilson Betemit gameday jersey, would you do it?

1344 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 10:59 pm

It’s different. You know that. And he has a deeper pitch selection than simply fastball-curve or fastball-slider.

Deeper selection does not necessarily mean better. Also, in his previous outing, Aceves was throwing off the fastball as well.

1345 randym77   ~  Oct 19, 2009 11:01 pm

[1325] That was kind of interesting, at least if you buy the theory that Kay is the mouthpiece of the Yankees brass.

1346 Paul   ~  Oct 19, 2009 11:04 pm

[1344] Sure, but it's a different look. Kendrick was all over the heaters all game. Again, it's not a decision I agree with but it's not totally insane either. He rolled the dice and lost. It happens. But it was the first time this post-season. I can live with it.

1347 JeremyM   ~  Oct 19, 2009 11:05 pm

[1339] No, they weren't lucky to be in that game. And even if they were, that doesn't mean you get carte blanche to flush it down the toilet. It wasn't a game they should've won, but it was a game they could've won.

1348 Mattpat11   ~  Oct 19, 2009 11:05 pm

[1342] Wilson Betemit couldn't catch. And he might have been slower than Giambi, the man he always ran for.

[1343] Of course. I don't dislike the man. He can't help that he was awful. Its the braintrust that decided he was David Ortiz and the manager than thought he was good at anything that piss me off.

1349 Joel   ~  Oct 19, 2009 11:16 pm

Just bizarre. Two outs, nobody on. Bottom 11. Reliever rolling along, hitting his spots. Only has thrown 2/3 of an inning. No real record of Kendrick against either Robertson or Aceves. A very good lefty power hitter in Kendry Morales has just flied out weakly to left.

He was *that* worried about Kendrick going deep that he has to go to Alfredo Aceves?

Just bizarre.

1350 Mattpat11   ~  Oct 19, 2009 11:21 pm

[1349] I still say he got bored. Its the only way to explain his managerial philosophy over the last two years

1351 Raf   ~  Oct 19, 2009 11:34 pm

Kendrick was all over the heaters all game.

As is the case with most ML hitters. Doesn't mean you stop throwing them. If it was that much of a concern, then instruct Robertson to throw breaking pitches, or you play country hardball and see where it leads you. Because nibbling around the plate, with secondary pitches, like Aceves was is just as ineffective.

1352 monkeypants   ~  Oct 20, 2009 12:10 am

New thread up. Cliff seems to be scratching his head with the rest of us. Or at least with most of the rest of us.

1353 OldYanksFan   ~  Oct 20, 2009 12:48 am

From a poster at RAB:
C says:
October 19th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
What bugs me is that the Yanks haven’t gotten a hit with RISP since the 6th inning of Game 1. You can’t expect to win playoff games like that. Hopefully they turn that around starting tomorrow.
-----------------------------------------
Maybe we are lucky to have 2 Wins,

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"This ain't football. We do this every day."
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