If the first two games of this World Series could have gone either way, the pitching matchups in Games Three and Four clearly favored the Yankees and, though they came close, it was the Phillies’ inability to break serve that has them one win away from failing in their bid to repeat as world champions.
Tonight’s pitching matchup calls for a Phillies victory that would send the Series back up the Turnpike with the Yankees leading 3-2. The Phillies haven’t lost a game started by Cliff Lee this postseason as Lee has been flat-out dominant. In four starts, he has tossed two complete games and twice struck out ten men without walking a batter, and doing both of those things in Game One of this World Series against the Yankees. In his four starts combined, Lee has walked just three, given up no home runs, and allowed just two earned runs, giving him a 0.54 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, and 10.0 K/BB. Opponents are hitting just .171/.192/.214 against Lee this postseason. His worst start saw him give up three runs, two of them unearned in 7 1/3 innings against the Rockies in Game Four of the NLDS. However good you think Cliff Lee has been, he’s been better.
That’s why the Phillies’ decision not to try to get three starts out of Lee drastically reduced their chances of repeating. Sure, Lee had never pitched on three-days’ rest before, but that doesn’t mean he can’t or that he wouldn’t succeed if he tried. One could argue that the Phils were better off getting two guaranteed wins from a fully-rested Lee than risking the second win by trying to milk a third out of him, but that only works if a) the Phillies can somehow win two other games (with a maximum of three games left in the series they’ve still won only Lee’s one start) and b) if they win tonight.
As I said, tonight’s pitching matchup clearly favors the Phillies, but that doesn’t mean A.J. Burnett is chopped liver. Despite all of my complaints about his contract and his inconsistency (both of which remain problematic, the contract especially), Burnett has answered the bell every time the Yankees have rung it. He took his turn every five days during the regular season, surpassing 30 starts for just the third time in his career, and, save for a bad first inning in Game Five against the Angels and his usual assortment of walks, hit batters, and wild pitches (resulting in 18 free bases in 25 1/3 innings), has been nails in the postseason. Burnett’s Game Two start against the Phillies would have bested Lee’s Game Four outing against the Rockies, so there’s more than momentum to cling to for those hoping the Yankees will wrap things up tonight.
The old baseball saying is that momentum is only as good as the next day’s starting pitcher, but sometimes in postseason series a heartbreaking loss that puts a team one game away from elimination really does carry over to the next game. Think of the Giants in the 2002 Series or the Cubs in the 2003 NLCS (both walking-dead Game Sevens by Dusty Baker managed teams), the Cardinals in the 1985 World Series after Don Denkinger’s call opened the door to their collapse in Game Six, or the Angels in the 1986 ALCS after Dave Henderson’s Game Six home run ripped the pennant out of their hands. The Red Sox got a lead in Game Seven of the 1986 World Series, but I doubt even they believed they’d hold it after their crushing loss in Game Six.
The Phillies weren’t on the verge of the championship last night, they weren’t even really on the verge of tying up the series (they never had a lead in the game), but Pedro Feliz’s game-tying home run and Brad Lidge’s return to perfection in the first two rounds of the postseason made them believe they had the game in hand with the score tied 4-4 and two outs in the top of the ninth. The crowd even thought they had the final out in that inning when Johnny Damon foul tipped a would-be strike three from Lidge early in his game-changing at-bat. The sequence of events that followed (Damon’s single and steal of second and third on a single pitch against the shift, Alex Rodriguez’s ringing go-ahead double, and Jorge Posada’s two-RBI single, which gave Mariano Rivera some unneeded breathing room) was legitimately heartbreaking for a Phillies team that was flush with excitement after tying up the game in the previous half inning. They’d be right to wonder if they couldn’t complete that comeback what hope have they of coming back in the Series.
At the risk of rousing the ghosts of 2004, I’d say none. The only question is whether or not this series goes back to the Bronx, like the ALCS did, or Burnett and company get it done tonight despite the presence of Lee.
Major League Baseball has yet to approve the Yankees’ request to replace the injured Melky Cabrera, who tore his hamstring running to first last night, but Brett Gardner would be in center field either way and is tonight. With Jose Molina catching Burnett yet again, that gives the Yankees a bottom five of Nick Swisher, Robinson Cano, Brett Gardner, Jose Molina, and Burnett. That against Cliff Lee. Molina hits lefties better than righties (.259/.306/.384 career) and Gardner is at least Melky’s equal (beyond the gains in speed and defense, he posted a .272 EqA this year to Melky’s .267). Still looking at that lineup, one suspects we’ll get a sixth game out of this Series after all.
Update: Ramiro Peña replaces Melky on the roster. My guess is they don't plan on using him.
Interesting choice.
[1] But we will see Hairston in the outfield. I really hope he doesn't cause any trouble out there.
Pena, huh.
[3] When? Not in tonight's starting lineup.
That bottom of the lineup does not inspire thoughts of champagne and goggles...
I think Pena could be used as a pinch runner. It's hard to see him actually playing the infield. I wonder if they'd be willing to put him in the outfield -- I'm guessing yes, and that that tipped the balance away from Guzman.
Scorecard printed. Workload, uhh, minimized.
Banter/Sterling/Waldman for me tonight. BTW, is there an FM station I can tune in?
[7] I thought all along that Peña made sense because the Yankees need another OF who can play the OF (Guzman apparently is not allowed in the OF). That means BUOF falls on Hairston, but that necessitated another IF. That meant Peña.
And yes, he can also PR well enough, which Girardi seems to favor and which has been lost now that Gritty Gardy is starting (is a Starty?).
Holiday here "Culture Day"! No work, just bagels, coffee and a big-screen tv at my inlaws in Yokohama..I really hope we can close it out today.
Poor Melky, hope he isn't too down...
[7] RIYank, that twelfth pitcher is starting to gnaw at me more and more.
[11] Will you dance a happy jig if it's Bruney on the mound to close out the win?
[11] I will dance a happy jig if they win, no matter who it is or how they do it.
[13] Please see [12].
I might have broken up the bottom of the lineup. In fact, I may have batted Molina 6th, figuring that he still only gets 2 ABs. At the very least, I would have flipped Molina and Gardner.
Meanwhile, Gardner should be under strict orders to bunt every time up.
[12] Of course we would.
Lee's due for a stinker. That's what I'm going with tonight. : ) And if Philly plans on being more aggressive, here's to hoping they swing and miss at lot of first pitch balls.
[17] yep. In fact, I predict that he coughs up a couple runs early, perhaps with the help of some poor defense. They'll get to him tonight just a little.
Then it will be up to AJ and his BFF to keep the bad guys in check.
Even a one run lead would be great, because it will put more and more pressure on Manuel to pull Lee for a PH. Otherwise, he'll pitch ten innings and throw 140 pitches.
This is a very interesting game tonight, due to the fact that it's an elimination game, but also cause of the questions surrounding the Yankees.
I have long been somewhat anti-Gardner, but I have some optimism about him today. I'd like to see this game end the series, though, especially if Melky is done for the week.
I really, really, really wish Teixeira would wake the **** up tonight, and just wreck the Phillies. I don't know why; he's fine but not my favorite player or anything. It's just been frustrating to watch him - not as bad as Cano but that's Cano and I'm used to it. God he's been awful.
[13] Indeed, happy jig dancing is on the menu for any win..but of course I am hoping for Mariano.
Has Chuck Manuel taken any heat for yesterday? I can't understand letting Lidge face A-Rod in that situation..looking closer at Lidge's stats this year, he was just awful..that has to be a bigger blunder than starting Blanton?
[18] BFF? Best-fuckin-fastball?
[21] best friend forever, a la Molina.
I do think it's a distinct possibility that Burnett mows them down again tonight. We all know he might melt down, but I actually think there's a good chance he'll be dealing. The thing about him is if he's on it doesn't matter if you faced him five times in the last week, he will strike mother***ers out.
Lee on the other hand has a chance - I'm agreeing with some of youse - to be gotten to. I wouldn't predict it because you can't - ah never mind. But I wouldn't be surprised if he's not exactly Greg Maddux tonight. And even if he is, it doesn't mean the Yankees won't win.
Hensley Muelens hired as the SF Giants hitting coach! Ex-Yankee and Yakult Swallow, you still see his name on jerseys at Yakult games here! Congrats, Bam-Bam!
[22] Ah of course..I'm a bit slow with these things..
[23] We just need to get Lee out after the 6th..
[8] NYYfan22, have you tried watching Postseason.tv?
Go here
http://www.mlb.com/mediacenter/
and you'll find a link. If you've never used any of the mlb.com videos I think you'll have to download the video watching app., but once you've done that you can watch the game on your computer. It's in some ways better than watching an actual television broadcast, but in some ways not as good.
Oh, and if for some reason you want the radio only, you can listen to John and Suzyn via that same site.
Could the Pena move mean they also may be considering pinch hitting for Cano, or benching him for Hairston at some point?
[13] a win is a win, but we've been waiting eight years to see mariano back up there to clinch a championship. i want him in there even if we're up by 10.
[28] Maybe, but I doubt it. I think that it is more likely they are thinking about PR for someone, with Peña or Hairston---with Hairston going in the OF for Swisher if need be. That would still leave a BUIF.
Actually, I might have thought about sitting Cano for the start of the game and put in Hairston or Peña (RH v. LHP), with the thought of PH/double switch in the middle innings.
I have a question. In Cole Hamels New Era commercial, isn't trying to get him to chase one outside what got him in to this mess?
hmmm. all the sudden I can't post comments. glitch in WP, or my computer here?
[27] -- 27!
Thanks for the tip. I have an mlb.com login, and often listen there.
At work, it's always better for me to listen vs. watch, since I have to leave the computer to answer alarms, etc. Plus tonight I'll be refreshing the banter methodically, and keeping score, too.
Game 5! Let's make Rollins' prediction come true, sort of.
[32] figured out what I was doing wrong. Idiot me.
[24] Good for Bam-Bam.
「３３」 That is SO cool that you are keeping score tonight :)
I am busting out the spiffy brackets for the remainder of the series..30mins to go, too excited now!
(Note to others: my wife just asked me why I was on the blog when the game hadn't started yet..I showed her some of the pre-game Banter chat..she just shook her head and muttered something like "you guys are all children"...Surely, I am not the only one getting this reaction?)
[24] [34] That's some sort of joke, right?
got a six pack in the fridge and the day off tomorrow, lets make this a good night
[35] It's a children's game.
Fortunately, my wife has her own childish pleasures.
Tim McCarver has done some research????
Or who was that talking? (I couldn't see, long story.)
「３８」Indeed, I have caught my wife watching Ally Mcbeal online...shudder...
「４０」Animal charity?
[41] Oh good heavens. Grow up, woman.
I missed the last thread, but I sure hope there's a lot of horsing around in the visitor's dugout later.
Yeah, if you were a Philadelphian watching that last Fox segment, you'd pretty much be sticking your finger down your throat.
[44] what was it?
[45] Jeter lovefest, mainly.
I really DO like Alannis Morrisette, but she's from Canada. WTF!!
[36] Not a joke:
http://baseballmusings.com/?p=43931
[47] Isn't it ironic?
「４７」Loved it when she was on Curb Your Enthusiasm
[49] Well played ::polite golf clap:: !
Everything is pointing to a Phillies win tonight, which actually gives me a little more hope tonight. Whenever all of the cards are stacked, the opposite has a way of working out. After all, CC vs. Blanto did wind up as a battle of the bullpens. I think the Yankees would sign up for that tonight. As for me, I'll sign up for 5 runs in the top of the first.
I'm not gonna be able to handle this
[52] Yep. It really begins and ends with Lee. If he continues to through CG shutouts...well, what can you do. But I think things will be a little different tonight.
November baseball, LET'S GO!
Here we go...
It makes no sense, but I almost have a little more confidence in the scrub lineup because maybe they have the answers that the A-team didn't have in game 1.
LETS DO THIS!
Almost...
My kid thinks he can run faster than Derek Jeter: "You use every muscle in your legs. I know the skills, I'll show you the skills."
Damon!
There we go!
Now run, Johnny, run!
Their nemesis, their torturer, the Damonic Johnny.
atta boy, JD!
...time for Teix to break out!
Teixeira the automatic out. I can see it!
Let's see if Lee gets the big zone tonight.
[60] Have you shown him a full sized baseball field close up?
I distinctly remember standing on one for the first time and I couldn't believe it. I was used to Little League. The big field seemed absurd, fit for giants.
Excellent!
He's not throwing strikes.
Teixera needs to get out of his playoff funk
That looked like ball four to me.
No time better than now
Swung at ball 4.
making Lee work. I like that, Marko.
I love how those qualify as "keys to the game"
Dammit. 3-0...
Teixera looks like he's swinging a bat made a lead.
[66] I know! I reminded him they play on a different sized field. :)
I actually got to go on the field at the Stadium when I was a kid. It was the coolest thing in the universe. I ran the bases and everything. My friend and I talked on the bullpen phone, he in the bullpen, I in the dugout...
Man, magical.
Another pretty awful AB by Teixeira...there really is no light at the end of the tunnel with him.
[75] Hey, you were at the game last night, we hear...
「７３」Yesterday a key on the ESPN feed here were "The Yankees offense"..
"They're not swinging at strikes."--the kid.
Alex!!!
GO GO!!
WHOOHOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
BEAUTIFUL!
Yaaaaaayyyyyy!!!!!
Yay-Rod!
No shutout for Lee.
Huge hit by Arod...an early run is more than just a lead...it has to put doubt in Lee's mind as well.
HA!
Score Truck, first inning style.
[78] yeah, it was a great time. I thought I was going to get killed. I've been to Fenway and I think these Phillie fans were way worse, they were not shy about getting in your face.
1 - 0 BABY!
Nice! was it a bullet?
Wow!
We got a run off this guy, just like that!
Pour it the FUCK ON, Team!!!!
He's all over the place!!!
He can't throw strikes!!!
make him WORK
What the hell is that on Lee's cap?
Make him work. Make him work. Robbie, don't be stoopid here.
Yes!!!
[90] Yes.
Oh boy.
Yo, Aura! Mystique! Drive that Score Truck around to the side, we're looking for a big delivery.
1-0!!
Good approach so far against Lee. Damon has been awesome.
Come on Cano!!! Do something
[94] a "P"?
Oh yeah. All ya need is just a little patience. Whistle, whistle, whistle. C'mon Robbie. One time for fuck's sake!
[100] No, on the brim.
Cano hit it well.
Dang. Better Rob, but not good enough.
Let's go A-J!!!!
Damn it.
Damn it.
But good contact, Robbie.
Keep that shit UP!
Oh well..not a bad swing. I though at first Robbie placed it down the line. Next time...
20 pitches for Lee. 9 strikes.
he got good wood on it
a clean first from AJ will go a long way towards calming my nerves
I really hope Tanyon Sturtze gets a cut of that Gilette money, he could probably use it
Pressure on the Phillies. Down a run in an elimination game.
Christmas commercials during the World Series...that's a first.
「１１０」 Whoa, Tanyon Sturtze?? Blast from the past..
Let's go, AJ!!
My man...
I hope AJ is as calm as he has seemed in his recent press conferences.
Please be the Good AJ. Please be the Good AJ. Please be the Good AJ.
Amen.
Strike one.
[113] yeah theres a gillette commercial that shows the Jeter dive into the stands against Boston, with Sturtze on the mound.
I always had a soft spot for Sturtzie.
[112] I was telling my brother yesterday, can you believe it's November 1st and we are still watching baseball?
Burnett's hat and Lee's hat were making out pre-game.
[119] Wouldn't it be great if we ran out of baseball before November 4th, though?
Slider in the dirt.
Put this clown away.
No hangers AJ!
Agggh!
oh fuck
Fuck.
Crud.
[121] Today/tomorrow morning works for me too.
That fastball leaked over the plate...Burnett gets hurt most by that pitch to lefties. I really wish they wouldn't use it.
Strike 1.
He was in the strike zone!!!
That didn't hit the bat?
How didn't he offer on that pitch?
Okay, he wasn't in the strike zone. I dunno.
Uh oh.
WTF
I'm gonna need a drink
Uh oh.
Wave your magic want, Molina.
The Phillies were trying to give away an out...wish the Yankees could have taken it.
My friend here (not my kid, my friend) says Victorino's a drama queen: "Poor you, you play baseball, you got hit in the hand.)
This weekend was so great because I didn't hear one word from Buck or McCarver. Shit, it sucks to be back
This going to be a long, tense game..
It was a pretty good pitch, actually. Just inside.
Well, I'm still confident.
Looks like bad AJ tonight
Now I'm not so confident.
FUCK YOU, BUCK!
Now there's a surprise.
WTF!!!!
Definitely bad AJ tonight
Fuckitty fuck fuck.
God help me
Hm. I think we have bad AJ.
You could kind of see this coming...AJ on the road is just a different pitcher.
Everything's leaking right out over the dish.
Fuck.
Fuck.
Fuck.
Finally, the slider.
That was a fucking strike!!!
I'm not convinced it's Bad AJ. That pitch to Utley was bad, I admit, but not so sure he's way off tonight.
Fuckwad on the other side better the fuck not get that pitch.
He really has no idea where the ball is going.
It's pretty incredible that AJ and Molina could fall into the same trap that they did in Anaheim. They had to know the Phillies would take a page out of the Angels playbook and come out aggressive.
[157] He seems to have no control at all.
Shouldn't we be getting that kind of production from our 2nd baseman? Bollocks!!
He got his act together against the Angels. There is still a chance here. AJ's only going five or so one way or another. The key is to keep pressure on Lee.
[157] It all happened so fast. I think if he uses his slider he can be all right.
He can recover from this. He's got good velocity and the slider's breaking well.
We'll be seeing Chad Gaudin and JA Happ in this game..
Good grief!!!
I hate watching this guy pitch.
FUCK.
THESE.
MOTHER.
FUCKING.
UMPS!!!
My fucking seven year old: "God, that was right over the plate!"
[160] I think clearly we have to blame Posada.
This decision could really wind up exploding on Girardi before an out is recorded. If the Phillies romp here, the tenor really changes.
[161] I wouldn't go that far. The fastballs leaked back over the plate, but he can make an adjustment to deal with that.
[170] What decision?
[170] Which decision?
[165] If Gaudin winds up in this game early, I would hate to be Girardi on the off day. You just know he isn't going to sleep thinking about his decision to use AJ on the road.
[172] What, which, whatever. Whichever.
[172] [173] AJ on the road and Andy on three days.
[174] I don't think it was a bad move to use AJ. I definitely don't trust Gaudin, he hasn't pitched in 3839303 days.
Oh, that decision.
[171] There was also the first pitch that Rollins was stupid enough to swing at, the pitch that killed Victorino and whatever the hell that was.
[177] True, he might have given up three runs in the first inning before he ever recorded an out.
Good.
Good.
Recover, AJ. Keep 'em right here and this game's ours.
You can do this.
This game is not over. Aj will hold them here, and the Yankees will score again against Lee. When both BPs are in the game in the 7th inning, then we'll see.
[176] I'm pretty sure Gaudin can walk people and give up homers too. Its sort of what he's good at.
Another strike, though my kid disagrees.
[177] I would have preferred saving AJ for game 6, but I wouldn't and wont kill Girardi for moving AJ up. Having said that, if AJ doesn't lock it down, it will turn out to be the wrong decision, one that could impact the rest of the series.
AJ can easily get it together and get 5 or 6..lots of time left in his one, someone get Willliam a percocet..
[177] Yeah, I know, oh wait...did you just trick me?
These umps are fucking nut-squeezers.
Goddamn.
Teix!
Thank you, Teix!
NIce one, Teix!
[183] You're missing the point. Gaudin could do this too, but then you'd have Burnett at home on full rest for Game Six.
I really wish I could ever like Burnett. But I'm afraid he's impossible to like. He sucks just as much as he's money. It's maddening.
And how did he never learn to throw a simple straight change? How the hell is that so hard? He's got two pitches and gets crushed when he can locate the curve.
Fuck face.
RIYank, [187] was meant for you
At least Teix remembered his glove this series.
[186] I am not freaking out at early...my expectations coming into this were pretty low. Now, for game 6, it would be nice to have them handy.
[185] Wait, are you predicting that if the Yankees lose game 5, it will impact the rest of the series? You mean, like, they'll have to play a game 6?
Go out on a limb, William!
; )
[193] Ah.
Ha ha ha haha! Fished in!
[192] Dude, he fucking bakes pies when we win on walk-offs? Are you against PIES?
[196] If they lose, the decision to start Burnett will impact the rest of the Series.
Good slider.
[185] Regardless of the result tonight, I'd say avoiding a career mediocrity like Chad Gaudin is the right decision.
[191] Still banging the drum? You have more patience than I. But yup. And too late.
Bummer. It's Pettitte on short rest that really bums me out. Then CC after that.
Still if the Yankees can't win one of these three games, they don't deserve the bling.
Thank you, Derek.
Ok, how many pitches was that?
Let's put this inning behind us and move on.
AJ just needs an inning to adjust to the road bump. He's alright. LET'S GO O!!!
We're going to win this game, I have zero doubts. ZERO.
Ok, we have them right where we want them....
Nice recovery. Victorino's AB really hurt, but otherwise not too bad. AJ for five innings. Yankees will win.
ok nice recovery, if AJ can settle in and we make Lee work this game is far from over
[204] [205] Right on!
You would have thought coming into this game, the one game plan you would have is no early fastballs to Utely.
[207] AJ for five innings sounds Bruney-tastic
[201] Ah. So, if they lose and have Pettitte on short rest in YS instead of Burnett on full rest in YS, that's the right decision??
I guess we have very different ideas of right decisions.
[202] Yeah, but (as I noted in the earlier thread) I want the Yankees to win the ring even if they don't deserve it.
[201] AJ has been very mediocre on the road too. If you saved him for game 6, however, you could reasonable expect a very good game.
[201] agreed, a Gaudin start would only be acceptable in the event of an injury to one of the big three. You willingly go to him, and you're willingly punting away a World Series game.
[205] I AGREE!!! FUCK THE PHILLIES!!!
[199] Of course it will, just as if they win it will impact the rest of the series. It's a tautological statement (if I'm being an ass).
[198] That's the only reason I even consider him close to likable (well that and the brutally honest interviews).
But, man, his inconsistency is already consistently tiresome.
[212] I just really don't like the idea of taking our foot off the throat.
[216] Hm, okay.
But the decision to start Gardner today won't impact the rest of the series, will it? So it's not tautological to say that the decision to start Burnett will be.
Gardner is depressing.
I told cliff last night I think all we need AJ to do was hold them to 3 runs or less. I didn't know he was gonna do it like that!
Come on Gardner, big bat behind you, get on base here
Well, Gardner made contact and didn't pop it up.
Gardner has lost a step
Good
sliderCURVE.FTFY, Weeping.
Brett Gardner is a very bad baseball player.
[218] I like the idea of winning the World Series, so I'm for whatever improves the prospects of doing that.
Gardner sucks.
Never mind those 2 nice strikes you saw Brett. Get in a hole and go golfing. OY!
Can't they pinch hit Jorge now?
too many things for me to catch up on the previous comments, but i'm here. in/out for in a little while...
Chutley/Pat Riley is really beginning to piss me off. : /
we can totally get to Cliff Lee tonight.
c'mon Posada! ; )
Molina looks like the anti-anti-anti-Bambino
Molina runs up the pitch count...doing his job before the weak pop-up.
[231] Hey!
Thanks for the updates on Saturday night!
Weird thing to be half watching Phish and half refreshing the Yankees game on my cell phone!
Come one Molina cut the fridge loose.
[219] Well, in fact, every personnel decision this game, it coould be argued, contributes to whether the team wins or loses. Thus, it by definition impacts the rest of the series. So yeah, that would be strictly a tautological statement.
But especially so for for choosing the starting pitcher. The very fact Girardi chose AJ will necessarily have a significant impact on the rest of the series. If he wins, the series is over. If he loses, the series continues and Pieetitte (or Gaudin) will have to start. So yes, the decision to start AJ---or not start AJ---must impact the rest of the series. Thanks.
see? baseball really IS predictable! : (
[231] thelarmis, my lady bought Mr. OK Jazz Jr drumsticks for his b-day present! He loves watching the DVD of "Blast" (drum ensemble show) and banging the floor with pens, so she got him some real sticks. Come on over to Japan to give him some lessons!
The fact that Molina could make that much contact shows Lee is off a little, but with a ST lineup, the Yankees may not be able to take advantage.
[234] yo! well, shit - if i knew you were checking, i coulda saved the texts!
Who would have thought Mussina was throwing a pitch all those years that hadn't even been invented yet. : /
As I watched Utley's ball fly out there I didn't feel the usual anger, dread or panic. That was simply the high water mark of a beaten team.
AJ is keep us in this game. We've absorbed their best shot ... And we're going to win it ... Tonight ... On their field. I know this to be true.
That's OK...the bottom three are a sinkhole, and would have been even if Melky was here. AJ needs to get back to right thinking and then the top of the order can go back to work.
was anyone actually expecting anything offensively that inning anyway?
hold them here AJ and let the top of the lineup go back to working Lee and I'll be ok
34 pitches through two for Lee
With this lineup, the Yankees are really playing 6 offensive innings.
Res Gestae Divi Cliffi:
Struck out AJ Burnett.
Worship the guy some more, Buck.
[247] Nice reference to the Res Gestae!
[236]
So, according to you, every play in every game impacts the rest of the series? I don't think that's the way most people use "impacts".
Too bad Molina is one of those guys who can purposely foul off pitches. Then, he'd be a real secret weapon.
[246] Well, I guess we have to pray for rain after the 6th
[240] well, sometimes I'd check after you texted me, just to see exactly how things went down ... and then you stopped and i was still curious, so i'd check again.
don't have a data plan, so i'd just check in for a minute every 20-30 minutes or so.
is it the Montreal Canadians?
the fact that I went with Yuengling tonight isn't some kind of bad karma for the Yankees right? I didn't wanna have to go with Rheingold or Brooklyn Lager
[249] Yes, if we push the definition. But you will note that I said ESPECIALLY the decision of who starts will impact the rest of the series. We already knew that.
Come on, AJ...throw strikes.
Wow, McCarver and Buck are so fucking PROFOUND!!!
c'mon, AJ.
[248] Thanks. Classical antiquity and baseball are a fine mix.
Well, I called this series in 6, so obviously, this is MY fault ...
let's go AJ, stop fucking around.
Did you know: AJ Burnett had an OPS of .877 in 2000 (in 30 at bats). He had one double, one triple, and one home run.
there ya go
It's a small strike zone.
I'm somewhat optimistic that AJ can adjust to it.
fuckin digs a 3-0 hole, then 3 stright strikes to get him out. You never can tell...
[260] However, after the last 2 games, my gut says tonite's the night ... prediction be damned.
LONG WAY to go in this game folks.
[265] See [264].
Thank you, AJ. Thanks for fronting Ruiz a 3-0 count before k'ing him. 2 down. Get Rollins out. He's a chump.
[254] I've got a Sam Adams sampler pack, just finishing up their Octoberfest. Don't see a Novemberfest.
Where was THAT pitch? Didn't Molina frame it or whatever?
What the fuck, BLUE!!!
WHERE's THAT FUCKING CURVEBALL BLUE?
Oh, right, this is the new Jimmy Rollins Takes a Walk model.
This is definitely not the umpire for Burnett. If the game 6 ump is known to be a pitcher's friend, that perhaps should have been another facotr taken into consideration.
I don't know if Victorino stays in this game
pitch count for AJ??
I like how Victorino pretended that his hand hurt on that pop-up.
Seriously. Why cant these a-holes say, "Well there's the best curveball in the game. It's so good the umpire doesn't even know it's a strike."
Better this way. Now Utley definitely bats with nobody on...
[252] oh, it's all good, bud! i stopped, 'coz i was on stage! : }
[276] 36.
[276] I got 34 on me scorecard.
[274] Yeah, it's too bad that the weather isn't 85 degrees today too.
[281] and 34 for Lee? that's ok..we need to get a run back this inning though...
[281] That's not bad. Just keep 'em here. But the top of the order HAS to make Lee work a little this inning.
[281] and 34 for Lee? that's ok..we need to get a run back this inning though..
[282] I give you credit. I've been known to turn paper products near me into confetti when something bad happens. : )
[281] yeah, my bad. 36 for AJ, 34 for Cliff.
hi team - so that fucking chutely and his animal charity work again huh
[277] Swinging a bat with a bruised or broken hand can be very painful...and often you don't know the extent of your injury until you bat. I broke a finger playing the field in a game, but didn't appreciate the extent of the injury until my first AB. The first swing was so painful, I just released the bat and then went straight to the emergency room. I wound up completely breaking my pinky off my hand and had surgery. That was exactly 6 years ago today...because it was after the 2003 WS, everyone thought I broke my hand punching something in frustration.
We don't *want* Victorino to come out, do we?
The World Series is beyond baseball? Wisconsin Tourism Federation, MLB?
[290] Yeah, I was just being mean. Actually, he looks like he's hurting out there.
Jeter missed three very hittable pitches. What is about Lee that makes good hitters miss them?
Crap. Jeter missed a nice pitch to hit on the first pitch. At least he made him throw what, 5 or 6 pitches.
Are they going to talk about Victorino's hand the entire fucking game?
[294] Jedi mind tricks?
Good.
3 walks in about 30 previous innings. 2 walks tonight. Good.
[294] does he conceal the ball well during his release? a la Weaver?
ahhhh... CLee doubles his BB count for the postseason tonight. so far.
[296] alex told us you were in philly for all these games - what happened you told the phanatic to fuck off?
Lee is so clearly not the same tonight...if they can just make him pay.
tex really needs to tie the game here
keep working him
TEIXEIRA, CAN YOU TRY AND NOT HIT A ROUTINE F8?
[293] I'd like to be sympathetic to victorino but I'm too indifferent.
[303] that would rule.
Grrrr.
you kill me Tex
[307] it'll still rule if Alex does it! : }
ugh tex can't even really hit rh
Alex is coming up big here, just sayin'.
Hit the shit out of that one. D'oh! Fuck!
Dear Mark Teixeira,
FYI: You have been sucking the entire post season.
Regards,
Jason Giambi
Are these MLB umps or SEC refs?
Waste of the 1,2,3,4. Goddamnit.
Dammit. A-Rod just missed that...and they didn't run up the pitch count enough. Crudola.
.
.
.
OK, AJ, please do not let Utley hit another HR.
[312] Sigh ... or not.
Arod just missed that.
Teixeira better hope the Yankees win this series because otherwise he is going to be in the cross hairs. Only Cano has had as many poor ABs. It really is shocking.
[315] No kidding...Those SEC refs missed a clear holding penalty on Tennessee 2 Saturdays ago on that second blocked kick; even if he had made the kick, they should've thrown the flag.
Oh shit...
Just walk him.
[317] well, no one's been warned yet --- hit Utley in the head.
[323] I jest...just hit him in the back
[323] Yes, that would be better. Or, perhaps wait to nail Lee in the head or hand?
[323] that hair will repel the ball
[323] I'm fine with that.
Please don't allow this inning to turn to utter shit. Fuck you Utley.
Has AJ had a called strike yet? (Yes, I know he has..i'm just venting with hyperbole.)
Apparently Shane Victorino is now Timmy Lupus.
so andy is the only yankee pitcher that has contained chutley
Fuck 'n McAsshole. i HATE these guys.
Why can't Joe Buck have sex with a fox intern?
he was so caught too
[331] has Mo or Damaso gotten him? prolly, but yeah, Andy's the only starter.
FUCK. i'm really sick of Pat Riley.
Dammit Posada, what kind of throw was that...oh...er....
Ugh.
[330] he does eat his own boogers
I don't know how much more of this I can take
damn jeter tried to tag too fast
A decent throw gets him...Molina is really not justifying his presence in this lineup.
Another missed strike. Robbie's got Jeter beat on those plays.
I still have this overall sense that we're going to win this game...I'm curious to see how.
「３３３」Awesome
Burnett is heading toward disaster. He doesn't have any command tonight.
aj at 45 pitches already. that place is getting LOUD
man do i hate those stoopid white towels
I'd like to know why the pitch that Utley stole on was not called a strike.
[330] If he quit being a spaz all the time maybe he wouldn't catch so much shit.
[335] yeah i meant starters
after much consideration i have decided that that goatwhore is too good of a name to waste on anyone but joe buck
booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
[344] I thought it was the ump's tight strike zone? or is it the fact that he came back on three day's rest? Or is it the fact that he's not throwing first pitch strikes?
wheels. falling. off.
dammit. unassisted triple play for Jeter coming. I can feel it.
[346] The zone is very tight. I wonder if that's the book on the homeplate ump. If so, pairing AJ with him is kind of the strike three against the decision, the first two being 3-days rest and on the road.
[338] and now back-to-back walks to Kelly Leak and Ahmad...this could be trouble. I think AJ can get Toby Whitewood, Rudy Stein and Engleberg.
I think we might see Gaudin in this game after all.
Wow, I really hate this fuck face.
get it together aj
Waldman just said Robertson is up in the bullpen. So Girardi really doesn't trust Gaudin, egh?
Calling Freddy Aceves...come in Freddie...
David Robertson is warming. Ahhhh...so he's the long man.
Girardi needs to prepare to go to the Gaudin and friends start very soon. Burnett will not get through 5, and may not make it past this inning.
[353] There is absolutely nothing anyone can do about the decision
get
him
OUT
4-1.
That one's on Posada.
Burnett has good velocity, but his command is off and he's getting squeezed abit. He still has a shot to muscle through five or six....
.
.
.
Then again, maybe not...
Fuck you, Toby Whitewood.
Let's see what Robertson has tonite, 'cause AJ's got shit.
Goddammit!
Wow, I really, really hate this fuck face.
The decision has officially exploded...now it's time to assess the damage.
He has to be pulled now..4-1 with no outs..his could be the ballgame here...
[364] Why? Is he calling pitches from the bench?
[360] not really, he's just a quicker warm than Vulture or Gaudin.
Girardi has to make a decision. I fhe pulls the plug now, he may be able to get an inning or two out of AJ in game 7.
[372] How the fuck should I know? But it's his fault, that much I do know.
Leaving Burnett in now makes no sense. Girardi rolled the dice and it came up snake eyes. It's time to cut the losses.
pull the plug
AJ out. Now.
Wow, I really, really, really hate this fuck face.
And that's that.
And fuck you, Buck.
Holy cow. They're pulling AJ already?
I still think it was the right decision, you have to at least give it a shot
Actually I can't decide what sucks more...Listen to the Phillies fans go wild for 6 more innings or risk going to bed and a miracle occurs and we win....
The beauty of AJ stinking it up tonight on short rest is that Molina will be immune from any blame. So he will still be AJ's BFF next year (provided he's still around).
wow, that couldn't have gone any worse.
Andy better be a golden god on short rest.
our pen is about to get shot.
this could very well go 7. that would suck...
[370] I just don't see how Gaudin is the answer for anything, the guy sucks, bottom line. It's not like Girardi is holding back Dwight Gooden, circa 1985
NIce Season, AJ. Unfortunately my last image of you will be being complete garbage.
AJ..you take the good (Game 2) and you take the bad (Game 5)
Hold them at 5-1 and our O can still come back...I am not worried yet..
It was the best of times, it was the blurst of times ...
[384] next year the part of jose molina will be played by francisco cervelli
[381] Actually, I like this move with an off day coming up. Maybe they can crawl out of this hole and win tonight. If not, AJ might still be able to make an appearance in game 7. Girardi has to manage aggressively this game.
[382] Yup.
AJ, I know CC. CC is a stud pitcher. You sir, are no CC.
[385] Probably not, Robertson, Gaudin, Aceves and Bruney are the guys going to pitch from here on out, barring a comeback.
Bigger problem, is that the other guys, who are supposed to be the anchors of the bully, still don't inspire *any* confidence (Mo aside).
At least I can sell my game 6 tix....
[389] You stupid Monkey!
[385] The pen won't be shot with a rest tomorrow.
[390] Right. Let's start the campaign now to have Cervelli as his personal catcher.
[386] Burnett has been much better at home, which is where he would have been on full days rest in game 6. AJ was a decent bet for this kind of game, so moving him up didn't really give you a huge edge. Now, the Yankees have Andy on 3-days rest, which brings its own concerns. Joe gambled and lost big time. I am sure that is going to gnaw at him on the off day, and perhaps for his entire career if the Yankees lose this World Series.
This better be Molina's last inning. THIS ump is FUCKING KILLING me.
note to brian cashman - you need 4 legitimate (ie better than chad gaudin) pitchers in the post season
This decision is eerily similar to Torre's decision to use Wang on three days rest on the road.
sammy b says robertson hasn't pitched in 5 dyas so if he is decent should be able to get 2 out of him
I'm breaking my rule about not posting during the game. I said that I hated this move, and I FUCKING hate this move.
This decision to pitch AJ on short rest SUCKED.
The dude pitches better at home, anyway.
But this is everything about what I was talking about last night - when you have a lead you use that lead as a weapon. Managing your lead is the way to strangle your opponent into submission.
I used to be a damn good tennis player. My best ability was winning. Once I had any sort of lead, I would use it mercilessly to grind you to death. Any lead gave me a flexibility to take certain risks, to put certain kinds of pressure on you.
AJ's inconsistent enough that it may just be AJ being AJ. But you were going up against Lee anyway, for fuck's sake.
Yeah, you had a plan for three starters, but then you got a 3-1 lead.
Is there ANY chance that people looking at AJ's history were seduced by something called SMALL SAMPLE SIZE???
I mean what the fuck, that is classic small sample size.
I had low hopes tonight, the closer we got to game time.
Why, when we had all the leverage, did we employ a plan that suddenly puts us in a position of weakness from here on out?
I'm fucking pissed.
Fuck. Against Lee, as relatively wild as he is, this deficit may be too large to overcome.
That was a huge RBI from Ruiz. The Yankees might have gotten a lift from not allowing anymore runs. Regardless, seeing Robertson pitch well highlights the error in leaving AJ in too long.
[400] game 4 vs cleveland? that game was at home
[397] I don't get paid to make these decisions, I thought it was a good one when it was made and I still think it was. It didn't work out. Shit happens.
oh god. this is brutal.
Scratch that on Robertson pitching well :(
[399] Well, at the end of a long series of decisions, a couple of potential legitimate fourth starters are now in the BP. I'm just sayin'...
That's it.
Lee with the hit..the Banter is about to become very bad-tempered..
[406] Shit happens and teams lose the World Series.
[409] oh yes - that was part of the note
Cliff Lee in the 2nd and 3rd innings put pitch #1 in play. Fucker.
[406] I agree. AJ is and always has been a flake. It is hard to pin down whether he stunk it up tonight *because* he was on the road, or *because* he was on short rest, or *because* the zone was tighter, or *because* he is, well, AJ. Or even because, perhaps, Molina called a bad game.
I still think the Yanks will make this interesting tonight. And if they dont come back, they will win on Wednesday.
If the pitchers were not tryng to hit a FUCKINGSTAMPSIZED strike zone things would be different.
good pitch robertson -
It's still early. Lotta baseball left to play tonight.
Atta boy, Dave. Hit the showers, Molina.
[402] And I want to be clear that I said this last night.
And the other thing I said last night is that it reminds me of Torre doing the worst job ever of leveraging a lead as an advantage - which will always be what I think he fucked up precisely in the series I don't care to name.
Well, this couldn't be going much worse.
[405] You're right...the question were separate. Torre was criticized for not using Wang in game 3, which would have allowed him to pitch at home, and also for going to him on three days rest. I don't think Torre was wrong for having him go game 1 because he was really most worthy of 2 starts.
Robertson is good.
Too bad he couldn't start.
It's still early. The Yankees came back against the Angels...they can come back here. Posada gets to come out of his doghouse for the rest of the game; two PHs for the pitcher spot.
So it all comes down to CC.
(I have little confidence in Andy on three. I mean, he could gut something out, to be sure, but I don't have high expectations.)
13 pitches for Robertson. he should definitely pitch another inning
Good inning for Robertson. He limited the damage in a situation where they were just about guaranteed a run. And hey, instead of resting, Lee had to stand on first.
Now how about a big ol' score truck delivery.
[416] I know. Don't even get me started.
[423] He could have...a mix of pitchers really would have been a decent option. Hughes, Robertson and Gaudin could have gotten you through 6.
[425] This game ain't over yet, as monkeypants well points out in [424].
I figured I'd see about 35 "Gaudin could have done that" posts, but not quite that many. I take that as a good sign!
[429] I guess. And Ace for a couple...
Aceves warming, per Waldman.
Lee seems to have a bigger zone
[430] I did have one, but it was heavily ironic so if you weren't looking carefully you may have neglected to count it.
At least the ump sucks for both sides. Yeesh.
What can you do...Nice stroke, Swish.
Agggh, motherfucker.
damnit this sesame street dude is always right there
[433] He does.
[430] No, it's not. But five runs...
These interviews are the worst thing ever
then don't ask stupid questions goatwhore
No more crying over spilt AJ..we need a run or two quick! I believe it's called "a momentum shift". Monkeypants has several interesting academic treatises on this subject I believe..
Not even bothering to wtach Cano at bat anymore..
[441] I'm glad I don't get those on MLB International.
[440] Little bites
wow that was an interesting strike
Cripes. Both balls hit hard.
Ech. Gardner
Damon, now Robbe watched a 2-0 fastball in their prospecitve wheelhouse. I don't get it. : /
gardner should drag bunt
I hope Gardner makes out, so they keep Robertson in for two innings.
[442] "Goatwhore" is inspired.
Does Gardner even know he can swing before he gets 2 strikes?
[442] excellent use of "goatwhore"!
Can someone please go over the advantage for me again of not throwing a hail mary of Gaudin - and I know he hasn't pitched in ages, but the guy has shown an uncanny knack for keeping the Yanks in games until he leaves - and having a well-rested AJ ready to go at home in Game 6?
The only rationale I can see behind it is that you trust AJ SO MUCH LESS than Pettitte. And that your big advantage - Game 6 at home, with the other team facing elimination - is one you want to spend with Andy.
But damn, you're saying you trust an old pitcher in Pettitte on short rest that much more than a well-rested Burnett. Holy shit, am I worried we are counting on Andy to be an ageless miracle and to avoid the dreaded bad Andy to a dangerous degree.
I guess that other rationale is that you want to throw what you think are your three best pitchers (them being the short rest versions of themselves) - or that Gaudin looked to matchup particularly terribly with this Phillies team. But I don't know if just looking at those three names = your best chance to win the one game you need.
If the Yankees could have gotten just a decent start, they would have had a chance because Lee doesn't look sharp. Not having Posada and Hairston may have been as costly as using AJ because Molina and Gardner are like giving away outs. I really hope Gardner doesn't factor into the 2010 Yankees plans. Cashman would be wise to try to trade him to some team blinded by his speed.
Someone needs to walk up to Gardner and very politely tell him that he sucks too hard to take two strikes every time up.
[453] I'm just happy if he runs up the count.
I just hope the Yankees don't have a 6 run inning, only to then blow the lead.
The problem with this move (starting AJ) was that it increased our chances of winning today, but decreased our chances of winning in #6 and #7. I know Girardi did not want to give a game away, but considering we only need ONE win, I have to question this move.
[455] one thing is gaudin has pretty severe splits - lefties hit him very well
I fucking hate how every time they use their stupid fucking strike box - which they totally use more to help make a case for the Phillies - but even when they use it and it shows something for the Yankees, Buck and McCarver just let it hang out there, their total silence hanging there like a runaway booger on an aborted jail break. And they ALWAYS verbalize when it shows something for the Phillies.
[459] Wow, you choose your hopes very carefully! I would say this one has an excellent chance of not letting you down.
Well, next inning should be good. Posada in for Molina, then a pinch hitter for Robertson (Hinske? Or use Matsui now?), and Jeter. That's not bad.
[459] Once was enough.
keep Molina in for the bottom 4th?
[456] Of course, had Melky not been hurt, he would have started instead of Hairston. And Melky was sucktastic in his own right. So when it comes down to it, not starting Posada has cost the Yankees all of one AB.
I guess Po comes in next inning.
[466] Keep him in until you PH, which will be next inning.
[462] What do you expect from degenerate tools?
I'm surprised Gardner doesn't bunt more, with his speed.
[461] He's also something of a flyball pitcher, which can be a big problem in that ballpark.
I was not in favor of AJ on short rest, but I do think it was the right call.
Let's stop this rollins-bats-in-every-inning streak. uhhh, now.
[456] I'm not that down on Gardner - I think he's a useful bench player. He's just not a guy you want getting significant ABs in the World Series!
[472] What the fuck is that, voodoo shit?
[460] I don't think it affects game 7 one bit. Game six may have been compromised, however, as you suggest.
[472] Wait, you were not in favor of it but you think it was the right call?? You were in favor of the wrong call?
Lee has been getting calls on the outside corner that we're not getting.
[463] You know, if it led to Pettitte pitching a stellar Game 6 to clinch, like the crummy grame 5 in the ALCS...hey, I'd take it!
[460] I think it's even debatebale that it increased the chances of winning today (although I think it did slightly). Girardi rolled the dice that AJ would be outduel Lee. It was a longshot, but like most long shots, it failed. Now, you can say that being up 3-1 is like playing with house money, or take the approach that with a 3-1 lead, it's better to play it close to the vest. You can argue both sides of the coin.
[476] Uh, it doesn't affect game 7 one bit?
Is that the one decision in the history of a WS game that didn't affect the rest of the Series?
;)
one more, Dave. Then you can hit the showers.
Wait, I thought Utley was told by Bud Selig to homer in every at bat?? Wha happend?