Wouldn’t you be?
I think this says it all:
“I was thinking about that on the way over here — I’m coming to play for the New York Yankees against the Tampa Bay Rays, basically for first place in the division in August, or I’d be going up to play the Milwaukee Brewers, and there are like 10 people in the stands,” said Berkman, who will wear No. 17. He added, “When you’re a veteran — I’m 34, which isn’t necessarily ancient, but definitely getting toward more yesterdays than tomorrow in the game — you start to see the window for an opportunity to win and feel the rush of the playoffs close.”
(Ben Shpigel, N.Y. Times)
The heat broke in New York. Yesterday, it was sunny but clear. This morning, it’s overcast, no humidity, with a breeze. We could all use a break. ‘Nother win this afternoon sure would be nice too.
[Photo Credit: Mike Carlson/AP]
Speaking of break ... A-Rod is getting one today ... not in lineup at all.
Interesting choice of opponent to do it against there, Joe.
[1] I mentioned over @ WW that the the division isn't at stake and with a full time DH, there's no need for Rodriguez to DH.
[1] A-rod and Gardner getting the day off. I can't believe we're doing that today against the Rays. Though I actually kind of get A-Rod getting the rest.
3) uh-oh...the worst case scenario is that Girardi decides to overuse the backups. Givin ARod a day off is fine. But they really should try to avoid resting two starters in the same game.
Who is starting for Gardner, Thames or Kearns?
5) kearns v. the RHP is not what I would have done, but his career numbers against righties are not too bad.
[4] I think Girardi will use his backups at the same rate he has been using them.
6) maybe. Whatever the frequency, there really is no need barring injury, to rest more than one starter in the same game. If ARod gets the day off, then Gardner should start. Peña and Cervelli should never be in the same lineup. Ever. That sort of thing.
The only exception would be to exploit extreme platoon splits. Tough lefty on the mound, sit Grandy and start Kearns, with Thames at DH.
Let the Austin Kearns Era COMMENCE
8) I admit, I felt a tremble at reading those words.
Cano is simply fucking awesome.
All things considered, givng Arod a day off isn't a bad thing, but Girardi's words and actions since the trades suggest he isn't going to use the new players optimally. Yesterday he sat Posada, today it's Arod and now he is talking about Robbie and Jeter coming up soon. On YES, Girardi also said that with the new acqusitions, Arod and Jeter would likely get days off instead of DH. One of the reasons I wasn't too excited about landing Berkman is because I figured it would mean just that.
this is nice. game is on tbs and there's no fister caray!
11) i read those comments as well. Not encouraging.
[13] Even less encouraging is what Kay just said. The plan is to have Jorge catch 5 of 7 days. If the Yankees really try to get that much out of him, they run the risk of a serious injury, in which case Cervelli becomes permanent. If they are more cautios, but don't DH him, then you still lose Posada's when he is on the bench. I wish I had confidence in Girardi deploying his new toys, but the early signs are troublesome.
damnit, curtis. killin' me...
[15] I wonder what the Yankees long-term plan for Curtis is. Do you they assume this was a rough transition and stick with the notion that he is the CFer for the next few years, or try to trade him in the off season. He has been a real disappointment.
14) i have a slightly different take on that. I don't mind pushing Posada if they feel he can handle it. But of that's the case, you have to go all the way and not just push Posada but everyone else. In this scenario, you hope to build a big leag and give guys some rest at the end of the season.
But I do not agree with pushing posada but then resting everyone else, especially if that means two starters are sit out the same game.
Cashman has given Girardi a pretty good set of tools to work with, and the manager knows his team better thaw do. But I am a little concerned with how he plans to deploy players.
Yankees need to find a way to get Sabathia to stop throwing that valuable left hand up in the air everytime a ball is hit up the middle.
great. just fucking great. tex woulda had that EASILY! : /
[16] Gee, let's see...In the last 10 games Curtis is 11 for 34 with 3 HRs. Might it be that his moderately severe groin injury and subsequent return to game form took a little longer than you would like?
Nice to have Berkman at 1B instead of Teixeira. Incredible...with Girardi, it's almost better to have no bench.
16) Gardner's success could allow them. To take a middle position: use Granderson as a platoon player and hope that they can straighten him out over time.
Meanwhile, The decision to give Teix a half day off comes back to haunt.
[22] Using Granderson has a platoon player is alwaus an option, but I don't think that's what the Yankees had in mind. If Granderson doesn't turn it around, the Yankees will have a hard decision, especially with Crawford being a free agent.
20) recent success aside, he has been shit awful against lefties all season, building on a longterm trend of being shit awful against lefties. The official line when they got him was that last season was an aberration. Unfortunately, this season seems to fit right into a very disturbing downward trend in his offensive numbers ober the last few seasons.
23) it's certainly not what they had in mind, but right n ow their initial expectations are irrelevant. The context is obviously different: Grandy has not been what they expected but Gardy has probably been better. Whatever decision they make must be based on what they have, not what thy thought they would have.
[25] I agree that they should adjust for the rest of the season, but going forward, they might not want to have a platoon in CF.
26) they might not, but again, what difference does it make? They didn't want Damon to be a LF-DH, but they adjusted and didn't try to trade him when he failed to materialize as a CF for his entire contract.
Using Gardner and Granderson as in a some sort of platoon MAY allow the organization more flexibility when they look to add another OF next year, and they are going to add another OF, I'm pretty sure.
Here's another move I don't like: Berman in the two hole instead of Swisher. If the Rays were to bring in a lefty, you know have a bad hitter in a key spot. Swisher has been so good all season, so he should get as many at bats as possible.
Derek Jeter will kill you, one ground ball at a time!
c'mon puma!
28) Yep.
[27] The difference is Damon was still an everyday player. He was limited on defense, not offense. If Granderson is going to be such a liability against lefties, it not only requires a platoon, but also quality pinch hitters. It would be nice to not have to worry about such limitations.
cool stirrups.
Why don't the Yankees get the best players for every position? It's a free country, and unlimited funds give the team the ability. Considering the team worth, and total revenue from all sources, the Yankees could afford a $300M payroll and relative to other teams their current $205M payroll is more affordable than a lesser market $150M.
And you wonder why the non-Yankee fans are not indiferent, but HATE the organization.
Lance!!!!
we need tex in the field.
Another fine defensive play by the new acquisition. Girardi is crazy like a fox.
34) i think the Yankees should try to get the best players that they can.
I'm not really sure what your objection is. I'm not nearly as critical of the team as William usually is, but I agree that Granderson has a been a disappointment this year. And he that goes beyond his injury. They traded a player who at the time who was considered the best or second best position prospect in the organization. I don't they did that expecting Graderson to play the way he has so far.
[35] How long before the knives come out for Lance (Link Secret Chimp)?
[36] He's getting a 1/2 day off. Best part is when the Rays bring in a lefty, you'll have to realign the defense if you hit for Berkman. Unfortunately, using Tex means you lose the DH. Had Berkman been the DH, you could use Arod to hit in that spot, but alas.
christ almighty.
Nothing like giving the opposition extra outs because you decide to use inferior defensive players. I love it when a plan comes together.
36) are you really suggesting that playing against the next best team in the league, you would not want to rest two of your best offensive players AND take one of the best defensive players at his position out of the field?
Radical, man!
[43] Stop being such a spoiled Yankee fan!
40) the ol' half day off. Do other organizations habitually use the DH as a rotating infirmary?
wtf?! : /
Regarding the new Yankees, I'm sure the idea was to get them in the lineup and integrated into the team as soon as possible, and give some players a rest. Lance has to be able to play first base from time to time.
Girardi and his staff prolly figured on CC shutting the Rays down, alas, so far not to be.
[39] I'll cut him some slack if he makes 2 nice plays in a row to make up for the 2 he botched. AND if he doesn't pop up for the 5th freaking time next ab.
: )
[45] That's a good question. I am sure other teams rotate the DH, but not necessarily for the purpose of half days off. With some players, you can see having them DH, but I don't think Tex needed the half day.
[47] I think figuring on Sabathia "shutting the Rays down" would be a bad assumption to make.
When all is said and done, right now I'd rather have Austin Jackson than Curtis Granderson.
Whoa the Yanks look bad at the plate. Or Shields looks incredible.
Oh well...it's not like this is an important game.
[51] A changeup + a nice lead = some bad at bats.
47) I have little problem with integrating the new players and resting starters. I do have a problem with deciding to do both against the other best team in the league. Want to rest Gardy and give Kearns some ABs? Fine. Then don't start Peña. Want to rest Teix? Then give him the day off. But don't give him the silly half day off, just to flip Berkman into the field. It's like he's making personnel moves for the sake of it.
and, of course, the shit sox are up 3-0 on verlander...
[55] For a pitcher with great stuff, Verlander has more than his fair share of stinkers, especially on the road.
Tough break for CC. His last two starts have been ruined by bad defense.
Move your ass, CC.
[50] Yes, apparently that was a bad assumption (but I made that assumption, don't know if Girardi did).
omg. total fucking bollocks.
everyone's used to having tex be a vacuum out there...
That Big Puma is like a cat around 1B!
I hope Tex is enjoying his day off.
61) half day off, you mean.
[60] I don't think we needed a lesson in Tex appreciation, but sadly, the manager apparently did.
Sabathia has worked hard his last two outings. If another run or two score, Girardi would be wise to just take him out of the game. If he isn't going to field his best team anyway, no use making him work needlessly. Besides, he could get Kerry Wood acclimated to the team.
You don't know what ya got till it's gone...there has to a lesson in Tex appreciation, but someone else has got to play 1B for the NY Yankees once in a great while without major exposure. How did the team ever win a game with Giambi playing?
tex-like! (almost...)
One more and we're straight, Lance.
The Puma! 1 FOR 4.
I am not enjoying this game. Actually, I'm screaming curse words at the screen level of not enjoying this game. Not going well so far.
On a more general level, you understand needing to get folks in, and you could at least see a line of thinking that suggests a sacrifice now could pay off down the road.
With that said, I don't really understand why Gardner is not in here.
Here's the other thing: I know this is going to sound like hysterical overreaction, which is my fault: I should have just posted this when the trades were made, as it's been on my mind.
Yeah, I'm pissed at Berkman for being worse than useless so far - he has *killed* us in this game - but two games is obviously no information.
But can someone make me feel better about any of these guys? This is one of those "I want to believe" situations, but my immediate reaction to the trades was concern.
Berkman - are we sure this guy has anything left? Is this really a fit?
Kearns -my reaction to him pre-trade, just when we were playing against the Indians, was - is this one of those post-steroids era players? It was hard to believe this was the same guy everyone was so gaga over when he was with the Reds.
Wood - I haven't liked anything I've seen from him when he's pitched against us this year. I was singularly unimpressed with him, and my mind has been scrambling to become impressed with him since the trade.
I'm a little worried about the trades.
One thing, though - people can kill Berkman for the failed scoop - which did make me utterly sick - but Mark has been failing on scoops with regularity recently (which has also annoyed me).
And now CC walks Shoppach and Shields is throwing nothing but strikes and seemingly unhittable changeups.
Why did I tune in today? I fear this is going to be a wasted three hours with Sunday-long implications. Grrrrrrrrr.
Ok, there's a nice play from Berkman, CC, for the love of God, PLEASE make that count.
Lance had to be thinking, I'd better make this play or I'll never play 1B again this year.
On another topic - why the FUCK did Girardi let CC throw 120 the last outing? I recall thinking that it seemed not only reckless, but pointless in that game. Anyone?
CC got out of that. Please, let Shields start to revert to his current season form.
65) again, yes, Teix needs a game off now and again. But not when TWO other starters are out of the game. And, because he has a half day off and occupies the DH, Berkman (who can't hit lefties) can't be PH for without losing the DH.
Here's a plan: why not play Swisher at 1B, not rest Gardner, start Kearns in RFand give Teix the whole day off? But hopefully not on a day when Peña or Cervelli is the lineup.
[44] So that did hurt, apparently. Sorry, but the shoe fits.
I actually agree, though, with hating the Swisher to 6th move. Swish is a confidence player. Why would you fuck with that?
Completely random but the ump just threw the ball to Shields with his left hand. Can't recall ever seeing that before. I only mention this b/c I am always pointing out to my wife how often actors write with their left hand. /crazy.
jesus fucking christ.
put the damn ball in play!!!
Sheilds is just racing downhill right now. Fuck.
Nothing has gone well today. And now he's facing Ramiro Pena. I do agree with monkeypants that I question Joe's propensity to employ so many weakening moves in a single game.
[74] unfortunately, i don't have a wife to point it out to, but i *always* take note of how many actors write with their left hand! nice to know i'm not the only one... plus, we both love the word "bollocks"! too bad our enthusiasm for curtis hasn't fully panned out, yet...
Joey G. not treating this as a big game has brought out Big Game James. booooooo
And on that note, i'm going to take a cue from Girardi and take a half day off. I'm outta here.
Well, the players have helped it along, too. How do people feel about Berkman, in general (and putting this disastrous beginning aside)?
As I said, I want to believe in the moves, but all three of them gave me concern.
[77] It's got to be about 70% at least. Don't think imdb has a retrosheet to find out though. : ) And although Curtis has been mostly Bolllocks, he still has my greatest support. He's still got 2 full months (and then some) to get his shit together.
CC looks dreadful. Why did he throw 120+ in a game against the Indians, again? I just didn't get that.
80) you lured me back in. My thoughts? Berkman >>> Miranda. Kearns >> Curtis. Wood = not sure what is job is though he is probably > Park.
If the new acquisitions are use properly, they should improve the team by being improvements on their aforementioned counterparts.
[81] As a lefty, Curtis has always had my support, as well. But, goodness - with the exception of the rare moment of awesome - it's been rough.
And speaking of Curtis...I kinda miss Colin Curtis.
[80] IMO the team is better than they were last week and they did not lose anyone too important. I don't undestand what all the fuss is about.
[86] i agree with that. and, yeah, i absolutely still support dancers groin rust (grandy).
that was a break, of sorts.
ooh, RI would disapprove of this move!
that said, i really hope it works.
keep this at 3, very large man!
BEAUTIFUL!
now, score some damn runs!!!
That's 3 times in 4 games for the 4-3 double play. Rocket Robbie.
[83] Is Berkman > Miranda? His OBP says yes. But Berkman needs to be played more than Miranda. And has moved Swisher down, at least temporarily.
Kearns is probably better than Curtis. What's Kearns' deal exactly? When did he go from super young player (first years with the Reds) to very average? Was there a specific year or an injury?
Anyone is better than Chan Ho. Obviously. But if they use Wood in big spots where they wouldn't have used CHoP, and lose some games trying to figure out what they have - that's an issue.
I know they had to do something in the bullpen, and emphatically called for such a move - and it looks like there was very little out there - I'm just concerned that there may be nothing but misguided hope with Wood. I certainly may be underrating him. I just know that I felt confident when he came in against the Yanks, and I always hate having guys come to the team that inspired that feeling in the past. This is a slightly different phenomenon, but I felt something like that when we got LaTroy Hawkins.
a hit? cool. i kinda remember those. sort of ...
[90] LaToya Hawkins? That was a dark time.
Fuck you, Blue.
Foul ball, got to be the home plate umps call, that was a glaring umpiring error.
That was a strong call. Gotta feel good about a guy's skills when he can blow a call that is literally right in front of him. And not know that it's not his call.
The umpires in this sport are excellent.
That is an astoundingly bad call. Mindboggling.
Hopefully the specially marked balls only get a 1/2 day off.
[97] Specially Marked Balls will make a cameo appearance today. Probably followed by Benoit Balls.
[98] So that's why Alex has been pressing. ha.
Yeah. I'm pretty tired of Granderson's act or lack thereof
klean shaven kerry era kommences
Just getting in.
No runs? Only THREE hits?
Is Koufax on the mound?
WTF is it with our offense???
ooh, nice hook! kerry looked really good striking out longo.
man, i'd *never* recognize this guy w/out his trademark goatee...
tiggers tie it up off papelbitch!
cool, big game out. let's tag their pen!
On ARod and Jeter days off:
Yesterday, there was a (close-up faces) shot of ARod and Jeter in the dugout. I was a little shocked at how 'mature' they looked. Of course, we've seen them run and can see they are obviously not kids anymore. While the timimg is bad, come Post Season, we will be greatful for as much rest as Girardi can give them and still take the division.
On ARod: I think there is somethime wrong. Especially on that sac fly to center he hit the other day, he is simple not generating near as much power as is previous years. He can still hit it far when pulling the ball, but his CF and RCF shots just ain't traveling like they used to.
We just got 2 guys who can hit HRs, when HRs should not be our greatest need with this lineup. Do the Yankees know something about ARod they are keeping under wraps. He had more power last year when he was recovering, then he does now that he is 'healed'.
Frankly, I'm worried. And an .820 OPS may be more then just a slump.
fucking crap. qualls quells big puma w/ an inning ending dp...
Looks like I picked the right game to not pay much attention to.
Bathroom cleaning time.
great, a 4-pitch walk from teh 'new' 8th inning guy...
same ol' bollocks...
[105] HR's or not, they're leading the majors in runs scored, so they're doing something right
At least one Yankee has reached a milestone today...Derek Jeter is now tied with Harold Baines for 40th place on the all time hit list.
[105] Yeah, his swings do not look right, his hips come out early cutting down his follow through and power. He still can muscle a pitch with his upper body when he pulls, but the shots to the opposite field shots are not home run power. And, he also seems a little freaked out by it, so both his mind and body are damaged, hopefully just temporarily, but for the first time, Arod might be seeing his endgame.
The genius of Joe Fucking Maddon. And bringing in Qualls was just as stupid. He got lucky.
Good players. Joe's and Moe's, not X's and O's.
I wonder how much sense it makes to have Kerry Wood throw 20 pitches fresh off the disabled list?
[110] William, I just admire how you see the bright side in everything!
Girardi has managed to misuse all three of his newly acquired players in one game.
kerry strikes out 3, but walks 2, gives up a hit and leaves teh eigth w/ the bases loaded...
I can't take this Wood guy.
Yet another pitcher with electric stuff who might strike out the side and walk in two runs in the same inning.
I can't take it.
[113] Given that Chad Gaudin's the alternative...
[110] nice. thanks for that! : )
House Money Sunday continues.
and of course the shit sox won in the bottom of the 9th. i fucking HATE the fens. hate it...
Girardi's really rolling the dice here
[113] It may have something to do with it being blisters and not a structural problem. May still be too many pitches for his first real game in a bit.
[111] It's funny you talk about A Rod's hips and torque, etc. - because this is one of the reasons I am concerned about Berkman. I hate his swing. I've always hated his swing. Again, it's a lefty thing, but it just looks all wrong. But he was obviously a great player at his peak - it worked for him.
But my concern is that with such an unorthodox swing, if the body is starting to go, that much body movement in a swing may be a real liability.
It looks like a swing that you have to be right on the ball consistently to succeed with.
I don't watch the National League - pretty much, ever - so I wonder what people have seen from Berkman who do watch the other league.
Chad Gaudin here. Quizzzzzzzzical.
Clearly, Girardi knew Gaudin was going to pull 93 out of his ass.
Take THAT, Girardi haters!!! (muhahaha)
(yes, of course I didn't see that coming, either)
[118] Regardless of the alternative, 27 pitches for the often injured Wood doesn't seem like a sound plan, especially coming after a long period of inactivity.
[124] Heh hehe.
The Yankees have popped up a ton against fastballs in this series. The Rays staff really shut them down and may have exposed a weakness.
You're welcome Rays...that win was on the House, courtesy of Joe Girardi.
Hey! The Yankees are still in first place! We'll feast on home cooking this week, and finally bury the BSox
lame. and on the rare occasion i get to actually watch a game, i get this crapfest...
[127] You go with throwing fastballs to the Yankees is the secret, I'll take the other side.
Popping up just might have something to do with facing a number of good pitchers in that series.
Nah, I'm sure Maddon brilliantly deduced this winning strategy, and has shown the league the way.
And, we're back.
Frustrating game, from start to finish.
Are there any National League watchers who can chime in on Berkman?
Great game to set up the rest of my Sunday nicely. Always appreciate nine innings of torture when I know I should be working and also end up with three fewer hours to work with. Fantastic.
[125] What makes you say that? How many pitchers did you expect him to throw?
[128] Do I like the decisions to put in play multiple modifications in the same game? No.
Do I think the Rays made a number of plays today, and with the exception of Berkman's one play at first (which he more than made up for in the negative), the Yankees didn't? Yes.
Do I think an excellent game out of Shields, who pounded the strike zone all game and had a filthy change up working, matched with a shitty hitting day by the Yankees overall is the main explanation for the result? Yes, yes I do.
I don't love what Girardi did here, but the Rays won this game with their play, and the Yankees lost it the same damn way.