Only three teams in baseball have a better record than the American League West-leading Texas Rangers. The Yankees, who have the game’s best record, are of course one of them, which makes this week’s two game set in Arlington both very compelling and simultaneously disappointingly brief. That’s now further complicated by the fact that Mark Teixeira is currently on paternity leave from the team in anticipation of the birth of his third child. So as much as we might like to build up this series, I don’t think we can consider it a true playoff preview.
Still, the Yankees haven’t played the Rangers since the second week of the season, so this will be a chance for Yankee fans–not to mention their players, coaches and scouts–to get a good look at a potential playoff rival. That the Yankees will get, as they’ll be facing the Rangers’ top two starters, July addition Cliff Lee and converted reliever C.J. Wilson, both left-handers. So much for the Yankees “avoiding” Lee when he was traded prior to his scheduled start against them in Seattle just before the All-Star break.
Lee, who starts against Javier Vazquez tomorrow, has made six starts for the Rangers, four of which were dominating (minimum eight innings pitched, maximum two runs allowed, and a total of one walk and one home run allowed against 31 strikeouts). In his other two he also went deep (he’s completed at least eight innings in all six of his Rangers starts), but gave up a few too many runs along the way, taking the loss each time. Surprisingly, Lee has received just 2.5 runs of support on average since joining the Rangers, that after leaving the worst run scoring team in the majors for one of the top four.
Wilson, who faces A.J. Burnett tonight, has been very impressive in his transition to the rotation. He posted a 1.48 ERA in his first seven starts before experiencing a four-start slump (possibly a dead-arm period). After pulling out of that, he posted a 2.54 ERA over his next starts before turning in a three-inning stinker his last time out. Wilson has been hit-lucky (.255 BABIP), but his low line-drive rate suggests that has been a bit more than luck. Still, he leads the AL in walks and is close to doubling his innings total from last year. Wilson wasn’t moved to the bullpen until arriving in the majors in 2005, but entering the year, his career high in innings was the 136 he threw as a 21-year-old minor leaguer in 2002. He enters tonight’s start having thrown 136 1/3 innings this season and one wonders when and if he’s going to hit a wall and what effect that will have on the Rangers’ postseason rotation and postseason chances.
As for Burnett, he was scratched from his start on Sunday due to back spasms, which is a new item in his career-long list of minor aches and pains. Prior to that he had been lit up by the Blue Jays, coughing up seven runs in a disastrous fifth inning on August 2. Since opening the season 4-0 with a 1.99 ERA after six starts, Burnett hasn’t gone more than two starts without a disaster outing and has posted a 6.33 ERA over his last 16 starts, but at least he’s only 33 and signed for three more years. Oy.
With Teixeira away and Robinson Cano out with a cold, Joe Girardi is running out this lineup against the lefty Wilson:
R – Derek Jeter (SS)
S – Nick Swisher (RF)
R – Marcus Thames (DH)
R – Alex Rodriguez (3B)
R – Austin Kearns (LF)
S – Lance Berkman (1B)
R – Francisco Cervelli (C)
L – Brett Gardner (CF)
S – Ramiro Peña (2B)
Let’s just say I’m not too optimistic about this game. The bright side is that this is so far from what the Yankees will likely look like in a potential playoff series as to be meaningless beyond tonight.
Texas Rangers
2010 Record: 64-47 (.577)
2010 Pythagorean Record: 65-46 (.586)
Manager: Ron Washington
General Manager: Jon Daniels
Home Ballpark: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
Bill James Park Indexes (2007-2009):
LH Avg-100, LH HR-117
RH Avg-107, RH HR-110
Who has replaced whom:
- Jorge Cantu has replaced Chris Davis (minors)
- Cristian Guzman has replaced Joaquin Arias (DL) filling in for Ian Kinsler (DL)
- Bengie Molina has replaced Matt Treanor (DL)
- Mitch Moreland (minors) has replaced Ryan Garko (minors)
- Cliff Lee and Tommy Hunter (DL) have replaced Scott Feldman and Matt Harrison in the rotation and Doug Mathis (minors) and Dustin Nippert (DL) on the roster
- Alexi Ogando (minors) has replaced Chris Ray
25-man roster:
1B – Jorge Cantu (R)
2B – Cristian Guzman (S)
SS – Elvis Andrus (R)
3B – Michael Young (R)
C – Bengie Molina (R)
RF – Nelson Cruz (RF)
CF – Julio Borbon (L)
LF – Josh Hamilton (L)
DH – Vladimir Guerrero (R)
Bench:
L – David Murphy (OF)
L – Mitch Moreland (1B/OF)
S – Andrew Blanco (IF)
R – Taylor Teagarden (C)
Rotation:
L – Cliff Lee
R – Rich Harden
R – Colby Lewis
R – Tommy Hunter
L – C.J. Wilson
Bullpen:
R – Neftali Feliz
R – Frank Francisco
R – Darren O’Day
L – Darren Oliver
R – Alexi Ogando
R – Scott Feldman
L – Matt Harrison
Lineup:
R – Elvis Andrus (SS)
R – Michael Young (3B)
L – Josh Hamilton (LF)
R – Vladimir Guerrero (DH)
R – Nelson Cruz (RF)
S – Cristian Guzman (2B)
R – Bengie Molina (C)
R – Jorge Cantu (1B)
L – Julio Borbon (CF)
15-day DL:
2B – Ian Kinsler (left groin strain)
IF – Joaquin Arias (strained back muscle)
C – Matt Treanor (sprained right knee)
RHP – Dustin Nippert (mild head contusion)
60-day DL:
RHP – Brandon McCarthy (sore right shoulder)
RHP – Eric Hurley (torn rotator cuff, broken wrist)
RHP – Mark Lowe (back surgery)
0) i didn't take the opportunity to say so before, but sayonara, Cliff, and that for all of the great writing, which I have tried to follow daily since the Big Red Blog way back in...umm...2003, I think. The Banter won't be the same. Hopefully you make a guest appearance now and again. Good luck.
Tonight's lineup is fearsome. Meanwhile, thanks to the "rotation", we get to see Cervelli in back-to-back games. Awesome.
I dunno, I feel pretty good about our chances tonight. A lineup that includes ARod & Jeter is still one that can beat you. As long as AJ keeps it on the rails, the Yanks can win.
Thanks, as always, for the series preview, Cliff. Of all your contributions to the Banter, these have been my favorites. You do a great job of setting the stage, putting the series into perspective, and bringing us up to speed on the competition.
Looking forward to reading you in your new setting, but as many others have noted today, your contributions here will be missed.
Fine work, sir. Thank you.
Let’s just say I’m not too optimistic about this game...
You oughtta fix that before you go, Cliff, or you'll never hear the end of it. Goodbye, pal... >;)
[2] the glass is cracked, but it's still half-full, no?
[5] The glass is shot, but it's still full >;)
AJ is analogous to the girl with a curl on her forehead. When he is good, he is very, very good; when he is bad, he's horrid.
Holy mother of Christ, look at that lineup.
[8] It's not Her fault, Mattpat...
Not exactly the lineup one would expect against a tough lefty and a good team, but it seems like Girardi's hands are tied.
Hopefully Cano gets better soon because the word is Tex wont be back until KC.
[9]... but I do wonder who this Derek Jeter guy is, and who the hell is Alex Rodriguez? Anybody? Huh?
Instead of the girl with the curl, the Yankees need AJ to be more like Mae West.
[10] I would have played Posada. Rest him when Cano gets back.
Ace and Andy are rehabbing. So that's something.
[13] Normally, I'd agree, but with Burnett going and Posada coming off three straight games, maybe a rest is in order. Besides, if you use Posada as a DH, then it becomes more difficult to hit for Cervelli. Because Thames has been pretty good against lefties, I don't mind saving Posada for late in the game.
What I really don't like is batting Thames third because it makes it easy for Washington to bring in a rightY to face Jeter, Thames and Arod. The only way that decision might make sense is if Girardi is willing to use Cano as the DH if they bring in a right. Of course, the means you can't hit for Pena later on.
I also don't like batting Cervelli so high. He and Pena should be behind Gardner.
[13] I would have DH'd Posada, sat Berkman, with Swish at 1B, Kearns in RF, and Thames in LF. But now I wonder if that's wise, given AJ's flyball tendencies.
Is Posada's bat + Thames's glove > Berkman's bat vs a LHP + Swisher's glove? Maybe. But it might be close enough that I can't fault Girardi for doing what he's doing. I guess you could argue Berkman being back in Texas might mean he has a good game with the bat?
Now I COULD fault Girardi (and Cashman) for not having a backup middle IF who can hit even a little bit, but that's not going to change before the game starts.
[16] ... and Thames in LF.
Wha? Sorry, my mind fogged over when I read that. What was the rest of the question?
Someone at YES needs to ask Kay to stop plugging ESPN every night.
[3] "A lineup that includes ARod & Jeter is still one that can beat you."
Ummmmm... check your calendar dude... it's 2010!
London Bridge is Falling Down!
Nice to get the no hitter out of the way early.
Why must Kay turn every broadcast into a talk show?
[15] I think we tend to baby Posada too much. I don't think four days in a row under extraordinary circumstance is going to do that much damage. And I REALLY don't think we need to bend over backwards to make sure Cervelli gets two or three games a week
That being said, these are the types of lineups that we wind up scoring 14 runs in.
[16] My Betemit senses just tingled
Kearns batting 5th? That's ugly.
[23] I don't think it really does damage to Posada, but I think he won't be as good. As if he gets the regular rest, I mean.
[23] Posada has been really shitty lately.
July::::::::::: .247 .360 .438 .798
August::::::: .208 .269 .250 .519
Last 7 Days: .118 .167 .118 .285
15) With a lineup this weak, I might have gambled on having both Cervelli and Posada in the lineup. If Girardi needs to hit for Cervelli late in the game, just move Posada into the field and lose the DH. Except in the rarest circumstances that will only affect the game for one AB (and then, ideally, you PH for the pitcher).
Now, if Teix and Cano were available, then by all means sit Po.
[22] Because he's not good at play by play.
[27] Marcus Thames in LF.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
[25] I consider one day off through the rotation regular rest.
I've asked this question before. Who on earth could care about Michael Young's playoff quest.
23) I agree. If Posada *really* can only play three out of five games INCLUDING at the DH position, then the organization planned very poorly by not obtaining a better BUC option. Cervelli once a week is acceptable. Cervelli starting 65 games is not good at all.
Lance "Big Wheels" Berkman? Upon further review...
[23] Posada has had so many injuries over the past three seasons, that I think being cautious is necessary.
[25] Is Posada really that much better than Thames right now? If Cervelli is going to stay in the lineup anyway, then you might as well save Posada. With the injuries and abscences, there may not be enough hitters to bat for Cervelli, Pena and the pitcher.
[34] Yeah, good point, in this situation Thames could well be a better hitter than Posada.
[33]
Well, it DOES appear he needs someone to provide pedal power to get him moving,.....
[32] They could go with Montero or Romine, but for some reason seem married to Cervelli.
Wilson threw 13 pitches that inning, and eight of them were to Gritner.
38) He IS a pest. Gardner has been scuffling overall. I hope he has enough gas left in tank to make a little push at the end of the season.
With AJ on the mound, I am not really worried about the lineup. Either AJ will give up 8 runs and it wont matter, or he'll give up 1 run, in which case they should be able to scratch out two.
[37] Cervelli's scrutty.
I haven't used that since the days of Bubba.
I would have loved to see Gardner bat for Granderson yesterday. Seemed to make all the sense in the world.
Plus, the issue may not be can Po go 4 in a row now... but how healthy/rested will he be in October. We want Po to Catch more then 60% of the PS games, yes? Kid gloves, when you have the best record in MLB, is not so terrible.
[40] Interesting. Maybe this is the perfect day to use a 'house money' lineup.
[43] Girardi is setting Posada up for failure though by not allowing him to catch AJ or Javy. I wouldn't be surprised if we wind up with Posada only catcher CC and Andy.
With this strike zone, AJ could very well dominate.
[38] And AJ threw 11 pitches, seven to Murphy!
43) You worry about Posada in October. I worry about the Yankees making the post season. When the Yanks have salted away a post season berth, then Po' can be rested as much as they would like. Moreover...
45) Agreed. This is going to turn into an ugly replay of last season's crazy Molina-As-AJ's-Personal-Catcher business. Yeah, it's going to be great when the rest Posada for the playoffs only to, somehow, start Cervelli 40% of the playoff games as well. Awesome.
[19] check it, OYF - here in the present, Jeter still has more hits, RBI, and total bases than any shortstop in the AL.
He and ARod are having down years, but most teams would still rather have them comprise the left side of their infield, and batting 1st and 4th.
I stand by my statement that any lineup that includes these veterans is a team that can win. You dispute this?
Texas Rangers radio announcers just said that Jeter tried to slide into first. The Spirit of Melky lives!
[43] I want Posada to catch 100 percent of the playoff games. But I also want to be in a good position if and when we make the playoffs. I'm worried that, like last year in the playoffs when we were playing bullpen matchups on three AB, we taking a sound strategy to the illogical extreme by over resting not just Posada, but everyone else as well, especially when he did that awful rotating DH.
[50] It was a feet first slide that was really more of an attempt to avoid breaking his ankle by stepping on Wilson.
I love when Michael Kay takes his personal opinions and announces that "everyone thought this..."
Giving up a hit to Bengie Molina is irritating.
The Jays are trying to help out v. the Sox, but they're not trying hard enough. Come on Jays!
Papa Sterling said about Jorge Cantu, "He doesn't have much range... but he's a professional hitter, that always helps!"
[56] Every team needs those professional hitters. The ones willing to do it for free are seldom any good.
"Forced Posada to catch three days in a row."
OH NO!
[53] As big as his head is, it's not surprising he would say "everyone"...
Dice-K keeps doing his overrated-tightrope thing.
Jesus... that was a strike
Good morning!
Berkman is playing first? Is Teix hurt?
[62] He is a proud new papa.
[62] Happy Birthday William Charles Teixeira.
[57] Oh hey, there goes our professional hitter...
[63] Oh wow, that's great! Got some Banter posts to catch up on..
Andrus really cuts the mustard on his throws.
Kearns should not be batting 5th.
[68] He should be batting 3rd!!
Elvis Andrus, Professional Thrower. Jorge Cantu proves his value by b@#ch-slapping Alex at first...
That Girardi is a gun slinger!
301 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??!
All for nothing...it seems like this team never gets a runner in from third.
It will be interesting to see if everyone on the team has a stolen base fore Gardner gets his next one
[72] E-5!!!
Cervelli should bunt...it's his best chance to get on base.
This is why Gardner should be batting ahead of him in the lineup.
[76] Lefties are hitting .105 /.190 /.133 off Wilson
I'd have Gritner batting 2nd and Swisher 5th.
[73] seems?
[77] But Gardner is hitting well against lefties (.375 OBP). Cervelli, meanwhile, is hitting .196 .269 .236 in his last 50 games.
[78] Swisher should never be removed from the two slot.
[78] No, Swisher is too good at getting on base.
Aside from that, I think it's just shuffling together a bunch of deuces and threes at the bottom of our order. Gardner has been terrible recently.
Let's see how AJ deals with some adversity.
[80] Gardner since the beginning of July .192/.322/.293
Better, but certainly not good.
I thought Josh Hamilton was a lock to fade back to Bolivian after the HR derby, but he's having a monster year..well done AJ!
[83] So far so good.
i missed the beginning of Kay's rant. Is he back to the Yankee talking point that letting go of Matsui and SIGNING NICK JOHNSON was a stroke of genius?
[86] Wow, bad timing.
He made a stupid mistake by hanging a curve on 0-0, but now he needs to compose himself. Burnett can't let one mistake sink his whole game.
Toronto trailing Sox 5-4. Bottom of the 6th. 2 on, 2 out for the BJs.
Dice-K out after 110 pitches.
Dice-K is finished with two out in the bottom of the sixth. 110 pitches. Felix Doubront inherits two base runners.
[89] But apparently Cervelli can...
[90] Grrr.
Burnett's inability to collect himself after making a mistake is maddening.
[94] He's really not fun to watch.
If the Yankees didn't win the World Series last year, I'd say you can't win with pitchers like Burnett.
Dubront strikes out Travis Snider with the bases loaded to end the inning.
Got to hand it to the Rays. They get injuries to their pitcjing staff and plug them with young arms that look just as good.
Jeez.... ARod looks TERRIBLE at the plate. I could be looking at Cervelli. Can he be healthy? He has just fallen off the map.
What are the odds that Leyland comes back to Detroit next year?
[99] Are you on tape delay?
I wonder, If Joe gets tossed, when he gives his instructions to Pena, does he tell him to put in a pinch runner but never actually use said runner?
Detroit has fallen hard and fast. Weren't they in 1st a month ago?
[102] All the pinch runners who dont run are already in the game.
The most disturbing thing about Gardner's struggles is he is back to taking fastballs down the middle.
What on earth could Gardner have been looking for?
[104] Ooh, good point
The bottom 5th of the Yankees lineup is cake walk for Wilson.
This is depressing.
If the baby is healthy, is it too much to ask Tex that he return tomorrow?
The Yankees offense tonight has been the Rangers inability to throw to first.
Professional Hitter Jorge Cantu!
Man I thought that was out when he hit.
Swished!
Okay. Now lets take the lead.
Jorge Cantjump
[111] Wilson threw a lollipop
Yay Josh Upton!
[113] OYF, dude, it's 2010.. look who just SCORED!
Gameday says it's 97F degrees in Texas...at 9:30pm???
What a play by Molina.
oh, Swish
Bautista homers to tie it up.
That was awful
[118] Well, 8:30
Kay is awful...he wants Swisher to barrell into the Molina, who is massive. Swisher getting hurt is exactly what this team doesn't need.
[125] he should have slid though
[126] Slud.
The participle.
[127] now, had he slad...
Does anyone else get creeped out when Michael Kay talks about his romantic life?
[128] Excellent. You get an A in BSL (Baseball as a Second Language).
[126] Molina was laying in front of the plate. I am just glad he didn't get hurt.
Now, why can't Pena or Gardner do that?
[129] Well, I once heard Kathie Lee Gifford talk about female orgasms..it crushed my libido for long time afterwards...
[132]
was it said in front of Regis?
Lowell HR in the 8th. 6-5.
Bullpen roulette ends in tragedy for the Jays, as Lowell homers.
Better than tossing his slad... ☺
[134] Hey, cut that out!
[134] All year I was hoping they'd trade Lowell...you just knew if he stuck around he'd make a positive impact.
[133] Yes, his expression was priceless..I kept wanting him to ask if she shouted "If you could see me now!" at the crucial point...
[137] I guess you have that version of NESN with the 30 second delay?
Look at those Orioles under Buck. I was kind of hoping Showalter might wind up back in pinstripes. He is going to be the one to finally get the Orioles headed in the right direction.
[140] Sigh.
No, I'm just trying to do three things at once.
Another run for the Sox. Shawn Camp was the loaded chamber.
[131] I think he had a better chance getting hurt doing that awkward evasive maneuver, but who knows? I think it's generally better to slide into a play at the plate, than to try to barrel in, or do something funky.
If Girardi had just made one of so many moves yesterday, it could have sunk the Red Sox season.
Who on earth is Kay engaged to?
Jeez…. ARod looks TERRIBLE at the plate.
[147] Now is the time for that comment.
[141] Until Angelos runs him out of town
No outfielder more than Murphy dives for balls that he is no where near.
That's how Kearns moves?
If Berkman walks, PH Posada?
Between Lee, Wilson and Feliz, I want no part of the Rangers in the ALDS.
[152] He must.
I'm not sure if the Bewitched joke is worse, that Kenny explained it, or that he probably had to.
No one is excited to have Kearns, but his 2010 OPS+ is better then JD's and Matsui's.
Exhibit A on why this team needs to carry 3 catchers. Even if you dont want to use Posada here, you still have to pinch be able to pinch hit.
Huh.
Cervelli's going to bunt??
Wow.... That was crazy. Did us a big favor.
Kay is engaged to Jodi Applegate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqP-OtABHJ0
Very interesting. I did think Wilson looked tired. And the heat is murder tonight, no doubt.
[158] Cervelli is going to hit a ground ball. There is a small chance it will sneak through the infield, but most likely it will turn into a double play.
If Cervelli hits the ball hard, I will be shocked.
[150] He's probably still looking for the specially marked ones...
Brains!
[162] Well....
That was hard enough...so, I am shocked.
Frankie says RELAX!
[162] Quick, I need tomorrow's Mega Millions numbers...
that was a meatball pitch ... Frankie couldn't miss that
[163] Ground ball...yes, Hit hard...yes
Cervelli just bought himself another two seasons of playing time, and another three seasons of Sterling and Waldman talking about how "he gets big hit after big hit".
Okay, what will Gardner have to do to shock?
[163] QUICK! Get the defibrillator for William!
[173] Steal a base on the first pitch.
[173] Steal second...
Oliver is the type of pitcher Gardner can shoo tthe other way.
Okay, cool, he could shock both Wills with one steal. Gotta go for it.
[175][176] That was waaaaayyy too easy...
I leave the room for two minute and come back to see... ROTATION!
The Rays kick Detroit's ass. Tiggers now 5 games under .500.
Home plate umpire needs a reprimand.
Not very shocking.
Gardner is the only hitter who goes into slumps by not swinging at good pitches.
That was not in the least bit shocking.
172) But will be be able to rest the title "best .200 [+/-] hitter in the league" from Miguel Cairo? Or has that title been retired?
get well soon, Robbie.. like, right now
Robbie gonna play 2nd?
[186] Wrest.
[189] That too.
fuck him up, Robbie....
Bengie Martin Brodeur Molina
Man, Andrus has range.
gack
[191] A frayed knot...
[193] But is he a Professional Hitter?
Snyder with a one-out double in the ninth against Paps. Hope's alive.
Sorry, Snider. Travis Snider.
Incredible...but so AJ. Didn't even come close.
Uh oh.
Hold on, AJ!
Just missed going through for Robinson. This is actually a very entertaining game, but before our very eyes Arod is breaking down. I just hope he can get right before the post season.
And William, tonight you are funny, and informative.
Joe has to get the pen up because Burnett is liable to just implode.
wheels on track, AJ.. wheels on track...
that could have been the end of Jeter
Great play by Cano. Jeter had enough time to leap over the runner and then throw. Vlad stopped running to 1B five years ago.
Even worse, AJ thought it should have been a DP, which means he has a built in excuse here.
[201] ARod's done. I don't really think that, but It's 2010, you know.. just ask OldYanksFan.
oh, fuck, AJ
[202] Well, yeah...
Well, that was not unexpected. That ball was up.
Typical Burnett...the holes in the rotation are getting pretty scary.
Jays couldn't get it done. : (
A-Rod is hitting .204 vs. lefties this year, but his BABIP against them is a mere .211. So I don't know what to think ...
Is there any chance the Yankees can deal Burnett in the off season? How much of the contract would they have to eat?
don't look now, but the Orioles are within 31 games of the Yanks ...
[213]
How about Burnett for Beltran?
[213] why eat it when you can Burn-net?
I'm diggin Johnny Cash right now on the PA.
There should have been stirring in the bullpen several batters ago. It's amazing that Girardi didn't anticipate this happening. Leaving him in here is inviting a bigger inning.
210) Actually, isn't tonight *not* typical Burnett. 3 runs in (nearly) six innings is (almost) the ol' "quality start". Not great, not abysmal, definitely mediocre. The rare middle-of-the-road AJ this evening!
[215] In a heartbeat because of the years, but would the Mets take on two extra years at $36mn?
[219] It isn't typical, in the traditional sense, but his giving up a homerun after a play wasn't made behind him was what I was going for.
[219] And there's yer Q-start right there.
[220]
well, they've been looking for a #2/#3 starter for the last 2-3 years, so yeah .... I'd say the Mets should try it ...
AJ's stuff is too compelling to give up on. I agree that he should be on a short lease right now, but that might make him even more irrational seeing relievers warming up.
The schedule isn't very friendly over the last two months. Going 4-7 in their last 11 games against quality teams is kind of a worrisome sign.
221) Ah, I get it. Though to be fair, he gave up the HR not immediately after a play wasn't made behind him...an out was sandwiched in between.
Let's see if the offense can rally here.
[219] ah, so this is Meh AJ
[223] In the NL, and in that ballpark, AJ might actually be pretty good. I hope Cashman can get a hold of Minaya before he is fired.
I am at least looking forward to Feliz against Cano.
225) uh-oh...revenge of the Can't Beat the Big Boys™ ?
[230] I don't if they "can't beat the big boys", but they haven't looked good against them lately, and that's pretty much who they play down the stretch.
I miss Marginal Reward ...
I'd like to see Jeter turn around a good fastball from a righty once again.
Why not hit Granderson here?
[231] I don't mean that you think this...I just wonder if that meme from early last season is going to rise from the dead.
ƒrick...
[235] It will only "rise" if the Yankees continue to play this way against better competition.
[234] why should Granderson be hit? He's not responsible...
oh, you mean..
I'm not sure I would send AJ out for the 7th inning here.
Oh boy. Russian Roulette.
Actually, the Yankees have a nice stretch against the Royals, Tigers and Mariners coming up, so they'll have a chance to make up for their recent slide over that stretch. After that, however, the schedule is all good teams minus six games against the Orioles.
[239] Consider the alternatives.
[241] But Pettitte will be back (knock on wood), and a good chance Aceves too.
It would have been better if bad AJ had simply shown up. Now, it makes you regret the lineup that was used today.
[243] I'll believe Aceves is coming back when he is on the mound at Yankee Stadium. Pettitte will be back, but that will also probably coincide with Hughes being skipped again.
[244] the way the whole team's been hitting it's difficult to have any regrets about this particular lineup.
This is the game right here.
[242] I take it Robertson and Joba are not available? Hm, which is a bigger gamble: tiring AJ or Kerry Wood. Scary.
[246] Tex batting third would have been nice. Robbie in the five hole would have been pretty good too.
c'mon, Alex!
Arod is done...DONE....DONE.
[249] but paternity leave, and a head cold seem like good reasons to go with what we got?
ALEX THE GREAT!
oh wait, it's 2010.. OYF reminds us he looks TERRIBLE.
HE LOOKS TERRIBLE.
Well that was optimal...
It's really sad to watch ARod fall apart in front of our eyes. I hate the year 2010.
No Granderson here either? Hmm.
Now I feel guilty. That was too easy. Fortunately I was in good company [251] [252].
[252] Definitely...the reasons were good, but that doesn't stop me from playing what if.
That's a great late game AB by Kearns. Take balls and swing like hell at strikes. I like it.
Good eye, Austin.
Girardi's a genius.
Kearns has had a nice game. PR?
He uses Granderson as a runner? What does that say about what Girardi thinks of Curtis' hitting?
[262] Only a Grand Chess Master would see that wild pitch coming...
[262] I'm not in much disagreement with Girardi's tactics here...but Grandy better be going. Oh, look there, WP!!
Berkman JUST missed that.
Your move, Mr. Washington.
Bwah ha ha haa!
MUST BUNT!
Productive Out™ from a Professional Hitter™.
[264] I agree with the PR too, but as surprised he didn't have Granderson bat.
I hate being a broken record, but Giardi not bunting or hitting here was indefensible. If the Yankees lose, it will be another game sqaurely on his shoulders.
If Gardner strikes out looking here I will be very sad.
[270] We don't do plays.
The losses are hard enough to accept, but knowing that very simple decisions could have avoided them is so incredibly frustrating.
[270] I agree with you: not PH or bunting...awful.
Then again, Girardi is a chess master, so we all have to wait for his next move.
If the Yankees don't score now, they have two innings of Feliz to deal with,
Well, he swung the god damned bat.
Girardi played a big hand in losing the Rays finale, the Sox finale and now may have cost them this one. That's three games in a little more than a week.
Alot of the My 9 post game shows sound interesting.
But they all have Russ Salzberg
[274] Yeah, but the game is right now is Texas Hold 'Em...
Was there any word on Posada being hurt? If not, letting Cervelli hit is bordering on absurd.
♞-Master Joe!
[280] Ahem
RESTRESTRESTRESTRESTRESTRESTRESTREST
Earth to Joe...you can't burn through your bullpen! The Rangers have Feliz for two innings, which means the Yankees will likely need at least three innings. We know Joba isn't available, and Mo is on a strict inning limit. From where is the other inning going to come?
had his name been Loone Bogan people would have taken him more seriously.
I'm becoming a Booneiac
[285] You're a Loganberry.
Please stop throwing fastballs down the middle to Vlad.
281) Excellent.
From now on, I will write ♞MJ instead of Girardi. Well, maybe not really because inserting special characters is a pain. But it's the thought that counts.
[280] agreed. Unless Posada was delivering Tex's baby he should have hit for the Cerv.
[287] Trust in D-Rob.
[280] Joe "Ionesco" Girardi...
286) Mmmmm...loganberry. The national drink of my wife's hometown, Buffalo!
Ah.
So, if we don't score, D-Rob for the ninth.
[293] yes, but we will because it's 2010, you know.
WTF is a plush whistle?
[292] I don't actually know what a loganberry is.
[291] He always parts his hair on the same side!
I still can't believe he let Cervelli hit. Incredible! We'd be on our way to Mo for the win.
At least we get to see Cano versus Feliz. It looks like the Yankees hopes this inning are on a Cano or Swisher long ball. Asking Jeter or Thames to hit Feliz is unfair.
I think Frank Francisco should marry Julio Franco in California, quick.
[298]
ROFL!
Rob has a cold. I think we need a walk.
I would bunt with Jeter, no question.
Sweet! The cold was a fake!
Bunt it to Cantu!
a bunt towards Cantu would go over his head tonight
[296] Heck, neither does my wife or I. Sure tastes good with Buffalo wings or Beef on Weck, though.
The Yankees have faced poor defensive 1B in back to back series and have not yet tried a bunt.
[301] Then they'll walk Swisher, and Thames will strike out.
[307] Surely then he'll use Posada, right?
[308] Hmmm. For Thames? Yeah, maybe.
[289] is it in bad taste to make a "Posada would have dropped the baby" joke?
Well that was awful.
Incredible...Girardi is an absolute liability.
Oh well.
[306] We don't do plays
[311] Remember:
♞
[296] What, the backside? Wouldn't that be called a natural?
Wowzers, the hit and run backfires to grand-masterly effect!
At what point does someone with a large enough forum start point out how poorly Girardi manages in so many of these games. If this was Jerry Manuel, they'd dedicate volumes to it.
[313]
except for ones by Anton Chekov ...
Jeez... was Jeter running hard on that DP! MF! Thought we would rally there. JETER'S DONE!
And he doesn't use Posada!
[319]RESTRESTRESTRESTRESTRESTRESTRESTRESTREST
[317] Nope, he's definitely going Eugene Ionesco tonight...
This is heading nowhere good.
Please Girardi, take the Cubs job now.
[315] Hm, no, I was thinking of someone else.
Here we go...the beginning of the end.
The Yankees only chance in this game is Washington being as incompetent as Girardi.
Jorge Cantbunt?
Well, I thought Cervelli was going to drop the ball, so that may have been the best possible outcome.
[324] You think I don't know about meaningless banter? >;)
A successful sacrifice? What the hell is that?
[329] That bunt didn't increase the Rangers' chance of winning.
[328] I assumed you were the master! I merely followed your lead.
[331] Very well. Now dance for me!
Pinch hitting for weak hitters? What the hell is going on here? Are they allowed to do that?
Place your bets now, folks... how does Joe lose the game here?
[334] He lost it over the last two innings.
Well, here we go.
If Andrus bunts, I am going lose my mind.
If the Yankees are so worried about the bunt, why the hell don't they ever use it themselves!
Someone explain why we issued that IBB.
[338] We don't do plays
[339] Righty/Righty
[341] Yeah, that's what I was afraid of.
That was not a check swing!
[343] Eh...
Ok maybe it was.
♞MJ!
Okay. Lets take the lead now.
Genius. Pure genius. The IBB was brilliant.
[339] matchup. and why not? It's not like that runner on first matters a lick.
Now who pitches to Hamilton, Vlad and Cruz in the 10th?
Another fun matchup.
Free baseball!
I missed A-Rod's tater..how was it? He got his swing back?
[349] I'd rather pitch to Moreland than Andrus, myself.
But, it worked up, I won't gripe.
[339] We went over this already, Joe Ionesco is a Grand Chess Master of the Absurd!
[350] Hopefully Mo. Lets stay positive.
the fact that robertson's ERA is under 4 is quite amazing given his start this year.
[353] fair enough.
[349] True, but Robertson can be somewhat walktastic...I'd rather leave him as many open bases as possible to work with.
c'mon Grandis Curterson. gapper, baby...
[355] Another inning of Feliz makes that unlikely. I wonder if Girardi realized Washington will use him for two innings?
Once again, this is why you don't let Cervelli hit in the 8th inning.
[348] Depending on the matchup, walking the bases loaded could have been the right play.
Too much to ask of Arod at the moment. His 30/100 streak; no more.
[358] and that's certainly a fair point. i do think though that one empty base is probably adequate but certainly that should be factored in.
[358] But it wasn't really a big deal.
Okay, maybe not.
That inning was so easy, it would be a shock to see Feliz come out for a third inning, assuming the Yankees manage to escape the 10th. Who are we looking at now? Wood? Gaudin? How about Mitre?
Quickly and quietly. It should be Kerry Wood time soon, I fear.
I'm glad the Yankees didn't stretch out that half inning needlessly.
Article ripping Mike Scioscia..I wonder if this is common in the LA media?
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers-20100810,0,2959234.column
Thank you Joe for bringing in Mo!!
Holy Mo!
Joe makes the right move!
mo against the heart of the order is a bold move. i like it.
release the Mo!
might as well have him hit while he's in the game
The only correct option was Mo.
hi team.
looks like i missed a good thread. long day.
i caught a tiny bit of static on the way home from the studio. sterling must've talked about the million ways the winning run could score like 17 times within 3 minutes. i was thankful to know what was going on in the game, but jeez, i couldn't imagine listening to him for full games on a regular basis...
i come in, throw down the keys, turn on the laptop and...BOOM, we go down 1-2-3.
mow 'em down, Mo!!!
Oooh, it's Mo!
Of course, the real correct move was bringing Mo into save the game after Posada drove in the go ahead run.
If this means Rivera is gonna pitch two, I don't get it. I mean, I'd rather he pitch two now than give up a run, but I don't see what the big deal is with this game that it's Mo Time.
Figures.
We are going to run out of RPs. Couldn't DRob have started the inning?
Jeter just can't make that play.
Nice pick by Lance.
[377] Huh?
Nothing particular about this game. It's just the correct move in this situation.
[376] no, i don't like using Mo for two innings.
[377] After the way he managed the late innings, you're right. Why use Mo when you really weren't trying to win all along.
Now that is bad luck
triple play coming up...
Sigh.
SOMEONE IS SLOWER THEN POSADA!
Jesus God Almighty. If the Rangers win I cannot hold it against Mariano. Not one of these balls has been hit well!
A-Rod is NOT done, apparently
The Yankees deserve to lose this game. It's a well earned Girardi loss.
Mo certainly ain't going 2 tonight.
Yeah, this is an IBB I can live with.
don't fret RI, it's Mo. he'll get outta this!
[388] Which illustrates just how much time Jeter had on that double play earlier in the game. That really turned out to be a huge play in the game. Jeter hasn't had a very good season on either side of the ball.
[382] I don't think it's correct to use Mariano for two innings unless it's a big deal. He's too old and too important.
That would be nuts if he walked a run in
[396] Looks like a mute point.
is mo getting squeezed?
[399] Not even close.
LOL at that fast ball
[396] What do you mean, why two innings? He's in for one inning.
Uh, at most.
That was kind of lame
[402] I already covered that, homie!
til tomorrow ...
fuck.
Well, at least Posada got some rest. With some luck, maybe Master Joe can get Jorge some more rest in tomorrow's loss to Cliff Lee.
Another Girardi loss...thanks for staying awake.
Ohhhhhhh.
Well, that sucked.
What a lousy stretch of baseball the Yanks have played. And Girardi hasn't helped, at all.
Check and mate.
[399] No, I don't think he was. The balls looked like balls to me. Not even all that close.
Ugh.
Well they did eventually have a well-hit ball against him. Everything else was kinda dopey
And [SCENE]
Thank you ♞MJ Ionesco...
Mo blew it..well, even Miles had his "You're Under Arrest"...can't win them all...
Texasis not a team I want to see in the playoffs though..
[404] Okay.
I don't get it. What's the problem with bringing Mariano in for one inning? Did you foresee that he was going to blow the game?
The Yankees have played absolutely unacceptable baseball for the month of August.
If Joe Girardi sends out the god damned D team tomorrow I'm going to lose my mind.
Girardi is the only villain in this game, but alot of the blame all goes to Jeter. He didn't make two plays he should have, and both came back to haunt the Yankees.
[407] What's your point again? I don't think I understand what you mean since you only said it 23 times on this thread.
[415] I have no idea what you're talking about anymore
Oh look - kenboyer has a bee in his bonnet over something william said. How novel.
[415] Hawk was assuming they were going to use Mo for two innings, and his point was he'd prefer to keep Mo to only inning at this point.
[419] Well, that's mutual then.
For some reason you are assuming that Girardi planned to use Rivera for two innings. When I asked why you were assuming that, you said you'd already covered it. So I have no idea what your problem is with the move.
The season has peaks and valleys (this isn't 1998). The Yanks will win tomorrow.
[421] Thank you. And I didn't even assume. I said "if".
[421] Yes, but why was he assuming that???
[425] I wasn't.
[425] Oh.
So, you didn't have a problem with the move?
[425] I guess it was a conditional assumption, but still logical because someone had to pitch the 11th and the other options were very scary. Had the Yankees taken the lead, he would have been tempted to use Mo for two.
Luckily, we don't have to worry about Mo's health, or anyone's for that matter, because this team should be well rested by October. Hopefully they have games to play.
[425]] = [426]
And look. Cano was so sick that he was able to play five innings. This reads as nothing more than an excuse for Joe to GET EVERYONE SOME REST!!!!!!!!!!11111!one regardless of the fact that we sent out a team that couldn't even be called the JV tonight.
Infuriating.
[428] No, we know that Mo will not be used for two innings. Girardi announced that just after the ASB, right?
[431] I wouldn't take anything for granted with Girardi. I think he has proven that when in doubt, he'll make the wrong decision.
[420] Not a bee in my bonnet. My panties are all in a twist.
But I did appreciate William's insight and light humor in the beginning of the evening.
[427] I had a problem "if", as I said.
The funny thing about this conversation is I already said everything I meant to say in the very first comment.
I mean, that's one of the funny things about it. I think everyone is just upset that Mo blew one. Except me because as I said it was just darn Unlucky.
And they pick David Murphy for POTG. Former Red Sock. Boooo.
[434] I take exception with "Mo blew one", but I think I've made that point pretty clear.
[423] Unless of course we HAVE TO GET EVERYONE SOME REST and send out the D team again.
The big thing Russ and Kay took away from this game is Swisher didn't try to slam into the round mound of Molina. Really? That's the one play you think could have made a difference? Pathetic postgame analysis.
[432] Okay, maybe. But the correct move there was to go to Mo for one inning. So that's not really something to complain about.
[428, 431] Right. The only debate is whether to reserve Mo for a save situation that may never come, or use him for one inning only in a sure non-save situation against the heart of the order. Going to Mo was, in my opinion the correct move. Of course it backfired.
Chess is a hard game.
[436] Well you're right, I guess I was saying it as in "blew a save" which he didn't do. But the L is technically on him, whatever Girardi's machinations or lack thereof.
By the way, I have a big problem with bringing in Rivera if Girardi planned to use him for eleven innings.
Man, am I gonna miss Cliff's sardonic recap... not a great way to send off a comrade of such import. Well, Good Luck, BigBoi and we'll keep the light on for ya!
[442] You seem upset
[443] We cannot allow our Cliff to be trampled by YES or any other network!
[438] Totally agree. Singy keeps hinting to Kay that he is wrong, All 275 lbs of Molina was waiting at the plate that he totally blocked. Molina would not have dropped that ball 90 out of 100 times, and Swish would most likely get hurt if he tried to knock him down and ball out.
[444] I am upset, if.
Is it me, or do the Yankees always lose on My 9? Having to listen to Salzberg while waiting to see if one of the scribes will grill Girardi is very difficult to do.
[445] *sigh* Yeah, he's been assimilated by the Borg, but he'll always be Our Cliff. Seriously, you have to take care of your family every now and then, so it's a successful sacrifice... Hey William, guess what? >;)
[447] That makes no sense
[447] I heard that was a rather disturbing movie...
[414] nice. i love the jazz humor, mr. ok! ; )
[442] what about eleventy innings? i'd go to rivendell to see that!
[449] What? I'm lost.
[449] [453] I get it now!
game recap is posted, but vent wherever necessary, this one sucked.
Why do I listen to these postgames! Girardi's answers only make me feel more upset. He really is just a bad manager, and the Yankees have to deal with it. Some teams have bad pitching; some have bad defense; others have a bad lineup. The Yankees have a bad manager.
[447] I know! Being upset about a decision only if something or other, that makes no sense!
[451] Quite disturbing. Almost as disturbing as "Rhinoceros".
[447] No that makes perfect sense. But it already happened. So, you know - get with the program or something.
Oops not [447], [457], To you, [457], I say: That makes perfect sense. But it already happened. So, you know – get with the program or something.
[458] I think you mean "The Future is in Eggs" but it's pretty clear why you might make that mistake tonight.
[460] What already happened? Girardi used Mariano for eleven innings?
[461] I don't know that one.
[462] eleventy. and i thought you knew how to count. simple math, man...
HA! ; )
[463] If only you did
Reds-Cardinals with the early extra-curricular activity! Never seen a ruckus like that in the first inning before.
[464] I can, usually, but you keep banging out the two against three and confusing me!
[465] What do you mean, if? That makes no sense.
[465] Meh, it's no Rock The Casbah...