Jeter is not only making a boatload of outs, but so many have been hit so weekly. If he still had the speed of his youth, he might still be around .300.
Sounds like Girardi got caught with his pants down regarding not running for Arod last night. The media seems to be getting a little more confrontational with him lately.
What a waste of time.
Jeter should just ask for the ball, and throw a bouncy grounder to the 3rd baseman. Jeez..... talk about being in a 'groove' (or a rut!).
[2] there's a Dali exhibit here at the art museum right now. me, i'm looking forward to seeing the Lincoln exhibit that just arrived to the history museum this week! : )
that said, i'm NOT looking forward to getting swept by the hydrox... : /
[reverse jinx, i hope!]
our very own william got another neyer sweet spot post dedicated to him over at espn.com. it's in regards to william's excellent post of comparing trevor to mo, basically saying: you can't do that!
in any case, congrats william on more attention to your work, you deserve it!
[31] Swisher's reaction was great...he stood there and looked, motioned to leave, but then turned back...sighed looked a little longer and the then forlornly walked away.
[31] i think you mean Overlorde - you know, the true metal band from Jersey, with Bobby "Leather Lungs" on vocals! The Return of the Snow Giant is most excellent! : )
I know a lot of people don't believe managers make a difference, but I think this series has shown one manager who makes a positive impact, and one who does not, to put it mildly.
[37] Because Tex was a DH, Girardi didn't have the option of using Thames for Berkman, who is awful as a righty. Also, had he used Thames for Berkman and Buck goes to the righty, you can keep Granderson in the game instead of needing Thames to hit for him. That would also further serve the defense.
[41] We'll see, I know that's been the case in several of these situations in the past, so I'll temper my anger until all the facts are in after the game.
But even *if* Po wasn't available to pinch hit, SOMEBODY else was.
[46] I think you mean 1B. If so, he could have done that as well. There were multiple ways for Girardi to play that inning correctly, but he choose the incorrect option each time.
[58] Maybe...or maybe not. Does Tex make a better stretch on Jones infield single? Does last inning work out differently if Thames hit for Berkman? It's a one run game, so every minor nitpick could in fact be the reason they are losing.
[79][82] I'm so happy Cashman didn't trade anybody of any value to get us bullpen help.
And all this relief goodness is without Marte or Aceves -- both cooked for the season. (I do hope they can both return next year.)
Joe G. said that Posada was not available today. He has concussive symptoms. He didn't say how long, or if, or how. Posada could be out for significant period of time.
Tests performed this afternoon by a neurology specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital were negative. Physicians have cleared Posada for competitive play and he is listed as day-to-day.
I wasn't too worried. Usually a concussion will force a player to skip a week or so. Still, the small chance that he'd miss a lot more was pretty scary.
I think the Girardi/Showalter comparison is insanely unfair, and I can't believe anyone doesn't see how inherently ludicrous it is to compare their situations.
Now, I did warn of the dangers of the O's heading down the stretch:
_______________________________________
33. jjmerlock
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Oh, lastly, Baltimore is lurking. They have 3 home and 3 away left against each of the top three teams in the AL East. Will Buck push them extra hard to beat his old team?
_______________________________________
But here's the part that's obvious - everyone knows that a good manager can make a difference for a youngish, shitty, feckless team that is going nowhere.
A good manager can make a difference for a team that is playing "don't give a f'" ball and playing it badly.
The real question is: can a manager make that much of a difference when you are comparing two top level teams? Everyone knows that is the real question, and to pretend that this situation comes even close to posing a relevant query is to be utterly disingenuous.
I thought Girardi's worst moment of this series was allowing Roberts to beat the Yankees in the 7th inning of the first game. Other than that? Shit happens. Posada had a concussion and everyone was going nuts over him not being in the game. I have criticisms of Girardi, like anyone else, but what we have here is a fickle nut job like AJ coughing up every tie in Game 1, CC finally succumbing to the law of averages, a few guys being banged up, Jeter doing his best impression of a black hole, and a team across the way that has only known shitty for the longest time and is now fired up as hell to play a few "what the heck, let's go for it" games.
And Buck has caught a major flier with this particular one - the Orioles are a COMPLETELY different team with Roberts actually playing. Wax all you want about Buck, and I don't doubt he's a shot of what the previously hapless O's needed, but I'll bet you that Roberts return has as much to do with the ball they've played of late as anything else.
The other thing that's being completely left out of any discussion is that it has always been known that Buck is perfect for a current-Orioles situation and what has always been questioned is whether or not his style works with a veteran, already-successful team.
But when your argument is based on irrational dislike, it's bound to be disingenuous.
There - that's my last sin before the High Holy Days.
Ha ha! The existence/non-existence of Moishe Pupik/Pipik is one of those mysteries the grown ups befuddle you with, and by the time you're their age, you realize no one ever let you in on the answer.
Similarly, a group I was in during college still jokes about one "Craig Montclair." I don't think I was certain if the guy was merely myth or pseudonym (as I suspected) until a few years ago, by which point I realized I was almost entirely certain "Montclair" was at most an alter ego.
I caught on fairly quickly to the fact that Cyrus T. Elk was a name to baffle the administration with or to fill in on "name required" sheets as a Mickey Mouse-substitute with far more panache.
No joke, from this one group, we have had TWO five-time Jeopardy champions, and both managed to mention Mr. Elk during their appearances.
One was far enough ahead in one of his games to mark his final answer down as "Who is Cyrus T. Elk?"
Champion.
Happy New Year and Non-New Year to all banterers, alike. I just got done watching my synagogue's service via webcast. Believe it or not, the sermon began with a story about Bucky Dent's big fly. I guess it was on Rosh Hashanah? Funny, I remember watching it - must be because we are casually religious, at best, and the kids were only expected to go in the mornings.
I'm betting I had forgotten the holiday existed by the time I was home and that game was into the later innings.
It was a good story, though, about a girl who brought her transistor radio with an earpiece into synagogue, and without realizing what she was doing, jumped up in synagogue screaming, "Bucky Dent just hit a home run!"
Of course, if she had been in Boston, you would have had to tack on an extra word and another sin...
[98] Oh, no. I fear I always need every last minute before they close the books. Plenty of sin to atone for - although I imagine to be human is to need the full run of days. Yom Kippur is where I truly pay. A hypoglycemic going head to head with fasting - it ain't pretty but it does put in the work.
Thanks for the new year's wishes and back at you, if you're on that calendar, as well (actually, I'm secularized to the point where the Gregorian is really my calendar, but the period between the two big days does mean something to me).
Gardner back in the leadoff position!
Salvador Dali strikes again!
Let's Go YANKEES
Getting Roberts out is a good first step.
Need Nova to be Super today!
nice quick inning...
Jeter is not only making a boatload of outs, but so many have been hit so weekly. If he still had the speed of his youth, he might still be around .300.
Sounds like Girardi got caught with his pants down regarding not running for Arod last night. The media seems to be getting a little more confrontational with him lately.
I liked those games from last week when I'd check early on and the Yanks would aready have 7 or 9 runs.
What a waste of time.
Jeter should just ask for the ball, and throw a bouncy grounder to the 3rd baseman. Jeez..... talk about being in a 'groove' (or a rut!).
[2]
Comment of the day nominee!
Twins are 33-12 since Morneau got concussed ... interesting.
Crap.
Meh.
I hate waking up late for a day game.
ugh, our offense needs to wake the fuck up.
SUPER!!!
according to gameday berkman just walked on 3 pitches. now THAT is efficient!
[2] there's a Dali exhibit here at the art museum right now. me, i'm looking forward to seeing the Lincoln exhibit that just arrived to the history museum this week! : )
that said, i'm NOT looking forward to getting swept by the hydrox... : /
[reverse jinx, i hope!]
[17] ancient chinese proverb: man with four balls cannot walk!
FUCKING lovely.
I should have stayed asleep.
quality start for nova. now our offense needs to deliver.
Forgot this was a day game.
The Yankee bats appear to have forgotten, too.
I'd complain about not being able to see the game, but it appears there's nothing to see.
D-Rob en fuego.
I should be pleased about the pitching today, but it's just maddening to be losing 2-1.
our very own william got another neyer sweet spot post dedicated to him over at espn.com. it's in regards to william's excellent post of comparing trevor to mo, basically saying: you can't do that!
in any case, congrats william on more attention to your work, you deserve it!
I hate the idea of Buck being in the same division, mostly because he should be managing the Yankees.
[25] Thanks! I don't get why so many people compare the two...Mariano is so classy, he is in a class by himself!
Enuff of this shite. LET'S GO!
27) RIGHT ON!
Priceless reaction by Swisher to an absolutely brutal call.
[30] In the realm of horrible strike calls I've seen this year, that was 2nd tier.
It was merely awful, not outrageous.
I for one, will welcome our future robot umpire overlords ...
And that's why you don't DH Teixeira, especially when the next day is an off day.
Showalter has really outmanaged Girardi in this series. Sigh.
[31] Swisher's reaction was great...he stood there and looked, motioned to leave, but then turned back...sighed looked a little longer and the then forlornly walked away.
[31] i think you mean Overlorde - you know, the true metal band from Jersey, with Bobby "Leather Lungs" on vocals! The Return of the Snow Giant is most excellent! : )
WHY THE FUCK WASN'T POSODA AT THE PLATE?!?!?!?
The Yankees have three catchers!! What on Earth is he doing at the plate in this situation? Is it a reward for two passed balls?
[32] what does DHing tex have to do with the fact that we're losing because we're not hitting?
omg, gi joe pinch hit frankie instead of po??? holy crap. what a moron. was buck howling in the other dugout? : /
Terrible, TERRIBLE managing from Joey Joe Joe.
AWFUL.
[38] sorry, i meant didn't pinch hit w/ jorgie... ah, fuck it, you all know what i meant...
this game sucks. no, scratch that - this series sucks.
[38] Not exactly -- Frankie was already in. Not a PH at all. But it is mysterious. I wonder whether something's wrong with Jorgie.
[38] No, Coffee Joe just let Cervelli hit for himself instead of pinch hitting with JoPo.
i definitely would have liked to see Po there.
I know a lot of people don't believe managers make a difference, but I think this series has shown one manager who makes a positive impact, and one who does not, to put it mildly.
[37] Because Tex was a DH, Girardi didn't have the option of using Thames for Berkman, who is awful as a righty. Also, had he used Thames for Berkman and Buck goes to the righty, you can keep Granderson in the game instead of needing Thames to hit for him. That would also further serve the defense.
[45] or you could move Swisher to DH and PH for Berkman with Thames.
[41] We'll see, I know that's been the case in several of these situations in the past, so I'll temper my anger until all the facts are in after the game.
But even *if* Po wasn't available to pinch hit, SOMEBODY else was.
Colin Curtis?
Nunez?
Somehow the excellent pitching is making this game more unpleasant, rather than less.
[46] I think you mean 1B. If so, he could have done that as well. There were multiple ways for Girardi to play that inning correctly, but he choose the incorrect option each time.
c'mon, just one run guys! LET'S GO YANKEES!
I wish Jeter would go into Girardi's offense and volunteer to be dropped in the lineup, at least against righties.
Aight ... calling a big fly from Teix here!
Ugh. Well, juuuuuuuuust a little off on that call.
Teix looking FUGHLY on off speed stuff this series.
or completely flail.
a-rod, cano, swisher is prob our best shot anyhow. so let's hope for a run in the 9th.
[55] Hopefully they can at least extend the inning long enough for Cervelli to make the last out again.
More Berkman magic with the glove. I hope Tex is enjoying his "half day off".
[57] we're not losing because berkman is playing first base.
[56] i hope nothing is wrong with Po.
I'm a huge Cervelli rooter, but even I thought that was horrible having him bat in the 7th.
[58] Maybe...or maybe not. Does Tex make a better stretch on Jones infield single? Does last inning work out differently if Thames hit for Berkman? It's a one run game, so every minor nitpick could in fact be the reason they are losing.
[56] Naw, I've decided that Coffee Joe was just saving JoPo for a walk-off-pie moment in the 9th.
For he has powers beyond the ken of us mere mortals ...
PR here?
Oh, sorry, I'm a little behind.
[62] as long as it's not charles gipson!
[63] welcome to my world! they even put me at the rear of the stage...
woohoo!
FUCK.
YES.
[65] Hey, I love it in your world!!!!!!
Yay, Swish!
SWISH-A-ROONY!!!!
Take that Orioles ... you've got Pie ... WE'VE GOT PIE!!!!!!!
Thelarmis, it's Swisher's world. We just live in it.
PIE
PIE
PIE
PIE
PIE
[71] Nice.
Pie < pie.
Hey, that was the only ab on gameday I just watched today. Pretty good, Swish! I'm sure nobody had anything to complain about today. : )
Quite an opposite field shot for a 'lame' Swisher!
Damn, that was very satisfying. It really cashes in all that angst I was having about squandering the fabulous pitching performances today.
Viva Nova, viva D-Rob, viva Boone-Lo, and viva Joba!
¡Viva Nico El Palo!
Pow! Bang! Just like that, the losing streak ends!
Gosh I love Swisher! Let us not forget - Cashmoney got him for Wilson Betemit and two minor league pitchers (Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez). My gosh.
yanks bullpen this series: 7.2 ip, 11k, 2 h, 1 bb, 0 runs.
good job holding the line until they finally got a big hit.
phew
Right On!
[79] some great pitching indeed. everyone has been money for the most part - joba, wood, robertson, even Gaudin somewhat.
[79] [82] I'm so happy Cashman didn't trade anybody of any value to get us bullpen help.
And all this relief goodness is without Marte or Aceves -- both cooked for the season. (I do hope they can both return next year.)
[83] yeah good point. good non-move by cashman.
I can't believe how huge a win that was. We needed to stop the bleeding. We're in a pennant race here.
[85] yes, and if boston can win tonight, that will be one less the yanks have to get head to head from tampa. go sox.
Joe G. said that Posada was not available today. He has concussive symptoms. He didn't say how long, or if, or how. Posada could be out for significant period of time.
[87]
being reported now that Po might not be cleared to fly to Texas ... having tests now.
That's more like it...nothing like swishing away a game's worth of ills with one swing.
If Posada is out for a long time, the Yankees are in trouble, especially because they decided to keep Montero off the 40-man roster.
Isn't that just like A-rod to get a single and not a walk-off home run in the 9th inning ... so un-clutch.
:-)
[87] Yikes. Down to Frankie & Chad?
Good news via LoHud:
Jorge Posada cleared to play
Just got this email from the Yankees…
Tests performed this afternoon by a neurology specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital were negative. Physicians have cleared Posada for competitive play and he is listed as day-to-day.
Whew.
I wasn't too worried. Usually a concussion will force a player to skip a week or so. Still, the small chance that he'd miss a lot more was pretty scary.
I think the Girardi/Showalter comparison is insanely unfair, and I can't believe anyone doesn't see how inherently ludicrous it is to compare their situations.
Now, I did warn of the dangers of the O's heading down the stretch:
_______________________________________
33. jjmerlock
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Oh, lastly, Baltimore is lurking. They have 3 home and 3 away left against each of the top three teams in the AL East. Will Buck push them extra hard to beat his old team?
_______________________________________
But here's the part that's obvious - everyone knows that a good manager can make a difference for a youngish, shitty, feckless team that is going nowhere.
A good manager can make a difference for a team that is playing "don't give a f'" ball and playing it badly.
The real question is: can a manager make that much of a difference when you are comparing two top level teams? Everyone knows that is the real question, and to pretend that this situation comes even close to posing a relevant query is to be utterly disingenuous.
I thought Girardi's worst moment of this series was allowing Roberts to beat the Yankees in the 7th inning of the first game. Other than that? Shit happens. Posada had a concussion and everyone was going nuts over him not being in the game. I have criticisms of Girardi, like anyone else, but what we have here is a fickle nut job like AJ coughing up every tie in Game 1, CC finally succumbing to the law of averages, a few guys being banged up, Jeter doing his best impression of a black hole, and a team across the way that has only known shitty for the longest time and is now fired up as hell to play a few "what the heck, let's go for it" games.
And Buck has caught a major flier with this particular one - the Orioles are a COMPLETELY different team with Roberts actually playing. Wax all you want about Buck, and I don't doubt he's a shot of what the previously hapless O's needed, but I'll bet you that Roberts return has as much to do with the ball they've played of late as anything else.
The other thing that's being completely left out of any discussion is that it has always been known that Buck is perfect for a current-Orioles situation and what has always been questioned is whether or not his style works with a veteran, already-successful team.
But when your argument is based on irrational dislike, it's bound to be disingenuous.
There - that's my last sin before the High Holy Days.
One last dip into the intemperance.
L'Shanah Tova, and blow it out yer ear. Huzzah.
jj, I didn't know you celebrated the High Holy Days.
L'Shanah tovah to you too. And stick in in your pupok.
Ha ha! The existence/non-existence of Moishe Pupik/Pipik is one of those mysteries the grown ups befuddle you with, and by the time you're their age, you realize no one ever let you in on the answer.
I did find an interesting article on the web: http://www.forward.com/articles/3872/
Similarly, a group I was in during college still jokes about one "Craig Montclair." I don't think I was certain if the guy was merely myth or pseudonym (as I suspected) until a few years ago, by which point I realized I was almost entirely certain "Montclair" was at most an alter ego.
I caught on fairly quickly to the fact that Cyrus T. Elk was a name to baffle the administration with or to fill in on "name required" sheets as a Mickey Mouse-substitute with far more panache.
No joke, from this one group, we have had TWO five-time Jeopardy champions, and both managed to mention Mr. Elk during their appearances.
One was far enough ahead in one of his games to mark his final answer down as "Who is Cyrus T. Elk?"
Champion.
Happy New Year and Non-New Year to all banterers, alike. I just got done watching my synagogue's service via webcast. Believe it or not, the sermon began with a story about Bucky Dent's big fly. I guess it was on Rosh Hashanah? Funny, I remember watching it - must be because we are casually religious, at best, and the kids were only expected to go in the mornings.
I'm betting I had forgotten the holiday existed by the time I was home and that game was into the later innings.
It was a good story, though, about a girl who brought her transistor radio with an earpiece into synagogue, and without realizing what she was doing, jumped up in synagogue screaming, "Bucky Dent just hit a home run!"
Of course, if she had been in Boston, you would have had to tack on an extra word and another sin...
[97] very nice, you already seem cleansed. happy new year.
[98] Oh, no. I fear I always need every last minute before they close the books. Plenty of sin to atone for - although I imagine to be human is to need the full run of days. Yom Kippur is where I truly pay. A hypoglycemic going head to head with fasting - it ain't pretty but it does put in the work.
Thanks for the new year's wishes and back at you, if you're on that calendar, as well (actually, I'm secularized to the point where the Gregorian is really my calendar, but the period between the two big days does mean something to me).