Raul and Brett get the day off, huh?

We're a lot better against righties. Although if the lefty is Brian Matusz, maybe we're better against lefties. I sure hope so.

I think Nunez should get the nod over Cano. How the hell is Robbie supposed to see May by playing four games in a row early season?
Go Yankees!

I think Mr. Martin will have a couple few big hits tonight.

This Derek Jeter kid seems like an up and comer. I am going to keep an eye out for him.

[3] Coltrane!

This meredith person seems fine, but she's no Kim.

And who the hell walks away from a job like that, anyway?

This Girardi quote should make some Banter heads spin: "For this team to be successful, I think he [Nunez] has to play well."

Hear that? Nunez success is a precondition for '12 Yankee success.

So, I'm thinking we shoot for the 2nd wild card.

[6] NFL Network, apparently. Nothing has been announced though.

[8] What could be better in the sports reporting world than covering the Yankees on YES?

[9] No accounting for tastes.
Also, the Red Sox lost their Heidi Watney -- for the Lakers, I believe. So, a lot of that going around.

[6] She was required to talk to Michael Kay both pre and post game. I'm sure that took its toll. : )

Stop with the weak-ass 4-3's, Rob.

Oh, Teix.

Good, that's a nice hit.

Hey look! A lead!

Oppo rbi from Teix. Holy smokes!

That's not the swing you want on 3-1. Bleh.

I was about to compliment Ivan.

Wilson Betemit is still playing?

Jesus.

He's getting some feckless swings with that slider inside to lefties.

That's encouraging.

Not bad, Ivan.
[19] Yeah, I mean, he's only 30.

[21] Wow. So he was what, 25 when we let him go for washed up?

Just missed, Nick.

[22] I guess. Seems more recent.

Felix Dubront tears through his first two batters of the year in a mere 16 pitches. (Up in Toronto.)

That's a beaut!

Gorgeous hitting, Rob.

Jesus, you idiots.

Ohferfuck's sake!

Well innings don't end much uglier than that

No plays.
Joe Girardi is not allowed to put on plays.

(Don't tell me that was Jeter's idea.)

A plan! By a hands on managing manager!
I hate that.

Oy.

Girardi is the anti-Midas.

Oh, come on. Come on.

Hm, if he let's Jeter take it, is it an out? Not sure.

and here come the pretzels.....

He's really having good results with that slider.

[37] He is. And, he doesn't rattle, does he?

Nova has good stuff. No doubt.

Yes, tailor made d.p.

Hey, my feed is behind! Just noticed. That means I can't refresh until between batters.

[38] No, he doesn't.

And speaking of rattling, I kind of miss Mussina's visible look of aggrievement when his defense would bobble balls behind him. He'd roll his eyes, sigh demonstratively and throw his arms up to the heavens. God, that was a hoot.

Alternatively, he'd bite down real hard on his lip, desperately trying to exercise self-restraint.

[43] Honestly, that was not his most endearing trait.

That 15-year-old on the mound does seem a tad rattled, on the other hand.

Hahahahahah!! Dumb-ass bobbler!

Nice hit, Martin!

Good work, NunE5.

[3] Cigar for Belth! Well, half a cigar. Russell will need another for full cigar.

[42] And to think he came up without any special rules. How did he survive?

More runs!

[46] Dammit I haven't seen that yet! Can't wait to see it now.

[44][48] Hhahahahahahah, on both counts.

Oh, okay. Fine. Not exciting. But, yeah. (Nuñez' productive out.)

Yayyy, Derek!

[43] Mooooooose! One of my JV kids was pitching last week. He's a little southpaw and a big Yankee fan. He holds his glove in front of face so you can't see anything but his eyes. I said to the other other coach, "Think he's a Pettitte fan?" ; )
Captain!

[48] So true.
Funny, isn't it? Ivan, Rob, and Brett. Utterly unheralded, but they're all miles ahead of the more touted Yankee prospects. Hard to see how everyone failed to notice Rob, especially.

Derek!

Okay that does it, I have to stop reloading the Banter page except between innings. Had to hold my breath until I saw what "Yay Derek" was for.

Buck does look annoyed. Figure it out, kid.

[53] That's very cute. :)

Oh, you fucker!

You motherfucker!

FUCK! Smashed that one.

Wow, what a catch.

Nunez made a play!

Standing O for Nune5!

Hat tip to Eduardo.

Man, he's eating them up!

They're not just missing that slider, they're looking like little leaguers doing it.

NUNEY!

Damn, Nunez!

Look at him go!

Fuck, that was incredible.

Nunez!

Dang.
So how many games does he get a pass on now?

[69] 0 because he's got a few more innings for another botch job.

There were three 0-3 teams today, but the Giants won.

Robbie's arm just never ceases to amaze me.

Nova is very easy to like.

He really is.

Sweet!

Take that Banter!

Well that makes sense. It's not as if Derek's been hitting the ball well.

Time to make hay, Robbie.

Gooooood Morning! I got mlbTV on my cell phone going, is it behind thwe action? Jeter just sac bunted (D'oh!)

Dang, just foul!

Nerts

Argh!
Well pitched, I must say.

Or roll over for a pathetic 4-6-3.

Nova needs to take Hughes under his wing.

Freaking Matt Wieters. What's up with that?

Red Sox get runners on second and third with one out, but strand 'em. 2-0 Jays, bottom of the fifth.

Thanks for special post, Alex!

Yanks should hold on to this one. Just keep Wieters from swinging the bat again, he's really become one of the best C's in the league.

Nova!

Well done, young Ivan! Excellent.

Hi Mr OK.

Ivan throws an enticing slider. And then jams him on a 94 mph fastball. Nice.

[89] What up, RIYank? I'm a proud papa as Alex honored me with the Jazz Sensation post preceding this one, check it out!

While walking this morning I couldn't get good reception for the video feed onmy phone so had Ma & Pa Sterling coming out the iPhone..even the J locals on the street around me were apalled at Suzyn's word play..and they can't even speak English...

Ouch, Yu Darvish lit up by the Mariners...that's going to be HUGE news here today.

[91] Oh, I saw it, I saw it! I was going to suggest that you tell the kids, "There is no Japanese word for IBB, it is untranslatable because it is unthinkable."

Hey, Curtis and Brett, I love those guys!

Yay, Brett! [92] If he doesn't succeed it could be the last straw for Japanese pitchers.

[93] Haha, no, in Japan the pitchers just nibble endlessly so that every count goes 3-2!
[95] I really want him to do well, and think he will. But Seattle..yikes..

My Little home run; Sox close to 2-1.

Wilson Bettemit?

Back to back horseshit plays.

Rob! What???