You know that weird feeling you get when you watch a movie and there’s a bunch of actors playing the big bad New York Yankees? That’s sort of what I experienced last night watching these new faces in the home pinstripes. And–get this–for all my talk of how I wouldn’t miss Nick Swisher, I found myself missing Nick Swisher. Certainly Derek Jeter. I mean: Who are these guys?
Welp, these guys, this team, are a work in progress, and that’s being nice about it. Hiroki Kuroda was hit in the hand trying to field a ball, left the game early, and the Sox cruised to a 7-4 win. Travis Hafner hit a solo home run and in the eighth inning, Vernon Wells hit a line drive into the seats in left field, good for a three-run homer. It sounded great, a clear, sharp crack. The only other memorable part of the game came when the Yankee catcher Chris Stewart caught a pop up next to the Red Sox dugout. After he made the catch, he began to fall into the dugout and three players, including Dustin Pedroia instinctively moved to catch him. Stewart didn’t acknowledge their gesture but didn’t need to. I’m sure he appreciated the professional courtesy.
Otherwise, it was a lousy night for the Bombers. But ol’ reliable Andy Pettitte goes tonight so there’s always that.
[Photo Credit: Mark Steinmetz]
watching them (and by watching i should clarify that i mean flipping over whenever the basketball game i was watching went to commercial, which actually happens to be a fair amount) makes me think of watching a bruce willis (or some such actor) movie - there might have been a few entertaining scenes in some action movie years ago, but i really didn't enjoy watching him years ago and i damn sure don't enjoy watching him now.
You're talking about the Knicks or the Yanks? LOL
haha the yankees. the knicks have been on a roller coaster of watch-ability all year.
The Knicks seriously made the off-season go A LOT faster this year...never a dull moment with that crew. JR Smith is my spirit guide.
I still stick by "hover around .500 until the guys get back and you'll be fine"...but that does require actually, ya know, WINNING SOME GAMES.
The Knicks got off to a better start with their AARP roster, though Andy is better at the Rasheed Wallace role than Rasheed...
Still not convinced the Knicks get out of the first round. I sure hope they do, though. And I'd be surprised if they made it past the second round. But they've been fun to watch this year for sure.
Tell me this: What team, in the east or west, can beat Miami?
You're right, AB. I had that *exact same* feeling - it felt like I was watching a random collection of players dressed up as Yankees - and I couldn't help but hope some director would yell "CUT" and the real team would walk on the field to rousing cheers and save the day.
I know it's only two games in - but the weirdness is off the charts so far. Change is good - I guess - but sometimes too much change causes disorientation. "Look - there is Vernon Wells dressed up as a Yankee - how odd."
Man I dunno. I can't speak for anyone buy myself, but I sure could use a great big dose of vintage Andy tonight.
7) Aaaaaa-Men.
[6] If Wade gets injured and the Knicks shoot 3's like they did in November, then they could beat the Heat.
In the West I give San Antonio a shot against Miami because they're old, wise, and still talented. And they have the best coach in the league. It wouldn't absolutely shock me to see OKC rise up against Miami. And if they can somehow make it to the finals, Memphis would have a decent shot to win (maybe 20-25% chance?) because of their size and Tony Allen's D.
in a 7 game series the knicks should beat either the celtics or the bulls (though i'm sure they would rather get the hawks than either of those teams, but it looks like the hawks will stay 5th).
they will have a tough time with the pacers in the second round.
and i don't see any damn way they beat the heat in a 7 game series.
i concur that sa has the best shot against the heat in the finals. the heat match up well against everyone else in the west, but sa needs a healthy manu or else they will trap the hell out of tp. the spurs ball movement, duncan, and 3 point shooters could get them at least a few wins.
[10] I don't see the Knicks beating Indiana either
MIami's only weakness is on the boards and defending bigs who can score. If you can play big and still prevent their small lineup from getting tons of easy fast break points you have a shot. That's why Boston almost got by them last year, and why I'd love to see them have to deal with Marc Gasol and Z-Bo in a long series.
Come to think of it, size is the reason why Indiana is the only team in the East with a remote chance of challenging Miami. Unlikely, but not impossible. They gave the Heat a scare last year.
Andy.
[13] Fuckin' Andy. (And I mean that in a good way.
Fuckin' Andy.
This thread says it all. Most of it is about the Knicks.
I watched the 1st 2 games, and I can usually watch a Yankee game and know from a distance who is in the batters box, but that is no longer the case. It is also a fairly unrecognizable Sox team. Something aint right in this rivalry? oh yeah! We are supposed to be kicking the crap out of the Sox.
When Kuroda left the game, all I could think was now we get another injury. Thankfully it is only a bruise.
Andy did a great job of stopping th bleeding after Yanks losses and I think he will have a fire in his belly as this is likely his last season pitching.
Too bad that the Big Stein isn't alive anymore. He would have fired a few folks after such a horrible start. Where is Billy Martin when you need him?
On the other hand, it looks possible that Vern can still hit.