"A New York Treasure" --Village Voice

Houston. Do We Have a Problem?

There is no greater crucible in sports than baseball’s 162-game schedule, and the New York Yankees are running roughshod on their opponents this season. Today — and for the past two months — the Yankees have the best record in the game. At 64-30 they have a comfortable twelve-game lead in the American League East and are all but assured of winning the deepest division in baseball and advancing to the playoffs. All season long, they’ve just been better than anyone else.

Anyone else but the Houston Astros.

The Yankees and Astros completed their regular season series last night, with the Astros sweeping a double header in Houston and beating the Yankees for the fifth time in seven games.

Were it not for Aaron Judge and his walk-off heroics that saved two games in New York, the Yankees would have lost all seven contests with the Astros. In fact, those two swings by Judge were the only moments in a week’s worth of games against their arch rivals (sorry, Red Sox) that the Yankees enjoyed a lead. It’s been that bleak. (Judge did his best to rescue his team again on Thursday night, rocking a massive three-run homer to left to cut a five-run lead to two, but it wasn’t quite enough.)

The mightiest offense in baseball was repeatedly humbled by Houston pitching. The Astros threw a combined no-hitter against them in New York and opened the following game with six more hitless innings, and Houston pitchers, both starters and bullpen, were generally in control in all seven games. The Yankees scored 22 runs in seven games, including a disturbing two runs or fewer in four of the seven.

Not surprisingly, acorns are falling on everyone’s heads. Should the Yankees fall into mediocrity and go 36-32 the rest of the way, they’ll still finish with 100 wins and a division crown, but there are those who will tell you that the season is over. That this team cannot beat the Astros.

I understand this point of view because I carry the same scars you do, but regardless of what happened in this year’s seven-game sample, I’m comfortable saying that right now the Yankees of 2022 are better than the versions that watched their seasons end at the hands of the Astros in 2017 and 2019, and that the Astros of 2022 are weaker. If Brian Cashman decides to spend some capital to add Luís Castillo or gut the farm system to land Juan Sóto, the Yankee advantage over the Astros will only widen.

Let me say this again — the Yankees are better than the Astros. If you refuse to believe this because of that 2-5 season record or because of how listless the Yankees looked in so many of those games, I’ll ask if you also believe that the Cincinnati Reds (who handled the Yankees last week) are better than the 64-30 Bronx Bombers.

Yes, the seven games against the Astros were difficult, but sometimes baseball is like that. Everything’s going to be okay.

Categories:  1: Featured  Game Thread  Hank Waddles

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242 comments

Show/Hide Comments 1-100
1 rbj   ~  Jul 22, 2022 6:08 pm

And now the Orioles are heating up.

2 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 22, 2022 6:54 pm

(1) I don’t know Hank, Altuve, Bergman and especially Alvarez are a ‘big three’ better than ours, and their pitching looks better too..I’m concerned.

3 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 22, 2022 7:03 pm

Judge goes Boom! He’s still got a shot at MVP this year?

4 rbj   ~  Jul 22, 2022 7:05 pm

Ah, an Earl Weaver special.

5 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 22, 2022 7:07 pm

[2] Boonie had some nice comments on that yesterday. Paraphrasing, he said it doesn't matter what happens during the season. We're good. They're good. If we meet in October, we'll be ready.

6 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 22, 2022 7:11 pm

Jeez that was right down the middle. Come-on, Jamie.

7 rbj   ~  Jul 22, 2022 7:28 pm

Jameson is going to drive me to Jameson.

8 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 22, 2022 7:33 pm

[2] Judge and Alvarez are a wash, but the Yankee lineup is better. They lead the Astros in every offensive category that matters, often by significant margins.

9 rbj   ~  Jul 22, 2022 7:35 pm

Got one back

10 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 22, 2022 7:57 pm

[8] Gonna go ahead and retract the first part of that comment.

11 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 22, 2022 7:58 pm

(8) Even with the Black Hole of the Bronx at the bottom of the lineup IKF & Gallo??
465ft for Judge!

12 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 22, 2022 8:00 pm

Jesus H. Judge!

13 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 22, 2022 8:08 pm

Meanwhile the Red Sox just gave up an inside the park grand slam on a ball the CF lost in the lights (evil laughter emoji)

14 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 22, 2022 8:08 pm

[10] Hank, I don't think the issue is who is better statistically, but rather who "has your number." Right now the Astros have the mental edge, if that means anything. I think it means a little at least.
At some point the Yankees have to prove they can beat them. It appears that is going to be in a high-stakes, high-pressure series, when every out is crucial. Whatever happens, it will be exciting and ulcer inducing.

15 rbj   ~  Jul 22, 2022 8:15 pm

Shoot, I had to walk the terrorists and miss Judge’s ruling?

16 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 22, 2022 8:26 pm

Another touchdown for Toronto to go up 21-3 in Fenway..

17 rbj   ~  Jul 22, 2022 8:33 pm

[16] I love schadenfruede (sp?)

18 rbj   ~  Jul 22, 2022 8:37 pm

Uh oh, a Gallo homer he gets another month

19 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 22, 2022 8:43 pm

It’s Ron Guidry Night at Fenway Park. Blue Jays up 25-3!

20 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 22, 2022 8:52 pm

(18) I had the same thought. :(
(19) I had the same thought! :)

21 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 22, 2022 8:56 pm

Meanwhile in Boston, Evaldi got smoked for 9 runs in 2 and 2 thirds innings. Woo-hoo!
Jays have 4 TDs and a missed extra point

22 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 22, 2022 8:56 pm

[16] Oops. I didn't see your comment.

23 mhoward120   ~  Jul 22, 2022 9:03 pm

About time to DFA Chapman?

24 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 22, 2022 9:05 pm

Yes.

25 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 22, 2022 9:07 pm

That “Yes” was before the homer. You just can’t pitch this guy in games that matter. It’s a tough thing to demote a pitcher with his résumé, but it has to be done. Maybe he’d go to AAA to try to get right. But right now disasters like this aren’t surprising at all. Not in the least.

26 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 22, 2022 9:12 pm

What could we get for Gallo-Chapman package? Maybe some middle innings guy.

27 knuckles   ~  Jul 22, 2022 9:12 pm

I don’t love this but there’s a reason NYY had such a gap at the ASB and they can retain all or most of it. The O is there and can be improved via addition by sultry (Gallo):and they need the staff to stand strong (enough)…

28 rbj   ~  Jul 22, 2022 9:18 pm

[26] a bag of used balls. Maybe.

29 mhoward120   ~  Jul 22, 2022 9:20 pm

A 95-year old man's bag of balls.

30 rbj   ~  Jul 22, 2022 9:31 pm

Ouch.

31 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 22, 2022 9:36 pm

Jaysus. Now we lose King. This game is killin' us.

32 Ara Just Fair   ~  Jul 22, 2022 9:37 pm

Fucking Hell.

33 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 22, 2022 9:47 pm

Any word on King? It looked he might’ve just been overcome with illness. Hoping that’s the case.

34 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 22, 2022 11:26 pm

Looks like King has a fractured elbow according to early reports and could miss the rest of the season. Just devastating.

35 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 23, 2022 10:57 am

Confirmed.

36 RIYank   ~  Jul 23, 2022 1:28 pm

Yeah losing King is worse than losing the game would have been. Damn.

What do Banterers think about the prospect of picking up Andrew Benintendi?
My take: I'm okay with it, because it's just this season (he has a one-year contract). But for the same reason I wouldn't give up much.

37 RIYank   ~  Jul 23, 2022 1:34 pm

I'd rather go get Dave Robertson from the Cubs.

38 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 23, 2022 1:44 pm

I think the player out there who could make the greatest difference for this team would be Luís Castillo, but there's a problem with that. There is no clear member of the current starting staff that Boone might choose to demote. After Gerit Cole, the other four guys all seem fairly similar. It seems like we see a great start, then two good starts, then a mediocre one from each of the other four. There is no glaring hole in the rotation, I don't think.

Then there's the bullpen. I don't know who's available out there, but there's suddenly a huge need from a part of the team that was once a great strength. Maybe someone like Domingo Germán becomes a bullpen piece, or J.P. Sears.

Or there's another route Cashman can take. He can ignore pitching altogether and mortgage the future for Juan Sóto. The prospect of the most dynamic player in baseball, a left-hander with power, playing right field alongside Judge in center for the next ten years is possibly too good to pass up. (Of course, that signing might make it impossible to keep Judge.)

Personally, I'd go get Castillo, but pass on Sóto and wait for the Martian in a few years.

39 RIYank   ~  Jul 23, 2022 4:54 pm

Soto is on a one-year contract. And he turned down a gigantic offer from the Nats, so yeah if your namesake wants to stay under the luxury threshold probably not him and Judge. (And I wouldn't trade a pile for him for a short rental, either.)

I dunno, maybe stand pat, unless one of these useful players (Robertson, Castillo, Benintendi) can be got for a lowish price.

40 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 23, 2022 6:39 pm

They didn’t go for Bryce Harper, I think Soto you can’t let get away. The PERFECT guy to put next to Judge in the lineup

41 rbj   ~  Jul 23, 2022 6:43 pm

Yay Matt!

42 rbj   ~  Jul 23, 2022 7:00 pm

Phew, that could have been a bad inning.

43 RIYank   ~  Jul 23, 2022 7:14 pm

Damnit.
It would be so cool to have Stanton in this line-up instead of Hicks. That would be really scary.
That would be five guys in the line-up over .800 OPS.

44 rbj   ~  Jul 23, 2022 7:34 pm

Ok, one there.

45 RIYank   ~  Jul 23, 2022 8:29 pm

I thought he was out at second, but yeah probably not clear enough to overturn the call.

46 rob_smith_51   ~  Jul 23, 2022 8:32 pm

Hard to tell if the tag hit his hip before he got his hand in.

47 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 23, 2022 8:33 pm

Seemed like a surprising challenge there.

48 rob_smith_51   ~  Jul 23, 2022 8:46 pm

10 hits and 3 walks and only 3 runs? Need to convert more of those.

49 RIYank   ~  Jul 23, 2022 8:50 pm

Jeez.
Gerit still looks good, but there goes his W opportunity.

50 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 23, 2022 8:51 pm

Two problems:
1. Three runs isn’t enough, regardless of who’s pitching and whom you’re playing.
2. The Orioles are a lot better than they used to be.

51 rob_smith_51   ~  Jul 23, 2022 8:52 pm

Shoot, that looked like strike 3.

52 RIYank   ~  Jul 23, 2022 8:58 pm

[51] I believe the umpiring has been even worse in this series than it has been all year.
Which was very bad.

53 RIYank   ~  Jul 23, 2022 9:03 pm

In yesterday's game, only 68% of the called strikes were actually in the strike zone. That is just astounding. He got almost a third of them wrong!!

54 rob_smith_51   ~  Jul 23, 2022 9:14 pm

[53] Wow, that is terrible. Where do you get this information?

55 Ara Just Fair   ~  Jul 23, 2022 9:30 pm

Ugh.

56 rob_smith_51   ~  Jul 23, 2022 9:42 pm

And that they call a strike?

57 RIYank   ~  Jul 24, 2022 4:48 am

[54] Umpscorecards.com

58 rbj   ~  Jul 24, 2022 12:59 pm

Is Stanton hurt?

59 RIYank   ~  Jul 24, 2022 1:01 pm

Wow.
So, hm. Sometimes, good infielders don't make good outfielders.
Lesson learned!

60 rbj   ~  Jul 24, 2022 1:19 pm

Judge!

61 Ara Just Fair   ~  Jul 24, 2022 1:28 pm

Who did IKF think was running? Ugh.

62 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 24, 2022 1:32 pm

The MVP vote will be interesting. I'm of a mind that Shohei Ohtani is not just the MVP but possibly the most valuable player I've ever seen, but there are probably enough writers out there who will look to give it to someone new. But Judge leads the league in WAR right now, and he might end up with sixty home runs. Plus there's still a strong enough bias against guys on losing teams, so Judge has a shot.

63 Ara Just Fair   ~  Jul 24, 2022 1:40 pm

WTF is Gleyber doing? JFC!

64 RIYank   ~  Jul 24, 2022 1:53 pm

[63] This is what's going to happen when you adopt the "aggressive base running" strategy.
I don't like it, but it's really fun when it works, I have to admit.

[62] Why are you thinking Ohtani is so much more valuable than his WAR says he is? Because he saves a roster spot? (My intuition is the same as yours, but I can't back it up.)

65 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 24, 2022 1:53 pm

[63] That was some of the strangest base running I've ever seen. I don't think he was decoying, though. It looked to me like he gave up on going to third and started coasting in to second, but then quickly realized his mistake, so he made another. Just four innings in, but not a game to remember for Gleyber.

66 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 24, 2022 1:57 pm

[64] It's nothing statistical, really. It's just that he's doing something no one has ever done before. Sometimes the numbers don't accurately describe what's happening, but here's the one that actually does. This made the rounds a couple weeks ago, so most have probably seen it.

Ohtani owns the highest career slugging percentage with the bases loaded. As a pitcher, he owns the LOWEST career slugging percentage against with the bases loaded. It's simply preposterous.

67 rbj   ~  Jul 24, 2022 2:37 pm

Tack on runs

68 RIYank   ~  Jul 24, 2022 2:51 pm

Hm, so, the Red Sox look to be at .500 by the end of the afternoon.
Soooo... if the Orioles *do* come back and beat us, Boston drops to last place. Yeah probably not.
I feel like the only real hope is if Chapman pitches!

69 RIYank   ~  Jul 24, 2022 3:08 pm

Oh man.
We are really gonna miss Michael King.

70 rbj   ~  Jul 24, 2022 3:48 pm

Wow he caught that

71 rbj   ~  Jul 24, 2022 3:50 pm

6-0 is not Chapman proof.

72 RIYank   ~  Jul 24, 2022 3:55 pm

This is a very odd way to lose the DH.

73 rbj   ~  Jul 24, 2022 3:59 pm

Nice win

74 RIYank   ~  Jul 24, 2022 4:19 pm

Yeah good pitching and good hitting too.
And the Orioles are not a bad team! Anymore.

Here's hoping they go 9-3 over their next dozen games and bury the BoSox in the cellar.

75 RIYank   ~  Jul 24, 2022 7:36 pm

Trey Sweeney and Jasson Dominguez were both pulled from their game today.

76 rbj   ~  Jul 24, 2022 8:32 pm

[75] Promotions or a Juan Soto deal? Which it only makes sensewith a 10+ year deal (not my money) but might mean no Judge next year.

77 RIYank   ~  Jul 24, 2022 9:03 pm

[76] I was assuming *some* kind of deal. TBH I think Soto would take more than that. Maybe Castillo?

78 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 25, 2022 12:06 am

I wouldn't think they'd deal Dominguez for anything less than Soto. Honestly, it would be hard to argue against that.

79 RIYank   ~  Jul 25, 2022 9:39 am

Hmmmmm. Nothing's happened.
I'm relieved!
I thought that wasn't close to enough to land Soto. NJ.com reports that the Reds would want considerably more for Castillo! (And also that the Reds aren't keen on Dominguez.)

Now there are rumors about the Angels looking for boatloads of young talent for one or more of their superstars. It should be an interesting trade deadline!

80 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 26, 2022 6:09 pm

The Angels are almost on the same level as the Red Sox and Astros for me, but I admit to feeling bad for them and for their fans. Thus far they've completed wasted the career of one of the best players in history (Trout) and seem poised to do the same with the most unique player in history (Ohtani). It's a shame.

81 rbj   ~  Jul 26, 2022 6:11 pm

TBS game.

82 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 26, 2022 6:12 pm

(80) That seems almost impossible..can we sign Ohtani next year?

Stanton on the IL with Achilles trouble..?!?!

83 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 26, 2022 6:15 pm

Judge is incredible, another tater!

84 rbj   ~  Jul 26, 2022 6:17 pm

Belly to belly. Missed them both, accidentally knocked the interwebs off.

85 RIYank   ~  Jul 26, 2022 6:23 pm

[84] Consecutive pitches.

86 rbj   ~  Jul 26, 2022 6:37 pm

Hmm, might be the beginnings of a slugfest.

87 RIYank   ~  Jul 26, 2022 6:38 pm

Oh. One of *those* games.

88 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 26, 2022 6:40 pm

Mayor's Trophy Game
Woo-hoo!
Monty finally gets runs and gives 'em back.

89 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 26, 2022 6:41 pm

That was pretty craptacular by JM.
Btw, anyone out there watching the Mets SNY feed and not YES? I really like Cohen/Darling/Hernandez

90 weeping for brunnhilde   ~  Jul 26, 2022 6:41 pm

Unbelievable.

91 RIYank   ~  Jul 26, 2022 6:44 pm

Hank's musings about getting Castillo keep floating across the back of my mind, for some reason.

92 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 26, 2022 6:50 pm

What exactly is IKF good at in baseball?

93 RIYank   ~  Jul 26, 2022 6:51 pm

Sigh.
I kinda miss the old days before the Yankees' "aggressive base running" era.

94 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:01 pm

Stanton is on the IL.
Jesus, this season is officially off the rails.

95 RIYank   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:09 pm

Really???
It's off the rails??

96 RIYank   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:20 pm

Anyway the wheels are coming off this game, that's for sure.

97 rbj   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:21 pm

[96] yup

98 rbj   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:24 pm

Gumby isn’t long for this game.

99 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:24 pm

[95] This game is definitely off the rails.

100 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:30 pm

Seven outs for Monty. Not what you want.

Show/Hide Comments 101-200
101 rbj   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:35 pm

Thank you bad baserunning.

102 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:35 pm

Pretty nice of the Mets there.

103 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:37 pm

Earlier Cone was really hyping this game (series), saying what a big deal it is in NYC this year.

Anyone on the ground there to verify?

104 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:44 pm

[92] Regarding IKF, even though his defense hasn't been as consistent as we'd like, here's something that's surprising to me. Aside from Judge and LeMahieu, there's probably no Yankee I'd prefer to see at the plate when a runner needs to be driven in from third with two outs.

105 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:47 pm

I suppose I would add Rizzo to that list ahead of IKF.

106 rbj   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:49 pm

Dammit, just missed.

107 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:50 pm

Really wish Rizzo would've taken that pitch. Oh, well.

108 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:55 pm

Cone is talking about the All-Star game red carpet fashion.
This is not your father's MLB.

109 RIYank   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:55 pm

I think IKF has a pretty good defensive score on fancy pants advanced metrics. And has had pretty consistently for the past few years. Good range I think?

110 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:55 pm

[107] No way he should have been swinging.

111 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 26, 2022 7:56 pm

[107] I mean, I agree, he should have been taking all the way.

112 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 26, 2022 8:03 pm

Hey Boat, Lindsey Adler just tweeted that Ron Marinaccio grew up in Tom’s River, New Jersey. Where is that?

113 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 26, 2022 8:03 pm

It's hard to question a guy like Rizzo, but it just seemed like an obvious take there. When Judge was 3-0 in the previous at bat, I was hoping Walker would groove one and let Judge take a swing, but that's because Judge is the hottest player on the planet right now. Considering Rizzo's 3-0 pitch came after seven straight balls (even though I don't think Walker was trying to throw a strike to Judge), it was a no-brainer.

114 RIYank   ~  Jul 26, 2022 8:08 pm

Toms River is the Jersey Shore area, a few miles south of Asbury Park.
They often have a really good Little League team -- like, representing the Atlantic region, or even the US!

115 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 26, 2022 8:24 pm

[112] What he [114] said.

116 RIYank   ~  Jul 26, 2022 8:29 pm

[115] I go there anymore.

117 RIYank   ~  Jul 26, 2022 8:30 pm

Oh, Aroldis Chapman. This should work out well.

118 RIYank   ~  Jul 26, 2022 8:35 pm

Hm.
So now Chapman has earned four more appearances.

119 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 26, 2022 8:35 pm

[116] I was gonna tell him it's a town named after me, but you spoiled it. ;>)

120 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 26, 2022 8:35 pm

The best and cheapest way to fix the bullpen is to fix Chapman. Just imagine.

121 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 26, 2022 8:45 pm

[120] I do not have confidence..
[119] Growing up in Brooklyn, and Italian friend from Bay Ridge told me, 'Never go to the Jersey Shore. It's all the worst of Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst in one place, and the pizza sucks'.

122 RIYank   ~  Jul 26, 2022 8:48 pm

[121] Heh.
True. But, the Stone Pony!

123 RIYank   ~  Jul 26, 2022 8:50 pm

Sigh.
More 'aggressive base running'.
Awesome.

124 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 26, 2022 8:50 pm

[121] But the ocean is way cleaner, if you go down far enough.

125 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 26, 2022 8:52 pm

I don't mind the aggressive base running, especially since Rizzo appeared to be safe to me.

126 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 26, 2022 8:55 pm

[125] Actually, it looks he was out, wasn't he? Did he hit the bag safe, then pull off the bag as he was tagged? If that's the case, that out's on Rizzo, not Boone.

127 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:04 pm

Seems pretty clear at this point it would be better having Gio & Gary rather than Donaldson & IKF..

128 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:06 pm

Gallo...????

129 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:07 pm

If Gallo gets a hit off of Diaz I'll eat a serving of natto..

130 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:10 pm

[127] I don't think I'd go that far -- and was always a huge supporter of Sánchez. I've been happy with Treviño's consistency, both behind the plate and as a hitter. He's never a threat to hit one 450 feet, but he's consistent with what he does.

Donaldson, though, has been a waste. He's far and away my least favorite player on the team, and I can't even get excited when he does something good. That's how conflicted I am. But really, how often has he done anything that's any good? I'd love to see him stationed squarely on the bench and used only as a late-inning pinch hitter for Higashioka on the days he plays. That's it.

131 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:11 pm

[129] It's my guess that few people reading your comment know how serious your boast is. My wife's family is from Hawaii, and the first time she took me over there, EVERY SINGLE PERSON SHE INTRODUCED ME TO immediately asked, "Has he tried natto?"

132 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:12 pm

This is why Boone is not a good manager. EASILY outfoxed by Buck S there, and he left Gallo (who admittedly stinks) in a terrible position where is was bound to fail. Putrid baseball all around :(

133 Springdeeds   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:12 pm

regardless of the matchup I would take IKF over Gallo every time there.

134 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:12 pm

[131] Hah! Indeed, but I was confident (sadly!)

135 Springdeeds   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:14 pm

the only thing i can think of, is with gallo already phased out, boone giving him a chance to completely boost confidence (2 run game tying homer against the mets), and now that he failed, to sort of continue the phase out

136 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:21 pm

[134] I got it.
Good thing we aren't on Twitter or Facebook.
Someone would say how much they love natto.
Another would say how healthy natto is...etc.

137 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:21 pm

[131] Oh, are they Japanese-Americans? I know several 3rd and 4th generation Japanese-Hawaiian guys, wasn't aware they brought natto over with them years back!
(And that's a WHOLE other story about the extreme culture shock that Japanese-Hawaiians and Japanese-Brazilians get when the visit over here in the motherland..)

138 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:21 pm

[135] Good point. One can hope.

139 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:22 pm

[136] Healthy as all get out! Just got to get over the whole 'looks and smells like vomit' part :)

140 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:24 pm

[137] Yes, Japanese American. And for the record, I tried it but will not try it again. My wife likes it.

141 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:28 pm

[140] When I'm in L.A. next time let's hit an Angels game and talk Yankees and Japan stuff, though I'm guessing public transport from LA to Anaheim is poor, at best? (I don't drive)

142 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:29 pm

[139] It's not worth the effort, IMHO. There are scads of Italian super centenarians who've never tried it.

143 Ara Just Fair   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:32 pm

One learns something new each night on The Banter. I had never heard on natto. Cheers.

144 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:33 pm

[141] Definitely! That would be great!

145 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:35 pm

Cue: Yackety Sax

146 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:36 pm

[141] My sister takes the train from Lake Forest to the Big A. Maybe there's a way.

147 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:37 pm

This is my first time watching Diaz. He's making folks look silly up there.

148 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:38 pm

[146] That's great! Hoping to make a visit next summer
[147] They had no chance against him. That Gallo AB was just absurd though, big blunder by Boone-y.

149 Springdeeds   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:41 pm

i remember watching diaz a couple of years ago when it looked like he had no chance, he looked incredible just now. a nice reminder of giving players some time to breathe (not all, just extremely talented ones). thought it was interesting what the announcers referenced buck showalter saying-- that once diaz went through his rough patches, intense boos, and was one of the most mocked athletes in new york at a point, pressure gets to him way less now.

150 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 26, 2022 9:55 pm

George is spinning in his grave right now.

151 Springdeeds   ~  Jul 27, 2022 6:07 pm

lets go yankees!

152 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 27, 2022 6:13 pm

Always have liked Mad Max Scherzer, wish the Yankees had signed him instead of the Muts. 6 pitches and done in the 1st!

153 rbj   ~  Jul 27, 2022 6:14 pm

6 pitch inning?

154 RIYank   ~  Jul 27, 2022 6:16 pm

[153] Yeah, no base runners, but at least we made Max work.
I doubt he could go more than 17 innings at this rate.

155 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 27, 2022 6:19 pm

[154] I know I'm beating a dead horse about the lineup, but..can anyone in the bottom half hope to hit against Scherzer??

156 RIYank   ~  Jul 27, 2022 6:36 pm

Hmmm. Well, I say IKF is *more* likely to than Rizzo.
No?

157 RIYank   ~  Jul 27, 2022 6:44 pm

[155] Heh. There ya go.

158 RIYank   ~  Jul 27, 2022 6:50 pm

Geez, the A's swept the Astros.
Can't predict baseball, Suzyn.

159 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 27, 2022 6:52 pm

[158] Hey, is it true that John Sterling is retiring?

160 RIYank   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:03 pm

I dunno. I mean, he hasn't announced any plans.
He's cut back on road games this year, so (a) that suggests he's feeling a little burn-out, and (b) FAN gets to test drive some potential replacements. (My verdict: none of them is great, but they're all WAAAAAAAY better than national tv guys.)

161 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:03 pm

[159] It's either him or Biden.

162 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:05 pm

That wasn't so bad, considering...

163 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:05 pm

[160] Saw on Twitter WFAN reupped to broadcast the Yanks with a new deal.
[161] Hah! Only one of those two has called ABA games in the 70s, true legend.

164 rbj   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:08 pm

Might as well be twenty runs. Scherzer is just that good.

165 Ara Just Fair   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:11 pm

This blows.

166 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:11 pm

Carpenter's honeymoon is clearly over.

167 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:14 pm

Vogelbach looks like a big pumpkin.

168 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:15 pm

Vogelbach is a big boy.

169 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:16 pm

[167] oops

170 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:17 pm

[169] The summer Sumo highlights this morning, he'd fit right in.

171 rbj   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:19 pm

Weird bat, no knob.

172 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:26 pm

[171] That's the new thing. Designed to reduce wrist and hand injuries.

173 RIYank   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:28 pm

So now the bottom half of the lineup is outhitting the top half against Scherzer.
And with fewer plate appearances!

174 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:29 pm

Charlie Hustle! Noice.

175 rbj   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:34 pm

[172] interesting, did not know that.

176 RIYank   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:39 pm

Dammit.

177 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:39 pm

Dang it!

178 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:47 pm

There's nothing more fatuous than announcing the exit velo of a ball that landed in a player's mitt.

179 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:47 pm

[176-7] Gosh darn dang-nabbit! (Can we not use profanity anymore on the Banter?)

180 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 7:57 pm

[179] Geeeht thu fuck outta heah.

181 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:00 pm

Ahtaboy, Rizzo. Taking one for the team.

182 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:04 pm

JAY-sus! You have the guy on the ropes, take a muthafuckin' pitch, for the love of god.

183 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:05 pm

Not sure I’ve ever mentioned this, but I’m not a fan of Donaldson.

184 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:08 pm

[182] They've got Shake Shack plans tonight, want to finish up early.
[183] Is it the decline in his batting, or the general air of douchiness?

185 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:11 pm

[184] Making me hungry. Maybe I'll head over to the Shinjuku branch this afternoon. That location is loaded with eye candy. ;>)

186 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:16 pm

IKF > IPK

187 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:19 pm

Does Buck let Mad Max face the Judge one more time??

188 RIYank   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:19 pm

[186] IPA > IPK

189 Ara Just Fair   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:22 pm

Putty in his hands. Fucking Bullocks!

190 RIYank   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:22 pm

[187] He dast.

191 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:23 pm

This is why we can't be comfortable against great pitching in the post season. Great pitching almost always beats great hitting in high pressure situations.

192 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:24 pm

I’ve always disliked Donaldson for all the obvious reasons — the douchiness — so I was disappointed when the trade happened. I just didn’t want to root for him. And now he’s been crap. And a douche. It’s a lose-lose.

193 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:24 pm

That Judge at bat. Seems like that might’ve been the game right there.

194 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:27 pm

I don't think I'd want a hyped up Scherzer giving me a high-five, oucheee...
[193] Yep, I'm going to dive into some more work here now.

195 knuckles   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:34 pm

Starting to feel like best case scenario is a collision course for another Subway Serious.
2000 version was fun, but that animal Scherzer and DeGrom coming back et al makes the sequel a bit scary.

196 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:39 pm

[193] We certainly can't ask the bottom half of the order to do any more.

197 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:40 pm

GLEYBER!

198 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:40 pm

There we go! Gleyber Day comes early this year.

199 rbj   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:42 pm

Tied!

200 knuckles   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:42 pm

I’ll take that.
Erasing a gem in one swing is always sweet.

Show/Hide Comments 201-242
201 RIYank   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:43 pm

Or that.

202 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:47 pm

That was a ball.

203 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 27, 2022 8:49 pm

Argghh..I missed a Gleyber tater?!

204 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 27, 2022 9:03 pm

Now Gleyber with the glove!

205 RIYank   ~  Jul 27, 2022 9:03 pm

Whew. (Pitching to MacNeil -- probably the smart decision, but it worried me.)

206 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 9:04 pm

Sweet!

207 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 9:10 pm

This is what we want.

208 knuckles   ~  Jul 27, 2022 9:10 pm

Ok. Judge with the new AB. Let’s go.

209 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 9:11 pm

It's not what you want.

210 RIYank   ~  Jul 27, 2022 9:12 pm

Sigh.

211 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 27, 2022 9:17 pm

Oh shite, winning run on third. Good game here but looks like a bad ending coming. Too many RISP left on base for the Yanquis!

212 Boatzilla   ~  Jul 27, 2022 9:20 pm

Bleah

213 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 27, 2022 9:22 pm

Not saying its wrong, but what was the reasoning/strategy for infield in there with one out? Why not play back for the double play?

214 rbj   ~  Jul 27, 2022 9:22 pm

Grumble. Send O’Neil into the clubhouse to kick some ass.

215 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 27, 2022 9:22 pm

Really good idea to get all these losses out of the way in July.

216 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 27, 2022 9:24 pm

I was wondering the same thing, Jazz. When I was a kid it seemed like managers were always walking the bases loaded in those situations, playing the corners in and the middle back. Not anymore.

217 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 27, 2022 9:49 pm

Looks like we’ve seen the last of Joey Gallo.

218 knuckles   ~  Jul 28, 2022 7:06 am

As long as they’re ok with his absence in Toronto games…

219 RIYank   ~  Jul 28, 2022 9:20 am

I think they don't expect Benintendi to miss games at Toronto. It's unclear whether that's because he's said he'd get vaccinated or because they think Toronto will change their rule, but the word is they aren't worried.
Some okay pitching prospects got shipped to KC, but it does look like a good trade for us.

I wonder if Cashman has any other moves in store!

220 RIYank   ~  Jul 28, 2022 6:22 pm

Hey look, it's Andrew Benintendi! The Royals must be in town!

221 RIYank   ~  Jul 28, 2022 6:28 pm

Oh my god, I just noticed.
I thought we'd seen the last of Joey Gallo!

222 mhoward120   ~  Jul 28, 2022 6:45 pm

I wonder whether Benentendi will have a designated day of rest tomorrow?

223 RIYank   ~  Jul 28, 2022 6:49 pm

I really like this "Don't Swing at Any Pitches" strategy that Gallo is trying. It didn't work out this time (the plate umpire is really bad), but I think in the long run it's going to improve his value.

224 rbj   ~  Jul 28, 2022 6:53 pm

[221] trade for a bag of used balls.

225 RIYank   ~  Jul 28, 2022 7:00 pm

Interesting, so Taillon's strategy of putting a Royal in scoring position every inning, then digging out of the jam, that's actually working pretty well so far.

226 rob_smith_51   ~  Jul 28, 2022 7:46 pm

Tallion is losing it. Time to bring in the bullpen.

227 rob_smith_51   ~  Jul 28, 2022 7:46 pm

What do I know?

228 RIYank   ~  Jul 28, 2022 7:46 pm

Wow really successful outing for Jameson. Not dazzling by any means, but excellent. I really hope we can put up at least a run and put him in line for the W.

229 RIYank   ~  Jul 28, 2022 7:47 pm

[226] No it really did look like it, with the bouncing pitches, I was worried too.

230 rbj   ~  Jul 28, 2022 7:53 pm

Pitching duel!

231 RIYank   ~  Jul 28, 2022 8:24 pm

Ah. So Carpenter is pinch hitting for Gonzales.
Not for Gallo.
Ohhhhhhkay.

232 rob_smith_51   ~  Jul 28, 2022 8:43 pm

Can't DJ pinch hit?

233 rbj   ~  Jul 28, 2022 8:45 pm

Come on walk off.

234 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 28, 2022 8:47 pm

Judge!!!!

235 rbj   ~  Jul 28, 2022 8:49 pm

Yes, the Judge has ruled. No appeal.

236 RIYank   ~  Jul 28, 2022 8:50 pm

GG.

237 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo   ~  Jul 28, 2022 8:50 pm

I was jusssst too late tuning in to see the 'sayonara' home run!

238 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 28, 2022 8:53 pm

When he walked up I said, “Okay, Judge. Let’s put this game out of its misery.” I don’t remember rooting for a player from whom I honestly expected a home run in that situation.

239 knuckles   ~  Jul 28, 2022 10:50 pm

Hank, my dad used to have a spidey sense for Pagliarulo bombs when I was a kid. He probably did it twice (out of ###) but it became family myth. But tie game in the ninth? Hard to expect one there. There were a few AB’s in NYY playoff lore that the eventual result felt preordained- Soriano vs BKK, etc. but rarely expected without nerves out the wazoo.

Was slightly worried about a Judge schneid after Scherzer’s filthy nonsense last night and then a couple more K’s today but the guy is locked in on the long run trend. I am team player (vs owner) in the big picture and the guy is earning every penny and more that he may have turned down before breaking off talks. Good for him.

(Though I’d be sad but not sneeze at a Soto for Judge mind blowing blockbuster).

240 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 29, 2022 6:19 pm

To recap:
Last at bat of the game on Thursday: Judge hits a homer.
First at bat of the game on Friday: Judge robs a homer.

241 RIYank   ~  Jul 29, 2022 6:51 pm

Dear Hank,
New thread, do join us.
Yours,
RI Yank

242 Hank Waddles   ~  Jul 29, 2022 7:36 pm

Well, this is unexpected.

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"This ain't football. We do this every day."
--Earl Weaver