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DOWN TO THE WIRE

So every Yankee fan feels confident that the Bombers will win this one, while every Sox fan feels that somehow the Sox will lose, right? (Or, almost right?)

I say Manny tags Mo in the ninth. Hope I’m very wrong.

STOP IT MAN, YER KILLIN ME

Mike Mussina issued a two-out walk to Bill Mueller and then struck out Jason Varitek for the third time of the day to end the Boston eigth. Byung-Hyun Kim has replaced Pedro. You think the Stadium is rocking?

I just got an e-mail from the Mr. Cossette. It appears his e-mail is acting screwy (a likely story). He put it bluntly:

This game is killing me. If Yanks win then it’s all shit. First two wins mean less than nothing.

NAIL BITING TIME

Pedro survived a lead off single and made it through the eighth. The game is still tied at one. I e-mailed Ed Cossette, who runs Bambino’s Curse but haven’t heard back from him yet. Superstitious sort.

STRETCH

Mussina made it through Nomar and Manny in the top of the seventh, and the Yanks are right where they want to be. Close against Pedro, late in the game. Whatever happens, at least they had a fighting chance. Once again, Martinez has brought out the best in Mussina. Pedro has thrown over 100 pitches. How long before they yank him? Or will he even come out for the seventh? Hmmm.

DANDY

After six innings, this game is turning out to be the dandy everyone expected. While Pedro might have seemed wild early, I guess we could call it ‘effectively wild.’ He has thrown 102 pitches, struck out ten and walked none thus far. He’s crazy like a fox that Pedro.

Enrique Wilson has two doubles off Martinez. Jason Giambi has two singles and that’s all the hits the Yanks have. Fortunately, Giambi drove Wilson home in the sixth to tie the game at one.

Mussina has k’d five and walked none through six.

EXTRA, EXTRA

Here is an e-mail I just received from a Sox fan detailing the game thus far:

Soriano should expect to get plunked quite a good number of times if he
continues to stand where he is standing.

Martinez threw a fastball that tailed up and in, Soriano did one of those
half-swing, half-get-me-the-fuck-outta-here! type moves, and the ball hit
the knob at the bottom of the bat along with his pinky finger. I’d expect
it’s fractured.

Basically, same deal with Jeter, except instead of hitting the knob it
caught him flush on the hand.

There’s no question Martinez was throwing up and in. Soriano standing where
he does in the batters box, and Jeter was diving into the plate with every
swing, so it was only a matter of time.

But Martinez doesn’t have the command he normally has today. Lots of his
fastballs have gone way out of the strike zone, up and in the a right handed
hitter. Looks like he’s also throwing harder than usual. Likely a bit
jiuced up for this one.

I don’t think Martinez was throwing at anyone. I also don’t think he much
cared whether balls he was throwing to back people off the plate hit someone
or two either.

On the plus side for Yankee fans, Mussina has had much better stuff than
Martinez. The one ‘double’ by Ramirez was a routine line out to RF that
Curtis Pride misplayed, and then threw to second instead of home, allowing a
run to score. Frankly, I’d be surprised if the Yanks didn’t win this one
with the kind of stuff Mussina has right now.

As much as I want to scream bloody murder at Pedro, the description above makes much sense. Although I still say the Sox stink if they can’t dominate the Yankee line up today.

FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT

No, that’s just how I’m feeling. It’s bad enough following the game on-line, but it turns out Soriano and Jeter have left the game early after both were hit in the hand by Martinez in the first inning. Todd Zeile has replaced Ventura at third; Robin is now at second, and Enrique is at short. Too bad Boomer isn’t pitching. We might have seen some real fireworks. The Sox have no excuse not to win this game now, while the Yanks have to hope to stay within a run or two by the seventh when Pedro inevitably turns things over to the pen.

PLUMPED UP

The Yankees offense just got plumper, as Enrique Wilson has replaced Soriano at second. Oy veh. Hang in there boys!

WHA HAPPEN?

Both pitchers enjoyed a 3 up, 3 down inning in the second, but Soriano has been lifted from the game. If anyone is watching, give me a shout and let me know what happened to him.

FROZEN

The Yankees had runners on first and second with one out in the bottom of the first. After striking out Soriano, Pedro was ahead of Jeter, but he plunked him on an inside pitch. Giambi singled, which brought up Ruben Ruben. I took a second to glance at the Yankees line up and saw that after Matsui, the Yanks have Karim Garcia, John Flaherty, Robin Ventura and then Curtis Pride. Not exactly a bomb squad vs. Pedro. Sierra lined out to right, and then Matsui couldn’t get the bat off his shoulder, and went down looking. This could be a long afternoon if Mussina doesn’t shape up quickly.

THAT SHOULD HOLD ‘EM

Manny Ramirez had an RBI double in the first off Moose. The Sox lead 1-0. Now if Mussina can make like Pettitte did yesterday and mow ’em down ’til the 8th, the Yanks’ll have a fighting chance against Prince P.

ON THE MONEY

Like many of us, Larry Mehnken tends to personalize wins and losses. When the Yanks lose, it can keep him up at night, and when they win, everything is fine with the world. What separates Mehnken from most of us, is that he can live and die with his team, yet still be able to write about them in an even-handed fashion. It doesn’t hurt that Mehnken is funny and insightful too. His coverage of the Sox-Yankee Serious has been excellent. Here are two recent pearls of wisdom which caught my eye:

These games are always magnified, and Yankees and Red Sox fans want to place more importance and significance on the result of one or two games than is really warranted. Anyone who thinks that the Red Sox, as great as their offense is, will score 20 runs versus David Wells and Roger Clemens on a regular basis is as foolish as someone who thinks that Andy Pettitte can regularly hold this offense down to a single run. None of these games has been fully representative of the true abilities of these teams, who are, in fact, very close to each other. Anyone who tries to use the result of one game or series to prove otherwise has an obvious agenda.

And this:

I think the defining trait of a Yankees fan, that separates them from fans of all other teams, is confidence. If you’re a Yankees fan, you know your team is going to win. Not necessarily today, not necessarily this year, but eventually. The Yankees lost the Series in 2001, they lost to the Angels last year, but d any of us really think that it’s the last time we’ll see our team have a shot to win? If you’re a Yankees fan, there is no sense of urgency to win now. The only frustration comes from the desire to win always.

Red Sox fans are different. Some are defeatist; they know that they’re going to lose in the end, so they never get their hopes up. Some are ignorant or indifferent, and don’t care about the last 85 years, and then there’s the elitists, who take a special pride in being fans of a team that hasn’t won since WWI. Most young fans are ignorant, most Primate Red Sox fans are indifferent, and most of the writers in New England are either defeatist or elitist. They all share an especial hatred of the Yankees.

And with good reason. It seems that whenever the Red Sox have a good team, the Yankees have a better team. I don’t think they’re really cursed, but it’s gotta be annoying.

BOMBS AWAY

The Red Sox came into Yankee Stadium on the fourth of July and provided all of the fireworks, walloping the Yanks 10-3. Boston hit seven dingers, five off of Boomer Wells. No team had ever hit more than six homers against New York. Not content with one beating, Boston torched Rocket Clemens on Saturday, and a new Boston Massacre was in the making. Former Yankee Ramiro Mendoza pitched well and the Yankees were humbled on national television.

Would you believe that David Ortiz hit two homers on Friday and Saturday (the first time a visting player has ever accomplished this feat in the Bronx)? Well, it happened.

I watched the first game with my friend Johnny Red Sox, over at his place on the Upper East Side. John was pretty hot when Soriano lead off the game with a pop fly homer, but his mood picked up in no time as the great Boston launching pad took off. The most memorable homer by far was a titanic shot off the bat of Washington Heights’ own Manny Ramirez. The ball landed in the left field upper deck. Awww, bacon.

John has HDTV, so at least I was able to see Boston murdalize the Yanks in high-tech clarity.

I missed Saturday’s game and it was just as well. The Yankees didn’t pitch well, they made errors, and left a ton of men on base. Emily and I visited my brother and his wife at our cousin’s summer house. When I went to check the score, I saw that Sterling Hitchcok was pitching, and quite frankly, that’s never an encouraging sign. I turned the damn thing off, and attempted to enjoy my weekend.

The Yanks bounced back on Sunday behind a strong performance by Andy Pettitte. Shows how much I know. I figured this would be the one game the Sox would have in the bag. But Pettitte has traditionally faired well against Boston, and after giving up an early homer to Bill Mueller, he settled down, eventually striking out ten. I also failed to consider that the Sox had John Burkett going for them.

The feel-good story of the day was when Curtis Pride, a deaf utility outfielder that the Yankees picked up early this year, started for the banged-up Raul Mondesi, and hit a home run. The Yankees left too many on base again, but Alfonso Soriano (who had three hits) had a big 2 RBI triple late in the game, which helped seal the win for the home team. What was especially encouraging about the at- bat was that Soriano characteristically fell behind 0-2, then worked the count full, before hitting a high-outside fastball into the right centerfield gap.

The series finale should be a good one this afternoon, with Pedro Martinez going against Mike Mussina. I won’t be able to watch it, since I’m working, but I will probably follow it on mlb gameday. That should make for a tense, distracting afternoon at the office, huh? The Yankees will feel great about themselves if they can even the series at two, beat Martinez, and maintain the four-game lead they had going into the weekend. The Sox will feel even better about themselves if they can leave New York trailing by only two games, taking three of four. (If the Sox win today they will even the season series with the Yankees at five games apiece.)

Most Red Sox fans will be happy to take three of four, pump their fists quietly, and move on. Kevin Millar, who would be playing in Japan if it wasn’t for the efforts of Theo Epstein, wasn’t so humble. He had a good time jawing with the Yankee fans before yesterday’s game:

“I wasn’t alive in (1918),” Millar said. “All I know is the last two days we’ve taken this house over. It’s our house.”

Those are the kind of comments that make Red Sox fans cringe. Do us a favor brother, wait until you stomp the Yankees in October before you get too carried away with yourself.

Still, even the most smug, and arrogant Yankee fans should realize this Red Sox team should not be taken lightly. If they can clean up their pitching a bit, they have a team full of ‘gamers’ who can make a legitimate run down the stretch.

EL BRUHO

Ed Cossette had a great post yesterday about El Bruho, Ramiro Mendoza. The Sox will try Mendoza as a starter. Ed wants Dozie to do well in the worst way, and I can’t blame him. Mendoza was one of my favorites when he was with the Yankees. I hope he does well too. Just not that well, and not against the Yanks. Dozie will face Rocket Clemens on Saturday.

Here is an exchange Ed and I shared today:

Edward,
I agree with the Globe that one of the most impressive features of the 2003 Sox is their ability to shrug off seemingly devastating loses, and comeback and win the following game.
But against Tampa? Dammit, you are supposed to beat those scrubs.
Still, this Sox team has the makings of one of those cinderalla stories like the Angels last year.
A couple of things have to go down for that to happen:
1) They need to fix the pitching. The pen could right itself, and so could the starting rotation with one key addition, which looks like it’ll happen one way or another.
2) They need to stay healthy. The fact that the offense has been so healthy thus far brings back memories of ’78, and how injuries killed during the second half.
3) They need to the Yanks to fall off.
Actually, I really think the Sox could win the division even if the Yanks don’t implode. I understood the analogy you made in your piece today about the Yankees endless surplus of money and talent, but I’m not sure the Sox-Cuban angle fits. The Sox aren’t exactly the A’s or the Twins in terms of money now are they?
Anyhow, the anticipation is killing me already. I hope the Yanks win 2, and if they could win 3 I’d be elated. I have no feeling for what will happen, but I agree that no matter how many tough games the Sox lose, it doesn’t seem to deter them. That is a mark of something good, and that is a scary thought for Yankee fans.
Alex

Here is Ed’s reply:

The Yankees will most likely sweep the Sox. No point in dreaming otherwise.

At this point, they are just another Red Sox team like the 30 or so other Red Sox teams I’ve followed over the years. We’ll see where they are on Labor Day and then I’ll start to get excited if they are still in it.

You missed the most important point about shrugging off the losses. It’s more difficult to shrug off a loss to Tampa Bay, a team you’re supposed to beat, then it is to shrug off a loss to a team that is good.

Last year, Tampa Bay came back in the second game of a double-header in the 9th in late July and that was fucking that. Sox dropped 8 straight afterward and it was Season Over.

So last night’s win was HUGE.

Hmmm.

Good point. I stand corrected.
If you were anyone but a Sox fan, I’d curse you for jinxing the Yanks, saying that they’ll sweep…
Still, you are crazy if you don’t think you guys are going to creamolish wack ass Andy Pettitte on Sunday. The guy is a crazy Jesus freak and never pitches well on the Sabbath.
Word.

How do you like my nerve, going head-to-head with a Red Sox fan in the gloom-and-doom department? Can’t say I lack chutzpah, right?

Oh yeah, Ben Jacobs’ Universal Baseball Blog (linked on the left) can be counted as a Red Sox site of sorts. Ben will be in New York for one of the games. He also happens to write an exceedingly well-balanced and informative blog that is well worth checking out.

I don’t know if I’ll be posting during the weekend, but I’ll have the wrap up on Monday morning. I hope that everyone has a happy and safe holiday weekend.

NERVES

I don’t know about you, but the tension of a Yanks-Red Sox series leaves me emotionally drained. And that’s before the damn thing starts. It’s the only time the Yanks play a team where I look for ways to avoid watching the game. I don’t take much comfort in the history of the rivalry which says the Yanks will always come out on top. Instead, I always figure since the Yanks have usually won, it’s about time the Sox turned the tables. But hey, I’m a pessimist by nature when it comes to these things. Especially when the Sox field as dangerous a team as they have now.

Fortunately, I’m not alone. Here is a portion of an e-mail Brian Cook, who runs the excellent Red Sox Nation blog:

I too am nervous about the series this weekend, because a Yanks sweep means 7 or 8 back going into the break, and that’s going to be tough to overcome. I’m more nervous about the Sox players getting too hyped for this and squeezing sawdust out of the bat handles. The Sox always get overhyped for this rivalry – what is really like the rivalry between the hammer and the nail – and don’t seem to ever play loose against the Yanks (except in 98 and 99).

Isn’t this supposed to be fun? What are you kidding? Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit smoking.

Don’t forget to check out the Yankee and Red Sox blogs I have linked on the left hand side of the page, for all the varying perspectives on this classic rivalry. I can promise you, it won’t be dull.

WILLIE, MICKEY AND THE DUKE

Jane Levy, who wrote the insightful and poignant biography of Sandy Koufax last year, is working on a new book. Actually, before I get to that, Ms. Levy has a novel about a female sportswriter who loves the Yankees called Squeeze Play that is due out next month. (A Bronx Banter chat with Jane is in the works.)

Ms. Levy is currently doing research for her next project, a book about Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Duke Snider, and is looking for all the help she can get, so she asked me to pass along a request. Ms. Levy is looking to speak with anybody who was at the famous Bobby Thompson “Shot heard round the world” game; the second game of the ’51 World Serious (when Mantle tore up his knee on an exposed drain pipe); Mantle’s first pre-season exhibition game vs. the Brooklyn Doders; the game where Duke Snider twisted his knee, as well as anyone who might have ever seen the Say Hey kid playing stickball in the streets of New York.

If anyone out there was at any of these events, or perhaps knows somebody who was, you can contact Ms. Levy at NYCF8@aol.com.

Good looking out.

ALOMAR TRADE HAS A NICE RING TO IT

The Mets finally moved disgruntled future Hall of Famer Robbie Alomar two days ago. He was sent to the Chicago White Sox for three minor leaguers, including a left-handed closer named Royce Ring. I spent most of my idle time dreaming up backpage headlines for Ring yesterday. The move mericifully ends the sad stay of Alomar in Shea. I always enjoyed and revered Alomar when he played for Toronto, Baltimore and Cleveland and was excited when he came to the Mets. But he was a bad fit for them and vice versa, and after awhile I just wanted to him to go away, for the his sake and the Mets sake. His play was depressing, and I want to enjoy his game again.

The White Sox added Jurassic Carl Everett too as they make a push in the central.

WARSHED OUT

The Yanks got an unexpected break before the big serious in the Bronx against the Sox this weekend, as yesterday’s game in Baltimore was rained out (it will be made up on August 14th). They have an off day today. Brandon Claussen will not start on Saturday after all. Instead, Boomer will pitch Friday, followed by Rocket, Pettitte and then Mussina. Couldn’t Claussen pitch instead of Andy? Nah, I guess that’s not going to happen. Too bad, cause I figure the Sox will torch Pettitte.

Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus had some interesting comments regarding Claussen in his Under The Knife column a few days ago:

What Claussen is doing–returning to competition at just over a year post-surgery–is not only amazing, it’s unprecedented. Not only has the new rehab protocol gotten him back more quickly than anyone, the return of his control is even more astounding. I have some theories on what was different and hope to have more facts for you soon. Claussen is clearly a medical marvel and perhaps as important a Tommy John patient as we’ve had since, well, Tommy John.

BEAT DOWN

Mike Mussina didn’t make it through the third inning last night and the Yankees fell to the O’s, 7-3. Mussina threw 88 pitches, but couldn’t locate them very well. On the other hand Rodrigo Lopez pitched admirably, striking out Jason Giambi three times. Lopez had good movement on his fastball, which ran in on the lefties, only to break over the plate at the last moment. Giambi’s streak of reaching base ended at 37. Karim Garcia added a late homer, and is now 7-14 as a Yankee.

It wasn’t as if the Bombers didn’t have their chances. They got on base, but couldn’t put together any rallies. Alfonso Soriano has been hitting the ball well. I’ve noticed that he’s taking the ball to right field a lot in the past week or so.

Before the game, Joe Torre announced that Brandon Claussen will get another start, and it’s going to be a big one. The rookie will pitch this Saturday against the Red Sox. Clemens will start on the 4th of July (which will mark the 20th anniversay of Rags’ no-no vs. Boston at the Stadium), and then Pettitte will pitch Sunday, with Mussina going against Pedro on Monday. Hopefully, Moose got the bad start out of his system. He has a good track record vs. Pedro on Mondays.

Last night’s loss didn’t seem so bad as the Red Sox threw one away against the D-Rays. According to Bob Holer in the Boston Globe:

For the second time in three games, Brandon Lyon suffered a crushing loss, this one when Nomar Garciaparra was unable to handle Lyon’s errant throw when they had Rocco Baldelli trapped off second base with two outs in the bottom of the 11th inning. Lyon’s throw caromed off Garciaparra’s glove into center field, allowing Baldelli to dash home with the decisive run in a 4-3 victory for the Rays before 12,122 at Tropicana Field.

The Tigers beat the Blue Jays for the second straight day (?!?!). The Jays have dropped four straight. The Yanks lead the Sox by four, and the Jays by six and a half.

SAY IT AIN’T RO

It was hard not to notice last weekend when former Yank Rondell White hit his second grand slam of the year against the Seattle Mariners. What I didn’t know was just how good a season Ro is having. While I’m happy for him—he always seemed like a good egg—Rob Neyer points out that the Yanks are the ones wearing the omlette now:

…The Yankees had Rondell White, but sent him to the Padres after he suffered through the worst season of his career. Granted, Yankee Stadium isn’t a great place for a right-handed hitter, but White was playing hurt for much of last season, and he’s always been a good hitter when he’s not hurt. I suppose one could draw a parallel between Rondell White and Reggie Sanders, but I won’t belabor the point here. Instead, let us simply gaze upon White’s 2003 statistics and remind ourselves that even the New York Yankees aren’t perfect. They could have had Rondell White, but instead they traded him for Bubba Trammell (and, in the process, saved money for this year … but what’s money to the Yankees?).