Game 134: Red Sox at Yankees
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- August
- 30
Here are the lineups:
YANKEES
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Wang RHP (15-6, 3.95)
RED SOX
Pedroia 2B
Crisp CF
Ortiz DH
Youkilis 1B
Lowell 3B
Drew RF
Varitek C
Hinske LF
Cora SS
38pitches.com RHP (8-5, 4.11)
Pregame chatter: Mike Mussina just met with reporters, speaking at his locker for about 15 minutes. He said getting taken out of the rotation was the toughest thing he’s ever had to deal with as an athlete. He admitted to being angry but said he believes he can work his way out of his funk.
Back later with some must-listen audio.
Meanwhile, the Yankees have taken 5 of the last 6 from Boston to tie the season series at 7-7 with four games left. … 38pitches.com is 0-1 against the Yankees this season in three starts. His line: 18 29 15 14 2 10 with six home runs.
UPDATE, 12:02 p.m.: Joe Torre said today that the Yankees would probably not call up a third catcher on Saturday. Apparently Wil Nieves is not worth a spot on the 40-man roster.
Jason Giambi is back at first, evidence that his foot must be OK. Expect a defensive replacement late in the game. Torre pulled Giambi after the sixth inning yesterday because Boston had Coco Crisp and Eric Hinske coming up in the 7th. “Bunt guys,” Torre explained. It worked out as Hinske hit a ball to first.
UPDATE, 12:17 p.m.: Here is the full audio of Mike Mussina’s meeting with the media in the locker room this morning:
UPDATE, 1:24 p.m.: Check out this blog entry from the Boston Globe. It seems that MLB is cracking down on managers not wearing their uniform jerseys under their pullovers. They actually checked Francona during the game. “That’s a farce,” Joe Torre said.
UPDATE, 1:34 p.m.: Holy cats, back-to-back web gems by The Big G. Joe Torre was saying today that Giambi has no range but will make all the plays within his reach.
Know this, however: Giambi will break down if they keep running him out there. Torre has to be careful with how he uses him.
UPDATE, 2 p.m.: That’s 15 dingers and 75 RBI for Robinson Cano, who had 14 and 74 last season. Two on and one out, this is where they need to attack Schilling.
UPDATE, 2:11 p.m.: Weird game for CMW. I think his sinker is moving too much because it’s burrowing down and the Red Sox are sitting on it, which is leading to all the walks. But when they do hit it, they aren’t getting much on it. It’s fading away to right-handed hitters and in to lefties with that heavy bowling-ball effect.
He likes pitching in the hot weather, too.
No predictions yet. But if any Yankee can do it, it’s him.
UPDATE, 2:22 p.m.: You have to give it to Schilling, he’s keeping Boston in the game with a fastball that rarely hits 90.
UPDATE, 2:25 p.m.: The Mets are down 4-0 in Philly. If that score holds, their lead will be down to two games.
Tell you what, Ken Davidoff of Newsday has been predicting the Mets don’t make the playoffs and he may well be right. The wildcard could come out of the West in the NL.
If the Yankees were in the NL Central, they’d be up by six games.
UPDATE, 2:37 p.m.: Congratulations to Robinson Cano, who by hitting two home runs off Curt Schilling just earned free drinks in any NYC bar for the rest of his life.
UPDATE, 2:52 p.m.: The crowd is now officially in “We Want to See Something Special Happen” mode as they’re cheering on every pitch by CMW.
Nine more to go for Wang.
UPDATE, 3:07 p.m.: Well, a valiant effort by CMW, who didn’t get much help from Derek Jeter. Now he has to try and squelch this rally and win the game.
UPDATE, 3:11 p.m.: For starters, A-Rod should have just thrown the ball to second for a conventional double play. But Youkilis clearly was out of the baseline when he ran on the grass.
Youkilis will have a nice career as a wrestling bad guy when he retires from baseball.
UPDATE, 3:25 p.m.: The Yankees have no sense of occasion. Joba just came in the game and the scoreboard is playing the stupid “find the ball under the cap game.”
Meanwhile, they didn’t play “Indian Outlaw” either.
Anyway, Joba against Hinske, Cora and Pedroia. The Yankees are 7-1 in games he has pitched.
UPDATE, 3:34 p.m.: By Joba standards, what a terrible inning. Four batters made contract and one got a hit. An extra-base hit no less.
The kid is finished. Done. Kaput. Trade him now.
(I’m kidding)
Mo is warming. You have to give it up to 38pitches.com 7 6 2 2 1 4. He pitched his tail off.
UPDATE, 3:45 p.m.: Big hit there for Abreu as it eases things for Mo. Okajima could be toast in September as he’s way over his usual number of innings.
UPDATE, 3:53 p.m.: I’m sure this will get played off as “Hey, we’re still up by five” in Red Sox Nation. But this will be a demoralizing sweep. The Red Sox have scored six runs in the series on 13 hits through 26 innings.
UPDATE, 4:00 p.m.: Did somebody misplace the dugout copy of the Joba Rules? Anybody? Guidry? Kerrigan? Hello?
This is interesting. It saves Mo, yet opens the door to all manner of questions.
But Joba only threw 12 pitches in the 8th.
Tells you what they think of the rest of the relievers.
UPDATE, 4:07 p.m.: I find it hard to believe that Chamberlain would throw at the head of Youkilis on purpose. What reason would there be?
Other than that there is always something between these teams, of course.
Just FYI, that walk is charged to Chamberlain. So if Youkilis scores, it breaks his string. Then again, Nancy Drew doesn’t hit in the clutch.








Let’s go Yanks!
we SMOKE the SCHILL today !!!
Nice to see the A-lineup out there again…
Giambi has been good since his return, we gotta find a way to keep him in the lineup.
And, I much prefer Damon in LF than Matsui…
let’s hope we can add to that line. These thursday afternoon games have not been kind to us. we have to take it to them right away.The sox will give up we jump ahead
It’s a special day today.
Let’s get this party Rockin’ with a killer slideshow of last nites game. And in apprecation of “The Bronx is Burning” we’re going with Old-School graphics.
http://tinyurl.com/372pnz
Pete
Please ask Schilling to impart some of his political wisdom on us. I’d particularly like to hear about how he think’s his buddy’s war is going. Please also tell him that America is hoping that he’ll soon announce his intention to enter politics. He could certainly dominate the philibuster circuit.
mussina could work his way out of it. hopefully this is a wake up call to him to pitch like timlin pitched to yankee hitters last night. did you see him straighten up jeter? that’s all mussina has to do and he can be pitching at 41 like timlin.
Okay, Pete.
Thanks for reminding us that today Schilling is due for a dominant outing against us.
pete, when you get a chance, i’d love to know if mariano is available this afteroon. i know he’s pitched 2 days in a row, but he only threw about 15 pitches last night.
I am SO hoping that Kennedy comes up and MOWS THEM DOWN…I have seen enough of the Moose this year to know that IMO, his funk is permanent. With us having to win SO MANY games to make this a race, both for the Wild Card and the division…letting Moose, ON OUR DIME, try to see if he can pitch effectively is simply too risky, IMO.
I doubt Rivera will be available today, but then again these are must win games so he could be.
We can use Joba today. Hopefully for two if need be.
Can’t wait to hear the audio on Mike.
i’m not surprised that moose was angry. but as smart a guy as he is, i think he’ll straighten himself in one way or another.
now may be the time to stretch the joba rules and let him go 2 innings. would also be a good day for wang to go 8 innings.
Get out the brooms!! It’s gonna happen.
What baffles me is Mussina being surprised that he was demoted. I am sick of these pitchers pitching like crap all year and think we owe it to them to continue to be a part of the staff.(bruny,farns,moose) Besides a couple of games in late july early august, Mussina has been one of our worst pitchers. I hope Cashman is saying the right things so that he could have a taker in a trade. His time is up in pinstripes. Kennedy will shine saturday. Go out with the old, come in with the new.
Anyone know who will be closing todays game?
S.o.S.27,,,,great post !!!
Negativity Rules ....go away…FAR away !
What does everyone think about Joba’s choice of entrance music? i think it could be good although I have never heard of someone coming in to a country song.
I think Joba’s earned the right to choose his own song. If it inspires him, then bring it on! Would you rather someone tell him he can’t have the song he wants and then every time he walks out and hears it, he has that to think about?
we finally have a good backup catcher but Jorge’s in the lineup day game after night. Tied in the wild card it tells you they haven’t given up on the division
Funny that Giambi is pretty much taken over firstbase. I called for that early in the year as I preferred Melky in the lineup (and moreso in the field) then the Minky/Phelps platoon. Torre is doing a great job balancing his players, mixing things up a bit.
I am a bit surprised Jorge is starting though.
andy phillips walk-up song to the plate is “sweet home alabama”
check this out for a complete list of mlb players entrance music:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_baseball_entrance_music
derek jeter’s “i’m a flirt” by r. kelly is hilarious to me. those lyrics are disturbing.
http://www.metrolyrics.com/im-a-flirt-lyrics-r-kelly.html
If the Yankees want to win the AL East, they must complete the sweep. They will have 28 games remaining after today. Making up five games might still be possible (though a tough proposition); seven games is probably too many. The weaker schedule shifts to the Yankees in the month of September. Come on boys. Let’s jump out to a lead.
My guess is that Jorge has tomorrow off then will be backon Saturday afternoon this way he has a full day and a half
Let’s take the division!!! Never give up!! I would think they would go for the division until it’s impossible to do so.
Here is Boston’s Lineup from Boston.com.
1. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
2. Coco Crisp, CF
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Jason Varitek, C
8. Eric Hinske, LF
9. Alex Cora, SS
P—Curt Schilling
I think Joba’s song should be the Halloween Theme from the movie
I think that Joba’s going to need his own song. No, really. If the Yankees can afford to commission artwork by Peter Maax for Alex, then they certainly can afford to commission an ANTHEM by Danny Elfman. Something along the lines of “Only a Lad”.
I think it should be LET THE BODIES HIT THE FLOOR.
why Giambi is in the 1B?While Wang is pitching,why Torre don’t put better defense first baseman
Wanger shows hes a true ace today.
Two thoughts:
1) Joba’s song is the one that they played for him at Nebraska, and has great personal meaning to him. Based on his personal story, and all that comes with that, more power to him.
2) All hands are on deck today. Today is the game that determines the Yankees’ ability to compete for the Division. Mo will be available to close, based on the above, and Joe’s post-game comment last night (paraphrasing as accurately as I recall)...”unfortunately we had to bring Mo in in the 8th. He won’t be that guy tomorrow, in the 8th”.
Hopefully Wang can give us a good game….Boston has been the tough team for him to pitch against….
From the loquacious White Sox Manager:
“We’ve got a $100 million payroll and they don’t show it on the field. If this keeps up, bring on the Double-A kids. They’re killing me.”—Ozzie Guillen, after the White Sox’s 15th loss in 18 games.
Well, duh, don’t you know it takes at least $140 million to make a good team?
SoS – I’m with you on that. Hilarious idea
With Manny being out for at least a week. If we can sweep today, I truly believe that we can comeback and take the division. Being that they have thrown their best against us the last 3 days, they could end up losing 2 of 3 in baltimore and it is a high probability that we sweep the rays this weekend. That would make it 3 games to catch in one month. I like our chances.
It starts with a sweep.
GO YANKEES!!!
‘Anyone read today’s N.Y. Post article about Francona and Bob Watson. I will forever be grateful for what Watson did for the Yankees as g.m., but he should be fired.
Watson had the nerve to come into the Red Sox’ dugout during the game last night to tell Francona to take off his red pullover (M.L.B. rules stipulate a manager must show his jersey). Francona literally told Watson (his quote in the article) “Get out of the dugout during the game.”, Watson left. I’m the biggest Yankee fan there is, but I am 110% with Francona on this. What if Francona missed seeing something wrong with one of his players esp. his starting pitcher while scolding Watson? Unbelievable.
For the people who thought Detroit had a better shot because they had alot of games left with the whitesox and royals. They have their hands full playing k.c. This isnt your past k.c. teams. They actully have descent pitching and better hitting. Detroit is being owned and im loving it. White sox in the other hand are a joke.
The head-to-head Sox/Yankees pitching stats are available here:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/sotd/archives/244
We won’t even need Mo today.
We’ll hit Schill early and often.
Get a nice blowout to finish it off.
Det is not surviving the loss of Sheff well.
Bob Watson is like one of those flashlight cops working security at a county fair. You give a guy a little power and it goes right to his head. Who cares what Francona is wearing, it has the team name on it, that’s good enough.
Just heard the audio of Mussina is up on their site.
The NY Post is reporting they are talking about changing the Joba Rules to be more based on pitch count as opposed to innings.
Joba’s song right now is Nirvana’s “smells like teen spirit”
Dr. Acula…nice slide show!
Whats the over/under on ground balls from Wang. I’m thinking 12.
While I kind of like the idea of Joba coming in to John Carpenter’s Halloween theme, I think that would be akin to trying to warm up to the Billy Joel song “Pressure”. I have a feeling it would be more annoying to the pitcher than scary to the opposing team.
Come to think of it, I think “Pressure” should be Farnsworth’s entrance music. Either that or “Goodnight Saigon”.
In other good news, it looks like we will not face Kazmir or Shields this weekend.
Well duh, it would help if I told you where!!
Wfan.com
we need an edit button!!
dont underestimate schilling .
Let Britton pitch the 8th and Joba the 9th if Wang does not go 8th.
that wouldn’t be something I oppose or Nardi I knew it would come down to the pitch count but they’ll likely start this next week at the beginning of another cycle something like
10 – 15 pitches you can then use him on consecutive days
20 – 25 one day rest
30 + 2 days rest
S.o.S.27
August 30th, 2007 at 11:45 am
With Manny being out for at least a week. If we can sweep today, I truly believe that we can comeback and take the division. Being that they have thrown their best against us the last 3 days, they could end up losing 2 of 3 in baltimore and it is a high probability that we sweep the rays this weekend. That would make it 3 games to catch in one month. I like our chances.
It starts with a sweep.
GO YANKEES!!!
AMEN to THAT !
I gotta think that the only pitcher unavailable today is Farnsworthless.
Viz could even be used as a specialty RHP against Ortiz.
P.S. Bob Micheals my closer is Mariano especially at times like this Joba for me pitches the 8th , Edwar the 7th or 9th & BRITTON !!! in the 6th or 7th
Brandon, if you used him on consecutive days, and he threw 15 and 15, would he require 0, 1 or 2 days off after that, do you think?
Does anyone know if Kennedy will be added to the roster before the first? If so,who will he be taking the place of?
As he’s no longer the ground ball machine he used to be, I’m guessing 6 GB today for Wang.
Finally found the audto
http://www.wfan.com/pages/223566.php
who is this Britton everyone is talking about?
Here’s a fun video clip of Ian Kennedy:
a) how he discovered he was called up
b) moose
c) his Saturday start at the “Coliseum�
d) packing and texting EVERYBODY
http://tinyurl.com/yvj3ae
Frits 15 pitches would not require day to day but 20 and up would. Remember a regular SP goes 5
6 innings a day and the count is on 9095 these days. In Joba you have a 21 yr. old that you want to keep throwing 98 – 99 mph 20 pitches would require a break in between unless we’re in the playoffsWhy would be want to push Joba to throw less pitches? If he knows he can pitch quicker with less pitches, wouldn’t he be more likely to pitch to put the ball in play rather than a strikeout? I think the last thing Joba should have on his mind is meeting some arbitrary pitch count figure, that could only screw him up.
Great, candid interview with Moose. He doesn’t place blame anywhere but on himself. He apologizes for not speaking the last two days.
I can’t blame Moose for not talking right away. It has to be tough for him right now.
The guy is a borderline HOF’er, was coming off 4 good starts, and just lost it. That’s got to be tough on him.
He just has to work on the side and hope he can find it again.
All he can do at this point. They don’t have the luxury to run a guy out there who is getting his brains beat out at the moment.
As Moose said, “I got to get my head in the right place again”. That, and some of the “aches and pains” he says he has, are best served with some time off.
Don’t forget the reasoning for the JOBA RULES is look at the FA starting pitchers next season there isn’t anone on that crop worth what Joba & Hughes would be. Joba is set to throw 250 innings next year and risking his health for anything is out of the question. ALL I HAVE TO HEAR IS NARDI CONTRERAS AND I SAID THIS SINCE LAST YEAR I TRUST NARDI CONTRERAS OVER ANY ANALYST/MANAGER/RADIO HOST/FAN IN THE USE OF JOBA CHAMBERLAIN OR ANYONE ELSE
Giambi had better stay in the game if we don’t have a lead in late innings.
Wow, Posada has a 1.088 OPS vs. Schilling, in 41 PA’s.Jorge’s rest will have to wait a day :o)
Curt should change the name of his website to 38pitchesbadly.com.
The Joba rules have nothing to do with next years free agents. They are there to protect the health of a valuable young pitcher while he fills a need of the team. The Yankees are very unlikely to sign a starter this offseason not nicknamed the Rocket.
After listening to the whole interview with Moose, it reiterates how glad I am that my job doesn’t require me to answer reporter questions after performing poorly (not that I have).
But listening to the questions…most of them leading questions…it would be hard to do so without becoming extremely sarcastic and guarded. And having to answer the same questions over and over would drive me crazy.
Jeremy just better hit and stop going hitless as a starting 1B the rest will take care of itself but fact is we don’t live and die on Giambi’s bat.
Brandon, there is no way Joba will throw 250IP next year. Unless that’s the last year the Yanks want to ever use him. lol
“Wow, Posada has a 1.088 OPS vs. Schilling, in 41 PA’s.Jorge’s rest will have to wait a day :o)”
Seriously guys, stop pretending stuff like this matters. It’s getting annoying.
I hate the day games…
1) I cant watch them at work
2)it means I have to get off the couch and do something productive after work
I just saw 38hotdogs line this season against the yanks. pretty amusing to say the least.
Make Moose work for it.
If is wasn’t for him and Henn, they would likely be playing for the Division lead today.
They lit a fire under Giambi, and he is responding.
Jeff NJ how can you say it has nothing to do w/ it ? think about it if Johan Santana or Scott Kazmir were FA you think the Yankees wouldn’t bend the JOBA RULES even though they were mostly made for protecting him from Joe Torre overuse…. They are preping him to be the # 1 or 2 SP next year.
The talk of the Joba Rules, especially from TV Commentators (Steve Phillips) is laughable.
A bunch of guys, who have NO IDEA on how the kid is feeling in his first pro season, and they want to pass judgment on it.
Especially guys like Phillips, who has a MAJOR axe to grind when it comes to the Yankees.
Why should he even care? He has said the Yankees were “done” on April 29. Why should it matter to him how they use Joba?
They aren’t going to over-extend the kid. Sure, sometimes, its a bit foolish. For example, if he throws 10 pitches in an inning, there is no reason why he can’t be used the next day.
However, when you have a once in a generation arm (which he is), who is only 21, and a manager who has a significant history of burning out relief pitchers, rules have to be in place.
What’s funny is, even if rules weren’t in place, its doubtful he would have pitched last night. He threw 19 pitches, and had to work harder, than any other outing he has had Tuesday night. It was smart not to use him last night.
With rosters expanding, I would also submit there is no reason to use him for 2 innings anymore. They will have more arms to cover innings.
At this point, he is more effective, and move available, working one inning outings. That’s where it should stay for the rest of the year.
I am listening to ESPN Radio when I am waiting on today game.One guy who once a yankee player said the reason Wang wasn’t pitching good for couple games because Wang feel some shoulder soreness according to Gator.He said Wang is fine now.This news surprise me a lot and let me worry about the health of Wang.He always have shoulder problem.This doesn’t say great.Hopefully,Wang feel great now.That’s why I always feel this is the reason Wang’s command is not as good as the last season.The workload Wang had last season catch on him.That’s why I agree with Joba’s rule.Don’t mess around Kid’s future.We need that.
raymagnetic that’s around 35 starts how many starts you estimate Joba gets next year ?
Adam, then what does matter? Just pick 9 names out of a hat and throw them out there?
SJ44,
You’re right. I don’t know why Phillips makes such a big deal of the Joba rules either. He still is unable to pronounce “Joba” correctly. He continues to call him “Jobber!” Think of how big of a chore it would be to have to sit around him in a booth and listen to him for 9 innings. Shulman and Hershisher can’t get paid enough money!!
Brandon the chances of Joba reaching 250 innings next year are…......ZERO
When is the last time a pitcher for any team hit 250 innings? Not exactly an easy task, especially for a rookie in this era! Geez.
Man, after listening to this Mussina interview I feel really bad for him. I think moving him out of the rotation for the time being is clearly the right move, but I hope he can work his way back to at least being an effective starter again.
I am trying to listen at work but it is so difficult to hear the audio. I dont have speakers on my computer, the sound comes out of the tower.
I’ll have to wait until I get home.
According to what Wang told to Taiwanese media,I know Wang won’t quit and keep pitching with it no matter what kind of injury he has.I am not saying he has a injury.This news just concern me a little bit.Wang want to help team to get to postseason so badly.This is Wang said to Taiwanese media after his last win in Detroit.
I am a huge Mussina fan, and I also agree it is the right move for now. He needed a break from pitching to clear his head. It just keeps getting worse the more you go out there and get smacked around.
Torre wants this game so bad he is having Posada catch a day game after night game…
Brandon, I still contend that the free agent crop has nothing to do with the Joba rules and everything to do with protecting a young pitcher early in his career. Cashman is all about getting younger. In fact I would not be the least bit surprised if the Yankees pass on John Santana 15 months from now. I mean, they will be close to in it to drive up the price, but it would not surprise me.
SJ, I heard Steve Philips this morning too, funny his new line is the Joba rules are going to hurt the Yankees. Trust me he will be the first in line to say I told you so if they bend the rules, Joba gets hurt, needs surgery and is set back 3 years.
“Adam, then what does matter? Just pick 9 names out of a hat and throw them out there?”
You can’t choose lineups based on small sample size stats like head-to-head performance. They can be misleading. It’s the complete wrong way to use statistics. I hope Torre isn’t dumb enough to rely on them when setting our lineup and instead uses other more meaningful metrics like a player’s career and season performance.
I like Giambi batting 7th and Matsui 5th rather than the other way around. This way the guy hitting after A-Rod isn’t slow (not that Matsui’s a speed demon)and hitting DP grounders into a defensive over shift, thus negating A-Rod’s baserunning ability. They also won’t be as inclined to walk or pitch around Matsui if A-Rod’s on 2nd and Posada’s up next. And, with Giambi likely being replaced for defense later in the game, his replacement (Phillips/Betemit) would be batting 7th, rather than 5th and behind A-Rod.
If I counted correctly there are currently 39 active spots on the 40 man roster. 1 spot will go to Mientky when he gets activated. So who gets dumped for Ian Kennedy? I would assume it would be Brower.
Brandon even if Joba gets 35 starts next year there is not way the yankees aren’t going to give him 100 more innings in a years time. That would surely be a recipe for arm trouble in the future.
Jessica I wouldn’t be so worried about innings that Wang has pitched this year. He missed nearly a month of the season so he isn’t near to where he would be in terms of innings thrown.
I don’t think 41 is a small sample size when it comes to head to head between a pitcher and batter. Torre factors it in, among other things: needed rest, who needs ABs, defensive factors, etc.
But head to head is a good judge because some batters hit certain pitchers better than others. Sometimes they just see the ball better coming out of certain pitchers hands.
Ranting Guy, Posada should really be hitting 5th. He’s the Yankees second best hitter this year and he rarely bats 5th for some reason only known to Joe Torre.
The last pitcher to hit 250 innings was Roy Halladay back in 2003. He had 266 Innings an abnormally high amount.
The normal high these days is 225. Gone are the days of guys hitting 240-250 Innings Pitcher per year.
They better kill Schill today
this lineup has a .358 AVG,.373 OBP %, OPS of 1.003
meaning they better smack him around !!
Bobby & Jorge each have 14 hits vs Bloody Sock in 37 ABs
Jetes & Alex are 2nd w/ 13 and 9 hits
Robi is 9 for 25 w/ a HR
Melky is 4 for 15 w/ a 2B :D, Johnny kills Curt 7 for 26 w/ 3 2B
THEY BETTER SWEEP !!!
PETE:
Thanks a ton for the Audio on Moose. That is the #1 reason this blog is GREAT!
That was a painful interview and I hope that Moose can contribute in some way down the line. 17 years of starting coming to an end can’t be easy for anyone.
That said I hope Kennedy does a great job in his place and extends the winning streak after this SWEEP!!!
I would ponder why Minky gets kept on the roster at this point. He will not be on the team if they make the playoffs we are back-logged at his position. Brower is probably the guy that gets cut but I think it is really 6 of one half a dozen of the other.
41 PA is an extremely small sample size, anyone that does statisical analysis can tell you this. It’s basically meaningless in the grand scheme of things. In fact, most of the head-to-head or situation specific “stats” the announcers use are like this and should be ignored.
I wasn’t talking 8 plate appearances here Adam. I was talking 41. I know that’s still small, but it is an indication. I mean, it is possible that Posada’s intricate ability to slap Schilling around is just non-existent based on a small sample size. But even then, even in a small sample size, you have a better shot of getting a good number if your underlying ability that is measured is also high. Jorge has hit like a monster off Schilling for the equivalent of 10 games. I’m not saying there’s no way he’ll go 0 for 4 today, I know about sample sizes and stuff. But I also know it’s a slightly better bet than someone with a .600 OPS over the same time.
Also, Jorge’s career numbers don’t change that much from day to day, so these numbers are to an extent useful when you decide when to give him a day off.
raymagnetic,I don’t worry about the workload Wang will have this season as well.I just concern the workload Wang had last season catching on him this season,but the good news is Wang missing the first month of this season.This will induce the workload obviously.
If Joba pitches 250 innings next year, he will have TJ Surgery in 2010.
He has NO CHANCE to see 250 next year. He may not even see 180 next year.
Asking him to throw 250 innings next year is how you kill young pitchers. Just ask Kerry Wood and Mark Prior.
Jeff, I heard that too.
Yeah, the Rules have really hurt the Yankees so far, haven’t they? They fixed their bullpen because of the rules and they aren’t burning out the same 2-3 guys every night.
The more I hear the guy talk, the more I wonder what the Wilpon’s were thinking when they hired him as a GM.
Its one thing to be a radio and TV buffoon. He has mastered that “skill”. Its another thing to believe the nonsense he spews which, clearly, he does.
Its further proof how badly ESPN has jumped the shark. To pass that guy off as a “baseball expert” ain’t exactly truth in advertising.
dont get me started on steve phillips and his yankee bashing. god, its sick
THIS FROM A RED SOX FAN
“42581. I think it’s obvious by pastorbill, 8/30/07 0:26 ET that our Red Sox are not a very good team right now. We started off great but since June we have been nothing more than a mediocre squad. There is no way we can beat a good team like the Yankees or the Angels in the playoffs. We may slip by Detroit if we get some breaks, but only if their good players like Verlander keep dropping like flies. I am unhappy with the manager who seems like he is drunk or asleep half the time. I’m unhappy with the injuries that are cropping up all of a sudden, just like last year. Youk had that oblique injury last year and it wrecked his season. Those things take forever to heal up. Gagne is a joke and we gave up some good talent for a 7th inning stiff? How could we give up a quality lefty who was tossing shutouts when the Yankees lineup, our main nemesis is mostly left handed? And this Gagne guy will walk after the season to close somewhere else. Crisp is nothing more than a minor leaguer offensively. I would have bet my left arm he was an up and coming star when we got him. What the heck happened to his big numbers with Cleveland? Drew may be the biggest disappointment I have ever seen in Boston. I can’t think of a single player who makes me want to puke like this guy does. What a physical waste of raw talent. When Theo saw his MRI’s he should have run. His power is gone. I admit it. I’m scared. The Yankees have hit Schill hard on several occasions and they are moving in for the kill. I can’t sleep at night. I swear I’m having bad dreams. Last night Posada showed up at my front door with his wife. His ears are huge. As for his wife, well forget it. I have a bad feeling about this season. I knew it was too good to be true. We’re gonna blow it.”
Talk about feeling the heat. ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THEY HAND THE DIVISION BACK TO US THIS YEAR.
i see why giambi is at first today . one , he only played 6 innings yesterday . two , he made a couple of nice nice plays yesterday and three , this is our A line-up . i’m glad torre put it out there .
I’m not talking about statistical analysis of the bonds or futures market where thousands and millions can be considered acceptable sample sizes. We are talking about head to head PAs where a 2 for 5 is considered small.
I just missed most of the interview on the pregame. Mike have anything interesting to say. He doens’t usually do Suzys interview.
“The starting pitching allowed 17 runs in the three-game sweep by the Angels. Of course, that’s been a problem all season. Mariners starters rank 27th in the majors with a 5.10 ERA, and it was a bad sign to see Felix Hernandez, who had won four straight starts, get roughed up for six runs.” (Diamond Daily)
This is why Phillips is such a clown. He thinks that Mariners have enough offense to make up for their pitching, but the Yankees don’t?
Jen – concur on Mussina.
“Also, Jorge’s career numbers don’t change that much from day to day, so these numbers are to an extent useful when you decide when to give him a day off.”
I assume Joe made this decision based on talking to Jorge rather than looking at 41 PA against 38pitches.com.
Wow they are scared in Baston. LOL
Global Warming I know that it’s just an estimation of 35 starts, unless he’s pitching 5 IP per game I guess they could go 20 starts for 6 IP that would be 120 IP then you’d have about 10 starts to divide the remaining 80 innings.
Moose said he was preparing as if he was going to start again in the future…but also stated he realized he has to be ready to go in case of an emergency due to injury either to another starter for a spot start…or as a long reliever or a reliever in extra innings.
Phil-
got any stock tips?
Joe is looking ahead. First he wants to sweep the soxs series. Next he knows tomorrow is a night game, followed by a day game. He wants him to catch the kid. If he rested him today, he still faces another day after night game.
So he will rest him Friday night and he can catch Kennedy on Saturday.
Joe is looking ahead. First he wants to sweep the soxs series. Next he knows tomorrow is a night game, followed by a day game. He wants him to catch the kid. If he rested him today, he still faces another day after night game.
So he will rest him Friday night and he can catch Kennedy on Saturday.
The one downside to innings caps and rookie pitchers is the month of October. Should Joba or Hughes or Kennedy have solid years and the Yanks are in the playoffs next year…they can’t just shut them down prior to a big October start because of the “caps.”
Does anyone know if the Yankee game will be on Sopcast? If so, could you please tell me the channel?
Berkshire Hathaway Class B stock.
that quote from the red sox fan is downright hilarious…i love it!
“I’m not talking about statistical analysis of the bonds or futures market where thousands and millions can be considered acceptable sample sizes. We are talking about head to head PAs where a 2 for 5 is considered small.”
5 PA is just as meaningless as 41 PA. I suggest picking up The Book (www.insidethebook.com) if you’re interested in learning more about this stuff and how a manager should correctly be using statistics to make in-game decisions and set lineups. The authors have done some really great analysis and show the dangers of relying on small sample stats. Remember, these are the same “stats” that Bill James has said make him regret starting the statistical revolution because of the way the media throws them around like they matter.
ive documented all the crap that steve phillips has said in the past few weeks, Here are his greatest hits:
http://migames.wordpress.com/2007/08/30/steve-phillips-keeps-harping-on-the-mariners-bullpen-and-other-stuff-that-ha-has-no-clue-about-and-is-the-reason-why-i-hate-himher-so-much/
bob c – please post here if you know in re: sopcast channel or any other way to listen/watch the game today w/o paying. thanks
Well back to work for me
I’ll be popping in and out.
I am a one-half stat / one-half feel person. Too much reliance on either and you’re in trouble in baseball. No need to pick up the book. Even the most meaningful stats can be manipulated to prove either viewpoint.
Maybe they should change the name of the web site from Fire Joe Morgan to Fire Steve Phillips.
Unless Kennedy can’t git-r-done, I’d keep him in the rotation the rest of the season and start Moose next year fresh. Unless Moose gets dealt off-season, which in reality might not be do-able.
Looks like the full season grind is too much for the Moose, so maybe spread out 150-180 innings over 5-6 inning starts thoughout the year? Hey, Clemens finishes spring training in May so he can have something left at the end. Maybe that’s the way?
I always liked him but I think he’s got a handful of good starts left next year and the rest will be a struggle. Looks like he’s most likely spent for this year. But there are scant options if Kennedy’s not able to handle it.
“Berkshire Hathaway Class B stock”
Isn’t that like a trillion dollars a share?
Boy Eck on NESN is hammering Schilling.
Yeah! Boston’s sportscasters. Sounds like they can’t stand him.
$3500 per share for Class B. The Class A stock is the one that costs hundreds of thousands per share.
Schilling cant stand Schilling
Talk about season innings caps … OK this may sound stupid but hear me out. If Hughes and Chamberlain have an innings cap for next year (they’re both far from ready for 200+ inning seasons) maybe they can be scheduled for ‘split starts’ for a little while. In my mind (which maybe a vacuous if not scary place) they could both have the same spot in the rotation out of spring training, and be scheduled to go 4 (max 5) innings each with one relieving the other each game. When someone else (Moose?) gets injured or goes sour mid-season (this happens to at least one guy every year on every team) then move both kids up to full start where they’re expected to go 6-7-8 innings.
For those looking to watch the games with Sopcast, etc… check this site: http://www.myp2p.eu/MLB.htm
It has a schedule of the games and what they will be on. It has direct links so you can just click on it and it will load Sopcast or whichever one it is on.
Hope this helps.
Didn’t someone on here claim to have friends who work in the Boston clubhouse? What is their take on Schilling and how his teammates feel about him?
migames, i’m loving your site lately! keep up the good work.
One quick question before the game starts. These are the faces that I see in my head when reading this blog.
How accurate am I?
Jennifer – Jennifer Aniston and Jenny McCarthy.
Don Vito Bellamo – Marlon Brando.
Kat – Julie Newmar.
Rebecca – Rebecca DeMornay.
Steve M – Steve Martin
Donnienybaseball – Donald Arthur Mattingly
Jonathan – Jonathan Pappelbon
Carmine – Carmine Ragussa
Dr. Acula – The Count from Sesame Street
Chris in Fairfield – Chris Elliott
J-Dawg – Randy Jackson
Brandon – The guy from Beverly Hills 90210
Adam – One of the Beastie Boys
Santi – Santa Claus
Rob L – Rob lowe
8 back – 6 back
Ryan – The guy from The Office
Drew – Drew Henson
Pat – Pat Kelly
Boston Dave – David Letterman
SJ 44 – Reggie Jackson
Mel – Vic Tayback
38disasters.com – The Skipper from Gilligan’s Island
Global Warming – Al Gore
Phil – Phil Allard
Paolo – Paolo Rossi
Kasey – Kasey Anderson and Eddie Vedder
Bob C-
try channel 23459
Joe-
Blaaaah!
thanks frits…Michael Kay tries humor, sad
Oh god Angel Hernadez is behind the plate, that means lots of late strike calls.
Angel Hernandez thinks he’s a stage performer and tries to put on a one-man show.
Angel will most likely eject somebody today. He acts like all of the fans are there to see him.
no – class a is, over 100k
Joe,
How come I didn’t make your list?
In case anyone is interested, Kevin Goldstein has a scouting report on Ian Kennedy up today.
Here’s some of the highlights:
“With two days remaining before the September crunch, the Yankees are still in a position they’re not used to-–on the outside looking in. Seven games behind the Red Sox, our own Playoff Odds Report gives the Bronx Bombers less than a three percent chance to walk away with the American League East title, which they have done in each of the last nine years. The good news is that they have right around a 50/50 shot at the wild card–-currently a three-team race that also features Seattle and Detroit.
While it’s hard to talk about what’s gone wrong for a team with a 74-59 record, pitching is the reason New York’s nine-year run of American League East titles is coming to an end this year. The offense leads the American League by hitting .291/.364/.465 as a team and averaging a whopping 5.9 runs per games, but the pitching staff and defense, giving up 4.8 per contest, ranks eighth of 14 teams. The team has had its share of injuries, but also its share of ineffectiveness. While nobody (not even the Yankees) expected stardom, Japanese import Kei Igawa was supposed to be a solid back-of-the-rotation option, but instead he lasted 12 games with a near-seven ERA before going to the minors. Dealing with the injuries and waiting for Roger Clemens, rookies like Tyler Clippard (6.33 ERA in six starts) and Matt DeSalvo (6.18 in his six) weren’t up to the task, and while Philip Hughes was, he went and got hurt himself.
Now, after struggling much of the year, the usually dependable Mike Mussina has completely fallen off the cliff, especially in his last three starts:
Date IP H R ER BB SO
8/16 5.0 9 7 6 2 2
8/21 1.2 7 7 7 2 1
8/27 3.0 9 6 6 1 0
TOT 9.2 25 20 19 5 3
On Wednesday, manager Joe Torre and his staff decided to skip Mussina’s next turn in the rotation. In previous years, this would call for some minor league veteran like Darren Hall or Darrell May or Donovan Osborne to make the spot start, but the Yankees are doing something different this year. First off, there are no such players in their current Triple-A rotation for the first time in ages–-they’re all prospects of varying degrees. Secondly, Joe Torre has learned a valuable lesson this year, one that will serve him well now that the Yankees actually have a good minor league system-–sometimes, going with the kid is the right choice. His evidence is simply Joba Chamberlain, who is quickly becoming a legend, despite pitching in just eight games. In those eight games, Chamberlain has delivered ten innings of shutout baseball, allowing just four hits and three walks while striking out 17. The overwhelming majority of his appearances have made the SportsCenter highlight reel, and how many non-closing relievers can say that, unless they’re giving up the big hit?
So now, in desperate need of a starter, with Clippard and DeSalvo looking like flavors that the Yankees don’t want to taste again, the team turns to the player that was actually drafted 20 selections before Chamberlain last June and received twice the bonus: Ian Kennedy.
On paper, Kennedy is ready. Like Chamberlain, Kennedy started the year in Tampa, and advanced all the way to Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre without encountering even the smallest bump in the road:
Team Level G IP H BB SO ERA OppAVG
Tampa A+ 11 63.0 39 22 72 1.29 .183
Trenton AA 9 48.2 27 17 57 2.59 .163
ScrantonWB AAA 6 34.2 25 11 35 2.08 .205
Total 26 146.1 91 50 163 1.91 .182
Outstanding numbers? Without question. Deserving of a shot? Certainly. More so than anyone else in the system? Yes, again. The second savior of the staff, with Joba being the first? Nope. Sorry, folks.
Let’s start with the basics on a scouting level. Kennedy is smallish (6’0), and his best pitch is a power changeup, which features heavy, late movement, and rates somewhere around a 60 on the 20-80 scouting scale according to most. He throws a two- and four-seam fastball, and rarely even touches 90 mph with his heaters. His curveball is an average offering. That kind of stuff just doesn’t jive with those numbers above. So how is he doing it? Command and control. Kennedy’s command and control scores rank with anyone in the minors. Don’t judge this solely by the walk rate; it’s about locating your pitches, setting up hitters, and never giving them something good to hit. For example, Greg Maddux, even in his prime, walked more batters than Carlos Silva, but obviously had far better command and control.
So now, before we go projecting stardom, let’s do a quick exercise based on what we know. Close your eyes, and try to think of every starting pitcher in the big leagues. Now think of every good right-hander who is six-foot or under and sits in the upper 80s. Done with your list? It’s not a long one, is it? In fact, it’s probably at zero, unless you count guys like Maddux who actually did sit consistently in the low 90s during his peak years.
Kennedy is pretty much the poster child for the kind of player who can put up ridiculous numbers in the minor leagues, but when it comes to the majors, he’s not as good. This is not a rip job on Kennedy by any means whatsoever. He’s a very good prospect, profiling as a solid number three or four starter in the big leagues for a long time. Those players are remarkably valuable (just look at last winter’s free agent market for evidence). But unlike Chamberlain, Yankees fans shouldn’t be expecting greatness from him, either now or in the future.”
Yep your accurate
Jeff NJ – Jeff NJ
angel hernandez is a major league a*hole.
So much for the highlights. I didn’t realize I had the whole thing copied, and now there is no way to go back and edit it down.
Joe,
Like I said, more Alice than Flo. But I do wear a t-shirt when I cook.
Jennifer has to be someone from “9 to 5” Multitasking her work with blogging.
don’t get offended by the profanity. angel hernandez killed my dad.
Let’s go CMW. BTW guess who leads the AL in homeruns given up this season?
Phil Allard is slightly older than me…by about 25 years.
Life is wonderful when your class gets cancelled, meaning that you can rush back home in time for the game…
BRING OUT THE BROOMS!
mel – johan santana.
JOE,
How do I get in the family circle of trust?
I always pictured SJ44 as a wise old man with a pipe…Michael Kay mentioned the squirrel….i like him again
1B umpire Ted Barrows is sporting the 90210 style sideburns.
Brady Anderson sideburns?
I tried to upgrade my tickets last night and the only tickets that were available were 260.00 seats.
So needless to say I stayed in my nosebleeds.
i thought that wagner was a ground out pitcher
Wang need to keep his pitches down.
Exactly…Brady and his 50 home run season…hmmmm, could that have been chemically aided?
fritz,
Ding, ding, ding. You when the prize! I think last year’s winner was Beckett?
jennifer, i was on the third base side about 15 rows from the field. we had a great view of some raucous fighting going on in the nosebleeds of the 1st base side, near RF. were you up there?
Nice K of Ortiz!
Striking out Papi.
I like it.
Wang is throwing 94,95 on the YES Gun, an impressive feat.
I think it’s fair to say that CMW has his A+ stuff today.
What did Big Papi do?
Good first inning for Wang. Time for our bats to take over!
Marc,
How about Marc Antony or Marc Anthony?
Phil: Read Luis Gonzalez
9 pitch inning. Lets go Wang give us 8 inning and bring the K-JOB in.
The Roman or the singer?
neither game day or espn game cast have even registered a pitch for wang v. ortiz yet. come on!
i am at work today and listening to the game on my xm myfi
wow sometimes it’s just brutal hearing suzyn.
pardon me: NOR
Phil, migames: I’ve always suspected Adrian Beltre too, although that was in a contract year for him.
Correction 12 pitch inning.
marc,
Wang threw one inside and down and it was to late for Ortiz to hold off. Shwing and a miss. Good AB…for us. There’s that late strike call on Damon.
Gameday is frozen:
Ortiz – K.
Damon – F8.
Jeter singled to center softly.
Here comes a Bobby double
turn off usher
someone tell manny that the 80’s ended 17 years ago
I’ll give you the singer. That way you can smile when you think about going home.
The Orioles used to have a catcher named Mickey Tettleton who said Fruit Loops cereal game him his power…I think it was laced with the clear.
Jeter’s single was hit hard, but had so much spin on it that it dropped like a stone.
Mickey Tettleton….good one
Gameday still frozen:
Abreu K.
509?
Mel,
She would spend all my money.
Schilling has a Mussina like fastball nowadays I see. He’s only hitting 85,86 on the gun.
They’re going to have to make Schilling work hard. How do those skinny legs support that giant torso and big head?
Tettleton’s arms went from the size of twigs to bigger than my thighs in about one year. At the time, my family had O’s season tickets and there was a signing for season ticket holders before every year. Up close, Tettleton and Brady were skinny kids one year and hulks the next.
I think Mussina’s fastball is better
Has schilling hit 90 on the gun yet?
Me no like Schilling.
Dr. Acula…a Mitch Hedburg reference???
SOS-he topped out at 87
SOS-he topped out at 87
Rebecca-
which school?
Schilling once again showing us why he’s a big game pitcher. Simply the best there is.
Mitch H. was a funny, great comedian.
Dr. Acula—Syracuse.
Why?
A-Rod…there is patience, then there is taking the flippin’ bat off your shoulder !!!....find a happy medium ! DANG ! How does he take THAT pitch ?
I was in section 21. There were fights to my left and fights to me right.
Tons of cops up there. And I thought that and was hoping that someone would punch the soxs fans in front of me. I knew as soon as they walked in that they would be annoying. About the 6th is when people started to get on them.
why are all of wangs pitches being called balls when gameday shows them in the strike zone? is Gameday off??
Here we go again. Where was that 3rd pitch!!!
O.k. so it has to be smack dab down the middle for Wang to get a called strike?
The have to change their approach to Schilling today. Both Abreu and Arod took BP fastballs in the middle of the plate.
Be more aggressive with him today. He has nothing. No need to work counts if he is trying to get ahead early with that BP fastball.
Hughes Your Daddy? – nice catch
And we all said Giambi couldn’t play defense.
Guess he didn’t like that very much.
Ok no need for andy
loving that DP baby!
must say, i LOVE those double plays!
Giambi for Gold Glove!!!
Gaimbi laying out for the catch!!Gotta love it.
Dare I say… Giambi for Gold Glove???
Do I smell a Gold Glove for the Giambino?
Andy Phillips would have missed that….
“why are all of wangs pitches being called balls when gameday shows them in the strike zone? is Gameday off??”
I think it’s getting data off the questec system. Or something analogous. So, no, I think the ump just stinks. It’s pretty tough to pitch when you get neither high strikes nor low strikes.
How long has it been since Wang had a double play turned for him?
Giambi changed his name, Jason Mattingly
Gold glove for Giambino!
I guess Jeter and Cano want to get Giambi a Palmeiro-like Gold Glove this year.
Man, Giambi has made two amazing plays at first the last two games.
No way he makes those plays last year.
Haha maybe Giambi can give Jeter a few days off and play short
Can they move first base back to where it supposed to be.
The infielders are really testing Jason today.
Nice double play.
I’m so sick of Yuckilis;
I rather see him homer than walk!
Who’s playing first? Too round to be Phillips and too skinny to be Giambi.
Wow, Jason is making a case to be the everyday first baseman! Got to give him credit – he used his time on the DL to heal AND get into playing shape.
Go Jason. We’re a much better team if he can play first every day and give this kind of performance.
Gameday can’t be getting it off of Questec because not all parks have it. But I doubt Gameday is off by very much if at all.
wang got his sink going
“Gaimbi laying out for the catch”
This is what I’ve always said…he can CATCH the ball no problem. The rest of his defensive game is mediocre at best, and there’s always the specter of injury when he plays the field. But he’s a good receiver at 1B.
The only person left out of the playing rotation is the He-Man Hulk known as Shelley Duncan.
Rebecca-
just wondering who’s back.
Giambi would have made that play too
“Gameday can’t be getting it off of Questec because not all parks have it. But I doubt Gameday is off by very much if at all.”
The parks where they show the speed and the break and the pfx stuff I believe are the ones that do have questec.
Roberto Kelly would have made that play
Could be but if that’s true. What happens to all the pitches that don’t have all that information in the middle of the pitches that do. Does it just not read the pitch or something?
Over shift on Jorgie? Thats a new one.
Posada trying to outrun Schilling with a bunt attempt.
Can someone tell Posada hes not fast enough to beat out a bunt,even if the center fielder had to come in and field it.
Dr. A—
No problem! We’re in our first week back.
i love how cracked-out giambi looks in his gameday photo.
ESPN Gameday showed that swinging strike 3 to Jorge right down the middle, but Sterling said it was way off the plate and low. What gives? I guess we shou