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Game 139: Mariners at Yankees

Peter Abraham
September
4

Here is the lineup:

YANKEES
Cabrera CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Posada C
Matsui LF
Duncan DH
Cano 2B
Betemit 1B
Wang RHP (16-6, 3.79)

Pregame chatter: Yankees are facing LHP Horacio Ramirez (8-4, 6.55). … Yanks have lost 3 of 4, 8 of 14 and 11 of 20. … Damon and Giambi are getting a day off against the lefty as they are slumping (see previous post). … Andy Phillips had his surgery today.

UPDATE, 6:00 p.m.:
090407_16021.jpg

The Yanks took their team photo today. Carl Pavano couldn’t make it. The Yankees also had shots taken of Jeter, Posada, Rivera and Pettitte together. I guess that was the “true Yankees” photograph.

UPDATE, 6:08 p.m.: Here is some audio from today …

Roger Clemens:

and Joe Torre:

UPDATE, 7:13 p.m.: That’s Chien-Ming Wang at his best right there. Nine pitches, six strikes, three grounders to second. CMW shut the Mariners down back on May 5 (8 2 1 1 0 4) and he looks primed to do it again.

UPDATE, 7:45 p.m.: Nice at-bat by Wilson Betemit, who broke an 0-for-16 skid.

UPDATE, 7:48 p.m.: Larry David and Jeff Garlin of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” are here and in a suite. That is the funniest show on TV in my opinion.

I wonder if he took the HOV lane?

UPDATE, 8:06 p.m.: CMW has gotten nine groundball outs already. When he faces teams that don’t see him often, his sinker is a killer.

Meanwhile, if it wasn’t for A-Rpd, you could make a heck of a case for Jorge Posada as the MVP of the team.

At the moment, he is hitting .334 with 17 homers and 79 RBI and he’s the catcher. He has 53 extra-base hits. What a year.

UPDATE, 8:46 p.m.: From where I sit in the press box, I’m a little on the first base side of the plate and looking right at the left-field foul pole. From my vantage point, that home run by A-Rod looked like something out of The Natural. A majestic arc that finished with the ball about 10 rows into the upper deck. That ball, as the players like to say, stayed hit.

46 jacks and 131 RBI with 23 games left. Just crazy.

UPDATE, 9:03 p.m.: Chien-Ming Wang has started 10 games after a loss this season. He is 7-2 in those games with wins in the last five. He also came into this game 5-0, 2.78 in five starts against Seattle in his career.

There’s no such thing as a lock in baseball. But this was pretty close. He’s only at 84 pitches, so they could run him out there for the complete game and save the bullpen for the next two games when Hughes and Kennedy start.

UPDATE, 9:56 p.m.: No idea what happened with Wang there, I’ll find out later. He finished with 17 groundball outs out of his 22 outs.

Meanwhile, isn’t it weird how the Yankees seem to get hot (or cold) as a group when it comes to hitting?

UPDATE, 10:05 p.m.: I don’t hide the fact that I find most of the criticism of Joe Torre to be unfounded. But why he would use Luis Vizcaino in an 11-1 game is beyond me. It’s like he picks one guy every year and decides to use him as often as possible.

With the rosters expanded, they could use most anybody in an 11-1 game. It makes no sense.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 4th, 2007 at 5:53 pm by Peter Abraham.
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1,051 Responses to “Game 139: Mariners at Yankees”

  1. Bry Guy

    Yankees!!

  2. migames

    we win this game

  3. Rebecca

    Those recent numbers aren’t a lot of fun, but we did, in those games, play the Orioles, the Angels and the Tigers….

    Hope Phillips’ surgery went well, thoughts are with him.

    Good to see Duncan in the line up, guess Torre wants that offense pretty bad…

    Though Betemit’s a concern, he’s not shown he plays first well…

  4. Chicago Dave

    When will this offense stop slumbering? Will it (finally) be tonight? Let’s hope so!

  5. Don Vito Bellamo

    12-2 yankees win !

  6. Chicago Dave

    Duncan at DH! Yes, more playing time for Sloth!!!

  7. Joe

    Interesting lineup.

  8. MoreRun

    Peter, is there any chance that Philips could come back before the end of the season?

  9. Rebecca

    We need the Yankees to have some pregame energy like this:

    http://youtube.com/watch?v=pjA0fawHFOE

    They have a locker room like that, they won’t lose another game!

  10. kd

    cano must really be slumping to be hitting 8th. wake up call or just a bad stretch?

  11. Chicago Dave

    Cano just dragged himself into the clubhouse from another all-night bender. Torre thought he would give him a break by batting him eighth…Gives Cano some more time to get over his hangover!!! ;)

  12. stuart

    Betemit is bad from the right side…

    I like givng Duncan a few AB’s.

    Wang do it tonight…..

  13. Chicago Dave

    Yeah, Wang really needs to come up with another clutch performance tonight. Let’s hope for a shutout!

  14. Deep to Left

    “…Peter, is there any chance that Philips could come back before the end of the season?…”

    Nope. They’re saying 4 to 6 weeks. In a typical situation, he’d probably do a brief rehab assignment in the minors too. No way they carry him on the post-season roster with him being unable to even swing a bat before the playoffs are already underway (if the Yanks even make the playoffs).

  15. Chicago Dave

    Do the Yanks always do their team photo this late in the year? Seems to me that’s something they would take care of right before breaking spring training camp to come north.

  16. Armand

    hey guys random thought.. anyone care to have a little Fantasy Football action for us around here? I’d gladly create a private league.. ESPN is my league of choice..

  17. DMan77

    Wang needs to stop the bleeding here tonight. Good news on Roger I suppose. But the best news of the night would be a win by the Yankees.

  18. Rebecca

    Armand–I’m already in one league. I’ve got LT on my team. I’m not chancing it again!

  19. Armand

    Rebecca.. lucky you! I got left with the last pick.. but i don’t think my current Fantasy Football team is all that bad.. haha I’m hoping Reggie Bush comes up big somehow..

  20. Chicago Dave

    Rebecca – You traitor! You should have taken Thomas Jones!!! (Seriously, though, you lucked out getting LT!!)

  21. Joe

    Nice championship team picture.

    I went to see Dr. Hershon two times a few years back. Nice man. He was wearing a huge World Series ring!

  22. Chicago Dave

    Joe –

    Why did you see Dr. Hershon? Throwing too many curveballs blew out your arm or what?!

  23. Rebecca

    Armand and Chi Dave: I lucked out with first pick. I wasn’t about to let him go!

    However, not realizing he was on the cover of Madden ‘08 I sinned and picked Vince Young.

    I also have one of the Johnsons. I forget which one, though. And Edgerrin James, cos that’s just a really really cool name.

    (Yea, I’m only mildly serious about it…)

  24. Chicago Dave

    Edgerrin James…Ugh, you were going good until that pick!

  25. Peter Abraham

    Torre and Clemens audio now on this post …

  26. Armand

    oh wow.. you picked Vince Young.. well i do think he’ll overcome the madden curse.. I got Bulger so I’m fairly happy.. i risked it with Randy Moss.. only time you’ll see me root for someone from the new england area… i think he’ll come up big…

  27. nate c.

    i could use a little hitting tonight, maybe some wang domination, maybe some joba.

    hard to believe we’ve lost 11 of 20, but i think the guys know how important tonight is

  28. Paddy R

    i have been listening to RADIO NOWHERE on repeat all day getting absolutely fired up for this game, biggest of the regular season. and instead of a thousand guitars i want a thousand groundballs. come on wang MUST WIN lets go baby.

  29. Joe

    “Why did you see Dr. Hershon? Throwing too many curveballs blew out your arm or what”?!

    No, I screwed up my hand playing football and needed surgery.

  30. saucy

    Armand, count me in on some more crack…
    I do prefer Yahoo, but whatever works i guess.

  31. Chicago Dave

    Joe – Wow, that must have sucked big-time! Still, I hear Hershon is the best, so he must have done a good job, right? (Mind you, I bet it cost you a pretty penny!)

  32. Armand

    Okay I’m making the league anyway.. ESPN FFL.. named LoHud Yankees

  33. Cheesyhoboe

    Time for a 5 game winning streak.

  34. Michael T

    I am going to chme in with my obligatory “objective” assessment of where the Yanks stand. after sleepwalking through Labor Day weekend, our playoff chances per coolstandings dropped from 78% to 64%. Bad but not as bad as it felt and still much better than where we stood prior to sweeping the Bosox (under 50%). Yes, the Division is gone at less than 1% likely.

    And those footsteps we are hearing from Tiger paws are real as Detroit has pulled into a 14% probability of winning the Wildcard, almost even with Seattle.

    How big is this single game? The loss yesterday (coupled with Tigers and Bosox win) dropped the Yankees from from 74% to 64%. That is the difference between being a 3-1 favorite to under a 2 to 1 fav, so it is as huge as it feels.

    http://www.coolstandings.com/b.....p;run=1345

  35. Joe

    “Joe – Wow, that must have sucked big-time! Still, I hear Hershon is the best, so he must have done a good job, right? (Mind you, I bet it cost you a pretty penny”!)

    He didn’t perform the surgery, one of the other people in his office did, he just checked me out before and after the surgery.

    Funny as it might sound, he was in my medical plan, so each visit cost me only $10.

  36. Mike

    Lets see what this shot and a sceond opinion can do for Clemens. Tonight looks to be a good game with Wang on the mound for the Yankees. He has shown he has what it takes to pitch in these pressure games for us and should continue that tonight.

  37. nate c.

    “The Yanks took their team photo today. Carl Pavano couldn’t make it.”

    The yankees told him that the photo shoot was in camden, nj tonight at 11 and that he should bring his porsche and lots of cash

  38. Chicago Dave

    Joe – Hey, good for you! Hopefully the hand is back to 100%.

  39. Chicago Dave

    Clemens can be a bit ornery in interviews, can’t he? Seemed like he was starting to get short with reporters as that clip went on…

  40. Armand

    here’s the URL for the ESPN Fantasy FOotball league for LoHud Yankees:

    http://games.espn.go.com/ffl/l.....eId=510900

    feel free to join :-)

  41. Rebecca

    Nate C.–Now, that’s just mean.

    But I’m meaner for loving it!

  42. dontfirecash

    God has predicted a victory this evening. Confucious said they were going to lose. Various Hindi dieties were unanimous in their predictions of victory. Allah does not like the Yankees. In conclusion, the various Gods are split on tonights game.

  43. populoso

    You know, I kind of wish they hadn’t gone and got Clemens out of Texas.

  44. Rebecca

    I do.

    Who would you have started in his place?

  45. jennifer

    Did Andy make it back for the team photo?

  46. Armand

    check that.. i screwed up the URL.. here’s the LoHud Yankees FFL.. :-D http://games.espn.go.com/ffl/l.....eId=501948

  47. dontfirecash

    Rebecca,
    Somebody who didn’t cost 18 million big ones.

  48. Chicago Dave

    Do you ever wonder what happened to all the Yankee Pavano jerseys (that were made up shortly after he signed with us)? My bet is they were donated to some third-world charity. Just imagine…In some impoverished nation there are people who know nothing about baseball (or the Yankees) running around with the name “Pavano” on their backs. I wonder what they think the word “Pavano” means?

  49. mike

    dontfirecash , ur a ediot

  50. Pepper Brooks

    look for the yankees to win tonight. Jeter will go 3-4.

  51. dontfirecash

    Not that I really care about the Yankee payroll…Aside from the one or two games I go to a year, it isn’t my money they are spending.

  52. Dave K

    I’m happy Clemens was signed this year. I think it is invaluable to have a guy like him around to talk to and help Hughes and Joba – 2 young guys who really seem to be open to taking the advice of a guy like Roger

  53. dontfirecash

    mike,
    appreciate the compliments. I’m sticking to religous humor and laptop jokes from here on out.

  54. train

    Hey Pete, why does your Torre audio usually end before he’s done talking? I’m not complaining, just wondering.

  55. Chicago Dave

    dontfirecash – I think the religious humor might be a safer bet than the laptop jokes…We all know how the Sux trolls on this blog start to go nuts the moment you start making laptop jokes! ;)

  56. Phil

    Please allow me to post my one negative post for the evening:

    I can’t stand Nancy Newman on YES. She mispronounces Yankee player names, gets scores wrong, and has a fake laugh that she does when there is silence and she can’t think of anything to say.

    Ok, negativity over. Let’s go Wang and Duncan!!!

  57. dontfirecash

    Chicago,
    Red sox fans have no sense of humor.

  58. kd

    I wonder what Carl is doing today. Does anyone think he’ll try to pitch again?

  59. Chicago Dave

    dontfirecash – I totally agree!

  60. nate c.

    Peter – seriously – what is Carl Pavano doing? Is he resting at home until he can start working out in tampa the middle of next season? Or is he completely done with anything having to do with the yankees, except of course, his little paycheck.

  61. EY

    I’m a little worried that Betemit is playing first, especially with Wanger on the mound =/

    But Wang should have another one of his dominant performance again.

  62. Rebecca

    Ok, so how about we all try something tonight?

    How about we all try the perpetual optimism thing? The no negativity thing? Like, unless the Yankees are down 5+ in the seventh, no negative comments?

    Whose with me?

    Anyone?

    (bird chirps…)

  63. Don Vito Bellamo

    Here is easily a doable rotation while we wait for Roger to return:

    9/4 Wang
    9/5 Hughes
    9/6 OFF
    9/7 Kennedy ( KC Series Starts )
    9/8 Pettitte
    9/9 Wang
    9/10 OFF
    9/11 Hughes ( TORONTO SERIES STARTS )
    9/12 Kennedy
    9/13 Pettite
    9/14 Wang ( BOSTON SERIES STARTS )
    9/15 ROCKET or ???
    9/16 Hughes or ??? ( based on how well he pitches before )

    September 15th is the FIRST DAY that we need a 5th Starter…NO NEED for MOOSE until then and no need to mess up the rotation’s regular rest either. ( someone please email this to Torre and get it set in STONE ! ) LOL

  64. Ben

    “Carl Pavano couldn’t make it”

    –That line had me cracking up!

    You’re the best Pete!

  65. Don Vito Bellamo

    Rebecca …I am WITH YA ! ( although we will be up by 7 by the 7th ! )

  66. Chicago Dave

    Rebecca – OK, you’re on! (However, if they are getting pounded in the seventh, the gloves are definitely coming off! HA!!!)

  67. mel

    I’m always the Pollyanna. ;)

  68. Rebecca

    Awesome! Let’s go then!

    Let’s go Yan-kees!
    Let’s go Yan-kees!
    Let’s go Yan-kees!

    (wish I had a more creative cheer…oh well…)

  69. DMan77

    Don Vito,

    I hope it works out that way! I hope Hughes pitches better though

  70. Chicago Dave

    P.S. – I’m about to drive home from work…So I won’t be posting again until after the first few innings are over, regardless! (Don’t miss me too much, though, OK?!)

  71. Don Vito Bellamo

    Oh…and here’s one for ya….after we win tonight and tomorrow, the Yankees will go 18-4 over the last 22 games to finish 96-66, exactly 30 games over .500 and squeeze out the BoSux for the division title by ONE MEASLY GAME ! ( there will be dancin’ in the streets in the Bronx ! )

  72. Joe

    ‘i have been listening to RADIO NOWHERE on repeat all day getting absolutely fired up for this game, biggest of the regular season. and instead of a thousand guitars i want a thousand groundballs. come on wang MUST WIN lets go baby’.

    That’s the attitude!!

  73. Don Vito Bellamo

    DMan77
    September 4th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
    Don Vito,

    I hope it works out that way! I hope Hughes pitches better though

    * That is the plan ! Roger back on the 15th and Hughes improving each time he takes the mound…GO YANKEES ! *

  74. mel

    No BFF photo of Jeter & Alex?

  75. The D train

    They told Pavano that the photo shoot would be done in the new Stadium and to report to construction trailer # 5.
    He’s still standing there waiting….

  76. DMan77

    Man this is such a huge game. Wang has to show the M’s up tonight.

  77. A.S.

    Hi guys…sorry to do this. I live and work in Taiwan and wrote an original article about Wang. Please give it a quick look. http://eastwindupchronicle.com/?p=45
    Go Yanks!

  78. J-Dawg

    Looking forward to Wang pitching like a true ace again tonight.

    P.S. Rebecca- Good idea to pick Vince Young in your fantasy league. My Titans WILL make the playoffs (I hope)!!

  79. Rebecca

    DMan77: You gotta do that optimism thing with us!

    The force of the fans compels you!

  80. Rebecca

    …And I seem to have scared off everyone else.

    Cool.

  81. Don Vito Bellamo

    Yankees pitchers have given up NO RUNS so far…SUPER SWEET !!!

  82. Phil

    Game on!

  83. DMan77

    Wang WILL show up those M’s tonight!

    How’s that? Hah

  84. Jen

    Pete, can you find out how Andy Phillips is since his surgery today? Thanks!

  85. Don Vito Bellamo

    Let’s go Phil…let’s WILL these Yankees to a full-out CLUBBING of the Marooners !!!

  86. Rebecca

    Yeah! I like it!

    This game is ours! We won’t lose! We can’t lose! We’re going to win tonight!

  87. Don Vito Bellamo

    strike ONE….that team is TOAST !!!

  88. DMan77

    Don Vito-

    A full-out clubbing with a side of great pitching!

  89. Phil

    Started off on the right foot. Ichiro Suzuki out!

  90. Rebecca

    One out! This game is so ours!

  91. Don Vito Bellamo

    weak grounder….only 26 outs to go….we are a WEINER tonight !!!

  92. Don Vito Bellamo

    another lead pitch strike !

  93. migames

    this game is ours.

  94. Phil

    2 down!

  95. Don Vito Bellamo

    another weak grounder….this game is OURS !!!

  96. Rebecca

    Two outs, two ground ball outs.

    Oh yeah, I feel good!

  97. Don Vito Bellamo

    25 outs to go….for the WANGER !

  98. Don Vito Bellamo

    Come on Guillen, get that bat off your shoulder…YA BUM !

  99. Don Vito Bellamo

    man…that guy looked bad on that one !!!

  100. Phil

    Nice 1,2,3 inning from Wang!

  101. Don Vito Bellamo

    sweet…great inning !

  102. Rebecca

    Toronto’s already got a hit off beckett and a man out!

    Robinson ties a record!

    Wang has three ground outs!

    LET’S GO YANKEES!

  103. NYJane

    wow. i think “vintage wang” is on the mound today. i hope we do score some runs.

  104. Paolo

    1-2-3 inning w/ 9 pitches…

    Go Wanger!!!

  105. migames

    when will michael kay stop saying that dumb stat…

  106. J-Dawg

    It’s a waste of time to try to beat Chien-Ming Wang!!

  107. DMan77

    Yankees will be up 1-0 by the end of the first. Count it.

  108. mel

    Wang looks so serene out on the mound. Looks like he’s doing tai chi out there. I love his smooth delivery.

  109. Rebecca

    Let’s go Yankee bats! Let’s have some offense!

  110. Cumberberg

    I love it. Our recent woes make me appreciate a 1-2-3 inning. Nine pitches, three groundouts. Let’s go Yankees, let’s go!!!!

  111. migames

    this pitcher looks like someone who is about to get hit…alot

  112. Mike NYY

    Wang looks so serene out on the mound. Looks like he’s doing tai chi out there. I love his smooth delivery.

    He doesn’t look arrogant either like some guys

  113. Phil

    The first 8 hitters in our line-up are all hitting .280 or above.

  114. migames

    anyone else waiting for the awaited for match up between Horacio Ramirez and Shelley Duncan. An at bat made in cooperstown

  115. DMan77

    Groundout?! Shelly Duncan should obviously be leading off

  116. Beckett has a potty mouth

    GO YANKEES!

    I feel a much-needed win coming on. Stop the slide, Wang!

  117. Rebecca

    migames: Oh, you know it. He’s itching for a home run. Hopefully, the bases will be loaded…

  118. Cumberberg

    Why isn’t Dougie Mintkevischisch in the line up? My love affair with Wilson ended in tears.

  119. Rebecca

    BRAD PITT IS A YANKEE FAN!

  120. Nick in SF

    Has Jeter started with anything other than an 0-2 count since Michigan lost on Saturday? Please, Derek, let it go.

  121. migames

    Brad Pitt…can he sing god bless america?

  122. DMan77

    Brad Pitt?! Wheres Angelina?!

  123. Rebecca

    Dude, guys: We’re all optimism tonight!

  124. NJ

    Damn, nice catch there by the 1B to rob Jeter.

  125. Phil

    Nice shot for Bobby!

  126. Rebecca

    OPTIMISM AT WORK:

    Bobby on second!

  127. DMan77

    As Bobby goes, the Yankees go! So thats a good sign!

  128. Don Vito Bellamo

    Let’s go A-Rod…start the 2 out nightmare !!!

  129. Dave K

    Another day, another home run call by John Sterling gone wrong

    but i’ll be optimistic

  130. Rebecca

    Micheal Kay, obviously, hasn’t gotten the optimism memo.

    anyway.

    I have a great feeling about tonight! We’re going to win this! Go Yankees!

  131. Paolo

    Guess we will have to wait for the next inning…

  132. DMan77

    Rats

  133. Phil

    There’s a great article in today’s NY Times about A-Rod and his half-brother, a LT COL in the armed forces down in VA.

  134. Kevin

    How come Wang was not in the photo with Jeter, Posada, Rivera and Pettitte???
    He is an true Yankees too!!!

  135. Don Vito Bellamo

    that is OK…everybody is putting the bat on the ball…we are gonna smoke this BUM ! Here comes the Wanger, dealing another 1-2-3 inning !!!…oh and by the by…BoSox will fall tonight as well and maybe have a player pull a hammy, too !!!

  136. Don Vito Bellamo

    Larry David is the crowd…this is a MUST WIN ! LOL

  137. migames

    Larry David….can he sing God Bless America?

  138. Rebecca

    With Larry and Brad, we CAN’T lose!

  139. Don Vito Bellamo

    I feel a ground out coming on !…

  140. Paolo

    “How come Wang was not in the photo with Jeter, Posada, Rivera and Pettitte???”

    I guess Wang’s salary is not at a comparable level, that’s why…

  141. Don Vito Bellamo

    migames ….

    LOL I think HE can !!!

  142. Don Vito Bellamo

    Yikes…got away with that one…Wanger TOTALLY missed his spot….

  143. Mike NYY

    GIDP coming on

  144. migames

    this guy looks like a roid ragers…reminds me of Luis 50 hr Gonzalez

  145. Rebecca

    It’s still a ground ball!

    Here comes the double play!

  146. Cheesyhoboe

    Ibanez…

  147. Don Vito Bellamo

    no problem…the infield needs some work turning the double play…..and the next victim is ????

  148. Don Vito Bellamo

    how was THAT 1st pitch a ball ?????????????

  149. Don Vito Bellamo

    SAME PITCH !!!!!!!!!

  150. Mark

    It’s just about reached the point where every game is a must game.
    True, 162 games is a long season but let ‘08 be a reminder that a win in April is as good as a win in September.

  151. Rebecca

    One out! Two more outs to go! Another ground ball! Four outs, four ground balls!

  152. randy l

    ” Why isn’t Dougie Mintkevischisch in the line up?”
    i want mientkiewicz starting like i want marty miller to come back and stretch hammys.

  153. Don Vito Bellamo

    NICE play…that dude on 2nd better pitch a tent, because he is going NOWHERE !

    Serenity Now !

    Serenity NOW !!!! ( are you sure you’re supposed to YELL that ? …the man wasn’t very specific… ) LOL

  154. Don Vito Bellamo

    Ok….that guy 3rd base needs to lay a foundation, because…

  155. Rebecca

    Six outs! Six ground balls! We are ON tonight!

  156. Don Vito Bellamo

    way to work, Wanger ! Nice job, infield !

  157. Nick in SF

    What’s up with Jeter’s recent throwing woes to first base? Is he sad about Andy AND Michigan?

  158. Mike NYY

    Wang looks good today. Every batter has a GB right?

  159. DMan77

    3 outs. Woot!

  160. dontfirecash

    The two seamer is looking nasty tonight.

  161. Rebecca

    Nick: don’t know if you caught it, but we’re going with the optimism thing tonight…seems to be working so far!

  162. TKinDC

    Great line on the hammy!

    Wang is en fuego (or the taiwanese equivalent)

    Now lets get some hitting! The good news is this morning both Steve Phillips and John Kruk picked against the Yankees, sealing our spot in the post-season :)

  163. jennifer

    Evening all, hopefully it won’t get as vile and vicious as it did last night.

  164. Mike NYY

    More self promotion from Kay

  165. Nick in SF

    Rebecca: I am optimistic that the Yankees will overcome Jeter’s recent proclivity to start with an 0-2 count and throw balls a couple feet up the first base line to defeat the Mariners tonight. Go Jorge!

  166. Phil

    HR!

  167. jennifer

    HIP HIP JORGE!! NICE JOB!!!

  168. Rebecca

    Jennifer: all optimism tonight!

    JIP JIP JORGE!

    WAY TO WORK THE COUNT!

    OPTIMISM WORKS PEOPLE!

  169. Mike NYY

    Awesome

  170. Bobcat

    Hip, hip….

  171. EY

    HIP HIP JORGE

  172. Don Vito Bellamo

    an INSURMOUNTABLE LEAD !….and only 1/12th of what we are putting on the board tonight !!!

  173. DMan77

    Peaaacccceeeee ooooouuutttt ball

  174. jennifer

    I have to go up to redsox nation this weekend. :( I need to be wished luck!

  175. NJ

    There we go Jorge

  176. J-Dawg

    Oh yeah Jorge!! Optimism rocks!!!!

  177. Don Vito Bellamo

    Matsui took that pitch ??…he must have Eagle Eyes !

  178. Phil

    Duncan!!!

  179. DMan77

    Jennifer-

    Hah! Try living in it!
    I feel like a spy behind enemy lines most of the time

  180. Mike NYY

    Here comes Shelley!

  181. Don Vito Bellamo

    Here comes another HR, courtesy of Mr. Duncan Meister !

  182. Rebecca

    Shelley’s up!

  183. Michael T

    Jorge getting it started off on True Yankee (TM) night tonight with Wang as an honorary member!

  184. Bobcat

    Halladay/Beckett tonight.. first one to 1 wins.

  185. ChicagoYankee

    Why is it that cbs.sportsline describes Jorge’s most recent home run as a “hard” home run to left center. . can you hit a “soft” home run? No description needed, thank you very much. . .

    as for the MVP vote, mine goes to Jorge. . .he is having a career year and if the Yankee brass don’t see the work he has done with the motley crew pitching staff and at the plate then I may become a Cubs fan!

  186. dontfirecash

    Jennifer,
    If you think that is bad try living in Red Sox nation. UGH!

  187. Michael T

    And Shelly is an honorary member too, Kevin Mass subsidiary.

  188. jennifer

    I am going to totally be surounded have a wedding to go to in Maine.

  189. Rebecca

    Shelley does not like making outs. Shelley will hit it out of the park next time up. You heard it here.

    Come on Robby!

  190. mike

    this guy goes from throwing a 86 mph fastball and then a 97mph fatsball ?

  191. jennifer

    I have to take my license plate holder off. I’m afraid someone will do something to my car!

  192. Don Vito Bellamo

    Cano is fixin’ to turn on one,,,right NOW !

  193. Phil

    Nice AB for Robbie!

  194. dontfirecash

    Wow. Robbie actually didn’t swing at the first pitch.

  195. DMan77

    Get that AVG back to .300 Robbie

  196. Rebecca

    Robbie gets on base, now Betemit will bring him in!

  197. Cumberberg

    Randy L, your choice for the night is Betemit or Doug M. I’d rather have Doug out there. Better fielder, and at this point, my mom has more hits than Betemit over the last two weeks.

  198. Don Vito Bellamo

    Cano now in scoring position ! ( we’re being positive, so 1st base is scoring position tonight ! )

  199. jennifer

    Keep the line moving! But uh oh wilson up.

  200. Phil

    I love Wilson’s song going to the plate: “Can’t Find a Better Man”

  201. Dave K

    Yea Jennifer – be careful

    they’re a mean bunch up in that area. Granted, it was my decision to wear Yankees gear to Fenway

  202. Michael T

    Michael Kay annoyance #141: “tried to pull an outside pitch…”

    Does he really think a batter “tries” to pull an outside pitch? It’s more like “see ball, swing bat, oops it isn’t where I thought it was or at the speed I thought it was but it’s too late to check my swing.”

  203. dontfirecash

    Dave,
    That is like wearing a yamika to a mosque.

  204. DMan77

    dontfirecash-

    You’re in Red Sox territory too? Its tough living sometimes isn’t it?

  205. Rebecca

    BETEMIT WITH A BASE HIT FROM THE RIGHT SIDE!

    Optimism works! That’s my mantra tonight!

    We can’t lose! Let’s go Yankees!

  206. EY

    Wilson got a hit! We’re so winning tonight. I call 12-0 with a CG from Wang.

  207. Michael T

    Phil-

    Good call on the Pearl am. But it is even beter because the song is titiled simplye Betterman.” Like Beteman, er Betemit.

  208. mike

    pitch count now at 41….keep workin him yanks

  209. NJ

    Hey Wilson got a hit!

  210. Phil

    Michael T: Yes, there are hitters that try to pull outside pitches. They haven’t learned to take the ball the other way or are too stubborn to do so.

  211. kd

    one pitch one out

  212. jennifer

    Dave what did they do to you?

  213. TKinDC

    Wow-at least that breaks a long slumber for Wilson – - – good karma tonight.

  214. Rebecca

    Now Wang’ll shut them down!

    Three more outs, here we come!

  215. Michael T

    Another ball that Dj lets get through for a run scoring single. And we blame the pitcher.

  216. Cumberberg

    …and that’s reason number 9,721 why I’ll never manage a big league game… clearly, wilson was due.

    let’s go optimism, let’s go!

  217. WE MISS PAULIE

    Keep swinging at the first pitch Melky….great.

  218. sunny615

    Melky – TAKE A PITCH you pimple!

  219. YanksFanLV

    Would it kill Melky to not swing at the first pitch!?

  220. Wolf In Pinstripes

    I agree with Rebecca. Shelley will be unleashing the killer forearm after one of his next at-bats.

  221. Larry

    why the FU*% does Torre bat Melky leadoff?!

  222. Global Warming

    Betancourts range at Short Stop is really making me jealous…

  223. sunny615

    Melky is suffering from Cano disease apparently.

  224. TKinDC

    Michael T -

    You should feel lucky, being out of market I am forced to hear Suzyn Waldman speak knowingly about a pitcher’s release point (ugh).

  225. *Seattle*

    Wang better be in top form. We all know it will be a sweep if he doesn’t, considering you-know-who’s pitching tomorrow.

    Let’s go Mariners!

  226. Rebecca

    OPTIMISM! We scored a run. Betemit broke a slump. Wang just got an out on two pitches!

    WE WON’T LOSE TONIGHT!

  227. Phil

    And with the bold ones posting, the positivity blog is sadly out the window…

  228. dontfirecash

    Dman77,
    The best part of living in RSN is viewing the ridiculous amount of sh*t people have commemorating the 04 WS.

  229. Cumberberg

    look! look! it’s a seattle fan!

  230. keith

    no way in hell does jeter come close to making that play

  231. Rebecca

    SEVEN GROUND BALL OUTS!

    And it’s the third!

  232. sunny615

    Shelley needs to slap Melky around with Abreu for a while and maybe Melky will stop swinging at the first pitch every damm AB.

  233. Jonathan Everett

    Jennifer,

    I live on the SeaCoast in New Hampshire and have Yankees stuff on my car everywhere. Don’t worry about it, more fans than you think!

  234. Phil

    Wang looking good!!!

  235. Rebecca

    Melky with the catch!

    How many pitches did Wang throw that inning? Does he even have thirty yet?

    Optimism is working people! Let’s keep it going!

  236. nate c.

    6 beautiful pitches

  237. Michael T

    TKinDC-

    I am about as out of market as you can get- Menlo Park CA. I’ve fired up a little mlbtv on my desktop at work. Money well spent, even though the data transmission can be a little spotty.

    Waldmyn is the worst. In many cases, I would even prefer the away announcers to her. (Unless it is part of the crew that habitually whines about payroll disparity, wiht Oaklnad, KC, and the Mariners crews being among the worst).

  238. mike

    wang has 29 pitches

  239. Phil

    29 pitches for Wang through 3.

  240. Dave K

    It really wasn’t too bad because I wasn’t overly obnoxious like the Sox fans I’ve encountered at the Stadium (and oddly enough in Baltimore during Orioles vs. Yankees games)

    You’ll be OK – just ignore their taunts and remind them of the past 9 years – if they don’t understand that – perhaps remind them of the 26 championships..

  241. Cumberberg

    Wang looking every bit the Yankee ace tonight in an important game.

  242. J-Dawg

    29 pitches for Wang through three!!

  243. Bobcat

    Since the theme for the evening is optimism, I offer the following link (some of you may have already seen this):

    http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....ml?cnn=yes

  244. jennifer

    Cumberberg -Whats that?

  245. Larry

    None of you have the right to expect a kid like Hughes to come up and dominate. He is 21, give him a chance.

    Would you prefer DeSalvo or Karstens out there?

    Is it not obvious that Hughes was thrown in to the wolves because of injuries?

    Let him develop another pitch or two and then talk.

    Or trade him for Johann Santana.

  246. EY

    As usual, Wang is simply DOMINATING Seattle. Complete game, anyone?

  247. the todd

    pete, season 6 of curb starts up on sunday !!! can’t wait.

  248. mike

    who said jeter was gonna hit 4 for 5….its ok tho all we need is posada

  249. Cumberberg

    Jennifer — Just commenting on the appearance of a Seattle fan on the blog. Bit like a unicorn sighting. You’re not even sure they really exist and then wham, there’s one posting on the board.

  250. Mike NYY

    Complete game, anyone?

    Don’t jinx it

  251. Phil

    Nice hit!

  252. Don Vito Bellamo

    boo boo is gonna reach base, so that MVP can drive him home….SEE !

  253. Rebecca

    Another hit for Bobby!

    As Bobby goes, so go the Yanks! We’re not losing tonight!

  254. Nick in SF

    Bobby is raking to left field, that’s something to be optimistic about!

  255. mike

    is it possible for melky to win a gold glove this year…

  256. J-Dawg

    2 hits for Bobby, he’ll score on A-Rod’s homer!!!!

  257. Paolo

    Ramirez at 50 pitches now and counting…

  258. NYJane

    bobby getting hits. this is definitely a good sign.

    and then… arod kills us again.

  259. Don Vito Bellamo

    no worries…we are knockin’ at the door of a HUGE inning soon…and the WANGER is DEALIN’ !!!

  260. Andrea

    what is it about Seattle that they just cannot hit wang?

  261. TKinDC

    We’ve been hiding Abreu against lefties all year. He picked a nice time to come through.

    Ah crap. GIDP

  262. Paolo

    Shacks…

  263. sunny615

    jeezus H keerist – can anyone not named abreu take a friggin pitch???

  264. NJ

    We must lead the league in hitting into double plays.

  265. WE MISS PAULIE

    Another first pitch swing…another DP. Yikes.

  266. Jonathan Everett

    Speaking of living up here in the SeaCoast of New Hampshire, are there any other Yankees fans in the area that want to go out for the next Yanks/Sox series?

  267. nick

    ughh a-rod….

  268. J-Dawg

    I meant in a later at-bat!! :)

  269. Don Vito Bellamo

    NYJane…that is a violation of the Positive Decree for tonight’s game…We’ll let you off with a warning this time,,but NEXT TIME …..

  270. Mike NYY

    Ugly

  271. Kill-Schill(ing)

    Why aren’t the Yankee hitters working the damn counts?

  272. dontfirecash

    Melky won’t win a gold glove this year. The gold glove is the biggest sham in baseball; it is based on reputation and nothing else. I mean, Derek Jeter won a few right?

  273. Rebecca

    Oy, guys, Optimism!

    Oh, and ChiSox lead Detroit.

    AND ANOTHER GROUND OUT!

  274. Don Vito Bellamo

    Mowin’ dem down….Kickin’ @$$ and takin’ numbers !!!

  275. mike

    chi up 1 nadda on detroit

  276. Nick in SF

    If this pitch count keeps up, can Wang pitch a few innings tomorrow too?

  277. Michael T

    Here is a little experiment Iv’;e done lately, just to get a sense for objectively trying to figure out how valuable the Captain really is. Watch how many ground balls we hit that get snared by the other team’s SS, that we know DJ wouldn’t even come close to. (Like the one only Mleky’s grounder and the two yesterday). Then figure out the immediate number of runs it probably cost us. Gain, at least one run there and one yesterday.

    For the most part, that is what The Yankees are giving up in runs relative to a good glove man. Some pretty decent metric guage it at 26 runs already this year relative to the average defensesive SS, and this seems conservative based on my empirical observation.

    I am convinced that even the 2006 version of Dj on offense doesn’t offset the runs given up. And it really makes our pitchers look worse than they are. Coupled with Bernie in CF a couple of years ago they were climbing an uphill battle.

  278. Rebecca

    Dude. Optimism. No negativity tonight!

  279. Rebecca

    Ninth ground ball out!

  280. migames

    since we are talking about optimism, im I the only the that thinks that Shelley Duncan looks like the guy from scream?

    http://migames.wordpress.com/2.....om-scream/

  281. Phil

    Damn…we are ahead one nothing, Wang is dealing, and folks on this blog STILL want to poke holes and be negative.

  282. Don Vito Bellamo

    THIS is why you keep Wang on regular rest AND you keep freakin’ MOOSE outta da rotation until at LEAST the 15th ( which with POSITIVE PROJECTION …we won’t need him then either, as Rocket will be back and rested and Hughes will also be dealin’ !!!….of course, so will Andy and the K-Man Kennedy ! )

  283. Rebecca

    OPTIMISM WORKS!

    WE ARE NOT LOSING THIS GAME TONIGHT!

  284. Don Vito Bellamo

    Wanger is on FLIPPIN’ FIRE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW !

  285. Paolo

    40 pitches for 4 innings!!!

  286. migames

    K

  287. NYJane

    sorry i was trying to be positive. just before i hit enter, the double play happened.
    lefties starting to hit. wang looks sharp… and a strike-out. things are looking up.

  288. Phil

    40 pitches through 4! Wang is workin’ it!

  289. dontfirecash

    Wang works. Optimism has nothing to do with it.

  290. J-Dawg

    CMW is the man!!

  291. Matthew

    Where are all teh clowns who were saying Wang is done? Hes a number 3 at best, hes losing it?

    HELLO out there? anyone?

  292. Kill-Schill(ing)

    hey rebecca, what’s this is hear you have a yankees blog? What, you don’t send your favorite text correspondent the site address?

    now, i’m going to guilt you to death like a jewish mother.

  293. madden ti+

    FIIIIYYYAAAAA

  294. Rebecca

    Ten pitches per inning? He’ll throw a CG on 90 pitches!

    Let’s keep the optimism juices flowing!

  295. Marc

    Hey Pete, is there any way you can post the team picture from the front? Can you get that for us?

  296. jennifer

    Bueller Bueller

  297. Paolo

    Hip, Hip!!!!!!!!!!!1

  298. Michael T

    I think Halladay pitched a nine inning shut-out a couple of years ago with 82 pitches. Even with the beakneck pace at which Wnag is putting up outs, he is on pace for 90. That is pretty freakin amazing.

  299. Global Warming

    Wang will not throw a complete game

    because the game will be 10-0 Yankees by then, no need for CMW to go the distance.

  300. NYJane

    Po is on FIRE. let’s get going… i think matsui will join the hit parade…

  301. Paolo

    I am so optimistic that we are going to squeeze out at least one run in this inning… Go Yanks!!!

  302. Kill-Schill(ing)

    All I ask of the Yankee batter is to work the count. Hit, out, I won’t fault you. Just please no first pitch swinging and show some patience.

    During the last four games, the Yankee battters have not been earning walks. An ill omen and uncharacteristic besides.

  303. Phil

    Great hustle by Matsui!

  304. jennifer

    Whoa that was a crazy play.

  305. kasey

    seattle’s a very good matchup for wang. complete lack of plate discipline top to bottom in that lineup.

    matsui must be really banged up. he also looks to be pulling off the ball again.

    love to see the offense give wang a bit more to work with.

  306. Rebecca

    Posada came to play today!

    Matsui is disarming the mariners!

    Shelley? So going to hit it out.

  307. madden ti+s

    two sources on espn said the yanks might start joba….i dont buy it

  308. Phil

    Time for Duncan!!!

  309. Nelson Peltz

    Pete, I know you aren’t really a big yankees fan, but i also know that you have become a fan of the Wanger – you must be happy that he is doing well. Keep up the good work man

  310. Paolo

    C’mon Shelly, bring us a bomb!!!

  311. kasey

    completely agree with kill schill. don’t know where the patience went for the yankee offense, but it’s gone lately.

  312. Phil

    Never make the pale hulk angry!

  313. Michael T

    Good thing Matsui was busting it there. Almost another tough luck DP. Meanwhile, we are on pace for another one of those frustrating 10-1-0-0 lines. Need some longballs!

  314. Phil

    Rebecca, what is the link to your blog?

  315. Rebecca

    Phil: http://puristbleedspinstripes.blogspot.com

    Shelley is now so upset he will hit two home runs in his next at bat!

    Optimism rocks.

  316. WE MISS PAULIE

    Looks like the honeymoon’s over with Duncan

  317. sunny615

    jeezus – bad timing for a hit and run

  318. Pepper Brooks

    Good to see Shelley in the line up but I am not sure his hits to strikeout ratio are worth it at this point in the year.

    Yanks have 6 hits and only 1 run.. need to get bustin’ some humps.

  319. nate c.

    ugh

  320. SJ44

    I, too wonder where the patience went with the offense.

    Its crazy to see so many guys swinging at first pitches. Especially against a bad pitcher with runners on base.

    Its why the DP’s are piling up.

    You would think after April and May, they would have learned their lesson. Obviously, that’s not the case.

    Hopefully, CMW has a shutout in him tonight. Looks like he is going to need it.

  321. Rebecca

    Guys, c’mon, optimism!

  322. Phil

    Duncan will come through, he hasn’t had a chance to get regular at bats and get in a rhythm. He’ll be fine.

  323. Michael T

    There you go small ball/”work the count” fans. A 3-2 count and making something happen. Oops inning-ending DP.

    Meahwhil, anyone see this drive-by hit on ESPN by Peter Shammons, in an article that was supposed to be about having patience and trusting young talent: “Two days before, Joba Chamberlain fired a 100-mph pitch over Kevin Youklis’ head and looked at Alex Rodriguez for approval.”

    That is simply deplorable, unsubstantiated, Arod-envy conjecture on his part. This thing was analyzed by 100 different media participants and players and that is the first one mentioning anything like this. Is he a mind reader, pyschiatrist, or hall of fame journalist?

  324. Paolo

    A double play, please…

  325. Kill-Schill(ing)

    SJ44, the Yankees hitters’ impatience is driving me crazy.

  326. jennifer

    Michael T – What kind of thing is that to write for a so called professional? He’s making it sound like Alex told him to do it.

  327. jennifer

    Gator go out there, slow him down.

  328. Rebecca

    C’mon Wang, DP here! C’mon, you’re on tonight, you’re not going to miss!

  329. sunny615

    ick

  330. Global Warming

    “There you go small ball/â€?work the countâ€? fans. A 3-2 count and making something happen. Oops inning-ending DP.

    Meahwhil, anyone see this drive-by hit on ESPN by Peter Shammons, in an article that was supposed to be about having patience and trusting young talent: “Two days before, Joba Chamberlain fired a 100-mph pitch over Kevin Youklis’ head and looked at Alex Rodriguez for approval.�

    That is simply deplorable, unsubstantiated, Arod-envy conjecture on his part. This thing was analyzed by 100 different media participants and players and that is the first one mentioning anything like this. Is he a mind reader, pyschiatrist, or hall of fame journalist?”

    That being said it was an excellent article by Gammons, even with his allegiances.

  331. Paolo

    Wow, eight balls in a row…

  332. Don Vito Bellamo

    he is gonna TOTALLY work outta dis Jam here…GIDP and a K….GO WANGER !!!

  333. Michael T

    Why do we think there is a one size fits all game plan for attacking pitchers. For some guys, the book is that they try to jump ahead with mediocre fastballs, but can be tough in pitcher’s counts. I know that is how Curt Schilling is pitching these days. If that is the case, taking pitches just for the sake of taking piches may not be the best plan.

    It doesn’t look to me like the Yankees are swinging at balls or great breaking stuff, but are rather being aggressive and hitting some cheesy fastballs in the wrong place.

  334. Pepper Brooks

    Wang needs to ignore the runners, to an extent, and focus on the ground ball. He is too consumed by the runners.

  335. Rebecca

    GREAT THROW MATSUI!

    OPTIMISM EVERYONE!

  336. jennifer

    Wow nice play at the plate!

  337. Michael T

    Wow. With no outs, their 3rd base coach must have mistaken Godzilla for Johnny D. They do kind of look alike.

  338. MGW

    Gojiru!!!!
    Guns down Beltre ;-)

  339. Don Vito Bellamo

    our ACE !!!

  340. jennifer

    I see our fielders came out to play. Now if the hitters did we’re in good shape.

  341. Rebecca

    AND THE DOUBLE PLAY THERE!

    What did I tell you? Optimism! This is soo going to charge the Yankees!

    We are winning this game!

  342. ROY

    *WANGER!!!!*

  343. Nick in SF

    Outstanding! The optimism is paying off! Now let’s get some insurance!

  344. Global Warming

    That inning went from bad to good in a heartbeat. Good to see the defense picking up the pitcher, long overdue.

  345. jennifer

    Matsui doesn’t have a strong arm either, it was just right on target.

  346. TKinDC

    That is awesome stuff – - – GREAT D!

  347. MGW

    Nice way to get out of trouble, CMW!

  348. sunny615

    *WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!*

  349. Michael T

    Don Vito Bellamo
    September 4th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
    he is gonna TOTALLY work outta dis Jam here…GIDP and a K….GO WANGER !!!

    Totally called that one Don Vito.

  350. nate c.

    amazing. way to get out of that one wang!

  351. Paolo

    Nice GIDP! Though Wang used 16 pitches in this inning…

  352. Pepper Brooks

    Perfect example for Hughes and Kennedy… Let your defense help you out by making good pitches and not worrying about striking everyone out….

    OOPS… same memo to Mussina, only don’t get pissy when there is an error or a play is not made you thought should have been made.

  353. madden ti+s

    i have to admit i was loosing my optimism but after that inning i doubled it

  354. Shirley

    I almost had a heart attack!

  355. Kill-Schill(ing)

    I know Japan occupied Taiwan for 50 years. And I would please neither people but conflating the two, but here, here for the Asian connection!!!

    Three cheers. For Asia, for the Yankees, for Matsui-Wang.

  356. MGW

    That’s true, Jenn, but Hideki DOES have a
    pretty quick release [makes up for lacking
    a gun, just a little bit].

  357. mike

    ughh 16 pitches…..JC lol

  358. Don Vito Bellamo

    Wanger 56 pitches in 5 innings….complete game shutout coming RIGHT UP….now let’s put a crooked number up on the board !

  359. Paolo

    Robbie!!!

  360. EY

    Although it’d be quite an achievement to win this game by one run, I’d rather win it 12-0.

    Come on offense!
    Good job Robbie. Time for the bats to wake up!

  361. ROY

    Moose tends to pout when things don’t go his way. Usually leading to a big inning.

    I think he is showing signs of Pavanoism. Treatable but not curable.

  362. This Year

    I know, optimism, optimism, optimism. But sheesh, Ramirez would be out of the game by now if there was a little– I mean a little– plate discipline. And Ramirez does have a 6.55 era. Shouldn’t there be a crooked number up there? I know, optimism.

  363. Rebecca

    Good bunt by Wilson. Not trying to do too much, and now Leche or Jeter can drive Robbie in!

  364. Michael T

    The Bosox already have 4 runs against Halladay, including a home run by the supposedly punchless Jacoby Ellsbury. And they still don’t have Manny. If they start putting offense together like this consistently, they are a juggernaut.

    Remind me again how we just swept their big 3 starters.

    Baseball is a very, very peculiar game.

  365. Paolo

    OK – a run position!!! Go, Melky!!!

  366. sunny615

    holy mackeral, I just laid an egg… Melky took a pitch…

    just one of course.

  367. Rebecca

    Cano over to third! Now we just need a base hit by Jeter…

    C’mon Derek!

    (I’ll take a wild pitch, as well…)

  368. Eric

    uhhh kill-schill, actually many Taiwanese people love Japan haha

  369. WE MISS PAULIE

    Bosox are good, but we have their number.

  370. Paolo

    Oh, no…

  371. sunny615

    No patience. What the hell?

  372. Rebecca

    Not that inning, but it’s okay. We got Bobby, Arod and Posada next inning, recipe for trouble!

    C’mon Wang, keep it going!

  373. Michael T

    I hate small ball.

  374. WE MISS PAULIE

    First effing pitch again!

  375. Cumberberg

    damn it. serenity now. serenity now. serenity now.

  376. Paolo

    It is a 7-pitch inning for Ramirez… We need some patience at plate here…

  377. SJ44

    Well, if the plan is to swing at first pitches, perhaps its time to change it.

    Yes, you don’t attack everybody the same way. However, when you consistently make outs with runners on base swinging at first pitches, its ok to make adjustments.

    Melky has more RBI’s than Jeter this year. Tells you Jeter has to be really hurting. I have never seen him so inept with RISP.

    The knee and shoulder have to be really messed up.

  378. helno51

    is their any reason we bunted? i mean his era is over 6.5 and someone thought it was a good idea to give him an extra out. we have the best offense in baseball. dont give away outs.

  379. Kill-Schill(ing)

    eric, i’ll assume you know of what you speak but you tell that to my Taiwanese friends’ parents whose family is from Nanking.

  380. Don Vito Bellamo

    I am POSITIVE that when this Yankees’ First Pitch Swinging Stops that we ALL will have much less to be p*ssed about !

    Nice first out, Wanger !!!

  381. Rebecca

    Dude. Guys. Optimism.

    Lead off man out in the sixth. Two more to go…

  382. Don Vito Bellamo

    Strike one,,,IchyAchoo !!

  383. Chicago Dave

    OK, so I’m finally home after spending an hour-and-a-half in Cubs traffic! Damnit I hate the Cubbies on nights like this!!! Of course, I was following the game the whole way on my cell. I would have lost my mind if Seattle scored that last inning. Still, it must have been some throw by Matsui, huh? I can’t remember the last time that guy threw out someone at home!!!

  384. Rebecca

    Kill Schill, check your phone.

  385. Don Vito Bellamo

    that WAS strike 2….That’s OK….IchySchmank is OURS !

  386. EY

    ugh ichiro :P

  387. EY

    Time for another GIDP

  388. Kill-Schill(ing)

    thanks, becca

  389. This Year

    As I said, even a little plate discipline. This always happens when we face mediocre to bad pitchers. Then we take three against the three best bosox have to offer. It seems we play to the level of competition. I know, optimism. But it is tough.

  390. Don Vito Bellamo

    No WORRIES…Inning Ending GIDP…RIGHT NOW ! I’m getting a beer right now to celebrate !

  391. sunny615

    gasp

  392. Bobcat

    Just as an aside, is Ryan Braun having some kind of rookie year, or what.

    In 360 AB so far, he’s hitting .334 with 27/73 and 14 SB. Projected over an entire season (550 AB), which is dangerous to do, you’re talking about a 41/111/21 SB guy. And he’s 23.

    He has difficulty fielding, but he’s fun to watch…

  393. Phil

    Nice!

  394. Don Vito Bellamo

    I AM THE MAN ! LOL

  395. Dr. Acula

    C’mon offense!!

    The staff can’t keep walking on the knife’s edge (see Andy & Sunday).

  396. Rebecca

    DP!

    WHOO!

    And we’ve got Bobby, Arod and Posada up at bat.

    We are winning tonight!

  397. Nick in SF

    More Wang magic, but can we (optimistically) PLEASE have some insurance runs?

  398. Chicago Dave

    I know this may seem counter-intuitive, but I’d like to see Wang ignore the first baserunner in an inning the next time it happens. That is to say, I’d like to see him focus exclusively on the hitter. He still seems to get way too distracted once a guy gets on first.

  399. Pepper Brooks

    Don Vito… Nice friggin call

  400. migames

    dp….

  401. Shirley

    Another DP! Nice going, Wang!

  402. mike

    wooo hooo goo wang!!!…..that was wangs 20th straight inning with out allowing an earned run

  403. EY

    EY September 4th, 2007 at 8:35 pm

    Time for another GIDP
    ——————————
    Don Vito Bellamo September 4th, 2007 at 8:37 pm

    No WORRIES…Inning Ending GIDP…RIGHT NOW ! I’m getting a beer right now to celebrate !
    ——————————
    We both called it!

    No great feat when my man Wanger’s on the mound :D

  404. YankeeJosh

    Rebecca,

    You’ve convinced me. Channeling 1996 and Mariano Duncan- We play today, we win today!

  405. Chicago Dave

    Bobby will hit for the cycle! (How’s that for optimism, Rebecca?!)

  406. Kill-Schill(ing)

    Why do the Yankees need a-rod? Because they have no Ellsbury in their system.

    Stairs goes yard. Sox 4-3.

  407. Cumberberg

    4-3 in boston.

  408. Rebecca

    THE SQUIRRELL IS BACK!

  409. YankeeJosh

    The squirrel is back! This game is in the bag!

  410. sunny615

    how about some f’in run support now??

  411. migames

    HOLY SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!!!

  412. frits

    THE SQUIRREL!!!

  413. Bobcat

    Optimism at its finest… the Squirrel is back.

  414. MGW

    The Lucky Squirrel!!!!

  415. Vighorois

    Here comes the squirrel again!

  416. frits

    That squirrel is some good f*cking luck!

  417. Phil

    I can’t believe the crowd is chanting for a squirrel.

  418. Rebecca

    YankeeJosh and Chi Dave: PERFECT!

  419. Bobcat

    So did Matt Stairs hit his HR before, or after the squirrel showed up? It is NOT coincidental.

  420. Kill-Schill(ing)

    the squirrel is an auspicious omen from the Baseball Gods. We’re going to win this game.

    Alex goes yard here, I’m calling it.

  421. Cumberberg

    Note to other Yankees — Abreu taking pitches.

  422. jennifer

    He’s back!! “Let’s go Squirrel” LOL

  423. dontfirecash

    Why do the Yankees need a-rod? Because they have no Ellsbury in their system.

    Austin Jackson has the potential to be way better than Ellsbury. Think Tori Hunter/Vernon Wells.

  424. migames

    the squirrel…alright guys, im off to bed. the squirrel is back, the game is ours. see squirrel, see arod, see arod hit homerun

  425. Eric

    Kill Schill – that’s why i said MANY =P, of course there are exceptions.

    If they are the mainlanders that came with CKS to Taiwan after 1949, then of course they despise Japan. Who knows?

  426. EY

    Tonight is the night for Arod to hit #46. The offense needs to stack up insurance runs :)

  427. Chicago Dave

    Where the heck did the squirrel come from? I mean, how did a squirrel find its way into the Stadium?

  428. *Seattle*

    Please don’t ever say the Yankees have a better starting rotation than the Mariners.

  429. They Shruted It

    Where does the squirrel from

  430. migames

    of course the blue jays are coming back…itsw the squirrel

  431. Phil

    Gone.

  432. Don Vito Bellamo

    OH MY !!!

  433. Kill-Schill(ing)

    Did I call it or what?

  434. Rebecca

    DUDE.

    SQUIRRELL
    OPTIMISM

    You knew that was coming. You so knew it.

  435. Vighorois

    A-rod finally shows up!

  436. helno51

    Wow

  437. jennifer

    EY! You called it!!

  438. mike

    hey guys i forrgot to tell u the yanks got a better rotation the the mariners

  439. migames

    HOLY SQUIRRELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  440. J-Dawg

    Cuarenta y seis for A-Rod!!!!

  441. nate c.

    thank you alex

  442. EY

    I CALLED IT!!!!!!!!!!!

    EY September 4th, 2007 at 8:44 pm

    Tonight is the night for Arod to hit #46. The offense needs to stack up insurance runs :)

  443. Nick in SF

    You just have to call that squirrel magic. That was a shot you don’t see much. Wow!

  444. Michael T

    Just for fun, the Yankees have had 20 ABs through five. Here are the outcomes, in the format of pitches Seen/Result:

    2/out, 8/out, 2/2B, 4/out, 6/HR, 5/K, 5/K, 3/1B, 5/1B, 1/out, 2/out, 8/1B, 1/GIDP, 2/1B, 6/K, 2/1B, 2/Sac, 2/out, 1/out.

    I think the gameplan should be to get to the 6th pitch and swing becasue the one time that happened Jorge hit a home run.

    Or swing at the 2nd pitch cuz they are 3 for 6 with a double and a sacrifice.

    And be careful at 5 because of the two Ks.

  445. Cumberberg

    Seattle troll, run along. You’re team must have their own blog to post on, right? Oh…

  446. Don Vito Bellamo

    *The Yankees have a better starting rotation than the Mariners*

  447. WE MISS PAULIE

    Schill – YOU Called it!!!!

  448. frits

    omg he did it!!!

  449. Chicago Dave

    Kill-Schill – Wow, you must be psychic!!!

  450. Bobcat

    I’d say he got most of that one…

  451. jennifer

    I heard the squirell went on his way after the game. I guess he lives in the stadium.

  452. MGW

    Kill-Schill(ing)
    September 4th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
    “the squirrel is an auspicious omen from the Baseball Gods. We’re going to win this game.

    Alex goes yard here, I’m calling it.”

    You did exactly that, Sir. :-)

  453. frits

    migames called it too…unreal!

  454. VT Yankeefan

    An Abomb from Arod! Upper deck job. Was it as impressive as Sterling described on the radio?

  455. migames

    Arod just pointed to the squirrels

  456. jennifer

    The players must be what the heck is up with these fans? LOL

  457. Bobcat

    Michael Kay will make a big deal out of the squirrel tonight and he’ll be on the back pages tomorrow.

  458. Nick in SF

    (It’s hard to stay optimistic when Kay pronounces “disparate” that way, but maybe I’m nit-picking)

  459. Chicago Dave

    Seattle – I can say one thing for sure…Horacio is A-Rod’s beeeyyyyaaatchhhh right now!!!!

  460. Dr. Acula

    Peter, did da Squirrel make the Team photo??

    I wonder how much the Squirrel has to pay for that seat? you know nuts don’t grow on trees!

    OUTTA HERE!!!!

  461. Michael T

    oops- I missed the Arod dinger as mlbtv crapped out and I was busy researching. But, he did hit his HR on the 6th pitch so I stand by my recommendation.

  462. kidjock

    mvp. There is no doubt about it. A-rod IMO has answered all the clutch questions and playing under the scrutiny of ny

  463. sunny615

    thank you arod

  464. frits

    it was way more impressive…he absolutely killed that ball.

  465. jennifer

    Arod had a party and his teamates showed up. I guess they do like him.

  466. EY

    Jorge’s battling it here. Keep running his pitch count up!

  467. Senator Larry Craig

    Pay the man….

    Scott Boras is just hitting the calculator at this point

  468. Dave K

    Sterling with an interesting call

    “Alex Emanuel Rodriguez to the upper deck”

  469. migames

    Aord invited the squirrel to the party

  470. Rebecca

    Nice way to work the count Jorge!

    Wow, I am bursting with optimism tonight, and it’s working!

  471. Dr. Acula

    Squirrel = CLUTCH !!

    I tell ya, that Squirrel has some a bg Sack of NUTS

  472. jennifer

    Did he bring nuts?

  473. Mike

    He is not human.

  474. mike

    great AB 4 Posada 10 pitch walk

  475. sunny615

    Posada = now *THAT* is a Yankee at bat

  476. EY

    Hahahhahaha way to go Jorge! 10-pitch walk.

  477. Cumberberg

    And a 10-pitch walk. These are the Yankees I know and love.

  478. Chicago Dave

    The Mariners sure don’t have a better squirrel than we do! HA!!!

  479. JOBA TO THE RESCUE

    wow just a blast

  480. migames

    bobcat: The squirrel is bigger than Michael Kay, its bigger than Arod, its bigger than all of us.

  481. Cumberberg

    CWS up 3-0 over Detroit.

  482. Rebecca

    Dude!

    Shelley up now. Shelley wants big hit. Shelley going to get big hit.

  483. Chicago Dave

    P.S. – Wouldn’t it be great to see A-Rod reach 50 HRs this year?! It would make Cashman cry (i.e. add a few more millions to A-Rod’s asking price), but I think it would make the rest of us happy!!!

  484. Phil

    Great piece of hitting and doing the job by Matsui.

  485. Dr. Acula

    “Give up Seattle !” ~ Squirrel

  486. jennifer

    The squirell needs an agent.

  487. migames

    shelley meet squirrel, squirrel meet shelley…homerun the other way….coming up

  488. YankeeJosh

    Rumor has it the squirrel will be joining the broadcast team in place of Michael Kay tomorrow.

  489. Michael T

    Here comes my brand of small ball: BB, Catcher Int. 3-run bomb!

  490. helno51

    bad at bat by shelly. we could really use a hit here.

  491. sunny615

    Damn – the mojo of Shelley Duncan is fading

  492. Don Vito Bellamo

    that is OK….here comes the Hammer !

    *The Yankees have a better starting rotation than the Mariners*

  493. migames

    or not

  494. EY

    lol what happened? It says “catcher interference”????

    :( Shelly Duncan
    Let’s go Robbie! Time to make the final stab and chase this guy from the game.

  495. Chicago Dave

    Come on, Robbie…Clutch hit!

  496. Phil

    Cano delivers.

  497. sunny615

    yay cano!

  498. Rebecca

    WHOO!!

    Yeah Robbie! We just broke our RISP slump! Optimism is working! Squirrel magic is working! Life is beautiful!

  499. Don Vito Bellamo

    The Hammer…just like I said….Nice AB, Meester Cano !

    *The Yankees have a better starting rotation than the Mariners*

  500. jennifer

    The squirrel runs faster than Jorge.

  501. helno51

    big hit. i love how kay at first said posada will score even before ichiro had lost the ball, then after the play kay tells me posada would have been dead at home.

  502. Chicago Dave

    YESSSS!!!! PRAISE THE SQUIRREL!!!!!

  503. EY

    Andddddddddd Robbie does the job, LOL
    3-0

  504. Dave K

    It is so strange to watch Cano at the plate.. When things are going bad, he seems awful.. When things are going good – he seems unbelievably unstoppable

  505. TKinDC

    No offense to HRs, but it is nice to see someone get a good old-fashioned hit with RISP

  506. migames

    posada still hasnt scored…he just rounded third

  507. mike

    3 hit day niceee….go robbiee

  508. Chicago Dave

    Now Wilson needs to go yard…

  509. Nick in SF

    Wow, the sainted Ichiro looks human for a play. Sorrow falls over Japan!

  510. a11starmom

    GO Yanks!

  511. EY

    Methinks this Ramirez dude is done for the day hehe :P

  512. SJ44

    That may be the longest HR I have ever seen a RH hit at the stadium.

    The only other two I can recall that far up in the upper deck in left was Cecil Fielder’s 50th HR when he was with the Tigers and (this for the old folks like me in the blog) Dave Kingman, during his brief time as a Yankee.

    That was a bomb!

  513. YankeeJosh

    Helno,

    Kay can definitely grate on the nerves, but listening to Singleton and Murcer this past weekend was no better. They kept making mistake after mistake. O’Neill, Flaherty and Girardi are the best of the analyst bunch.

  514. Dr. Acula

    Hey, whatz ‘da Squirrel’s entry song ???

  515. Rebecca

    WILLLSSSOOONNN!!!

  516. Phil

    Betemit delivers.

  517. CheMistry

    MVP

  518. DMan77

    Alright. Lets keep it up Yankees!

  519. sunny615

    Guess Betemit is out of his funk

  520. Dr. Acula

    HA!

    Da’ Squirrel put the WHAMMY on Ichiro!

  521. CYF

    The mystifying gaze of the squirrel transfixes Ichiro, clouding his mind with the myriad possibilities unfolding before his eyes. Ichiro, mind bewitched, throws to the middle of …. nowhere. Ichiro bows his head in shame, the squirrel chitters in laughter, and Yankees score another run.

  522. J-Dawg

    Way to go, Wilson!!

  523. Chicago Dave

    “Hey, whatz ‘da Squirrel’s entry song ???”

    It has to be “Wild Thing,” doesn’t it?! ;)

  524. EY

    Looks like Wilson has his groove back.

  525. sunny615

    Melky is still swinging away

  526. CYF

    The squirrel now turns its baleful gaze to Betancourt. Beware the squirrel, Mariners…. beware.

  527. Global Warming

    Great to see the Yankees break through and give Wang some run support. Hopefully the time in between doesn’t disrupt Chien Mings good mojo.

    Also nice to see Betimet get base hits from the Right Side.

  528. TKinDC

    Drac:

    I don’t know what song, but it should be sung by the Chipmunks, no?

  529. jennifer

    This just in

    Live footage from Yankee Stadium

    http://video.google.com/videop.....;plindex=0

  530. MGW

    Here’s another optimistic omen:
    “Rocket J. Squirrel”.
    Look it up!

  531. Johnny B

    This squirrel needs a name!!!!!

  532. Stef

    I hate it when MKay tries to pull out his big words and then mispronounces them…”disparate”. PLEASE.

  533. EY

    Ugh, gameday and gamechannel are extremely outdated right now. What’s going on :(

  534. Brandon

    that Squirrel is our Rally Squirrel :)

    and who said Betemit can’t hit right handed !!!

  535. Rebecca

    So who’s for giving the squirrel season tickets?

  536. Harley

    Pete, Springsteen fan that you are, you must know that Patty Scialfa’s new CD dropped today. Nils Lofgren is all over the thing, and yes, her husband contributes too.

    And she still sings like an angel.

  537. jennifer

    Sorry for the long link

  538. Dr. Acula

    Da Squirrel just broke this nut OPEN!!

  539. Chicago Dave

    Maybe the Yanks need to make up a squirrel badge to wear on their uniforms…You know, kind of like the lightning bolt badge everyone starts wearing in “The Natural”?

  540. DMan77

    Squirrel! Woot!

  541. JOBA TO THE RESCUE

    the yanks should get a sqirrel and let it lose on the foul poul for evey home game it could be or little thing

  542. Cumberberg

    Leche may have struck out, but he did a great job working the count…

  543. Stef

    Brandon: That would be Michael Kay who said that Betemit can’t hit right-handed. And he knows all.

  544. Kill-Schill(ing)

    alright, now come on Wonger, let’s go 1-2-3 in the 7th and hand the ball to Jabba.

  545. MGW

    “Stef
    September 4th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
    I hate it when MKay tries to pull out his big words and then mispronounces them…â€?disparateâ€?. PLEASE.”

    Not to mention that he called Matsui “Ichiro” on the
    catcher’s interference play.
    “Alois Leiter”? Huh?

  546. EY

    I see Melky has 5 LOB today. Clearly not his day today.

  547. DMan77

    I must have missed it, is the squirrel back tonight?

  548. Dr. Acula

    Rebecca-

    season tickets? Hell, I’m nominating him for Rookie of the YEAR!

  549. J-Dawg

    Three big runs there. Time for Wang to squash the Mariners for good!!

  550. migames

    “In Japan, the ancient Ainu culture believed squirrel meat was a cure for infertility and was also sought after for people needing new teeth.”

    it seems that its a cure for slumps

  551. Chicago Dave

    A nine-pitch out for Melky…He’s definitely learning? Then again, maybe it’s just the influence of the squirrel…

  552. EY

    Here comes Doug! Welcome back!

  553. Kill-Schill(ing)

    maybe wonger goes 8 innings, if everything stays status quo.

  554. Rebecca

    Mentkiewicz in, however you spell it.

    If Wang keeps his game on, do you think we see Joba?

  555. jennifer

    Where is the update on the squirrel.

  556. Kill-Schill(ing)

    just throw strikes baby, throw strikes, please.

  557. migames

    this just in, jorge posada just scored

  558. EY

    There’s one out.

  559. jennifer

    We have to use Joba tonight, no matter the score.

  560. Phil

    From yankees.com:

    K.C. master plan: With Clemens expected to miss at least one start and possibly more, the Yankees plan to re-insert Mike Mussina into the starting rotation, tentatively starting on Sunday at Kansas City. Mussina pitched 3 2/3 innings of two-run, seven-hit relief on Monday after Clemens’ early exit. He is expected to be preceded by rookie Ian Kennedy and Pettitte in the weekend series at Kauffman Stadium.

  561. sunny615

    well, at least he took a lot of pitches… sigh

  562. Dr. Acula

    *Retro Team Photo*

    before PEDs, before Cable, before ‘da Squirrel

    1977 Yankees

    http://tinyurl.com/2jwfzo

  563. mike

    how many gound outs thus far

  564. DMan77

    The Squirrel is really there again tonight?

  565. sunny615

    *crap!!!!!*

  566. Bobcat

    SJ44 – Jay Buhner hit one in the early 90s that went over the Yankee bullpen, but the ones that stand out for me are the ones Mickey Mantle and Frank Howard used to hit over the LF wall in the old Stadium; they had to hit bombs to even get them to the wall, but most of theirs were to LCF, not so much down the line, like A-Rod’s. Those had to be some of the hardest balls I’ve ever seen hit.

    I would say A-Rod’s get up and out as quickly as anyone I remember. Reminds me of where Frank Robinson used to hit them.

  567. Kill-Schill(ing)

    you know what, I prefer a home run here to a walk. That’s fine with me.

  568. Rebecca

    Pfft.

    Last time Wang pitched against Seattle, he gave up one run and the Yanks won the game.

    Wang’s pitched great so far, and I’m still keeping the optimism going.

  569. EY

    :(
    Unlucky.
    No worries. I am sure Wanger can still go 8.

  570. CYF

    Just a solo HR, happens, ignore it and keep it going Wanger.

  571. Stef

    Dang. Beltre can hit, though.

    Happiness to come: Joba will need some work tonight!!

  572. mike

    that sucks

  573. jennifer

    If Kay isn’t Captain Obvious, I don’t know who is.

  574. Kill-Schill(ing)

    just keep throwing strikes Wonger, stay focused, keep challenging these guys. Beltre just guessed correctly. YOU THE MAN, just keep telling yourself Wonger, YOU DA MAN.

  575. Stef

    Jennifer, I rolled my eyes just a minute ago!

  576. EY

    Ugh. Bah.
    Time for 3rd GIDP of the game!

  577. Rebecca

    C’mon Wang, DP here! You are the master of the DP tonight!

  578. Brandon

    ok Torre Minkewitcz yeh a move that makes no sense since Betemit has way more hitting power from the left side & has a very good glove at 1B too

  579. DMan77

    Yup Joba does need to get at least an inning in tonight.

  580. Vighorois

    The third double play!

  581. Kill-Schill(ing)

    Don’t mess with ME, I’m the Wonger.

  582. Rebecca

    Dude. I so called it.

    Wang’s had a gem. Joba 8, Mo 9.

    We’ll get some more runs here though, just because we love it so much.

  583. migames

    bring him out in the 8th

  584. YankeeJosh

    Rebecca- Way to call it yet again!

  585. J-Dawg

    WOW!! Wonderful time for a DP!! Great call folks!!

  586. Joe

    Guidry just wanted to check in to make sure the double play was a good idea, it looks like they agreed.

  587. migames

    brad pitt shoould sing instead of this lame recording

  588. Kill-Schill(ing)

    gotta say, Bob Shepard, let’s hope to God no American servicemen are defending “MY” way of life. Sheeesh!

  589. mike

    wang only gave up 8 hrs this year thats impresive….also considering that “the best pitcher in baseball” johan santana gave up 30 this year…

  590. Dave K

    lets hope for 1 more double play (Ivan Rodriguez) – Detroit is threatening

  591. EY

    Rebecca I called it before you =)
    Dominating performance.
    84 pitches. Wang can go 8. Joba in 9 for his first save.

  592. Brandon

    Joba should definitely pitch the 8th tonight, sit Viz Joe you beat him up too much

  593. Dan

    Chien-Ming Wang, 84 pitches through 7 innings, and they haven’t been particularly stressful pitches either.

    Now do you send him out for the 8th, or go with Joba?

  594. YankeeJosh

    I’m really anxious to see Joba. I would have liked Joe to get him in right after the suspension, just to make sure those yips from the Boston series are out of his system.

  595. Stef

    Brad — probably should keep your cap on with that hair you got going tonight.

  596. migames

    brad should have sung

  597. CheMistry

    JUST IGNORE THAT

    ….dp

  598. ansky

    dont underestimate the power of the Pitt hair, Stef. Tomorrow, everyone will be rocking that style

  599. James097

    Wang go 8 Joba close door……..perfect!

  600. Stef

    Dan,

    Part of me hopes that Joba WAS throwing at Youkulis because I REALLY don’t want to think he could have the yips like that!

  601. Chicago Dave

    I say let Wang pitch the eighth and then let Joba take the ninth. If Wang gets in trouble in the eighth, pull him for Joba and then go to Mariano in the ninth.

  602. SJ44

    Bobcat,

    I remember Buhner’s. That was some shot.

    I think Arod hit one back there last year, IIRC. It may have been against the Braves.

    That’s rarified air, hitting balls out there from the right side. Its amazing to see.

    I was at Old Timers Day a couple of years ago and Arod hit one in the upper deck in left. That was “only” about 3 rows back. What I remember most about it (I had great seats just to the right of home plate, about 15 rows back) was the sound of the ball off the bat. It sounded different than other hits. Almost like the sound of a cannon.

    Its amazing how strong Arod is.

  603. Rebecca

    We’ll probably see Joba.

    I’d like to see three more runs. Completely take Seattle out of it.

    I’m absolutely loving that the optimism is working tonight. With a little help from the squirrel. No help from Jeter though. He’s gotta get past the whole Michigan thing ;)

  604. Stef

    Ansky,

    You are SO right.

  605. Kill-Schill(ing)

    Yo, Jete, what’s up with all the first pitch swinging against a guy who walks the house?

  606. Dr. Acula

    Page Six is linking Da Squirrel with Scarlett Johansson, saying the two of them were seen canoodaling at Puffy’s labor day party in the Hamptons.

  607. migames

    what the hell is ansky?

  608. TKinDC

    If it is the 9th and a save situation it is going to Mariano. I know people get stoked about Joba (impossible not to), but Mo is the closer, end of story.

  609. sunny615

    The Capt is struggling pretty hard

  610. migames

    I saw the squirrel hitting on trouble (leona’s dog) this weekend in central park…

  611. Dave K

    Seems like Jeter is swinging at the first pitch and making out during each of his at-bats

  612. Chicago Dave

    Dr. Acula – Your posts are always so entertaining! Keep ‘em coming!!

  613. Rebecca

    YEAH BOBBY!

    Wow. We need a name for the Squirrel. Something more creative than Rally Squirrel, because he is so much better than that.

  614. YankeeJosh

    Okay, now I go Wang for the 8th and Joba in the 9th.

  615. migames

    CEE YA

  616. Brandon

    “Rally Squirrel !!!!!!”

  617. Stef

    How’s that, Rebecca?

  618. Armand

    BOB-BOOM!!!

  619. Chris

    ha the squirell is back?

  620. DMan77

    He almost hit the Squirrel!!
    Whew.

  621. mike

    nicceee bobbyy…no help from melk and jete 0 for 8

  622. klem

    During Wang’s slump earth last month Pete wrote somewhere here saying Wang will end up having 3.70 ERA. Now Wang is at 3.69.

    Pete, you are THE real fortune-teller.

  623. ansky

    thank you migames, thank you.

  624. ansky

    ps..bobby has been drilling balls tonight.

  625. sunny615

    WRONG AROD – You’re supposed to HOMER!

  626. migames

    The little squirrel

  627. DMan77

    Can somebody knit that Squirrel a Yankees jersey?!

  628. Chicago Dave

    Rebecca – Bobby is now one shy of the cycle!!!

  629. Rebecca

    Stef: Cos. The Squirrel is magic!

  630. EY

    What a shot

  631. Joe

    Well, Is the squirrel a boy or girl, I guess you could just go with a unisex name.

  632. Armand

    “sunny615 September 4th, 2007 at 9:20 pm

    WRONG AROD – You’re supposed to HOMER!”

    LOL!!! HAHA great expectations haha…

  633. SJ44

    I say, no Joba tonight. Save him for Hughes tomorrow because you may need him for two innings.

    Have Wang start the 8th and hope he gets through it. If he does, go Viz or Mo (if Mo needs work) in the 9th.

    Save Joba for tomorrow for Hughes’ start because its doubtful Hughes can go deep into the game.

  634. Andrea

    I’m selfish. I don’t want Joba to pitch tonight because I have tickets to tomorrow’s game and I want to see Joba pitch tomorrow night!! and a complete game for Wang would be awesome. Is that out of the question?

  635. Rebecca

    Chi Dave–Oh yeah! The optimism? Full bloom! And it works!

    We have *so* got to try this more often.

  636. migames

    ansky:
    http://www.adweek.com/aw/creat.....90s_03.jsp

  637. Dr. Acula

    Key Stretch Drive Additions:

    1) Squirrel

    2) Gagne

    3) Joba

    4) Kennnedy

  638. DMan77

    Ohhh he almost made it all the way down!
    But then where does he go?

  639. ansky

    i like the plan SJ but we dont usually plan ahead. Its the Yanks

  640. Stef

    I suggest the following as a name for the squirrel:

    SQUANKEE

    That’s squirrel + Yankee.

  641. Kill-Schill(ing)

    Batting Fourth for the New York Yankees…. A…….Rod!

    Love The Natural, albeit Barry Levinson’s interpretation, much more than Malamud’s.

  642. sunny615

    Andrea- I guess that depends on how quickly he gets through the eighth

  643. TKinDC

    This article was just posted on the NYT website about Clemens, I got a kick out of it:

    “Pettitte called cortisone shots “wonderfulâ€? and said he had one as recently as last season without missing a start. Clemens is not conceding that he will miss a turn, and though Torre has all but ruled him out for Sunday, he expects Clemens back shortly thereafter.”

    Some kind of wonderful!

  644. Chicago Dave

    So, what sort of deal did the squirrel sign, exactly? Is it better than Pavano’s (or Igawa’s)?!

  645. Dr. Acula

    Joe-

    _Well, Is the squirrel a boy or girl, I guess you could just go with a unisex name._

    Who cares, Squirrel GOT NUTS!!

  646. Bob from NJ

    Oh crap.

  647. migames

    what about stump squirrel, after our fearless manager stump merril?

  648. Stef

    But didn’t the camera get a shot of Joba starting to warm up already? I’d prefer him to pitch tomorrow, too, but it’s been SOOOO long…

  649. ansky

    wow, migames. Another HUGE thank you. Ive been searching and searching

  650. Rebecca

    C’mon Arod. You’re not hurt. You can’t be hurt. You’re not hurt. You’re not hurt. You’re not hurt.

  651. Brandon

    GET HIM HEALTHY GET HIM HEALTHY !!!!

  652. Bobcat

    SJ44 -

    Mantle’s had a sound like no others. When you heard it, it wasn’t a matter of “if”, it was a matter of “how far”. There may not have been a stronger man to ever play the game than him.

    But I agree, A-Rod is a the most talented athlete in the game today.

  653. Johnny B

    Some quick squirrel stats:

    The squirrel now has more Stadium appearances then Carl Pavano.

    Reports are saying that Scott Boras has signed the Rally Squirrel saying, “Were looking for Secret Squirrel money and we will not negotiate during the season”

  654. migames

    there goes the season

  655. Chicago Dave

    Kill-Schill – That’s because Roy Hobbs strikes out at the end of the book, right?

  656. DMan77

    ………………………………..

  657. down goes arod

    ef you cee kay

  658. Joe

    Dear God!

  659. Bob from NJ

    (collective sigh of relief)

  660. Rebecca

    Whoo MVP!

  661. Dr. Acula

    Chicago Dave-

    _what sort of deal did the squirrel sign?_

    Sign?

    Page Six says Squirrel is a Sagittarius Rising

  662. DMan77

    I just started hyper-ventalating

  663. Senator Larry Craig

    I just threw up….

  664. Andrew

    Holy crap, I thought A-Rod broke his leg and the season was over.

  665. MGW

    Oooh!
    Almost an ankle on Alex…

  666. sunny615

    who’s injured?

  667. Dan

    WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO LEARN NOT TO SLIDE HEAD FIRST?!?!?!

    This is the 2nd time arod has hurt himself sliding headfirst

  668. TKinDC

    Is Minky going to make an appearance at 1B, Betemit to 3B?

  669. Brandon

    messages all night for ALEX !!! I’m talking doctors on ASAP time. I would even put Gonzo to field after this inning

  670. Kill-Schill(ing)

    nothing can touch this man, nothing, this man is the man of steel…nothing nothing…

    And for all you yahoos who call WFAN to complain about A-rod not being a clutch player…

    “To the end, I grapple with thee, From hell’s heart I stab at thee… For hate’s sake, I spit my breath at thee.”

  671. Rob S

    How many lefties does Seattle have?

  672. Brandon

    * massages *

  673. CYF

    Whew, glad A-Rod appears fine. Also, Stef, Squankee’s a great name, actually laughed out loud

  674. Rebecca

    I think Yankee nation just had the biggest sigh of relief ever. COME ON MATSUI! BRING AROD HOME! Bring Arod home so he can return to the dug out and get some ice!

  675. sunny615

    never mind

  676. DMan77

    That Squirrel must have healing powers.. Which he can send across the field…

    Uh, or something..

  677. jennifer

    They called up 35 players!! WOW

    Thanks for the update on Alex, Michael.

  678. *The Yankees have a better starting rotation than the Mariners*

    Yankees SPANKING the 1-10 Mariners !

    *The Yankees have a better starting rotation than the Mariners*

  679. Chicago Dave

    Kill-Schill – Joseph Conrad or Wrath of Khan?

  680. Brandon

    Kill Schill I couldn’t agree more that man has been our rock this year and people get on him for stupid sh**

  681. Cumberberg

    Rob S — How many lefties does Seattle have? All of them.

  682. jennifer

    They have 5 lefties.

  683. Rebecca

    Bases loaded for Shelley.

    Wow.

    Umm.

    Who’s gonna call it?

  684. Don Vito Bellamo

    GRAND SALAMI TIME !

  685. mike

    grand slam duncan!!1

  686. EricNS

    Please no more head first slides!!! No more!!!!!!!!!!!

  687. Phil

    DUNCAN time!

  688. nate c.

    come on shelly! grand slam!!

  689. jennifer

    I think it was Kay who said it, and if it was I can’t believe I agree with him.

    You should have to pick 25 players to be on your daily roster. How is it fair for them to have 11 guys in the pen, when other teams don’t have that many.

  690. John Rocker

    Why does this pitcher have a hyphenated name? Which one is his husband’s name?

  691. Chicago Dave

    As long as Duncan makes a productive out (and doesn’t strike out), I’ll be happy!

  692. Bobcat

    Attaboy.

  693. Cumberberg

    Duncan = Final Nail in Coffin.

  694. Armand

    Shelley’s so gonna hit an 8-run homer…

  695. Wolf In Pinstripes

    Duncan’s got to be drooling right now, smelling a GS opportunity. :D

  696. Don Vito Bellamo

    good enuff !

    *The Yankees have a better starting rotation than the Mariners*

  697. jennifer

    Alex slid head first? He said he wasn’t going to do that anymore!!

  698. Rebecca

    SHELLEY coming through in the Clutch!

    He apparently only likes to hit with men on base ;)

  699. Armand

    OH YEAH!!

  700. sunny615

    how in the bloody blue blazes did he hit that one?

  701. CYF

    Yes, Shelley! Glad to see him come through.

  702. DMan77

    Alright, were pulling away. Lets give the Squirrel an at-bat.

  703. Chicago Dave

    jennifer – 11 Mariner relievers = 1 Joba Chamberlain ;)

  704. jennifer

    Okay how is this allowed? He could be stealing signs.

    http://tinyurl.com/29uvw6

  705. J-Dawg

    You can’t stop Shelley Duncan, you can only hope to contain him!!

  706. mike

    ducan hit the ball so hard canos bat broke

  707. Rebecca

    WHOO the wheels keep on turning!

    Damn I love that Squirrel.
    Damn I love this optimism.

  708. Dave K

    Again – Cano makes it look so easy.. Why does he look so lost on some days

  709. Brandon

    ok Alex pa la casa

    everyone else keep playing Alex trainers room for you

  710. Don Vito Bellamo

    migames
    September 4th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
    we win this game

    YOU CALLED IT,,,,RIGHT and EARLY, FRIEND !

  711. Bobcat

    See it, hit it.

  712. Jas

    Re: Joba. It’s hard to say, if Hughes gets hammered hard early then you wouldn’t want them to use Joba in that game. If he doesn’t pitch in that game then it will have been almost a week since he’s pitched and then you have to wonder whether he’ll be sharp.

  713. DMan77

    Robinson Cano is having a good night.

  714. Dr. Acula

    Shelley Duncan & Da Squirrel

    =

    Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove

  715. Dave K

    Jennifer – they do have a great record at home

  716. SJ44

    Same lineup has to be in place tomorrow. I don’t care what Damon’s and Giambi’s numbers are against Washburn, this lineup has hits in it against lefties.

    At this point of the year, its about playing hot hands. This lineup produces, you stay with it for tomorrow and see how it shakes out.

  717. Cumberberg

    I think the rally squirrel accidentially helped Youklis hit a homerun. Bad squirrel, bad. You’re a Yankee Squirrel.

  718. EY

    OK this game is officially over. I say let Wang come out and go for 8. He’s way below his usual work level.

  719. sunny615

    How odd would it be if Minky homered in his first at bat back from the DL?

  720. Wolf In Pinstripes

    I will be unveiling my new “Squirrel In Pinstripes” line of merchandise this weekend. Look for it! :D

  721. Todd

    America (and the Yankees) run on Duncan!

  722. CYF

    Glad to see Cano snapping out of his recent funk. Maybe he actually drank a nice warm glass of milk, went to bed early, and got a full 8 hours last night.

  723. Bobcat

    I may throw up if I hear Kay say, “the Yankees are POURING IT ON….”

  724. Dr. Acula

    Da Squirrel just took a BITE outta Seattle!

  725. jennifer

    Dave it really makes me wonder. Espically if that is straight on in front of the plate.

  726. mike

    great night 4 cano…..this is the offense iv been looking for, for the past week

  727. jennifer

    Who said we’d score 10?

    Go dougie

  728. mike

    joba better not plat 2night

  729. Chicago Dave

    What is the point of continuing to change pitchers at this point? I mean, seriously, aren’t games long enough as it is?!

  730. sunny615

    C’mon toronto – last shot – need 3 runs

  731. Adam

    headline …. Yanks go nuts

  732. EY

    *Seattle* September 4th, 2007 at 8:44 pm

    Please don’t ever say the Yankees have a better starting rotation than the Mariners.

    Where’s this troll? There’s aboslutely NO WAY Seattle’s making the playoffs.

  733. Johnny B

    Man-cave-itch is back

  734. Dr. Acula

    Digya see the commerical !!

    Wednesday on Yankeeography, “Da Squirrel”

    Man, I bet da Squirrel gets alotta tail ;)

  735. Chicago Dave

    sunny615 – Look at it this way, at least Boston is keeping Toronto at bay for us!

  736. DMan77

    Where in the world does that Squirrel go after the games over?

  737. keith

    doug out!

  738. -. . --. .- - .. ...- .. - -.-- / .-. ..- .-.. . ...

    *Welcome to the Major Leagues Ichiro & Co.*!

  739. Nick in SF

    The Attorney General is coming in?

  740. jennifer

    Wow that is so unfair!! Why do they get bats!! :(

  741. Rebecca

    I actually play Joba because Joba hasn’t pitched in four days and relievers need to work, but that’s just me.

    Didn’t expect too much from Doug M. on his first AB back, but am glad to see him in the game!

    The Yankees needed a game like this…now it’s all about holding it here!

  742. EY

    Oh a valiant effort by Minky. Don’t worry Minky, we still love you.

  743. YankeeJosh

    SJ,

    What if Hughes is awful tomorrow and the Yanks aren’t in the game. Joba has to pitch at some point. He hasn’t thrown an inning since last Thursday. 5 days of inactivity for an inexperienced reliever? I don’t like it.

  744. Joe

    OH, isn’t that sweet, the celebrities son’s getting bats from Jeter, becuase the celebrities can’t possibly afford bats.

  745. DMan77

    Yah I kind of wish Jeter hadn’t done that..

    Although maybes he’s drumming up a couple of sponsor for his Charity.

  746. Rebecca

    YEA LECHE! You picked a good time to hit!

  747. jennifer

    There is our 10 runs.

  748. Chicago Dave

    Rebecca – YankeeJosh makes a good point…You’ve got to prepare for Hughes having another subpar outing tomorrow night. So, maybe you keep Joba fresh for tomorrow…

  749. Dr. Acula

    Spike Lee’s kid is a cutie

  750. Rebecca

    YEAH! Our offense came to play this inning!

  751. DMan77

    On the other hand, you leave Wang in, he drops his ERA some more and gets a few more Cy Young votes.

  752. jennifer

    Yeah I mean give it to the kids sitting all the way in the upper deck, whose parents can’t afford the posh seats.

  753. Nick in SF

    It’s good to see everyone getting involved. Melky is awake! Jeter is awake!

  754. Viper

    Giambi is a .194 (7-36) hitter against Washburn. Damon a .250 hitter (8-32).

    However, don’t be surprised if Mientkiewicz gets the start tomorrow in place of Betemit because he is a .400 (6-15) hitter against Washburn.

  755. Chicago Dave

    Even Jeter hits…That Squirrel sure is magic!!!

  756. Rebecca

    ChiDave–It’s a gamble, either way.

    Bobby for the cycle! C’mon Bobby!

    Attorney General is on deck!

  757. yanksrule57

    If ML baseball had a mercy rule this would be over. With 11 relievers you think the Seattle manager would have replaced this guy already.

  758. EY

    Melky and Jeter finally wakes up. “Huh? Is it time to play baseball?”

  759. Cumberberg

    I’d hold Joba for tomorrow. Hughes isn’t pitching more than six. Odds are that he’ll be needed. Tonight’s game is now for the scrubs.

  760. -. . --. .- - .. ...- .. - -.-- / .-. ..- .-.. . ...

    When did Joba last pitch? Feels like 5-6 games already.

  761. DMan77

    Jeter should give away bats more often. It seems to help.

  762. Dave K

    Jeter has swung at the first pitch each of his 5 at-bats..

    Finally he connects for a hit

  763. sunny615

    crappy jays

  764. kasey

    no reason to use joba in an 11-1 game. none.

    no reason to send wang back out there after a long inning in an 11-1 game.

    good to see the offense wake up. i’d still love to see jeter take a pitch or two at some point. his aggressiveness is getting to be a bit much, in my opinion.

    drag mientkiewicz didn’t get a hit.

  765. jennifer

    The kid gets his first big league ab.

  766. Chicago Dave

    Damnit, Bobby, you were supposed to hit a triple and complete the cycle for me!!!

  767. yanksrule57

    What’s the record for consecutive 2 out hits?

  768. Grant

    Peter, I couldn’t agree with you more about jorge this year. How many rookies has he caught this year? not to mention his offensive contributions. i think Arod has had an amazing year, and has certainly been the most impressive all around player in baseball, but as he been more valuable than jorge this year? Probably (he’s been a monster) , but it certainly there is merit to that debate.

  769. Grant

    Peter, I couldn’t agree with you more about jorge this year. How many rookies has he caught this year? not to mention his offensive contributions. i think Arod has had an amazing year, and has certainly been the most impressive all around player in baseball, but as he been more valuable than jorge this year? Probably (he’s been a monster) , but it certainly there is merit to that debate.

  770. jennifer

    How many days off has Joba had off though? Isn’t it almost a week?

  771. migames

    so this is why alberto gonzalez stepped down

  772. DMan77

    kasey-

    I’d definitely send Wang back out. Long inning or not, lets him try and finish it up. Hes at what? 84 pitches?

  773. Dr. Acula

    ya know, Da Squirrel brings a killer instinct, kinda like a tiny, furry Roger Clemens.

  774. Johnny B

    Reports are saying Challenger the Eagle is fearing for his job with this sudden popularity of the rally squirrel (still has no name).

  775. GD

    Chicago Dave
    September 4th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
    Rebecca – YankeeJosh makes a good point…You’ve got to prepare for Hughes having another subpar outing tomorrow night. So, maybe you keep Joba fresh for tomorrow…
    ———————————————————-

    Well said.

  776. Brandon

    he must have been nervous as hell

  777. jennifer

    To play for the Yankees :D

    30 minute inning, no need to bring wang out. If the scrubs in the pen can’t get outs with a 10 run lead they should be out of baseball.

  778. Rebecca

    Didn’t expect a hit in the kid’s first big league AB (Shelley struck out in his!)

    However, this inning was EXACTLY what the Yankees needed. You knew they were itchin’ for it…

  779. Todd

    Brad Pitt has got to lose that taxi driver hat!

  780. Chicago Dave

    I don’t believe the Yanks have pitched a single complete game this year. I’d like to see them let Wang be the first!

  781. jennifer

    I heard challenger was banned from the stadium after he almost took off Jeters head. I am serious about this.

  782. Go NYY

    Don Vito nailed it. Almost. he said 12-2. Its 11-1. Nice call.

  783. Dr. Acula

    _so this is why alberto gonzalez stepped down_

    yeah, he specifically cited spending more time spying on his family and playing for the big team.

  784. migames

    how bout “pete the squirrel” after our fearless leader?

  785. jennifer

    It was a very long inning, this game should be in the bag. No need to bring him back out.

  786. DMan77

    Detroit’s still losing. A win would push them back 3.5.

  787. Chicago Dave

    “ya know, Da Squirrel brings a killer instinct, kinda like a tiny, furry Roger Clemens.”

    Freakin’ hilarious! I’m about to pee myself over here!!! Seriously!!!! Great stuff, Dr. A!!

  788. CY Yang

    Go CMW! You are proven a Cy Young worthy picther!

  789. yanksrule57

    Raise your hands if you think Torre will bring in Vizcaino for the 9th (sarcasm off).

  790. This Year

    What is Wang doing out there on the mound? With a TEN RUN lead? Torre is an ironclad idiot when it comes to using pitchers. Probably work out, but why take ANY risk?

  791. Joe

    As this seems to be over, I want to go rent a movie, any reccomendations?

  792. EY

    One quick out on 2 pitches.
    Looks like Seattle has also given up and sending their B team.

  793. Rebecca

    Without a doubt, and a little help from the defense, you have to consider this one of Wang’s best starts this year.

  794. Go NYY

    Negativity rules thinks they are so funny with the morse code.

    Why is Vizcaino warming?? Its 11-1!

  795. keith

    Vizcaino in the bullpen!

  796. Johnny B

    Challenger was banned???? the squirrel ushers in a new dynasty.

  797. migames

    alberto gonzalez is spying on guidry

  798. jennifer

    Told Ya. No need to keep him out there.

  799. EY

    I still think Wang can finish this. He’s nowhere near tired. Still only 86.

  800. yanksrule57

    Sorry when I wrote that last post I didn’t know Vizcaino was warming up. I was trying to be snarky because Joe has used Viz in several blowouts this year.

  801. Scooter

    I thought we were on good behavior tonight. Do we really need to be calling Torre an “ironclad idiot?”

  802. This Year

    I swear, if Wang is hurt, Torre should be fired tomorrow. What an idiot.

  803. jennifer

    I guess we know who is a better manager. Jorge! Jorge made Joe take him out.

  804. Go NYY

    Whats up with Wanger? Oh god

  805. Dave K

    Joe – I just saw the Prestige – it was awesome

    Why is Wang coming out?

  806. DMan77

    Not only one of his best starts, but one of the biggest. The Yankees needed a win tonight bad.

    Wang doesn’t look happy to be leaving…

  807. CYF

    What was all that about? Hope nothing is wrong with Wang.

  808. Chicago Dave

    Can someone please explain that pitching change to me? It only makes sense if Wang is hurt…which I hope to god is not the case!!!

  809. Bob from NJ

    Seriously, what the hell? Why did Wang even come out to start the inning? After the long lay off, with a 10 run lead? And then bring Vizcaino in, with Hughes’ start and Kennedy’s start coming up? Isn’t this what call-ups are for? Get Bruney or Britton or someone out there…this is absolutely horrible managing. Get a clue.

  810. yanksrule57

    Jorge was channeling his inner Zimmer

  811. This Year

    I am glad there is a manager on the team. Thank uou Jorge for doing what Torre has no apparent IQ to do– take him out. Defend that one, Pete.

  812. Go NYY

    Why cant we use Jose Veras or something?

  813. Phil

    Even up 10 runs, this blog turns negative. I can’t wait for the registration. I’m out.

  814. jennifer

    Yeah I read it somewhere, I had the link saved, but I just cleaned out everything out.

  815. Dr. Acula

    _OH, isn’t that sweet, the celebrities son’s getting bats from Jeter, becuase the celebrities can’t possibly afford bats._

    maybe Jetes is a spike lee fan. that said, yeah, I liked it when ARod gave his bat to that regular kid during his homer slump.

  816. EY

    I hope nothing went wrong with Wang. Excellent game for him

  817. Mark

    All things point to Detroit being “one year wonders”. Yep, Sheffield took them to the promised land.

  818. Joe

    Dave, I already saw the prestige, good stuff.

  819. Go NYY

    Im thinkin its his finger nail

  820. Chicago Dave

    Only 86 pitches thrown and five outs to go…and they don’t leave him in. I’m still amazed…This makes no sense whatsoever!!!

  821. Johnny B

    How about “Scooter the Squirrel” in memory of Phil Rizzuto?

  822. kasey

    and that’s why you don’t run wang out there for the 8th with an 11-1 lead after he’s been sitting for half an hour. absolute idiocy.

    good to see vizcaino getting some work in, though. he needed it.

    this is why people continue to criticize torre. i certainly don’t think he’s the bumbling moron some do, but he really opens himself up to criticism sometimes.

  823. Samuel

    Why??? He shrows less than 90 pitches.

  824. Ben

    Vizcaino hasn’t pitched in three days. Relievers need work to stay effective.

  825. jennifer

    I also saw the Prestige, I had to watch it twice. Very good movie.

  826. YankeeJosh

    I hope Wang is okay. If he’s hurt we are really screwed. Hopefully it’s just minor.

    Not sure why you bring in Vizcaino though. Even if he’s warmed, let someone else burn up the innings.

  827. Cheng

    Is it something wrong with Wang?
    Why’re they take him out?

  828. -. . --. .- - .. ...- .. - -.-- / .-. ..- .-.. . ...

    1 out of 3 against the mariners ain’t so bad. But let’s hope the tigers will stay down. they got kenny rogers pitching tomorrow.

  829. Rebecca

    Here’s hoping nothing is seriously wrong with Wang.

    He gave us his all tonight, and it WILL be good enough.

    Do you all realise he has an outside shot at 20 wins this year?

  830. kasey

    um, dave, he had clearly stiffened up. he was stretching like crazy before the inning and grabbed as his back after reed’s ground out. taking him out wasn’t stupid, running him back out there for the 8th was.

  831. Stuart

    viz has not pitched in 3 days, he likes alot of action.

    i am concerned about Joba not getting in a game for 5 days!!!!!!

  832. helno51

    so you use the viz here? i mean come on. i know he hasnt pitched in a few days but with 2 rookies going the next 2 days you dont think maybe we should have saved him and used someone else?

  833. Winfield killed my seagull

    Scooter it is.
    and yes why not Veras???

  834. Dr. Acula

    Thanks Dave, much love, backatya!!

  835. This Year

    Scooter, that is exactly what I was worried about. Long inning (half hour) and bigger lead. NO REASON for him to be out there. I called it, and I am sorry I was right. Hope to God that it is just a tweak.

  836. Chicago Dave

    Yep, it’s officially white flag time for the Mariners here…

  837. Go NYY

    Stuart- Viz got shelled last outing.

  838. The Squirrel

    pay attention to the game or I’ll bite your nuts

  839. Bobcat

    Al Leiter is the best…

    Michael Kay..”How many of can say we’re in the big leagues?”

    Al: “Not you.”

  840. Justin

    Leiter just took down Kay. Awesome.

    “How many of us can’t say that?”

    “You.”

  841. mike

    Vizcaino had pitched bad last outing so there testing him here

  842. Stuart

    I have not been on the site much tonight but I assume the trolls have taken the night off!!!!

    bug win for Wang.. 17 and 6, he is the frontrunner for the CY young!!!!

    He has a legit chance at 20, he is a horse…we need to give him his cred over the last 3 years after Santana he may hav ebeen the best pitcher in the AL……………

    he is 27…..

  843. yanksrule57

    It looked like CMW was saying he was okay.
    Good call not to take any chances. My only “negative” was why use Vizcaino? Kay said he hadn’t pitched in 3 days but still let the scrubs take over.

  844. migames

    kasey doesnt talk all day, now he starts to second guess. for real, this is pathetic

  845. Brandon

    if it’s Wangs nail just cut it off already

  846. Lee

    the prestige… pure bollocks.

  847. Rebecca

    C’mon Viz, you just need one more out!

  848. Chicago Dave

    kasey – OK, since I can’t watch the game on TV I missed the bit about Wang grabbing his back. If he was completely stiff then it was a good thing they got him out of there!

  849. GD

    Kasey,I agree with you.

  850. Go NYY

    There is no reason for Vizcaino to be out there either. Jose Veras would be sufficient.

  851. The D train

    No concern for Joba. He’s done his side throwing in the last few days. His arm is stretched to where it should be. No rust on Joba.

  852. J-Dawg

    Hopefully whatever is ailing CMW is minor. Haven’t we had enough injury scares tonight?!? Is Marty Miller secretly back? LOL

  853. kasey

    “kasey doesnt talk all day, now he starts to second guess. for real, this is pathetic.”

    i’ve posted a few times in this thread, genius.

  854. migames

    why isnt cecilio guante pitching?

  855. This Year

    And Torre is an ironclad idiot when it comes to handling pitchers. It is indisputable.

  856. EY

    lol excellent observation there Pete about Yankee bats. Either they go with 9 or 10 runs, or 1 or 2. Not in-between.

  857. Chicago Dave

    Gotta get the scrubs out Viz…

  858. Deep to Left

    I say we go with “Rocky” the squirrel… as in “Rocky & Bullwinkle” fame. Then, whenever the squirrel is spotted, they can play the fighting Rocky theme song which will really get the crowd going.

  859. Jas

    Pete,
    We all know you’re a Wang guy, get us the scoop(is he hurt), please.

  860. The squirrel

    I’m 2-0!
    It’s time for me to get paid people!
    And contrary to popular belief, I don’t work for peanuts.

  861. DMan77

    Hurray for the little Squirrel!

    I sure hope he makes it down and back to wherever it is he lives…

  862. Scooter

    Cleveland and Detroit are helping make the wild card a two-team race.

  863. Lee

    the fighting rocking theme song? got a link??

  864. Dave K

    I wish he would just throw strikes and make him hit the ball – I feel like I’m watching Igawa pitch right now

    (OK I overstated it, but this is painful)

  865. Brandon

    oh crap this guy can rake it !!

  866. Go NYY

    Vizcaino is overused and looks fatigued. He should not be out there. There is no excuse. Torre is a poor manager.

  867. Dr. Acula

    Who’s da sleepy Squirrel ?

    Who’s da sleepy Squirrel ?

    Who’s da sleepy Squirrel ?

    Huh? Huh?

    Oh, isn’t Da Squirrel precious!!

    Baby Bomber, indeed!

  868. Rebecca

    Pete: Clearly the Yankees hitting tonight is a result of our optimism here and Rocky Squankee the Squirrel!

    C’mon Viz, get an out!

  869. Chicago Dave

    I still think Viz is dealing with some dead arm issues…

  870. sunny615

    Viz is tanking again

  871. jennifer

    squirrel just chilling watching the game.

    Okay Kay we get it, they have alot of PH. Kay just gets on an issue and harps on it.

  872. The Squirrel

    i could kick that puny little Rocky’s butt any day. I am the real deal

  873. Dave K

    At this pace, its going to be some sort of record for players used by a team in a game..

  874. mike

    put in krazy kyle

  875. PittsburghYankeeFan

    Looks like “Krazy Kyle” can beat the Viz. Can’t throw strikes to 1st time major leagers?

    Nobody beats the Viz? What about the Viz beating himself?

  876. sunny615

    Viz seems to be having difficulty locating the strike zone

  877. DMan77

    Man hes just sitting up there.

    He must wait until everyone leaves then stock up on peanuts.

  878. Don Vito Bellamo

    All is Well….lead is huge…Wang will be fine…all is well…

  879. jennifer

    Hey did we figure out a song for the Squirrel? How about the theme to rocky?

  880. migames

    carl pavano in 2007 1-0
    the squirrel in 2007 2-0

  881. sunny615

    damm – this is ugly

  882. Matthew

    The Viz getting hit hard his last few outings, although they have been in two lopsided games.

  883. EY

    Oh geez Viz…
    Let Bruney and Britton pitch in blowouts like this. Good thing we are up by 10 runs (8 now) otherwise I’d be strangling myself by now.

  884. kasey

    aaannnnnddd that’s why you don’t run a cooked vizcaino out there in an 11-1 game. no need and now he’s only further burnt out, if that’s possible.

  885. MGW

    “Joe
    September 4th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
    As this seems to be over, I want to go rent a movie, any reccomendations?”

    Hey, Joe – what about “Sleepless in Seattle”?
    hahahahaha!!

  886. sunny615

    man – that can’t be good for his mental status

  887. Chicago Dave

    I still think “Wild Thing” is the obvious choice…

  888. BBFan

    When did Viz pitch last time?
    May be he needs work.
    In any case, lately he has not been effective.

  889. sunny615

    Hey – it’s everyone’s favorite Yankee old timer – Nick “Da Man” Green!

  890. PittsburghYankeeFan

    OK, at least this accomplished something. Viz goes down the depth chart. Two crapola appearances in a row. He’s now the 6th inning guy.

    Who’s the seventh inning guy now?

  891. mike

    viz just got knocked around by minor leaguers…ughh

  892. Go NYY

    it goes from The Viz to The Slob. If you want to be Major League pitcher and youre not blessed with David Wells’ ability to be fat, drunk and unhittable, At least lose some wait. Maybe thats why Torre refused to call up “Britton the Great”. If you want to be in the Bigs, GET IN SHAPE!

  893. Dr. Acula

    Cashman should buy Britton a treadmill

    Just sayin’

  894. Chicago Dave

    PittsburghYankeeFan – Viz will stay where he is on the depth chart. He is one of Torre’s “trusted” vets!

  895. The Squirrel

    Animal by Deef Leppard

  896. Go NYY

    Is this THE Nick Green?

  897. gayle

    Ahh Nick Green thats where he ended up

  898. Rebecca

    BBfan: Viz gave up three to Tampa on Saturday.

  899. Brandon

    the whole Yankee lineup just went COM ‘ ON MAN !!!

  900. -. . --. .- - .. ...- .. - -.-- / .-. ..- .-.. . ...

    Anyone got a score for the Tigers game?

  901. chababe

    CMW left becoz:
    1. Torre want him to get a standing ovation
    2. Roket’s elbow might cause him miss a start,
    they want wang to pitch with a 3 1/2 days rest or he would have a 6 days rest

  902. Dr. Acula

    Chris Britton – wow

    I always wondered what happened to Engelberg from “The Bad News Bears”

  903. JOBA TO THE RESCUE

    3-1

  904. gayle

    it was 3-1 chi sox bottom of the 9th last time i checked

  905. jennifer

    There were two magic movies that came out around the same time. Both were very good.

  906. kasey

    white sox lead 3-1 with one on and two out in the bottom of the 9th.

  907. MGW

    “Deep to Left
    September 4th, 2007 at 10:00 pm
    I say we go with “Rockyâ€? the squirrel… as in “Rocky & Bullwinkleâ€? fame. Then, whenever the squirrel is spotted, they can play the fighting Rocky theme song which will really get the crowd going.”

    Rocket J. Squirel.
    Brings good luck for you-know-who, too. :-)

  908. WE MISS PAULIE

    It’s all because of the squirrel.

    He showed up and a 7 run inning followed….SIGN THAT THING.

  909. Johnny B

    I say we annoy the heck out of Peter till we get a vote on a name for the squirrel tomorrow.

    A)Rocky
    B)Scooter
    C)Squankee
    d)(Fill in the blank)

  910. Rebecca

    Morse Code: 3-1 ChiSox, bottom nine, two out, man on for Det.

  911. Lee

    “GREAT” Britton.

    Got a little piece o’ that Wells mojo.

  912. jennifer

    Was that the same nick green? I stepped out of the room

  913. Rey22

    Why is Posada still out there?

  914. kasey

    detroit’s now got runners at the corners, two out. the white sox tanking continues!

  915. DMan77

    But where did he show up from?!

    Think he just waits there for everyone to leave, then has his fill of peanuts and popcorn?

  916. Rebecca

    How about Rocky Squankee the Squirrel?

    JIP JIP JORGE! Getting those runs right back!

  917. whoa

    Hey Peter,

    Most of the criticism of your man Torre is about his bullpen mismanagement and is quite FOUNDED!

  918. -. . --. .- - .. ...- .. - -.-- / .-. ..- .-.. . ...

    thanks!

  919. gayle

    game over in chi town detroit loses and what a night for Posada

  920. Go NYY

    Rebecca- That morse guy is Negativity Rules

  921. Rey22

    …Thats why. Nevermind.

  922. MGW

    Jorgie!!! Numbah Two tonight, down the line to the Squirrel Pole!!!

  923. DMan77

    Alright so that’ll push the Tigers 3.5 back. Very good.

  924. Chicago Dave

    Posada is out of his mind this year!!!

  925. Rebecca

    Twenty hits now for the Yanks!

  926. k2

    Wang rules!

  927. Go NYY

    Steve Phillips said the Tigers will pass the Yankees. Too bad they cant beat CWS Stevie!!

  928. Matthew

    Nick Green, the hero of one of my favorite Sterling calls ever!

    “IT AINT EASY BEING GREEN!” following his 3 run bomb against the Mets

  929. sunny615

    Rest the dude and put in Molina

  930. Johnny B

    “Most of the criticism of your man Torre is about his bullpen mismanagement and is quite FOUNDED!”

    I agree.

  931. jennifer

    It’s no longer called the foul pole it is the squirrel pole.

  932. jennifer

    He’s using Joba >:(

  933. Richard

    Hokey Smoke!!

  934. mike

    that was the first DP of shellys career….i think hes officialy human

  935. Don Vito Bellamo

    I think I said 12-2 ?….oh, well…close enuff !

  936. behind enemy lines

    I think that Joe may have wanted to give Viz to get some confidence back after a rough outing over the weekend, but that strategy did not work out so well tonight with another subpar effort. We will need Viz in the postseason.

    Now this one I don’t get. Jaba is warming. Why? We might need him tomorrow. ugh

  937. Dr. Acula

    NEW YORK CITY — (AP) NY Yankee Captain Da Squirrel just issued a “no-prisoners” policy.

  938. Rebecca

    jennifer: HAH!

    We get a Joba ninth, whether you all like it or not =P

  939. wang is not an ace

    good job by our #3 (ideally) starter today!

    752. Chicago Dave August 19th, 2007 at 5:00 pm

    I like Wang, but he will never be an ace. He allows far too
    many guys on base, and has way too many “problem� innings
    (i.e. innings where he throws a lot of pitches and really
    labors to get through) to be called an ace. Ideally, I think
    he’s a number 3. Hey, but if Hughes and Chamberlain end up
    being the starters they’re projected to be, then they’ll be
    the 1-2 guys, so Wang at # 3 will do quite nicely!

  940. YankeeJosh

    I wouldn’t have minded using Joba but why both him and Viz?

    No sense.

  941. Go NYY

    Joba is gonna fan the side

  942. DMan77

    Joba’s up in the pen!

  943. Don Vito Bellamo

    Don Vito Bellamo
    September 4th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
    12-2 yankees win !

    ….oooooo…eeerie… LOL

  944. Chicago Dave

    That squirrel must have nerves of steel. I would be terrified if I had to sit on top of that thing, wouldn’t you?!

  945. kasey

    and there’s joba. in a 12-3 game, so he’s unavailable tomorrow with hughes going.

    and the criticism of torre is unfounded? seriously? this is idiotic.

  946. PAT M.....

    I’ve been a baseball junkie for at least 45 years….Never in all those years have I ever witnessed a team that is so all or nothing as this 2007 Yankee ballclub…..I now there are many astute & knowledgable baseball fans on this site….Can anyone recall such a team from the past ????

  947. Deep to Left

    “Enter Squirrel”:http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geu9w.EN5GGmwAOuZXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEyZnNpMXJnBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMjgEY29sbwNhYzIEdnRpZAMEbANXUzE-/SIG=12h2bfbvo/EXP=1189044670/**http%3a//marge.uvm.edu/sdempse/wave/themes/rocky_theme_song.wav

  948. Kill-Schill(ing)

    Please someone explain to why the Yankees would expend Joba Chamberlain in a 9 run game when they have a rubber game they have to win tomorrow.

  949. Don Vito Bellamo

    Joba ? PLEASE tell me that the Joba Rules are not what they were….why in HALE would you use him tonight and NOT be able to use him tomorrow in a game that is HUGE ? SOMEBODY EXPLAIN THE INSANITY !!!!!!!!!!!

  950. Go NYY

    NO Joba!

  951. YankeeJosh

    No Joba…

  952. kasey

    thank god they stayed with britton. i was about to lose my mind.

  953. ansky

    phew…save the joba

  954. Rebecca

    Ok, not a Joba ninth. Much better, we have him for tomorrow.

  955. Don Vito Bellamo

    OK….I see the large man Britton started the inning….( breaths a huge sigh of relief here )….nevermind….

  956. mike

    i rather see shelly pitching right now over joba

  957. jennifer

    Well he isn’t. LOL They are tricking us.

    and high fives the fan.

  958. Chicago Dave

    Yes, this is without a doubt a “boom-or-bust” team. Still, they’re fun to watch when they’re booming!!!

  959. ansky

    Jawnny…wicked sweet

  960. TKinDC

    Is Joba pitching or no? I was just about to join Kasey’s side.

  961. Rebecca

    Dude, Johnny, GREAT PLAY!

  962. ansky

    …and a fan high five!!

  963. Kill-Schill(ing)

    thank god. NO JOBA.

    Now, all I have to worry about tonight are why the Yankees pulled Wang– please Baseball Gods let it be nothing more then a nail problem– and that A-Rod did nothing more than bruise his ankle.

  964. k2

    Squankee rules!

  965. Don Vito Bellamo

    ” I don’t hide the fact that I find most of the criticism of Joe Torre to be unfounded. But why he would use Luis Vizcaino in an 11-1 game is beyond me. It’s like he picks one guy every year and decides to use him as often as possible.

    With the rosters expanded, they could use most anybody in an 11-1 game. It makes no sense.”

    MUCH SARCASM TO FOLLOW: Well, Peter, Michael Kay said that it was perfectly logical for the Viz to be used, so You and I must have no idea what we are talking about !!!

  966. BBB

    Woohoo, the Yankees remembered how to score tons and tons of runs! Be still my heart!!

    Of course the blowout has to happen on the one night I can’t watch the game because of a huuuge deadline tomorrow that will keep my procrastinating self up almost all night. I was just checking the box score and found it odd that the Wanger had come out after 7.1 innings, so I decided to investigate.

    Read the recent comments on here and am hoping and praaaying all is well with him, but if anyone hears an update on YES, could you please post the latest? I’ll check back – thanks!!

  967. Josh

    hey pete, you got the best blog on the internet.. everyone else is catching on and following your lead, but no one will ever touch your dedication for the blog, or the fact that you were the first big one for the biggest franchise.

  968. Chicago Dave

    Did Seattle call up their entire triple-A team?

  969. Dave K

    I love how yet again John Sterling is says that baseball is different from other sports

  970. Dr. Acula

    _That squirrel must have nerves of steel. I would be terrified if I had to sit on top of that thing, wouldn’t you?!_

    yeah, but that cape gives him confidence.

  971. Richard

    the yankeeeesss wiiiiinnn!!!

  972. Bobcat

    Pat,

    If you’ve been a fan that long, you clearly remember more frustrating teams.

    In actuality the “Bronx Zoo” teams were equally frustrating. The felt they could turn it on and off at will. Actually, they could…

    Of course there were several teams between the late 70s and mid-90s that performed far below their talent level.

  973. Rebecca

    Whoo!

    Hey everyone, see how a little optimism can go along way? ;)

    I’m going to watch the postgame to see what’s with Wang.

  974. TKinDC

    In order to show his loyalty to Pete for writing a book about him, Wang should only disclose his condition to Pete so has the exclusive. :)

  975. Paolo

    I just cannot stand these “ACE no ACE” crap anymore…

    Wang has said many times that he is no ace and he just want to help the team win. He always shouldered the blame if he didn’t win a game – he would say that he could have blanked the opponents but he didn’t… He is just a human being who wants to do good on his part to contribute to team success…

    Just give the guys some credit and stop the ACE crap…

  976. YankeeJosh

    Thank you Jorge!

  977. Bobcat

    Don’t you love how the Yankees call CMW “Waang”?

  978. jennifer

    Jorge said nothing to be concerned about. Wang felt a little tight.

  979. BBFan

    Detroit lost, Seattle lost, Yankees won.
    Let us all be happy………..

  980. nate c.

    can i get a hip hip?

  981. Dr. Acula

    coming up, Kim Jones’ exclusive interview with da Squirrel: “so how does it feel to be on top of the world?”

  982. Chicago Dave

    Rebecca – Let’s hope your formula for success will work just as well for us tomorrow! We will need it if Phil is still scuffling…

  983. Lee

    I feel a little tight, too.

  984. CaptainsCorner

    Torre oh Torre…What goes threw your head when you make these pitching decisions???!!!!! Wang sat on the bench for a good half an hour while the Yanks scored 7 runs..so you bring him back out there???!!! It was 11-1!!! Then I am sure Viz had to get into the game. Does he not realize that Viz is reaching innings pitched that he has never pitched before….Why wasnt Joba brought into a 12-3 game? Didnt he need to pitch an inning? He makes me sick with his idiotic bullpen decisions.

  985. Brandon

    means nothing w/o a victory tomorrow.

    P.S. cross your fingers for Alex and Chingy

  986. jennifer

    We can’t let hip hip leave! He knows his pitchers. He knew that Wanger couldn’t get lose again because of the long inning and wanted him taken out!

  987. jennifer

    Wang is fine. Just hope that Alex is okay.

  988. Rebecca

    Thank God Jorge says Wang’s not hurt…good sign…

  989. Global Warming

    3 Things closing out the night.

    1) Looks like all the blog “critics” have been shut up by the Yankee Offense. Fellas, the team leads the league in runs, it’s *okay* if they run in a rut for a couple games. No need to say this team is “back to April/June”, how many times have I heard that said the past couple of weeks after a game or two of bad baseball. It happens.

    2) I hope Chien Ming Wang gets to 20 games won this season, just another stepping stone for one of the most underrated pitchers in Baseball.

    3)Chris “GREAT” Britton showing The Viz how it’s doen ;) Really, the last 2 outings have me worried about him. He’s either incredibly bad or incredibly good. Wheres the middle ground Viz?

  990. EricNS

    Suzyn interviewed Jorge and Jorge said nothing to worry about re Wang

  991. Nick in SF

    This victory does not “mean nothing” if they don’t follow it up with a win tomorrow. It means that the Yanks will still lead Seattle no matter what happens. That’s why it’s better to have the lead than to trail. What this win does is allow the Yanks to take the series and start to open up some distance, which would be huge, but a win is a win is a win.

  992. Lee

    Hey, *A.S.*, I liked your post on Wang. I dig the purity of your (and your nation’s) passion for the man.

  993. jennifer

    SInce there aren’t any soxs fans here tonight i can post this link without having my head bitten off.

    http://nomaas.org/ scroll down, you’ll see what i’m talking about.

  994. mel

    Just got in. How was the game? What happened to Alex and Chien Ming Wang?

  995. Dr. Acula

    Thanks goodness no day games until Sunday. I hate day games.

    I hope Cashman finds a way to bring da Squirrel on the road. The little feller is the cog that makes us GO!

  996. Bobcat

    Jennifer,

    There are NO other FA catchers available this offseason. So, if Cashman brings Torre back, Jorge will be back. He certainly has been productive in his “contract” year.

  997. Lee

    if you gotta ask, you’ll never know.

  998. jennifer

    Bob it still doesn’t stop me form worrying.

  999. VOIII

    When did Babe Ruth come back? And why is evryone calling him Chris Britton?

  1000. Dr. Acula

    Phew!

    In the New York Times gamecap the Squirrel says Wang is fine.

  1001. BBB

    Thanks for the updates on Wang, guys…now I can tackle this mountain of work with a clear and worry-free head, lol. Except..still keeping my fingers crossed for Alex! Don’t even know what happened there but hope he is okay!!!

    Good win tonight! Great job Wang and Jorge!

  1002. Chicago Dave

    Time for Hughes to get back on the beam tomorrow. Let’s stay in the winning column!

  1003. Brandon

    FATA** BELTRE fell on Alex’s Ankle why Alex slide into 3B, that’s why we have our fingers crossed BBB

  1004. Matt

    I’m telling that squrrel is good luck!

  1005. Brandon

    LOL !!!!!!

    http://nomaas.org/images/BuchholzLaptops.jpg

    http://nomaas.org/images/YankeePlushie.jpg

  1006. Brandon

    *I meant while Alex slid into 3rd not why*

  1007. YankeeJosh

    Jennifer, that is priceless!

  1008. Lee

    justine henin on ‘roids?

    do they check in women’s tennnis?

  1009. VOIII

    Jorge comes back with or with out Joe. Where else would he go. He is a Yankee through and Through. Besides his best friend is still locked up for a while. Him and Jeets will bePlaying together for another 3 years or so. By then one of the young Catchers in the Farm will take over.

  1010. mel

    Thanks, Brandon. Took me awhile to figure what Fata was, too. TG Alex didn’t slide in head first. Let that be a lesson to Melky.

  1011. Dr. Acula

    CM Wang – first 17 game winner in the league. Take _that_ ESPN (Beckett.Boston sychophants)

  1012. Don Vito Bellamo

    Michael Kay is the biggest @$$,,,he just said that ” we now see the reason that the TB Manager checked A-Rod’s bat ” because of how far A-Rod’s homer went 2nite….can this jerk be fired right now….he is a complete moron !!!

  1013. CheMistry

    OH~HAVE A GOOD SLEEP TONIGHT!

  1014. Brandon

    Alex rolled his ankle had to be forced out of the game, x-rays tomorrow

  1015. mel

    Jennifer, I’m still laughing about that picture. I thought they were bases!

    Lee, a couple of years ago Henin was the Twiggy. Then the next season she was the Incredible Hulk and beat everyone into submission. This past season she was “Honey, I Shrunk the Belgian Tennis Star” Haven’t seen her this year, she’s bulked up again? Absolutely worse person on either tour. Hate what she did to Serena in Paris (bad etiquette that turned the match and lied about it afterwards). First class witch. Hopefully Venus will beat her.

  1016. wang is not an ace

    Did Al Leiter say Wang “dominates” with a sinkiing fastball. Come on, we all know Wang is a #3 starter and does not dominate, and wins mean nothing, and any “good” pitcher with his run support could be 17-6, and how un-aceworthy he was to what seemed like half the msg board here just two starts ago.

    Johan Santana with a QS % of 68.96–NOW THAT’s AN ACE. In spite of all his great run support Wang’s QS% is only minutiae higher than Santana’s at 69.23. That means he’s not an ace, I mean he’s only *slightly* more lightly to put in a QS than Johan Santana. People who get 2nd in Cy Young voting and seem certain to place in Top 5 again this year can never be aces.

  1017. CheMistry

    lol ALEX….

  1018. VOIII

    Wang is not an ace,
    Are you really Chris Russo?

  1019. Cheesyhoboe

    I agree that Wang is not a bona-fide ace, but a #3 starter? Are you serious? He’s at the very least, an excellent #2 starter.

  1020. hello

    The xrays were negative on A-rod’s ankle

  1021. Rebecca

    Oh God. Arod better be okay…

  1022. VOIII

    Right now Wang is the Yankees ace. He will pitch game 1 in the Playoffs.

  1023. mel

    Guys, I think he’s kidding. I think Chien Ming Wang has padded his most wins in the last 2 years status.

  1024. YankeeJosh

    This brings up an interesting question. Assuming the Yankees make the playoffs, who starts game 1, Wang or Pettitte?

  1025. gayle

    Glad to see Alex got all of that Shaving cream out of his ear lol

  1026. mel

    YankeeJosh,

    2 weeks ago I would’ve said Pettitte. But Wang looks really good, better than good actually. Pettitte’s also a classy guy, he knows that Wang is our ace (despite what many people try to insinuate). He wouldn’t make a fuss like RJ or CS.

  1027. CheMistry

    GOD BLESS ALEX~LoL

  1028. YankeeJosh

    Mel,

    I guess it does depend on who is the hotter hand going in. I couldn’t complain either way as I feel comfortable with either.

  1029. VOIII

    Wang. We need him to start as many PO games as possible

  1030. wang is not an ace

    excellent #2 starter? Are you nuts?! #2 starters don’t get 2nd in Cy Young, #2 starters win Cy Youngs and #1s go straight to the HOF, without passing Go and collecting $200.

    Even Tim Wakefield has won 16 games and Wakefield is barely a #3 and more like a #4 on his own team. Here’s a tip to yeah, anytime someone wants to trick you into thinking Wang is an ace, just mention he pitches to contact and Tim Wakefield has 16 wins.

    example:

    clueless baseball observer: Roy Halladay is an Ace.
    Your Response: Halladay pitches to contact to induce groundballs and has less wins than Time Wakefield. Q.E.D. Roy Halladay is not an ace.

    clueless baseball observer: Johan Santana is an Ace.
    Your Response: that bum in Minnesota has less wins than Wakefield AND Wang, whom we all know is not an ace. To boot, thusfar this season he’s less likely than Wang to give a quality start…

  1031. JOBA TO THE RESCUE

    ill start wang game one then clemins game two then pettite game 3 because game tree is awlways the most inportant then go wit wang the in the 4th game

  1032. VOIII

    Wang is the Yankees ace at this time. Is he Santana? of course not! who the hell is right now? All I know is this kid has been a consistant winner. HOF? no way… Playoff MVP? Maybe…I don’t give a squirles ass if he is an Ace in your eyes or anyone elses for that matter. I am just glad to have him in Pinstripes!

  1033. Rebecca

    You can’t start talking HoF with Wang in his third year!

    However, right now he’s won 17 already. Tied for the MOST in the major leagues. He’s not flashy, but in the end that doesn’t matter. The wins matter.

    And he has those.

  1034. raymondmagnetic

    And you wonder why there are the Joba rules. Torre has to be the worse coach I have ever seen when it comes to using a bullpen. Couldn’t Veras have gotten the final 5 outs? This is utterly ridiculous.

  1035. Rebecca

    Dude! There was a squirrel at the St. Louis game as well!

    Ours is better, though. Obviously.

  1036. EY

    Don Vito I just realized you totally called this game…well almost :D

    “Don Vito Bellamo September 4th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
    12-2 yankees win !”

    You should call the game more. How about tomorrow?

  1037. Wang

    Wang is not an ace is clearly messing around… Sometimes sarcasm can be difficult to read into.

  1038. Paolo

    He may not be an ACE but you are an @$$ for sure…

  1039. Frank Discussion

    So, when does everybody expect the Squirrel merchandise to appear on River Ave ?

  1040. SP

    Wang gets win 17 and so does Beckett, but ESPN.com’s headline is “Yanks Go Long To Down M’s”, not mentioning Wang. They of course mention Beckett winning no. 17. I’m not happy that Wang doesn’t get more credit.
    Anyway, PETE is right, when the Yanks get rolling hitting-wise, they roll. But the same is true when they are NOT hitting. It’s not a trend you want to see when they are put in a pressure cooker in October. They need to start finding ways to hit consistently rather than melting down offensively or exploding with runs within one game.

  1041. Wang

    No problem with Torre using Viz… He hasn’t pitched in a few days and got rocked when he did. Torre wanted to get him in a game that was over to get some confidence. Unfortunately didn’t work out.

    Plus everyone knows that Torre has Joba and Mo tomorrow. Farnsworth if he wants to really ahve some fun.

  1042. Frank Discussion

    Who would expect anything approaching objectivity from ESPN ? The pro-Boston bias is nauseating. I can only sit through “Baseball Tonight” after downing a few beers.

  1043. raymondmagnetic

    The problem with using Viz is because he already stated 2 weeks ago that his arm was tired. Therefore he needs as much rest as possible. If anything I would have preferred to see Joba pitch an inning tonight as he hasn’t pitched since before the suspension.

  1044. EY

    SP, on ESPN.com front page it says
    “Josh Beckett was first to 17 wins. But Chien-Ming Wang’s 17th win Tuesday night was just as timely, as the Yankees extended their wild-card lead to two games over Seattle with a 12-3 victory.”

  1045. FTLFTL

    Jennifer:

    Great website that Nomaas. Nothing like posting along side a bunch of homophobic, racist kids. It doesn’t get worse than that for Yankees message boards.

    Most of then were banned from NYYFans. That’s sad and pathetic in it’s own right.

  1046. FTLFTL

    ESPN bias?

    I wish some people would realize that ESPN is all about raings. It’s not biased towards anything besides what’s going to bring in more dollars for ads which comes from increased viewership.

    Please get more informed before posting dribble on here or take it to the MLB or Nomaas message boards. You will be in perfect company there.

  1047. TKinDC

    @ wang is not an ace -

    I remember my grandpa sitting me on his knee and saying Walter Johnson had the best darn QS % in the world.

    QS%?

    I’m going to try to ignore this bs approach to mincing numbers. I’ll take the wins anytime because if you pitch against the Pirates a quality start is one thing and if you pitch against the Sawx it is another. If you want to Sabremetrician the game to death then have at it and seeya later.

    Wakefield is a knuckleballer, no one takes those win totals seriously. The question is do you win the day after your team lost. Are you a stopper?

    I don’t think they give playoff spots to the team with the most quality starts.

    end of rant

  1048. raymondmagnetic

    I wonder how many people realize *Wang is not an Ace* is being sarcastic.

  1049. PittsburghYankeeFan

    Beckett will fail to get to 20. If the Sawx win the division, they start pulling him early.

    Wang will have to pitch his Taiwanese butt off for the Yankees to play in the postseason. 22 games, maybe 5 more starts? Maybe 4-1? 3-2? 20-8? 21-7? ERA under 4?

    If he is the only one at 20 once the season ends, and nobody else, he gets the Cy, period.

    If he doesn’t, any Yankee beat writer who gets a vote should boycott the voting, lest they be shaving creamed to death daily in the locker room.

  1050. FTLFTL

    PYF:

    YOu’re wrong. Beckett has never won 20 and Francona will give Beckett every chance to get it. He might not pitch 8 innings but he’s going to go at least 5 with 90 pitches.

    Right now it’s either Sabathia or Beckett with Wang looking in.

  1051. Frank Discussion

    Regards FTLFTL’s comments,

    Your opinion has been duly noted and casually disregarded. Go play NetNanny somewhere else.I’ll continue to post here about how I feel ESPN is biased and not objective. I enjoy Pete’s insightful commentary and that of the other regular posters. I even enjoy NOMAAS !!! Please cite evidence of the site being “racist and homophobic”, I’ll be patiently waiting.

    Oh, and the correct term is “drivel”, not “dribble”, please make a note of it for your next insignificant post.

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New York Yankees baseball fans cheer during a ticker-tape parade along Broadway celebrating their 27th World Series championship on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009,  in New York.   (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams) New York Yankees baseball player  Mariano Rivera, bottom, waves during a ticker-tape parade along Broadway celebrating their 27th World Series championship on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009,  in New York.  (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) Floats carrying the New York Yankees baseball team make their way along Broadway during a ticker-tape parade celebrating their 27th World Series championship on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009,  in New York.  (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) New York Yankees baseball players Alex Rodriguez, second from left,  Francisco Cervelli, third from right, and entertainer Jay-Z, left, celebrate on a float  during a ticker-tape parade along Broadway celebrating their 27th World Series championship on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009,  in New York.   (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams) New York Yankees baseball player Alex Rodriguez, right, and entertainer Jay-Z celebrate on a float during a ticker-tape parade along Broadway celebrating their 27th World Series championship on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009,  in New York.   (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams) Floats carrying the New York Yankees baseball team make their way along Broadway during a ticker-tape parade celebrating their 27th World Series championship on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009,  in New York.  (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui, the World Series MVP, celebrates from a float during a ticker-tape parade along Broadway celebrating their 27th World Series championship on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009,  in New York. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams) Baseball fans cheers as the New York Yankees were honored along Broadway in New York on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, with a ticker-tape parade celebrating their 27th World Series championship. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
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About the authors
Chad JenningsChad Jennings joined the The Journal News in October 2009, having spent the better part of seven years covering baseball in Scranton, PA. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri and an award-winning beat reporter and features writer. E-mail me at cjennings@lohud.com
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Sam BordenSam Borden is an award-winning journalist who joined The Journal News and LoHud.com in January 2008. He covered the Yankees for the New York Daily News from 2004-06, and has also worked as a columnist for the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville. E-mail me at sborden@lohud.com
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Sam BordenJosh Thomson has done some of everything since joining The Journal News in March 2003. He began working for the Gannett weeklies during the winter of 2002 as a freelance writer. He joined the daily staff soon after and has since covered various high school and pro sports. E-mail me at jthomson@lohud.com
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