Game 15: Yankees at Rays
-
- April
- 15
YANKEES
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Moeller C
Pettitte LHP (1-1, 3.09)
Notes: The Yankees are facing RHP Edwin Jackson (2-0, 0.64). Jackson allowed one run over six innings against the Yankees on April 5 at the Stadium. … That run Robbie Cano scored last night when he homered was his first of the season. … The Yankees are 3-4 on their road trip, which ends tonight. They return to New York to play the Red Sox on Wednesday and Thursday before heading to Baltimore on Friday.
Back later with updates.
UPDATE, 6:20 p.m.: Jorge Posada played long toss with Tony Pena in the outfield during batting practice. He seemed to be letting it go pretty well from what I could see. A few of the beat writers waited to speak to him and he ran up the stairs into the clubhouse as he followed. Here’s the interview:
Reporter: How did that go?
Posada: “Good.”
Reporter: How was it compared to yesterday?
Posada: “Better”
Reporter: “Are you getting closer?”
Posada: “Closer.”
Aren’t you glad I waited to get that? I know I am.
UPDATE, 6:59 p.m.: Apparently Curt Schilling’s doctor seems to think that the injured Boston pitcher wants to pitch for the Yankees next season. Schilling has denied it according to the Extra Bases blog on Boston.com.
Here’s my question: Who says the Yankees would want him?
UPDATE, 7:01 p.m.: The Rays just had eight elderly women disco dancing on the field. I really wish I was kidding.
UPDATE, 7:04 p.m.: Joe Girardi said during his pre-game that Harlan Chamberlain is “a little” better. He’s still undergoing tests. It’s not certain when Joba will be back, but it won’t be before the Baltimore series this weekend.
UPDATE, 7:20 p.m.: According to a few e-mails, it seems that somebody is spreading a rumor that the Yankees are considering signing Mike Piazza. The e-mailed response from Brian Cashman:
“No.”
What wasn’t included was, “Ha ha ha ha ha ha.” Piazza is 39 and hasn’t caught since he was with the Padres in 2006.
UPDATE, 8:33 p.m.: Nice at-bat by Jeter there, working nine pitches then driving in Damon. … Jackson is not long for this tilt as he’s at 90 pitches. … Andy Pettitte has put nine runners on base in four innings and somehow allowed only two runs.
UPDATE, 8:38 p.m.: That’s the second time already this season that Abreu has been thrown out stealing while A-Rod was at the plate with two outs. The stolen base is a low-percentage offensive weapon to start with. Factor in Alex Rodriguez being at the plate and it seems downright foolish. Isn’t the idea to get A-Rod as many plate appearances as possible? Abreu can score from first on a double. Abreu is not going on his own, either.
UPDATE, 9:44 p.m.: Well, here is Farnsworth trying to hold a two-run lead in the 8th inning. This should be interesting one way or another.
UPDATE, 9:49 p.m.: I’m in stunned disbelief as Farnsworth retired the side in order. … Meanwhile, the Yankees are 2 for 15 with the bases loaded this season, 0 for 3 tonight. Yeesh.
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on Tuesday, April 15th, 2008 at 3:45 pm by Peter Abraham.
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oh its only 2 games with tampa i didnt know!
I don’t think you have Pettitte’s ERA correct
does anybody have an update on possoda?
I think Pettitte’s ERA is 3.09.
Amazing that is was Robbie first run scored of the season.
Any word on Harlan?
I’m expecting a big night out of Pettitte. I think he is going to pitch very well tonight.
That lineup looks mighty familiar.
Can someone explain to me how it works with a catcher who has never caught a pitcher before especially a veteran pitcher like Andy. I am sure there are patterns he likes to use in pitch selection as well as patterns that each of the hitter use, what they like to hit etc.
How much time does it take for a catcher to pick up on these sort of things especially the pitchers preferences as I am sure they study the book on the hitters before a series.
Is this something that basically Andy will call his own pitches, will the pitches get called from the bench?
It is not like subbing into a field position where all you need to worry about is playing the field and being positioned corectly.
“mel
April 15th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
SoS,
Dude you’re killing me. If you’re going to insult my guy, spell it right. Vein is in your arm, where you do your crank. Vain is the personality trait that you seem to be referring to. While we’re at it a weather vane sits on the house and rooster spins around in the wind.”
lol. What makes you think i didnt mean the crank vein? I have an excuse. Thanks for being misses perfect grammer person.
ONE MORE WORD.
Flunk test
Pete’s looking at the ERA before KC.
Here’s his season stats:
DATE OPP W L ERA SV IP H ER BB SO
APR 05 TB 0 1 5.40 0 5.0 8 3 2 3
APR 10 @KC 1 0 3.09 0 6.2 5 1 2 1
Totals 1 1 3.09 0 11.2 13 4 4 4
Im just glad we dont have to see Cano batting second. Thank you and welcome back Jeter!!
I don’t know about you guys, but all we have to do this month is tread water, and that’s exactly what we are doing so far.
While taking more than one out of three from KC would be nice, I think there’s a real something to this team.
Doesn’t Pettitte have excellent numbers career wise against Tampa?
its amazing how much better the line up looks with jeter there and in the 2 hole.
Rebecca,
Exactly. Stay close, get healthy, and work out the roster kinks.
If they can do that this month, April is a sucessful month.
This lineup is gonna light up Action Jaction !!!
Why is Posada not even DHing now?
Is this injury worse than we’re being led to believe?
Rebecca,
I found an old list of books that you recommended. I’m planning on reading them.
Also, I’m sick of opening at home against the Pats every year.
In addition, nice Fenway pics. I’ve been there for three Yankee games in the late 90’s (all wins!). After seeing your pictures, I have to go back.
Lastly, you don’t look terrible in the pictures.
Parity is definitely imposing it’s will earlier in the season. Much like the NFL in recent years and the Western Conference in the NBA this year there will be a lot of teams competing for playoff spots with no one running away with it.
Depending on how we play that can be a very, very good thing. The Yankees just have to take care of the ball and not squander opportunities on offense.
“…amazing how much better the line up looks with jeter there…”
Hopefully Jeter won’t look as bad the last time he faced Jackson (and most of the other Yankees last time)
I don’t want this lost in the previous thread.
For all those who don’t believe Jackie Robinson being honored as he is might be not deserved or over the top, please read
OPENING DAY by Jonathan Eig (Simon & Schuster Paperbacks, 2008)
Then you’ll know how beyond unique and special this man was.
Clay Buchholz/Joe: Thanks man, I appreciate it!
Fenway was wonderful, the weather changing more times than a girl trying on prom dresses, not so much.
I forget which books I recommended to you but I’m sure they’re good
“I don’t know about you guys, but all we have to do this month is tread water, and that’s exactly what we are doing so far.”
I disagree, a killer April could kill the year.
Matsui is swinging the bat better than Posada. He should be the DH.
I guess that Posada is not DHing tonight because if he does, one of the outfielders has to sit. Without Posada you can play Abreu, Melky and Damon (the best defensive alignment) and DH Matsui.
I know some have mentioned that it’s too early in the season to be sitting regulars and guys need to get in their groove.
But I wonder if the players like this? As far as the irregular players they have to be on their toes, prepared to go on any given day, not knowing what the lineup’s going to be. The older players might appreciate a day or two off per week. Even though Jeter & Alex would kill to play everyday.
I think it’ll help all the players stay sharp, focused, and make the most of their playing days. I dunno. What do you guys think?
Treading water is not a “killer April”.
If April ended today, and the Yankees are treading water right now, how does that kill the year? They would be 1 1/2 games out of first place.
Hence the term, “treading water”. Meaning, keep it close and not have a killer month.
Fantasy baseball question…
I’ve got Edwin Jackson (and Pettitte, but he’s a no doubt start) (deep league, don’t ask).
Should I start him? He could kill my week with a bad performance…
What do you guys think of the rumor that Cashman is considering making an offer to free agent and ex-Met Mike Piazza? Might be a good idea. He could be used as a backup catcher/1B/DH. They would probably have to DFA Betemit to make room for him.
Well, of course winning games would be better than treading water. It would allow you to get some separation from every team that’s doing the same thing right now. At some point someone’s going to have to pull away. Hopefully, it’s us.
People are getting on Girardi and the pitchers. There’s a reason why teams struggle early in the season, it’s still a feeling-out time. Grooves and routines are still being worked on.
Girardi will figure out what works and what doesn’t work. I think he’s figured that using all your players works. That using Kyle & Brian doesn’t work.
SJ44 -
You always beat me to the punch! I was about to post the same thing. You have to look at the situation relative to the other teams in the league/division. All things considered, the Yankees are holding their ground. Everyone knew that an April with very few days off (almost none) was going to be a challenge.
rackem: The last thing we need is another DH/1B.
Piazza, no thank you. Unless Molina is worse than they’re saying, why would we need yet ANOTHER 1B/DH?
Besides which, he cant catch anymore and I don’t think he did very well at 1B either.
You start him til he kills you. Jackson is a pretty talented kid whose career was badly mismanaged by the Dodgers. Not long ago this kid was a Top 10 Prospect in BA. I’d start him.
Jets sweep the Patriots this year… You heard it here first!
GO JETS!
“I disagree, a killer April could kill the year.”
Last year, they had about as bad an April as you can have and still made the playoffs. I think that, if they’re around .500, they’lll be alright. Weather, travel, and opponent-wise, this is by far the toughest month on the schedule.
When A rod leaves for the birth of his daughter is there any kind of bereavement leave for that situation?
The only way they may consider Piazza is if Posada isn’t able to catch at all this season.
If he can’t, then you need another catcher because Moeller isn’t good enough and Molina can’t catch every night.
Even if they signed him (which I don’t believe will happen), he would need 3-4 weeks, at a minimum, to get ready.
That means, you probably wouldn’t see him until Memorial Day. That’s a long time.
Its why I don’t see something like that happening.
Matt, I doubt it. only supposed to be a couple of days, will probably just have to do without him.
I think I’d rather see Girardi player/manager than see Piazza catching for the Yankees.
Posada CAN catch. Just as long as nobody gets on base.
“When A rod leaves for the birth of his daughter is there any kind of bereavement leave for that situation?”
That would be paternity leave, which I don’t know if the Yankees have. He’d have to be pretty depressed about having another baby in the house to go on bereavement leave.
Just say “no” to Piazza. Venus De Milo has a better arm.
Posada said yesterday he’s on a throwing program and he’s MUCH better. Sounds like he’s almost ready to catch.
I love pizza. I hate Piazza.
Chris,
That’s pretty intriguing. Girardi’s fit, can call a game, and his arm’s probably healthier than Jorge’s.
Do they even allow player/managers anymore? They have to be on the 25-man and sign an major league contract right? Who was the last one?
lol, mel, I have no idea. I don’t know if they don’t allow it versus it just not being as feasible anymore.
mel,
Pete Rose was the last player-manager in 1985 I think. He might have played in 86, but I don’t remember.
Has anyone taken Level II of the CFA?? this thing is killing me
Gayle, most veteran pitchers call their own pitchers anyway. i am sure andy and chad have been hanging out and working together all day. andy will be fine as will chad, he is a veteran too.
Good Afternoon
Im pretty sure that you cant DFA a player that is on the DL.
So adding a player in Betemits’ roster spot would not be able to happen for 14 more days.
I agree with Petes post from yesterday…..MLB needs to change that Bereavement List to a more appropriate name List.
Birth of a child
Death in the family
Serious Illness or a car accident
“MLB needs to change that Bereavement List to a more appropriate name List.
Birth of a child
Death in the family
Serious Illness or a car accident”
I’ve seen “Family Leave” at many companies. All of the above could fall into that category.
“Has anyone taken Level II of the CFA?? this thing is killing me”
Ask me next year
I’ve got 4 actuarial exams down, though.
Joe,
Thnx.
UtilityMan,
How’s UtilityChild? Did you see that Miggy hooked up with the Mariners?
Our good friend Jeff Weaver signed with the brewers.
Piazza is as high on the Yankee’s radar as Wil Nieves is.
Bryan - My ex boyfriend failed level 2 three times I think. He spent like half our relationship studying for it… so good luck!
Oops wasn’t done.
Boras totally misread the market on him. Wasn’t he offered a contract and turned it down in hopes of getting more money.
I think the Rays just renamed their team because they didn’t like seeing “TBD” on all the baseball statistic sites.
Pete Rose once sat on a tack and when he did, Pete rose.
Just 2 more hours ’til cowbell time.
Ah, Pete Rose. I’ll add that to the list of people whose names are complete sentences.
I predict a Derek Jeter homerun tonight. I’ll probably be wrong, but hey, can’t win them all.
“Ah, Pete Rose. I’ll add that to the list of people whose names are complete sentences.”
Who else is on that list?
must be an interesting list..
mel
Baby is doing fine..Thanks…..3 1/2 months now.
She made the trip to Yankee Spring Training in March.
As for my adopted son——Miguel Cairo——–
Yes…I follow him everyday…..He got a Major League Contract from Seattle..unlike Woodward..who people on this forum thought was better then Cairo.Wrong Again.
mel in case you were wondering
Games 3 Runs 1 RBIs 1 BB 1
can we please give enberg more of a shot
yo util what up dude
Meee-Gelll Cai-Row
clap clap, clap clap clap
I know this isn’t really going out on a limb here, but I’d be shocked if Edwin Jackson’s ERA isn’t much higher after this game. If its 0.64 now, I bet its over 2 after the Yankees are done with him today. The bats looked good yesterday, no reason to think that won’t continue.
Jay I agree however with Posada right now only available as a DH I think the moves are limited. Giambi had a good weekend in Boston and you dont want to sit him too long. Same with Matsui. I think Morgan will get plenty of time when Arod goes on maternity leave. Also with a RHP get Giambi the at bat today
If Giambi continues to look like a blind man swatting flies then I think you have to consider Ensberg for a more steady role at first base. But Giambi needs more time to show if he has anything left. Unfortunately he’s one ground ball away from a tweaked ankle, a strained hamstring, or a pulled calf muscle. So I bet Ensberg gets his shot at some point this year. As long as it isn’t Betemit at first.
The Rays drew 18,872 fans for last night’s game.
Vegas odds now showing at 8 1/5 to 5 that the Rays will find a way to squeeze in one more patron tonight.
miggs,
I normally don’t tempt fate, but it’s unheard of to sustain such a low ERA in this league.
Pitchers shutting down the Yankees twice in a row is rare, too.
TIP-Trust In Pettitte
I don’t know if anyones heard…tomorrows first pitch will be thrown from space, no joke here.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24135634/
Vinny, pretty sad considering the level of yount talent they have in Tampa now. But I can see how a lack of any support from your hometown fans would make all these young stars want to stay there when they hit free agency, and take small salaries to do it.
Carl Crawford must really love the beach down there or something……
I think Pete mentioned the space thing in one of his “today in the Journal news” articles.
Hey jay d…..not much…just waiting for the start of softball season….and some warmer weather for our Yankee Bats to get HOT!!!
This is one Krazy Schedule that the Yanks are playing this month.
” If its 0.64 now, I bet its over 2 after the Yankees are done with him today. ”
If Jackson throws 6 innings and gives up 4 runs he will have a 2.25 ERA.
I’ll bet it is over 4 after we are done with his sorry @$$ !
Ensberg certainly deserve a shot.
Betemit has been given his shot…40 Strikeouts since joining the Yankees on 8-1-07 is WAY too much.
Alberto Gonzalez has certainly impressed me….I will be honest and admit I thought he would have 3 Errors by now.Great Job so far by the General…
Heres one
Norman fell after tripping on a rock,thus Norman Fell
(Threes Company-Mr Roper)
“Norman fell after tripping on a rock,thus Norman Fell”
Good one! How about Mark Spitz (spits)? Would that count?
I find I can’t stop thinking about Joba and his dad. The fact that we know so much about their bond, and the fact that Joba is still a very young man to have to be going through what he is - not that it is easy at any age - well I feel my heart is breaking for him.
Sometimes life can really suck. I pray that whatever is happening, things go in a positive direction for the Chamberlains.
Too bad my surname’s a noun and not a verb.
However, if you do the maiden name thing, I’m a Small Brown Glass.
“Betemit has been given his shot…40 Strikeouts since joining the Yankees on 8-1-07 is WAY too much.”
His .471 SLG is impressive for a bench guy. Especially given that his isolated power is around .200
He’s a bench guy. He’s also taken his share of walks in his career. He doesn’t hit for average, but there are OTHER tools. And he’s a bench guy. I’d rather have him than someone who hits .260 with an OBP of .300 and a SLG of .310.
Britney Spears
Blah blah blah
Whozat ;
Of what significance is a bench guy ? The Yankees have one in Rob Thomson already plus the team trainers, and doctor.
Let’s see if the Yanks can’t beef up that ERA of Edwin’s tonight. that would be splendid. Also, a .500 road trip would be acceptable.
What’s with the Giambi hate? His low average is as much bad luck as anything else, as he’s been driving the ball deep, just at guys. Despite batting .107, he still has a .297 OBP and .357 slugging. His play in the field is much improved. He’s only struck out four times, but walked seven. All of his underlying stats suggest he’s been unlucky. Give him a little time, and he’ll mash.
As i said yesterday. Molina can steal second on Piazza with a bum leg.
Solution: Have Posada use the pitcher as a cutoff man to second. Problem solved. Now lets play some ball Jorge!!!
miggs,
How did it go yesterday in this blog during the game? I would think a better than usual being that we were ahead through out the contest.
just win tonight!
Chris NY -
The Rays hoodwinked Crawford into a cheap deal and bought into his free agency years but after the 2010 team option they’ll never swindle him again.
He’s low key and doesn’t complain but he’s well aware of what his next contract will mean. He’ll continue to put up good numbers then …… paydirt.
I have to bring this up. I think we’re 3-0 this year when Giambi doesnt play. Maybe he’s a good luck charm on the bench.
The Yankees are going to shell Jackson this evening.
That is all.
Regards, Gargoyle.
Keep the optimism coming. You know it works.
Giambi is the greatest Yankee ever to admit to using steroids.
(I hope)
Pete,
Thanks. That interview was positively riveting. You’ll get another award for it.
Dave S.,
Dumb luck hitting into the shift, huh? j/k. Serious question, where do you guys see Giambi going if he has a decent year? Please don’t say the Yankees. They’ve put up a good face, but I think they’ll part ways at the end of the season. Besides, Shelley Duncan’s a cheaper, healthier, more versatile version.
Pete, I’m going to have to second Mel here…
Posada took BP and looked pretty good on his swings. He got a couple out of the park. I can’t wait to see him back behind the plate with a good arm.
Wish I could watch the game tonight…but since I probably won’t get home until the late innings, go Yankees! Bring Jackson down to Earth, please.
Pete,
You should of asked Posada while running in the clubhouse how Molinas hamstring was feeling. You dropped the ball on that one Pete.
lets goo!
I was contemplating creating a Wikipedia stub for Pete, but I’m too lazy. Someone should do it, though.
mel,
That Long Beach team(pickup league)Conseco played on. Just to be closer to home. If not,plan b is Oakland.
When he was a child, Ruben Studdard.
Jackson is gonna get ROCKED!
Someday I’ll get a wikipedia page.
Just not today. Or tomorrow. Or the day after.
are the tigers 3-10? or 3-11
Jed Lowrie is making his debut for redsox
Yankee player updates-
On the pre-game show Kim said:
1. Molina is feeling much better. He is the back-up catcher. Should be able to start soon.
2. Joba’s dad is doing a little bit better but that Joe told him to take all of the time that he needs.
3. IPK is fine. Will throw his bullpen tomorrow as scheduled.
S.O.S. it was ok actually, some of the people who usually ruin it were absent luckily.
I’m going to try and stay today too, we’ll see what happens.
Is it true that anti mussina is gone for good? I guess he knew he was going to lose the bet and decided to walk away with the little dignity he had left. Or not.
“Someday I’ll get a wikipedia page.
Ok, I’ll remember your proclamation. It reminds me of Jeter saying that he would someday be the SS for the Yankees.
how is jose tabata doing so far?
Tabata batting .244 in 12 games 0 homeruns 8k’s
OK, ALL, let’s stay positive. TRY not to 2nd guess Joe, even if he does something questionable and enjoy tonight’s RIDE TO VICTORY ! :-)….who’s with me ????
Clay: Awesome. Heck, if you want, you can write it.
Though right now there’s utterly nothing to write about.
Jackson batting .295 0 homeruns 7k
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h8e_Gw_2_TNTXw3_Q1LnclUBtdpwD902J3UO0
Girardi: Chamberlain’s father doing a little better
great news !
DVB -
Nice find - Harlan is worthy of all our prayers. With Joe Girardi’s own father in bad shape I am sure his heart must go out to Joba.
Alright, I posted a similar question last night but got no response — Did anyone notice some possible tension between Rivera and Moeller after the last out last night? Then A-Rod came in and put his arm around Mo. Looked to me like Mo was pissed.
Let’s go Rays!
A little late to the “treading water” discussion, but Rebecca and SJ are absolutely correct. Not only because of the injuries and young pitchers’ growing pains, but also because they are in a stretch right now where they play 18 of 20 games on the road (thanks, Your Holiness), and the only ones at home are tomorrow and Thursday against the bosox. This many games on the road in one span has not happened (to the Yankees) in something like 50 years. If they stay within 2-3 games at the end of April, it’ll be quite sufficient.
Great to hear Joba’s dad is doing better
YF in Austin -
I didn’t see it but people posted earlier in the day that Mo was apparently not happy with CM’s pitch calling and that after the game their wasn’t a lot of love (ok - A-Rod got between them to soothe things).
I would guess that Girardi has shown Chad Moeller a highlight reel of Mariano Rivera’s hundreds of saves, worlds series wins and invited him to STFU.
I’m feeling Andy throwing a no-hitter into the 7th. Carl Crawford will beat out an infield single to break it up.
Glad to hear Harlan is doing better and hope he continues to recover.
About the elderly disco women, is it a bad sign that I don’t have trouble believing it?
“Alright, I posted a similar question last night but got no response — Did anyone notice some possible tension between Rivera and Moeller after the last out last night? Then A-Rod came in and put his arm around Mo. Looked to me like Mo was pissed.”
Yes, I noticed it too, but I assumed that maybe I was wrong.
I’ve eaten at Mo’s restaurant twice so far. Nice place, good food, and a very nice group of people that work there.
Hey
Is it just me or does John Flaherty look alot like Alfalfa of the little rascals
Go Yanks
Hey Bryan, hang in there with the studying for CFA. I’m taking level 3 which is a bear as well. Thankfully we have pete and his blog to keep up on the yanks.
CFA, what’s that?
Yanks fan in Austin
I noticed something too …whether its tension or just he was talking to someone is unknown but yes i wondered the same thing last night
Wow, Jackson is already overpowering the Yanks…
Mo’s is a very nice place …..
http://www.mosnewyorkgrill.com/
Pettitte is going to make sure this game is over in a hurry.
A first baseman with better range may have had that ball.
1st and 3rd 1 out
Don’t make this painful Andy
Mo’s restaurant looks nice.
hey Sam…how did THAT look ?
Nice job by Andy to pitch out of trouble.
Nice Andy
Hmm. Eliot Johnson playing second.
That should do wonders for Edwin’s ERA.
This is Andy’s third start and the 3rd different catcher. That must take some time to get used to.
Peter, no offense man, but are you still going to talk about how Matsui should be traded at the end of the year?
The Rays announcer just said Arod was batting .260.
Get it right!
They are so painful to listen to.
Jackson’s ERA just doubled.
Keep going guys.
Matsui!!!
That’s why he’s DH instead of Posada.
Nasty pitch there
Raise that ERA
Nice job by the Yankees fans basically forcing Hawkins to change his number.
http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10780997
Pete
A one word answer from Cashman?
Matsui may be the greatest “spare part” in major league history.
They really should have traded him in the off season - he’s old, over the hill, washed up, etc.
Who needs him - they have way too many corner outfielders/ DH/left handed hitters.
Get rid of him. Who needs a career .850 OPS hitter when you can trade him for a hard throwing middle reliever with no control on the San Francisco Giants?
I’d love to add Piazza. If he wasn’t a DH.
I like the approach of the hitters here!
Pettitte escapes as always
He’s changing his number to 22?
Oh brother…
Mark- that’s pretty sad IMO.
The Shill and Piazza notes were downright scary!
Nice one Matsui and hang in there Andy!
GO YANKS!
I wish I could shove that horn where the sun don’t shine!
Mark -
Thanks for the link on that. Seems LaTroy has a lot more class than the fans who heckled him for wearing the number to begin with.
another walk for Cano!!
CB -
So you won’t trade him for a power lefty arm in the pen?
People have been saying that Matsui is slowing down and that he now has a “slider” or even “change up” speed bat.
That pitch he cranked out was a 95 mph fastball from a guy who was, up until that point, having his way with the first few yankee hitters, just overpowering them.
It is not easy to find bats like matsui’s.
Boy…Melky CRUSHED that ball
Matsui should only of been traded if we got something in return, when I say something I mean the Yankees should get greedy and ask for Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum, if not, no deal, not only are you trading matsui, you are trading the fan base he has generated. I am still glad he is with us and hes doing good.
Now he’ll get cheered at the stadium
I should not of said Yankees fans as I did not mean all of them just the select few that were at those games that were chanting stuff at him.
I wonder if the morons will chanted ROGER..
Doreen–Agreed.
And O’Neill is one of my childhood heroes.
Nice patience in this inning. Make Jackson work.
Matsui is definitely still a good hitter, but his defense is downright atrocious. I like Hideki, but if we could ever be able to move him for a guy like Chad Cordero, Huston Street, some sort of closer on a bad team that could be a good setup guy on the Yanks, I’d do it. That way, it’d be a whole lot easer to move Joba to the rotation
“So you won’t trade him for a power lefty arm in the pen?”
Not so much. He’s a terrific hitter and there’s no way I’d ever trade a .850 OPS hitter for a middle reliever who may give you 75 innings. The everyday player is far more valuable.
Matsui looks like he’s finally over the wrist fracture from 2006 and torn knee cartilage in 2007.
His bat has looked fantastic. Could be in line for a big year. One good at bat after another. Most consistent hitter on the team so far.
BP Hill, I love Matsui and all, but him leading a package for Lincecum or Cain? NO EFFIN WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
not a bad inning, edwin is up to nearly 40 pitches
lets keep working him in the 3rd
go yanks!
Jennifer –
Heavens - I sure hope NOT!
Jennifer- It seems like no matter what number he wears he’s in trouble!
Andy: Ground balls = good. Base hits = bad.
The Rays feed lost the sound, which was a blessing, and now I have the Yankees feed. Did that happen to anyone else?
The Giants would be utterly stupid to even entertain discussions for Lincecum and Cain. Young pitchers-especially that good-don’t grow on trees. It’s much, much easier to find/develop hitters.
What’s going on, Andy?
#21 should be retired but for the great Roberto Clemente not Paul O’Neil.
What is this
come on Andy!
Of course, I should recognize an Andy Pettitte start when I see one.
It seems like Pettitte ALWAYS wiggles out of jams.
cmon andy lets go!
Pitcher’s best friend!
HUGE DP
Nice work Andy.
Let’s get Edwin Jackson’s ERA back to where it should be…
Wow! That was some jam to get out of
man - he’s getting lucky tonight
ahhhh nice play robbie!
Just what Andy needed. Nice DP!!
Gaints wouldn’t get near a deal like that but they also didn’t have much else that the Yanks could use. Bad partners from the get go.
Andy escapes again! Good job
The beauty of that is, that inning didn’t really do much damage to Andy’s pitch count either.
Pettitte doing right there what he has been able to do throughout his career, making a pitch to get himself out of trouble. Great time for a DP indeed.
The Rays serious about this lineup????
Andy’s walking a tightrope tonight.
So if you guys were on the Yankees, complete with current retired numbers, what would you choose?
My first choice would be 8 –after Berra and the rec basketball number I wore, but that’s a no-go.
My second would be 42, life, the universe and everything–but that’s a no-go.
So I think I’d settle on 30–Martin Brodeur. Different sport, sure, but still one of my favorite athletes.
Patience please
The Hawkins number thing s very sad. Here he was wanting to honor someone as special as Clemente and some Yankee fans couldnt get over it. Classy move by Hawkins once again he shows what kind if guy he is which makes the fact that he had to even have the conversation a lot more sad.
Wish O’Neil would have showed the same class and addressed the issue so it didnt have to come to this.
Yes I know it is only a number but obviously it meant something to Hawkins.
“Matsui is definitely still a good hitter, but his defense is downright atrocious.”
This is just not true. Matsui isn’t a great fielder but he’s not bad at all.
Take last year. He was gimping around for much of the year on a very bad knee. That made it difficult for him to run.
Despite that Matsui had the highest zone rating of any left fielder in the american league (0.886)
Matsui last year had a higher zone rating than Carl Crawford (0.872).
And this year as his knee looks much better his fielding wil get better as well.
There is this idea that’s picked up speed that Matsui is just done as a fielder.
That simply is not supported by facts. It’s just not.
I just think that when Matsui makes a mistake on the field its of the kind that is extremely noticeable - he kind of flails at balls he’s misjudged.
But that happens far less often than people think.
He’s not a bad fielder. I hope we can move off this.
So much for the patience. 7 pitches??? Jeesh!
Too quick of an inning.
Damon & Jeter took a grand total of 3 pitches.
“Wish O’Neil would have showed the same class and addressed the issue so it didnt have to come to this.”
This is one of the worst aspects of that entire issue.
It was pretty obvious that O’Neil was tacitly supporting the shelling that Hawkins was taking.
There’s a perception in NY that O’Neil is the most stand up guy in the world.
He acted very petty in this situation.
No way does he deserve to have his number retired for the Yankees - didn’t play here long enough and he’s no where near the standard established by the Yankees already retired.
I thought LaTroy Hawkins was planning to wear 42.
Rebecca,
#11. Lowest available number.
#19. I always liked Dave Righetti.
Thanks for the Harlan update, I guess no, or little news is good news.
Schilling? No thanks. I prefer mustard on my hot dogs, not ketchup.
CB,
What exactly did O’Neill do wrong?
I am a huge Paul O’Neill fan, but he really did need to come out and say something. I hope maybe the next time he’s on air he does; a mistake’s not an error till yu refuse to correct it.
Hawkins might not be the greatest pitcher ever lived, but he seems like he’ll soon be in the running for ‘guy you want around the clubhouse’
I’m Spam. Could I pass through Peter’s spam filter?
Yes.
The thing I didn’t like about Oneil on opening night is when Kay asked him about it, and instead of saying I don’t mind he said something like I just thanks the fans for caring about me so much or something along those lines.
“It was pretty obvious that O’Neil was tacitly supporting the shelling that Hawkins was taking.
There’s a perception in NY that O’Neil is the most stand up guy in the world.
He acted very petty in this situation.”
JMHO - I don’t know - I disagree that a player has to step up and bless someone who is going to wear his number. Paul is understandably attached to his number and maybe he understands it won’t get retired. It isn’t like he owes it to Hawkins to wrap around the idea of what happened.
Athletes are funny about numbers. No biggie either way
Paul O’Neill has already had his own bobblehead day, doesn’t he know that’s the highest honor the Yankees can bestow upon him?
Actually when O’Neill was in the broadcast booth with Michael Kay and Michael brought it up Paulie said that is was weird having someone else wear his number and he appreciated the fans reaction. He could have said that he had no problem with it. That would be the right thing to do.
I am among those who have a newfound respect for Hawkins. He handled the whole situation nicely. All that O’Neill needed to do was to say that it wasn’t a big deal for Hawkins to wear 21, but he chose a different route. He came across as dubious and skeptical while talking about the issue, and really added to the furor of the fans.
“What exactly did O’Neill do wrong?”
It’s nothing that he did do. But rather it’s what he didn’t do.
He basically could have said something about how inappropriate the booing was, especially in the light of why Hawkins was wearing the number in honor of Roberto Clemente.
But he chose to remain strangely silent on the subject. Didn’t seem to say anything.
That’s just very curious. O’Neil has never been a quite guy or a guy who doesn’t voice his opinion.
You got the sense by his silence that he was unhappy and thought if the embarrassment of the booing grew enough for both hawkins and the team that the number would be switched.
And it did. Mob rule - how wonderful.
They have lights that flash on the rings?? How stupid!!
Since Hawkins has switched to 22, I hope that nobody gives him a hard time about using Clemens’s number.
I agree that O’Neil should have said something.
It’s pretty sad that Hawkins changed his number thanks to some idiotic booing fans.
He might not be the world’s greatest pitcher..but he does seem like a nice decent guy. Didn’t deserve to be booed because of the number he had on.
ANyone know of any sopcast or tvants streams for the game? The one on myp2p is not working at the moment.
“I am a huge Paul O’Neill fan, but he really did need to come out and say something. I hope maybe the next time he’s on air he does; a mistake’s not an error till yu refuse to correct it.”
I could be wrong about this, but sometimes it’s best not to draw attention to something. If O’Neill makes some sort of a statement it gives the story more legs. In addition, most of the idiots who boo Hawkins might not stop booing even if O’Neill told them to stop.
Is something physically wrong with pettitte? He has nothign tonight. My grandmother could throw with more velocity. He is not long for this game.
Thought Andy would escape again but those walks cost him.
I think O’Neil is def. wrong with the way he handled it. He appears to like that they are booing him, once saying well, the number was still available, but it’s weird seeing it on the field.
I don’t think his # should be retired, but obviously he does.
I think Hawkins should be able to wear it as a tribute to Clemente, a true class act.
1-1 game
come on Andy!
whats wrong with him today
This is not the best start of Pettitte’s life.
What is with Yankee pitchers giving up big hits on 0-2 counts? And giving up big hits with 2 outs? Can’t anybody finish off a hitter?
This just is not a very good team.
Oh how I wish Jose or Posada was behind the plate.
Could it be the new catcher?
Oh who cares if the Rays just got another run.
I’m still chuckling at the TB announcer with his Stayin Alive! impression.
Make it 2-1 now
and it’s the freaking bottom of the order!
Uh, what does Pettitte having a bad night have to do with a bad team?
Andy doesn’t have his best stuff today…but he limited the damage. He can still make this a decent outing. Go Yanks!
Kevin
If I ever play for the Chicago Bulls, I want to wear number 23 to honor Don Mattingly. LOL
The two-out walk to Longoria seemed to give the Rays an extra jolt and now everything has had a snowball effect for Pettitte from there. Hopefully this doesn’t get any worse.
Ba-Bye Andy! My prediction for night’s game Tampa Bay wins 10 - 3. Let’s go Edwin!
I think that 21 should be retired by MLB, for Roberto Clemente, Jackie Robinson has his number retired for breaking the color barrier, Roberto Clemente introduced latinos into basebal, his number should be retired.
How much you want to bet the Yanks pretty much give up now that they’ve fallen behind? Boston would battle back, but not NY!!
Boston…Gutty
Yankees…Gutless
Since it is the proud Yankee tradition to blame everyone but the players - (like Girardi gave up those HR’s last night or served up a meatball to Manny) how long until we start wondering about Eiland?
Just so you know - I think it is generally a stupid idea to blame people not on the field in baseball, but this is NYC.
Come on Yankees-Make Jackson cry here. Work him good and get some more runs
7 singles & 2 walks. Who crosses the plate? BBs.
The guys need to pick Andy up. Let’s go!
Andy really is pitching on the edge. He has also given up 7 hits. Fortunately he escaped the other jams.
I’m not sure why people think O’Neil had some obligation to tell the fans it was ok for his number to be issued. He was asked how he felt about it and he was obviously hurt by it. What’s he supposed to say, no big deal, keep my number out of circulation for years, tease me that it might be retired… then give it to a reliever who will probably play her for one or two years, tops?
He’s retired and by no means should have come out and acted like he didn’t care. He did care and tried not to let that show, but he doesn’t have to lie and say it didn’t bother him. The guy didn’t say, “good” when he heard they booed him.
Wow I’ve always loved Paulie but this kind of shows you what type of guy he is.
21 isn’t getting retired. Plus I’m sure this has been stated already, but the fact that Hawkins wants to wear it in honor of Clemente… if you’re O’Neill you should be supporting that. He had to know his reaction was only going to add fuel to the fire. Bad move by him.
Retire 21 for the greatest rigut fielder ever! And I don’t mean Paulie.
Our pitching might be having a “bad game” but by no means should we start panicing, we have a stellar offense and are down by one run, no need to panic.
“Boston…Gutty”
Is he talking about David “Big Sloppi” Ortiz?
leadoff walk, always a good thing, well, when we’re hitting that is
Is it me or are they chanting Let’s Go Yankees?
Not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course…
Rebecca,
Take that “optimistic” schtick and stick it up your ***!
The Yanks give no realistic, intelligent fan any reason to be optimistic. They are playing lousy baseball, have a lousy offense, lousy starting pitching and lousy bullpen. And, oh yeah, a lousy manager who has already cost his team a couple ballgames. Enjoy getting beaten again by the mighty Rays! LOL
If Paul’s number gets retired, Scott Brocious, and Chuck Knobaluch’s number shall be retired.
I like this running, glad we are “trying” to swipe some bases.
“Is he talking about David “Big Sloppi” Ortiz?”
Probably Manny, who’s a better hitter than anybody on the Yankees.
Nice hit Alex.
O’Neil didn’t make any “move.” he didn’t hold a press conference declaring his disdain for Hawkins. He simply answered a question honestly, and quite frankly, held back a little. All he said was “the number meant a lot to me.” He didn’t say it shouldn’t be worn, he didn’t say boo Hawkins. He answered like a guy who thought they were retiring his number (since they hadn’t issued it since he retired SEVEN YEARS AGO), and was hurt that they didn’t.
And by the way, he said that after the booing, not before. He didn’t prompt it.
Darn it what is with all these rays trolls? They are probably the same person. We know the Rays don’t have that many fans.
I’m a big O’Neill fan, and I agree that his number should not be retired, but in my opinion he is more deserving than both Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson.
nice double alex. andy needs to settle in next inning.
400th career double for alex. it seems every hit is a milestone for him lately.
Bad swing, but good result.
belial-Cut the crap.
I swear..trolls just blow.
Now they’ve got something going.
Chris NY,
I don’t think he should lie and say he liked it, but I think he little snide comments are encouraging the booing and he knows that.
Nice way of getting the RBI for Matsui, works out better than a normal sac fly, as A-Rod is now at third.
Ouch he was almost hit with the throw.
And the Yanks take the lead back
Very nice piece of hitting by matsui. Typical productive at bat - he hits in context of what’s needed.
To fight off that nasty fastball and drive in the run while breaking your bat is just terrific.
“If Paul’s number gets retired, Scott Brocious, and Chuck Knobaluch’s number shall be retired.”
Ok, now that’s ridiculous.
This is good
get some more
Note to Jason, the entire left side is open.
I can see that by all Manny’s MVP’s. 3 - 0 is it?
I will stop feeding the trolls after one final statement - what a pathetic life it must be to live your life on blogs of other teams to get satisfaction. Your team just won their second world series since 2004 and you still still have that bitter second place loser attitude.
and we have the lead back. Nice head up play by Arod!!
wooo! thanks Edwin. 3-2 yankees.
Question, is Robinson wearing his socks high as a tribute to Jackie?
Matsui’s at bat not only drives in a run but advances Alex to third so he can score on that wild pitch.
Things like that win games. Very productive at bat. He easily could have struck out or popped up on that pitch.
I didn’t hear any snide comments from O’Neil. The only thing I heard him say was to answer a direct question and say simply that the number meant a lot to him, he wore it from the time he was a kid. Was there something he said another time?
I don’t think O’Neill was snide. And I don’t think there was anything wrong with him saying it was weird seeing someone wearing that number. But he needed to make that one further statement which was no Yankee fan should boo or otherwise heckle a player for wearing that number. He has a right to his feelings of disappointment, but he needed to be bigger, in spite of the awkwardness for him.
Be good here Andy
O’Neill did NOTHING wrong.
“a mistake’s not an error till yu refuse to correct it.”
What an ignorant statement. If O’Neill had made a mistake, then he would have to correct it. However, the fans made the mistake and it’s not up to him to do anything about it. Did the fans stop booing A-Rod or anyone else because an announcer, teammate, or beloved ex-player asked them to? No.