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A New York Yankees blog by Chad Jennings and the staff of The Journal News


Matsui plays a key role in win

Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on May 25, 2008 Print This Post Print This Post | Email This Post Email This Post

Watched the last few innings of the game today and came away impressed with Hideki Matsui.

When he pinch hit in the 8th inning, Matsui grounded to the pitcher but ran hard to first. As a result, perhaps, J.J. Putz fumbled around with the throw after making a diving stop. That led to an error and a run scoring.

When Robinson Cano’s sacrifice fly scored the tying run, Matsui was paying attention and tagged up from first on Ichiro. By getting to second, he was in position to score when Jose Molina’s double fell in.

Matsui is not very fast. But he’s one of the smartest players in the game. Meanwhile, the guy sits at his locker after every game with enough ice on his knees to chill a case of Rolling Rock. Sprinting to second is probably not his idea of holiday weekend fun.

Today was the first late-inning comeback for the Yankees all season and should serve as the impetus for more of the same.

Now that they’re playing well, they’re also in position to do some serious damage. Check out the schedule coming up:

at Baltimore (3)
at Minnesota (3)
Toronto (3)
KC (4)
at Oakland (3)
at Houston (3)
SD (3)
Cincy (3)
at Pittsburgh (3)

By the time they head to Shea Stadiium on June 27, the Yankees could be closing in on being 10 games over .500. You get the sense now that the train is coming.

 
 

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432 Responses to “Matsui plays a key role in win”

  1. Brian from PA May 25th, 2008 at 8:14 pm

    looks good. seeing oakland and houston back to back is the only thing that looks like it could get a bit hairy. those are two hot teams. i mean, oakland just swept boston.

  2. Jeff NJ May 25th, 2008 at 8:16 pm

    I agree Peter, in fact I wrote the same thing on Sunday. 35 easy games in a row, A Rod coming back, good time to fatten up on the schedule. SJ44 disagreed with me and said just because it happenned before it won’t necesarily happen again. He’s right, but I like being right too. In fact I predicted a 43-36 record by the next Mets series on 6/27. So 7 games over vs. your 10. Enjoy it Yankee fans, no better way to start summer.

  3. russ May 25th, 2008 at 8:20 pm

    Calm down Pete. They can’t beat Baltimore. They can’t beat KC. They might win a game at Oakland and Toronto. Factor in their pitching and they will go 3-4 games under .500 of the schedule you just posted.

  4. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 25th, 2008 at 8:22 pm

    atta boy russ. Stay positive.

  5. JeterMack Clutch May 25th, 2008 at 8:24 pm

    at Houston (3)
    SD (3)
    Cincy (3)
    at Pittsburgh (3)

    that is lethal! but i bet all AL teams have a stretch of the like

  6. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 8:25 pm

    Pete Abe is coming up in this next segment, I think.

  7. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 25th, 2008 at 8:26 pm

    yeah.. I heard Lori screech that Pete was coming up.
    Good luck Peter!

  8. russ May 25th, 2008 at 8:26 pm

    SA, what is Yanks record against Baltimore and KC this year? I rest my case.

  9. russ May 25th, 2008 at 8:27 pm

    Yanks NEVER to well out west. Wang has stunk past few outings. Cano still swings at every first pitch he sees.

  10. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 8:28 pm

    if only russ would really rest his case.

  11. Doreen May 25th, 2008 at 8:29 pm

    I never like to count my chickens before they hatch, because they always come home to roost!

    Mixed metaphors aside, you’ve got to like (love) the way the Yankees have played the last 5 games. If they continue, they have a great chance to win the majority of their upcoming series. Now that they are back .500, they can concentrate on winning series. I’ll take a consistant 2/3, 3/4, 2/4, 3/5 any day.

    I only got to watch today’s game in bits and pieces, but did get to see the bottom of the 8th, fortuitously. All day long my daughter was keeping us updated with the score; never felt like this one was over. I think it was my Yankee party pack!

  12. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 25th, 2008 at 8:29 pm

    Yes russ. Their record against them so far this year is a 100% indication of what will happen when we play them again. In fact, we shouldn’t even bother playing the games. Mark them down already as losses.
    Please continue being the ray of sunshine that you are.

  13. mel May 25th, 2008 at 8:30 pm

    what station?

  14. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 25th, 2008 at 8:30 pm

    Here’s Peter!

  15. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 25th, 2008 at 8:30 pm

    mel-WFAN

  16. J-Dawg--Veintisiete en '08, (Kei is not O-Kei) May 25th, 2008 at 8:31 pm

    What Matsui did just shows what happens when you use that extra bit of hustle. He’s a true professional who always gives his best. Hustling to second on Robbie’s sac fly provided another boost and set everything up for Jose Molina. It was clear though, that J.J. Putz shouldn’t have tried to throw Matsui out at first. Nobody throws out the Speed Demon known as Hideki Matsui. :)

  17. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 8:33 pm

    She loves to say “blog”.

  18. J-Dawg--Veintisiete en '08, (Kei is not O-Kei) May 25th, 2008 at 8:35 pm

    Let us know what Pete says, I can’t pick up that station very well from Tennessee. :)

  19. CB May 25th, 2008 at 8:35 pm

    It’s really hard to believe that people thought Matsui was a disposable player in the off season.

    Year in and out he’s an .850+ OPS guy. That’s hard to find even for corner outfielders.

  20. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 8:36 pm

    I’m listening in SF, it’s at http://www.wfan.com

  21. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 25th, 2008 at 8:38 pm

    talking about Matsui hustling. Stuff going right for the yankees.

  22. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 25th, 2008 at 8:39 pm

    How much of this is the Yankees catching fire and the Mariners be crappy?

    Peter says-about 50/50. Upcoming schedule looking good

  23. VRSCE May 25th, 2008 at 8:40 pm

    Hi Pete,

    did you see Russ’s nasty posts. I’ll bet you regret deleting my limerick.

  24. Yosesmite Sam May 25th, 2008 at 8:40 pm

    Maybe Pete regrets saying they should trade matsui for spare parts. Never give up on talent.

  25. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 8:41 pm

    VRSCE, Pete is reading your limerick on the air right now.

  26. Angel May 25th, 2008 at 8:41 pm

    I love Russ.

  27. mel May 25th, 2008 at 8:41 pm

    sa,

    thnx

  28. YankeeJosh May 25th, 2008 at 8:41 pm

    OK, how many times did Lori bring up the Mets while interviewing Pete? What relevance do their struggles have to do with the Yankees?

  29. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 8:42 pm

    Eh, nice to hear, but Pete didn’t really say anything he hasn’t written in more depth on here. But I’m glad to have heard it.

  30. Brian F May 25th, 2008 at 8:42 pm

    How can a guy as negative as Russ post on a Yankee blog day after day? Being so negative and downbeat has to wear on you.

  31. Anderson Hunt May 25th, 2008 at 8:43 pm

    Nick relax. It was a little interview. Give it a rest.

  32. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 25th, 2008 at 8:43 pm

    Nothing really new. But good job Peter. :)

  33. Jax May 25th, 2008 at 8:43 pm

    That was pathetic how she kept bringing up the Mets while a Yankee reporter was on.

  34. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 8:44 pm

    Ok, Anderson Hunt, I’m sorry I got too excited for you there. I’ll tone it down. Sheesh.

  35. J-Dawg--Veintisiete en '08, (Kei is not O-Kei) May 25th, 2008 at 8:45 pm

    CB- Part of the appeal about Matsui is that he is consistent like the stat that you mentioned about his OPS, but for me the thing that is great about him is that he gets the job done and he does it without any glitz or any showmanship. He’s not out there to boast or showboat or anything else. He brings the lunch pail, puts the time in, and contributes night in and night out. He’s not a sideshow. I don’t see the circus of “Hideki being Hideki” in his future, let’s put it that way.

  36. 43543 May 25th, 2008 at 8:47 pm

    LAST YEAR WE WENT ON THE WST COAST TRIP AND PEOPLE SAID WE WILL WIN BUT WE GOT KILLED SO I WOULDNT BE EXCITED

  37. VRSCE May 25th, 2008 at 8:48 pm

    Nick in SF

    Ha ha,thanks, perhaps I shall do another.

  38. Scud Missile May 25th, 2008 at 8:48 pm

    I sure am glad Russ left the building. I was starting to get depressed.

  39. LathamJoe May 25th, 2008 at 8:48 pm

    Matsui is a solid baseball player. Only his outfield play is lacking..but at least he hustles.

    I have watched Ichiro since he started with Seattle in 2001. He was always a smart player with guile, hustle, and humility. During the two series with the Yankees, there has been a noticeable change in his demeanor. He seems to “hotdog” every catch that he makes, shows much more emotion to questionable strike calls, and shows frustration to his teammates when things don’t go just right for him.
    The little dribbler in front of the plate during today’s first atbat, the fly ball double by Molina that he seemed to lope after and then look at his right fielder in frustration.
    Has success spoiled Suzuki?

  40. Mark Alan May 25th, 2008 at 8:49 pm

    I’m with Russ. The Mayans predicted that a comet will plunge to Earth in 2012. We’re doomed, I tell you!

    No, I’m about to start spreading the news. To go 10 games over .500, they need to take 20 of the next 30. That’s .667 baseball, and this team is capable of that easily, especially with Joba ready to start soon. If Wang stays steady and Pettite wakes up, the Yanks will be fien.

    I feel like purchasing a nice gift for Darrell Rasner, but what does he need with stuff I bought? He’s pulling in almost $400,ooo/year.

  41. ER, from the set of May 25th, 2008 at 8:52 pm

    Way too optimistic Pete.

    Also, Jeter is already hurt, and Matsui could get hurt soon. And the scouts are figuring out Rasner. Not to mention Igawang.

  42. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 25th, 2008 at 8:53 pm

    “OK, how many times did Lori bring up the Mets while interviewing Pete? What relevance do their struggles have to do with the Yankees?”

    I think she is a Mets fan..so she might be a bit traumatized right now. But yeah, she didn’t need to bring up the Mets that many times.

  43. Steph May 25th, 2008 at 9:01 pm

    Boy, this board sure has a few bright little rays of sunshine, doesn’t it? The Mariners are in a tailspin that isn’t likely to end soon, yes, but it’s also telling that the offense did start to click. Now that A-Rod’s back, the lineup is much more lethal because Girardi has an easier time splitting up the lefties. The pitching hasn’t been too bad, either.

  44. gayle May 25th, 2008 at 9:02 pm

    I bring this up again as maybe she will read when she returns and perhaps get a giggle but since Rebecca has been in Italy the Yanks are 5-0 any chance we can take up a collection to keep her there a while.

  45. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 9:04 pm

    gayle, if you want to test your theory, I’d be willing to accept a trip to Italy, and if the Yanks keep winning, I can stay there.

  46. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 9:13 pm

    Yep, ER’s still a racist

  47. Eric May 25th, 2008 at 9:13 pm

    What do you know? For the 4th year in a row all the Quitters will be made fools again. How’s it feel jumping off the bandwagon again and made to look foolish?

  48. Jason T May 25th, 2008 at 9:17 pm

    This board is made up of one too many Johnny Negative’s. but hey, thats the internet for you. positive fans have LIVES.

  49. JoeT 28 in 09!! May 25th, 2008 at 9:18 pm

    did anyone else’s smile just get bigger and bigger reading the end of that post?? Toronto is a good team though – SOLID starting pitching, that’s no cupcake series. Oakland is playing well too after sweeping the red sox + that’s on the road for us…. But I’m DEFINITELY looking forward to this little stretch of games coming up!! GO YANKS!!

  50. Koko May 25th, 2008 at 9:19 pm

    ER, Russ, Nick in SF, we got all the Optimists here! They can really brighten anyones night after 5 wins a row.

  51. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 9:20 pm

    Would it help if Wang started pitching better and maybe someone or two could step up to become reliable in the pen?

    Yes.

  52. Janson May 25th, 2008 at 9:21 pm

    I for one am excited. See how much chnages in baseball? Last Sunday you had 90% saying the season was over and rebuild. Now a week later things are looking up.

  53. JoeyA May 25th, 2008 at 9:27 pm

    What more do you guys want? We just won 5 in a row. Yea, ER Matsui could get injured, just like every other guy on every other team. We can’t sit here and speculate one of our hottest hitters’ potential for injury. Baltimore and KC aren’t the teams they were in the first two weeks of the season, just like the Yankees aren’t. All the pessimists, we were 9 1/2 out and 4 under .500 this time last year. I’m pretty sure we were playing in October. I think we are in great shape thus far this year, considering all the injuries that we’ve had to endure.

  54. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 9:29 pm

    Very funny.

  55. pat May 25th, 2008 at 9:30 pm

    Good win today.
    Only got to see bits and pieces of the game but knowing it was a comeback I figured the in game comments would be amusing up to the 8th inning. I just perused through them quickly and may I say you all didn’t disappoint.

  56. Paulio May 25th, 2008 at 9:30 pm

    Why would you answer ER?

  57. whozat May 25th, 2008 at 9:33 pm

    “maybe someone or two could step up to become reliable in the pen?”

    Someone like…Edwar Ramirez and/or Jose Veras?

    Also…Wang has had a whole TWO starts in a row that weren’t good. He had 5 good-great starts before that. This one…not sure why Girardi left him in so long. The way he was going, I’d have taken him out after 6. Maybe after the first baserunner got on in the seventh.

    He’s walking more guys this year than I’d like to see, personally. But, yes, it’d help if he returned to the form he was showing earlier this month.

  58. Rishi May 25th, 2008 at 9:36 pm

    ok – Cincy and San Diego are in the bottom of the 17th inning…craziness!

  59. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 9:38 pm

    Top of the 18th now!

  60. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 9:39 pm

    Wang has had 3 starts in a row where he hasn’t been good. Luckily for him we came back today.

  61. Pharmacy May 25th, 2008 at 9:40 pm

    And if Girardi takes him out and someone gives up everyone says leave him in. Girardi would rather lose with his best.

  62. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 9:41 pm

    “Wang has had 3 starts in a row where he hasn’t been good.”

    Er, 2 starts before today was 7 IP/1 run…that’s not good?

  63. Paulio May 25th, 2008 at 9:42 pm

    Good baserunning Freel.

  64. Jorge (México) May 25th, 2008 at 9:42 pm

    Pete and Yankees fans:

    Going back to Alfredo Aceves, the mexican RHP at AA Trenton, who we were commenting about some days ago, pitched today. The result? A complete shutout game. He only faced 30 batters. Alfredo allowed just 4 hits (all of them singles), no walks, and 6 K’s. 89 pitches thrown, and just 22 of them were not strikes.This was the first 9 inning complete shutout game of any Esatern League pitcher this season.

    I think sooner or later, we’ll see Alfredo pitching in Yankee Stadium.

  65. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 9:43 pm

    he lost that game didn’t he??

    So it couldn’t have been that good.

  66. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 9:43 pm

    Thanks for the Aceves update, Jorge. Where in Mexico are you?

  67. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 9:44 pm

    And he got shelled by that vaunted Indian lineup the game before.

    Not a good month for Wang.

  68. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 9:44 pm

    “he lost that game didn’t he??

    So it couldn’t have been that good.”

    If you agree that Beckett’s 7 IP/2 runs yesterday (and Boston lost) was also not good for the same reason, then we’ll agree that you’re not BSing

  69. Candy Store Owner May 25th, 2008 at 9:44 pm

    If Wang is the biggest worry, then I’ll be happy.

  70. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 9:45 pm

    What the hell do I care about Beckett’s game yesterday and how in the heck is that even relevant discussing Wang’s bad month of May??

    Reasonable discussions aren’t par for the course here.

  71. yanksrule57 May 25th, 2008 at 9:46 pm

    Watching Baltimore play today I saw a stark contrast between their demeanor and that of the Rays. The O’s looked lifeless and other than Roberts and Huff, did not show me anything today.
    One consolation for me today was seeing Roberts is a big a pain in the **s to the Rays that he is to the Yanks.

    I would not be surprised to see a Yanks sweep.

  72. Nate May 25th, 2008 at 9:46 pm

    Jorge watch out. Sj may try to kill you for going on his turf of updating from websites about minor leaguers.

  73. B Reed May 25th, 2008 at 9:47 pm

    Didn’t the Orioles have it tied in the 9th and lose on a walk off? How is that lifeless???

  74. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 25th, 2008 at 9:47 pm

    Wang was so-so today
    He had a horrible outing versus the Mets

    Before that were the games with Cleveland and TB where he gave up a total of 4 runs combined and the Yankees bats were missing. We both lost those games and Wang pitched great.

    The April 16th game vs. Boston wasn’t the greatest for him. In fact it was pretty horrible. But we won that game.

    So let’s see:

    2 totally craptastic games
    1 eh game
    Everything else was pretty much good job Wang, get the man some runs

  75. Gerald May 25th, 2008 at 9:48 pm

    That’s why you don’t get into back and forths here, Bossman. Not worth it.

  76. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 9:48 pm

    The people who usually bring down Wang are also the kind who canonize Beckett as the infallible saint of aces, despite his mediocre season this year.

    They’re also inconsistent with their standards; Wang is bashed for meeting a particular criteria. Beckett is absolved of all sins for meeting the same.

  77. Francis Long Island May 25th, 2008 at 9:49 pm

    5 runs in 6 innings against the leagues worst team is so-so?

  78. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 9:50 pm

    That still doesn’t answer my question Blargh about why are you even bringing it up and even comparing the two. I guess we’ll leave it at that since making sense isn’t the strong suit.

  79. Ansky May 25th, 2008 at 9:51 pm

    Blargh is one of the people who think Wang is better than Beckett. Conveniently overlooking last years postseason which I guess means nothing to him.

  80. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 25th, 2008 at 9:51 pm

    “And he got shelled by that vaunted Indian lineup the game before.

    Not a good month for Wang.”

    Are you talking about the game vs. the Indians(and Cliff Lee) on May 7th when he went 7 innings and gave up 3 runs? (That’s getting shelled?) :|

  81. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 9:52 pm

    Ah, right, run away when you can’t be consistent

  82. PAT M. May 25th, 2008 at 9:52 pm

    Looks like the 15-5 run has started in earnest….Just a week ago not very many here agreed with me…There were several who felt that it was just a matter of time…..The rotation needs to have at least two solid turns….Rasner and Kennedy’s back to back outings were the jump start that the club needed….I just hope Mussina can last till May 30th or so before the wheels completely come off…

  83. Jorge (México) May 25th, 2008 at 9:53 pm

    I’ll take care, Nate :-)

    Nick: I live in Mérida, Yucatán, which is about 180 miles west from Cancún. In fact, I am the reader Pete was referring to, when he said “a reader from Cancún, México wrote to me about a pitcher named Alfredo Aceves”. Maybe because all the people have heard about Cancún, but not so many people have heard about Mérida, was the reason why Pete said I was from Cancún. I’ve emailed him back telling him that I’m from Mérida, located at the North-East of the Yucatán peninsula.

  84. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 9:54 pm

    Ansky:

    That is an argument that I wouldn’t want anything to do with. beckett is a better pitcher than Wang but they are two completely different pitchers. Beckett is a classic K guy. Hard thrower. Good curve. Wang is classic sinker. pitch to contact. Both good. But Beckett is great.

    Great because of his 2 post seasons which are damn near legendary. Even Sox haters have to give that one up.

    Wang defenders I guess will go to Win and Losses but that is not how you rank a pitcher in 2008.

  85. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 9:55 pm

    Blargh:

    We are talking Wang and you go out of your way to bring up Beckett for really no reason since I didn’t say anything about him and had no reason to. Why?? i still don’t get the logic.

  86. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 9:56 pm

    If I were to go by last year’s postseason, then Peavy (the one game playoff against Colorado to get into the playoffs; the epitome of the entire season is down to one game scenario), Sabathia, and Carmona were also bad.

    If I were to go career postseason, Peavy/Sabathia/Carmona still suck, Jeff Weaver is just about as good as Johan Santana, and Garland/Buehrle/Contreras are better than Santana.

  87. D Rock May 25th, 2008 at 9:56 pm

    Jorge,

    I hope your countrymen is the real deal and is pitching in the Bronx soon.

  88. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 9:56 pm

    Jorge, my parents have a place near Zihuatanejo that I visit, but that’s about as far away from Cancun as can be. Please keep those Aceves updates coming, and I hope you post on the blog more often, it’s always good to hear from international Yankee fans. And don’t take “Nate” too seriously, there are some bitter folks on here tonight.

  89. Becca May 25th, 2008 at 9:57 pm

    Ok poll question.

    Which game is over first.

    Cindy-SD or LA-CHW

  90. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 9:57 pm

    Bossman: Your claim is that 7 IP/1 run is bad if the team lost the game

    By that logic, would you then agree that Beckett going 7 IP/2 runs and his team losing would also be a bad game?

    Quick check if your logic is consistent

  91. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 9:58 pm

    How did Carmona do against the Yankees, Blargh?

    The post season is what puts a guy like Beckett on a different plane than guys like Wang and Peavy. Some guys have it ala Gibson, Koufax, Beckett. Some guys don’t.

    But how did you spin this into Beckett when discussin Wang? I’m semi impressed.

  92. pat May 25th, 2008 at 9:59 pm

    “Conveniently overlooking last years postseason which I guess means nothing to him.”

    Unless you can come up with a way to turn back the clock, why not focus on what is and what can be rather than focus on what was. Turning the page is something the players need to do to be successful yet fans seem to have such a hard time with it.

  93. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 10:00 pm

    And did I ever say that beckett had a good game in a loss????

    Please check back and apologize for putting words in my mouth, Blargh.

    I don’t think any pitcher would think he did his job in a loss. No matter how great they look and did. Beckett had a game this yr where he K’d 13 and gave up a run vs the Rays and lost. I guarantee if you ask him how he did he’d say terrible.

    wins and losses aren’t a good judge of judging a pitcher. This is 2008. read some baseball prospectus.

  94. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 10:00 pm

    How do we know whether Wang will or won’t be a good career postseason pitcher at this stage? Based on that one series vs. Cleveland? We don’t.

  95. Ansky May 25th, 2008 at 10:01 pm

    Baseball is a game of pasts and traditions, pat. You are judged on October. Peavy was terrible in October. Mo is going to the Hall based on October.

  96. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 25th, 2008 at 10:02 pm

    Oh wow. The game is in the bottom of the 18th? eek

  97. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 10:02 pm

    We don’t know what inner fire and drive Wang has til he gets another chance. I think he has the makings of a fine October pitcher. Hopefully, we’ll find out this yr. But you cannot compare him or really anyone in the game to Beckett at this point. Who is the best maybe ever at this point.

  98. Becca May 25th, 2008 at 10:03 pm

    Sd wins it

  99. Terry May 25th, 2008 at 10:03 pm

    Wang will make up for his dismal ’07 post season. But post season success in NY means more than reg season success. Example Rodriguez, Alex.

  100. pat May 25th, 2008 at 10:05 pm

    Ansky

    pasts and traditions over a career, not over a day, month or a single year.

  101. Paulio May 25th, 2008 at 10:05 pm

    It is the Yankees. You aren’t defined til you win a Series title. For better or worse. And Wang was putrid last yr.

  102. yanksrule57 May 25th, 2008 at 10:05 pm

    B. Reed,

    Having played organized sports for over 30 years, and watched for longer, I think I can tell when a team is showing enthusiasm and when they are going through the motions.

    Yes the O’s had tied the game in the 9th, but as I said other than Roberts and Huff, they looked as if they were going through the motions. This has been a problem with that team for several years. They change managers and nothing changes. They get rid of Tejada and he becomes a spirited, team leader in Houston. There is a losing culture in Baltimore that requires a major shakeup to fix. If you remember when Mazilli was the manager they had a winning record into June. They fell apart, he got fired, and the losing has continued since absent a short burst here or there.
    So I guess you are defending their stellar record of success the last ten years?

  103. Ansky May 25th, 2008 at 10:06 pm

    “pasts and traditions over a career, not over a day, month or a single year.”

    And October success or failures make a career. You get remembered and you dont get many shots at it.

  104. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 10:06 pm

    Bossman: Like I said, just checking if you were one of those hypocrites
    Guess not; sorry, my apologies

    Now as for how Carmona did against the Yankees; he pulled out a 9 IP/1 run effort; Cleveland won.

    Then he followed up with a 4 IP/4 run effort in game 1 against Boston in the ALCS. Cleveland ultimately lost that one 10-3. Game 6, he goes 2 innings, pitches in the 3rd but pulled before making an out; gets charged for 7 runs. Cleveland got whacked there 12-2 in the end.

  105. B Reed May 25th, 2008 at 10:07 pm

    I forgot. Because you play intramurals you can see from your comfy chair and tv set what teams are playing hard and what teams phone it in. And to say a team that has it 4-4 in the 9th on the road is giving up is pretty out there.

  106. sunny615 May 25th, 2008 at 10:09 pm

    Wang was dealing with a sore calf, so in my book he gets a pass for today. He did a great job last time vs Baltimore so I expect a recovery soon. The Yankees have a someone undocumented history of performing poorly after travelling west so I’m a bit nervous about the road trips, but I’m optimistic. 10 games over is a bit high for my expectations – I’d be happy with 7 or 8, but if they can do it, I’ll happily eat crow.

  107. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 10:09 pm

    And Carmona and Sabathia have something to prove this year no matter how great their 2007 seasons were. Which were downright nasty. The game is all about October success and no one does that better than Beckett who is almost unhittable. Which pains me to say. He may not have 24-2 seasons during a reg season and his ERA may touch 4 but he really doesn’t mess around in big spots.

    Hopefully Wang can join that club. And also Hughes and Joba and IPK and Brackman and whoever else we got ready to go.

  108. Eric May 25th, 2008 at 10:10 pm

    I give a little pass today because he did gut it out without his best stuff. If he dodges that bullet in the 7th we are all raving about him. Game of inches.

  109. Paulio May 25th, 2008 at 10:10 pm

    Wanger can pitch like this every start if we win all his starts. :)

  110. Wilson May 25th, 2008 at 10:11 pm

    Russ and ER are right. Why don’t we just forfeit the next 30 games and get ready for July???

  111. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 25th, 2008 at 10:11 pm

    Just wanna see the Yanks win series. If we can do that, we will be in good shape.

  112. yanksrule57 May 25th, 2008 at 10:12 pm

    B Reed

    You obviously are out to pick a fight, sorry but I am not interested. Good night sir or ma’am.

  113. Martin S May 25th, 2008 at 10:12 pm

    When does Joba go next? Wed? 60 pitches?

  114. pat May 25th, 2008 at 10:13 pm

    “And October success or failures make a career.”

    So a player who never has success in the post season, didn’t have a career? Ted Williams had 1 postseason appearance and batted .200. Mickey Mantle had multiple post season performances and a lifetime postseason batting average of .257. I would say both of them had pretty solid careers yet neither shined in the postseason.

  115. B Reed May 25th, 2008 at 10:13 pm

    I just like to call out the moronic statements. like you saying a team was giving up from that tv set of yours because you played intramurals for 30 years. you are the expert. Sorry Yanksrule57!

  116. Ansky May 25th, 2008 at 10:15 pm

    If you ask people in baseball, pat, they will say that Williams didn’t have as good a career as Joe D or the Mick or Mays because he didn’t do it in October even if he never had the chance. Same with Banks. Baseball is about October. Don’t shoot the messenger but it’s about World Series titles.

  117. whozat May 25th, 2008 at 10:15 pm

    “wins and losses aren’t a good judge of judging a pitcher. This is 2008. read some baseball prospectus.”

    And yet YOU are the one who defines a “good start” or a “bad start” based on the bottom line.

    7IP, 1ER…we said it was good, you said it was bad…because they lost. You make no sense.

    While it’s clear that W-L is not the be-all and end-all of evaluating a pitcher, it’s also true that K-rate doesn’t do it either. Wang has put up multiple seasons in a row where he has given up far fewer runs than average and pitched lots of innings. AND, he’s done this despite having a below-average defense behind him. As a result, he has won many games. He doesn’t fit the same mold as the vast majority of other excellent pitchers. However, he also doesn’t fit the mold of “classic” sinker-ball pitcher either. Those guys usually throw around 90-91. Wang throws 93-95 with his sinker. He’s not easy to categorize, and yet he generally keeps runs off the board and throws 6-7 innings a start.

    Sounds like an excellent pitcher to me.

  118. Koko May 25th, 2008 at 10:17 pm

    “Mickey Mantle had multiple post season performances and a lifetime postseason batting average of .257.”

    Ahem. Mickey won 12 pennants and 7 World Series titles. I think he did his part don’t ya think???

    He still holds the records for most World Series home runs (18), RBIs (40), runs (42), walks (43), extra-base hits (26), and total bases (123).

  119. Ansky May 25th, 2008 at 10:17 pm

    Terrible job, pat, bringing Mantle into your October means nothing argument.

  120. bronxbomber77 (from worst to first in 2008!) May 25th, 2008 at 10:19 pm

    I believe Aerosmith said it best:

    “Train kept-a rollin’ all night long.”

    Here they come. Was mocked for putting it in my handle, but it looks like first to worst is slowly but surely coming around!

    Sox sweot by Oak. Love it!

  121. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 10:19 pm

    Wins and losses is an archaic form of measuring pitchers. If you want to argue it, fine with me. But you should at least read some Baseball Prospectus before you embarrass yourself.

  122. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 10:20 pm

    Koko, you forgot the WS record for post-game beers.

    Oh wait, you’re the person who punked me. Forget it.

  123. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 10:21 pm

    Adn please “whozat”, don’t put words in my mouth saying that I think Wang is a bad pitcher.

    I think he’s a good pitcher like I stated many times and I think he’ll eventually have the post season hardware to end all arguments like this.

  124. Koko May 25th, 2008 at 10:21 pm

    Nick, you want a hug? Let’s hug.

  125. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 10:22 pm

    “he lost that game didn’t he??

    So it couldn’t have been that good.”

    Was that a different Bossman?

  126. Vance May 25th, 2008 at 10:22 pm

    Wangs really excellent if you leave out October 2007.

  127. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 10:22 pm

    Gah, read the wrong final score (and game number) for Carmona’s first game against Boston in ALCS. Carmona pitched game 2. He still gave up 4 runs in 4 innings; final score was 13-6, Cleveland won that one. Cleveland scored 7 in the top of the 11th that game, yowza.
    Game 6′s score is correct.

    Game 1 in which Boston won 10-3 had Sabathia; he went 4.3 innings while giving up 8 runs. To complete 2007 ALCS notes, Sabathia went 6 innings/4 runs in game 5; Boston won 7-1.

  128. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 10:23 pm

    Koko, I think we’re going to be ok, your earlier irrational statement just made me curious.

  129. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 10:24 pm

    The pitchers themselves aren’t concerned with anything other than team wins. So I think if you ask Beckett or Wang what they thought of 7 IP’s and 2 runs they’d say terrible if the team lost.

    Which is how pitchers who are competitive should be, right? You think Wang was happy after that TB game?

  130. Brandon (supporting "Alex being Alex") (J.Santana HR allowed count: 11 ) May 25th, 2008 at 10:24 pm

    Austin Jackson: 1 for 3, 2B, BB
    Edwar Gonzalez: 2 for 4 w/ 2 2B, RBI

    Alfredo Aceves IDK who this guy is but he is clearly being fast tracked 9 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 6 K’s (W) GO/AO 13-8
    1 – 0 CG

  131. Buddy Biancalana May 25th, 2008 at 10:25 pm

    Nick in SF-

    What Sushi place in SF were you referring to the other night, was it Sushi Zone?

  132. Koko May 25th, 2008 at 10:25 pm

    What was irrational about it Nick? You were in the Negative Dept. You made you got lumped in with ER and Russ??

    I apologize.

  133. David May 25th, 2008 at 10:26 pm

    How can one argue for Wang over Beckett with a straight face? Please be kidding but that is crazy talk. And I am a huge Yankee fan.

  134. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 10:27 pm

    How was I in the negative department? ER and Russ are basically trolls who root against the Yanks — when have I ever been like that?

  135. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 10:28 pm

    And Cleveland was one win away from the World Series til Beckett showed up in Game 5, on the road and completely shut down the Indians and the Cy Young winner.

    Which is what a guy like Beckett lives for. Wang had that same chance but at home and didn’t do the job.

    Blargh, I respect your opinion here but the more you rant on about it the less sense you are making.

    Do you not think Beckett is good?? I dont get it

  136. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 25th, 2008 at 10:28 pm

    Nick is now in the Negative department?

    Nick-do you have some negative, invisible twin posting on here? Or did I miss something. :|

  137. Koko May 25th, 2008 at 10:29 pm

    Ok, Nick, here the hug. Russ’ing you was over the line.

  138. pat May 25th, 2008 at 10:29 pm

    Don’t shoot the messenger but it’s about World Series titles.

    Guess I’ll agree to disagree. World Series titles are the goal and postseason play can enhance a persons legend but I don’t believe postseason success singularly defines a players career.

  139. Chris May 25th, 2008 at 10:29 pm

    If I were lumped in with Russ, I’d kill myself.

  140. yanksrule57 May 25th, 2008 at 10:30 pm

    B. Reed,

    Ok, I forgive you for not reading my previous posts. I was at the Tampa/Balt game today. I saw first hand what the teams looked like and their demeanor.
    You seem to want to pop off and insult people because of whatever bug is up your snoot. That’s fine but I’ve been coming to this site and posting for quite a while now and people like you generally don’t last long.

  141. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 10:30 pm

    Buddy, I was referring to Hama-Ko, it’s ok Carl Street west of Cole. It’s sort of a controversial place because service can be slow and the woman who works all the tables can be a little touchy with strangers. Here’s the yelp info:

    http://tinyurl.com/4s2ryq

  142. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:30 pm

    “And Carmona and Sabathia have something to prove this year no matter how great their 2007 seasons were. Which were downright nasty. The game is all about October success and no one does that better than Beckett who is almost unhittable. Which pains me to say. He may not have 24-2 seasons during a reg season and his ERA may touch 4 but he really doesn’t mess around in big spots.

    Hopefully Wang can join that club. And also Hughes and Joba and IPK and Brackman and whoever else we got ready to go.”

    So, based on 2006, Jeff Weaver is an f-ing stud. We need to sign that guy, there’s our postseason ace.

  143. Jammer May 25th, 2008 at 10:30 pm

    trying to decide whats funnier.

    Saying Beckett is bad or someone bashing the post season record of the Mick.

    I go Mick.

  144. gayle May 25th, 2008 at 10:32 pm

    Nick we will have to see what happens when Rebecca gets back if the record changes we may have to send over a replacement and you are now at the top of the list lol.

    I would personally like to thank Bobby ABreu and JOhnny Damon for getting things going again and stopping my 2 week loss in Fantasy lague. Much like the Yankees when they get goingso does my team lol.

  145. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 10:32 pm

    Well V is talking nonsense. You can’t differentiate between Weaver and Becketts post season?

    I feel for your sanity.

  146. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 10:32 pm

    S.A., actually, someone did post a few things using my name “Nick in SF” during the game thread, and one of them was about how the Yanks are past their prime or something, and the same poster imitated some other people, but it’s all been deleted by now. Unless it was one of those, I have no idea what Koko is thinking of, if anything.

  147. UtilityMan May 25th, 2008 at 10:32 pm

    Countdown for Jason Lane has begun.

    6 Days til he can opt out of minor league deal.

    Chad Jennings thinks he might be called up to take Ensbergs’ spot……but heres a ?…..isnt Lane and Duncan the same type of player???Both are RF-LF-1B-DH righty swinging players.

  148. PAT M. May 25th, 2008 at 10:33 pm

    Tough crowd tonight,,,,And with a five winning streak …..

  149. Sal May 25th, 2008 at 10:33 pm

    On pats speed dial right now

    Buckner
    mitch williams
    ralph branca
    and donnie moore

  150. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 10:34 pm

    Bossman: I think that Beckett is a fantastic post-season pitcher, but erratic during the regular season, as he goes from average (sometimes below average) to great, back and forth.
    This is a case where I’m more frustrated by how he’s placed on a pedestal by some people here over the past year and is spoken about as if he can do nothing wrong. Usually this is done in contrast to a ‘Wang sucks’ message. Other times it’s done in a discussion about top pitchers (IMO, Brandon Webb is better as he always has great seasons).

  151. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:34 pm

    “How can one argue for Wang over Beckett with a straight face? Please be kidding but that is crazy talk. And I am a huge Yankee fan.”

    Beckett? He of the 4.43 ERA?

  152. D Rock May 25th, 2008 at 10:34 pm

    I think I’d take Wainwright from that STL team. He’s not bad right?

  153. UtilityMan May 25th, 2008 at 10:35 pm

    Brandon

    Going to the Trenton DH on Tuesday….Melancon starting the top of the 4TH Inning of game 1 at 600PM.

  154. Jammer May 25th, 2008 at 10:35 pm

    V,

    Please tell us why you think Wang is better than Beckett. We need a laugh. because cutting and pasting is not really putting forth an opinion.

  155. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 25th, 2008 at 10:36 pm

    Oooohhh. I see.
    Someone stole your identity before.
    Dude, you’ve made it on here. :P

  156. Tak May 25th, 2008 at 10:36 pm

    Ichiro told the Japanese media that after hitting the home run, he ran the bases more slowly than he usually did, thinking it might be the last time to play in this stadium. “….and that thought kept occurring to me during the game, but I feel too exhausted to make any further comment beyond what I just said.”

    There must be lots of visiting teams’ players who feel the same way, while they play the games at Yankees Stadium this year.

  157. David May 25th, 2008 at 10:36 pm

    No sane Yankee fan would take Wang over Beckett. 10% aren’t sane and most post here though. So you are playing with fire.

  158. Jammer May 25th, 2008 at 10:38 pm

    Do I have to post the post season ERA’s of Beckett and Wang to end this charade?

  159. Paulio May 25th, 2008 at 10:38 pm

    Ichiro should have never resigned with Seattle. The Yankees would have made him a HUGE offer.

  160. pat May 25th, 2008 at 10:39 pm

    Not bashing Mick. Just pointing out that even the best player can have a subpar postseason appearance. Over multiple appearnaces, people will play to their norm. Singling out one series and judging peoples entire career on it is faulty.

  161. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:39 pm

    “Well V is talking nonsense. You can’t differentiate between Weaver and Becketts post season?

    I feel for your sanity.”

    Weaver was downright amazing in that postseason. A-Mazing. 2.43 ERA. Kept his team in -every- game. I’m a Cardinals fan (was a Cards’ fan before I was a Yankees’ fan).

    Beckett’s been damn good in the postseason too. But if you’re going to judge the entire worth of a pitcher on 5 postseason starts in 2003 and 4 postseason starts in 2007, you have to do the same for Jeff Weaver, who is -not- a good picher.

  162. Jammer May 25th, 2008 at 10:39 pm

    People like “V” usually cannot take the heat when it comes time to put up.

  163. Koko May 25th, 2008 at 10:40 pm

    Hopefully Joba will be getting compared to Beckett and Wang to Dice K before too long.

  164. Eric May 25th, 2008 at 10:41 pm

    “I’m a Cardinals fan (was a Cards’ fan before I was a Yankees’ fan).”

    That is the most curious statement I’ve ever read here. Welcome to the team but what???

  165. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 10:41 pm

    If we’re comparing Wang and Beckett, we also have to compare cultural impact. Wang is the hero of an entire nation. The Taiwan stock market rallies after his wins.

    Beckett is the national hero of Blisterville, MA.

    Ok, Beckett has had a great run so far, he also has a few years on Wang. The baseball comparison is unnecessary. Blargh brought it up because someone else brought it up earlier. Beckett has had a great career so far. Wang is having a great start to his career.

  166. Brandon (supporting "Alex being Alex") (J.Santana HR allowed count: 11 ) May 25th, 2008 at 10:43 pm

    UtilityMan I want reports :D

  167. Buddy Biancalana May 25th, 2008 at 10:43 pm

    Nick in SF-

    I have been there & it’s quite good. I love how you can’t order any extra sushi after you have placed your order.

    You have to go to Sushi Zone, it’s the best sushi I have ever had in my life. It’s on Pearl St just off Market. You have to get there really early, like 5pm to eat in a reasonable time. There are 2 booths & a sushi bar that seats 8 or so.

  168. D Rock May 25th, 2008 at 10:43 pm

    Now we should forget Beckett’s all time postseason record because Jeff Weaver won a World Series with the Cards?

    It’s not like Weaver doesn’t have ace level talent. This isn’t some career minor leaguer coming thru. He put it all together for a stretch under the best pitching coach in the game. Blame him for chasing the money. Maybe if he stays there in STL hes winning 20 games.

    But that is a straw man argument.

  169. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:43 pm

    “V,

    Please tell us why you think Wang is better than Beckett. We need a laugh. because cutting and pasting is not really putting forth an opinion.”

    I didn’t say Wang is better than Beckett. I said Beckett is not better than Wang. It’s not my fault you can’t tell the difference.

    If you’re going to say Wang sucks because he gave up 5 runs today, then you also have to say Beckett sucks due to his two outings previous to yesterday.

    Some f-ing consistency in analysis would be nice.

    Beckett gets a pass on his GARBAGE 6 ER outings because he’s your typical ‘ace’. 90% fastball, high Ks, has a bunch of 7 IP 0-2 ER outings. His 6 IP 7 ER outings are ignored, however.

    Beckett is in his prime. What you see is what you get. He’s going to be damn good for 4-5 years before he enters his decline, etc.

    Wang isn’t done developing. As we see this year, he’s transforming from a 90% sinkerballer to a more complete pitcher with sliders and 4-seamers. I fully expect his K/9 to improve from last year, and for him to continue to keep his team in the game with quality start after quality start, which I PREFER over a Jekyll & Hyde CG shutout then 6 IP 7 ER guy.

  170. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:44 pm

    “People like “V” usually cannot take the heat when it comes time to put up.”

    People like “Jammer” are trolls worth ignoring.

  171. Jammer May 25th, 2008 at 10:45 pm

    “Ok, Beckett has had a great run so far, he also has a few years on Wang. The baseball comparison is unnecessary. Blargh brought it up because someone else brought it up earlier. Beckett has had a great career so far. Wang is having a great start to his career.”

    Beckett and Wang are both 28 yrs old.

  172. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:45 pm

    “That is the most curious statement I’ve ever read here. Welcome to the team but what???”

    I grew up in Missouri as a Cards’ fan. I moved to New Jersey and married a lifelong Yankees’ fan…. the rest is history ;-)

  173. Jammer May 25th, 2008 at 10:46 pm

    I guess people are “trolls” when you don’t agree with them. Why is it like that here?

  174. Will N May 25th, 2008 at 10:47 pm

    “I grew up in Missouri as a Cards’ fan. I moved to New Jersey and married a lifelong Yankees’ fan…. the rest is history”

    Way to be passionate dude.

    I married a Sox fan and moved to Mass. I didn’t switch. She wears the pants obviously

  175. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:47 pm

    Just to make sense, I do -not- think you can judge a pitcher solely on 9 career postseason starts (which Beckett has).

    If you disagree, well, there’s no way we’re going to see eye to eye.

    9 starts is not a big enough sample for me to declare one pitcher to be a god among men.

  176. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 10:47 pm

    Buddy, I’ve read about Sushi Zone at the whole “get there a half hour before they open and wait or else wait two hours” deal. I’ll try it out one of these days.

    I’m lucky, because the first time I went to Hama-Ko I was a guest of people that were favorites of the Hama-Ko couple. And now they like my whole family, especially my brother Peter. It’s hilarious, if I go in I’m “Peter-brother” and my dad is “Peter-father” etc. You just have to go with the flow there and not be in a hurry. I’ve seen people get stressed out by the service and it’s not pretty.

  177. Paulio May 25th, 2008 at 10:48 pm

    Throwing out the troll line is what some use here when they can’t argue coherently back and forth.

  178. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:48 pm

    ““I grew up in Missouri as a Cards’ fan. I moved to New Jersey and married a lifelong Yankees’ fan…. the rest is history”

    Way to be passionate dude.

    I married a Sox fan and moved to Mass. I didn’t switch. She wears the pants obviously”

    Um, d00d? I’m a fan of both. It’s not like the Cardinals face the Yankees more than once every few years.

  179. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 10:48 pm

    Nick meant that Beckett has more years of experience in the majors than Wang (Beckett has 4 more years)

  180. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:49 pm

    “I guess people are “trolls” when you don’t agree with them. Why is it like that here?”

    I call people ‘trolls’ when they’re more interested in lambasting other posters than actually intelligently discussing baseball.

  181. Ansky May 25th, 2008 at 10:49 pm

    “Just to make sense, I do -not- think you can judge a pitcher solely on 9 career postseason starts (which Beckett has).

    If you disagree, well, there’s no way we’re going to see eye to eye.

    9 starts is not a big enough sample for me to declare one pitcher to be a god among men.”

    The postseason means nothing to you??? Then you should return that Yankee hat. Because that is what it is all about. Titles.

  182. David May 25th, 2008 at 10:49 pm

    I guess we’ll disagree, V. Because to me it is all about winning in October. And unfortunately for us, Beckett is the best pitcher in the game.

  183. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 10:50 pm

    Jammer, they might both be the same age, but who has significantly more service time in the bigs? Who said anything about age?

  184. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:51 pm

    ““Just to make sense, I do -not- think you can judge a pitcher solely on 9 career postseason starts (which Beckett has).

    If you disagree, well, there’s no way we’re going to see eye to eye.

    9 starts is not a big enough sample for me to declare one pitcher to be a god among men.”

    The postseason means nothing to you??? Then you should return that Yankee hat. Because that is what it is all about. Titles.”

    Bull$***.

    That’s as simply as I can put it.

    The postseason is as fluky as it gets. The Cardinals were NOT the best team in the playoffs in 2006. Yet they won it all. IMO, they WERE the best team in 2004……

    :shrug:

    I’m sorry that I’m not a 1996-2000 Yankees’ ‘fan’.

  185. Nate May 25th, 2008 at 10:51 pm

    If you had one start to make with the season on the line hasn’t Beckett proven enough that he gets that start???

    2003 NLCS with their backs against the wall vs Chi. Win.
    2003 world series clincher in Yankee stadium (tear)
    2007 in cle game 5 vs sabathia

  186. Harry May 25th, 2008 at 10:52 pm

    V, if you don’t think postseason is important to Yankee fans than you better get that Cardinal gear on.

  187. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:53 pm

    “If you had one start to make with the season on the line hasn’t Beckett proven enough that he gets that start???

    2003 NLCS with their backs against the wall vs Chi. Win.
    2003 world series clincher in Yankee stadium (tear)
    2007 in cle game 5 vs sabathia”

    I’d rather have Halladay or Webb, who are -much- more consistent.

    I don’t believe in ‘clutch’.

  188. Martin S May 25th, 2008 at 10:53 pm

    “If you had one start to make with the season on the line hasn’t Beckett proven enough that he gets that start???”

    You would have to be brain dead to pick any other pitcher in the game and maybe all time at this point.

    Yes, he has been that good.

  189. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:54 pm

    “V, if you don’t think postseason is important to Yankee fans than you better get that Cardinal gear on.”

    I don’t care about Yankee fans. I think a lot of Yankee fans are idiots.

  190. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:54 pm

    ““If you had one start to make with the season on the line hasn’t Beckett proven enough that he gets that start???”

    You would have to be brain dead to pick any other pitcher in the game and maybe all time at this point.

    Yes, he has been that good.”

    Ok, we’ll see. Just wait til he has a 6 IP 7 ER outing, and I can laugh.

  191. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:54 pm

    ““If you had one start to make with the season on the line hasn’t Beckett proven enough that he gets that start???”

    You would have to be brain dead to pick any other pitcher in the game and maybe all time at this point.

    Yes, he has been that good.”

    Ok, we’ll see. Just wait til he has a 6 IP 7 ER outing, and I can laugh.

  192. Koko May 25th, 2008 at 10:55 pm

    Don’t believe in clutch? Fine. I think his post season performances kinda make him the choice. Not like he’s done it once or twice. But every start.

    The postseason is the highest pressure and best competition we have. This isn’t a Sat vs Oakland in May.

  193. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:56 pm

    And winning in the postseason sort of, maybe, a little bit, requires GETTING TO the postseason, which Beckett has only successfully done twice…

  194. Sal May 25th, 2008 at 10:57 pm

    Come on. V would want Mitch Williams closing and Buckner in for defense in the 9th and Donnie Moore warming up just in case in his one game playoff. Don’t worry though. Beckett is starting for the other team and giving up no runs.

  195. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:57 pm

    “Don’t believe in clutch? Fine. I think his post season performances kinda make him the choice. Not like he’s done it once or twice. But every start.

    The postseason is the highest pressure and best competition we have. This isn’t a Sat vs Oakland in May.”

    :shrug:

    By the same token, you’d take Jeff Weaver and Johan Santana as a wash?

    I disagree.

    I do -not- believe in ‘clutch’, and I want my best pitcher on the mound. My -best- -most consistent- pitcher on the mound.

  196. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:58 pm

    “Come on. V would want Mitch Williams closing and Buckner in for defense in the 9th and Donnie Moore warming up just in case in his one game playoff. Don’t worry though. Beckett is starting for the other team and giving up no runs.”

    Do you change names every 5 minutes?

  197. Jammer May 25th, 2008 at 10:58 pm

    You make it seem like Becketts regular season is garbage.

    Win-Loss 81-55
    Earned run average 3.76
    Strikeouts 1006

    wang
    Win-Loss 52-20
    Earned Run Average 3.72
    Strikeouts 266

    Not too shabby huh???

  198. V May 25th, 2008 at 10:59 pm

    At NO POINT have I argued that Wang >>> Beckett.

    I merely deny that Beckett >>> Wang.

  199. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:00 pm

    “You make it seem like Becketts regular season is garbage.

    Win-Loss 81-55
    Earned run average 3.76
    Strikeouts 1006

    wang
    Win-Loss 52-20
    Earned Run Average 3.72
    Strikeouts 266

    Not too shabby huh???”

    Given that Wang’s pitched in the AL East and Beckett spent a chunk of time in the NL East….

    So, are you saying that Wang ~= Beckett?

  200. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 11:00 pm

    Why are you wasting your time, people, arguing with a moron who is trashing Beckett’s resume??

    That is not an argument a Yankee fan or any baseball thinker wants to get into because it is superlative. No better postseason pitcher maybe ever at this point.

    It is a waste of time arguing with someone who thinks the post season is a fluke and doesn’t matter. Reread that last sentence and wonder where the guy comes from.

  201. D Rock May 25th, 2008 at 11:01 pm

    Bossman:

    Well put. You can’t fight the dumb.

    Even Yank fans have to admit Beckett is in a league of his own.

  202. jennifer- I got your back Girardi May 25th, 2008 at 11:02 pm

    Just got home. Beautiful day, beautiful game!! Only bad thing, I have a farmers tan!! :(

    Can I tell you I wish they’d throw everyone out of the stadium who does the wave! Critical situation in the game, and all of a sudden they start to do the wave!! PAY ATTENTION TO THE GAME!!

  203. Old Ranger May 25th, 2008 at 11:02 pm

    KoKO@10:17pm..
    Thanks for posting the bit on the Mick, I was about to do it myself. He was my all time favorite player. 27/08?

  204. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:02 pm

    “Why are you wasting your time, people, arguing with a moron who is trashing Beckett’s resume??

    That is not an argument a Yankee fan or any baseball thinker wants to get into because it is superlative. No better postseason pitcher maybe ever at this point.

    It is a waste of time arguing with someone who thinks the post season is a fluke and doesn’t matter. Reread that last sentence and wonder where the guy comes from.”

    I’d say you’re the moron.

    Beckett has NINE postseason starts. NINE.

    Wang has FOUR.

    I need a ‘little’ more sample before I close the book.

  205. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 11:03 pm

    Beckett’s regular seasons practically alternate between average and great, so his career era constantly goes up and down.

  206. Jammer May 25th, 2008 at 11:03 pm

    Nah, V, you were worse. You said Beckett isn’t good.

    And you made me a Sox hater defend Beckett. you should be ashamed of yourself and go back to the red colors you worse so well.

    And you need to take a course in Yankee fandom. We value October here.

  207. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:03 pm

    “Bossman:

    Well put. You can’t fight the dumb.

    Even Yank fans have to admit Beckett is in a league of his own.”

    A league of his own?

    If you’re going to argue that Beckett >>> Webb, Santana, Peavy, Halladay, I’m going to really have to laugh.

  208. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:04 pm

    “Nah, V, you were worse. You said Beckett isn’t good.

    And you made me a Sox hater defend Beckett. you should be ashamed of yourself and go back to the red colors you worse so well.

    And you need to take a course in Yankee fandom. We value October here.”

    Where did I say he isn’t good?

    He’s damn good.

    But he’s not a god among pitchers because of NINE career postseason starts.

  209. Ollie May 25th, 2008 at 11:04 pm

    Beckett has NINE postseason starts. NINE.

    Wang has FOUR.

    I need a ‘little’ more sample before I close the book.

    and Becketts 9 pressure packed starts have been historically great. While Wangs have been historically bad. What more do you need? Does Beckett need 32 starts in October???

  210. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:05 pm

    “Beckett has NINE postseason starts. NINE.

    Wang has FOUR.

    I need a ‘little’ more sample before I close the book.

    and Becketts 9 pressure packed starts have been historically great. While Wangs have been historically bad. What more do you need? Does Beckett need 32 starts in October???”

    Um, Wang had two bad starts, in 2007. His starts in 2005 and 2006 were alright.

  211. Buddins May 25th, 2008 at 11:06 pm

    “But he’s not a god among pitchers because of NINE career postseason starts.”

    Actually that is EXACTLY why he is a God among pitchers. You are defined by October success or failures. He is the best October pitcher in the last 40 years. This game is all about playoff performances. And Beckett is already an all timer. Yes, hes a God among pitchers.

  212. Carl JR May 25th, 2008 at 11:07 pm

    Wang needs 10 god like to starts in october to be even in the conversation here.

    Are you serious, V????? Please say you are trying to rile people. Please.

  213. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:07 pm

    Man, I was just checking Pettitte’s postseason starts on retrosheet – I though he was much better than it looks like he was (35 career postseason starts, btw).

  214. Jammer May 25th, 2008 at 11:08 pm

    Thank you, Buddins. Some people ie V don’t get that.

  215. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:08 pm

    ““But he’s not a god among pitchers because of NINE career postseason starts.”

    Actually that is EXACTLY why he is a God among pitchers. You are defined by October success or failures. He is the best October pitcher in the last 40 years. This game is all about playoff performances. And Beckett is already an all timer. Yes, hes a God among pitchers.”

    Lol, you guys really are idiots. Truly.

    If he puts together a

  216. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 11:08 pm

    Lest we forget:

    http://static.baseballtoaster......e_1080.jpg

  217. Nate May 25th, 2008 at 11:08 pm

    Wang would kill for Beckett’s October record. His 19 wins are forgotten after his disaster against Cle.

  218. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:08 pm

    That was a ‘less than 1.00 ERA for another 10 starts, I’ll listen to you’.

  219. Koko May 25th, 2008 at 11:09 pm

    Imagine Mantle with an extra round of playoffs??? Forget every record.

  220. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:10 pm

    Beckett’s second career postseason start: http://www.retrosheet.org/boxe.....HN2003.htm

    Other than that, he’s been damn good. But even Mr. God Beckett has failed.

  221. Jammer May 25th, 2008 at 11:10 pm

    “That was a ‘less than 1.00 ERA for another 10 starts, I’ll listen to you’.”

    It’s like to talking to the wall.

  222. Brandon (supporting "Alex being Alex") (J.Santana HR allowed count: 11 ) May 25th, 2008 at 11:11 pm

    The Braves DFA (released) Brayan Pena Cashman, Mark Newman, Bill Eppler whoever the F’ reads this go get him ! 26 yrs. old catcher .333/.333/.500 vs LHP and is a switch hitter !

  223. Ollie May 25th, 2008 at 11:11 pm

    Beckett’s second career postseason start: http://www.retrosheet.org/boxe.....HN2003.htm

    Other than that, he’s been damn good. But even Mr. God Beckett has failed.

    How did he fail? The team won.

  224. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:12 pm

    ““That was a ‘less than 1.00 ERA for another 10 starts, I’ll listen to you’.”

    It’s like to talking to the wall.”

    Ditto.

    I don’t believe in ‘clutch’. You do. I don’t believe 9 starts = end all be all in analyzing a pitcher. I don’t believe that the postseason defines a pitcher in absence of the regular season. I value consistency over high variance.

    You disagree.

  225. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:13 pm

    “How did he fail? The team won.”

    LOL!!!!1!one!!1!

    And we come full circle.

    Did he suck, or did he not suck?

  226. Q B May 25th, 2008 at 11:13 pm

    It kills me to say Beckett is a God but he proved it last season. The guy is flat out awesome when it counts.

    Wang needs to step up and luckily for him he’ll get plenty of shots.

  227. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 11:14 pm

    Say, if Beckett is deified for his postseason glory (which I’ll admit is pretty good as in his 10 starts, his team has won 8 times, but I still won’t deify him), then does Guidry get deified too? In his 10 postseason starts, the Yankees won 8 times.

  228. Kevin NY May 25th, 2008 at 11:14 pm

    This guy really saying Beckett stinks and his postseason means nada????

    You can read anything on Pete’s blog!

  229. Jammer May 25th, 2008 at 11:15 pm

    9 post season starts isn’t a small sample size. You ever follow baseball before your wife took your balls?

  230. Ollie May 25th, 2008 at 11:16 pm

    I think Gator is God worthy. Same with El Duque and Rivera.

  231. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 11:16 pm

    Gah, Beckett’s team is 7-2 when he starts; the 8th win I counted was him relieving innings 5-8

  232. David May 25th, 2008 at 11:17 pm

    V:

    You are going to need more than one start where he got hit pretty well to back your point. He did come back in that series and throw what? A 2 hitter?

    How did Wang do after his bad game 1 vs CLe?

  233. Christa May 25th, 2008 at 11:17 pm

    Anyone see the new Joe Torre commercial he did out in LA? Check it out on YouTube it’s pretty funny!

  234. JoeT 28 in 09!! May 25th, 2008 at 11:17 pm

    W = great game

    L = bad game

  235. Sal May 25th, 2008 at 11:18 pm

    We would all take Beckett on the Yankees today.

    Anyone that says different shouldn’t be listened to.

  236. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 11:19 pm

    Thank you Q B. I don’t know what this argument is even about. At this point in his career, Beckett has proven himself to have thus far been a great pitcher when given the chance in the postseason. At this point in his career, Wang hasn’t. Who else should be compare Wang to? Sandy Koufax? Don Drysdale? Bob Gibson?

    Wang was the ace of the staff to start the season, but the pressure is off, the Ras-inator is on board now.

  237. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 11:19 pm

    Ollie: You’re right, El Duque was also rediculous in the postseason

    In his 14 starts, his team won 12 times

  238. Ronnie NJ May 25th, 2008 at 11:20 pm

    I can see how the Wang people would have an argument if Wang didn’t crap the bed vs Cle in 2 starts last yr. But wow. You can’t defend it.

  239. Q B May 25th, 2008 at 11:21 pm

    Rasner has this team onhis back.

    We will be having this convo next yr saying Rasner is the new Beckett.

  240. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:22 pm

    “This guy really saying Beckett stinks and his postseason means nada????

    You can read anything on Pete’s blog!”

    I NEVER f-ing said that he stinks.

    Never. Not once.

    Ever.

    Anyone who says I did is an absolute imbecile, a troll, or worse.

    Yes, he’s damn good. Yes, I’d love to have him on my team.

    But I’d rather have Webb, Santana, Peavy, or Halladay.

    And I don’t think that he’s 10x better than Wang, like some seem to.

  241. Jammer May 25th, 2008 at 11:22 pm

    How do you think Weaver got a huge contract after 2006? Suppan? Pavano? Lowe? Because of October success. If Beckett was on the open market tomorrow he’d get 25 mill a yr.

  242. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 11:22 pm

    17 months from now Rasner will be riding in his second World Series parade and Beckett will be watching on TV from Blisterville. But that won’t diminish what he’s accomplished this far.

  243. Old Ranger May 25th, 2008 at 11:22 pm

    V…
    There are about 9/10 pitchers that have much better rating than Beckett in WS history. How can you rate him as the best/one of the best? Jack Billingham era 0.36, Whitey Ford 10 wins(also, most scoreless innings in row, just to name two of them. 27/08?

  244. Brandon (supporting "Alex being Alex") (J.Santana HR allowed count: 11 ) May 25th, 2008 at 11:22 pm

    Cashman seriously when does an OPS of .833 vs LHP fall into your lap the Braves made a hiccup go get Pena now, I understand the Moeller love but this kid can hit.

  245. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:23 pm

    “9 post season starts isn’t a small sample size. You ever follow baseball before your wife took your balls?”

    Nine starts is a small sample size, postseason or not.

    You ever follow statistics? At all?

  246. Jammer May 25th, 2008 at 11:23 pm

    “Anyone who says I did is an absolute imbecile, a troll, or worse.”

    There ya go. if you disagree with “V” you are a troll.

  247. JoeT 28 in 09!! May 25th, 2008 at 11:24 pm

    old ranger – it’s 28/09…. don’t sell the team short :)

  248. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:25 pm

    “V…
    There are about 9/10 pitchers that have much better rating than Beckett in WS history. How can you rate him as the best/one of the best? Jack Billingham era 0.36, Whitey Ford 10 wins(also, most scoreless innings in row, just to name two of them. 27/08?”

    You’re rating his performance, so far.

    If he’s going to retire at 28, then yes, he’ll go down as an amazing postseason pitcher.

    I don’t think you can use 9 postseason starts in isolation from his regular season to determine that he’s going to remain a postseason stud from here on out.

    Andy Pettitte has 35 postseason starts. Some were downright amazing. Some were stinkers for the ages. Yet he still goes down as a pretty good postseason pitcher….

  249. Francis Long Island May 25th, 2008 at 11:25 pm

    “But I’d rather have Webb, Santana, Peavy, or Halladay.”

    You obviously didn’t watch Oct 2007. Or Oct 2003. Peavy was awful. Santana is average. Halladay will never get there in canada.

    And Beckett? Only the best pitcher we have ever seen in October.

  250. WeMissPaulie May 25th, 2008 at 11:25 pm

    Beckett a GOD? Have you people all lost your minds? 9 post season starts…..n-i-n-e. If he is such a god, what’s wrong with him this year?

    Red Sox fans are so dying to have a “god” that they just throw that around hoping it’ll stick. They do the same with the “dynasty” word too, after a win in 2004, then not making the playoffs, then sleepwalking into #2 against the Rockies. Its hilarious.

    Talk to me after 24 more WS then we can talk about gods.

  251. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:26 pm

    ““Anyone who says I did is an absolute imbecile, a troll, or worse.”

    There ya go. if you disagree with “V” you are a troll.”

    Again, repeating statements I didn’t make. Good job.

    I’ll repeat for the more dense, if you think that I said Beckett is not a good pitcher (which I never said), you are either a total imbecile, a troll, or worse. Jammer looks like all three so far.

  252. Ollie May 25th, 2008 at 11:26 pm

    9 is a small number in life. Not in post season starts. Do you even follow baseball?

    Let me ask you this V. What is more impressive? Becketts post season last yr or Peavys reg season.

  253. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:27 pm

    ““But I’d rather have Webb, Santana, Peavy, or Halladay.”

    You obviously didn’t watch Oct 2007. Or Oct 2003. Peavy was awful. Santana is average. Halladay will never get there in canada.

    And Beckett? Only the best pitcher we have ever seen in October.”

    My point exactly.

    You take your Beckett. I’d put money down that if both the Diamondbacks and Red Sox make the postseason, Webb will end up with better #s than Beckett.

  254. WeMissPaulie May 25th, 2008 at 11:28 pm

    Francis: “only the best pitcher we have ever seen in October”? Are you kidding me?

    Just because he had a great season last year?

    Just to name one…what about Andy Pettitte? 35 post season starts ans 4 WS rings vs. 9 starts and 2 WS. Sorry, you’re wrong.

  255. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:29 pm

    “9 is a small number in life. Not in post season starts. Do you even follow baseball?

    Let me ask you this V. What is more impressive? Becketts post season last yr or Peavys reg season.”

    I follow baseball. Apparently I follow baseball with a more critical eye than you do.

    Nine is a small sample size in almost anything. The postseason is no different than the regular season except in the level of your competition.

    I have seen no evidence to suggest that postseason ‘clutchness’ exists.

  256. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 11:29 pm

    Again. Why are you guys arguing with someone trashing Beckett’s post season resume?

    The guy is obviously semi brain dead to trash that. We all watch the game. We all know how great he is. If he can’t say that fact and dances around it he should be ignored.

  257. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 25th, 2008 at 11:30 pm

    oh goodie. Mike’d Up coming up. That’s always good for a giggle. I wonder if fatcessa will continue his “Joba should stay in the pen” crusade?
    Or I guess it will be mainly Mets

  258. Old Ranger May 25th, 2008 at 11:31 pm

    V…
    There are about 9/10 pitchers that have much better rating than Beckett in WS history. How can ANYONE rate him as the best/one of the best? Jack Billingham era 0.36, Whitey Ford 10 wins(also, most scoreless innings in row, just to name two of them. 27/08?
    Sorry!
    Ment to say; —ANYONE—-

  259. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:31 pm

    “Again. Why are you guys arguing with someone trashing Beckett’s post season resume?

    The guy is obviously semi brain dead to trash that. We all watch the game. We all know how great he is. If he can’t say that fact and dances around it he should be ignored.”

    :snort:

    I never ‘trashed’ his postseason resume, which is damn good.

    You’re applying statements to me that I never made. Idiot.

  260. Ollie May 25th, 2008 at 11:31 pm

    So, V, you are saying Peavys reg season was more impressive? Why do yuo answer like a politician? I gave you a clear choice. Stop dancing around it.

  261. Francis Long Island May 25th, 2008 at 11:31 pm

    Pettitte is great but he’s no Beckett.

  262. DFox May 25th, 2008 at 11:32 pm

    I’m not going to lie, and it hurts being a Yankee fan having to say this, but Beckett’s post season numbers speak for themselves. But as a Yankee fan, I’m not worried… The reason why these last 5 games have been so exciting is because a streak like this almost feels like a bonus. If the Yankees can play like this WITHOUT Joba Chamberlain in the starting rotation, imagine what kind of boost it will be when he enters the rotation?

    To be honest, if we were here talking right now and planning for Wang to be our number 1 starter in October, then I’d be very worried. He just can’t seem to get it done as a number 1 in October. That’s why as a Yankee fan you just have to pray that Joba is everything we think he’s going to be.

  263. Paulio May 25th, 2008 at 11:33 pm

    Guys like V are like this.

    They have been real happy with the Yanks since 2001. They’d rather have guys like Peavy win 18 games and get bombed in October.

    me? I’d rather have guys like Beckett. Playoff performers.

  264. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:33 pm

    More impressive in that the actually event was more impressive? Beckett’s postseason. More impressive in that it’s more likely that particular pitcher can continue to pitch at that level for several more years? Peavy’s regular season.

    I don’t think you get that I think there’s a difference between the facts of what occurred and the likelihood of that pitcher repeating such feats.

  265. David May 25th, 2008 at 11:33 pm

    It kills me to say Beckett is awesome but he is. Be realistic here.

  266. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 11:34 pm

    El Duque rocks a 2.55 era after 14 starts/5 games in relief over 106 innings in the postseason. More notably, his team has won 12 of his starts.

    So guys, if I were to ever deify a guy sheerly from his postseason career (not anytime soon…), it’ll first be El Duque. (I’ve already deified Mo for his glory in general). Followed up by Guidry and his Yankees winning 80% of his starts ways.

  267. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:35 pm

    “Guys like V are like this.

    They have been real happy with the Yanks since 2001. They’d rather have guys like Peavy win 18 games and get bombed in October.

    me? I’d rather have guys like Beckett. Playoff performers.”

    :snort:

    I’d rather have pitchers that get me TO the playoffs.

    The BETTER, more CONSISTENT, pitchers.

  268. Jammer May 25th, 2008 at 11:35 pm

    Ollie, come on. V would take Wangs 2007 over Becketts. Thats the disconnect here.

    I want titles. He wants playoff appearances.

  269. Paulio May 25th, 2008 at 11:36 pm

    Exactly, what I said about you, V. You would rather have a solid reg season than win titles. And its not like Beckett doesn’t get you to the post season.

    Curious fact jumping again by you, fella.

  270. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:36 pm

    Wow, there truly are a lot of idiots.

    Believe that I said that Beckett sucks (I never did). Believe that he’s the best pitcher ever to grace the postseason (he isn’t). Believe that postseason clutchness exists based on 9 career postseason starts.

    I’ll believe that you’re an idiot.

  271. Old Ranger May 25th, 2008 at 11:37 pm

    V…
    Sorry about that, but Only WS counts. Playoffs are only used to get one to the promised land…the Promess land is the WS. The states I gave where only WS stats.
    I think Beckett is one of the better WS pitchers, but not in the top 5 or 10…yet. 27/08.

  272. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:37 pm

    “Ollie, come on. V would take Wangs 2007 over Becketts. Thats the disconnect here.

    I want titles. He wants playoff appearances.”

    Without playoff appearances, there are no titles.

    Did you forget that wee little part?

  273. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 11:38 pm

    You don’t have playoffs without a regular season.

    Bossman: Perhaps you should apologize for claiming that V trashes Beckett’s postseason resume, when he has already stated several times that it is quite good. Yaknow, for putting words in his mouth.

  274. Jon May 25th, 2008 at 11:38 pm

    Every single major league GM would pick Beckett to make one start for them.

    Pretty much says it all.

  275. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:38 pm

    “Exactly, what I said about you, V. You would rather have a solid reg season than win titles. And its not like Beckett doesn’t get you to the post season.

    Curious fact jumping again by you, fella.”

    Replace Beckett with Peavy in 2007 on the Red Sox staff.

    They’d still have won the World Series.

  276. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:39 pm

    “Every single major league GM would pick Beckett to make one start for them.

    Pretty much says it all.”

    I doubt it.

  277. Brandon (supporting "Alex being Alex") (J.Santana HR allowed count: 11 ) May 25th, 2008 at 11:39 pm

    how long before Edwar Gonzalez is promoted to AAA ?

  278. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 11:40 pm

    Old Ranger: Any chance El Duque makes into the top 10 World Series list? :)

  279. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 11:40 pm

    Than what is he arguing about Blargh?? He has been trashing the Beckett resume saying he’s not a good pitcher. That includes the post season.

    I know you think Wang is better than Beckett and are naturally inclined to agree with him but use that noggin of yours.

  280. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 11:40 pm

    yup, Pettitte has had some postseason clunkers and he also lost some close ones, like the ALDS game 2 in 2001 vs Oakland.

    I think Mussina has had some postseason clunkers too but that pitching duel vs. Zito on Oakland in ALDS game 3 in 2001 was one for the ages. That was the famous “Jeter Play” game, I’ll never forget it.

    Then the next day El Duque outdueled our old pal Cory Lidle to bring the series back to NY where they won game 5. Outdueled is the wrong word, probably, since it wasn’t close. I think that was the game in which Jermaine fouled a ball off his foot and broke it. Not the ball, his foot.

    Wang sure was awful last season vs. Cleveland. I was in Taiwan with my Yankee hat on for the whole series, and locals walked up to me to apologize and commisserate. Thank goodness Wang should get many more chances to improve his postseason resume.

  281. Paulio May 25th, 2008 at 11:41 pm

    Replace Beckett with Peavy in 2007 on the Red Sox staff.

    They’d still have won the World Series.

    That is why you are moron. Peavy choked his arse off against Colorado. Beckett put Boston on his back and carried them to the title. How can you even say something like that?

  282. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:42 pm

    “Than what is he arguing about Blargh?? He has been trashing the Beckett resume saying he’s not a good pitcher. That includes the post season.

    I know you think Wang is better than Beckett and are naturally inclined to agree with him but use that noggin of yours.”

    Point to a -single- quote of mine where I said he’s not a good pitcher.

    If you can’t, admit you’re a liar.

  283. Ollie May 25th, 2008 at 11:42 pm

    Without playoff appearances, there are no titles.

    Did you forget that wee little part?

    And Beckett hasn’t been in the playoffs and hasn’t pitched well in the reg season???

    V, you really do stretch the limits don’t you?

  284. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:43 pm

    “Replace Beckett with Peavy in 2007 on the Red Sox staff.

    They’d still have won the World Series.

    That is why you are moron. Peavy choked his arse off against Colorado. Beckett put Boston on his back and carried them to the title. How can you even say something like that?”

    :snort:

  285. Bossman May 25th, 2008 at 11:44 pm

    I cannot take a guy seriously who actually says he’d pitch Jake Peavy in a one game playoff over Josh Beckett. I can’t.

    Because it happend last yr!!!

    Peavy got shelled vs Colorado and beckett shut out the Indians in Cleveland.

    Forget facts, right???

    Like I said above. Why argue with it and I fall into the trap. Ouch

  286. Kelly May 25th, 2008 at 11:45 pm

    Bossman:

    LOL! You got it right.

  287. Blargh May 25th, 2008 at 11:46 pm

    V has never said that Beckett sucks. He has said that “Yes, he’s damn good.”

  288. Paulio May 25th, 2008 at 11:46 pm

    When facts go against him he either “snorts” or calls you a “troll”. Intelligent discussion.

  289. Old Ranger May 25th, 2008 at 11:47 pm

    Blargh…
    Yes, he was very impressive to. El Duque is in the top 10, I forget where he is rated though, sorry…27/08?

  290. Martin S May 25th, 2008 at 11:47 pm

    Here is how it ends:

    Jake Peavy or Beckett in a one game shot. I’m dying of laughter.

    You cannot take any pitcher from last yr over Beckett. Wang, Peavy, Sabathia, Webb, all terrible in the playoffs.

    And the playoffs are what we play for.

  291. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:48 pm

    “Without playoff appearances, there are no titles.

    Did you forget that wee little part?

    And Beckett hasn’t been in the playoffs and hasn’t pitched well in the reg season???

    V, you really do stretch the limits don’t you?”

    I NEVER SAID THAT BECKETT HASN’T PITCHED WELL, are you a complete and total imbecile?

    I do -not- believe in clutchness. I do not believe that you can say that, despite pitcher A having an X ERA in the regular season and a Y ERA in the postseason, he’s going to continue to have a Y ERA in the postseason. If you can disprove this belief, feel free. I’ve seen no convincing evidence to suggest that such clutchness exists.

    Peavy had one bad start in that playoff in 2007. Beckett had 4 good starts in the playoffs in 2007. To extrapolate that Peavy’s 1 bad start = 4 bad starts would be absolutely ridiculous. Peavy was the -better- pitcher in 2007.

  292. Ollie May 25th, 2008 at 11:49 pm

    here is the great divide. V values reg season and doesn’t care about the post season. SO obviously he’ll pick Wang and Peavy. He’s also been happy titleless since 2000.

    Anyone else happy to be without title?

  293. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:49 pm

    “May 25th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
    I cannot take a guy seriously who actually says he’d pitch Jake Peavy in a one game playoff over Josh Beckett. I can’t.

    Because it happend last yr!!!

    Peavy got shelled vs Colorado and beckett shut out the Indians in Cleveland.

    Forget facts, right???

    Like I said above. Why argue with it and I fall into the trap. Ouch”

    Man, because a small sample of the past is completely, 100%, guaranteed to continue in the future.

    You small sample size imbeciles are hilarious.

    I’ll take the more consistent guys, any day.

  294. D Rock May 25th, 2008 at 11:50 pm

    The V dude didn’t watch baseball after Sept 30 last yr. I’ll give him his out on this because he sounds terrible.

  295. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:50 pm

    “here is the great divide. V values reg season and doesn’t care about the post season. SO obviously he’ll pick Wang and Peavy. He’s also been happy titleless since 2000.

    Anyone else happy to be without title?”

    There’s a difference between ‘what happened’ and ‘what will happen’.

    If you can prove that ‘postseason clutchness’ exists, and that a pitcher who’s better in the postseason than the regular season is going to continue to be better in the postseason than the regular season, I’ll agree with you.

    Until that point, I’ll take the better pitcher.

  296. maggie May 25th, 2008 at 11:50 pm

    I really don’t understand why some people keep talking about Wang’s bad postseason 2007. I am not saying it’s non truth. I’m saying what done is done. I think wang don’t like his performance either. Since he’s in our team, why not give him some support and stop comparing him to Beckett. Be honestly, do you really think we can win wild card 2007 without Wang’s 19 wins? And do you really think Joe torre’s decision is right to let Wang start game 4? He should notice that Wang is tired and let Mussina start.

  297. Abe's Deli May 25th, 2008 at 11:51 pm

    Beckett is far and away the best pitcher in baseball.

    (beats head against desk again and again)

  298. Shirley May 25th, 2008 at 11:52 pm

    Every time Wang has a bad game, some people bring up his poor performance in the 2007 postseason to deny him. It seems that his 38 wins for the past two years doesn’t mean a thing. Is it fair?

  299. Nick in SF May 25th, 2008 at 11:52 pm

    First of all, there is one person using a bunch of names here and it’s comical. Second,V, you’re obviously getting punked here, why don’t you take a deep breath and let it go? I think you’re making people laugh with your anguish.

  300. VInce Montclair May 25th, 2008 at 11:52 pm

    If every Gm watched the 2007 playoffs they would be picking Beckett for sure.

    I would just from Game 6 2003 Series.

  301. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:52 pm

    “Beckett is far and away the best pitcher in baseball.

    (beats head against desk again and again)”

    :shakes head:

    How intelligent.

  302. Ollie May 25th, 2008 at 11:53 pm

    Whats clutchness?

    Check the stats from the 2007 postseason. What was Wang than in 2007? “unclutch”?

  303. Shirley May 25th, 2008 at 11:54 pm

    Well said, maggie.

  304. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:54 pm

    “If every Gm watched the 2007 playoffs they would be picking Beckett for sure.

    I would just from Game 6 2003 Series.”

    I bet there are better performances out there to take knee-jerk 1 game reactions from.

  305. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:55 pm

    “First of all, there is one person using a bunch of names here and it’s comical. Second,V, you’re obviously getting punked here, why don’t you take a deep breath and let it go? I think you’re making people laugh with your anguish.”

    I hope so, else there are a lot of idiots out there ;-)

    I’ve had too much to drink tonight to care ;-)

  306. Abe's Deli May 25th, 2008 at 11:55 pm

    V May 25th, 2008 at 11:52 pm

    “Beckett is far and away the best pitcher in baseball.

    (beats head against desk again and again)”

    :shakes head:

    How intelligent.

    That some kind of insult? That it pains me to my core to vote Beckett the best pitcher in the game? Lose the personal insults.

  307. Ollie May 25th, 2008 at 11:57 pm

    I think I’ve had it with the brain dead like V for one night.

    I feel dumber for even engaging him with his moronic thoughts.

    “Everything is a fluke! Nothing is real! Beckett needs 50 starts in October before he can be considered a good pitcher”–V

  308. V May 25th, 2008 at 11:57 pm

    “V May 25th, 2008 at 11:52 pm

    “Beckett is far and away the best pitcher in baseball.

    (beats head against desk again and again)”

    :shakes head:

    How intelligent.

    That some kind of insult? That it pains me to my core to vote Beckett the best pitcher in the game? Lose the personal insults.”

    Jason Giambi is far and away the best hitter in baseball.

    See, I can make intelligent arguments too!

  309. lil' m May 25th, 2008 at 11:57 pm

    Things are so much better than they were last Sunday night – onwards and upwards and LET’S GO YANKS!!

  310. Jammer May 25th, 2008 at 11:58 pm

    I guess if Nick disagrees with ya he does the V method. Call you a troll. Way to be smart and have a discussion Nick.

  311. D Rock May 25th, 2008 at 11:59 pm

    How can you take a poster seriously when he picks Jake Peavy to start 1 game???? Jake Peavy!!

    I think San Diego bypasses him in one game. LOL.

  312. Paulio May 26th, 2008 at 12:00 am

    It’s more pro-Beckett here than Sons of Sam Horn.

  313. Abe's Deli May 26th, 2008 at 12:00 am

    “Jason Giambi is far and away the best hitter in baseball.”

    After 2000 you would have had a case.

  314. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:01 am

    So far in 2008, Josh Beckett is the 127th best pitcher by VORP!11!one!!!! LOL!!!!

  315. Kara May 26th, 2008 at 12:01 am

    I hate Beckett. Hate. Hate.

  316. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:02 am

    “Abe’s Deli
    May 26th, 2008 at 12:00 am
    “Jason Giambi is far and away the best hitter in baseball.”

    After 2000 you would have had a case.”

    I would disagree.

    Of course, I value future production over past production.

  317. Jammer May 26th, 2008 at 12:02 am

    V admitted that he became a Yankee fan after his wife forced him to. What person here would change their allegiance because their wife rooted for a team or you moved??

    Didn’t think so. Take what he says with that big grain of salt.

  318. Abe's Deli May 26th, 2008 at 12:04 am

    “I would disagree.

    Of course, I value future production over past production.”

    And in 2000 Giambi was just entering his prime. Wouldnt by your calculations mean he would be the best hitter??

  319. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:04 am

    “V admitted that he became a Yankee fan after his wife forced him to. What person here would change their allegiance because their wife rooted for a team or you moved??

    Didn’t think so. Take what he says with that big grain of salt.”

    I never said that, troll.

  320. Brian May 26th, 2008 at 12:05 am

    I loathe anything Red and Sox but you wouldn’t be smart if you didn’t pick Beckett for one game. Not about anything clutch. It’s bout the fact that he’s done it so many times before in really the only games that really count.

  321. Jammer May 26th, 2008 at 12:06 am

    V,

    You better go to bed. Your wife will punish you if you’re not in PJ’s in 20 min.

  322. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:07 am

    “I loathe anything Red and Sox but you wouldn’t be smart if you didn’t pick Beckett for one game. Not about anything clutch. It’s bout the fact that he’s done it so many times before in really the only games that really count.”

    If I absolutely need a 9 IP 0 ER performance, and nothing less will suffice, ok, we’ll go.

    If I need at least 7 IP, 3 ER, and anything better is gravy, Webb or Halladay get the nod.

  323. Jammer May 26th, 2008 at 12:07 am

    V May 25th, 2008 at 10:45 pm

    “That is the most curious statement I’ve ever read here. Welcome to the team but what???”

    I grew up in Missouri as a Cards’ fan. I moved to New Jersey and married a lifelong Yankees’ fan…. the rest is history ;-)

    I guess you forgot that one, V???? Lying. Not good.

  324. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:07 am

    “V,

    You better go to bed. Your wife will punish you if you’re not in PJ’s in 20 min.”

    Ok, troll.

  325. Jorge Steinbrenner (the long lost third brother) May 26th, 2008 at 12:07 am

    Well, I agree with Pete. I hear the train-a-comin and I just shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die.

    GO FOR SIX IN A ROW, YANKS!!!

  326. Nick in SF May 26th, 2008 at 12:08 am

    The “smart discussion” train pulled out of this station a while ago. Here’s hoping Beckett’s days of postseason glory are over and Wangs are still to come. Goodnight, folks.

  327. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 12:08 am

    hey all, great game today! matsui is the man! when he tagged up on cano’s fly ball, i knew it was another W.

    its important to remember that a team is never as bad as it looks losing nor as good as it looks when its winning everything. last sunday night ALOT of people were about to give up on this team, now we’ve beaten up on two terrible teams, and pete’s speculating about us going 20-9 the next month!

    i realize the schedule is favorable, but it was only last week that the yankees were being stoned by the mets and rays. id like to think they can get a good streak going, but for now, the only team that matters is the orioles, and they have essentially the same record as the yankees, so im not counting any chickens yet.

    as for rasner, he’s been great, but hes not gonna keep it up all season. i’m only looking for #5 type numbers from him and kennedy, a .500 record and an era around 5 is all you can ask of them from here on. its great that rasner’s been this good, but basically we can only ask that rasner, kennedy, pettitte and moose keep us in game so the offense can win.

    funny but the most consistent part of the yankees to this point has been the bullpen!

    turned out to be an excellent week and a very good homestand! finally!

  328. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:08 am

    “V May 25th, 2008 at 10:45 pm

    “That is the most curious statement I’ve ever read here. Welcome to the team but what???”

    I grew up in Missouri as a Cards’ fan. I moved to New Jersey and married a lifelong Yankees’ fan…. the rest is history

    I guess you forgot that one, V???? Lying. Not good.”

    At what point did I say my wife ‘forced me’ to like the Yankees?

    I’m sorry I wasn’t wearing a Yankees cap in the womb. Troll.

  329. Jammer May 26th, 2008 at 12:08 am

    “If I absolutely need a 9 IP 0 ER performance, and nothing less will suffice, ok, we’ll go.

    If I need at least 7 IP, 3 ER, and anything better is gravy, Webb or Halladay get the nod.”

    Because every manager/GM/fan/sane person wouldn’t choose the 9IP’s and no runs.

    OMG

  330. mel May 26th, 2008 at 12:09 am

    V,

    You really became a fan because of your wife? That is pretty lame.

  331. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:10 am

    ““If I absolutely need a 9 IP 0 ER performance, and nothing less will suffice, ok, we’ll go.

    If I need at least 7 IP, 3 ER, and anything better is gravy, Webb or Halladay get the nod.”

    Because every manager/GM/fan/sane person wouldn’t choose the 9IP’s and no runs.

    OMG”

    If you had two choices.

    Choice one is a 50% chance of a 9 IP 0 ER performance, and a 50% chance of a 6 IP 6 ER performance.

    Choice two is a 100% chance of a 7 IP 3 ER performance.

    Which do you prefer?

  332. Blargh May 26th, 2008 at 12:11 am

    ham fighter: The best part is that our offense is showing signs of life! An era of 5 should be easily overcome!

  333. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:11 am

    “V,

    You really became a fan because of your wife? That is pretty lame.”

    If I had said that, you’d have a point.

  334. Jammer May 26th, 2008 at 12:11 am

    Because a two decade allegiance to the Cardinals should just be thrown away. It’s not like they are the Pirates or Brewers here, V. When you gonna ditch the Yanks? After you meet a Baltimore girl and move to Maryland?

  335. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 12:11 am

    jorge, not sure what you were trying to say there, but i loved the johnny cash drop-in!

  336. mel May 26th, 2008 at 12:12 am

    You either became a Yank fan because of your wife or moving to New jersey. Thats what you said. No ones putting words in your mouth.

  337. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:12 am

    “Because a two decade allegiance to the Cardinals should just be thrown away. It’s not like they are the Pirates or Brewers here, V. When you gonna ditch the Yanks? After you meet a Baltimore girl and move to Maryland?”

    :snort:

    I still follow the Cardinals. Daily.

    Not sure how difficult this is for a troll to grasp…

  338. Larry May 26th, 2008 at 12:12 am

    I cannot wait to get Posada back. Even with Molina’s big hit.

  339. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:13 am

    “You either became a Yank fan because of your wife or moving to New jersey. Thats what you said. No ones putting words in your mouth.”

    I became a Yankees fan because I watched them daily and started rooting for them. Nothing more, nothing less.

  340. VTyankee fan May 26th, 2008 at 12:13 am

    Wang 6-2 3.51 era
    Beckett 5-4 4.43 era

  341. mel May 26th, 2008 at 12:14 am

    I’ve been posting here for over a year. No Cardinal fan should have the gall to call me a troll.

  342. Blargh May 26th, 2008 at 12:15 am

    You need to brush up on your impersonation skills. Make it less obvious and all that.

  343. rconn23 May 26th, 2008 at 12:15 am

    This whole Beckett vs. Wang argument really makes no sense. Beckett is the better pitcher, and you know what, he should be. He was the top pitching prospect in all of baseball at one point.

    Wang was never considered a top prospect, yet he’s won more games than anyone the past two years. In a perfect world, Wang is a number three starter. And hopefully, next year, he is.

    1. C.C.
    2. Joba
    3. Wang

    Now that would be sweet.

  344. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 12:15 am

    cards were my n.l. team from when i was a kid and saw gibson vs. lolich in the ’68 series! then i went to mizzou in the 80′s and went to alot of games in the whitey herzog days.

    but the day they hired genius as thier manager was the end for me. as much as i like pujols, i will not root for the cards again until that a(&+&*&^& is gone.

  345. Jammer May 26th, 2008 at 12:15 am

    mel meet V. Anyone who doesn’t agree with his ever changing and weird views is branded a troll.

  346. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:16 am

    “I’ve been posting here for over a year. No Cardinal fan should have the gall to call me a troll.”

    I never called ‘mel’ a troll. I called ‘Jammer’ a troll. Was there confusion on your end?

  347. Jammer May 26th, 2008 at 12:16 am

    Wang would be a dynamite #3.

  348. Jammer May 26th, 2008 at 12:17 am

    V, didn’t your wife snap her fingers yet???

    I cannot see how any real fan would be talked out of his team because they moved or their wife rooted for a team.

    That is a flat out embarrassment.

  349. Vince May 26th, 2008 at 12:18 am

    I did a runthrough of some of the prospects, let me know what you all think:

    http://www.soxandpinstripes.co.....-name.html

  350. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:18 am

    “cards were my n.l. team from when i was a kid and saw gibson vs. lolich in the ‘68 series! then i went to mizzou in the 80’s and went to alot of games in the whitey herzog days.

    but the day they hired genius as thier manager was the end for me. as much as i like pujols, i will not root for the cards again until that a(&+&*&^& is gone.”

    I’m not a huge fan of La Russa solely because of he and Duncan’s attachment to ‘what works’ and ‘what doesn’t’.

    They didn’t like Haren. They didn’t like Reyes. Haren was traded…. and the rest is history. Reyes wasn’t, and he’s sucked while trying to conform to ‘what works’, according to La Russa and Duncan.

    It’s difficult to argue with La Russa’s record, but I will be glad when he’s gone, assuming he’s replaced with a capable manager.

  351. Chris NY May 26th, 2008 at 12:18 am

    Why isn’t “V” a troll? Wheres your real name and email address???

    Lohud needs some registration to end the people like this.

  352. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:19 am

    “V, didn’t your wife snap her fingers yet???

    I cannot see how any real fan would be talked out of his team because they moved or their wife rooted for a team.

    That is a flat out embarrassment.”

    I’m sorry I don’t conform to a troll’s definition of a ‘real fan’.

    Oh wait, I ‘lied’. I’m not sorry. Troll.

  353. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 12:20 am

    if you look up smug in the dictionary, you’ll see genius’s picture.

  354. Brian F May 26th, 2008 at 12:20 am

    “It’s difficult to argue with La Russa’s record, but I will be glad when he’s gone, assuming he’s replaced with a capable manager.”

    larussa has a team that every expert picked for last in 1st place. and he took an 83 win team to a title. How is he bad?

  355. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:21 am

    “Why isn’t “V” a troll? Wheres your real name and email address???

    Lohud needs some registration to end the people like this.”

    :snort:

    I started calling the troll a troll when he started changing names to pretend others agreed with him, and continued to attribute statements to me that I didn’t make solely to call me an idiot.

    Jammer = troll.

  356. Jammer May 26th, 2008 at 12:22 am

    You’re worse than a fake fan, V. You’re a moron. I’m sure all of us here who moved and got married changed our teams in the process.

    How can anyone take what you seriously? But hey, good luck with that Peavy over Beckett thing.

  357. Chris NY May 26th, 2008 at 12:23 am

    Just because you aren’t agreed with doesn’t mean you resort to name calling and calling others “trolls”. Until Lohud gets some kind of registration system you and everyone else should hold back on the name calling and stick to the grown up arguments.

  358. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:24 am

    ““It’s difficult to argue with La Russa’s record, but I will be glad when he’s gone, assuming he’s replaced with a capable manager.”

    larussa has a team that every expert picked for last in 1st place. and he took an 83 win team to a title. How is he bad?”

    Um, I sorta explained it.

    It’s hard to argue with their success, but I’m not a fan of the ‘let’s go with a bunch of retread starters and convert them to groundball guys’. Sometimes, it works (2006 playoffs). Other times, it doesn’t.

    These are the guys that didn’t like Haren (who Jocketty traded for Mulder, ugh), and didn’t like Reyes (who they’ve effectively ruined).

  359. David May 26th, 2008 at 12:25 am

    I’m my own person and I didn’t agree with you, V. I guess I’m a troll by your standards. Pretty petty if you ask me. You also take back your ball when you lost the game when you were younger??

  360. Buddy Biancalana May 26th, 2008 at 12:25 am

    That wasn’t the real mel, not her style.

  361. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:25 am

    “Just because you aren’t agreed with doesn’t mean you resort to name calling and calling others “trolls”. Until Lohud gets some kind of registration system you and everyone else should hold back on the name calling and stick to the grown up arguments.”

    If you can establish that a grown up argument can get through to a troll… well, feel free to argue with Jammer. I’m sure you’ll have fun.

    (btw, I’m all for registration. I’ve only had the one login since posting here, unlike the troll).

  362. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:26 am

    “That wasn’t the real mel, not her style.”

    I agree, hence the ‘mel’ when I was talking to ‘mel’/Jammer.

  363. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:27 am

    “I’m my own person and I didn’t agree with you, V. I guess I’m a troll by your standards. Pretty petty if you ask me. You also take back your ball when you lost the game when you were younger??”

    Could you repeat in English?

    I’ve referred to no one but Jammer as a troll.

  364. UConn Huskie May 26th, 2008 at 12:27 am

    Little tip

    When you have views like post season means nothing and regular season means more you will not be agreed with in a Yankee blog.

  365. mel May 26th, 2008 at 12:28 am

    Again why am I being dragged into your argument V?

    Please leave me out of it.

  366. Jammer May 26th, 2008 at 12:29 am

    I’m a troll because V doesn’t like being wrong and moronic. I’ll take it, V. You’re my guy.

  367. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:30 am

    “UConn Huskie
    May 26th, 2008 at 12:27 am
    Little tip

    When you have views like post season means nothing and regular season means more you will not be agreed with in a Yankee blog.

    mel
    May 26th, 2008 at 12:28 am
    Again why am I being dragged into your argument V?

    Please leave me out of it.

    Jammer
    May 26th, 2008 at 12:29 am
    I’m a troll because V doesn’t like being wrong and moronic. I’ll take it, V. You’re my guy.”

    Ah, I love it.

    Jammer, stop changing names. Stop attributing statements to me that I didn’t make.

  368. V May 26th, 2008 at 12:30 am

    I’m out, Jammer/troll.

  369. Martin S May 26th, 2008 at 12:30 am

    It is the copout here when you don’t like what is being directed at you to yell “Troll!”. Whatever. Deal with it like a man. It’s the internet. A guy with the name V who can’t even post his real name shouldn’t be talking.

  370. VTyankee fan May 26th, 2008 at 12:31 am

    The Yanks have too many good players to be down for an entire season. 5-0 since Arod comes back. Posada coming back real soon, this team is just going to get better. Some -parties have already conceded the division and are looking at the wild card. I think its far to early for that. People seem to forget this is a 162 game schedule.

  371. Jon May 26th, 2008 at 12:31 am

    A good discussion on the merits of Beckett vs Wang and great SP’s really devolved thanks to V and Jammer’s personal dissatisfaction with each other.

    Thanks guys. I bet they are the same guy.

  372. Jammer May 26th, 2008 at 12:32 am

    I’m out, V/troll.

  373. mel May 26th, 2008 at 12:33 am

    Hey, guys. It’s me, the real mel. My last post was @ 8:41 pm.

    V, please any “mel” comments since then. They’re not mine.

  374. Munsons Cap May 26th, 2008 at 12:33 am

    I still cannot see how someone wouldn’t take Beckett in the post season as the best pitcher. Ridiculous!!

  375. mel May 26th, 2008 at 12:33 am

    *disregard*

  376. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 12:34 am

    well, im not conceding a thing, but i dont think a team goes from helpless to invincable in a week.

    wish i was in vermont right now!

  377. Carl JR May 26th, 2008 at 12:34 am

    Mel is a unique name I guess and no one in the world especially any Yankee fan has it right???

    Get a registration here Lohud.

  378. Brian May 26th, 2008 at 12:36 am

    I’m sure mel or whoever is monitoring this site at 12:45am on a Sunday waiting for his name to be used by someone else.

    Thanks V for that posting.

  379. Chris May 26th, 2008 at 12:37 am

    Should I think Chris is unique because I posted here before???

  380. Becca May 26th, 2008 at 12:37 am

    I kinda agree. I think V and Jammer are the same dude.

  381. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 12:38 am

    invincible that is…

  382. Vinnie SI May 26th, 2008 at 12:38 am

    Becca May 26th, 2008 at 12:37 am

    I kinda agree. I think V and Jammer are the same dude.

    That would be hilarious, Becca.

  383. mel May 26th, 2008 at 12:39 am

    Carl Jr.,

    That’s right! There’s one and only one mel, who refuses to divulge her full name. It’s impossible to steal my name. If it’s a troll using my name they’re spotted right away. If they say nice things using my name, well that’s a good thing, right?

  384. Camden May 26th, 2008 at 12:39 am

    Let’s turn 5 into 8 quick.

  385. Captain D May 26th, 2008 at 12:40 am

    Ramirez looked fantastic today. I really hope he steps up and continues this all season. We need him.

    Beckett is far superior to Wang. Check playoffs 2007.

    Thank God we don’t have to face Cabrera. He beats us everytime.

    Jorgie is needed back. ASAP.

  386. Big Bob May 26th, 2008 at 12:42 am

    Beckett proved to me last year that he is the best pressure pitcher in the game. Starting of course. Relieving I go Mo.

  387. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 12:43 am

    looks like tomorrow’s a sellout…..damn, didnt know id be able to get off tomorrow until today.

  388. Buddy Biancalana May 26th, 2008 at 12:43 am

    Cabrera doesn’t always pitch that well against the Yanks, only this year so far that I recall.

  389. Becca May 26th, 2008 at 12:43 am

    I could care less about trolls or faux arguments here between anonymous Yankee fans. I care about the team and winning and beating Boston.

  390. Buddy Biancalana May 26th, 2008 at 12:44 am

    mel

    I knew it wasn’t you, when I called out the impersonator, they just ignored me.

    Looks like there will be no sweep for the Lakers.

  391. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 12:46 am

    beckett HAS BEEN much better than wang in the P.S.

    beckett WAS great in 2003, he kicked out ass and got a well-deserved ovation from the Y.S. crowd.

    i tip my cap to the guy, he’s BEEN great.

    but i concede NOTHING to him from today on.

  392. Abe's Deli May 26th, 2008 at 12:47 am

    We’ll beat the Orioles. Then let’s start taking series’.

    2 out of 3. 3 out of 4.

    Get on a nice roll.

  393. mel May 26th, 2008 at 12:49 am

    Buddy,

    I saw that. Thanks.

    Nope, no sweep. Hoping for a bounceback game from LO and D-Fish.

  394. VTyankee fan May 26th, 2008 at 12:52 am

    I’m not saying this team is invinsible, but they are a whole lot better than the way they have played the first 2 months…..and Joba hasn’t started a game yet(can’t wait)!

  395. Sterlings Calls May 26th, 2008 at 12:53 am

    Wang is much better than Beckett. let’s see Beckett win 19 games in a yr 2 yrs in a row.

  396. mel May 26th, 2008 at 12:57 am

    Buddy,

    I issued a Matsui haiku challenge.

    Here’s one off the top of my head:

    Stoic publicly
    Privately, can only guess
    Go, Go, Godzilla

  397. VTyankee fan May 26th, 2008 at 1:01 am

    By the way, I’m against registration. It would limit the free flowing arguments/discussions that happen here on a regular basis. Its real conversation. That is the genius of this blog.

  398. Paulio May 26th, 2008 at 1:03 am

    Maddens column in the News today? Complete and utter BS. You cannot grade the Sox better than the Yanks after 2 months and 2 no hitters. Anyone else hate the News? if its not Madden it is Lupica.

  399. B Reed May 26th, 2008 at 1:09 am

    Who can take the Daily News seriously after they declared the Yanks dead in July last season?

  400. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 1:16 am

    i never read the daily news, but how could anyone possibley not rate the sox above the yankees at this point in the season? dont take everything as a slight, the lohud journal news also rated them higher. its not a slight on the yankees, its just a fact of life, until we take the division back the sox will be rated higher.

  401. raymagnetic May 26th, 2008 at 1:22 am

    “You are defined by October success or failures. He is the best October pitcher in the last 40 years.”

    El Duque would like to have a word with you.

    El Duque complete postseason resume > Beckett’s.

  402. MR May 26th, 2008 at 1:25 am

    Good game today.

    Hurry up and get to Oakland already!

    1 live Yankee game in the last 10 years! I’m dreaming Joba starts. :D

  403. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 1:26 am

    so would bob gibson

  404. raymagnetic May 26th, 2008 at 1:29 am

    “They have been real happy with the Yanks since 2001. They’d rather have guys like Peavy win 18 games and get bombed in October.

    me? I’d rather have guys like Beckett. Playoff performers.”

    You’re crazy. In order to be a playoff performer you have to get into the playoffs in the first place. Which means the regular season means a lot.

  405. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 1:31 am

    i dont think joba’s gonna start that series. i assume they will want him to go 3 innings again, then 4 innings twice and then probablly 5 innings once before they start him. with 4 days rest between each of those outings, that would mean he doesnt start until the cincinati or pittsburgh series.

    personally, im suprised they are giving him 4 days rest between these 3-inning outings, but that seems to be the plan all the way through.

  406. raymagnetic May 26th, 2008 at 1:40 am

    “Why isn’t “V” a troll? Wheres your real name and email address???”

    You can’t be serious really. This is the internet. Do you really think that on my birth certificate my first name is Ray and my last name is Magnetic?

    Hardly anyone is using their real name on this site.

  407. Tseng May 26th, 2008 at 1:43 am

    I’d prefer registration. Sure, it’d reduce the number of comments, but it’d probably make the quality of discussion a little bit better.

  408. Coopers May 26th, 2008 at 2:17 am

    Wang over Beckett?

    Sanity has escaped for the night here.

  409. KJL May 26th, 2008 at 3:07 am

    Until today ,I realize Joe is a poor coach. He always arrange poor lineup.
    If he arranged Matsui as DH, Big-G as 1st and let “shaking” Duncon rest, it will be different result.
    Poor lineup really hurt Yankees, Joe must take the responsibility.
    Why he favor the guy who had poor defense and offense but let a hitter who always play real-time hit rest.
    I type the words first and then I see the topic.
    I feel better because we have the same thinking but why the poor Joe is so stubborn.
    From Taiwan KJL

  410. MM May 26th, 2008 at 3:11 am

    I don’t see how some people could keep bashing Wang for 2007 post season, without Wang’s 19 wins/whole year’s effort, Yankee wouldn’t have a chance to be in the play offs anyway.

    Also, if people think Beckett is great, I don’t see how it’s laughable to compare Wang with him, some of Wang’s numbers eg W, ER, are better than Beckett’s. (As for strikeouts, they are different kinds of pitchers, ground outs is Wang’s trademark.)

  411. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 7:18 am

    Crash Davis: Relax, all right? Don’t try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring! Besides that, they’re fascist. Throw some ground balls – it’s more democratic.

  412. yanksince57 - i remember bill burbach May 26th, 2008 at 7:20 am

    LOL! i was just going to post my amazement that no one had anything to say for over 4 hours!

  413. whozat May 26th, 2008 at 7:29 am

    “Why he favor the guy who had poor defense and offense but let a hitter who always play real-time hit rest.”

    Well, there’s the matter of Matsui’s knees. Joe’s trying to keep all of the fragile vets healthy for the whole season. Also…Shelley’s here to hit lefties. Washburn’s a mediocre lefty. If not yesterday’s game…when is Duncan supposed to play? He may not hit at all. He may not hit without regular playing time. But he certainly won’t hit if he NEVER gets to play. If you think he shouldn’t be on the team, that’s fine. But, if you think he should be on the roster, then yesterday (and today!) are exactly the games he should be starting.

  414. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 7:33 am

    yank, who was bill burbach?

  415. Vader May 26th, 2008 at 8:05 am

    Anyone else starting to get the feeling that this is turning out to be A-rod’s team?

  416. Captain Obvious May 26th, 2008 at 8:06 am

    Betemit returning from AAA rehab games. This should mean DFA for little used Ensberg.

  417. whozat May 26th, 2008 at 8:12 am

    “Betemit returning from AAA rehab games. This should mean DFA for little used Ensberg.”

    Given that Betemit was playing SS and 2B in his last two games, that’s not so clear…

  418. S.A.-Yankees Offense..welcome back! May 26th, 2008 at 8:35 am

    Until Wang kicks butt in the post-season, no matter what he does in the regular season, there will be fools doubting him.

    I hope we do make the playoffs and Wang shuts some people up.

    Happy Memorial Day everyone.

  419. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 8:37 am

    they’ve got until saturday to decide on jason lane. i expect they will send gonzo down so he can get some ab’s, and give ensberg a couple of starts to see if they can get anything from him. if not, they’ll release him and bring up lane.

  420. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 8:44 am

    TODAY IN THE JOURNAL NEWS…..aw, forget it, its a holiday, sleep in…..

  421. Vader May 26th, 2008 at 8:44 am

    What does Ensberg offer this team?

    A-gonz is a better fielder, base runner and hitter minus the pop, but that is what Shelly and Betemit are here for.

    IMO, it is time to introduce Ensberg to the Josh Phillips door to the right.

  422. The Dude May 26th, 2008 at 9:02 am

    Anyone who argues they’d rather have Wang than Beckett is, at the most positive end of the name-calling spectrum, a homer of the highest order.

  423. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 9:04 am

    i think we should create a new stat for a player who’s complete collapse results in his manager being fired. we can call it a ‘reyes’ as in:

    “the met’s shortstop let another ball go through his legs and got picked off 2nd base again last night, leading the wilpons to let willie randolph go. give jose a ‘reyes’ for that one!

  424. ham fighter May 26th, 2008 at 9:08 am

    its amazing how much some yankees fans can deny reality. the beckett thing last night was surreal. ditto with alot of the reactions to lester’s no-no. just wait till manny hits his 500th!

    why can’t people appreciate great baseball and great baseball players while still rooting for thier team? Beckett and Manny are great, so were Yastermski and Williams. does that mean im rooting for the red sox? no it means i love great baseball players from other teams even as i root for them to lose.

    does that make me less of a yankees fan or more of a baseball fan?

  425. Don Vito A. Bellamo May 26th, 2008 at 9:23 am

    Here’s to them being closer to 20 games over .500 than 10 games over…I say that over the next 28 games, with these slugs on tap, we can manage a 22-6 record…( and what I SAY GOES !!!

  426. Angel May 26th, 2008 at 1:49 pm

    Is there some way the impersonations on this site can stop? Its ridiculous. I haven’t even posted yet today and I see I’ve already made a few posts. *rolls eyes*

  427. hiei81 May 26th, 2008 at 2:36 pm

    “Wang was never considered a top prospect, yet he’s won more games than anyone the past two years. In a perfect world, Wang is a number three starter. And hopefully, next year, he is.
    1. C.C.
    2. Joba
    3. Wang”

    People forget easily on this blog. Last year there are many people thinking Hughes will be the Ace of staff this year. They named:
    1. Santana
    2. Hughes
    3. Wang
    When Hughes stinks and Santana isn’t as sharp as he used to be, these guys are all gone. Now people turn into Sabathia and Joba. Even though Sabathia also stink in last year’s playoff and got out-dueled by Wang this year.

    Interestingly, many people said Wang can’t stand up on big games while Wang actually out-dueled many “Aces” during his 6 win period, while got shelled when the opposing pitchers are considered mediocre.

    When Wang went 6IP 1ER in 2005 and won the only playoff win in 2006, nobody even seems to worry about him on “big f***ing playoff games”.

    When Torre started him on 2007 game 4 ALCS, he treated him as an Ace. When Girardi started him in 2008 home opener, he treated him as an Ace. When Cashman did not get a starting pitcher this year, he definitely thought Wang is the Ace, can start playoff game 1 and there is no need for another one. And still, fans would say their favorite team’s GM and coaches are brain-dead.

    Peter was right. Wang sometimes just doesn’t have love from the fans.

  428. Ron May 27th, 2008 at 8:26 pm

    Fantastic. Betemit had better light the world on fire with his bat.

  429. Ron May 27th, 2008 at 8:26 pm

    Ross, good stuff.

  430. Ron May 27th, 2008 at 8:29 pm

    Santana’s getting smacked around pretty good right now. Cantu just missed tying it.

  431. Ron May 27th, 2008 at 8:31 pm

    There’s a nice BS call.

  432. D-Money May 27th, 2008 at 10:53 pm

    I am neglecting to see many people talking about Giambi- it’s really sad. The way he’s helped the offense, granted it was limited with the A-Rod-less streak, he helped get them through. Gotta give him credit

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