Game 65: Yankees at Athletics
-
- June
- 10
YANKEES
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi DH
Posada C
Betemit 1B
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Wang RHP
Chien-Ming Wang (6-2, 4.57) vs. the Oakland hitters.
Dana Eveland (4-4, 3.82) against the New York hitters.
Notes: A-Rod has a six-game hitting streak (10 for 21) with eight RBI and two home runs. … Bobby Abreu has hit in six straight (8 of 22) with five RBI. … The Yankees are 11 of 44 (.250) with runners in scoring position the last five games. … Robinson Cano has hit in six straight (9 of 25). … Kyle Farnsworth hasn’t pitched since Thursday. The Yankees can he has a sore biceps. But it also could be a case of youcanttrusthimitis. … Hideki Matsui is in a 2-for-15 mini-slump.
The Yankees have lost two straight on the road and are 14-17 away from the Stadium.
UPDATE, 9:06 p.m.: Matsui is just getting (another) day off. … Farnsworth is available. … Not much else to update you on at this point. Enjoy the game.
UPDATE, 9:40 p.m.: The Yankees officially released Morgan Ensberg today. They also released Ben Broussard from Triple-A Scranton.
UPDATE, 10:36 p.m.: Man, West Coast games are the worst from a writing standpoint. You have to file two stories before the game (about 1,500 words all told). With the game ending around 1 a.m., the early story runs in three editions. I did a piece on Johnny Damon. The early notebook also runs in three editions. The actual game story gets in one edition and on the web site.
Before we had a web site (and yes, I worked back in those ancient days), you would basically write everything a day behind. It was pretty stupid. I can remember papers back in the 80s having headlines like “Yankees tied after seven innings.” Crazy.
Meanwhile, why was Bobby Abreu running on Carlos Gonzalez?
UPDATE, 11:13 p.m.: Now Wilson Betemit may well belt one out next time up against the lefty. I get that. But what is the point off sitting Matsui and his .863 OPS for Betemit? He’s already 0 for 2 and has kicked a ball (ridiculously ruled a hit) that cost the Yankees a run.
Betemit can be a valuable piece off the bench. But unless Matsui is injured, he should play. He’s hitting .342 against lefties. Dana Eveland isn’t Koufax.
UPDATE, 11:41 p.m.: It’s 2-1 and anything can happen. But Chien-Ming Wang is pitching like Chien-Ming Wang tonight. Nine of his 15 outs have come via groundouts. He has only one walk and two strikeouts.
UPDATE, 11:53 p.m.: Please let me interrupt this baseball game with some great news. Our pal Mark Feinsand of The Daily News and his wife Dena are parents again. Zack Dylan Feinsand checked in this evening at 10:15 in New York City.
Congrats to Mark and Dena and our condolences to Ryan Feinsand, who is no longer the king of all he surveys.
UPDATE, 11:57 p.m.: What is wrong with Melky Cabrera? Girardi has to put a stop to this.
UPDATE, 12:15 p.m.: Wang has that sinker going today. That’s 15 groundball outs and four double plays. You know what? I’d leave him out there for the eighth inning. He’s only at 81 pitches. Better Wang than any of the relievers. Then Mo in the ninth.
UPDATE, 12:27 p.m.: Veras has warmed up. Girardi said before the game that Farnsworth was available, too. Very interesting.
UPDATE, 12:38 p.m.: Lifting Wang after 83 pitches for Jose Veras? Interesting move there.
UPDATE, 12:52 p.m.: Big hit for Melky in a lot of ways there.
Lots of Yankees fans here, by the way.
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on Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 at 6:45 pm by Peter Abraham.
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I would like a sweep of OAK, but they have been playing tough.
P.S. Beckett is stinking up the place in Fenway, down 4-1 to BAL. Woohoo!
Hate the late starts.
I had a feeling Beckett was a one time deal. Other than the 2003 WS, he has been a pretty average pitcher other than last year where he was really good. I just love to watch him fail.
How is Beckett a one time deal?
He dominated two Octobers in a row and won 2 titles. Pitching better than any pitcher basically ever.
I know we have Yankee blinders on but don’t embarrass yourself like that.
Laura – That’s good news about Boston. I think that the Yanks need to take at least 2 of 3. It’s all about winning series.
lol “youcanttrusthimitis”
Just continue following the Farnsworth rules..and we should be fine.
I dunno if I will be able to stay up to catch the entire game.
Just hope we win and that Wang has a nice outing
youcanttrusthimitis
.
If you Google that, you come right back here. Pete, you are the first person since the dawn of time to use that word !
What do you mean “2 Octobers in a row”?
Last I checked the RS didn’t make the playoffs in 2006.
Beckett pitched well last year, but until he does it more than once, jury is still out. Most every player above average has one great season.
” Pitching better than any pitcher basically ever. ”
.
and you are describing Beck@$$ ? You need to stop sniffing that gold paint…..JerkFace have never pitched “better than any pitcher basically ever”....ya know…like totally NOT and fer sure NOT !
“has never pitched”...grammar dunce here !
“Beckett pitched well last year, but until he does it more than once, jury is still out. Most every player above average has one great season.”
I guess 2003 doesn’t count as October. In the 2 playoffs in a row that he pitched in. Woe is me.
He has had 2 all time playoffs. All time. Bob Gibson like. He is the reason those 2 teams have titles.
“Jerkface”....I love that.
It’ll be interesting to see how Beckett fares in the playoffs this year if Boston makes it; both years that Beckett has been in the playoffs have been part of his good years. This year so far is part of his average years, as the guy seriously alternates between good and average.
ripcord,
You can’t win over some of these people with facts. They like to think that Beckett stinks and Wang is better. You aren’t going to win any argument with people like that. Sorry.
Any sane Yankee fan knows that Beckett is the one reason we haven’t won a title. We don’t have him or someone like him.
That is why they moved Joba into the rotation. Ask Hank.
“The Yankees can he has a sore biceps”
??? Dont know what you meant there. But im hoping its one of those over night fantom injuries dl stints for roster space.
ripcord, I don’t know if you saw it, but I re-posted a joke about Roger Clemens in the last thread, I think it’s right up your alley.
“Kyle Farnsworth hasn’t pitched since Thursday. The Yankees can he has a sore biceps. But it also could be a case of youcanttrusthimitis.”
Easily the line of the night. LOL Pete.
Anyone who thinks Josh Beckett is ‘average’ is foolish. We’re all Yankees fans here, but c’mon man!
You need a microscope to decipher Beckett’s post season ERA.
The guy has been money when it counts. To think the Sox are paying him: (from Cot’s)
3 years/$30M (2007-09), plus $12M 2010 club option
I get “Jerkfaced” by some moron Eye talian. That’s rich. I’ll stop sniffing pain, Don Corleonne, when the Yankees get a Beckett.
I hope its funny Nick in SF if you are going to post it on every thread. Keep us all updated on your flight happenings in every thread too.
“Pitching better than any pitcher basically ever.”
Nothing against Beckett but the above statement is ridiculous. That title, regards the postseason, belong to Don Larsen and him alone.
2 all-time playoffs? Wow, he’s a vet.
Think about how many Pettitte has had. Or Smoltz/Glavine. Or even El Duque.
Let’s talk when Beckett can prove himself over that number of playoff games.
But he’d probably need to leave the Sawx if he wanted to do that.
He’ll be around 30 (assuming he doesn’t extend and stay in Boston) when he hits free agency.
How about a show of hands… At age 30, do you give Beckett a 4 or 5 year deal at $15-$17M per year?
The fact of the matter is this –
Melky Cabrera does a lot of silly things that just drive me and other Yankee fans so crazy. It’s not like he is a rookie yet he is doing very rookie things. Sliding into first base when he should be running, dropping balls in the outfield because he’s looking at the runners on base, and at the plate, the guy does not exactly take his base on balls.
I don’t think of him to be a clutch hitter either. Look at yesterday afternoon. Basesloaded with 2 outs and he swings at the 2nd pitch. Soria threw him ball number one… that’s your que to make him work the count. To make Soria throw strikes. You work the count until you are confident you are getting something good to hit.
He seems very immature to realize that he is playing Centerfield for the New York Yankees… that’s something very special.
I think giving Gardner a shot and trading Melky for a relief pitcher (like Fuentes) would be a very smart option. Gardner seems like someone who can bring energy to the team in ways Melky can’t.
If Brett cannot hit in the MLB… well he always has his speed and defense. Melky has average speed (and seems below average on the base paths). I think Brett can become successful with the Yankees. Even if he’s not the best hitter, we still have 8 other guys who can back him up.
I think Shelley Duncan needs to go as well. I say we go after someone like Ty Winnington. Someone who can help the Yankees in a lot of ways.
It is not worth the effort of even going thru Becketts record.
The guy is an absolute stud. I don’t care about a few June starts.
He completely dominates when it counts. He is unhittable. That is why he is the games best pitcher. His Cy Young yr last yr didn’t hurt him either.
If you really want to call him average take a look at his October numbers and look at them twice. They aren’t misprinted. It is real.
Here is hoping Joba is on the same level.
It’s a 2-hour delay so far, ripcord, but there’s some hope it’ll be less than that. No worries.
Can we add Jeff Weaver to that best ever list?
He won the World Series as well.
“Nothing against Beckett but the above statement is ridiculous. That title, regards the postseason, belong to Don Larsen and him alone.”
Check the numbers. He has the best stats of pretty much any October pitcher ever. One game doesn’t make Larson better.
Or Kenny Rogers…..?
S.o.S.27 June 10th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Can we add Jeff Weaver to that best ever list?
He won the World Series as well.
He also lost the 2003 World Series.
If you are going to be snarky at least be semi right.
At 70 pitches for 3 innings of work, it looks like an early exit for Beckett. Nice way to tax the bullpen.
Ripcord, YOU check the numbers.
2 playoffs.
Big deal.
The Babe’s got them all owned
Can we add Jeff Weaver to that best ever list?
He won the World Series as well.
When Rogers or Weaver or anyone else you want to toss out that has won a series has these numbers:
2 Lg Div Series 2-0 2 2 0.56 1 1 0 1 16 6 1 5 17
2 Lg Champ Series 2-0 5 4 2.70 3 0 0 1 33.1 20 10 3 37
2 World Series 2-0 3 3 1.16 2 1 0 1 23.1 14 3 6 28
6 Postseason Ser 6-0 10 9 1.73 6 2 0 3 72.2 40 14 14 82
You can talk to me.
I know we all hate the Sox but don’t make yourselves look foolish.
Scott Podsednic had blazing speed and got cut. Melky is a great defensive player and is hitting 270. He’s the last of our worries.
ripcord,
Im not denying he isnt a good pitcher. But the best ever? Thats like saying a quarterback is the best ever because he won a super bowl. Who was the Ravens quarterback when the won it all?
Look at those totals for Beckett
G GS ERA W L SV CG IP H ER BB SO
6 Postseason Ser 6-0 10 9 1.73 6 2 0 3 72.2 40 14 14 82
Ridiculous.
Please find me Rogers, Weavers or any other schmoe you are going to embarrass yourself with besides Smoltz, Gibson, and Koufax.
Ripcord,
I agree that Beckett’s post-season numbers are beyond impressive. But I think it is fairly safe to assume that what Larsen accomplished is in a class by itself. Not to mention Whitey Ford. Again, not to take away from what Beckett has done in the post-season, as he is clearly in a very exclusive group.
“He’ll be around 30 (assuming he doesn’t extend and stay in Boston) when he hits free agency.
How about a show of hands… At age 30, do you give Beckett a 4 or 5 year deal at $15-$17M per year?”
So many things wrong with this post…..
First of all, no way the Red Sox let this guy go if he keeps pitching well.
And if by some miracle they do let him go, it’ll take a hell of a lot more than 4-5 years and 15-17 million/per. This isn’t 2002. It’ll be 2011, he’ll command a minimum of 22 million per year, probably a lot more.
SOS27,
The numbers say he is one of the best ever. Forget numbers then. Look at the two post seasons he pitched. Use your own eyes. Unhittable and dominating. I saw it myself live in our house on short rest. He the guy every team looks for every year and every draft.
He is why we are moving Joba and drafting the Cole’s of the world. You win with him.
“What do you mean “2 Octobers in a rowâ€?
Last I checked the RS didn’t make the playoffs in 2006.
Beckett pitched well last year, but until he does it more than once, jury is still out. Most every player above average has one great season.”
If I remember that 2006 season. Didn’t the Yanks sweep the Sox in a 5 game series in Aug or something around that time?
Like the lineup today except sitting Matsui.
I always wonder how much rest a DH needs. As a DH, you get up what…. 4 maybe 5 times a game? I guess he’s slumping but I still think its too many days off for Matsui and Abreu lately.
Guidry and El Duque are up there as well
So many things wrong with this post…..
First of all, no way the Red Sox let this guy go if he keeps pitching well.
And if by some miracle they do let him go, it’ll take a hell of a lot more than 4-5 years and 15-17 million/per. This isn’t 2002. It’ll be 2011, he’ll command a minimum of 22 million per year, probably a lot more.
How does that make “so many things wrong with this post”???
His question was if he hits FA what would be command. I agree with you. He lowballed. He’ll get 25 mill a yr.
Historically, I’ll take Maddux, Clemens, Ryan, Larsen, Ford, or maybe even Schilling.
Beckett isn’t in their league based on 2 Octobers.
Don’t be foolish saying he’s the best ever based on his limited stats.
Do you have any idea where you’re positing this nonsense? Maybe this works in RS “Nation” but Yankees have a much higher standard before we go throwing “best ever” around.
“If I remember that 2006 season. Didn’t the Yanks sweep the Sox in a 5 game series in Aug or something around that time?”
Aug ain’t October.
Hey estupido, I was calling Beckett a JerkFace ya buffoon….but if you want to attach that name to yerself, mr. Jerkface worshipper….go right ahead. Josh Beckett will never be ranked with the best pitchers EVER…that is just the RedSux fan in you coming out of yer keester !
Considering that Wang and Andy are struggling and Rasner is due to have a bad game, this could be an easy sweep by the A’s.
August was that October for the Sawx. They folded after that.
Ok WeMissPaulie.
I get it. You are a SuperFan who can’t be objective. You don’t have the intelligence to look at stats and compare ballplayers.
I figure you would take Jimmy Key over Beckett too. I get your thing. It’s fine. It’s moronic and stupid but hey you do what you got to do.
“Hey estupido, I was calling Beckett a JerkFace ya buffoon….but if you want to attach that name to yerself, mr. Jerkface worshipper….go right ahead. Josh Beckett will never be ranked with the best pitchers EVER…that is just the RedSux fan in you coming out of yer keester !”
Now I’m a Sox fan for telling it like it is? Tough crowd in here.
I wonder how many of the SuperFans wouldn’t take Beckett???
The Last Yankee Fan,
Based on your rational, both Wang and Pettitte are due to have good starts, so this could be an easy series win for the Yankees.
Hmm, wow, Koufax was rediculous; 0.95 era (6 ER over 57 IP) in the postseason (4 WS’s)
Might have to take that over Ruth’s 0.87 era, from 3 runs over only 31 IP in the postseason (2 WS’s)
Totally tough crowd.
Especially when we have people in here that don’t know what they’re talking about.
“Historically, I’ll take Maddux, Clemens, Ryan, Larsen, Ford, or maybe even Schilling.
Beckett isn’t in their league based on 2 Octobers.”
How many post seasons did Ryan pitch??? You should really check the stats before you post nonsense. In about 20+ yrs of pitching Rya had 7 Oct starts. And you want him?
Maddux is 11 and 14 in October. Great numbers.
If you want to take regular seasons you actualyl have an argument and I wouldnt argue with you.
But Octobers?? Please.
i’m sorry, you can’t call beckett great because of 1 very good year.
look at his previous #’s.
and you don’t just get rid of melky and believe gardner can be successful in the majors. what if he can’t hit .200? melky does just fine for what is asked of him and for what most thought they’d ever get from him.
he plays cf for new york – exactly, and he can handle it. his #’s are not that bad.
Koufax was great in October. Gibson too. beckett is right there with them.
And don’t take small sample size. Beckett already has more October starts than any pitcher of that great era because of the added rounds.
sorry but what’s the point of the yankees having shelley on the team if they won’t play him? I love the guy’s energy, but wouldn’t it be better to send him down and send gardner up? Gardner can do more things than shelley and the yankees have no1 like him on the team right now
You know, before Larsen went to the Yankees, his numbers weren’t actually that good. I think. I might be wrong on that.
ripcord, my outbound plane is on the ground here in Phoenix and they’re hoping the turnaround will be pretty quick. Thanks for your interest in this; the fact that someone was so concerned actually make the waiting easier.
ripcord,
It is pointless to argue with people who think Wang is better than Beckett.
You can’t win.
You know Beckett is the gold standard when Hank invokes his name whenever he mentions Joba Chamberlain.
I think that says it all.
Good lord, yes Beckett is a great pitcher. He has been a stud in the playoffs…so far. God bless him and his little sole patch
That being said..he isn’t having the most fantabulous season so far.
I say we wait a while before crowning him the best pitcher ever in baseball and in the postseason…
Maybe it’s just blind man-love?
Its funny that we’re talking about how amazing Beckett is when he’s getting shelled at this very moment.
Nick, you’re pretty snarky huh? You get off on being snarky?
Argue baseball. That I can take. Being snarky? Please. I’d say get a life but I’m sure you would have a witty retort. Why even come here if you aren’t going to talk baseball?
“That is why he is the games best pitcher. His Cy Young yr last yr didn’t hurt him either.”
Brandon Webb has had a much better career than Beckett and is the best pitcher in the game right now.
I think Beckett is a great pitcher and probably a future HOF player. But his track record in the regular season isn’t nearly as good as his post season record.
Besides Santana, Webb has probably been the best pitcher in baseball for the last 5 years. Webb has clearly moved past Santana now based on this season and last.
If you don’t believe me just look at his numbers. They are really astounding.
Beckett’s post season track record is amazing. But I wouldn’t penalize Webb for the fact that his team was bad for a long time. When Pedro was at his best his teams didn’t get to the post season much either.
Beckett also has never won the Cy Young. CC Sabbathia won it last year.
“I say we wait a while before crowning him the best pitcher ever in baseball and in the postseason…”
You don’t have to wait. He already is one of the best Oct pitchers ever.
Who knows. Maybe this October he bombs out and ruins all those good numbers.
Go check Beck@$$e$ website, fandangler, he is a complete jerk and I hope he never becomes a Yankee,,,he has a personality like YOU and we can’t have that, needle nose !
CB,
Webb is the best this season. He didn’t exactly impress in the post season last year did he? Good against Chi. Bombed vs Colorado when they needed him.
I’m not talking regular season. This is strictly October.
And no pitcher going today is on the Beckett level. That means you too Smoltz since hes hurt and is out for the yr. He’s the only one.
Again Betemit gets the start over Shelley, and I have no problem with that, but get Shelley off this team.
“Go check Beck@$$e$ website, fandangler, he is a complete jerk and I hope he never becomes a Yankee,,,he has a personality like YOU and we can’t have that, needle nose !”
You have personally insulted me about 6 times every post and I have the bad personality???
LOL.
The SuperFans here would be on the bandwagon 3 seconds after Beckett signs. And rightfully so.
Now enjoy the game. Peace.
What, El Duque isn’t active now?
“Who knows. Maybe this October he bombs out and ruins all those good numbers.”
Um..yeah..
Hence the waiting before crowning his @ss as the best ever in October.
That is if the RS are even playing in October(just saying..ya never know what happens..look at the Mets last season)
God Bless Menkie
“I’ve been on a stretcher before and, technically, he’s been out of the game for three years in my mind,” Mientkiewicz said, alluding to Johnson’s seasons with the Yankees and his injury-plagued 2007 campaign. “That just shows me how mentally weak he is. That’s why he got out of [New York].”
ripcord,
although I will NEVER like Beckett, even if he does become a Yankee…I am just yankin’ her chain with the insults, Ferret Face !
Peace to you, friend. How about we agree to disagree about that redneck deer killin’ momma’s boy over there in BoSux land and move on to the Yankees puttin’ the hurtin’ on the F’s ( I’d call them the A’s, but they won’t feel like that after we’re through with those Frog lickers ) OK ??? 
Red Sox will win this one – Cabrera has walked 4 in 4 innings, and Beckett has likely settled down.
4-3 Baltimore now, bottom 4.
Focus on the Yanks winning, please!
Please don’t get so upset, ripcord, I was just having a little fun because self-appointed blog enforcers make me laugh. But I’ll rethink my priorities the next time I have an airport delay and get back to work on that cancer cure before I check up on LoHud.
Oh wait, if that was a witty retort I just fell into your trap.
For the record, I think Beckett is a great pitcher and I’m sure he’ll have more chances to confirm, enhance, or diminish his postseason reputation. Wang certainly doesn’t have Beckett’s resume but he’s more beloved in the eyes of his countrymen. And he should get some more chances too.
Ouch. I guess a horribly broken leg is being mentally weak. He is just fragile.
Now Pavano on the other hand…..
Wait, who has a horribly broken leg?
anyone going to the game tonight? i’m getting ready to leave soon to get some autographs(hopefully) and to watch a bit of batting practice. I’ll post some pictures maybe later on on tonight.
Joshy-Boy at 100 pitches in the 5th inning….SUPER STAR !
Beckett’s at the very least a very good pitcher, and is a money pitcher in the playoffs. If by some chance he fell into the Yankees lap, however, it would be the same for me as when Randy Johnson was here. I’d root for him because he was a Yankee, but I wouldn’t like him. Would that make me a bandwagoner? Because I’d have a problem with that definition.
“Webb is the best this season.”
If your basically going to say the best pitcher in baseball is the pitcher who has pitched the best in the post season then your basically disqualifying the vast majority of pitchers in the game.
That’s fine but then your really saying who the best post season pitcher is.
Clearly that’s Beckett.
But I personally don’t think you can equate the best pitcher in baseball with the best post-season pitcher.
Tim Lincecum is pretty good and what he’s doing this year almost single handedly winning games for the Giants is unbelievably impressive.
His team has no chance to get to the post season. I personally don’t ding him for that.
And Webb hasn’t just been the best pitcher in baseball this year.
Go look how many years he’s had an ERA+ of over 150. Right now he’s having the best extended run of great seasons since Santana’s 2002-2006.
Year in and year out Webb has been at minimum very good and often great – and that’s over a 5 year period.
Beckett’s best regular season (last year) isn’t even remotely close to as good as Webb’s best season.
He’s a truly great pitcher who doesn’t get much attention.
michelle b formerly of sf now of oakland, I appreciate the up-to-date handle, a lot of kids were getting confused. I wish I was going, but I’m missing the entire series. Have fun at Yankee Stadium West!
I think postseason number are a bunch of s*it.
Its far too small of a sample size usually (unless you’re someone like Bernie of David Justice)
All these “non-clutch playoff” labels are crap. A guy could have 2-3 bad games and all of a sudden he can’t produce in the playoffs. It makes no sense.
Uh, best pitcher this season?
Wouldn’t that be Cliff Lee? Or am I missing something? Doesn’t Lee have an ERA under two?
Lee’s ERA is over 2 now
Volquez’s ERA should still be under 2 though
Looks like Beckett will get out with a ‘w”. HBP, HR, HR by Cabrera.
miggs: I will disagree with you slightly. I think there is such a thing as clutch and not clutch. However, I don’t think a dry spell of three or four games counts as not clutch.
thanks nick… i’m going to all 3 games, i got some great field box seats, on the field next to the yankees dugout. I got these seats from a friend, had them last yr too. I got to talk to reggie jackson 3 days in a row. Got some great sigs and pics too. Anyway – out the door and you’re welcome for the updated handle. I dont like to cause confusion.
Yep, Volquez is sitting on a 1.56 era (14 er over 81 innings)
Lee’s at 2.52 era (23 er over 82 innings) (tied for top in the AL though) (Marcum has the same era with 24 er over 85.7 innings)
I just read Mientkiewicz’s quotes on the Pittsburgh Pirates website. I don’t think he likes Randy Johnson very much.
“Wouldn’t that be Cliff Lee? Or am I missing something? Doesn’t Lee have an ERA under two?”
I generally don’t consider the best pitcher in the game to be a guy who is having his first great season. Too many guys just flame out, e.g. francisco liriano.
IMO Brandon Webb is the best pitcher in the game based on his track record over the past 5 years and his current performance this year.
Would you consider Nate McClouth to be the best player in the game? Josh Hamilton? They’ve arguably been just that when you consider they’re center fielders.
Webb’s numbers are now better than Lee’s.
As far as current performance, no pitcher is currently having a year anywhere close to Edinson Volquez. He’s completely in a league of his own – he has an ERA+ of 282. That’s startling. After him it may be Tim Lincecum.
All these things are subjective and it depends a lot on how you define “best.” Part of the fun of baseball.
ripcord:
“Can we add Jeff Weaver to that best ever list?
He won the World Series as well.
He also lost the 2003 World Series.
If you are going to be snarky at least be semi right.”
You can’t blame Jeff Weaver for being Jeff Weaver. Joe Torre lost the 2003 WS when he put in Weaver in a tie game in extra innings and let Mariano Rivera, possibly the greatest postseason pitcher ever, rot on the bench, waiting for a save situation that would never come.
CB: Ah, I thought the question was the best this season, not overall. But, you know, sometimes the best players in a season are the ones we least expect.
I should’ve checked what Volquez’s era+ was before his last outing; he went 6 IP/3 ER and that raised his raw era up from 1.32 to now 1.56
“I just read Mientkiewicz’s quotes on the Pittsburgh Pirates website. I don’t think he likes Randy Johnson very much.”
I love how he said that he couldn’t handle NY. Gotta love Minky!!!
“Looks like Beckett will get out with a ‘wâ€. HBP, HR, HR by Cabrera.”
I get so frustrated when pitchers that absolutely kill the Yankees can’t do squat against anybody else. I think these pitchers (and hitters too) amp themselves up against the Yankees. I mean, really – do you think Jose Guillen is going to have a series like this weekend ever again?
As an aside –
I strongly recommend, since there’s a lot of time before the Yanks’ game starts, that people go to the website of River Ave. Blues and read the interview with Tim Marchand of the NY Sun. It’s a really interesting read on baseball in 2008. At least, I thought so.
I’m not technologically advanced enough to be able to give you the link here, you’ll have to go to it yourself. Sorry.
Rebecca- OH!! OOps I just saw the name Johnson and thought Nick. Not Randy. My mistake. I guess the heat is getting to me.
Still don’t blame Torre for that Weaver game. Weaver had a rocking chair inning, retiring the heart of the Marlin order in the prior inning. Torre was taking a shot he could get the bottom 3rd, and saving Mo for the top the order the next inning. A. Gonazalez took him deep. Yanks had plenty of chances to win that game and
So will Randy be suspended for the stretcher comment?
Laura –
I think what Minky said pretty much sums up with what a lot of us thought!
So did the players, I won’t say which, but I heard it right from the horses mouth.
“How does that make “so many things wrong with this postâ€???
His question was if he hits FA what would be command. I agree with you. He lowballed. He’ll get 25 mill a yr.”
Thanks Tony in NY. I guess I did lowball. But with his injury history, do you think teams will want to break the $20 m a year mark for Beckett, especially after three more years of wear and tear on his arm, assuming the Sox pick up the option.
Just ordered my tickets: Fri. Aug. 1 LAA @ NYY. Bleachers, 43 2 seats row KK.
HELP ME OUT WITH SOMETHING, PLEASE??!?
Non-alcohol seats?
I can’t drink beer out there? Or they won’t send beer vendors out there? Can I buy beer on concourse and bring it to my bleacher seats? Never sat in bleachers before!
You know what’s weird about 2003? I remember the ALCS, especially game 7, really well.
The only thing I can tell you about the world series was a) we underrated the entire Florida team, and b) Jorge Posada made the last out.
Weird, huh?
bronx bomber: No alchohol allowed, period. You can try to sneak it in, but I don’t recommend it.
No beer sales at all in the bleachers, but don’t worry it is still entertaining to sit out there.
I can sympathize Rebecca. I remember 2004 playoffs real well, right up until the final out of the 18-9 game 3 of the ALCS.
Then the coma set in.
Can someone answer my non-alcohol seats question, please? Anyone reccommend a good hotel in NYC thats easy access to the Stadium?
Hey Pete, I’m likin the addition of all the little statistics in your game posts, I’m a loyal reader and appreciate all the small stuff that you do to keep us fans updated!
Thanks guys, appreciate it.
Will have to ‘tie one on’ in between innings.
If a HR ball goes to the black seats next to me and I jump the rail to go after it, will that get me kicked out too?
Rebecca –
My take on 2003 was that the ALCS vs the Red Sox was so draining that the World Series was anticlimatic, at least for me. I felt like the Yankees had already beat their toughest opponents. It was disappointing that they lost the WS, but I hardly remember it! It was like it didn’t count.
Thanks Mark and Rebecca.
So…
Will the Lakers win tonight?
We will hear from Stern about the Tim Donaghy stuff?
I thought since #20 was back we would see the A line up for a change but nope
Doreen: Yeah, I think that’s it.
Bronxbomber: Not sure. Probably Depends how drunk you are, I guess.
Here come the O’s. 2nd and 3rd one out. Okajima can’t get out Baltimore.
Its time they send Duncan down. There’s absolutely no reason to have him up here. Girardi is refusing to play him so what’s the point?
“A-Rod had a six-game hitting streak (10 for 21) with eight RBI and two home runs.”
Using the past tense “had” sounds like Pete is trying to jinx Alex tonight.
Bronxbomber, maybe if you’d sat in alchohol-free seats more in the past you wouldn’t be having these blackouts today!
“I think what Minky said pretty much sums up with what a lot of us thought!”
You know it. Randy Johnson is yet another example of a player that can’t handle NY. Loser.
I’m happy I blocked out the second half of October, 2004.
Show me a Yankees fan that wanted to be conscious during that two week span.
Ugh.
Different subject.
Anyone reccommed a good hotel near the Stadium?
Bronxbomber
There is no access to beer in the bleachers. (period)
As for hotels: any Manhattan hotel provides easy subway (4 or B/D) access to the Stadium. Taking the Subway is part of the experience. If you are ONLY concerned with the Stadium and not Manhattan you may be able to find a hotel in Yonkers or Westchester- I don’t know.
make sure you shop around summer is the off season so you may find a deal.
blacked out the second half of October, 2004!
By the way, Josh ‘the Great’ Beckett’s start was just flushed down the toilet because Theo Epstein is too stubborn to use Josh Beckett as the setup man in Boston.
Is it just me or has there been more baseball “fights” this season than most? Every day, there’s a link out on MLB.com to a fight. What has got these players wound so tight? It’s not even that late in the season. And some of these teams aren’t even contenders. Why all the stress and pent up anger?
BAL just took the lead. Let’s hope they hold it.
Dougie M. calling it like he sees it. Bet a few Yankees players got a good chuckle from that.
Okie Dokie didn’t have a good night
Bronxbomber where are you coming from???
Jimmy 27:
Coastal Maine. Haven’t been to NYC since late 90’s.
On priceline now trying to find a place. Just curious if anyone in here had any suggestions…
Laura: I’m not sure it’s just you. I don’t know how to explain it, but sometimes things just happen. Then of course you have the massive heat wave, and heat does funny things to people.
bronxbomber77
I remember driving home from the airport talking to a red sox friend, laughing how it was over. Shame on me.
The yankees pen has had a lot of problems this year but just about all teams have serious issues there.
Okajima is just not the same pitcher he was last year. Not nearly as effective. He’s near the top of the league in letting inherited runners score.
He just blew the lead against the O’s. Could you imagine the Sox pulling Okajima last year to put Manny Declaramen into the game?
So far this year Okajima has a wins probability added of 0.29. That means compared to when Okajima enters the game the sox are barely more likey to win the game due to his pitching. Last year he was much better.
Looking at the Doubletree in Ft. Lee, NJ. Just across the Bridge.
Only $175 a night. Will prob only be there all of six hours.
Sold.
Can’t wait. Any other Lohuddders going to the Aug. 1 (Fri 7pm) game against the Angels? Figure some of you must have season tickets?!
Jennifer…
Trust me. Living in Maine, running a bar, I deal with Sox fans 14 hours a day. I watch them eat. I watch them drink and get drunk. And I watch them root for their teams.
After game 3 that night, I probably sent out 50 text messages and made two dozen phone calls tto talk smack.
What a long month that turned out to be…
CHANGING SUBJECT!
CB: Think it’s a classic case of the league adjusting?
CB – That’s interesting about Okajima. What do you think is going on? Did the league catch up to him, or was last year just a career-year for him? As I remember reading, he was nothing special in Japan, a journeyman-type pitcher. That’s supposedly why Cash passed on him, despite Matsui’s plugging for him.
good thing the game is 3000 miles.
looks like its going to be a monsoon here.
I hear the wind howling here in Jersey. It’s gonna get nasty outside
Just hope I don’t lose power or anything.
SA – where do you live in Jersey?
Bronxbomber77 :
Coastal Maine Socks fans can’t possibly be worse than those goofs in Mass. who simply don’t know how to appreciate winning. They believe making fools of themselves gets the attention of the country and yes, it does.
why is Matsui sitting? Pretty dumb. Over managing again
For someone with a phobia of thunderstorms, reading this thread is not a lot of fun.
Joe-Woodbridge
yankee lover: Best deffensive alignment with Wang pitching.
SA:
Edison over here.
Um yeah…it sounds real scary outside right now..lol
Not a fan of thunderstorms either! Oy
Dr. Cox-we are neighbors.
“That is why he is the games best pitcher. His Cy Young yr last yr didn’t hurt him either. ”
The line for the best pitcher in baseball starts behind Brandon Webb.
Beckett is a great postseason pitcher but you have to get to the postseason 1st. In the regular season he is above average but not great at all. He’s had one great regular season. Perhaps if he had a great 06 the Sox would have made the playoffs.
I love thunderstorms, as long as I can stay in bed.
Wow the wind is insane
It hasn’t made its way to ne NJ.
Its made it to 14A or for you non New Jerseyins Bayonne lol
“That’s interesting about Okajima. What do you think is going on? Did the league catch up to him, or was last year just a career-year for him?”
Okajima’s year so far is really strange and really exemplifies how difficult it is to evaluate relief pitchers statistically.
Nearly all of Okajima’s numbers this year are the same as last year but he’s pitching much worse. His ERA, WHIP, splits, K/9, BB/9, HR/9, slugging % against and batting average against are comparable to last year.
But there’s not doubt he’s not nearly as effective because of the distribution of the hits he’s allowing – he’s just giving up more hits in crucial situations and letting inherited runners score.
These are the kinds of things that traditional statistics don’t capture for relief pitchers.
But if you look at some more advanced statistics on relievers the differences are stark. A good one is BP’s Win Expectancy. Win expectancy roughly tells you how likely is it for a team to win after when a relief pitcher enters a game based on a situation e.g. up 3-2 with man on second two outs (they have enough data to do this for nearly all situations by using prior years).
Last year Okajima had a win expectancy of 4.77 – 8th highest in the AL. That meant his team was much more likely to win due to Okajima was entering the game compared to a league average pitcher.
This year he has a win expectancy of .559. That’s 90th best. He’s barely better than a league average reliever.
That’s a startling difference and tells you he’s not pitching well in high leverage situations.
With Okajima I think it’s probably three things going on.
The main thing is that the league has seen him and figured him out some. The deception isn’t working as well.
I also wonder if last year’s work load took a toll on him – he pitched a lot and had a tired shoulder.
Finally, its just the same type of large variation in performance we see time and time again with relievers. he could just be regressing back to his expected performance in big spots.
Either way – without a dominant Okajima the sox pen is very thin.
and just like that..no more howling wind and pounding rain..
“And don’t take small sample size. Beckett already has more October starts than any pitcher of that great era because of the added rounds.”
Oh just shut up. El Dugue > Beckett
scratch that-it’s back
What exit off the parkway? lol
I am sorry Willy but your time is up in Queens. Girardi will welcome you back next year
Okay I take it back,maybe I don’t like thunderstorms that much. It is WINDY!! HOLY MOLY!!!
“He’s had one great regular season. ”
You know, it wasn’t really even a truly “great” season. It was a very good season. But nowhere even close to the best seasons that Santana or Webb have had.
He’s a strange pitcher.
Okay I’m out, too dangerous to be on the computer. Stay safe everyone Night!
Thunderstorm’s made it’s way to my corner of Bergen County.
Well hurricane just blew through Bergen county that is for darn sure very very bizzare mucho wind but so far no rain
CB – Thanks, that taught me a lot about relievers and their stats. I wonder how win expectancy is calculated?
I do remember late last season, Okajima lost his effectiveness for a while, and the Yanks came back on him in one game in particular; I think same game they beat Papelbon, in fact. Maybe the Friday night game where Andy started, fell behind, and rallied for the win. After that, the Sox stopped using him for a while. You wonder, of course, about “tired” shoulders and other injuries in pitchers, because they never confess anything. Not unless they’re named Pavano.
Ok…finally quiet where I’m at.
But yeah…crazy winds before!
Oh Willie..oh boy
I have not been watching Mets blow a lead tonight?
Time for the pre-game show. Getting closer to game time.
What do you bet that the Mets/Wilpons fire Willie in September – too late to change anything, but just to show that they’re doing something – and can justify not hiring a full time replacement for the rest of the season.
Turn the Met Game on,, Crazy wind
Mark-yup
All tied up at 5 now in that game
gayle: You must be in a different area of Bergen County than I am!
well, I see I missed an interesting conversation or three. Good times at the LoHud blog tonight. Anyway, I have an early day tomorrow so this will have to be it for tonight.
Let’s hope for a sweep for this series. The Yanks really need to get on a roll. Stop putzing around.
Go Yanks!
Good thing the Yankees are away, huh?
whoa, look at Wagner and Wright helping the grounds crew. This is amusing.
Wagner helping with the tarp? Don’t get hurt dude
Joe,
No problem. Below is a quick definition of win expectancy. I think its one of the single most helpful statistics in all of baseball because its really hard to subjective assess how a relief pitcher is performing.
It penalizes relievers when they pitch badly in high leverage situations and gives them credit when they pitch well. And that’s really what you want a relief pitcher to do.
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/glossary/index.php?search=WINEXP
Great job tonight by the O’s bullpen really picked up Cabrera tonight.
I hope this weather leaves the area soon. I am supposed to pick my boyfriend up at JFK airport at midnight.
oh please, two facts about beckett – number one – he is a great post season player but, and a big but, its based on limited post seasons. before i call a player an all time great at a position i want him to be great over many seasons. someone you can dominate for the better half of a decade is a true great. number two – he has been only above average statistcally during the regular season. you must balance his 06 season with his 5.00 era and his 07 very good season.
wait a minute didn’t Gammons say Craig Hansons is the best SU man in the AL ?
“Farnsworth is available.”
Dear Wang-please pitch a complete game?
If I’m Kobe I drive to the hole about 50 times in each of these next three games.
Kobe has to do a Dewayne Wade and just drive to the basket repeatedly.
Well I have no electricity as the storm took everything out in edgewater. So will try and follow the game via my blackberry hope everyone is safe that was nasty
does anyone know how i can listen or watch the game free on my computer?
sorry, gayle, hope you get electricity back soon.
Sorry to hear that gayle. Hope the wifi lasts (and the battery, too)
joe: MLB.com radio may be free, but I’m not sure. (I pay for mlb.tv)
Damn gayle you must have pissed off someone. Stay safe over there.
Get off Mr. Bryant
Sorry about that gayle. Hopefully you get electricity back somewhat soon
If you believe in NBA conspiracy theories, the Lakers are a mortal lock tonight. Or even an immortal lock. They might just get a few more calls than they did in Boston….
Of course my bbrry needed to be charged tonight and I have this portable, tv, radio which of course I don’t have batteries for I just leave it plugged in. So here is a question what good is the emergency broadcasting system if you can’t hear it
“Wagner helping with the tarp?”
Yah – he’s doing an Ojeda.
“I think giving Gardner a shot and trading Melky for a relief pitcher (like Fuentes) would be a very smart option. Gardner seems like someone who can bring energy to the team in ways Melky can’t.”
I think this is a fairly ridiculous idea. Melky has been a pleasant surprise so far this season. Sure, he makes some rookie mistakes, but they are few.
I’d say he makes the same amount or fewer mistakes than the average Yankee player, if you count the basepaths, the batter’s box, and the field.
Plus, he’s got the lovable smile and the energy that this time lacked for years.
I say we keep him.
Can’t wait to see those highlights on sportscenter/baseball tonight. You know it’ll make top plays.
Game time.. lets go yanks big start for the wanger.. GO YANKS
Mark Teixeira is not leaving Atlanta?
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8226622/Braves-would-be-wise-to-keep-Teixeira
Has anyone seen a Guiseppe Franco commercial recently? I’m starting to think that the contract with YES and Procede ran out and was replaced by these Shamewow commercials. We will miss you Guiseppe!
good.
“We will miss you Guiseppe!”
OMG – say it ain’t so!
What do you think Giambi and Girardi are laughing and fist pumping about?
Texeira will go where the money is.
Hopefully not here.
“What do you think Giambi and Girardi are laughing and fist pumping about?”
Minky’s comment about about Randy Johnson not being mentally tough enough to play in NY.
The Yankees officially released Morgan Ensberg today. They also released Ben Broussard from Triple-A Scranton.
And thank god these two are gone. 3 Hrs. away from picking up Erick Threets to a minor league deal
I’m only going to be able to watch the first hour. Damn you, West Coast!!!!
Laura: Quote of the night.
crossing my fingers
Please let us be able to score more than 2 runs tonight
They better watch out w/ Eveland that slider and change up can screw w/ alot of our hitters timing.
I know Jeter has been in a little hit streak.. but when he is going to start to dominate and make a presence on each and every game? He is getting me nervous and making me feel old? Hhah but I am only 18.. seems wierd but i grew up with Jeter as a little boy.. and now I am getting old and he is getting old.
Heh. I don’t remember the last time our offense hit a lefty well. Anything more than three runs will be impressive.
Which doesn’t mean that I think the Yankees will necessarily lose, just that their best chance of winning is pitching really well.
What was the point of signing Broussard in the first place if they just released him?
Relief pitchers are just so unpredictable. You just need to get lucky and have a pitcher get hot and dominate but it is tough to find a relief pitcher to be good season after season and that is why closers like Mo and K-Rod and Nathan and even Papalbon are special because they are consistently good. That is also why setup men are hard to find because you just get lucky and have a pitcher get hot. That is why it is tough to construct a bullpen past the closer because it is such an unpredictable role.
come on Arod, time to give Wang an early lead
“I know Jeter has been in a little hit streak.. but when he is going to start to dominate and make a presence on each and every game?”
The same day I hit Lotto. No player can have a phenomenal game each and every day. I think that people have unrealistic expectations for Jeter.
Yeah Alex.
Bobby, don’t run on the right fielder’s arm.
oh Bobby..
Come on, Ron Jeremy. Let me see a clutch hit against your old team!!
eh
Clutch hit by Alex. Bad base running by Abreu. Should have stopped at 2nd.
Great Stuff
Behold, the power of the ‘stache.
Oh My God, two hits with RISP. The Yankees are having an out of body experience.
What a terrible call on that last strike…but no matter the Giambino COMES THROUGH ! ( oh and did you hear….THEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE BoSux Lose ! )
should be up 3-0
we’re never satisfied are we lol
“should be up 3-0”
Actually, if Abreu did not go, Arod would not have scored on that single.
Fran that is not a clutch hit by A-rod, that should be a regular for him.. I cant stand it when A-rod gets an rbi its clutch one… On the other hand get on this pitcher early and often before he settles down
I like this guy. He throws a lot of balls.
The Yanks staking Wang to an early lead. Let’s hope he can pitch well and make the lead stand up.
The stache rules
alright this is what I wanna see Betemit w/ RISP RH side lets see if he lays off the junk.
Laura, are you taking over the comedy duties while Nick and mel are otherwise occupied? You’re doing an excellent job, and yes, I’m serious
“Fran that is not a clutch hit by A-rod, that should be a regular for him.. I cant stand it when A-rod gets an rbi its clutch on”
Okay, the way they’ve been hitting with RISP, any hit that drives in a run is clutch for this team.
“Laura, are you taking over the comedy duties while Nick and mel are otherwise occupied? You’re doing an excellent job, and yes, I’m serious ”
Yeah, they asked me to fill in while they were away. Glad I’m doing a good job.
what that a strike or ball he swung on ? I didn’t see.
Wang time
Wang has got to get his act together. This poor pitching streak has got to end now!
Okay, that was not the start that I was looking for.
um. Not the best start Wang.
Come on Wang
Wang looks like he once again doesnt have his control
jesus was I the only one thinking Wang gave up a HR there ?
Nice catch by Damon.
I would have thought they would have dealt Chavez by now. They got rid of everyone else.
Much better
3 fly ball outs so far not good but they are still outs
What bothers me about Wang’s first inning is that amount of balls hit in the air…