About last night
-
- July
- 7
Just watched the last few innings of the game last night. Two thoughts:
1. Mo was nasty. Yikes. How is he actually getting better? The cutter he threw to Varitek was ridiculous. Meanwhile Manny must have been sleeping somewhere when they asked him to pinch hit. He had no interest in swinging the bat.
2. When Brett Gardner got the hit, one of the first guys on the field to congratulate him was Johnny Damon and he had a huge smile. Johnny had been put on the DL prior to the game for the first time in his career and he was crushed. “I have no idea what to do,” he said. “I’ve never come to the park knowing I couldn’t play.” But he was in uniform, on the bench and sprinted out of the dugout to congratulate a kid he barely knows for winning the game.
A lot of injured guys either don’t come to games or get their treatment and leave. You don’t have to be in the dugout. But Johnny put aside his own disappointment for the sake of the team.
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on Monday, July 7th, 2008 at 1:13 pm by Peter Abraham.
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Peter Abraham
thats because johnny is a team player and a class act.
I wonder if Brett got to walking his dog yet!
Johnny is amazing.
“thats because johnny is a team player and a class act.”
A lot of sore Red Sox fans would like to have a word with you
Rock on Johnny!
man Pete, with that title to the post I thought you woke up next to your best friend or something
A lot of injured guys either don’t come to games or get their treatment and leave. You don’t have to be in the dugout. But Johnny put aside his own disappointment for the sake of the team.
That’s a good point. I know that some injured players are in Tampa for rehab or what not, but for those who choose to sit at home during their injuries, you would wonder what their reasoning is?
On the other hand, I can see where most players would find it very difficult to pass up weeks of rest and recuperation during a grueling season and have to travel and dress for each game with the team.
Johnny Damon just illustrates what a POS Pavano is.
More real life fights about a baseball game:
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view/2008_07_07_Cape_Cod_man_attacks_suspected_Yankees_fan/srvc=home&position=recent
Johnny also had his left arm in a sling.
The first guys to get to Gardner were Mo, Christian, Molina, and (hic) Ponson.
I posted this last night, but Damon is a little psychic. He predicted that the Yankees would make the playoffs last year.
He also said that his injury was an opportunity for the world to see what Gardner was all about.
even when he played on the sox i liked him.
i think it sucks that the sox fans boo him, i mean i understand why… but it was pretty clear that they weren’t pushing hard to resign him and he was going to sign with another team. he did put his foot in his mouth by saying he wouldn’t sign with the yanks when his contract was up, but hey… they are the yankees and who is going to turn down a good offer from them.
Damon’s a great guy; he makes me hate Pavano so much more.
They didn’t show where he went, but it looked like Jeter got out there before Christian and those guys. He was heading out there then they didn’t show him actually with Gardner… Did anyone notice A-Rod hurdling the railing? Lucky he didn’t get hurt, but obviously good to see the enthusiasm.
Maybe this game sparks a much needed run, just in time to gain some ground on Tampa this week.
WTH wanted Gil Meche? He just escaped a bases loaded, no outs situation, but he’s pitching like crap.
I saw A-Rod leaping over the dugout rail simultaneously with the first crew mentioned….
Damon wants to win more than he cares about being on the DL. He has faith that Brett Gardner can contribute a lot to winning ball games and is rooting for him to succeed just like the rest of us. I have seen nothing but quality at bats and decently hit line drives from Brett Gardner since he came up here. His hits haven’t been falling yet but as long as he keeps at it they will. He has as many hits and stolen bases as he does RBIs as well as an outfield assist. When it all starts coming together I think this kid will prove to be something the Yankees value in the leadoff spot and so does Johnny.
that news link was upsetting
It’s great to see the veteran take the rookie under his wing! Johnny Damon is a class act. Between this and his involvement with the Wounded Warrior Project, it speaks strongly about his character.
Can the Yanks carry this momentum into the upcoming series against the Rays?
Arod is still a 5 [plus] tooler, how would he get hurt?
Jeter and A-Rod always jump that railing and I always think the same thing about them getting hurt.
My opinion is that Johnny Damon views Brett Gardner almost as a little brother type figure. A protogé, if you will. Gardner reminds me of a young johnny damon in many ways. Both are very fast. Both are slap hitters who foul off a lot of pitches and have good at-bats. Both are very good defensive outfielders (except for JD’s arm which never really was major league caliber). Anyway, I hope that JD continues to take little Brett under his wing. Gardner could learn a lot from a veteran like Damon.
It was just a game in early July, but it was nice to see the guys so happy. This team needs to get back to having fun. Relaxed players play well.
I can’t help but think that they were really happy for Gardner himself. Girardi and Damon seem to think of the world of him.
JeterMackClutch,
Someone was calling a game and said “so and so” (on the other team) was the only 5 tool player out there. I don’t recall them mentioning Alex. Anyone remember that?
Regarding Mo – it was fascinating to watch Molina set his glove in a particular spot and have Mo deliver to the target with pinpoint accuracy. i mean, it’s nothing new, but for some reason last night it was very apparent and extremely impressive.
Well said, Justin.
Two points:
1. Damon is one of the few FA that the Yankees have signed over my objection (as if they listen to me) who has given the Yankees more than they bargained for outside of the box score. He really cares about winning and is one of the few that doesn’t treat winning like it’s a branding strategy or corporate policy.
2. Gardner’s no Damon. He’s 3 years older than Damon at the time of their respective ML debuts. His minor league stats are much less impressive and he has far less power. But, I love Gardner’s attitude and if he can be 70% of Damon at the plate, that will be a huge lift.
the only downside of the whole game is that joba didnt hit youkilis…in the face
JeterMack Clutch, the best athletes in the world can still turn an ankle taking an awkward and highly excited leap over a railing….
My god how Chris Russo turned WFAN to Tennis Central
But Pete – Rivera did that in a tie game. I thought he couldn’t pitch in tie games? Is one game enough to change your mind? Is that evidence that it was all BS to begin with?
Brandon-this is like Christmas morning for him. Next he’s gonna breakdown the ratings for that match..oh..joy?
“I thought he couldn’t pitch in tie games? Is one game enough to change your mind? Is that evidence that it was all BS to begin with?”
Pete was just pointing out an odd trend. The contrast was stark. He wasn’t saying “Mo is mentally weak!!!!”
“the only downside of the whole game is that joba didnt hit youkilis…in the face”
oh my god…thank you…i’ve been saying this all day. youk has quickly elevated himself to one of the biggest cry-babies in baseball. excellent player, terrible person. just ask the freshman girls from Boston Univ. They’ll tell you all about Youk’s antics.
i hate how Russo can’t pronounce “Nadal”...He says “Neeedaaal”. so annoying.
Who wins a Sumo match CC or Prince ?
“My god how Chris Russo turned WFAN to Tennis Central”
It was an INCREDIBLE match. These guys are titans. It’s already being considered one of the greatest tennis matches in history. Not just the tennis played in the match itself, which was pretty incredible, but the storyline that’s been building for years and years…
I think Tennis can get ONE day, no? Would you rather Russo be talking about ARod’s divorce?
I would settle for hitting him in the hand so he can’t wiggle the bat like a girl.
Brandon: Prince. Hands down. He makes the baseball bat look like a toothpick
I don’t have a problem with them jumping over the fence… they’re so athletic, them jumping that fence is just as dangerous as me and you hoping over a deck of cards.
The reason why Boston fans boo Johnny Damon is because they are class-less slobs from New England. They just seem to forget that dagger home-run JD hit in game 7 2004 ALCS that just doesnt occur to them. However they love Manny(I can’t take the bat off my shoulder) Ramirez, they are fans of the uniform not the players they only like you when you are wearing the red and white AND producing at the same time.
i cant listen to russo on his own. it’s unbearable.
Rebecca I say CC because pushing off a mound w/ momentum helps him w/ the technique
Not for nothing, but I’ll miss Giambi and Damon when they are gone. The two of them help make me proud being a fan, just knowing how nice those guys are and how out of the way they will go to help people. Class acts.
I just voted for Stache about 20 times I hope he makes it just to stick it to the “nation” as well as Buck and McCarver I know how much the national media hates Yankees in the All-star game 6 undeserving Sox okay however big G and Moose and his 12 wins get snubbed disgusting. The bias is so apparent that they have stopped trying to cover it up.
Brett Gardner is given an opportunity, and so far I have not seen any poor at bats. I did have a problem yesterday with the ESPN broadcast. In the eighth inning Brett Gardner hit a line drive down the line and it was foul when it clearly hit the line. The broadcasters had the replay which clearly showed it was fair and dismissed it. It was a bad call but no fuss was made about it when it was clearly was fair. That could have set up the Yankees to get the lead in the eighth.
Does anyone remember that and have any thoughts?
11*
As for the stairs, I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s more the freak injuries like Brandon Inge getting hurt adjusting his pillow or someone having a sneezing attack.
Mark Da Rosa- My friend I know taht I sound like a conspiracy theorist but it is soa pparent that everyone is noticing it. The ESPN broadcasts are unwatchable I would rather listen to Sterling and his drivel than here Morgan/Miller or any of those other Yankee hating clowns. ESPN is very Boston-centric and as Boston wins more titles in different sports ESPN moves more toward being NESN2 that is what it has come to. Just to follow up your statement I was at the game and the Gardner ball was clearly fair I had a clear shot at it ESPN hired umpiring crew strikes again, at least 4-5 calls went against the Yanks last night if that isnt a red flag I dont know what is.
What stood out for me from last night’s game was how fast Gardner was chugging rounding third after Jeter singled him in from second. He was MOVING.
Who’s the last Yankees we’ve had who ran like Gardner?
Deion Sanders? Rickey Henderson?
It’s been awhile since we’ve had a legit stolen base threat.
only 20 times AL?? Step your game up!!
Just kidding… I do agree, i know i say it a million times, but i hate the espn broadcasts. Say what you want about Michael Kay (I know many don’t like him, i do) but he gives his honest opinions, he doesn’t say (insert random Yankee) is better because he wears an NY on his cap, if the other guy is good, then he’s good, and the Yankees broadcasting team does a great job of telling it how it is.
Not sure if anyone remembers this but around this time last year when the Yankees were in the same situation (maybe worse) Al Leiter mapped out a plan of how the Yankees were going to be tied with the Red Sox by a certain date when they started a series – Al had them taking 2 of 3 from this team, sweeping that team, and then said 3 of 4 from Detroit and Kay stopped him and said no way they’re the best team in baseball right now.
Al from BK I take it you were at the game last night ? Where were you sitting and was that ball really fair ?
Da Rosa.
If that ball was fair it would have kicked up some chalk. Must’ve missed by inches.
Da Rosa.
If that ball was fair it would have kicked up some chalk. Must’ve missed by inches.
Da Rosa.
If that ball was fair it would have kicked up some chalk. Must’ve missed by inches.
“What stood out for me from last night’s game was how fast Gardner was chugging rounding third after Jeter singled him in from second. He was MOVING.”
Very true I was watching from down the right field line and I couldnt believe how fast he was I nearly missed him scoring thats how quick he is. If he could get on base even at a modest clip he could get 60-70 SB’s in a season.
“Just to follow up your statement I was at the game and the Gardner ball was clearly fair I had a clear shot at it ESPN hired umpiring crew strikes again, at least 4-5 calls went against the Yanks last night if that isnt a red flag I dont know what is.”
So not only does ESPN have a bias but they’re forcing the umpires to join in their anti Yankee bias as well?
This is too funny. I can’t believe the Yankees have made the playoffs all these years considering how much they have to fight against.
“If that ball was fair it would have kicked up some chalk. Must’ve missed by inches.”
It looked like a hard ground ball. It could have been fair had it passed over the 3rd base bag, but it was impossible to tell based on the replays ESPN showed. I’m amazed that there are no cameras set up that look right down the lines.
Correction* I was sitting down the LEFT field line in section 18 low on the tier and it was indeed fair the chalk kicked up a bit just a small amount I came home and saw it on super slow motion and i still think it was fair but then again I am not a fair and balanced MLB umpire.
That ball landed right on the chalk, they showed only 2 replays and both showed that it was fair, but yet there was no talk by the commentators. That would have put Gardner on second with no out whether he stole second to get there or if he would of reached on a double.
8 game winning streak needs only 6 more pieces to fall into place, ya’ll !!!
“It’s been awhile since we’ve had a legit stolen base threat.”
Yeah because A-Rod, Abreu, and Damon suck at stealing bases.
It was a line drive that hit the chalk, and was declared foul.
Those who think the Rays can keep up their pace during the second half should take a look at their lineup today:
(albeit, with Upton out)
Iwamura 2B
Crawford CF
Pena 1B
Longoria 3B
Floyd DH
Gomes LF
Navarro C
Hinske RF
Zobrist SS
Now, do you still think this team can win 96-100 games?
I still think the AL East fields two playoff teams.
The guess here is that Tampa falls back a bit but retains some of their padded lead for the division into September.
That month they play 6 against NYY and 6 against Boston.
September will be the test.
Raymagnetic- I am allowed to have an opinion no matter how outlandish. The bad calls in a game are rarely that one-sided I think it is too much of a coincidence that the Yanks typically get bad called games when they are on ESPN or national TV for that matter the bias is even worse at Fenway.
I don’t have a problem with the umpires, but the people who called the game were oblivious to the play and ignored it even though the umpire got it wrong.
I hope Gardner makes it as a player, but he kinda looks overmatched by ML pitching at the plate. I worry he’s another Scott Pose. An ultra fast player with very little stick. Obviously it’s way too early to know what he’ll be, but it came to mind last night.
Joe Morgan seemed to fall in love with the K-zone on ball/strike calls that the players seemed unhappy about. What he didn’t seem to understand was that the players were upset that the calls were being made inconsistently.
How many SB in the last 2 games? Seems like whoever got on took a swipe. Is Cash’s arm that bad?
“Very true I was watching from down the right field line and I couldnt believe how fast he was I nearly missed him scoring thats how quick he is.”
The Gardner hyperbole continues I see. He must move like the Flash if you were watching him and nearly missed him scoring.
whozat July 7th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
“Pete was just pointing out an odd trend. The contrast was stark. He wasn’t saying “Mo is mentally weak!!!!”
No he wasn’t just pointing out a trend. The implication was that Mo was actually a worse pitcher in tie games. Other commenters here went as far as to suggest that Mo NOT BE USED IN TIE GAMES.
Pointing out a bizarre trend can be fun. Something like “Giambi has hit half his home runs on Tuesdays” (making that up) is a neat little trend.
It’s when you believe that this has any PREDICTIVE value whatsoever that you get in trouble.
Believe me, MANY commenters here believe that if Mo comes in and pitches in a tie game, he is less likely to pitch well than if it’s a save situation – I can’t help it but as someone who has studied and loved baseball for many years, I feel I have to correct them.
And Pete’s constant remarks about the difference in stats is not helping that. I honestly believe Pete believes it too. Even if he doesn’t, it’s his responsibility as a journalist to put a disclaimer to the effect of “I’m just pointing out an anomaly, not claiming that this has any predictive value.”
“It’s been awhile since we’ve had a legit stolen base threat.â€
Yeah because A-Rod, Abreu, and Damon suck at stealing bases.
Those guys are “good” SB threats but not burners there is a difference between a Rickey Henderson/Jose Reyes type speedster and a decent SB threat IE A-rod, Abreu, Damon.
David Cone’s Labrum:
Not sure what your point is, because that lineup (with Upton) is damn good. Add it to their starting pitching and bullpen, and the likelihood of them making a trade (given the riches in their farm system) and 100% you must be worried about them. If they win LESS than 96 games I will be surprised.
yea, ESPN only showed one replay of that gardner hit down the line. IT wasnt a definitive angle and it wasnt in slow enough motion to tell. They clearly didnt care about the call because it went for the red sox’ side. However, a few replays would’ve been nice so that the fans couldve really seen.
“Raymagnetic- I am allowed to have an opinion no matter how outlandish. The bad calls in a game are rarely that one-sided I think it is too much of a coincidence that the Yanks typically get bad called games when they are on ESPN or national TV for that matter the bias is even worse at Fenway.”
You are indeed entitled to an opinion no matter how false it may be. I just wonder how the Yankees manage to win games at all considering all they have going against them.
Just dropped in hoping to see if his Holiness Pope SJ XLIV was appearing on the balcony to explain his infallible declaration : ” CC Sabathia is NOT going to the Brewers!!!”
Oh how I wish I knew as much as he does!
“The Gardner hyperbole continues I see. He must move like the Flash if you were watching him and nearly missed him scoring.”
I dont know if you have ever been to a game before but my attention was split between watching if the Jeter hit would drop and then by the time I looked back at home plate Gardner was already crossing it.
Attention Kevin Youkilis !!!
With 15 days of time on his hands, Johnny Damon will be giving free class lessons at Yankee Stadium during the All Star break.
With your being selected as a player, it’s strongly urged that you attend some “class” sessions. Be sure to bring along Papelbon to the sessions also. He too could benefit by them.
“Those guys are “good†SB threats but not burners there is a difference between a Rickey Henderson/Jose Reyes type speedster and a decent SB threat IE A-rod, Abreu, Damon.”
They are all legit SB threats. If they get on base and decide to run there is a better than good chance they will be successful. ie A-Rod who has 13 steals and been caught once. They may not run as often as Gardner but they are legitimate base stealers.
I think Gardner looks alright. He’s had a few hard hit balls so far, but right at batters..
Gardner has made things happen when he gets on base.
It also seems like he sees a lot of pitches in his AB’s, which us good if he’s the leadoff man while Johnny is down.
wow…..Scott Pose. the opening day centerfielder on the inaugural Florida Marlin team.
i thought for sure the guy was going to be a star. wound up getting benched for Chuckie Carr about a month in, then had a cup of coffee with the Yanks a few days later.
yup, exactly who we hope Gardner isn’t. i have to say that i am impressed so far by his patience at the plate. now let’s see if he can hit ‘em where they ain’t.
raymagnetic, you argue everything. You even argue stupid crap like a-rod prenups. i have yet to see you agree with a single person on this blog. and the majority of the time you sarcastically make up ridiculous stats. none of the three players you mentioned is a great base stealer. yes they all can steal bases, but none of them are anywhere near great base stealers. gardner is clearly above and beyond them in speed. abreu and damon generally steal against weak catchers.
Papelbon will be too busy dancig in River Dance.
Yes it is amazing how the Yankees compete with the entire national media against them. However this bias has only sprung forth in the last few years following Boston’s 2004 WS. If you want examples I can give you many.
Bad calls don’t bother me as much as the commentators who show that they do not care if was bad or not. They had no opinion on the play even though the angle showed the ball was fair.
Jon – “damn good” lineup?
Cliff Floyd, perenial castoff, batting 5th?
Show me that Hinske, Iwamura and Navarro can be above average for a full season and then I’d call this a “good” lineup.
My point is that to date, I believe that lineup has been good, but for the whole season, can some of these guys continue to overachieve?
nobody listens to me
I currently have 7 tickets to the upcoming re-scheduled Pirates game on Thursday at PNC available at face value. I was there on the 6/26 rainout and can’t get back to Pitt. If anyone is interested let me know and I can give more details on price and seat location. hate giving these up, but I have to work.
“I dont know if you have ever been to a game before but my attention was split between watching if the Jeter hit would drop and then by the time I looked back at home plate Gardner was already crossing it.”
You originally said you were watching him from down the line. If you were watching him I found it amazing that you nearly missed him crossing the plate.
Mark Da Rosa- I agree completely there is the problem they never make a big deal unless it negatively affects the SOX.
If that was Ellsbury hitting that ball in Fenway they would have shown 10 replays of it and then lampooned the umpiring crew for blowing it. Scratch that if that play happened in Boston it would have been called fair in the first place.
I have 7 tickets to the upcoming re-scheduled Pirates game on Thursday at PNC available at face value. I was there on the 6/26 rainout and can’t get back to Pitt. If anyone is interested let me know and I can give more details on price and seat location. hate giving these up, but I have to work.
“Cliff Floyd, perenial castoff, batting 5th?
Show me that Hinske, Iwamura and Navarro can be above average for a full season and then I’d call this a “good†lineup.
My point is that to date, I believe that lineup has been good, but for the whole season, can some of these guys continue to overachieve?”
teams like that have been kicking the Yanks’ butt since 2001. it doesn’t matter who they are as individuals. it’s how they work at getting those baserunners home.
last year’s Rockies should serve as a great very recent example.
sorry about the dup. message.
“raymagnetic, you argue everything. You even argue stupid crap like a-rod prenups. i have yet to see you agree with a single person on this blog. and the majority of the time you sarcastically make up ridiculous stats. none of the three players you mentioned is a great base stealer. yes they all can steal bases, but none of them are anywhere near great base stealers. gardner is clearly above and beyond them in speed. abreu and damon generally steal against weak catchers.”
Do not be upset. We’re just talking sports here okay? I never said that the three guys were great base stealers. I said they were legitimate base stealing threats, which they are.
I’ve never made up a stat to try to prove my point. If you do not like me, you can ignore me.
fair enough
“You originally said you were watching him from down the line. If you were watching him I found it amazing that you nearly missed him crossing the plate.”
You are quite the contrarian Ray to be painfully honest my eyes were not affixed on Gardner the whole time because Jeter was at bat and I was more concerned about the ball dropping than watching Gardners lightning fast base-running skills. I apologize for that confusion.
“Johnny is amazing.”
I like him as a player, but he’s chronically seeks attention and has a Schilling-like fondness for the sound of his own voice.
I am honestly glad that the Brewers traded for CC it keeps him out of the AL and it allows the Yanks to acquire him for only money after the season. Trading away good prospects would have been painful now the Yanks must do it themselves and that could open the door for young guys to prove themselves.
“Johnny Damon will be giving free class lessons at Yankee Stadium during the All Star break.”
I’m sure Damon’s first family will sing his praises. People forget him basically being Derek Lowe and saying eff you to his family when that Silicone loaded bimbette, Michelle came on to the scene.
Being a good teammate does not equal having class.
Gardner is our little Ichiro, minus the power and experience lol
3 things about last night:
1. Folks on here always ask, “Why do we always have to hear from Damon after losses”. Its because he’s a standup guy and, win or lose, is at his locker to face the music every night.
We should never take that for granted. Younger players watch how veterans carry themselves in the locker room. It does make a difference.
I don’t know what Brett Gardner’s ceiling is as a major league player. Neither do the sofa scouts who come on here and trash the kid after less than 25 AB’s.
I do know the more he is around Damon, the better player he will become. The guy is great with young players and has been since he signed with the Yankees.
Ask Tampa Bay people the biggest change in their team this year. They will tell you, they got rid of the punks, (like Dukes and Young), and replaced them with class acts like Percival, Barnett and Longoria.
2. Mo’s cutter has been sick all year. The movement is back. Some scouts thought he lost a little movement last year. No more. Its amazing how good he has been and its imperative the Yankees continue to use him wisely so he can stay fresh.
3. Last night, ESPN went into the Yankee dugout and shot Arod and Abreu, down along the steps leading to the tunnel, discussing Delcarmen tipping his pitches. Abreu was showing Arod what he was doing.
Instead of cutting away (they are not supposed to shoot that far into the dugout), they stayed with the shot.
Joe Morgan, like the moron he is, ratted out his own crew when he said, “I don’t think we (ESPN) should have shown that”. He then proceeded to tell Jon Miller what Abreu was doing with Arod.
If I was the Yankees today, I would be livid. ESPN not only overstepped its boundries, they completely disregarded the rules in doing so.
Make no mistake, they KNEW what they were doing.
You don’t see them shoot the Red Sox dugout in such a way. Not at home or on the road. Or any other team for that matter. Its because you are not allowed to do it.
They just decided on their own to break the rules last night.
The Yankees need to ban the field camera from shooting their dugout in the next ESPN game. If they don’t, pull the credential.
I will tell you, if a network crew did that on an NFL sideline (steal signals or shoot strategy sessions then show it), they would have their credentials pulled.
A real unprofessional move by ESPN last night. They should get nailed for it.
Fredo—
Have to disagree with you there JOhnny Damon is not the one who seeks out attention anywhere near what Schilling does. he doesnt h ave his own blog, doesnt have his own radio show, doesnt have his doctors go on radio show.
The reason why we see him and hear his voice after each game is that he makes himself accountable and makes himself available to reporters etc after the g ame so that perhaps some others dont have to always make themselves accountable.
If Damon were such a publicity seeker believe me we would hear alot more about all the charitable work he does and he would be yelling from the rafters about all the good things he does rather than just doing the work and doing it for the right reason
Regarding the title of the thread…
That’s what she said.
I know Phil Hughes would appreciate that one.
“I am honestly glad that the Brewers traded for CC it keeps him out of the AL and it allows the Yanks to acquire him for only money after the season.”
If you have faith in Cashman’s draft work of late (and why shouldn’t you?) you’d have to consider the 1st round draft pick the Yankees would lose for signing Sabathia a loss. It’s never just money.
SJ good observations I didnt catch that because I was at the game ESPN gets way with so much especially against the Yanks.
Speaking of Phil Hughes what is Carl Pavano’s apprentice doing these days?
SJ I was thinking the same thing w/ The ESPN camera in the dugout, that just was ridiculous and over stepping thier boundary, to think now they gave the Soxs organization a heads up in Delcarmen tipping his pitches. Just another unprofessional move IMO.
Mo is Mo…..always amazing! Glad my daughter shares the same B’Day as him!
“A real unprofessional move by ESPN last night. They should get nailed for it.”
Totally uncalled for. I didn’t see the game, but if that happened it won’t go unpunished I’m certain.
Wow.
KC beating the Rays will put just enough doubt in their minds to have them ready to be swept out of Yankee Stadium. Although it will only be a 2 game sweep. The Yankees can make up 3 games in the loss column over the next 3 days and only have to play 2 games themselves. Time to turn it around and stay on track to win ALL of the 8 games leading up to the break !
Gayle:
99% of the players in Damon’s financial realm do huge amounts of charity work and aside from the likes of Arod and Clemens, we don’t hear much about them. Nor should we. Ain’t really charity if they turn it around and use for their own PR purposes. Damon was an attention hound in Boston and I don’t see where it’s changed much. Doesn’t bother me because he frequently offers some pretty decent insight, but it is what it is.
I would trade a first round puck for CC.
As a fan of the game I applaud ESPN for giving us such an inside look regarding A-rod and Abreu discussing Delcarmen’s motion. I love that kind of stuff, it gives a unique insight into what goes on during a game. On the other hand as a Yankee fan it kind of bothers me.
“pick”
Two things stood out to me.
1. Cano NOT busting it down the line and being thrown out at the plate. A better slide and he would have been safe. His feet were past home plate when he was tagged out before his hand touched down.
2. Joba shaking off Molina/Bench and throwing 3-2 breaking balls instead of the heater which lead to two walks. Next guy gets a hit and 2 runs score. Should have thrown the fastball. Those guys would not have hit them. He has to listen to the pitch selection and go with your best stuff in a 3-2 count. The man in blue was not calling the low strike but the high strike. The slider or curve were too low in the strike zone.
Al,
I couldn’t believe they stayed with the shot. I’m in the business. I know the rules.
Sometimes, you shoot the dugout and just stumble upon something you shouldn’t. That happens all the time. When it does, they quickly cut away.
If anyone Tivo’ed the game last night, watch what they did.
The players purposely went down the stairs to get away from the camera. They do that all the time so they aren’t shot doing what they were doing. ESPN followed them down the steps and stayed with the shot. I couldn’t believe it.
What was even wilder was Joe Morgan being dumb enough to rat them out on what they were doing.
I bet most casual fans would have thought Arod and Abreu were discussing batting stances. More trained observers knew what was going on. Yet, ESPN stayed with the shot.
That’s something the Yankees have to address with them pronto. That can’t happen again.
Is it Pettitte or Ponson tomorrow night???
“As a fan of the game I applaud ESPN for giving us such an inside look regarding A-rod and Abreu discussing Delcarmen’s motion”
Chalk that up to every once in a while a blind squirrel finds an acorn. The ESPN camera crew and announcers miss more than they catch. The YES crew got major props from Awful Announcing for the Youk triple.
yeah SJ, I was thinking that last night too – that’s something that can turn Delcarman’s season around. The Sox might not have known what he was doing (I assume they don’t because it would’ve been fixed) but now they know and they can fix whatever he was doing to tip his pitches which obviously will make him a better pitcher the rest of the way.
not a good “that’s what she said” joke, JW. sorry to break it to you.
Johnny Damon is an absolute class act, stand-up guy, and a man who will probably walk upright for less years than I will because of what he has left on the field. He has earned those pinstripes.
“If you have faith in Cashman’s draft work of late (and why shouldn’t you?) you’d have to consider the 1st round draft pick the Yankees would lose for signing Sabathia a loss. It’s never just money.”
This is why I’m hoping if the Yankees do not make the playoffs they are one of the 15 worst teams in the league. They could keep their pick, which should be good if they’re picking so high up and get CC.
Sounds like a win/win to me if they miss the playoffs.
Mo is Mo…..always amazing! Glad my daughter shares the same B’Day as him!
wow ! what does this help your daughter???
How about Ron Mahay. Failed outfielder, turned left handed reliever came into the game with 2 on and one out and fanned Crawford and Pena to preserve a 3-2 Royals lead. You’d think some AL East teams might be talking to KC about Mahay’s availability.
I think FLASH is a perfect nick name for Gardner.
To vote for
THE ROOKIE press 1
To vote for
THE FLASH press 2
“2”
I agree 100% SJ that is truly uncalled for if that happened up in that pig sty Fenway the camera guy would have been crucified but because it was the Yankees then its ok.
“If anyone Tivo’ed the game last night, watch what they did.”
damn, this has me a little bummed. i worship my tivo for being able to go back for things like this, but i did not have it set for last night’s game.
“When Brett Gardner got the hit, one of the first guys on the field to congratulate him was Johnny Damon and he had a huge smile.”
Did I accidentally stumble upon suzywaldman.blogspot.com
“I think FLASH is a perfect nick name for Gardner.
To vote for
THE ROOKIE press 1
To vote for
THE FLASH press 2”
Press 3 for “Other”... I like THE GARDNER because he looks like a landscaper out there tearing up all the dirt/grass.
“This is why I’m hoping if the Yankees do not make the playoffs they are one of the 15 worst teams in the league. They could keep their pick, which should be good if they’re picking so high up and get CC.”
True. But only 9 or 10 teams are ahead of the Yankees now. Can’t see this team in the bottom half of baseball this year….or anytime soon
Damon was showing some love for Gardner last week in the post-game conferences. He made an impression in the spring with his wheels and heart.
Hey Sj – I know you always have different insights on the game, the minor league system and all that good stuff – what do you do that you get all of this info?
“This is why I’m hoping if the Yankees do not make the playoffs they are one of the 15 worst teams in the league.”
Sound reasoning but I hate to think that way.
Use Tivo and see Gardner’s at bat in the eighth then.
oh my…
russo ripping papelbon???
tampa bay in 1st place???
bizaaaaaarre.
SoS,
The Rookie. Cuz that’s what he is and the broadcast guys keep calling him that.
““When Brett Gardner got the hit, one of the first guys on the field to congratulate him was Johnny Damon and he had a huge smile.â€
Did I accidentally stumble upon suzywaldman.blogspot.com”
I laughed so hard. I am now thinking about her “Roger Clemens is standing in Mr. Steinbrenners box” rant LOL.
““When Brett Gardner got the hit, one of the first guys on the field to congratulate him was Johnny Damon and he had a huge smile.â€
Did I accidentally stumble upon suzywaldman.blogspot.com”
Is this a joke? I don’t get it.
The one thing i noticed is Girardi giving the ump and ear full. I know he’s done it before but its just so refreshing to have the coach get the players back. Coincedently we tied the game after his ejection. I think with Giambi’s stache. Damon suiting up even though he’s on the dl. Arod messing with Madonna. The Flash being The Flash and finally Girardi getting kicked out of every game this year. We will win all the remaining games left.
“True. But only 9 or 10 teams are ahead of the Yankees now. Can’t see this team in the bottom half of baseball this year….or anytime soon”
Well if that’s the case that pick will probably be gone. I can’t see them not going full bore for CC in the offseason. Maybe they’ll offer arb to Moose and Abreu and one of them nets them a first rounder although they both could accept the arbitration and return.
Oh well.
Russo without Jabba the hut is painful to listen to. I wanna call him up and go on a rant about Barry Zito and how much he stinks. Russo ripping Papel-bottom is rare but deserving considering he gave up a game-winning hit to a slap hitter.
Or we could just keep our sights on 2008…
I would think Randy Levine has already been to the MLB office.
Boy, the ESPN broadcast is hard to watch. How did those two get the Sunday night gig?
Wow, SJ:
I was only somewhat paying attention to the game at that point (the Yankees had better luck when I looked away and I’m superstitious
), but I can’t believe ESPN stayed with that shot.
Totally unprofessional.
I mean, you only hear about pitchers tipping after the fact…but even so, you can still hear the disappointment in Miller’s voice when Gardner got that hit!
Pete you know if the Yankees even noticed NESPN thier limit recording Bobby and Alex in the dugout trading tips ? I mean it’s amazing no one has called talk radio and complained about it yet.
I didn’t realize ESPN’s voyeurism was against the rules. (But given the ESPN-MLB contract, I wonder what remedies the Yankees really have?)
Oh well, add that to FOX’s Joe Buck saying he would rather watch Bridezillas than MLB Baseball, Tim McCarver’s incessant droning and the ESPN Joe Moron-athon and it’s small wonder that so many folks just don’t enjoy watching baseball on TV.
Jim Kaat was in town recently and stopped into the YES booth for an inning. Reminds you of what a baseball broadcaster should be. Along those lines, do you think YES could please give Kenny Singleton a few more games to do? He’s smooth, measured, intelligent, extremely knowledgeable, not hysterical and he actually played the game. Plus, he’s always offering such excellent advice, like his recent bit about the key to a happy marriage: “A happy wife is a happy life.” (Note to A-Rod: drop Boras and Oseary and sign Singleton).
mel,
Is it the same broadcaster that called the 3 rookie pitchers Generation trey? I think it should be the fans or players that come up with the nick names. Not the broadcasters.
Like “the gardner” as well.
Lastnight was the type of game the Yankees used to win. They would grind it out and find a way to win. Last night Brett Gardner won the game alla Luis Sojo in 2000.
Like the Joel Sherman article SJ referenced yesterday said, the Yanks have taken enough advantage of recent first-rounders that they are willing to take the risk in giving a future one up to land the player they want.
I’m as rah-rah for player development as anyone out there, and I would agree with foregoing that first-rounder to land Sabathia. We have enough pieces in play in our system, and will continue to use our other picks wisely.
Brandon – Call up fatsecca and give him a piece of your mind!!
The Yankees very well could make the play-offs but it seems unlikely. 09 is alot more fun to look forward to new stadium, new ace?, a healthy Wang/Hughes?, a more controlled Joba, and possibly a few more young guys emerging from the farm. Ajax?, Humberto Sanchez, Brackman all very intriguing.
murphydog –
I’m with you on that one. I like the tonality of his voice, as well.
“I bet most casual fans would have thought Arod and Abreu were discussing batting stances. More trained observers knew what was going on. Yet, ESPN stayed with the shot.”
I thought it was pretty obvious since Abreu was emulating when Delcarmen comes to the set and breaks his hands.
What annoyed me is it seemed like Miller and Morgan were speaking as if what A-rod and Abreu were doing is a bad thing. Its just a part of the game, if Delcarmen is telegraphing his pitches thats his fault. I don’t get why there is such a stigma attached to that or when a guy on second tries to steal the signs from the catcher. If you don’t want that stuff to happen then improve your game!
If what SJ says is true, then Yankee fans need to flood ESPN’s vice president of whatever’s mailbox with complaints. Ideas anyone?
Murph, I’m with you and it sure does make you miss Bobby Murcer.
“Maybe they’ll offer arb to Moose and Abreu and one of them nets them a first rounder although they both could accept the arbitration and return.”
Moose would return. Abreu has one more shot at scoring a big deal. I’d guess he would not accept. Also think it would be a competitive team who grabs him as the proverbial “missing piece”, which would make likely that the pick would not be protected.
“Gardner is our little Ichiro, minus the power and experience lol”
And the arm.
Here’s a start. This ombudsman called out the baseball analysts for their reporting the day the Mitchell Report was released.
http://sports.espn.go.com/keyword/search?searchString=le_anne_schreiber&page=espn
Fredo,
Maybe the Mets would take Abreu and give the Yankees their pick. It should be an interesting offseason regardless though.
I want to send Buck back to whatever hillbilly area he hails from. I cant believe this guys gets to be on national TV and making lots of money when I cant even get a radio show at my school. They should have guys who actually like baseball I am not saying to love the Yanks just appreciate the game and the awesome opportunity you are being given.
““Gardner is our little Ichiro, minus the power and experience lolâ€
And the arm.”
Can we add the 200 plus annuel hits.
“Russo ripping Papel-bottom is rare but deserving considering he gave up a game-winning hit to a slap hitter.”
It was a slap hit too. Papelbon violated what will forever in my mind be called the “Wohlers rule”. Don’t get beat using something other than your best pitch. If Papelbon kept throwing fastballs, Gardner was either going to make an out or work a walk. Gardner was never going to catch up to the heater. Once Papelbon relented, he put the game in jeopardy….and jeopardy is what he got.
“Fredo,
Maybe the Mets would take Abreu and give the Yankees their pick. It should be an interesting offseason regardless though.”
My concern there is that the Mets may actually finish in the bottom 15.
I was thinking someone like Anaheim might take a shot.
OK… want to complain about the dugout camera faux pas? From the ESPN Website:
“If you have comments or questions regarding ESPN’s coverage of news, issues or events, please send them directly to Ombudsman Le Anne Schreiber using the following form”
The form is at:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?id=2826900
Write early and often, like the All Star voting.
Anyone else see how excited Ponson was after the walk-off?? He was the second guy out of the dugout…surprising to see – maybe he’s not so bad after all.
As far as the ESPN coverage… I always get a vibe from the announcers whether it be Fox, ESPN, etc—that they prefer it when the Yankees lose or underperform.
When Boston was rising from 2nd place a few years ago, the excitement in their voices was palpable—which is fine, they should be fans of the game and what’s good for the game. New powers, underdog stories, are all great.
But it still is grating to hear as a Yankee fan.
“I was thinking someone like Anaheim might take a shot.”
Anaheim seems to have 23 of their 25 players outfielders. I guess one more couldnt hurt. They seem to love over paying for them.
“Anaheim seems to have 23 of their 25 players outfielders. I guess one more couldnt hurt. They seem to love over paying for them.”
True. I think Anderson is up for them. They’ll never escape the Matthews deal or the Hunter one. They need a bat somewhere and Abreu could be it.
I’d like Juan Rivera back as a cheap right handed OF with a solid arm… can play both corners.
I doubt the Yankees/Angels pull off a significant trade like that though…especially when they face each other every year in the playoffs it seems like.
“Joe Morgan, like the moron he is, ratted out his own crew when he said, “I don’t think we (ESPN) should have shown thatâ€. He then proceeded to tell Jon Miller what Abreu was doing with Arod.”
sj – i don’t follow your reasoning in calling morgan a moron. first of all he pointed out what shouldn’t be happening.
so yeah if they shouldn’t be showing it, then he shouldn’t be talking about it, but it’s in the flow of the moment . he supposed to talk about what ’s on the screen.
i don’t see anything moronic about it. i’m used to people on this blog calling morgan a moron which is so predictable it’s not worth paying attention too, but i’m surprised you’d go there.
so morgan doesn’t have an IQ over 135. we could probably cut this blog down about 90% if that becomes the new criteria for commenting here.
Rays just tied it up on a Pena homerun…cmon KC hold em.
Yankees just signed Curtis Pride to a minor league deal
Can someone please briefly explain what was said during last night’s game that everyone is so up in arms over?
I always liked Damon even before he came to the Yanks. However, I am really impressed at how much a team guy and team leader he really is. I saw this thursday night after Girardi had the closed door meeting and chewed the team out for lack of effort. when interviewed, you saw how much pain Damon was in over the state of the team and how he feels about not winning. He can sit back and count his paycheck regardless of whether this team wins or not but he really does want to win and goes all out when he plays. Friday, he made a heck of an effort to catch the shot that Youk hit and nearly made a great catch. Last night, he was out on the field after Gardner got the game winning hit. All of this makes me feel really good that Damon is on the Yanks. I hope he is back right after the All Star break because we need his offense and his leadership. If he comes back and can go in the field then we need to consider putting Gardner in CF on a semi-regular basis. Gardner is showing that he can grind at bats, and get on base. I think we will shortly see this in his batting average as he will get more hits. Lowell robbed him of one hit, and he nearly had a double on a shot that might have been a fair ball but was called foul. The guy is a baseball player.
Can someone please briefly explain what was said during last night’s game that everyone is so up in arms over?
Man, talk about being screwed any which way you look at it: Phil Hughes has now been kept by the Yankees instead of being traded away for Johan Santana or CC Sabathia.
I’m glad they didn’t make the trade, but Hughes has some serious pressure on the shoulders of his annoyingly oft-injured young body.
is there anyone on this blog who wouldn’t if they could. be the first dude or dudette to meet the kid after that hit?
JD is a neat guy. Get well soon!
>““When Brett Gardner got the hit, one of the first guys on >the field to congratulate him was Johnny Damon and he had a >huge smile.â€
>
>“Did I accidentally stumble upon suzywaldman.blogspot.com?â€
>
>Is this a joke? I don’t get it.
You obviously (and fortunately) don’t listen to enough games on the radio. So, yeah its a joke.