Nothing gets past Godzilla
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Mar 08, 2009 
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Roger Kahlon is Hideki Matsui’s translator. He’s a terrific guy who has a great relationship with Joe Girardi, the players and the beat writers.
With Matsui recovering from knee surgery and not playing until this past week, we had been kidding Roger about not having much to do. But that has changed in the last few days as we’ve been interviewing Matsui on a fairly regular basis.
When today’s session broke up, I asked Roger if he needed a rest from all the translation he has been doing.
“That’s right, you better give him a break,” Matsui said in perfect English as everybody laughed.
Meanwhile, Matsui went from first to third today when a low liner off the bat of Cody Ransom to right skipped past Marcus Thames. He seems to be getting his legs under him along with getting his eye back at the plate.
Matsui is probably done as an outfielder, at least on any regular basis. But if his knees allow it, he will be a presence in the middle of the lineup.
Girardi said this afternoon that he is inclined to leave Mark Teixeira hitting third even when A-Rod is out. That could mean Matsui bats cleanup.
Would you all rather have matsui or Posada hit clean up, injuries not withstanding?
I think Jorge should bat cleanup. He usually has a good at bat in pressure situations. Go Yanks!
Matsui.
I’d just want to split the switch hitters up…
Matsui was really motoring. On at least a limited basis, ie, going from 1st to 3rd, he’ll be fine, I think.
He’s a professional hitter. Now that his fielding days are behind him, I guess he’ll put even more emphasis on doing the job with the bat, and could be a real force. I think Tex 3rd, Matsui 4th, and just everyone up one, with Ransom at the end (maybe Brett or Melky 9th) and you have it.
BTW, Joker Marchant is a great place to see a game.
I think Matsui should be batting clean-up over Jorge..I think he’ll have a good season.
From the prior thread –
One of the scouts had A.J. Burnett throwing 98 today on his gun. John Harper of the Daily News mentioned that to him.
“Really?” Burnett said with a grin. “I didn’t mean to.”
*LOL at AJ – I just love this guy……He just falls out of bed throwing 95, but it sounds like he was well within himself today (no K’s). How I wish we could have seen this on tv – I’m dying for highlights!
Phil was terrific, too – what an encouraging outing. I like that he’s using the slider, even just occasionally. His new power curve seems to be working out fine and the cutter obviously works for him. I can’t wait to get some quotes from Joe, etc….; they must really be pleased.
That’s great news about Matsui’s knees -and he’s got weeks left to strengthen them even further. I like the idea of keeping Tex in the 3rd slot – let him settle in and get comfortable.
John Kruk says the Yankees are done.
That the Yanks will be out of the running, by the end of April, and ARod will be lucky to hit 8 homers this season.
Wow.
HAHAHA john kruk is such a dick he sucks at his job so badly.
Kruk’s an idiot. However, last season he was on the radio in Milwaukee and he claimed that the ESPN producersmake him say controversial things so people will blog about it.
Does Matsui really still need a translator?
Not to burst anyones bubble but the Dteroit radio announcers said before the game that the radar gun at lakeland is known to be a bit off. Now that is not to say that AJ wasnt throwing 98 but they talked about it before he threw a pitch so one has to think maybe 98 was little much
Dude, it’s 7 March. Even the Orioles and the Pirates aren’t done!
I’ll be the last one to take away Roger Kahlon’s job, but after all these years, did anyone consider getting Matsui the Japanese version of Rosetta Stone.
Nobody is out of a pennant race at the end of April. Not even the Pirates.
Contrived controversy is what makes ESPN unwatchable.
Thank God for the MLB Network. No reason to watch ESPN for baseball commentary now.
I would bat Posada cleanup.. Matsui usually doesn’t heat up until interleague and Posada’s best numbers tend to be april-june.
Matsui deserves more credit for being an excellent hitter. He is an injury risk at this point but if he is in the lineup, he is one of the Yankees best bats.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but I’ve been shocked by how many people have been trying to cast Matsui off for pennies on the dollar just to get him out of pinstripes.
IMO, Matsui is the kind of player, and person, that the Yankees need (even if it’s just as a DH).
just my two cents.
Lets accept “Kruk is a moron” as a fundamental law of nature and never talk about it again.
Per Heyman, he’s Boras’ media-man, so this is most likely accurate.
“Rodriguez was told that the arthroscopic surgery would probably hold up “one to three years” but only fixed half the problem, so he opted for the second surgery in November to completely repair the injury.
While Rodriguez was told that while he should be playing again by May, the exact recuperation period depends on how much bleeding there is in the affected area. In Monday’s surgery Philippon will reattach the labrum to the bone to protect the cartilage.”
oh, here’s the link:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....index.html
From the previous thread -
Boston Dave – The Sox bullpen has been lights out this spring, just from looking at the box scores. Saito is healthy, that Ramon Ramriez kid they got from KC looks nice, plus Okijima has yet to be scored upon.
They are stacked in the pen, so for those of us hoping Saito would get TJ surgery and their pen would crumble… doesn’t look like that will happen.
It’s so true. I really enjoy Buster Olney’s blog but he is not exempt from the ESPN entertainment first, integrity second methodology.
It’s a shame because for the general masses, ESPN is the one stop shop for sports news.
I think Keith Law may be one of the few ESPN analysts that gives their honest opinions.
“Just got back from the game, met and got Cashman to sign a ball, AJ and Phil looked awesome”
BGNYY: how did you meet Cashman? Was he nice?
OH. MY. GOD. It is March 8th folks. Who gives to craps if the Sox ‘pen looks good or not. Or, what the gun gun says A.J. is throwing.
Chris,
Saito isn’t even what concerns me. Trying to be as impartial as possible, their bullpen has improved considerably.
I like the Yankees pen as well but it remains to be seen if it will actually be improved (considering it was very effective for the most part last season).
The Sox pen appears to have improved quite a bit.
Not good that AJ is throwing so hard this early in the season. That’s exactly why he has been so injury prone. I thought he was trying to throw in the mid 90s instead like Roy Halladay told him?
If the gun was off, he probably was throwing in the mid-90′s.
They just announced the gun was off by 10mph. They adjusted it up so he really threw 108.
Tom,
I care that the Red Sox pen has improved. I suggest you put your head back in your ass and pull it back out in a month.
Pete-
Matsui is asian, therefore his eyes will never be perfect, and never have been perfect. Come on, you’re better than that.
maybe AJ is just amped up. I’m sure a Valium will help.
wow, funny stuff
And he was throwing free and easy. Not reaching back for that extra few mph.
Lucky thing the Sox pen is so good because the rotation is not looking so healthy.
Our pen certainly isin’t going to be as good as last year. We were like 74-2 or something when leading after 7 innings. Mariano only blew 1 save all year (and we ended up winning that game in extras). And all this was with a brutal month of August too when the pen couldn’t get anyone out.
It is impossible to replicate that kind of success. Bullpens fluctuate from year to year, even with the same guys.
I’d rather Matsui up there to bat when the game’s on the line than anyone. Now, that guy’s clutch under pressure.
m,
that’s the “bright spot” I guess – the rotation. I predict they’ll have to make Masterson a starter at some point (possibly right away) which would weaken their pen quite a bit.
Beckett, IMO, is the only starter who has a good chance to improve. The rest of the guys will do worse (in my humble, non-professional opinion).
Vinny he was in the parking lot waiting for car, he was nice enough to sign for me… told some people after me no but he was ready to leave
kid besides me said
” You signed some good player this offseason”
Cash said
“I hope so, we will see”
John Kruk says the Yankees are done.
==================================
How can we be done? Nothing even started yet. Again, Kruk has to be on crack.
good players
“”"
^^
Does Matsui really need an interpreter?
Probably not, but I would bet that his contract guarantees him an interpreter, so an interpreter he gets.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Kruk is reading from a script that his bosses have given him. Bashing the Yankees is good for business at NESPN.
John Kruk also said we won’t make the playoffs because Matsui has to play left field and he’ll be a liability there
I still find it mildly funny that Mter calls Alex AL
http://weblogs.newsday.com/spo....._been.html
Why does Matsui “have” to play left field?
Matsui and interpreter and needing or not needing one. I have heard that he prefers to have an interpreter to answer the questions from the press although he understands most everything he is more comfortable answering with the interpreter
Also got a chance to see how great of a guy Swish is, he was walking to the clubhouse and I yelled Swisherrrrrr and he looked around found me and pointed and did a quick funny dance
“Though an earlier report indicated that Ervin Santana was suffering from only inflammation in his right elbow, the Angels have revealed that Santana actually has a sprained medial collateral ligament.”
rotoworld.com
Big loss for the Angels of Santana is out for a while. They were already without a clear #5 starter.
gayle,
the post clearly said it was a scout who said it, not some employee of the stadium, scouts bring their own guns. So that the Tiger announcer made a comment about the stadium gun, doesn’t change anything about what the scout got on his gun.
Boston Dave
March 8th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Tom,
I care that the Red Sox pen has improved. I suggest you put your head back in your ass and pull it back out in a month.
————————————————————
Based on ST numbers and their importance when predicting the upcoming season, that means that Tomko is the odds on favorite for the Cy Young, Berroa for the MVP and zTriple Crown and Gardner will win the ROY and tie Berroa for league honors in home runs. Love the way that looks. Number 27 is ours.
When does the WBC end? I want to know when the latest that the players will be back. When they’re all back, we’ll see what the lineup will project to be.
Didn’t see the new thread.
Girardi has been saying that Ransom would be Arod’s replacement. That was even before people knew there was such a thing as a hybrid surgery. I would think that Ransom it will be.
I’m happy that Ransom will be getting the shot. I’ve been in the camp that believed the Yankees could get by by staying in the system.
I know I’m leaving myself wide open by making this statement, but there is definitely something wrong with me. Despite anyone’s temptation to run with this, I will at least explain what I mean by it. No matter what team loses a baseball game, except for the Red Sox, I always feel bad for the losing team. In the WBC I feel bad for Panama. Today as happy as I was that the Yankees won, I felt bad that we were destroying Detroit.
I wish I had more killer in me and less pity when it comes to those things.
Is all.
Heh. Cool story Pete – its this kind of stuff that keeps me posting here.
Hey, speaking of translators – how’s Wang’s English coming along?
mel, it’s something like March 22nd.
Phil–
Thanks for clearly correcting me. Geez I wasnt bursting anyone’s excitement just stating what they said on the broadcast. If he was throwing 98 great
Does Matsui really need an interpreter?
Probably not, but I would bet that his contract guarantees him an interpreter, so an interpreter he gets.
*********************************************
I bet he just finds it more comfortable to speak in his native tongue. I would, especially with the amount of press he has following him. I bet he gets bomarded at times.
Hell, I wish I had an (accent) translator sometimes, and I speak english, lol. Sometimes things still get lost in translation.
For the tech geeks here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL9Wu2kWwSY
Hideki Matsui = Edgar Martinez
Green Beret,
where did I say I was basing my opinion that the Sox bullpen has improved on their spring training #s? I’ll cut you some slack but next time you should probably not take things out of context.
The fact that they have been lights out strengthens that opinion but I’ve been saying it for several months.
BGNYY: kewl
if would be able to have a convo/meet any person on the yankees, it would be Cashman
Thanks, trisha. We have a couple more weeks to drive ourselves crazy guessing the lineup.
I think Matsui likes having the buffer. And a pal. You know, someone who’s eyes are almost as bad as his. That “joke” by Jermaine was just too stupid.
*whose
This is just so sad. DR 9-0
With the Spring Phil is is having I wonder why Joba has shrugged off 2 horrendous starts?
m
there’s a storm coming
Just because the Boston pen has been lights out now does not mean it will be that way over the course of a grueling, 162 game season. I never count on negative performances from a team – I figure it’s better to just assume the Sox/Rays (as examples) are going to be solid in most places and then let the chips fall as they may. I can only be concerned with what the Yankees are doing -and they should have a good/very good pen.
Boston Dave
March 8th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Green Beret,
where did I say I was basing my opinion that the Sox bullpen has improved on their spring training #s? I’ll cut you some slack but next time you should probably not take things out of context.
The fact that they have been lights out strengthens that opinion but I’ve been saying it for several months.
————————————————————
Well, you’re basing it on how well they’re doing, right? Numbers. Same thing that I’m baseing mine on.
Don’t bother patronizing me by “cutting me some slack”. I don’t need it.
lol. From the mlb.com recap:
Burnett scattered his grounders and easy flyouts so well that Yankees manager Joe Girardi had to send him to the bullpen to throw 17 more pitches just so he’d reach the allotted pitch count of 35. Try working from the stretch a little, Girardi told him.
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090.....lks104.jpg
I get a kick out of pictures of pitchers in motion – their faces just look hilariously contorted. – AJ doesn’t even look like himself, loll.
AJ Burnett throwing 98, in the spring?
he is going to kill someone.
AJ kinda reminds me, of some of the turn-of-the-century pitchers in Ken Burn’s documentary
Any word on why Rollins is starting over Jeter tonight?
Gayle, I’m sure AJ was not throwing 98 in his first ST start, but let’s say he was hitting 94-95 – that’s impressive (not that you were saying otherwise).
M, lol – thanks for sharing!
Sarah Connor,
??
Green Beret,
what the heck are you talking about? I had said the Red Sox bullpen appears to be much improved well before spring training started.
Therefore, for you to infer that I am basing my opinion on spring training #s is ridiculous.
what is so hard to understand?
“That could mean Matsui bats cleanup”
good. I love Matsui.
Baseball Tonight has Girardi on.
Green Beret,
further, where are you getting this “patronizing” bullcrap?
You started in with an attempted and unsuccessful insult to one of my posts.
If you are going to take people’s opinions and try to mock the posters, don’t be surprised when you get some resistance (especially when you are way off base).
Guys – I was at the game today, and looked at the stadium speedometer, or whatever you call it. Whenever I looked, they had AJ topping out in the low 90s (91-92), and lower on what I presume were offspeed stuff. They had Phil logging in at 93. I only saw 95plus with Brackman and Rodney.
ESPN doc “showing” Arod’s injury…
m
I don’t know… that “did you know?
vid you posted got me thinking that the world will be taken over by computers and when it is don’t say Hollywood didn’t warn us
I guess the best thing to do is not move so many parts around.
But I would’ve loved to see Gardner/Damon/Jeter at the top.
Tom, AJ throws hard fall out of bed – that’s just the kind of arm he has. From all accounts, he was throwing nice and easy…….and notice he didn’t get any K’s. I don’t think he was trying too hard at all…….
Sarah,
Okay. That was one of my thoughts. Another is that you live in my neck of the woods because the weather’s been icky.
Jeter and Rollins were gonna take turns starting – that was the plan.
Hey mel, any chance you get to see the final game of the WBC?
trisha,
??
Some cute pictures of Joba with his little son from yesterday:
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0.....rk_Yankees
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0.....rk_Yankees
“Tom,
I care that the Red Sox pen has improved. I suggest you put your head back in your ass and pull it back out in a month.”
Wow, nice insult, Boston Dave. Perhaps you should follow your own advice and go back and look at the context of my post-I said who cares how the Boston ‘pen looks in march. It’s March, a few years ago Bronson Sardinha looked like Babe Ruth. And whether or not they have improved is another topic for discussion.
Tom
March 8th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
“Tom,
I care that the Red Sox pen has improved. I suggest you put your head back in your ass and pull it back out in a month.”
Wow, nice insult, Boston Dave. Perhaps you should follow your own advice and go back and look at the context of my post-I said who cares how the Boston ‘pen looks in march. It’s March, a few years ago Bronson Sardinha looked like Babe Ruth. And whether or not they have improved is another topic for discussion.
————————————————————
He was insulting you, Tom. He was just giving you some information based on experience.
my take on Red Sox bullpen:
oh, i’m so scared. Not impressed.
Correction: He ***wasn’t*** insulting you, Tom
Joe say anything interesting.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....8;c_id=nyy
I love this quote:
“The results count, no matter what,” Burnett said. “You want to execute every pitch you can, whether it’s a spring bullpen [session] or a game. It’s a lot different out there with fans and umpires and guys behind you out there playing. It was fun.”
Tom,
If you had said something less offensive, then sure. Instead you tried to be dramatic and insinuate that Chris and I (who were carrying over a previous discussion) were basing our opinions on spring training #s. I realize it looked that way but the style and intent of your post was unnecessary.
I don’t start this stuff. But when people like you take a condescending approach to their posts I am going to stick up for myself. If it bothers you, I suggest you try to be less offensive with your responses.
Burnett is so intriguing.
He may be my favorite of the acquisitions.
Hey, if the Yanks can’t survive one month no A-Rod, they don’t deserve a ring. One month is nothing, I am intensely relieved. Still, if you’re Girardi you roll out a big blackboard, take out a big piece of chalk and write FAST START in all captitals, than underline it five times. As the Yanks found out to their dismay last yr. sometimes a great second half just won’t cut it. I will be fine w/a wild card so long as they’re in the playoffs, once you’re in it’s anyone’s game. Yanks could win it all. I think this yr. will be special regardless of who cleans up when A-Rod’s gone…and Tex’ll win MVP. Go Yanks!
Who’s pitching for VZ?
Anyone else into this game?
“The results count, no matter what,” Burnett said. “You want to execute every pitch you can, whether it’s a spring bullpen [session] or a game. It’s a lot different out there with fans and umpires and guys behind you out there playing. It was fun.”
Someone relay this to Joba who is 1 more bad start away from the entire sports world calling for his return to the pen.
Green Beret,
I suggest you stop responding to my posts if you don’t like this. We had one argument a while back, I apologized, and I have not said anything that was not complimentary to you since.
You feel the need to take jabs at people and I’m going to stick up for myself.
The solution? Ignore my posts. A better suggestion? Stop trying to be funny by insulting people.
The Yankees have the best rotation in the division
The Red Sox have the best bullpen in the division
The Yankees have the best offense in the division (With A-Rod)
The Rays have the best defense in the division
The Rays have the highest upside in the division
Aren’t you in Cali? The finals are in LA.
HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAH why am i not surprised Girardi will not bat Tex cleanup in A-Rod’s absence. This guy could not get a lineup right in a million years. It was a weakness of his last season and it is obviously continuing.
“Anyone else into this game”
uncle ellsworth: definitely
it is funny. The baseball fans didn’t think the WBC mattered. If you watch the games, you would think they are playoff games.
playing the sport, for fun of it. This is baseball.
KO,
what is your ideal lineup?
So, would it be ok to insult you without being funny?
Al,
Agree. I wish Joba took the game as seriously as Burnett did.
I wonder if he realizes that Hughes is right on his tail and if this was an open competition (like it should have been), Hughes would be miles ahead of him.
BG– I have had the same experience with Swisher. Some of us wonder what he is on because he is alway going nonstop. hes been one of the most outgoing guys by far this spring- him and damon are great to the fans.
I got Matsui to sign for me today which is hard to do as he rarely signs. Was a funny yet somewhat embarassing situation that apparently the Japanense reporters caught and taped.
“The Red Sox have the best bullpen in the division”
Really? IMO its Papelbum, Okajima followed by ?????????
I’m not concerned their rotation isn’t that good, except for Lester and on some occasions Beckett.
Burnett says that because that’s the thing he’s supposed to say to make everyone happy. I don’t care about Spring Training stats. Joba is a great pitcher. He will win the most games, barring injury, than any other pitcher on the staff. Melancon will set up, and eventually replace, Mo. Right now, it’s all god w/the Yanks as the Fall Classic train goes rolling along.
jen, not really.
I’d rather have Matsui as the cleanup hitter than Cano as the #3 hitter
vinny
what happened last time? were the USA games on at bad times?
It was like “i’d like to watch a game, oh, the’re eliminated?”
I’m actually going to visit my VZ friend at his bar and watch the game in a playoff type atmosphere.
USA! USA!
GB7,
there is a difference between being funny and trying to be funny.
you can do whatever you want to do. I made a suggestion that you ignore my posts.
I clearly don’t take well to people who try to mock or insult me for no apparent reason. I value other opinions but that’s not what you’ve offered here.
I think we should squash this. No?
Saito looks like he did in LA. If he stays healthy he is going to be a beast
KO, or maybe he doesn’t want to put that kind of pressure on Tex and will let one of the guys whose been there take on that role.
Line-up without A-Rod-
Damon
Jeter
Tex
Matsui
Posada
Nady/Swisher
Cano
Ransom
Gardner
I wouldn’t mind Swisher as the #3 hitter, getting on base for Teixeria. He has been a walk machine this Spring.
Matsui GIDP’s a lot. So does Po.
“He will win the most games, barring injury, than any other pitcher on the staff.”
More than CC/Wanger? Thats hard to believe.
I am surprised that ESPN is not televising the AROD surgery. John Kruk and Steve Phillips can be in studio doing play by play.
Phillips : Look at that Kruk – that labrum looks horrible. I cant see how this will put AROD out for only 6-9 weeks. He looks pretty much done.
Kruk: Yea Steve. Thats great news for the rest of the league. I bet there are a lot of pitchers out there right now jumping for joy.
does anyone know who the starting pitcher is for Venezuela tonight?
Boston has as many issues in the bullpen with them hoping that their rehabbing pitchers stay effective and healthy as NYY does in hoping their young pitchers, like Bruney and Coke don’t slide backwards.
Freddy K-A walk machine vs. minor league pitchers.
I’m a Nady guy. I think he’ll have another really good yr. for the Yanks.
Al from bk-I say this because Joba will be facing the worst pitchers on each team. He should win the majority of his games. Can’t say the same for Wang, though his ERA MAY be better.
“Al from bk-I say this because Joba will be facing the worst pitchers on each team. He should win the majority of his games.”
Good point. However Joba is only getting 25-30 starts while CC will be getting 35+.
I heard that Bruney gave up a tape measure home run today. I am surprised that has not started up the Joba bullpen stuff.
Sounds like the lineup is going to be:
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Teixeira 1B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Ransom 3B
Gardner CF
However, I might go with:
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Swisher RF
Teixeira 1B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Ransom 3B
Gardner CF
Those are both pretty good lineups as long as Ransom and Gardner bat above replacement level. (not a given)
Nady hasn’t hit OR walked against the same minor league pitching.
-
boston dave armando galarraga
I think Armando Galarraga gets the start for Venezuela tonight
Al from bk-True, but I love Joba, think he will one day be awesome. C.C. is great, but he won’t be facing number five starters. Every time we go to Toronto it’s C.C. vs. Halladay, as an example, but it’s Joba v. a minor leaguer. I think Joba’ll win more.
Girardi said that Tex is still batting third.
He gave up a huge bomb. That sucker slammed up against the scoreboard thing
Thanks S.A.
vtred-No, but Nady hit last yr. and Swish didn’t. Their career numbers are similar, but since Nady did well last yr. and Swish didn’t, I take Nady.
A homer’s a homer’s a homer. It’s still only one run.
Boston Dave – Armando Galarraga
I’d have David Wright hitting ahead of Youk but that’s a pretty good lineup nonetheless.
can some give updates?
I’m stuck at work for a few cantos
someone
The paint in mother’s basement must be injurious to your health and physically and mentally.. Joba is in the tank? When did this happen? The guy hasn’t pitched yet, what was it 4 innings. He needs to dial it down for the future. No need to throw the ball through the wall. Yeesh!
thanks trisha
nice start for the US
Rollins starts things off for the USA with a double
Uncle Ellsworth,
you can follow pitch by pitch (I believe) on espn.com gameday (in the WBC section)
thanks BD
Bye Bye Hobbit
“vinny
what happened last time? were the USA games on at bad times?
It was like “i’d like to watch a game, oh, the’re eliminated?”
the USA did get eliminated early, 3 years ago (didn’t make it past the second round). They look like they care this time tho. I expect makeup of the team, have something to do with it.
to tell the truth, enjoyed the tournement regardless. Noticing the excitent exhibited by fans in the latin countries. The opportunity to watch Team Cuba. And to watch Japan, put on a baseball clinic (fundamentals)
“can some give updates?
I’m stuck at work for a few cantos”
will update you, bro
Well. How about that Boston system? They sure know how to bunt.
Yanks will learn
lol m
I was thinking the same thing.
0-0 bottom of first
team Valez, up to bat (facing Oswalt)
how bad was the rollins pick off?
One of the commentators said “Derek Jeter doesn’t look happy that he’s not playing.”
Ya think?
Uncle Ellsworth – bad
Yeah great move by the Yankees not bringing Bobby Abreu back.
(Obviously I’m still not over that)
TMVP
Swisher is YOUNGER and has been better every other year. And Nady was not very good in the AL last year. He did his best ever in the weak sister league. Swisher is better than Nady.
That’s why Jeter is unhappy Trisha … methinks
The deal was Jeter and Rollins alternate games so he knew he would not start this game. He may be mad about getting yanked yesterday for rollins
Uncle,
Bad. First, the elf screwed up the bunt. No contact. Hung Rollins out to dry. Don’t know if Rollins should’ve kept going.
LOL. Abreu hitting .750. I’m going to keep a close eye on his defense.
Abreu looks fat.
Wait! Hobbit or Elf?
which is it?
Uncle, actually I was just trying to make a joke there. We all know how Jeter is, so I’m thinking that anyone who knows Jeter has to know he is unhappy to be sitting.
(I don’t like that he’s sitting either. I think that’s like a slap in the face. He’s the captain for God sake!)
Helf?
Uncle Ellsworth
March 8th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
how bad was the rollins pick off?
————————————————————
Ellie, you know what the “daylight play” is. There was so much light that it’s being renamed the “Sumnmer In The Arctic Circle Daylight Play”.
http://espn.go.com/extra/baseb.....=290308116
ESPN GAMECAST (just like GAMEDAY)
This has surely been discussed here before, but how good is Cody Ransom defensively?
I wonder if the Miracle-Gro that Youkilis uses on his chin is a banned substance?
Trisha – I’m with ya.
GB – everything is illuminated.
m – Helf? hmmmm….
That was actually sweet watching Adam Dunn last night! Goes to show that some of those guys are as nervous as we are in tight situations – probably moreso!
Nady did well, he hit 280. I’m sorry, but we fundamentally disagree. I think Nady is better than Swisher.
LGV – going based on what Cody has showed so far, his defense has been great. I don’t know much about his defense otherwise.
U.S. is blowing some pretty good opportunities early. Hopefully that changes.
“I think Nady is better than Swisher”
I don’t know why. Unless you’re a girl.
Nady doesn’t really do anything, exceptional.
Is it just me or did it look like Bobby had put on a few pounds when I saw him at the plate?
I totally expect Jeter to be brought into this game at some point.
rodg, someone else mentioned the same thing about Bobby.
trisha,
I believe they mentioned that Jeter is coming in after Rollins’ 3rd AB.
Al, the reason why I liked that quote is because it shows Burnett is taking things seriously. Joba’s going to be fine, but apparently he’s working on mechanical issues – that would explain his wildness. I don’t think he’s not taking his pitching seriously – not at all.
rodg,
I said that ^^. He’s got a pot-belly. Too much good Mexican food in LA.
Thanks guys
Go USA!
Ump’s got a big zone tonight. Could be a low scoring game.
Boston Dave, didn’t hear that. Did anyone give any explanation why they are switching off Jeter and Rollins? Did anyone play the entire game last night or are they just doing it that way?
m –
Apparently. Good to know it wasn’t just me who saw it.
You just hear Jete picked up the tab at dinner the other night for the whole squad?
3 lbs of lasagna feeds 4 people? They must eat a lot!
Swisher has the better OPS+
Oakland and Pittsburgh have comparable park factors (both are pitchers parks according to the #s).
It doesn’t really matter who WAS better. They both have something to prove this season and I hope they both prove it with authority!
This is like the 5th time I have seen that commercial for MLB ’09 The Show with Pedroia.
Enough!
“You just hear Jete picked up the tab at dinner the other night for the whole squad”
wish i made 22 million per year (plus endorsements). So people could brag about me, picking up a dinner tab
“You just hear Jete picked up the tab at dinner the other night for the whole squad?”
It’s tradition. The guy with the biggest contract at the table always pays the bill.
trisha,
I’m not sure what the plan is but with both Rollins and Jeter on the team it makes sense. Two MVP caliber SS that have won gold gloves (of course that award doesn’t mean much) and it’s not like you can ask either to play another position.
No, didn’t hear that. I love hearing that about athletes. KB24 does it all the time, even on his own birthday. Haha.
SoS is so happy his team picked up Gooden. Gooden said the Lakers were in talks with him as well.
Looks like the team’s hitting a wall, huh? Gotta power through the next 20 games. Looked at the schedules and I see 5 possible losses. Looked at Cleveland & Boston. With the exception of the 1 head to head, they both have only cupcakes left.
SA,
seriously. I think I’ve seen it closer to 20 times (19.5 times too many).
Nady is better looking than Swisher, therefore he should start
m,
when is Bynum due back?
Oswalt has such good stuff
Don’t know, he was doing elliptical last week, and plans on doing the anti-gravitational treadmill this week.
What happened with Rondo?
I’ll never forgive Scutaro for that GW HR off Mariano…
Our future 3rd baseman at bat now
Oh wonderful.
Oh wonderful.
“Our future 3rd baseman at bat now”
would sign off on that. Mora always kills the yankees
Boston Dave,,,I was at that game and sat stunned along with all the other Yankee fans that filled the Oakland Col. that day….Shocked…..
m -
I did hear that Gooden signed with the Spurs. I mostly thought ‘meh.’ Decent move for them, but not earth shattering or competition changing IMO. Lakers should be able to make do without him. Especially if Mbenga keeps playing possessed like he has the last couple games. Yeah, they’ve hit a bit of a wall, though they looked pretty good against Minnesota. You’re right, they just gotta keep pushing through these last games. I’m confident Kobe and Phil will lead them well enough that they’ll do that.
1-0 Valenz
3 consecutive singles
RBI single by Mora
m,
he sprained his ankle in the Cleveland game and left but came back in to play. I didn’t see the game today but I’m assuming that’s what it was. If it were serious I figure I would have heard something so I’d expect him back in a game or two. The C’s got exposed a little bit today without Rondo. Marbury may be ok as a role player but he’s not close to being ready to run an offense right now.
It seems like the Lakers didn’t skip a beat when Bynum went down. I can’t see how his return would hurt but it could take a few games to get back in sync.
John Kruk??? Yawn….
Boston BP is better? OK, it better be, since the are really going to need it this year. Maybe Dice-K can give them more than 5 inning outings.
This Yankee rotation is the best the best we have seen in a long time. When your number 5 throws 98-99, and your number 4 won 14 last year.
ARod will be back by the end of April to early May. Say what you want about him, he is in terrific shape and works hard. The cyst draining eliminated a lot of stiffness, so the surgery should work out well.
Boston Dave, we should a shot(vodka, whiskey, whatever) every time that commercial comes on. If we are going to have to see it, might as well be drunk.
Pat M,
my condolences. I don’t think I’d ever be able to get that out of my head. Of all people to take Rivera deep…
Venezuela has a solid lineup. Too bad they’re in a tough bracket
Well it could have been worse. Now USA can’t waste opportunities. Of course they need to get on base in order not to waste opportunities!
SA,
lol… I’d be up for that if I wasn’t still recovering from last night (which didn’t include any sleep)
m
March 8th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
“I wonder if the Miracle-Gro that Youkilis uses on his chin is a banned substance?”
It’s the same substance that will be used to treat THE CYST!
The Lincecum commercial has kind of gotten old too.
rodg,
Did you see Mbenga’s block party? The only thing is his minutes will disappear when Bynum comes back.
Boston Dave,
I think the concensus is that the offense is better without Bynum, but the defense is better with him.
It’s the teams with the speedy guards that give us trouble.
Venezuela should have played in the South Africa, Cuba, Australia bracket.
Galarraga’s delivery is identical to Beckett’s
This MLB 2K9 commercial with Lincecum is another one.
hughes is going to make it very hard for the yankees to send him to the minors.
“Galarraga’s delivery is identical to Beckett’s”
Then Team USA will soon be spraying the ball all over the field.
“March 8th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Venezuela should have played in the South Africa, Cuba, Australia bracket”
agreed. They were screwed over 3 years ago. Cuz, too many excellent teams, in one bracket.
bru
He’s going to give the Yankees something strong to consider, re: Joba.
“This MLB 2K9 commercial with Lincecum is another one”
at least it’s not ‘Derek Jeter – The Edge’
Victor Zambrano warming up
sound the alarms
I don’t want to be mean because he can be effective, but I’m not terribly upset that Victor Zambrano will be coming into the game.
at least it’s not ‘Derek Jeter – The Edge’
====================
oh my god. No more of those! (still love ya Jeets)
Detroit has an interesting pitching staff… if Verlander/Bonderman can pitch like they did in 07 and Porcello shows something, they have a very interesting rotation
Galarraga
Verlander
Bonderman
Porcello
Come on Team USA!
I’m much more into the WBC than I thought I would be
USA at bat. top of the 4th
single by Dunn. 1st and 3rd, 2 outs
2 rbi double by Mark DeRosa.
2-1 USA
m -
I couldn’t watch the game Friday night, unfortunately. Read about it afterward though. Saw he had the 5 blocks and and thought, whoa! I did watch Tuesday’s game and saw him have 3.
Tom you were exactly right about Galarraga being like Beckett! Good call!
HA HA HA!
triple by DeRosa
Look at the Yankees and Red Sox fan holding the US Flag chanting “USA”
Team USA looked FIRED up on that. They definitely care about this…
I guess I jinxed him lol
Big knock by DeRosa. Big knock!! Helped out a bit by the misread by Blanco.
I guess DeRosa didn’t like the HBP. Nice turnaround with 2 outs.
Since the conversation is getting a little thin, I thought I would share a discovery I made Friday night.
I was at my mother in law’s in the Bronx for dinner. (Chuletas with white rice and red beans, yum).
After we ate, my wife and her mother were having an in depth conversation in spanish which I think had something to do with a problem involving a cousin from Puerto Rico, but I’m not entirely sure. Anyway I drifted over to the TV and started watching the movie Kingpin, with Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid and Vanessa Angel. All of a sudden, there’s a scene with a bar fight and a really big redneck guy is about to beat up Randy Quaid’s character. Lo and behold it’s Roger Clemens with a tractor cap and a modified mullet. His character’s name? “Skidmark.”
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt01.....edits#cast
Was I the only one who didn’t know Rocket was in this movie under the name “Skidmark”?
USA will be beaten by Italy in the next round
lol. That movie’s so stupid. I’ve watched it about 5 times. Why do I keep watching? Because I keep missing the ending.
Ordonez is a user. Happy that Granderson caught it.
Was I the only one who didn’t know Rocket was in this movie under the name “Skidmark”?
===============================
You were not the only one. I never knew that either.
Skidmark? lol
Boston Dave,,,It was a long flight back to Orange County after that game…..Later that summer ( 07 ) I flew up to see them play vs. The Giants and they lost 2 of three against them…..That was the road trip from hell as the down swing started in Colorado and they plummented to 8 games out by the time they made their way back yo The Bronx……..
Anyone know who’s coming in after Oswalt?
This Venezuela team needs to get Oswalt out of the game and get to LaTroy Hawkins
murphydog,
I’ve seen that movie plenty of times and can’t even remember that part. I’ll look for it next time. Love Bill Murray in that one.
trisha – As long as you’re in pinstripes, Kei, I’ve got your back.
March 8th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Anyone know who’s coming in after Oswalt?
————————————————————
Jack Ruby?
Pat M,
was one of the SF games a 15 or 16 inning loss? I was at that one. Got to sit there for hours and hours only to have a run down Scott Proctor give up the winning run on a bloop hit.
That was one of the most frustrating games I’ve been to.
Kee-rap.
now that was funny GB
“Jack Ruby?”
I fear that at this point he’s the only one who will be able to stop these suckers!
Who in hell are the broadcasters for this game?
Are we rooting for Team USA to win or do we want them to lose so Jeter gets back with his real team sooner?
Oli Perez is down 3-0 for Mexico , Luke Hughes and Chris Snelling w/ HRs for AUS
I want Team USA to win but with the way Davey Johnson is managing I don’t think it’s going to matter!
Venezuela with the lead now.
TMVP
Then I can only conclude that you don’t understand baseball. I don’t even think you know why Mark Teixeira is so valuable.
Good job by Johnson not having anyone up. I feel like I’m watching a Yankee game with Torre managing.
Wow, Oswalt is at 65 pitches on March 8th! Love that WBC. Glad no Yankee pitchers are involved.
Continue here or next thread, btw Gregor Blanco is so going to be a pest for Atlanta in the future.
Yahoo.
Why not continue on this thread?
A Cody Ransom thread needs some posts but yeh we can continue here.
We can look at the Cody Ransom thread when this game is over. We don’t have to jump threads every time a new one is put up. That always strikes me as nuts, especially when you’re in the middle of a discussion!
Just sayin
Yankee signee intl slugger Jorge Vasquez has the basesloaded for Mexico right now 3-1 AUS and he has a beatiful compact swing !
CHATO just hit a grandslam ! Yankees prospect.
Zambrano is definitely quirky. He can be absolutely unhittable, wild in the zone, or straight as an arrow.
You just never know what you’re going to get.
Hopefully Jeter is coming in now.
8 runs in one inning! Wow!
DJ in. Yay!!!
3 vs Oli Perez
5 vs Greg Anderson of AUS
That Jorge Vasquez guy that the Yankees signed has a real deal swing. He has a Pujols like approach I can’t wait to see him vs the USA.
I switched stations in time to see it.
Brandon feel free to stay with the other thread. I don’t want you to have to go back and forth.
Trisha the crowd was cheering Chato chato chato , on 1-2 and he did it almost on cue. Almost like he was introducing himself.
It’s so crazy trying to watch both games!
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH BABY!!!!!!!!!!!
Boston Dave I could easily come up with my “ideal lineup” but that’s pointless, all i meant by my comment was that Tex should definitely hit cleanup in Alex’s absence. It is obvious
So the Ransom thread is out of order we can post here I guess.
Yeah that thread isin’t working for me either
Austrailia w/ 17 hits vs Mexico it’s 11 – 7
“KO March 8th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Boston Dave I could easily come up with my “ideal lineup” but that’s pointless, all i meant by my comment was that Tex should definitely hit cleanup in Alex’s absence. It is obvious”
KO, I don’t think it’s that obvious. I was curious if you were going to provide your rationale.
Tex has played about 40% of his career hitting 3rd and 40% hitting 4th. His OPS is more than .050 higher hitting 3rd. I’m not saying he shouldn’t hit cleanup, just that I don’t think it’s so obvious.
Mexico wasted Vasquez’s grandslam :<
Oli Perez gave them nothing, Jorge Vasquez put them on his back and now it’s the 7th inning Mexico doesn’t have it to come back, thier crowd sounds like a Yankee crowd when they strand runners for 6 innings now.
The Cody thread isn’t working for me, either……Here’s some more good stuff:
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....aj_bu.html
Burnett said he felt physically strong and successfully mixed his curveball in for strikes. But he said his primary focus during the spring will remain honing his fastball.
“I want to establish the No.1, that’s my bread and butter,” Burnett said. “I threw a lost of fastballs today, but that’s what I do. I get ahead with the fastballs. That’s one of my main goals this spring is to get that down and away locked in.”
i have no idea why comments weren’t allowed on the last post but the IT guys fixed it.
tell me next time. Sorry about that.
Just a hiccup like the DR with the NEDS… Meixco is the superior team and will win the pool
they got their wakeup call. too much talent on the mexico team
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....nkees.html
Tex is obsessive-compulsive, too…..yet another reason for me to like him, lol!
next pg.