Wrapping it up from Fenway Park
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Aug 22, 2009 
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It has been a long day and it was a longer game. But here are a few late-night notes for you:
• Johnny Damon said the foul ball in the first inning hit the side of his knee. Had it hit the kneecap, he might have been in trouble. “I’ve got it wrapped up right now. I guess we’re day-by-day and see how it responds,” he said.
• Hideki Matsui had the most RBI against the Red Sox for a Yankees player since Joe Pepitone in 1964. The last Yankee to drive in seven at Fenway Park was some guy named Lou Gehrig. Matsui said the last time he did it was in high school.
• Eric Hinske was amazed at the play Derek Jeter made in the third inning when he went out to left field to play the wall off the wall and threw Dustin Pedroia out at third base.
“Unbelievable play,” Hinske said. “I jumped too early and when I turned around, he was on a dead sprint for it. I couldn’t believe he threw him out.”
• Jeter has 16 hits in his last 26 at-bats and is 19 for 35 on the road trip with eight RBI. He’s up to .333.
• If the Red Sox make the playoffs, their No. 3 starter is probably Clay Buchholz. Yikes.
• The 31 runs were the most in a game between the two teams.
• The Yankees had their season high in hits and runs.
• The Yankees have five players with 20 or more home runs (Damon, Matsui, A-Rod, Swisher and Tex). The team record of six was set in 1961 (Berra, Blanchard, Howard, Maris, Mantle, Skowron) and tied in 2004 (Jeter, Matsui, Posada, A-Rod, Sheffield, Williams).
Cano (18), Jeter (15) and Posada (15) are next in line this year.
• The Yankees have won eight of 10, 15 of 18, nine of 11 on the road and are a ridiculous 26-8 since the break. “We never want to let up,” Teixeira said. “We’re having fun right now, we’re getting contributions from everybody. Everyone is stepping up at some point in time.”
Thanks to everybody for reading tonight. Back at it tomorrow.
Life is good.
Pedroia got intangible’d
Buck on BBTN said some very good things about Jeter in regard to that play on Pedroia.
• Eric Hinske was amazed at the play Derek Jeter made in the third inning when he went out to left field to play the wall off the wall and threw Dustin Pedroia out at third base.
“Unbelievable play,” Hinske said. “I jumped too early and when I turned around, he was on a dead sprint for it. I couldn’t believe he threw him out.”
Jeter.
the sox 3 starter is clay…and the yanks 3 starter is Joba
the way joba has been off and on is there that much of a difference
I guess maybe you could say Pettitte is the 3 for the yanks?
pfisher518
August 22nd, 2009 at 1:00 am
Pedroia got intangible’d
niiiiice.
Cash is King
August 22nd, 2009 at 1:02 am
Buck on BBTN said some very good things about Jeter in regard to that play on Pedroia.
do tell.
We left 7 on base tonight. The offense still has room for improvement, can’t keep leaving small armies on base
“• Eric Hinske was amazed at the play Derek Jeter made in the third inning when he went out to left field to play the wall off the wall and threw Dustin Pedroia out at third base.
“Unbelievable play,” Hinske said. “I jumped too early and when I turned around, he was on a dead sprint for it. I couldn’t believe he threw him out.”
Jeter.”
Eat that Jim Rice.
“Intangible’d” LOL
That selfish Jeter
“We left 7 on base tonight”= glass half empty
We got 28 on base tonight= glass half full
“Josh
August 22nd, 2009 at 1:15 am
We left 7 on base tonight. The offense still has room for improvement, can’t keep leaving small armies on base”
Dude you’re kidding right? 7 basesrunners yeah, out of what 29?? They were 15-25 with RISP, thats over .500, if thats not good enough then leave
Jeter, Mo, Andy, Jorge, Bernie (remember him) 4 rings…..
Isn’t that glass just one quarter empty?
“We left 7 on base tonight. The offense still has room for improvement, can’t keep leaving small armies on base”
This takes stupidity to the next level.
Offense scores 20 runs and is criticized.
from John Henry’s latest missive?;
Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf
of your 2009 Boston Red Sox:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLFF2P8fInI
Uh, I think that was a joke. At least I hope it was.
Anyway you slice it, it was still a big-league butt-whoopin’.
Good for Andy. Now hopefully AJ will get his run support too.
Hey, with Tazawa going tomorrow – technically there IS room for improvement.
It’s hard not to leave runners on base when you put so many on in the first place.
Unless you finish every inning with a DP or homerun, someone’s going to get left on base.
All the pressure on Boston now, we did our job.
Now they have to beat our 2 best pitchers to win the series.
zell has some new demolition photos:
http://zellspinstripeblog.com/.....tos-82009/
Nick,
Thanks for that. I woulda said the rays. Weaker bullpen, weaker lineup, and Trop better than Fenway.
Some guy totally making sense on the radio, saying if you asked the Sox if they would take the WC lead on 8/21, 18 games over .500, and +88 run differential they would.
So imo, this is more about how good the Yankees are than how bad the Sox are. momentum can change on a dime, but this team is doing scary things.
Hey Pete –
Do you think 2009 is pretty much it for Bruney on the Yankees?
We’ve seen 3 years now of shades of 96mph greatness, and then he always lapses into the painful-to-watch walk maven who we saw tonight.
Both him and Mitre’s appearances would seem numbered with the rosters expanding in 10 days, and the likes of Melancon and others coming up.
Speaking of which, who do you expect to see in September call-ups?
Shelly
Melancon
Pena
who else?
Miranda?
Do they reward Ajax with a few MLB games to end the season?
At this point, I have no interest in seeing Albaladejo or Edwar, as we know they aren’t going much of anywhere.
I’d much rather see some prospects with an actual chance to get hot and show us something to get excited about. I’d love to see Humberto Sanchez (who’s been pitching great), Zmac, and maybe Wilkins De La Rosa, but I know the chances of seeing ZMac are slim this year.
Could you comment on the blog at some point soon?
Thanks…
Where was Giambi in ’04?
Josh
August 22nd, 2009 at 1:15 am
We left 7 on base tonight. The offense still has room for improvement, can’t keep leaving small armies on base
————————————————————
A “Small Army”? Junior, that’s not even a platoon…It’s barely a small squad.
Oh, Neyer on the radio now. Saying that the Sox were set up. Tex was a luxury, they had a great 1B. Ortiz was supposed to have a good season. They were 7-8 pitchers deep. They didn’t really need to go out and get players.
But, as someone very smart said recently, “my, how things have changed.”
Sox fans on SonsofSamHorn were doing a rain dance in the 4th inning.
RS
August 22nd, 2009 at 1:51 am
Where was Giambi in ‘04?
————————————————————
Trying to get rid of stomach crabs.
If one wins the wild card at the expense of the other and then goes on to the ALCS, that was probably the stronger one and the one on a roll at the end of the season… I picked the Sox because that’s the one I’d rather play if one of them gets that far… and if we do… the ALCS teams will both be playing well coming into the series…
I’m putting a LoHud APB out on Pat M… I don’t think he’s been seen in these parts since he attended the Monday night game in Oakland… tough town, I hope he made it hope ok…
I can’t believe Bill Madden on SNY’s Daily News Live…..He made it sound like he had this private conversation with AJ after the Toronto game when he said that AJ said he “didn’t want to talk about wild pitches”……and then said that AJ clearly was not blaming himself, he was blaming Posada. Huh? Talk about trying to start something…….. AJ was annoyed at himself; why can’t these fools see that as a possibility? Oh wait, I know, because it wouldn’t sell papers or get people talking. I suppose Madden didn’t hear AJ say that he and Jorge have worked wonderfully together and that it was HIS fault about the WP? I know this is something like old news, but not to Madden, who apparently wants to start AJ-gate or something like that.
Wow, I just looked at the 2004 roster to refresh my memory, and some of those players left a lot to be desired.
Sheffield, Kevin Brown, Vazquez…ick.
It’s no wonder this team has the best chemistry in years. There’s not a single player to dislike. Even Mitre seems like a nice guy, though he doesn’t pitch well.
Quick Poll Question:
Jose or Jorge tomorrow?
Jorge
(assuming Girardi wants to give the team the best chance to win, that is)
Jorge………
From MLB-Rumors-R-Us. Really sad news and timing for Justin Duchscherer. Also, there’s only “speculation” that Boston claimed Wagner. Say it ain’t so, Rosenthal.
•Justin Duchscherer will miss the rest of the season with clinical depression according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick. He’s been on the disabled list just about all season with an elbow issue, but this is just sad, sad news. CSN California first had the scoop earlier tonight. Duke is scheduled to become a free agent after the season.
•Joel Sherman of The NY Post spoke to an AL executive who speculates (key word) that the Red Sox “claimed (Billy) Wagner over worries that (Jonathan) Papelbon’s mechanics and control are off.” Remember, the key word is speculates
One thing just reported…..Aaron Cook left the Colorado game with a bad shoulder. If it’s only sore, it’s worrisome. If it’s more than just sore, Colorado is in deep trouble.
Simply put, the Yanks are kicking ass and taking names right now.
Betsy
August 22nd, 2009 at 2:02 am
I can’t believe Bill Madden on SNY’s Daily News Live…..He made it sound like he had this private conversation with AJ after the Toronto game when he said that AJ said he “didn’t want to talk about wild pitches”……and then said that AJ clearly was not blaming himself, he was blaming Posada. Huh? Talk about trying to start something…….. AJ was annoyed at himself; why can’t these fools see that as a possibility? Oh wait, I know, because it wouldn’t sell papers or get people talking. I suppose Madden didn’t hear AJ say that he and Jorge have worked wonderfully together and that it was HIS fault about the WP? I know this is something like old news, but not to Madden, who apparently wants to start AJ-gate or something like that.
————————————————————
You aren’t say that there just might be some less than honest reporting going on, are you? I’m shocked….SHOCKED, I TELL YOU!!!!!
I would think Jose, but that Joe Girardi has been known to foil my attempts to predict the future.
love this team!
If the Red Sox weren’t 11-2 vs. Baltimore, they wouldn’t even be the WC leader.
Maybe this has been said,The RS claimed Billy Wagner off waivers.They are getting desperate.
Is there a rationale for that thought? All recent trends indicate it will be Jorge. Why would Girardi go with Jose? Come on, m, you must have a reason.
I tell you, GB, first it was Summer of 69 and now it’s this…….what HAS the world come to? Soon, I’m going to start questioning whether the media may have an agenda. It bugs me because the guy is ascribing motives to AJ when AJ has never given anyone any reason to question him….then again, it IS Bill Madden…….
M, Jose will catch CC – I doubt he will catch two days in a row. He and AJ really do work very well together despite a couple of miscommunications and, with Damon out, Po’s bat should be in the lineup.
I’m glad the game starts at 4 so we have a few more hours to enjoy tonight, but boy – the Yankees are a horror show on Fox this year, lol. I hope tomorrow is another story.
Nesn.com,says the RS are facing unfavorable pitching matchups.
They also say, Yankees dismantled Penny…..YES THEY DID!
Posada will be in the lineup tomorrow.
It’s later time than usual and Posada just had two days off on Wednesday and Thursday.
If they win, Posada can have Sunday night off.
I would like to see Posada catch all three, but Girardi does seem to like the day off before the off day.
Betsy
August 22nd, 2009 at 12:28 am
GB, that’s a good point. I keep forgetting that Ace has always been a starter……..and earlier this season he, in fact, had questions whether his body could hold up under the strain of being a reliever. I just hope his arm is ok……
Rivera is basically a 2nd pitching coach…….In fact, upon his retirement, I’d love to see Mo stay in the organization as a pitching coach or just overall mentor (even to non-pitchers).
————————————————————
I think Aceves will be ok, but, maybe they should consider limiting him to 2 innings at a time. If he stays in the bullpen next year, he should be more able to handle the didderent workload.
No question about it….Rivera is probably one of the best bullpen/pitching coaches in baseball. When he talks, he draws guys to him like a pretty girl in an all boys school.
Back in the ’60s…about 1964, Whitey Ford was the staff ace and Berra’s pitching coach. He was outstanding at both. Not sure if Rivera wants to do that, but, he certainly seems to enjoy just teaching the pitchers on the staff. Everyone listens…not just the bullpenners. Imagine him teaching Sabathia and Burnett, along with Hughes, Coke and Chamberlain the cutter, or, helping them refine it.
If Rivera remains effective and healthy, I look for him to sign another contract on a yearly basis. The other day, he didn’t sound like he was so sure that this was his last contract.
Come on, m, make it unanimous. Pick Jorge.
Oh yeah, I forgot about Monday.
Posada may indeed catch all three games. He can sit on Tuesday if Girardi wants to rest him that bad.
Might as well try to step on the throats of Boston while you can, especially since it doesn’t look like Damon will be playing the rest of the series.
As great as the Yanks look now (72-45), it’s amazing to think that their record on this date in 1998 was 94-32.
Now THAT was a war machine.
I’m not complaining, by any stretch. This year’s team is a blast to follow, and they’ve certainly been a war machine since Cashman’s trip to Atlanta.
So the 2009 Yankees could be the Kid A to 1998′s OK Computer?
I like it.
Kid A
August 22nd, 2009 at 2:24 am
As great as the Yanks look now (72-45), it’s amazing to think that their record on this date in 1998 was 94-32.
————————————————————
The Yanks are 77-45.
*77-45 correct
late-night typo lol
Oh, were you talking to me? Sorry, was cleaning up after dinner.
Weeeellll. Day game after night thingy, and I’d like to see Hosey & AJ hook up again. Okay, that didn’t sound right, but you know what I mean.
(Betsy, Jorge caught CC last time, no?)
But, I think Joe G. will go for the jugular (as he should) and put his best lineup out there. Never mind that he nearly drove Jorge into the ground a couple of weeks ago, but that’s neither here nor there.
Jorge tomorrow.
uhhhh, I think the rest of us just want to win that game.
Goodnight.
On nesn.com,the article announcing Billy Wagner’s being claimed by the sux,the first commenter says,OH God another Smoltz.
Some funny laughs on the site.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/ne.....;type=lgns
Rice claims he was misquoted. Jeter whats to know how.
wants not “whats”
http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....4for4.html
A-Rod and Klong on his Pujols like stance.
I keep saying – enjoy the ride…and the Yankees scored 20+ runs last night – but boy there were times last night when the game seemed to getting too close for comfort.
Two other thoughts:
1> I love listening to John Sterling. I’ve been listening to him since he started in 1989, it’s always been a pleasure , but last night, as I was drifting off to sleep, I put the game on the radio – and we was so confused about the score. It was funny to listen to.
2> It’s nice, Pete, that you’re helping fellow writer Bob Klapisch, by giving his twitter address (in a previous post), but you are a FAR SUPERIOR writer. I get the Bergen Record delivered (my wife insists on it) and everytime I see a Klapisch article – it’s always negative. He always goes for the cheap put-down or criticism. I’ve found his writing to be a bore.
Over the years, I’ve (very) occasionally written comments to sports writers on their articles. I’ve e-mailed you, Rob Neyer, the guys at Baseball Prospectus, many many many writers – they’ve all responded.
It’s always been a very nice exchange of ideas and thoughts.
I’ve also sent a few things to Mr. Klapisch, I am always respectful. He’s the only writer who never responded back.
Not a fan – not a fan, at all.
He seems to be a very very bitter writer.
40 games to go assuming Pettitte,Sabathia,Burnett have another 24 starts between them with an additional 6 from Joba that leaves another 10 starts for Gaudin and Mitre to split.
Mitre is a huge question mark ?? NY needs to cut bait with him.
I’m sure Gaudin will give NY a few decent starts …but I hope NY makes a waiver wire claim for a servicable SP otherwise it’s possible NY enters the playoffs with a taxed bullpen.
Wakefield says he is ready to come back so he’ll become their no 3.
I know this sounds silly, but I don’t really relax until a lead gets to 10 games.
You’ve gotta work REALLY hard to blow that kind of a lead.
According to mlbcontracts.blogspot.com Boston has about $80M committed already for next season. (includes money due to Lugo). This figure however does not include picking up options on no-brainers like Beckett and Martinez, nor the option on Wakefield which will probably get picked up.
Options (amount is cost above buyout to bring player back)
Beckett $ 10.0M
Martinez $ 7.5M
Wakefield $ 4.0M
Payroll becomes about $101.5M
Another option is on Saito whose option depends on his final salary this season. His base salary of $1.5M could well balloon to about $6M if he remains healthy until the end of the season. He has been excellent again this year but I cannot see them paying $6M next season for a reliever who tends to be used in the 6th and 7th innings.
They also have several players facing arbitration all of whom should earn substantial raises.
Arbitration – very rough estimates
Papelbon $ 10.0M
Okajima $ 5.0M
Ramirez $ 1.5M
Delcermen $ 1.5M
Brings payroll to about $119.5M
They also have several young players whose contracts will be renewed (estimated costs).
Ellsbury $ 0.45M
Bucholtz $ 0.45M
Bowden $ 0.45M
Bard $ 0.45M
Lowrie $ 0.45M
I would guess Baldelli, Penny, Javier Lopez and Nick Green will be let go or resigned for close to the minimum.
New total payroll roughly – $122.0M
Starting day payroll in 09 – $122.6M (but with lots of bonuses and midseason pick-ups likely to total almost $140M by the end of the season)
While the $122M does include the money due to Lugo, which they will probably be happy to ignore as a sunk cost, it does not include a LF or SS. Nor does it include the pitching help they need to replace Penny and Saito (if he leaves), or replace the depth lost with the departures of Smoltz and Masterson.
Beckett, Lester, DiceK, Wakefield, Bucholtz, Tazawa and Bowden are currently their starting pitching options for 2010.
Tazawa and Bowden are getting destroyed this year, Wakefield is about 100 years old, and while I am sure they are praying DiceK returns to health and good form they simply cannot rely on it.
Ortiz, Varitek, Drew and Lowell would remain as regulars in their line-up – in other words, their line-up is still old, injury prone, likely to regress further, and absolutely impossible to trade.
They need two every day players, two options for the rotation and maybe a reliever – and if they hope to have the same payroll as this year they will have only about $20M to sign them.
I wonder if their best option is to make Bard or Delcarmen (or Wagner) their closer and either move Papelbon to the rotation or trade him for a good starter, LF or SS.
For all the talk of their system’s depth, they have traded away a lot of talent in the Martinez trade this year and the Gagne trade last year. With Lars Anderson and Michael Almazar both struggling badly and their top pitching prospects having graduated to Boston already they don’t have the depth in their system that they used to.
Next year could be a train wreck for them.
No real harm done to the Yankee bullpen although Bruney needs to throw strikes. Surprisingly, Marte got his 2 hitters out with just 6 pitches and Mitre just ate up garbage innings.
The entire [real] bullpen was saved.
Pete must be sleeping in this morning
It’s a shame that so many HOFers think induction is license to judge and pontificate about other players. Guys, you got in for what you could do with a bat and a ball, not for your oratory or analytical powers. Maybe Zillo ought to ask Whitey and Yogi to respond to Jim Rice – today. Stir it up.
New Yankee-Boston rivalry shirts:
Caricature of Jim Rice as a donkey.
Jim Rice with the international “NO” symbol on his face.
Jim Rice and the words “Misquoted How?”
The Red Sox sign Billy Wagner?
I wonder if that washed up clown will have the gall to STILL come out of the ‘pen to “Enter Sandman”?
If so, I think he should only be allowed to use this version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC65ufGUvKM
Big win by the Yankees last night. Bet the players are happy it’s a later start today – must be exhausted after last night.
I am off to the beach to see what hurriance bill is up to!!!
Hope everyone has a great day and Lets Go Yankees!!!!!
I didn’t understand Pettite being out there in the sixth inning. Looked to me like Bruney lost it mentally — his body language in the pen was awful — when he didn’t get the call to start the inning.
Then, he couldn’t throw his slider for a strike and that hurt him. Still he gutted it out. I wouldn’t give up on him.
Mitre hasn’t pitched out of the bullpen in a long time. That’s a tough situation for him and an over-rested sinkerballer is almost like batting practice.
Hughes needs two innings today. Ideally the eighth and ninth with a 10-2 lead.
The word on some of the Red Sox blogs is that Michael Bowden and his 18.0 ERA were sent down to the minors after the game. They thought that he was one of the bright stars of their minor league system.
There is some serious disallusionment now in Red Sox Nation. Their front office and many in their media have been telling them that the Red Sox minor league system is stocked with supermen who will either dominate in the majors or can be traded for top-notch talent. Now the fanbase is starting realize that their minor league system is just a myth. Folks aren’t too happy with the front office in Beantown…but they don’t really have anything to worry about…Billy Wagner will soon be there to fix what ails ‘em
Here is a nice article for your reading pleasure.
http://www.bostonherald.com/sp.....ent_level/
Al changed his stance into a Pujol-like stance? I knew there was something different last night.
Nice Radiohead reference, Nick
Nice article. I loved the cash for sox clunkers sign. I wonder how much you could trade in Ortiz for?
The funny thing is … if the Sox plan on dumping all these late season pickups after the post season … who the HELL is going to replace them?
Dice K and Wakefield will NOT solve any of their problems right now. They barely have 2 starters.
Smoltz, Penny and Saito will combine to make more than $ 18 Million this year if they finish the season as they are doing right now. AJ Burnett will make $ 16.5.
AJ is 10-6, 3.69 in 153 innings.
The “economy” trio is 12-16, 5.55 in 215 innings.
And Theo is a genius?
whatta game!!! woot woot! But today is a new day. We have to do it (or something similar) again todaY!
“Smoltz, Penny and Saito will combine to make more than $ 18 Million this year if they finish the season as they are doing right now. AJ Burnett will make $ 16.5.
AJ is 10-6, 3.69 in 153 innings.
The “economy” trio is 12-16, 5.55 in 215 innings.
And Theo is a genius?”
He is a genius. He originated the “Cash for Clunkers” program.
Glad to see Jete isn’t taking any of this crap. I like that he takes the high road and doesn’t mix it up with idiots, but sometimes you can’t just say “no comment.”
Will someone post a link to video of Jeter’s play backing up Hinske?
Thanks
I know that while the Yankees improved so much and the RS were crashing due to injuries and inept pitcher selection but I didn’t realize how bad the BoSox had become. Wow!
Ellsbury lost a few over his head which he usually doesn’t do. Pedey is a (small) shell of himself, Francona pulled some of the Bosox which literally said, ” we are losing badly”. Most of all – their fans deserted them.
Meanwhile the Yankees played like the champs they are and will become in October. Jeter needs an apology. Glad to see Matsui bomb the BoSox pitchers. What a display of offense by all. Great win.
This team is amazing.
“• If the Red Sox make the playoffs, their No. 3 starter is probably Clay Buchholz. Yikes.”
———————————-
Really, Pete? Yikes?
I love pointing out any and all red socks deficiencies just as much as the next guy, but find it a bit pretentious to do so when the Yankees are in the same boat. If not worse.
I assume the Yankees 3rd starter will be Pettitte (2009 version not 1998) or possibly Joba (aka Mr. I never thrown this many innings in my life). You really have that much more confidence in them than Buch? Can’t say I do. Especially considering he has only given up 4 ER’s in his last 19 innings (3 starts). He had one hiccup early this month, but other than that the kid has been pretty solid all year.
If the Yanks and sox were to meet in the ALCS as things stand right now, I would pretty much call the rotations a wash. However, let’s not forget that there is a good chance both Wake and Dic-k could be back for them. If one or both are who they can be then the sox would hold a clear advantage.
All is well in Yankee fan land right now, but the playoffs are a whole other animal. One that scares the crap out of me. Will CC implode like he did last year? What about A.J.? He certainly is not unfamiliar to throwing a stinker here and there. Andy and Joba? Pretty much hit or miss all year.
Its great that the city is alive right now with Yankees “fans” crawling out of the woodwork, but this team still has a long way to go before adding #27 to the trophy case IMO. I realize that is not the popular feeling, but 2001 – 2008 has taught me a lot.
Eric J. Go to Yankees.com. Under Headlines, the third article entitled: Jeter’s jaw dropping hot streak amazes. That play is included.
I had not seen the entire game and heard so much about this play so I watched it. Incredible. Jeter walks on water.
Thanks JJFF. Amazing as usual. He’s such a badass ballplayer. Love it.
Mikejav; Did somene steal your breakfast? If, if. If a frog had wings it wouldn’t bump its butt every time it jumped.
Both CC and AJ have adjusted well after some shaky starts. Andy and Joba have had some excellent games. Detroit 2-1, Joba’s first 3 games after ASG. Joba’s win last year over Beckett 1-0. He beat Pittsburgh (with a little help from the pen) 10-0. You know he is about to break loose anytime. I don’t follow Pettittes games as closely but his post season’s experience will be benefical.
The momentum is in the Yankee’s court. What part of 7.5 don’t you understand?
Eric: Recall that Jeter and Pedey bonded while teammates in the WC. That doesn’t matter, Jeter just makes the play as he sees it. Just another highlight film for Jeter.
I remember when Damon was still on “that team” and they were about to play the Yankees – Jeter said ” I hope I don’t hit the shortstop and become a part of a Jeter play of the day. Now they are teammates.
correction: Damon said (not Jeter said) lol. ruined the story.
Thanks to ppl on yankees.com I have started reading this blog. It’s very informative and I am most grateful for its insights.
JeterJobaFan,
Like I said, all is well and good right now, but its not like I don’t have a reason to be REALISTICALLY(this part escapes a lot of Yankees “fans”) wary. They scored 20 runs against the sox last night. Sweet. It still only counts as one win and they still gave up 11 runs themselves.
Trust me, I LOVE the fact they are up 7.5 games right now, but it is still August and they still have 5 games left against 2nd place. One bad stretch by the Yanks and one good one by the sox and it is a serious race again. Yanks are 26-8 since the break while the sox are 15-18. Looking at the structure of both teams, I don’t think that is the pace either team will maintain the rest of the way.
Not to mention:
2001: Won division by 13.5
2002: Won division by 10.5
2003: Won division by 6.0
2004: Won division by 3.0
2005: Won division by tie-breaker
2006: Won division by 10.0
2007: Wild Card
Nothing significant to show for any of it.
I realize I am probably coming off as super negative to most, but all I am trying to do is stay objective. Thats it. Despite what most casual fans on the street might be spewing right now, another ring is no where near a lock.
MikeJav,
I respect your last post as it is not as negative as the one I responded to. From 2001 to 2007 did those Yankees have the offense this current teams have. Any of the Yankees from 1-9 can get a winning hit. And there will be a whole bunch of players who should hit 20 HR’s by seasons end. It took awhile for all the bats to work and now that they are it is awesome. Some of the older fans say that this team is one of the best they have seen.
Tex is a major of the team’s success both with his gold glove style and tremendous bat. He is a joy to watch.
CC and AJ have become a valuable part of the rotation. And the bullpen with Mo and Hughes is unbeatable.
I like our team’s chances this year.