The magic number is …
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Sep 16, 2009 
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It’s 11 right now as Gritty Gutty Brett Gardner singled, stole second, moved up on a grounder by Captain Intangibles and scored on a single by Francisco Cervelli in the bottom of the ninth to beat the Blue Jays.
The Red Sox are tied with the Angels at Fenway Park. Who are you rooting for?
Who knows what will happen in the weeks to come? But the Yankees have sure been an entertaining team to watch this season. What a great job by YES capturing the scene tonight, too, as Francisco ran to right field with his joyous teammates in hot pursuit.
Just for kicks:
http://kanyelicio.us/http://ya.....mber-is-5/
2 wins in the last 3 games because of Gardner. And great job by Cervelli getting him in after falling down 2 strikes.
Can anybody back me up and support resigning Matsui. He really is the man. I want a petition.
Can’t say that I can recall a player running away from his teammates like that in a walk-off situation. Very funny scene !
Had a feeling it was going to be a pie night.
Halos for me tonite
Magic number for playoffs is 4 right?
Kind of hoping we see Phil Rizzuto’s jersey before bedtime tonight!
Well I guess that brawl woke the Yankees out of their funk. Now they can get back to a .900 winning percentage instead of their recent pedestrian .667!
They’ve never had a player like Gardner. He can be an incredible weapon off the bench, like Dave Roberts was for the Red Sox in 2004.
He had Accordo all messed up once he got on base.
Magic number versus Texas to make the playoffs is 4
Angels take the lead. lol
Great piece of hitting by Abreu. 8-7 Angels.
Pete, is this team really having as much fun as it looks like they are? It can’t just be about winning because the 98 team didn’t seem to have anywhere near this much fun.
It was hysterical watching the Yankees run out to get Cervelli. Melky and Cano almost beat Cervelli to first base. Great stuff.
Here is everyone’s picks for “Guess What Day the Yankees Clinch” (the playoffs), as guessed on 8/21
09/16/2009:
Trisha
09/21/2009:
Ed H
miggs
09/22/2009:
Uncle E
Unknown
m
Eights
L to the 2nd
William Buckner
09/23/2009:
Erica
S.O.S
BBFan
09/25/2009:
Fran
Upstate Kate
09/26/2009:
Yanks Fan
Pat
09/27/2009:
Anja K-J
09/29/2009:
Jim the VT Yankee Fan
it’s gonna be hard saying bye to ‘Zilla.
maybe we can sign him to a two year deal with the 2nd year being a club option.
Garnder deserves to have his picture up, but I wanted Knoblauch
repost:
So the yankees wind up going 7-3 over their past 10 games.
That would be a .700 winning percentage.
Which is pretty much the same level they’ve been playing at since the all star break.
So much for let downs or the team coasting.
Angels now lead 8-7, scoring against the unhittable Bard. Now Fuentes will attempt to close out a game. That should be pretty funny..
Can Fuentes close a game in Fenway?
Who is the bigger rookie folk hero Francisco Cervelli 2009 or Shane Spencer 1998?
God bless Bobby Abreu.
I still miss him.
Angels take the lead.
let’s all be grateful that Jeter didn’t bunt.
8-7 Angels.
Still not sure who I’m rooting for.
“Can anybody back me up and support resigning Matsui. He really is the man. I want a petition.”
I’ve got your back. I’ve been saying we should keep Matsui for most of the season. Hopefully, the Yankees will agree.
SJ44
September 16th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Good call by some of the whiners tonight.
No comeback in them.
Girardi yelling at them really hurt the team.
Thank God some of you don’t make a living out of predictions. You would be bankrupt.
————————————————————
That 53-94 record will get the armchair managers fired before the season ends.
Gotta root for the Angels tonight (Abreu just gave them an 8-7 lead, top 9). Worst case scenario is losing AL East to Red Sox and playing a 5-game ALDS w/ 3 gaes in LA.
you think the yankees would re-sign abreu next year? he would make a great dh.
BOBBAYYY, BOBBBBBBBBBBBBBAAAAYYYYYY
Yeah, my boy.
Does that answer the question?
Just hope they can Fuentes doesn’t implode against the heart of the order.
For a guy leading the league in saves, he’s awfully shaky.
Not sure who I want to win Bosox vs Angels. But extra innings would be nice to wear them down, etc.
Erica – is it too late to submit? I’m going with 9/26 for the mere fact that I’m going to the game with a Bostonian
Sign Godzilla to a lifetime contract and make him a global ambassador after next season.
The threat of Mothra will never be completely gone.
i like Frankie but what Spencer did in 1998 will never be replicated.
Re: hideki – at what price would you sign a guy that can’t play rhe field? You have arod posada damon tex as dh’s at the least, why not sign another player that can play the field?
Damon or Abreu, I like your thinking Nature Boy.
Agreed here….Rooting for the Angels. Dont want to face LA in the first round
Why are people rooting for the Angels?
The Sox are done, as far as winning the division is concerned. Don’t listen to Mike Francessa, the Yanks are winning the division.
We need to hold off the Angels for HFA. Thats who we should be rooting for to lose.
I thought the Yanks were going to lose tonight, and the Red Sox bullpen was untouchable.
I’m all for seeing Pete come up with a picture of Rizzuto’s uniform number.
NYY626
September 16th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Erica – is it too late to submit? I’m going with 9/26 for the mere fact that I’m going to the game with a Bostonian
****
I’ll put you in cause I like you, but its getting a giant asterick. LOL
Everyone else guessed almost a month ago
“JZ
September 16th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
so, it’s gonna be 4 games in loss column after tonight?”
Another example of fuzzy math….
I agree that the Yanks should try and bring back Matsui. But I highly doubt they would guarantee anything more than 1 year and an option. Who knows if a desperate team like Seattle would offer him 2 years and he would leave for the guaranteed money.
Magic # 11 (possibly 10) for division, ONLY 5 for a playoff spot!!!! 5!
I’m rooting for the Angels because I will never root for the Sux. Period. Another step closer to winning the division each time they lose. Good.
Angel, I’m rooting for the Angels. I can never root for the Sox – and they have played so well, that I want to see them go into a slump
Angels don’t have anything in the bag with Fuentes and his 7 blown saves and 4.10 ERA going.
YES post-game Booth Report with Bob Lorenz, Michael Kay, John Flaherty, and Al Leiter:
http://bit.ly/nXJxY
Cervelli was robbed of a walkoff against the Twins in May when his shot up the middle was deflected to Mauer for that crazy tag on Gardner at the plate. Fitting and just that he gets another chance to knock BG in and enyoy the pie.
Damon-ator, I think Spencer was amazing too but he had that great streak during meaningless games (although it did energize a team that was mentally exhausted from putting the pedal to the metal every single game that season) but Francisco brought this team back from the depths not once but 2x this season. History may forget what he’s done for this team but I won’t.
LOL Erica thats okay. Like I said, I’m only picking that day so I can torture my friend
I agree with CB (and others) that I shoud root for the RS, but I just can’t do it.
Sox or Angels?
Doesn’t matter.
I am rooting for the Angels cause I want the Yanks magic number to go down, down, down. I am not scared of the Sox. I just want to know the division is ours. Plus, once we clinch maybe we will get a few days off from bridge jumpers
I’m rooting for the Angels. Just to shut up the obnoxious Red Sox trolls for a night.
Does LA even have trolls?
I love the fact that the Yankees could theoretically head to Anaheim already in the playoffs.
Aura
September 16th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Damon-ator, I think Spencer was amazing too but he had that great streak during meaningless games (although it did energize a team that was mentally exhausted from putting the pedal to the metal every single game that season) but Francisco brought this team back from the depths not once but 2x this season. History may forget what he’s done for this team but I won’t.
—————
that streak did carry into the playoffs and he hit 2 big HRs to help the Yankees advance in the playoffs. meaningless games or not that was still incredible to watch. cervelli has been great with a few big hits here and there but what Spencer did in 1998 was out of this world.
Hate boston
2009 YANKEE WINS PREDICTION CHART
Created on April 6, 2009
poster # of games
TOMPASS 124
*S.O.S. 118
ROB THOMPSON 110
**RAYVT 107
#2 FOR PREZ 106
**ANGEL 105
PEL 105
BACKBENCH 105
**TOM B 104
DR. COX 104
TRISHA 103
VSPOT 103
KEVIN IN CT 102
NICK IN SF 102
YANKEESJTJ 102
GLOBAL WARMING 102
MG 102
THE PREDIKTER 101
**L-tothe2ND 101
LORI 100
MEL 100
TEX’S NEW BF 100
PATRICK 100
**ERICA 100
BARDOS 99
VIN 99
JENNIFER 99
ED 99
**NYY626 99
DT 99
**STEVE-B 99
LAURA 98
PETE ABE 98
RISHI 98
RUSSW210 98
CLAYB 98
DOREEN 98
RB15 98
TOM IN NJ 97
FRAN 97
S.A. 97
HOKIEHILL 97
UNCLE ELLSWORTH 97
#2 FOR PREZ 96
GAYLE 96
PAT 96
WESTERNER99 96
PSYLUCK 96
STEVEB 96
MICHAEL KAY 96
JOHN IN OHIO 95
MARK 95
B-DAVE 94
**WAIT TIL THEY COME 94
**haiku-man 62
* – winner of the 2009 AWESOME BUDDY AWARD
** – added 7/29 or later
We need the best record above all. That argues for LA losing. We can take care of Bosox on our own. Team should be less relevant than home field advantage. I am rooting for Bosox. Nope, I just can’t do it. Go Halos.
Does LA even have trolls?
================================
howler monkeys
Since we once again saw tonight that the Red Sox have absolutely no shot at winning the division (maybe a 1% chance), and the Yankees can continue to coast to the playoffs, can anyone else jump on my Twins bandwagon?
Greinke v. Detroit tomorrow is a great chance for them to pick up another game.
You want Boston to lose. Why? As of this moment the Yankees magic number to win the East AND get HFA is 11 in both cases. The Angels have a tougher schedule from here on and, imo, more likely to lose some games down the stretch. The Sox, otoh, outside of the 3 games next weekend in YS, has a very easy schedule.
Trisha-
I underestimated the Yankees
Bad Erica
Pete was just dying to put a picture of Gardner up and he knew he may not have the chance if the red sox lost. Haha man-crush on GGBG
Walks Ortiz on four pitches and throws a slider on a 3-0 count. Ladies and gentlemen, Brian Fuentes.
Now he’s lost control of the zone.
Yes, they are Rally Trolls.
It doesn’t matter if the Sox or Angels lose. Either way the yankees gain because they won tonight.
The yankees aren’t looking in their rear view mirror.
BTW Brian Fuentes just pitched to Ortiz as if it were still 2005.
Fuentes is starting to implode…
Would be funny for the entire press corp to play a joke on Girardi and all start yelling at him: “Wake up Joe, you are dreaming, wake up!”. This press conference is probably a dream he had in early on morning in May only for him to awake to find his team didn’t just tie the walk off record but was in last place and his job in jeopardy.
Fuentes stinks
two outs..in sox game.
Morally, I can’t bring myself to root for the sox unless it is 100% in our favor. Since this case is give or take, Go Angels!
Jed Lowrie? LOL.
Now that’s a dangerous bench right there, folks.
The Angels still have 7 more games against Texas. Texas might be out of the wild card race but they will still play the Angels hard.
The Red Sox are an afterthought. They have to play like .900 ball the rest of the way to even have a shot at winning the AL East. Securing home-field advantage is the only thing relevant right now.
This goes to show you why you don’t judge the greatness of closers on the number of saves they accumulate.
Brian Fuentes leads the league in save, but is the definition of mediocre.
Let’s hope he can get out Lowrie.
No, no, no, no, no, no to the Twins!!
If the Twins win the Central it will be because they catch fire. You want to play a team on fire?
Also, I’m SICK and TIRED of the Yankees being ousted in the playoffs by AL Central teams that they obliterated in the regular season. First the Tigers in ’06 and then Cleveland in ’07. Haven’t we all learned our lesson yet about rooting to play specific teams?
The Yankees can handle the Tigers.
COME ON FUENTES! For tonight I am an Angels fan!!!
Coaching visit to the mound.
“Fuentes, if you can’t get Jed Lowrie out, you’ll be the lead wiper in one of Lenny Dykstra’s carwashes by Tuesday. Get it done.”
i LOVE matsui….but no, resigning him would be a big mistake. im also against bringing damon back, his body is breaking down before our eyes.
love those guys, hope they both get another ring this year before they go elsewhere!
“Who knows what will happen in the weeks to come?”
===================
A little doubt there Pete?
Understandable I suppose…but I was placing my bets on Mike Francesa to be the first to jump off ship?
ARE YOU FRICKING KIDDING ME?
This Fuentes guy sucks. I look forward to us hitting against him in the playoffs.
Cripes. Great job by Figgins.
An out, an out, my kingdom for an out!
Fuentes
Bangs head against wall
Fuentes sucks ! He is trying to give the game away.
Figgins makes a great play to save the game and Fuentes’ butt.
Loaded for Nick Green.
Nice play by Figgins, he just saved the game..Bases loaded with 2 outs. Nick hall of fame Green pinch hitting…LOL
Nick Green ! LOL
obviously not ‘another’ ring for matsui
it all comes down to Nick Green. There is a God.
I’m rooting for LAA. BOS could be playing a team full of Satan worshipers and I still wouldn’t root for them.
# trisha – OPPC lifetime member who is missing the worry gene September 16th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
COME ON FUENTES! For tonight I am an Angels fan!!!
________________________________________________________________
Angels in the Outfield was one of my favorite movies as a kid. I’m going to out myself here and say I used to root for them when I was younger because of this ( not when they played the yankees tho!)
The Yankees can handle the Tigers.
——–
I don’t relish a matchup of Leyland/Girardi. Leyland made Torre look like a little league coach in ’06.
That play by Figgins is a good example for why ERA, especially for a reliever is a limited stat.
That the game isn’t tied has much less to do with Fuentes than Figgins.
If Green gets a hit here, I’m gonna be Dykstra’s lead wiper. Jeez.
Bull! He went around.
But do it for us, Nick Bleepin’ Green. MAKE THAT OUT!
LAURA!!!!
Change that Banner to DAMON right now Missy!!!
Texas is out, but they are going to give angels a big surprise.
Theo Epstein looks like the dude in the Optimum Online commercials.
He can’t even get Green out easy..
Lost in the sauce was the good job Chad did tonight.
# Laura – Matsui in pinstripes in 2010! September 16th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I’m rooting for LAA. BOS could be playing a team full of Satan worshipers and I still wouldn’t root for them.
________________________________________________________________
Its sick that we feel this way, but I second that
“Change that Banner to DAMON right now Missy!!!”
I don’t think there’s room.
Darrin September 16th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
No, no, no, no, no, no to the Twins!!
If the Twins win the Central it will be because they catch fire. You want to play a team on fire?
———————
You can’t be serious.
Minnesota is a far inferior opponent than the Tigers. It’s not even close.
They’ve also just lost Crede yet again and Morneau is out for the rest of the season.
You never take any opponent lightly, but I’d be ecstatic if the Twins stormed back to win the Central.
Fuentes sucks !
Green is having trouble picking the ball up out of Fuentes’ hand.
But Fuentes’s stuff is so mediocre that he can’t put Green away.
Watch him watch in the run….
Girardi’s YES post-game reaction:
http://bit.ly/42r62s
Ghost: Leyland only made Torre look like a joke because the entire Yankee lineup locked down that series.
Laura – Matsui in pinstripes in 2010!
September 16th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
“Change that Banner to DAMON right now Missy!!!”
I don’t think there’s room.
*****
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Hahahahaha, wow that was strike 3!!!
You just have to laugh.
umps gave the game to Boston….. twice…. Incredible.
“Its sick that we feel this way, but I second that ”
We’d probably go to hell, but at least we’d go there as Yankee fans.
walk…Are you kidding me…Where was that pitch?!?!
Great job Fuentes
Wow bad ump. blown 2 strike 3 calls that at bat
two umps afraid to call a third strike to end the game
wow red sox were just gifted and espn admitting it
wow….3-2 basesloaded
Ump is definitely a Sox fan…
Boston ties the game without getting a ball out of the infield.
Brian Fuentes is not good.
UN-FREAKIN-BELIEVABLE.
UN-FREAKIN-BELIEVABLE.
That “ball when it was strike three” count really hurt – as did this one that was also a strike.
That pitch was right down the middle. I’m sure the ump is from Worcester.
NESN showed the strike zone box and Remy laughed – that was a strike!
NYY626
September 16th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
# Laura – Matsui in pinstripes in 2010! September 16th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I’m rooting for LAA. BOS could be playing a team full of Satan worshipers and I still wouldn’t root for them.
________________________________________________________________
Its sick that we feel this way, but I second that
***
My worst nightmare is 1986 happening again and having to root for the Mets. I would probably just try to leave the country
These are the things that conspiracies are made of.
That was disgusting. I’ve watched a lot of ball and never seen a batter get that call in that situation.
Boy, the Angels show some effort, with the help of a Kendry Morales strikeout reaching first.
And the umpires have taken over.
The umps are totally giving this game to BOS. They aren’t even hiding it. That’s two swings that they claimed were checked. Unreal.
love johnny but he can barely get on the field anymore and he has become a huge liability in the OF
See, this is how the Boston conspiracy theories begin: twice there were OBVIOUS called third strikes, but the umps were didn’t call them.
Nick in SF
September 16th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
These are the things that conspiracies are made of.
***
I was just thinking the same thing….
Please leave my head Mr. Nick
Juan Rivera. What effort.
That’s Fuentes’ 7th blown save this season.
Gives up a hit to Lowrie and a walk to Nick Green.
Nice.
The umps win another!
Even Jerry Remy knows the Angels got ripped off.
If that isn’t proof that Boston pays off the umps, nothing is.
Look at the bright side – maybe Boston-LA will go 15 or 16 innings.
MLB.com showed that fast ball right down the middle and it was called a ball??? WOW!
does juan rivera play for the red sox?…what a non-effort right there
Strike 3 down the middle of the plate called ball4.
The umpires are an embarrassment in MLb this season.
They are going to decide post-season games this year. Just a matter of how many.
Good night for the Yankees, bad night for the Angels and the umpires.
This blows. And you wonder why we blitch about bad umpiring.
FAT LOSER BEHIND THE PLATE. Good job.
Even Remy admitted that the umpiring was bad.
I have no words.
So I guess we are sticking with 11 tonight… oh well!
That was absolutely disgusting to watch. Scioscia looks like he is going to explode…I don’t blame him. But he should get used to it for the post season.
This would be a good time to start the ‘walkoff bowl of chowdah in yah face’ tradition at Fenway.
I hope this team lays down like this for us next week. I don’t like accusing another team of laying down but man what else can you call that…Boston is either in The Angels head or something, this was the Angels game to win.
Well at least we gain on Anaheim…I guess we are going to have to nuke Boston ourselves again in a couple weeks…we can do that (I think!)
Conspiracy? I think not.
Juan Rivera slowed down prior to arriving to the ball that dropped in front of him by 2 inches.
Intentional? I think so
Umpires? I think so
Expect this in October.
Brian Fuentes -
NO SOUP FOR YOU!
The umpires blowing chunks in the Red Sox game. Twice they let off Green.
Those umpires should be fired. I am sorry but when they pull that crap they changed the outcome of the game. If I were the manager of the Angels I would protest this game. Two wrong calls in the same at bat is just beyond chance.
The Red Sox didn’t win that game, they had it handed it them.
Nick Green even KNEW he was out, evident by the look on his face on the called check swing….
Scioscia should file a grievance with MLB. The job those umps did was embarrassing.
Anaheim cannot beat Boston
red sox win 7 straight.
“Strike 3 down the middle of the plate called ball4.”
That was strike 4, I think Green went around on the 0-2 pitch.
Sox are a very good team……..and they own the Angels.
So, NYY is in a win-win situation again tomorrow. Either way, they pick up ground on a chaser.
Gaudin’s YES post-game reaction:
http://bit.ly/Fjhmj
As much grief as umpires get, is is extremely rare to witness a game where a call directly effects the outcome of a game. You just saw one.
Whoever blames the imps should have their heads checked
i feel like i just watched a mafia set-up
Nick in SF September 16th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
“Strike 3 down the middle of the plate called ball4.”
That was strike 4, I think Green went around on the 0-2 pitch.
Exactly
This is probably why the Angels dont try versus the Red Sox.
When the game is already fixed by the umpires, why bother trying.
The Angels fought back numerous times tonight, only to get scrizzewed by the ump.
Maybe the Angels will have their say in the postseason for a change and have the last laugh.
As for Toronto, 6 months off without seeing that worthless team.
BEWARE:
In the councils of baseball, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the ESPN-’Roid Sox-MLB Industrial Complex.
The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
We must never let the weight of this combination endanger the integrity of our national pass time.
It was a terrible call, but Fuentes did himself in. Two quick outs and he walks Ortiz on four straight pitches. The implosion soon followed.
This is why folks worried about the Angels should stop fretting.
The Yankees will never see them in the playoffs.
i dont understand everyone’s worrying so much about anahiem of los angeles of california, theres no way they’re getting past boston in the PS anyway
It would be nice if the Sox would start losing again…..
“Whoever blames the imps should have their heads checked”
Who are the imps?
Green even KNEW he swung at that one pitch. He knew it. That is how bad a call it was.
The Angels are frustrating when they play the Sox. Ridiculous!
No one whines until they win like SJ
Man, are the Red Sox rolling or what? Every freakin thing goes in their favor.
So the rest of you know, on the 0-2 pitch to Nick Green, he checked his swing.
The replay showed he went around, and showed Nick Green’s face (in which he was upset because he knew he went around)
All I know is Nick Green just pinch hit in a game situation and was suscesfull.Says all you need to know about Fuentes.
Are the Sox ever going to lose?
And they get a nice trip to Baltimore and Kansas City, while we go out West.
Haven’t seen it but sounds like this was the biggest bag job ever. Seriously, insteading of suspending Po for nothing, he should be investigating the conspiracy in that dump of a ballpark.
With Andy’s shoulder, Damon being banged up, and Alex needing some rest locking up the home field advantage has more utility value than moving closer to the division does.
The thing that would potentially force their hand to try to push their players is the need to lock up home field.
The quicker they get that locked away the better.
The Angels losing is not a bad thing for the yanks in any way.
They shaved a game off of their magic number for the division as it is.
Thank goodness everyone is out to help the Sox…
Phew.
-dennis
I’m sorry – Juan Rivera has to at least slide for that ball, no?
We’ll face Boston not the Angels after Detroit.
GreenBeret7
September 16th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
So, NYY is in a win-win situation again tomorrow. Either way, they pick up ground on a chaser.
****
And yet, there is still complaining
Jim Pir-one
September 16th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
I think not.
————————————————————
Of all of your idiotic posts over this year, this is the only one that you have correct.
You think not!!!
What was that ump looking at?
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday.....de=gameday
What is the name of the homeplate umpire? I want to do some research on him.
Besides the umpire, Juan Rivera did this team in.
He INTENTIONALLY did not try for that ball, for whatever reason.
Injury concern? Maybe
Did not want to play anymore innings because he knew no matter what his team did, they would get screwed? Maybe
Betsy, they lost that game tonight, the Umpires handed them that game. Green was out TWICE. Ball game should have been over if the umpires did their job.
The home plate ump will probably take his mask off and it is Gammons behind the plate. If the Pats can cheat how does anyone know their Sox friends can’t. The ump was probably paid a couple hundred before the game. Just pathetic…
“Sox are a very good team……..and they own the Angels.”
Betsy, apparently you didn’t watch the game and just want to comment on the final score.
The rest of us did watch it and all know what we just saw. Boston is a very lucky team and the Angels won that game – until the umpires intervened.
We better not trip up out West because Boston is on fire and will slice right into our lead.
it was a strike although very low towards the bottom of the strike zone after looking at all high pitches so i can see why the ump called it a ball
Another win for Matsui- sorry Cervelli. I can’t believe they are considering letting him walk to have the flexibility of giving the regulars a day off to DH occasionally. And who are they going to replace him with… NO ONE!!!
That RS-Angels game was most likely the worst baseball game I have EVER seen. How can the Angels look like such absolute garbage, and they’re going to the playoffs?
“Whoever blames the imps should have their heads checked”
Who are the imps?”
Dustin Pedroia and his little pals.
And the Angels get to face Beckett with their worst pitcher on the mound
Sox just giving us a preview of what they will do to LA in October.
dennis-Costanza
September 16th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Thank goodness everyone is out to help the Sox…
Phew.
-dennis
————————————————————
Them leprechauns are everywhere, and it’s not even St. Patrick’s Day.
You should make mention that the SI Yankees won the NYPL title. Also, the Tampa Yankees are up late for the FSL title.
I’ll be the first -
The Red Sox will lose tomorrow …
so let it be written …
so let it be done.
“Are the Sox ever going to lose?”
Depends on who’s umpiring the game. Stay tuned.
Re: hideki and bobby: why would ny a guy that is a dedicated dh and another guy that will want more money than he’s worth when they have players that are more than capable of filling those roles?
“The Angels losing is not a bad thing for the yanks in any way.”
That’s true, CB – but as someone who would like for the game to have some integrity, I have to feel just a little bad for LAA. Teams are supposed to win fair and square, not get help from the umps. Nick Green struck out twice and the umps did nothing. If I’m LAA, I’m raising holy hell to MLB.
Devin
September 16th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
We better not trip up out West because Boston is on fire and will slice right into our lead.
****
Its comments like this that cause me to not be able to wait until we just clinch the division.
Until the division is actually clinched, this blog will be rampant with Sox-fearers, bridge jumpers and prophets of doom.
It’s exhausting
Nice to see the typical Sox trolls disguised as Yankees fans show up now.
Darrin September 16th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
No, no, no, no, no, no to the Twins!!
If the Twins win the Central it will be because they catch fire. You want to play a team on fire?
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Your kidding right. The Twins have one player and can not win in YS. A choice between them and the Tigers is not even close.
They have 7 more games vs Detroit and 6 more vs KC. They will not exaclty be on “fire” vs stellar teams.
Pepitone
September 16th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
I’ll be the first -
The Red Sox will lose tomorrow …
so let it be written …
so let it be done.
****
I’ll drink to that!
Nobody can rip Jim tonight.
After watching that umping disgrace, no one can.
Gardner’s YES post-game reaction:
http://bit.ly/18iclW
Man, alot of posters here already looking ahead to an ALCS.
Focus on getting past Verlander, Jackson, Porcello and Leyland first.
AJ is going up against Felix Hernandez on Friday.
They flip floped Hernandez and Fister.
What a horrible ending to the game in Boston. These umpires should be nowhere near the post season. There have been way too many absolutely inexcusable calls this year. Can’t wait until they blow a game in the playoffs that’ll be great
“What is the name of the homeplate umpire?”
Peter Gammons…..
100 pitches of fun…
September 16th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
The home plate ump will probably take his mask off and it is Gammons behind the plate. If the Pats can cheat how does anyone know their Sox friends can’t. The ump was probably paid a couple hundred before the game. Just pathetic…
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haha i just pictured chone figgins coming home and gammons revealing himself as the umpire to call him out ala deniro in the fan
Who cares about one game.
The Angels won 9 of 10 regular season games one year against the Sox.
The regular season does not matter.
Maybe the Angels will come to play in the playoffs.
That’s all I can hope.
“We better not trip up out West because Boston is on fire and will slice right into our lead.”
Boston is on fire, or the umps flamed the Angels. Try the latter.
When the Yanks visit the Angels, I want to take those umps with us.
DT – OPPC member (blood type – Positive)
September 16th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
“Whoever blames the imps should have their heads checked”
Who are the imps?”
Dustin Pedroia and his little pals.
————————————————————
I love typos. They’re funnier than the errorless posts.
And, of course, I don’t feel like I’m the only one that can’t spell or type. So, I have that going for me.
I told some of you that the Angels are not a threat. The path to the World Series will be through Detroit and Boston.
If Foster was the HP ump tonight, the fix was definitely in but it was Rick Reed
GB7.
I think he plays 2nd base.
Betsy.
Amy re-sent the Svannah suggestions I believe, Did you get them?
-dennis
Why is anyone surprised?
Nick Green is a difference maker.
Final in Boston. Home plate umpire(on red sox payroll) 9 – Angels 8
Whoever blames the imps should have their heads checked
==============================
Since no one is blaming the “imps”, we should be fine.
WHO SAW THE RED SOX CHEAT WITH THE UMPIRES TO WIN THAT GAME TONIGHT???!?!??!
THIS HAS TO STOP…FOR SO LONG I’VE WATCHED THEM GET EVERY BREAK IN THE BOOK AND NOW A PITCH RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE IS CALLED A BALL AND THE SOX TIE THE GAME AND GO ON TO WIN.
THIS ISN’T RIGHT. THIS HAS TO STOP. THE COLLUSION WITH THE MLB AND THE RED SOX HAS GONE FAR ENOUGH. THAT NON-STRIKE CALL ABSOLUTELY CAN’T BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN. IT CAN’T.
Not that it matters, when did Boston last lose? I honestly can’t remember.
Al -
The umpires arent usually that biased in favor of the Sox.
This season has not been so bad.
But the 0-2 call on the Green swing and the 3-2 call were terrible along with Juan Rivera’s major effort to allow the Sox to win.
The ump was Rick Reed. Whoever that is….
100 pitches of fun… says:
September 16, 2009 at 11:28 pm
“What is the name of the homeplate umpire?”
Peter Gammons…..
============
Thanks a lot, I just spilled beer all over myself.
Erica – always OPPC
September 16th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
GreenBeret7
September 16th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
So, NYY is in a win-win situation again tomorrow. Either way, they pick up ground on a chaser.
****
And yet, there is still complaining
————————————————————
Oh, trust me, Erica….they’ll find a reason, even if they have to invent one….as you know.
Angels play a series in Texas after this.
That HFA magic number could really shrink this week.
Holding off BOS may be more of a concern than getting HFA, especially when you compare the schedules.
the sux game was another sham disgrace by the terrible home plate ump.. niok green struck out twice but nah, he even knew he swung for strike 3 butthe moron ump said screw that.
the 3 – 2 pitch was strike 3, check out the k zone on nespn, it proved it.. disgrace……………..
nah I am just paranoid, my eyes do not work correctly. another Boston steal job…………
JOKE
Home plate joker at fenway – Rick Reed
“Nick Green is a difference maker.”
Really, Nick? Next, you’ll be telling me that he’s Jacob.
Dennis, just FYI – I was able to open the attachment this evening. I emailed Amy, but I just also wanted to give a shout out to you here – thank you so much! Your recommendations are going to be very helpful – I’m really looking forward to getting a chance to practice my southern accent, lol.
The now infamous Nick Green “walk”:
http://bit.ly/yu1hl
rconn23.
Was that directed at me? I have never hid the fact I am a Sox season ticket holder/fan. I show up win or lose.
-dennis
Nick green struck out twice but nah give him the walk he is a gritty gutty little middle infielder.
steal job, the angels got ripped off anyone who says differently is stoned and stupid………..
“Was that directed at me? I have never hid the fact I am a Sox season ticket holder/fan. I show up win or lose.”
And we enjoy your visits. Keep them coming.
When are they going to move to robots?
This is a disgrace.
This could happen to us one day too. Maybe in the playoffs.
How come Green started walking away from the plate and he was pissed because he knew he swung at that pitch…but the ump didn’t think so?? Give me a break the ump messed up twice in that inning and even the batter knew he was out.
Rick Reed, younger brother of Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed.
It all makes sense now!!
Bedtime! Good night Yankee People!!!
Yeah, Juan Rivera layed up on that fly ball.
It looked like he could have caught that.
But who knows, could be CGI by ESPN to let those pro Sox imps off the hook.
Damn imps…
So who will #10 be? Rizzuto is the natural choice, but I want to cast a vote for my first favorite player, Celerino Sanchez.
Sox are 7-3 the last 10, same as Yanks. They went 0-3 though before going 7-0.
Things like this make me not want to watch baseball anymore. What’s the point if the game is fixed? Towards the Sux no less?
No Dennis. Not at all. You are always a welcome site on the board.
It’s a few of the trolls who show up only at times like this.
Thanks Laura. I hope that was sincere.
-dennis
worst umpires of our generation:
Marty Foster
C.B. Bucknor
Angel Hernandez
Rick Reed
OMG they are aweful
Damn Straight Pete, it will be a shame if the Yankees blow it this season. Best and funnest team I’ve seen in years. I’m betting on closing the deal. Have faith people, this is what it is all about. It’ll be a nail biter the entire way, but we got the goods. The rockin’ is a commin’.
Kellogg was the first base ump that said Green didn’t swing.
Ugh, I meant “sight”
“Thanks Laura. I hope that was sincere.”
It was.
anyone else agree that the angels lineup is almost as impressive as the yanks? pretty much 1 through 9 are all around .300 hitters, and they have lie 5 guys who hit for impressive power. they are batting mvp candidate morales 6TH! juan rivera, hitting .290 with 22 homers and an .810 ops, hit 8th tonight!!
Grrrr, dennis impersonator at 11:36.
Please, please, ban that person.
dennis-Costanza
September 16th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
GB7.
I think he plays 2nd base.
Betsy.
Amy re-sent the Svannah suggestions I believe, Did you get them?
-dennis
————————————————————
I’m no fan of Pedroia, but, he’s been solid for three years, now. I don’t think that his swing will age very well, though. Joe Morgan had a swing that served him well for a long time, but, that all or nothing swing will get him. This year, the MVP of the Boston team is probably between Youkilis and Ellsbury. A solid defensive center fielder, even with the slightly below average arm. The only concern you guys should have is his kamakazi style of defense. Catch the ball, worry about the body after.
The only way I can see the Angels beating Boston in the ALDS is if they win all of their home games out in LA.
If the Angels have to steal at least 1 win at Fenway, I think they are dead … you could tell Boston knew they would find a way to pull out that win.
In the playoffs with all of their experience, Boston will be licking their chops at Fenway when those games are close … Fuentes scares no one … the Angels may very well have blown their chance of winning another WS title this year when they decided to let K-Rod walk and settled on this piece of trash as their “Plan B”.
For such a good team, the Angels bullpen is absolutely terrible.
Oh, I was on the road and not very pleased when we gave back the runs and then some. But then I walked in the door, and we tied it up. (you’re welcome, guys)
I also saw the Angels give back the lead, and then take back the lead, and then…
That Fuentes just plain sucks. Nick Green? Alex Gonzalez? But that’s the Angels problem, not ours.
Was kinda hoping the Angels would win it, but as long as we stay the course this could work out in our favor. The Angels were closer than the Red Sox. I have more confidence of winning when the Sox visit us, than us beating the Angels on this west coast trip.
GGBG!
“anyone else agree that the angels lineup is almost as impressive as the yanks?”
The operative word being “almost”. I like our lineup better. That being said, it is impressive that they managed to fix something that has plagued them these last few years – no offense. They have the hitting; now, their pitching is suspect. Fuentes and Lidge seem to be competing for the “worst closer” award.
Dennis,
If you never felt like you were 100% a full blooded LoHudder before, you’ve just got handed your wings.
Congrats!
You’ve been impersonated.
Now you’re really in the muck like the rest of us. Welcome aboard.
Dear, people who think the division is in doubt:
Say “I” if you think the Red Sox can go 15-3 in their last 18 games.
Dennis is one of the best posters on this board and he is always welcome.
Making disparaging remarks about him is completely out of line.
AJ really caught Cervelli with the pie tonight!
I could only imagine Scioscia’s post game comments. That ump will be ripped.
I just got thrown out of Fenway tonight for rooting for the Angels. It was ridiculous. My Sox fan friend who stayed behind even said everyone in the section said it was BS
I just got thrown out of Fenway tonight for rooting for the Angels. It was ridiculous. My Sox fan friend who stayed behind even said everyone in the section said it was BS
CB,
I certainly wasn’t speaking about Dennis when I mentioned “trolls”. He’s always welcome here as far as I’m concerned.
Dennis, I did get it – thank you and Amy so much! I can’t wait to try out those recommendations for myself…….
I hope the troll impersonating Dennis really likes posting here because he’s going to get banned as soon as Pete sees that garbage.
I now see why Bos has a better record at home,the UMP helps them out.This explains the late innings comebacks
Watching their closer load the bases, with a 1 run lead,and then blowing the lead,helps you see why Mo is so Valuable!
dennis-Costanza
September 16th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
rconn23.
Was that directed at me? I have never hid the fact I am a Sox season ticket holder/fan. I show up win or lose.
-dennis
————————————————————
Dennis, I’m shocked. SHOCKED!! I always thought that you were a Yankee spy and came here to deliver Sox secrets or something about their signs, how much they paid the “imps” and such.
Fun fact:
The Yankees currently have a .640 WP. If they continue that pace, the Red Sox have to finish the season 18-0 to win the division ending the season with 25 straight wins.
Sounds realistic to me, becuase as well all know the Red Sox are on fiiiiiiire…..
Jeez, one Boston win and here we go. Here’s how this is going to work THIS SEASON. Yanks crush, Boston weeps. Yanks bats have all B’s pitchers in their sites and I can’t wait until the bombers see the over rated matsuzaka. One win and he’s back?
fake dennis troll again at 11:44pm
Go away fake.
Anybody else recognize this impostor?
dennis,
Apologies for the moron troll stalking you tonight.
I think they offer Matsui a 1 year deal with a team option for a 2nd. He either takes it or goes back to Japan and his Giants. He will not play for another MLB team, mark that.
Dennis (The True), I, too send apologies for the idiot imposter. Nobody deserves that crap. Between you and Ray (sox fan), you guys are two of the best, if not slightly misguided posters here.
Bronx Jeers
September 16th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Anybody else recognize this impostor?
————————————————————
Jim Pir-one would be a logical guess.
I wonder if the angels-red sox game will finally force MLB to acknowledge how bad umps have been this year. This game was on espn and wasnt a case of a strike zone being expanded but a strike as close to down the middle as it gets being called a ball. i support robots!
Just sent an email to Pete. Hopefully, the imposter gets banned soon.
Kennedy was fantastic tonite. Any chance yanks call him up? He’s got to do better than Sergio
Angel bullpen has been and will be a big problem all season, and will be next month…..I rather play Anahiem than Boston….
Ya, and I always insult people on here
And I also encourage others to commit suicide like you GB7.
Pot, meet kettle.
dennis,
Nobody believed those posts were from you.
What’s Kennedy going to do? He’s limited to 3 innings and that’s only once every 5-6 days.
Jim Pir-one
September 16th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Ya, and I always insult people on here
And I also encourage others to commit suicide like you GB7.
Pot, meet kettle.
————————————————————
You insult the intelligence of anyone with common sense.
any video of the postgame available?
No I’m pretty sure this is the moron who did the same thing to Rebecca. It was a while back.
There’s a similarity.
When is last time we got 3 good innings from sergio ?
Pat M.
September 16th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Angel bullpen has been and will be a big problem all season, and will be next month…..I rather play Anahiem than Boston….
————————————————————
The problem this year hasn’t been their pitching, like in the past, it’s controlling that offense. On the last trip to Anaheim, NYY scored enough runs to win every game. Just couldn’t stop them from doing the same.
Someone please take the garbage out. Jim Pir-one
Sorry, GB.
I think I would agree with Jim on this one.
Telling others to commit sui cide is pretty bad.
I would not be surprised if Matsui is re-signed and Damon is not. Hideki is a DH and a darn good one. Damon still can hit but gives Girardi heartburn with his defensive escapades, just as Abreu did last year but in a different way. Damon would not be happy were he to be relegated to DH status and would make it known…a possible discordant note in the clubhouse. Just as nothing was said and Abreu was let go, there is a good chance we will see a free agent signing to man LF, will Hideki remaining as the DH. Though it is of course possible both will be re-signed, especially if the 27th becomes reality and not simply Girardi’s number, I don’t think he wants to stomach another year with Damon’s diminished defensive skills.
*suicide*
Ray -
Thanks.
I do my best not to insult others.
If Green Beret feels badly about himself and needs to pick on me, I am more than happy to turn the other cheek.
I save my anger for most Bostonians. There are a few good ones out there
Tampa Yanks have 5-2 lead going into the bottom of the 9th inning to win the FSL title. The 4-5-6 hitters coming up.
These next 9 games are huge. While the Yanks head west to face King Felix and then the Angels, Boston will be playing the 2 worst teams in the league ( Baltimore & Kansas City). They need to go no worse than 4-2 on the trip.
The Yanks are up 5 in the loss column. The last thing they want is to have that lead cut to 3 when they come home to play Boston.
ray (sox fan)
September 17th, 2009 at 12:05 am
Sorry, GB.
I think I would agree with Jim on this one.
Telling others to commit sui cide is pretty bad.
————————————————————
Never told that “person” to commit suicide, Ray.
Drive 4-5 -
Nobody on this blog is concerned with the Red Sox.
They know that the division is over.
They have a Bostonian confidence, one could say.
On nesn.com. They covered the brawl,at the bottom of the article,in the notes section. It quotes Giardi,saying Joba will bell a full-fledge starter at seasons end.
Don’t read the comment section,it’s not for the faint of heart.
I will say,they need to learn to spell. i.e. they call the Yankees SOAR losers ,note sore!!
Jim Pir-one
September 17th, 2009 at 12:10 am
Ray -
Thanks.
I do my best not to insult others.
If Green Beret feels badly about himself and needs to pick on me, I am more than happy to turn the other cheek.
I save my anger for most Bostonians. There are a few good ones out there
————————————————————
Nobody’s “picking on you”. You’re a conspiracy fruitcake. I won’t say idiot, but, you make your own distinction. Everyone knows that you don’t have both oars in the water.
GB, I’ll be at all three games next week….Angels are a team that can throw 4 starters that at any time can get hot….Their bullpen is one of the leagues worse….This season you’re right about their lineup…..Should be an interesting short series with Boston…..
Reacher, Damon stated a few times that he would love to have the DH role. He is more likely to be re-signed than Hideki because he can play the outfield and DH. Matsui is reduced to just being the DH as his knees are so bad they can’t play him in the outfield. He isn’t even able to play some games because of his knees giving him trouble.
Tampa Yanks win the FSL in 5 games. Final was 5-2. Congratulations, kids. Great job. Trenton has a real treat headed their way in 2010.
Tampa Yankees win 5-2, congrats to them and SI.
take a look at this gameday screenshot from the redsox/angles game awful call by the homeplate ump
http://twitpic.com/i0ka4
Pat M.
September 17th, 2009 at 12:16 am
GB, I’ll be at all three games next week….Angels are a team that can throw 4 starters that at any time can get hot….Their bullpen is one of the leagues worse….This season you’re right about their lineup…..Should be an interesting short series with Boston…..
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PAT, kidnap that damned money and hold him for ransom….and I don’t mean Cody.
Any word on how bad Guerrero is, yet? All I saw was a chest injury.
Vlad took a Saito fastball in the ribs.
Abdaba,
Who would you rather see up in the clutch, Damon or Hideki? Damon may have said he would be content to be the DH, but I would question whether he really means it. Though he is usually though to be a fun guy, one of the boys, in fact a self-proclaimed “idiot”, he can be problematical if he is not happy. Torre’s comments in “The Yankee Years” are so suggestive. As I stated previously, I would not be surprised if he were not re-signed.
The Angels are experiencing with Fuentes what the Rockies went through in 07 when they were forced to replace him with Corpas as the closer, and relegate him to the set-up position. Tho he did regain his status in 08, his inconsistency was apparent. Hopefully, he repeats tonight next Mon, Tues and Wed if called upon.
What a win by GGBG and Italiano tonight!
Bronx Jeers
September 17th, 2009 at 12:22 am
Vlad took a Saito fastball in the ribs.
————————————————————
Thanks for the update. He must have caught him flush.
No Posada brawl,no Cerevelli walk off Wednesday.
LOL @ THE METS
The mets
And, Frankie Rodriguez blows another save, giving up two earned runs, so far in the 9th inning. 6 blown saves, a 3+ ERA and a losing record. He’s pretty good but, he’s light years behind Rivera.
As I type this, Murphy commits an error to lose the game.
Murphy should have been charged with two errors on that play, but, one was bad enough.
GB, I hate that freegin monkey….I hate him when I see him on Friends reruns……K-Rod’s little implosion cost me some coins tonight
With their loss via umpire, our magic number over LAA drops to 10.
LMAO. I guess even in Philadelphia, nice things can happen. If you’re a parent or grandparent (or great), you’ll love this.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/articl.....8;c_id=mlb
Pat M.
September 17th, 2009 at 12:46 am
GB, I hate that freegin monkey….I hate him when I see him on Friends reruns……K-Rod’s little implosion cost me some coins tonight
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I’d send the little $#%!*&^ a poison banana, but, I’d probably get extridited for murder.
Sorry for your loss, PAT. That was an ugly ending, even by Mets standards.
Matsui deserves serious consideration…
… Same with Damon…
1. 24+ HR’s
2. 75+ RBI’s
3. AVG > .280
4. OPS > .860
Just give them 1 yr contracts w/ 2nd yr options plus performance bonuses. Maybe an additional bonus based on what condition they are in when they arrive at Spring Training (to encourage a winter workout regimen).
… Of course the base pay amounts would be much lower, kinda like Pettitte’s contract this year.
I believe both could perform very well next yr, and could be very cost efficient (value for the cost) as well.
Damon and Matsui are earning $26M between the two ($13M each) for 2009.
But it is conceivable that the Yanks could end up getting both for $13M in 2010.
I’ve said all season that the Yanks will really miss Matsui next season if and when they let him walk because he’s been one of their best “clutch” hitters on the team since he first signed in 2003.
Don’t know if Cashman likes the idea of bringing back both guys since age and health is a huge factor. But it wouldn’t be the dumbest idea in the world to bring them both back on the cheap.
haiku-man
September 17th, 2009 at 12:36 am
No Posada brawl,no Cerevelli walk off Wednesday.
————————————–
And Brett Gardner was the one who doubled and forced Jorge to cross the plate then he elbowed Carlson, it all comes together.
Matsui is a great clutch hitter. The problem with him is his knees. Damon who also is a very good clutch hitter is less of a health risk and can still play the outfield so he is more versatile.
Girardi loves guys that are versatile. Which is why he has a big fascination with guys like Ransom and Hairston Jr. because they can play multiple positions even if they are not very good.
Mr. Franco….I cannot see Cashman not think about bringing Matsui back for a one year deal….Same for Damon, as there really isn’t any quality replacements on the horizon…..Besides that’s alot of offensive punch to lose, especially at The Stadium….
I still think Cervelli brings more to the table than Molina.
No Cervelli does not.
I like him too, but let’s not get crazy.
Molina is probably the best backup catcher in the league, which automatically makes him better than Cervelli at this stage in his career.
GreenBeret7
September 17th, 2009 at 12:00 am
Jim Pir-one
September 16th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Ya, and I always insult people on here
And I also encourage others to commit suicide like you GB7.
Pot, meet kettle.
————————————————————
You insult the intelligence of anyone with common sense.
————————————————————
leaves you out
If they let Matty go, they gotta bring Bobby back to DH. Got to.
Long time reader, 1st time poster…
First off, to Pete & all the participants: thanks so much for providing and participating in a living, breathing, vital Yankees blog, one that very infrequently drifts into foolish pettiness & instead mostly dwells in the positive & relevant. Its truly a pleasure to follow.
Most pertinently though, I really want to emphasize how much I LOVE this Yankee team. I characterize myself as a serious student of history. Spending 30+ years as a die hard fan granted me experiences that can best be characterized by the Dickens quote, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Enduring seasons of darkness, off set by springs of hope, I continue to live & die with this team. However, as a person who blossomed as a baseball & Yankee fan in ’75, ’76, ’77 & ’78, I can honestly say that the 2009 Yankees favorably compare with the best my experiences can offer. In 1998, I went to 22 games at the Stadium, and saw the Bombers win 21 of them – the only loss happened when I (for one game) abandoned my 3rd baseline perch for upper deck seats along the 1st base line. Needless to say, history hasn’t seen my butt in a 1st baseline seat since.
But I digress. Pulling a quote from a very silly movie that oddly rings so true for these 2009 Yankees: “Everything that happens now, is happening now… We’re at now, now.” As a fan, I only want to concentrate on the now. I caught up with tonight’s game in the eighth, and watched Matsui go yard to tie it. When GGBG (TM – PA) reached, I said to my friend, “Here we go, someone’s gonna get pied.” After the forgone stolen base, Captain Intangibles (also TM – PA) moves him to 3rd. Bringing us to Francisco Cervelli.
Before the WBC, none of us knew that name. Before Posada & Molina went down, none of us knew about the gutsiness of the young Italian kid from Venezuela. But here we all were, bottom of the 9th, score tied, one out, Cervelli at the plate, with GGBG 90 feet from the promised land. Tug McGraw energized the ’69 Mets & the ’80 Phillies with the notion that “You Gotta Believe” and after 13 prior walk offs, no team epitomizes that notion better than our very own ’09 Yanks. So often, its not a question of if, but rather a question of when and who. Sometimes its Melky or Swish or Robby or A-Rod. Tonight the honor fell on Cervelli’s shoulders.
The kid delivered, and, not to get cocky, but I really feel like the honest reaction falls under the heading of “Of course he did.” That, quite simply, is the 2009 New York Yankees, a team with loads of talent, as per usual. But, for me, its the heart, heart that surpasses, and dare I say dwarfs the talent level so often that it leaves me loquacious, long winded and simply in awe.
The game of baseball can leave us dumbfounded, inspired, perplexed and stunned, shedding tears one moment, floating towards the heavens the next. The game unfolds, progresses, breathes in a way that captured and retained my attention and passion since my first exposure to it. For me, I feel honored to follow, to hang on, to live and die with a team that offers, understands, and exhibits so much fortitude. Again, not to get cocky, but I refuse to worry about the probability of #27. I only wish to exist in the now, and preach the gospel of heart. This team knows, because night in and night out, they carry a spirit out between the lines that I feel honored to witness.
they might put melky in lf,gardner in cf,damon at dh
Wow, 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44, 49 & 2 (I’m gonna refer to you as “Numbers” from here on out – i see the significance, but the nickname legends seems cheesy) – That’s one serious post and a prime example of the unique expression that baseball brings out of all of us. I cannot wait to hear what you have to say in a more important situation/game.
hahahah, i never thought I’d agree with Giuseppe Franco, but come one, anyone that says Frisco is above Molina is getting caught up in the moment. Jose Molina is a starting catcher on most MLB teams. He’s solid all around. We will see Frisco in the future, but there’s no way to justify having him before Jose. Period.
I liked Numbers better before he took the posting plunge.
Poor time management (or rather, the choice to watch the entire Yankee game) has me arriving in Eureka quite late, exhausted yet too awake.
Before I hopefully pass out, two things:
1) Mr. Numbers, fantastic post. I humbly suggest you repost it during the daylight hours in another thread to get more readership. The post deserves it. Except, many of us already knew Cervelli before the WBC; we knew him from the spring training incident of ’08.
2) Jose Molina would start for most teams? Really, O’Realy? Has he ever in his career? I think he was available to any team that wanted to pay him to start.
I love Jose and agree that he is rightfully above Cervelli on the depth chart, but you lose me with the ‘he would be a starter on most teams’ business.
Goodnight.
“Jose Molina is a starting catcher on most MLB teams. He’s solid all around.”
Jose Molina of the lifetime 67 OPS+ and 30+ BMI? He may be “solid all around” the middle, but he’s most certainly not a starter for most teams. Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Washington–maybe. That’s six teams. Not “most.”
http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sorta.....yStat=TEAM
Jose Molina is an outstanding backup catcher and one of the top defensive catchers in the game.
But he is NOT a starting catcher and never has been.
He doesn’t hit enough to start everyday and he breaks down when he’s asked to catch a lot more than he’s used to (as we all witnessed last season).
Despite the big hit last night, I wouldn’t trust Cervelli to be the backup catcher next season – especially given Posada’s age and health concerns.
“Matsui is a great clutch hitter. The problem with him is his knees. Damon who also is a very good clutch hitter is less of a health risk and can still play the outfield so he is more versatile.
Girardi loves guys that are versatile. Which is why he has a big fascination with guys like Ransom and Hairston Jr. because they can play multiple positions even if they are not very good.”
Having versatile players is all fine and dandy, but if they’re not good enough in the hitting department, players like Ranson hurts you in the AL East.
Cashman, not Girardi is going to make the call regarding Matsui and Damon. A lot can happen between now and November so I don’t know what Cashman will do with either player as Cashman plays his cards very close to the vest. However, if he can sign both players to one year deals at 8-10M each then he might think about bringing both back.
As much as some would want Posada DHing more next season, Cashman would probably prefer getting more dollar value out of him as the every day catcher in 2010 and having Arod play 3rd base 150 games next season so bringing back Matsui and Damon on more reasonable contracts for 2010 is not out of the realm of possibilities.
By the way, I’m not so sure Cashman wouldn’t bring back Molina either next season, if he can get a reasonable deal done with him too.
I say start Gardner every day!!
At least give him more starts than Cabrera in CF, and equal to Cabrera when you count the days that Cabrera is in LF or RF.
>He’s solid all around
On defense, maybe. With the bat, he’s zero point zero.
Girardi should get Manager of the Year. He planned that double switch so Cervelli would come up w/ his dreamy eyes and mesmerize the pitcher into giving up the game winning hit
Its so fitting that today’s magic # is the guy who scored the game winning run.
That last pitch to Green was a strike ump called it a ball because of the half swing
By the way, I’m not so sure Cashman wouldn’t bring back Molina either next season, if he can get a reasonable deal done with him too.
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I doubt it. Molina is only one year younger than Posada and Posada only has 2 more years on what will probably be his last contract. Its time for the Yankees to bring up one young catcher (Cervelli) and start preparing for 2012 when Posada is retired.
A very impressive post by the man o’Realy refered to as “Numbers”. Now that’s a fan!
The Red Sox caught a huge break last night. That win was a gift from the men in blue. Those things do happen, but apparently there’s a feeling that the umpire’s are intimidated in Fenway.
Per ESPN, Fuentes said “Especially here and some other places, they seem timid to make calls,” he said after twice failing to get a third strike called on pinch-hitter Nick Green, who wound up drawing a bases-loaded walk to score the tying run. “I’ve heard it from other guys that come in here and say that. That’s either because it’s a mistake, or they’re scared.”
Scioscia added:”What was the count at the end, 3-4 to Green?” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said sarcastically.
“I doubt it. Molina is only one year younger than Posada and Posada only has 2 more years on what will probably be his last contract. Its time for the Yankees to bring up one young catcher (Cervelli) and start preparing for 2012 when Posada is retired.”
Don’t be so sure that Posada retires after 2011 and having catching depth is something the Yankees might enjoy which is why Molina not coming back next year isn’t a fore gone conclusion.
Can’t see Molina coming back. That’s one of those places where you can knock a million or two off a bloated payroll as you head into the future. Ditto bringing back Damon AND Matsui. With Alex possibly needing DH days and a clear need to have better OF defense it’s really hard to see Matsui back even for a deal like Abreu accepted.
The process of getting younger and more athletic needs to continue and that means more of Gardner and Melky at the same time and that leaves Damon OR Matsui as the primary DH. With Damon’s ability to play at least a passable LF he gets the edge in my view.
The home plate ump in Boston is going to be mighty embarrassed when he watches Sportscenter. The pitch wasn’t even borderline and he was too cowardly to do his job.
Ozzie Guillen said “Funny things happen in Fenway.” The fans are on top of the field & the Umps are afraid. Get used to it, part of the 4 straight wins against the Yanks was fueled by bad calls against the Yankees. It looks like it’s happening again.
I will sign on for Matsui coming back. DH is not as easy as it seems. There is I believe a mindset to it. Matsui is the type to excel there. What ever I need to do to help this team. That is why I believe you almost have to find a way to get him back here as the DH.
Not sure Po, Damon, at this stage accept their future as a DH. It is the acceptance that makes Sui, very goood.
that’s why cashman gets paid the big bucks and we pontificate here LOL.
Why didn’t you show a picture of Sheffield instead of Gardner?
I think it is unlikely that Yanks will resign both Matsui and Damon. Both have issues, and both have value.
Matsui can really hit, and he is clutch! I think he might like sticking with the Yanks and being the majority time DH, yielding the occasional day to the other aging vets around the diamond. This situation also gives HIM a few days off every once and a while to nurse his knees.
His knees preclude his taking top dollar in the market. The Yankees could make a reasonable offer for a one year (maybe a second year club option) with incentives that might get the deal done. I don’t think he will have that many other options. The only other interested teams that might be willing to bid against the Yanks on this would be West Coast teams that might see him as a cash cow with their large Asian fan bases, but he would have to play regularly in order for those teams to tap that market effectively. Since he is physically unable to field (unlike Giambi or Thome, who can play a position, albeit, at severe liability to their respective defensive units…), I doubt he would want to play on an NL team only to be relegated to pinch hit status.
Damon, on the other hand, can still play a regular OF. There are teams out there who might be interested in having him be their starting corner outfielder. He is a great hitter, can leadoff if needed, and is a great personality in the clubhouse. There will be a decent market for him, and I doubt the Yankees will be interested in getting into a bidding war for him. He will be missed greatly, but I think Cash will let him go. I think he’ll get more that Abreu had to take from the Angels, and he will probably get more than one year.