Greetings from Southern California
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Oct 18, 2009 
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I don’t remember much about the flight out here since I was pretty much delirious, but then again I’d imagine many of you who stayed up for all 5 hours, 10 minutes of last night’s game probably had similar episodes today, too. Let me put it this way: I spent a good 10 minutes staring at the door to my rental car, looking for the power lock button only to finally realize that the car didn’t have power locks (or power windows, for that matter. Is that bad?)
Anyway, I’m here, Chad’s here, the Yankees are here and there’s going to be at least two baseball games at Angels Stadium this week. The Yankees, not surprisingly, canceled their workout today but they did put several folks on a conference call with the media to answer some questions.
Here’s Girardi.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Hunter watched from center field in the bottom of the 11th inning as catcher Jeff Mathis positioned his glove up and away for Brian Fuentes’ 0-2 pitch to Alex Rodriguez. And Hunter had a good idea what was coming next.
“I saw the glove go up,” Hunter recalled Sunday, “and in my head, I said, ‘Noooo!’”
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/articl.....8;c_id=mlb
Ok, now to listen to the audio. Thanks Sam.
Does anyone know cc’s career stats on short rest?
Sam, I’m sure you we’re feeling very dazed and confused. But I had to take an admissions test today, and I was also at the game, so I want some love also.
I think Pete did a great job setting up this blog, and especially getting people interested and involved with the insider updates that beat writers get but don’t often report due to space and time restrictions.
I think Chad, Sam, and Josh are following up on his model quite well, and are doing as good if not a better job. Three people getting news to us is better than one.
Pete is a die hard Sox fan. He can name every Sox lineup from 74 on. If that’s not diehard, I don’t know what is.
For him to start this blog, and maintain his professionalism during it, especially during a lot of the abuse the Sox trolls took, was quite impressive. Peter Gammons is his role model, and Gammons maintained his professionalism until 2004, when he just couldn’t lie to himself anymore during the Sox miracle. I think the Boston gig was Pete’s dream, and he had to take it then, and so be it. Good luck.
However, Pete’s professionalism did waver whenever Clemens and ARod were discussed–not surprising given how intense a Sox fan he really is, and how intensely most Boston fans despise the two of them.
Now that he’s officially on the “other” side, Yankee fans can abuse him all they want as a biased homer, just like we do Peter Gammons. This includes posting on his blog (which is open to everyone) little tidbits that must irritate him, like ARod’s postseason success.
To those who feel that this blog was just about Pete’s updates, and just read the updates and comments, that’s OK. Simply read the comments and don’t post if you don’t feel like it. Many do.
On the other hand, I think that the strength of this blog is both the insider beat information that many of us can get, as well as the discussion that ensues. Why else would the game posts get over 1500 comments?
it makes sense for him to pitch game 4, even if the series ends up running short.
They still make cars without power windows and locks?
Hope you at least did a non-stop into John Wayne or Long Beach and didn’t have to connect through somewhere.
Dude where were you renting from that your car didn’t have power locks or windows?! even my crappy aveo rental had that last week
Sam-
Haha, are you using your feet to get around like Fred Flintstone’s car too?
Meanwhile it’s nice to be at stadium where the fans, you know, sit in the seats they purchased and watch the game, even those with the good seats. What a concept.
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pete abes comment
Thanks for the audio. The most important thing I gleaned from it is I know what Chad Jennings sounds like now.
Oh, and Girardi called Zillo “JZ”.
bru,
That’s weak.
BTW, I heard a little of the espn radio broadcast of this Phillies game.
Guess what Soup and Pascarelli were talking about? They were talking about Utley and whether or not he has the yips. They said that Charlie manuel’s answers to the question about whether or not Utley had throwing problems in the first roundwent from, “nothing” to “maybe” to “a little”.
Then before the next inning they said that Utley made 3 perfect practice throws to first, chest high to Howard.
Something to keep an eye on.
If you want to harsh on Pete for taking snippy shots at the Yankees, fine. We all used to do that BEFORE he went to Boston.com.
But harshing on him for being a RS fan and flying the RS flag on his RS site, that seems a bit excessive (or should I say, obsessive?). The fact that he’s a RS fan makes what he did here even more impressive, and it should make people here appreciate him even more, not less.
m
October 18th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
BTW, I heard a little of the espn radio broadcast of this Phillies game.
Guess what Soup and Pascarelli were talking about? They were talking about Utley and whether or not he has the yips. They said that Charlie manuel’s answers to the question about whether or not Utley had throwing problems in the first roundwent from, “nothing” to “maybe” to “a little”.
Then before the next inning they said that Utley made 3 perfect practice throws to first, chest high to Howard.
Something to keep an eye on.
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There were discussions on MLB that they thought that Utley’s hip was failing him because of his reluctance to shift his weight and throw off of that foot and that it is also affecting his hitting over the last 3-4 weeks.
Utley’s a strong guy, but, that fly ball looked like it was all arms and very little leg.
No offense but is it really that grueling to sit around and watch a baseball game for 5 hrs? It’s not like it’s physical labor that can drain you.
What are you mumbling about?
GB7,
Thanks. They said, “we’re not saying something is wrong, but it is possible it could be between the ears.” and “One thing we know is it’s not affecting what he does at the plate” (i’m assuming he’s having a good series.)
But if he’s not putting weight on his plant foot, that would explain his throws going wide to the right.
its like pete abe is playing tit for tat with the comments because we go over there & ridicule him
ask pete who lead mlb in attendance
the yankees
are they perfect?
no but….
pete did a great job here but he is a rs,the enemy & he is home
The “You took steroids” chants for Manny are so un-original. That’s Alex’s chant!
m
October 18th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
GB7,
Thanks. They said, “we’re not saying something is wrong, but it is possible it could be between the ears.” and “One thing we know is it’s not affecting what he does at the plate” (i’m assuming he’s having a good series.)
But if he’s not putting weight on his plant foot, that would explain his throws going wide to the right.
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Yeah, the other night was two plays and two throws that went to the same place. I’m curious if that comes up again, tonight. He had a good series against Colorado, but, it’s been a total washout in this one, so far. I’d like to see one more game before deciding that Utley has become a cripple. He’s 2-11, so, that’s not much to go on. His fielding though is a different story….or, at least his throwing is.
Tommy Lasorda looks cold and unhappy.
GB
I saw that on MLB about Utley too.
Wondered if he is a front or back foot hitter and whether that could be the difference in his ability to hit but not plant to throw.
I wonder if Tommy Lasagna really bleeds Dodger blue???
pat
October 18th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
GB
I saw that on MLB about Utley too.
Wondered if he is a front or back foot hitter and whether that could be the difference in his ability to hit but not plant to throw.
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Not sure, because I haven’t watched him a lot, lately, but, I don’t think that he’s really a back legger. More of a slight front leg shift and lower body type swing. Sort of a Raul Ibanez type. Pretty much a hip turner.
Cliff Lee……Tough Hombre
Just got in to find the NL game still going.
All I have to say is YAHOO!!!!!
GO PHILS!!!
If the Phils bullpen and defense didn’t give the other game away, the Phils could be up 3-0 at the end of tonight. However, 2-1 with the next two games in Philly ain’t bad!
Geez, the Phillies can thump. I’m not rooting for any team in particular (should the Yankees get to the WS) – but the Philly lineup is scary. The Yanks would have to score more than 2 or 3 runs a game to beat them…They are a very, very good team.
Sam, I emailed you. When you get a chance, if you could take a look at it – it’s very important. Thanks!
GB, I read that the balloon boy’s dad is going to charged criminally. Good. That kind of “prank” is horrific.
pat m,
are you going to angel stadium this week?
GB, I never heard of “Gary Owen”……..I admit to whistling (or humming) Dixie occasionally to keep my brain occupied, lol
“I don’t think that he’s really a back legger.”
So much for my theory then. Figured he throws righty and bats lefty so he would be planting on different legs.
Betsy
October 18th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
GB, I didn’t know that- how interesting. I wonder if I should feel guilty? It’s not even the lyrics – the tune is just so incredibly catchy. LOL……However, I also love Battle Hymn of the Republic (I think that’s the Glory, Glory, Halleluljah song), so I guess I’m ok.
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It’s just a good whistling tune and it goes well for marching and riding a horse, too. That’s why the US Cavelry adapted “Gary Owen” as their song in the mid-1870s. It went well on a horse.
I just love hearing GB7′s war stories..
m
You’re boy is a stat padder.
16 hours and 51 minutes until Game 3!!!!!!!!
The Phillies just outscored the Eagles.
Any of you gonna go to the stadium to watch?
The Phillies like any other team won’t score a lot of runs if they face good pitching. The only reason why they are hitting so well in this game is because the Dodger pitching tonight has been bad. If the Yankees do face the Phils with their pitching I doubt the Phillies will be doing much scoring.
Dodgers are in big trouble.Because they split the 1st two games,and for sure losing tonight.They could lose the pennant on the road. Philly 11-0 Dodgers went to sleep!
And this series is far from over. The Phillies have Joe Blanton pitching the nest game. I think this series will go down to the wire. Cliff Lee won’t be able to pitch every game in this series.
sorry-next game.
The only reliable starter the Phils have is Lee. Hamels has been up and down all year and has been bad this postseason, Pedro is old and wouldn’t fare well against an AL lineup, and Blanton sucks.
Dodgers just need to steal 1 game
I think any Dodgers or Phillies fan will be in for a rude surprise facing either the Yankees or Angels. Yes, I’m aware that the Phillies beat the Rays. Pfft. That says it all right there.
pat,
Such a show-off.
Putting Cliff Lee next to Warren Spahn is just down right disrespectful. I don’t care if you want to compare shoulders and gloves. Don’t do it.
Cliff Lee is a good pitcher put he stil has more to prove. You can’t call him Warren Spahn when he still has a young career.
Betsy, here is a copy of Garry Owen. The Cavalry has two main songs, Custer’s 7th Cavalry song of “Garry Owen” and “She Wore A Yellow Ribbon”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
Carl, they actually compared Cliff Lee to Warren Spahn? Seriously?
Also, I wasn’t aware of this, but I read on another board that the MLB guys said after the game yesterday that they are rooting for the Angels. I didn’t hear this and I listened to everything……….but if it’s true, wow – talk about unprofessional.
GB, thanks – it certainly is catchy!
m
October 18th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
I just love hearing GB7’s war stories..
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I guess I’ll have to think some up, Mel. I’m not good at them, though. I’ll just limit my war stories to being taught to play Golf by SSG Orville Moody and his thoughts of sending me as far away from golf courses as possible. He felt people would be safer if I was out of the country.
GreenBeret7 October 18th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
m
October 18th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
I just love hearing GB7’s war stories..
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I guess I’ll have to think some up
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I’m waiting for you to confess on your nefarious work at Goat Lab.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SreufFevUSw
The MLB guys have been going for the Angels from the start. They already declared victory for the Angels in Game 3. How can you predict that ? Because Weaver is good ? Those guys don’t know what there talking about.
# Betsy October 18th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
Carl, they actually compared Cliff Lee to Warren Spahn? Seriously?
Also, I wasn’t aware of this, but I read on another board that the MLB guys said after the game yesterday that they are rooting for the Angels. I didn’t hear this and I listened to everything……….but if it’s true, wow – talk about unprofessional.
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Mitch Williams said it. He said he was rooting for the Angels but the Yankees are too much to overcome.
There’s a movie about George Custer (quite a few, actually” called “They Die With Their Boots On” that’s good entertainment and about 2/3rds truth and 1/3rd fiction….Errol Flynn and Olivia DeHavillan. Really, the whole story of that incident is sad. It never should have happened. Part ego on Custer’s part, but, mostly, poor tactics on the part of Terry and Crook. Then, there is the cowardice of Reno and Benteen.
I think the Custer dramatization in “Little Big Man” is one the great moments in film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWGAdzn5_KU
Wow, Sun Devil……..how unprofessional. What a dope.
I don’t know much about the 7th Cavalry, but the Twilight Zone had a great episode about 3 soldiers who were on military maneuvers in the area and they ended up getting involved in the actual battle (don’t ask how, lol – it’s the TZ !). I thought they were really stupid – 3 men, one with an arrow in his back were going to take their tiny pistols into a swarm of Indians on horseback?
Mitch Williams also said that Joba AND Hughes should both stay in the bullpen next year.
He also said Gaudin would be starting Game 4.
Not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
I heard that stuff, lol……….I rolled my eyes.
Mitch Williams is a fool.
i know there are still a lot of games left in both LCS but right now its looking like it’s most likely gonna be Yankees-Phillies so i went to baseball-reference.com and came up with this.
Yankees All-Time Results vs reigning champion in the World Series
1922 vs New York Giants: Lost
1923 vs New York Giants: Won
1943 vs St. Louis Cardinals: Won
1956 vs Brooklyn Dodgers: Won
1958 vs Milwaukee Braves: Won
1976 vs Cincinnati Reds: Lost
1996 vs Atlanta Braves: Won
pretty good, I’d say. Then again most statistics that involve “New York Yankees” and “World Series” are pretty good. just found it interesting. i came up with it more to irritate my phillies fan friends.
“The Yanks would have to score more than 2 or 3 runs a game to beat them…They are a very, very good team.”
The Phillies lost to the Dodgers 3-2 in the second game, didn’t they?
actually they lost 2-1 in game 2
their lineup is just as easily shut down by solid pitching as any lineup. the Phillies are indeed really good….so are the Yankees.
The Phillies have a very good offense, but beating up on Kershaw and Kuroda is akin to beating up on the second half version of Joba and a glorified Kei Igawa.
Remember, they got shut down by Padilla just a few days ago, so if Sabathia, Burnett, and Pettitte are on their game, their offense can be handled.
If anything, it should help that the Phillies haven’t yet faced a great starter this entire postseason. I don’t think anyone one the Dodgers or Rockies staff holds a candle to Sabathia.
Speeding through the I-5 Cow Manure Corridor.
It smells like a metaphor for the crap we have to put up with as Yankee fans before we reach the Magic Kingdom.
I think it’s worth it.
MLB wasn’t saying that Lee is as good as Spahn was. Only that their style of hiding the ball behind the glove is similar and they are difficult to find the ball against. They are correct. Spahn had a much higher leg kick, but, they have the same deception. Spahn had 5 or 6 pitches, though…not including a great spitball.
I’ve been putting up with endless crap from Phillies fans since the Division Series. They’re just itching for a Phils-Yanks World Series so they can say they beat us. They’re pretty arrogant after getting their 2nd championship in 125 years you know. They’re like animals. And Philadelphia fans of all sports think their team has a rivalry with every other team in existence. Apparently the Phillies and Yankees have a storied rivalry and that’s why they hate the Yankees so much and have given me such a hard time. It’s not because it’s trendy to hate the Yankees.
funny you can hear sam typing keyboard on the audio
(OK…..are you ready for this. Joe Giradi should be fired! Oh yes! Mariana Rivera who makes $45K each time he walks on to save a game in the 9th, 10th or whatever can’t stay in the game so his intimating appearance would end the game Monday night. We don’t deserve to go to the world series and in a way I hope we do if and only if they realize the mostly dependable Mariana can get us through more than 3 batters. What s freak’in shame that a catcher like Joe G can’t figure out that this is not spring training but the chance to win a 27th World Championship! I’m not a rookie myself! I’ve coached enough teams to know when you got something going don’t stop till they stop! Go Yankees……maybe!