CC pitches, Alex hits and the Yankees are one win away from the World Series
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Oct 20, 2009 
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At this point you’d have to consider the race for the ALCS MVP award to be a dead heat between CC Sabathia and Alex Rodriguez, and the Yankees – after a 10-1 thrashing of the Angels in Game 4 – are just one win away from their first World Series since 2003. Check back here for updates from the clubhouse as soon as Chad and I get back upstairs.
UPDATE, 12:11 p.m.: Joe Girardi said Sabathia “was spectacular again. To be able to shut this club down like he did, again, is no easy feat. … I don’t think you can say enough what he’s done so far in this series.”
As for A-Rod, Girardi was similarly awed. “He’s a great player – I think that’s plain and simple,” Girardi said. “He’s in the zone right now. He’s locked in. Every at-bat is a good at-bat. You see him not missing pitches. When he puts the swing on it, it’s a good swing.”
I’ll have audio from Girardi, Sabathia and umpire Tim McClelland – who made a statement essentially saying he missed two calls at third base – shortly.
UPDATE, 12:26 a.m.: Jorge Posada kept his assessment of Alex Rodriguez pretty cut and dry. “I think he’s proven that he’s probably the best player in baseball.”
UPDATE, 12:45 a.m.: Here’s the audio from Girardi’s postgame presser. He basically goes back and forth from CC to Alex, CC to Alex throughout.
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And here’s CC’s audio.
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And lastly, here’s Tim McClelland making a statement about how he missed two calls at third base.
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UPDATE, 12:55 a.m.: Chad here with some words from Derek Jeter. The clubhouse audio is a bit spotty, but here are the highlights from the Captain.
• On expectations when Alex Rodriguez comes to the plate: “I wouldn’t say a home run, but we expect him to hit the ball hard. That’s the biggest key. He seems like he’s swinging at strikes. He’s human. He’s going to get out sometimes. But it seems like when he puts the ball in play he puts the ball in play hard.”
• On what makes CC Sabathia pitch well in big games: “His demeanor hasn’t changed. Good games. Bad games. If he strikes a guy out or gives up a hit, he has the same demeanor. He has a lot of confidence in his ability, but he’s pretty unflappable.”
• After someone with a microphone called this a breather: “It wasn’t a breather, man. It was a breather for what, an inning and a half? It was 5-1 going into the eighth inning. Get a couple of guys on and the monkey comes out, you never know what’s going to happen. No, it wasn’t a breather. It’s the playoffs. You never know what can happen.”
Vote em both
I second JMK. Both are deserving.
Co-MVPs!
Lets close it out on thurs!!!!
Ha ha ha Mark Grace, your ridiculous prediction isn’t looking too good right now is it. Fool.
CC is such a class act it must suck for Yankee haters because it’s almost impossible to hate the guy.
CC…that’s why they call me Big Poppa!
Beat that PIE MAN
they were both great – but Melky got the BIG hit of this game!
My Votes are for Both!
I’d still give the nod to Alex. Again, he’s played every game. That should give him the edge.
44 hours and 15 minutes until Game 5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gotta go with Alex.
Carry over votes from ALDS plus impacted more games in the ALCS.
Johnny Damon MVP
(Sorry, I had to say it)
Pepitone,
Please convey the blog’s birtday wishes to your wife.
I repeat, Melky sure shut a bunch of you up tonight. I don’t take shots at players on my team, but Brett Gardner can’t hold his jockstrap as a baseball player.
Today was my wife’s birthday!
She won’t let me say how old she is though.
Game 5 is far too far away. I haven’t been this excited in a very long time.
here is why you need to root for the Dodgers to win game 5 and 6.
Cliff Lee would not be able to start Game 1 if he pitches Game 7 of the NLCS.
Cole Hamels is tough but he has been much more hittable this season than in 2008.
great win. night all
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/m.....id=6350584
Watch press conferences live
MLBN is covering the game now.
DT – OPPC member (blood type – Positive)
October 20th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
“P.S. FOX pls do not show that little girl crying, you never did that for our fans, so it gets no sympathy from me. ”
poor kid. some Yankee fan probably told her the rally monkey was not breathing.
————————————————————
LMAO. That’s really cold hearted. You must be a Yankee fan. Ain’t it great?
Scioscia on ESPNEWS
trisha- thank God someone else noticed how rediculous he is.. him and karros are the worst combo ever. i think even worse then buck and mccarver.
was Tim Mcclelland on acid?
Erica – always OPPC
October 20th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Johnny Damon MVP
(Sorry, I had to say it)
====
Johnny saved the bullpen with that clutch 2-out HR.
Kudos to your PBF.
1 more win & were headin to the promised land
Obviously the MVP is chad gaudin, what would we do without him?
need to win one more before the MVP talk starts!
CC and A-Rod…
Cruisin’ Eldorado State…
Loading up on Wings!!!!!
Are you guys sure that Girardi isn’t the MVP?
I’m confident in the Yankees but I’m not one to talk about MVP when we still have finish off the series.
Erica,
from last threads YES question. Thank for the info, Ive been working late nights and we dont get YES there.
Anyway, this was a must win tonight after last nights game and now we are looking good. However, I will always have one foot in the door when it comes to calling the series over.
2004 honestly left a whole in my soul…
2009 can fill it.
C.C. Sabathia pitched like the greats of old, Koufax, Gibson, Carlton, Seaver, even Catfish.
A-Rod starting to elbow Reggie out of that “Mr. October” chair. Reggie won’t like that.
This Yankee team is starting to look dominant, folks!
ONE more win till we hear the long-waited words: The Yankees are going to the World Series.
World Series starts one week from tonight.
Geez, we close this out on thursday, then we have to wait 6 days for the series to start.
Alex edges out CC. But both have been amazing.
CC tonight=
Dr Cox-
No problem. Glad to help.
I have never been to a Yankee parade. I want to go to my first so badly…..
Just to remind you about your predictions:
http://members.cox.net/lsdorgan/CLS.pdf
The UMPs=
Tomorrow is going to be a long day and it will seem like forever until Thursday at 8 p.m.
Ed – 2009 will be the year of the Yanks
October 20th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
ONE more win till we hear the long-waited words: The Yankees are going to the World Series.
****
I can’t even think about that yet. I want that win!!! No holds barred Thursday!!!
100 pitches of fun…
October 20th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Tomorrow is going to be a long day and it will seem like forever until Thursday at 8 p.m.
***
I will do my best to remind you of the passage of time every chance I get
“World Series starts one week from tonight.”
One more win until WS talk is real.
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
October 20th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Pepitone,
Please convey the blog’s birtday wishes to your wife.
==============
Thank you, I sure will.
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.co.....096089.jpg
Yankees making Angels’ fans cry since 2009.
Nice one
CC > Kevin Brown
I have to work a volleyball game on thursday night. I wonder if ill be able to stream the radio feed on my phone.
As of this minute, you have to go with Co-MVPs. 23 innings of domination in a lot of close games. Rodriguez has just been deadly at the plate and totally into every part of the game.
mcclellands call on swishs tag was an obvious make-up for the wrong call on swish at 2nd…..but he blew the posada/cano fiasco at 3rd….he looks like someone from south park
Vader
October 20th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
CC > Kevin Brown
****
LOL
who hired dan pleasac…yikes, hes annoying!
This is funny. I was just talking about this with my son. We both feel that Alex is the MVP, even though it is close. He carried the offense along and had so many key hits that either tied or put them ahead.
I think if the series were to go to 7 games and CC pitched and won that game then it would be CC who would get it.
Of course they could do a co-MVP, though I don’t think that commonly happens.
Who votes on the MVP? Is it the players?
On another note, it was nice that Girardi seemed to have backed off a bit from the mother hen managing. I was afraid for a bit that he was going to take CC out when he got into a couple of jambs, but he stayed relaxed and CC worked his magic.
mick…Jimbo?
I have to get up early tomorrow, but I just can’t turn off the YES postgame – I just want to keep savoring this.
Well that didn’t take long-
Yahoo calling the Cano/Posada call the worst call ever
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/bl.....mlb,197210
vader
could be
Joe from Long Island
October 20th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
I have to get up early tomorrow, but I just can’t turn off the YES postgame – I just want to keep savoring this.
****
Savor it. You can sleep in the winter
garrison?
Ed – 2009 will be the year of the Yanks October 20th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.co…..096089.jpg
Yankees making Angels’ fans cry since 2009.
==========================
Poor child.
Oh well Yankees won!
What a beautiful game. Glad to see Melky have a big night – would be nice to see him go on a little roll here.
CC is so money. Its nice to have a talent like that on our team for a change.
can they win one more before the coronation?
don’t jinx, let’s get one more win.
I’m not ready to put Sabathia in with Koufax, Gibson and those guys and not ready to call Rodriguez Mr. October until this series is over and he does this kind of hitting in the WS. May Mr. October PS 2009.
Its a good thing the yankees won this game by a lot or else people would be crying foul about the umpiring losing this game for the A’s.
CC throwin’ out some smack in a polite way.
You tell those fools, CC!
Is anyone going to be able to sleep tonight? I know I won’t.
Please, please, do not defend Posada any longer. Yes, he can hit, buy, he is without a doubt one of the worst base runners in the game, and one of the dumbest! How can a catcher be in the game, and not know how many outs there are? The only thing worse in todays game were the umpires, what a disgrace to the game.
cc 3-0 with a 1.19 era.
does anyone remember my prediction of a beatdown earlier this evening? wish i could bring it here to show.
While I can understand the umpires sometimes trying to make up a bad call, it really shouldn’t be done. That is two wrongs trying to make a right.
3-1, one more to go and its on to the WS.
The media asks such stupid questions
With this being a blowout…the calls by the umps become a footnote. However, MLB has to do something about getting better guys out there before they cost someone a game.
I don’t care about MVP’s, lets get one more win. This team is hungry for it.
Alex 3-4 today, with big hits. And, if you look at his stance, he barely moves that leg, and just turns his hips and swings. You don’t see those too long swings of years ago.
I was going to say something about Kate Hudson and Alex’ new mechanics, but I don’t want to get banned
Erica – always OPPC
October 20th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Well that didn’t take long-
Yahoo calling the Cano/Posada call the worst call ever
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/bl…..mlb,197210
but no one scored
umps are jokes!
posada should DH on Thurs.
“I repeat, Melky sure shut a bunch of you up tonight. I don’t take shots at players on my team, but Brett Gardner can’t hold his jockstrap as a baseball player.”
I couldn’t agree with you more. On all counts.
By the way, 50 is being way too kind.
Hey, Trishia -
Where is my predictions?
I had Yankees over the Angels in 6, and the Dodgers over the Rockies in 5. Unfortunately, the Rockies let me down. I am now going with the Dodgers in 7.
Gotta be a Yankee – Dodger World Series. It isn’t a World Series without the Dodgers and the Yankees.
My World Series prediction is the Yankees over the Dodgers in 6.
Put me on the board, Trishia.
mick
October 20th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
garrison?
Garrsison with Mr. Hat or Mrs. Garrison???
Our boys sure did make a statement tonight, didn’t they?! Enough spitting controversy and a one-game win streak from the Angels, and onto the World Series with one more win! God bless the Yankees!!
Is Posada that dumb? I can’t imagine what he was thinking when he sprinted back to the 3rd or when he ran off the field with only 2 outs.
101 pitches for CC in 8. nice!
AJ gives up as many walks in an inning.
close it AJ…close the deal!
Alright — i guess im talking to myself and i can do that without my computer… soo im off to watch something other than baseball. Have a great night.
Is anyone going to be able to sleep tonight?
——————–
It will be much easier to fall asleep tonight than it was last night. I can guarantee that.
vader
ms garrison made an appearance on tonites s. park
Pep, I obviously didn’t see your predictions. I’ll put you on the chart. I only take one series at a time.
McClelland is going to be making a statement to the press after Arod’s press conference. I feel kind of bad for the guy because he is a very good umpire.
What did CC say??? i missed it…
42 innings played….Angels have had the lead a total of 1/ 1/2 innings
Poor Girardi, tonight he will have to run on the treadmill instead of to the mound.
Good call on Posada as DH on Thursday. I suggested him to hit fifth today and was pleasantly surprised Girardi put him there. More surprising is one of my ideas worked well.
ump on espnews
That was one brutal night for the umpiring profession. I’m very glad that crap didn’t alter the game’s outcome. The boys look pumped but ready to get on with their business; I really like the look of this group.
With Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee pitching 2 of the next 3, I think the Dodgers are out of it.
Karma is something, isn’t it?
If history has taught us anything…4 wins is needed to move on. I want it done out here, let’s go AJ, feed off of CC.
As great a hitter as Posada is, he is an equally bad baserunner. Luckily that play is nothing more than a tiny footnote.
“It isn’t a World Series without the Dodgers and the Yankees.”
What does that mean?
I would hate a Dodger-Yankees WS. I dont want any of the Torre drama hovering.
he never even looked at swish when he left 3rd
Not sure what the deal is with the umpires or Posada, but, last night, the home plate umpire tried calling Posada out on a 2nd strike call. I’m sure there are side issues going on with Posada that may not have anything to do with baseball. He still is one of the top two catchers in baseball and he’s doing just fine.
So not only do the umps blow the calls, they then lie to the media about them. He was not watching Swisher when Hunter caught that ball.
michelle b- if you have an iphone and mlb at bat you might possibly be able to stream the Yankees home feed over your phone.
Dr. Cox
October 21st, 2009 at 12:04 am
“It isn’t a World Series without the Dodgers and the Yankees.”
What does that mean?
I would hate a Dodger-Yankees WS. I dont want any of the Torre drama hovering.
****
I second that emotion
Mike
October 20th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
“I repeat, Melky sure shut a bunch of you up tonight. I don’t take shots at players on my team, but Brett Gardner can’t hold his jockstrap as a baseball player.”
I couldn’t agree with you more. On all counts.
By the way, 50 is being way too kind.
=====
x3. But I hate disparaging the other kid, even though people over estimate what he’s capable of, and take relentless shots at Melky.
It should be apparent who the better player is.
Gardner still has an important role on this team.
I think I might have made the worst calls ever as an umpire once.
I won’t get into it but like that play, it was borne from an incredibly stupid play by a player.
It’s like the mind doesn’t accept the stupidity and overrules the actual play on the field.
vin
posada should have scored on the cano double
“As great a hitter as Posada is, he is an equally bad baserunner. Luckily that play is nothing more than a tiny footnote.”
Actually, Cano was worse because he didn’t have his foot on the bag.
Fantastic win. Exactly what I wanted to see. I felt good about CC already, but I was getting worried about the bats. And well, they showed up tonight!
It’s go time now. I think the Yankees will remember what happened in ’04 and they’ll absolutely bring it in game 5. They know the Angels can win 3 straight against them.
I keep saying if Al has a big postseason and we win the WS, I said I would watch every Kate Hudson movie she was or is in. Nothing changes.
““I repeat, Melky sure shut a bunch of you up tonight. I don’t take shots at players on my team, but Brett Gardner can’t hold his jockstrap as a baseball player.”
so if you dont take shots…why are you?..gardner is a good backup and can start on this team…melky is not worlds better than gardner…they both do different things and both are useful
Posada is hitting .414 against Lackey. I would be shocked if he doesn’t DH on Thursday. Also Matsui is lost there is no reason to play him over Posada. You can’t take Posada’s bat out of the lineup.
ARod on ESPNNEWS saying Girardi is a great manager. Something he never said about torre.
Brandon Awesome (BECAUSE I’M AWESOME!)
October 21st, 2009 at 12:05 am
I keep saying if Al has a big postseason and we win the WS, I said I would watch every Kate Hudson movie she was or is in. Nothing changes.
****
And I keep telling you Raising Helen was really awful
posada ran off the field in the 1st inning when their were 2 out
I’m betting that Molina catches AJ on Thursday, but Posada DH’s. They’ll give Matsui the day off since he looks lost out there anyway. Plus they can use him off the bench late in the game if they need to.
Gotta say though I won’t be heart broken if they lose game 5…would kinda like to see them clinch a WS berth in front of the home fans.
CC calmed E V E R Y B O D Y down,Joe,the team,and the fans.
The Angels know,Joe will throw everything including the kitchen sink at them on thurs!!
Brandon Awesome (BECAUSE I’M AWESOME!) October 21st, 2009 at 12:05 am
I keep saying if Al has a big postseason and we win the WS, I said I would watch every Kate Hudson movie she was or is in. Nothing changes.
====================================
Isn’t that against the Geneva Convention?
“And I keep telling you Raising Helen was really awful”
I will be prepared if this continue.
See what happens when you have a little faith in this team?
I said this morning that the big story tomorrow was going to be about CC’s dominance and this team being one win away from the WS.
A-Rod at this point is just possessed. I’m sure Pete Abe is happy for him.
Five wins away from #27.
Brian from PA
October 21st, 2009 at 12:08 am
Gotta say though I won’t be heart broken if they lose game 5…would kinda like to see them clinch a WS berth in front of the home fans.
***
No. I cannot handle any shift in momentum. I need to know we are goign to the Series
Mike,
I should add, I thoroughly understand your hostility toward some people here, who seem to take delight in criticizing Melky.
They are mean spirited, and are among the most dim-witted about the game of baseball, what a CF needs to do, and the important role Melky plays in the Nine spot.
They are just clueless, and Melky doesn’t hear them or care.
But I’m glad he has people like you, Angel, Ghost, GB7, etc. on his side.
alex on YES now.
Kate Hudson Rocks!
Kate Hudson Rocks!
cano’s lack of baseball knowledge was incredible, not knowing if he should step on 3rd or not….heck he had time to ask his coach
Brandon Awesome (BECAUSE I’M AWESOME!)
October 21st, 2009 at 12:05 am
I keep saying if Al has a big postseason and we win the WS, I said I would watch every Kate Hudson movie she was or is in. Nothing changes.
****
And I keep telling you Raising Helen was really awful
*************
I want to see him sit through Bride Wars too.
“With Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee pitching 2 of the next 3, I think the Dodgers are out of it.
Karma is something, isn’t it?”
It sure is!
Giuseppe Franco
October 21st, 2009 at 12:08 am
See what happens when you have a little faith in this team?
I said this morning that the big story tomorrow was going to be about CC’s dominance and this team being one win away from the WS.
A-Rod at this point is just possessed. I’m sure Pete Abe is happy for him.
Five wins away from #27.
===
Here, here!
good call GF
Pep -
http://members.cox.net/lsdorgan/CLS.pdf
arod talking about the game is beginning to slow down for him.
In the immortal words of morpheus, “he’s beginning to believe.”
Jorge called a great game tonight…..
Kazmir knocked out after 4,never fear him again!
GF-
You brought the team luck by dropping in today
mick,
Your absolutely right. I don’t understand what Cano, or Posada for that matter happened. If they both step on the bag than Cano is out, simple as that. How he didn’t know that is unbelievable. But the blown call made it even worse. These umpires are absolutely TERRIBLE.
Giuseppe Franco
October 21st, 2009 at 12:08 am
See what happens when you have a little faith in this team?
I said this morning that the big story tomorrow was going to be about CC’s dominance and this team being one win away from the WS.
A-Rod at this point is just possessed. I’m sure Pete Abe is happy for him.
Five wins away from #27.
**************************************
GF! Good to see you. I wasn’t sure if you were going to post on here again for a while, but I wanted add my best wishes and thoughts for healing and recovery from your illness are with you. I’m sorry to hear about your GBS diagnosis, but if anyone can will themselves through the recovery, it’s you.
I really like Singy…as Coney would say.
..Posada for that matter was thinking.*
Erica – always OPPC October 21st, 2009 at 12:08 am
Brian from PA
October 21st, 2009 at 12:08 am
Gotta say though I won’t be heart broken if they lose game 5…would kinda like to see them clinch a WS berth in front of the home fans.
***
No. I cannot handle any shift in momentum. I need to know we are goign to the Series
_________
Heh, we still believe in momentum in baseball? Remember the Twins roaring into the postseason? And weren’t the Angels supposed to have the momentum after their big walk-off last night? Don’t get me wrong I’d feel a lot better if they wrap it up on Thursday but if they lose, the consolation prize would be getting the chance to clinch at home.
what better way to keep the Lohud gang together than to have Kate Hudson movie night histed by Brandon: Awesome
CC has been great but Arod has played every game and he’s been on another level. If they want to make them co-mvps I’m cool with it. But guys let’s be honest we all know who the true MVP is….Kate Hudson.
As Pete leaves this blogs, Arods explodes with absolute dominance. I knew something didn’t make sense.
melky is not worlds better than gardner…they both do different things and both are useful
====
No, you are mistaken.
They are not interchangeable. Melky is a switch hitter with some pop who can drive the ball with a degree of regularity. He also is a pretty decent hitter.
Gardner is not a good hitter. He just isn’t. They are actually worlds apart in terms of their ability to produce at the plate. Gardner has very bad habits at the plate. He needs to address his swing, use his legs more, etc.
You have a misguided notion about where he is as a hitter. Everyone who understands hitting knows that there is a significant difference between the two in terms of their bat.
“But I’m glad he has people like you, Angel, Ghost, GB7, etc. on his side.”
Hey! I christened him Da Melk. He’s been my homie since he came up.
Just thought I’d tell ya that.
I seriously hope Girardi inserts Posada in for game 5. The Yanks will need his bat since its going to be a clincher. What Posada did with CC, he would do the same with Aj.
Pat M.
October 21st, 2009 at 12:11 am
Jorge called a great game tonight…..
————————————-
many here would tell you that CC called his own game except for ones that turned into hits.
“arod talking about the game is beginning to slow down for him.”
That was the scariest quote he has made, that would freak me out if I’m the other team.
Ohh, we have to give credit to melky for playng well today. he had 4 rbis today. GJ Melky!
mick October 20th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Prediction for tonite…
You will see a loose Yankee team run roughshod on the Angels tonite.
————————————————————-
There you go, did I call it or what?
Arod played every game but 2 sac flies would have won both of CC’s games because of how dominant he was. Heck, he could have pitched 9 innings both games if it was really needed. Not only that, but he would pitch a game 7 if needed. I say CoMVP they both deserve it.
Melky is also hitting over .350 with 4RBI. He needs some recognition too.
“posada should have scored on the cano double”
Oh I know. Going 2nd to 3rd on a double isn’t acceptable.
the Manny shower story was pretty funny. (see Lohud twitter)
Manny missed the Rollins hit because he was in the shower.
Never underestimate the Power of the Shower!
CC was the story tonight, however the bats waking up is huge. The pen was getting overworked and giving everyone 2 days off will let just about everyone to be available for the rest of the games this series, whichever are necessary.
I was getting worried that if we had to pitch Mo again tonight, tiredness might show up in his arm later in this series, or the following series, assuming we are fortunate to get there.
Huge game by the bats. We are in the driver’s seat now!
MCClelland: gimme a break!
McClelland said he thought that Swish was out at 3rd base. He wasn’t even looking at Swish he was looking at CF. Give me a break. That was a joke.
I didn’t mind putting Molina with AJ, but I’m honestly sick of it already, and dred the idea. I believe Girardi knows otherwise for the worldseries. Get rid of the 3rd catcher and add another bat off of the bench.
Brian from PA
October 21st, 2009 at 12:13 am
Erica – always OPPC October 21st, 2009 at 12:08 am
Heh, we still believe in momentum in baseball? Remember the Twins roaring into the postseason? And weren’t the Angels supposed to have the momentum after their big walk-off last night? Don’t get me wrong I’d feel a lot better if they wrap it up on Thursday but if they lose, the consolation prize would be getting the chance to clinch at home.
****
I am crazy superstition girl. I take no chances.
An entire blog of Yankee strangers now knows exactly when I shower and I see nothing wrong with that
I go for whatever works
Brandon Awesome (BECAUSE I’M AWESOME!) October 21st, 2009 at 12:05 am
I keep saying if Al has a big postseason and we win the WS, I said I would watch every Kate Hudson movie she was or is in. Nothing changes.
==========================
Yikes
I don’t think there is 1 Kate Hudson movie that I like. If there is, I forgot.
trisha – OPPC lifetime member and a true believer in baseball karma
October 21st, 2009 at 12:14 am
“But I’m glad he has people like you, Angel, Ghost, GB7, etc. on his side.”
Hey! I christened him Da Melk. He’s been my homie since he came up.
Just thought I’d tell ya that.
=====
Yes, I know you love you some Melkman, Trish.
I’m referring more to the heated debates on here. I was just applauding Angel, Ghost and GB7 for coming up swinging on the kid’s behalf.
Besides……YOU KNOW I ADORE YOU!!!!!
100 pitches
what you call a makeup call for the swish call at 2nd earlier
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
October 21st, 2009 at 12:14 am
melky is not worlds better than gardner…they both do different things and both are useful
====
No, you are mistaken.
They are not interchangeable. Melky is a switch hitter with some pop who can drive the ball with a degree of regularity. He also is a pretty decent hitter.
Gardner is not a good hitter. He just isn’t. They are actually worlds apart in terms of their ability to produce at the plate. Gardner has very bad habits at the plate. He needs to address his swing, use his legs more, etc.
You have a misguided notion about where he is as a hitter. Everyone who understands hitting knows that there is a significant difference between the two in terms of their bat.
—————————————
Gardner obviously has great speed but has poor baseball instincts in addition to being a poor hitter. Diving at balls in the outfield that are uncatchable, which he’s done more than once this year, are an indication of that. He can play a role on the Yankees but he’s been elevated on this log to almost legend status for no other reason than he seems to try really hard. But I didn’t like Pete Rose either…
Uncle Ellsworth
October 21st, 2009 at 12:13 am
what better way to keep the Lohud gang together than to have Kate Hudson movie night histed by Brandon: Awesome
*****
Count me out during the viewing of Raising Helen
Hall of famer Joe Morgan!!!
Hearing McClelland I almost feel bad for him. I do give him props for coming out himself and talking about it. You know that he feels bad about it, not that is any real excuse, but I hope that he doesn’t look to “make up” for the bad calls and make further bad calls. That isn’t the way to do it.
SA, we have to make sacrifices.
I really couldn’t have put it any better myself in your multiple posts on the subject, bodhi. One of the things I like about the kid is his energy and enthusiasm and I really believe he couldn’t care less about any of his ridiculous haters as he shouldn’t. It only furthers our belief in him to see him having the success he’s having on the (2nd) biggest stage.
Count me out during the viewing of Raising Helen
take one for the team!
the best refs are in the nba…they have to stay sharp by running the court…these guys are old and slow
Hearing McClelland I almost feel bad for him. I do give him props for coming out himself and talking about it. You know that he feels bad about it, not that is any real excuse, but I hope that he doesn’t look to “make up” for the bad calls and make further bad calls. That isn’t the way to do it.
–
he is the crew chief, its his job to address the media.
Uncle Ellsworth
October 21st, 2009 at 12:21 am
Count me out during the viewing of Raising Helen
take one for the team!
******
But Uncle E-
It was REALLY bad (said in my most whiny voice)
I do feel bad for McClelland as he’s one of the good ones and I believe those kind of calls are almost too bizarre for the brain to compute instantaneously, but MLB needs to address this problem next season.
Give a replay option to managers.
1 per game or 1 per series but they need to do something to get these umps re-focused.
GF! Good to see you. I wasn’t sure if you were going to post on here again for a while, but I wanted add my best wishes and thoughts for healing and recovery from your illness are with you. I’m sorry to hear about your GBS diagnosis, but if anyone can will themselves through the recovery, it’s you.
===============
I appreciate the kind thoughts. I’m actually in my hospital bed right now because I borrowed my sister’s laptop.
Unfortunately, this damn place doesn’t have ESPN or YES so I’ve missed out on all of the pre and postgame shows this October. That totally sucks.
Thank you again (and everyone else for that matter) for the encouraging thoughts. They are appreciated.
GF! Good to see you. I wasn’t sure if you were going to post on here again for a while, but I wanted add my best wishes and thoughts for healing and recovery from your illness are with you. I’m sorry to hear about your GBS diagnosis, but if anyone can will themselves through the recovery, it’s you.
===============
I appreciate the kind thoughts. I’m actually in my hospital bed right now because I borrowed my sister’s laptop.
Unfortunately, this damn place doesn’t have ESPN or YES so I’ve missed out on all of the pre and postgame shows this October. That totally sucks.
Thank you again (and everyone else for that matter) for the encouraging thoughts. They are appreciated.
No. I cannot handle any shift in momentum. I need to know we are goign to the Series
——————–
I agree. It would be great for them to clinch at home but unless you could tell me that the Yanks would win in a blow out game than get it done on Thursday. I can’t take these close games. Even todays game at 5-1 felt like 2-1. lol
Haha True true Brandon
I wonder if Pete will do a guest blog this offseason on Alex’s postseason?
How about this headline-
“A-Rod Launches Yankees to the Brink of World Series”
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=291020103
Heyya
October 21st, 2009 at 12:18 am
I didn’t mind putting Molina with AJ, but I’m honestly sick of it already, and dred the idea. I believe Girardi knows otherwise for the worldseries. Get rid of the 3rd catcher and add another bat off of the bench.
====
Girardi should absolutely have Posada catch AJ on Thursday.
We have a 3-1 lead – there’s no risk here, it’s all imagined.
It would be nice for them to bond when we clinch (:D), and more importantly, we will go on the road in the World Series without the luxury of a DH.
We cannot have Jorge idle against the Phillies, who have a catcher themselves who can get on base. You just cannot have your 8 & nine spots be Molina and the pitcher, when every game, every AB, is precious.
I believe Girardi is smart and already has it in his mind to start Posada on Thursday.
Erica 2-3 hrs. of hell for a ring, you do it.
“the best refs are in the nba…they have to stay sharp by running the court…these guys are old and slow.”
Hockey as well. And they break up fights.
They also have officials in Toronto that watch all the games and are ready to help if there is a question on a call.
The Gardner and Cabrera debate is simple in my eyes.
I can see both of them being good baseball players and contributing to this team in different ways. However, I’m not sure I can see them being good enough to warrant having them the future centerfield job. I think they are both VERY valuable weapons off of the bench. I don’t mind they as 4th/5th outfield starters, I adore the idea.
Brandon Awesome (BECAUSE I’M AWESOME!)
October 21st, 2009 at 12:23 am
Erica 2-3 hrs. of hell for a ring, you do it.
****
The plot of Raising Helen is young flaky girl, somehow gets custody of her suddenly dead sister’s 3 children. She whines a lot and John Corbett stops by
Have to feel bad for Tim McClelland – the guy just had a bad night. If it were Joe West, CB Bucknor, Angel Hernandez, etc. I wouldn’t feel so bad, but Tim McClelland is probably the best, most consistent umpire in the game.
Wasn’t Swisher the one called out in a prior game for leaving too soon when he didn’t?
It might be the lean he gets while watching the catch, he anticipates the catch and starts moving forward early while still keeping a foot on the bag. The Umpire has to be keeping their eyes on the fielder making the catch and probably go on seeing movement out of the corner of his eye.
What I don’t get is how would Hunter ever see it when he had his eyes on the ball coming down. Hunter deked the umpire.
baseball should have a replay rule, other than for HRs, why so neanderthal?
I kind of feel bad for umpires. Fans see them as faceless with no emotion, etc which makes it easier to really really hate them. Listening to the Mclelland interview, he just sounds like a guy trying to do a job.
I agree, there should be better umpiring and the umpires should be held more accountable BUT I feel it’s unfair to blast these guys with hatred which a lot of fans tend to do.
I don’t like when umpires like CB Bucknor make the game about him or when an ump does a makeup call or is inconsistent with the strikezone. Those are examples of umps deviating from the spirit of their job.
But in general, they are trying to make the right call and just miss it. I’ve umped little league games and it’s pretty impossible to be right all the time, even in a much slower game.
They better take down that Joe Lee sign.
Girardi might call his name next game.
Matsui is 8-28 against Lackey lifetime with 1 HR and 7 RBI, I don’t know how you can sit him Thursday and I can’t see sitting Posada either-what is the team’s ERA with him catching in the postseason, about 2.5 (or less)?
I understand McClelland or an umpire getting a stolen base tag play wrong but that Swish call at 3rd was a joke. He wasn’t even looking at Swish, he was looking at Hunter catch the ball in CF.
Feel bad for McClelland NO.
hunter deked posada on the cano double.
swish got called out in season on a tag play
why didnt mcclelland even look at swish when he left the bag
Can someone ask Jorge where his head was tonight?
mick
October 21st, 2009 at 12:26 am
baseball should have a replay rule, other than for HRs, why so neanderthal?
****
So they don’t replay every 10 minutes and the games don’t become 5 hours long.
If they did do it, it would have to be very limited. I think the best way would be to allow each team 2 reviews to be used at their own discretion. Like a challenge in football
Bronx Jeers
October 21st, 2009 at 12:27 am
They better take down that Joe Lee sign.
Girardi might call his name next game.
****
I was wondering who that was
man i want this team to win it all this year.
Bronx…I was thinking the same thing, not bad getting to locker next to the Capitan.
See y’all on Thursday…how many hours left Erica?
As bad as those plays were and even if it costed us a run, I still say No to instant replay.
Everyone’s talking about CC and Arod(and rightly so), but Melky came through in some bug spots, too
I’m not going to get very deep into the Cabrera/Gardner stuff again, but, let’s face some facts. Gardner’s main attribute is speed. The only way he ever becomes more than a Dave Roberts type player is to learn how to bunt for hits and do it often. Otherwise, he just doesn’t hit or walk enough to really help as an everyday player. He isn’t a spectaular outfielder, so he doesn’t have that, either.
Cabrera is younger and he had a solid year this year, hitting 8th or 9th in the lineup. He doesn’t do anything great, but, he does a lot of things well. He can steal some, he can hit homers some, he can drive in and score some runs, he can catch the ball and throw. There’s nothing to say that he’ll ever be a superstar, but, I didn’t think that Bernie Williams would be, either.
Those plays = Those calls
big spots
43 hours and 29 minutes until Game 5!!!!!!!!!
Ok the play at third looked blatant but Mclelland actually has a point here. The replay showing the two camera angles – one of the outfielder catching the ball and one of the runner leaving third is always inconclusive. You just can’t be sure that the two recordings are perfectly synced up.
Now obviously, Mclelland wasn’t even watching the play and it was clearly a make-up call. However lets be honest, Swisher shouldn’t have even been on third. I don’t see Yankee fans as enraged about the missed call at second.
Brandon,
if and when the Yanks wins the ring, why dont you treat yourself to the nice and expensive NYY steak at the stadium? that’s what I’m doing. $65 bucks for a steak and some expensive mash potatoes, and a customized K-Rob jeresy is going to hurt my wallet.
Erica,
I agree, and first consider that to myself when there were talks of introducing the replay.
I think umpires should use instant replay freely at their discretion, but allowing the managers to replay 2 plays (excluding homeruns) is sufficient, and would eliminate 95% of the umpire mistakes, in my opinion.
And I feel like 1 extra replay should be allowed when into extra innings.
“Only one Yankee, Bernie Williams in 1996, has ever hit more homers in a postseason, with six. Williams played 15 games that postseason; Rodriguez has played 7.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10.....nkees.html
One last thing…Giuseppe, get well.
“The plot of Raising Helen is young flaky girl, somehow gets custody of her suddenly dead sister’s 3 children. She whines a lot and John Corbett stops by”
I don’t care if the plot involves Mr.Softee handing out ice cream quotes, this is for a ring and a parade.
ACCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCE.
God bless CC Sabathia.
Heyya
October 21st, 2009 at 12:32 am
Erica,
I agree, and first consider that to myself when there were talks of introducing the replay.
I think umpires should use instant replay freely at their discretion, but allowing the managers to replay 2 plays (excluding homeruns) is sufficient, and would eliminate 95% of the umpire mistakes, in my opinion.
And I feel like 1 extra replay should be allowed when into extra innings.
****
I agree. I think ultimately umpire errors even out over the course of a season. But there is no doubt it can taint the quality of a win/loss
—————————————
Gardner obviously has great speed but has poor baseball instincts in addition to being a poor hitter. Diving at balls in the outfield that are uncatchable, which he’s done more than once this year, are an indication of that. He can play a role on the Yankees but he’s been elevated on this log to almost legend status for no other reason than he seems to try really hard. But I didn’t like Pete Rose either…
=====
Well, if he could hit like Pete Rose, he’d be the starter, lol.
For some reason, there’s a disconnect with some fans. They are so mesmerized by his speed – a legit weapon as a pinch runner – that they kind of just conveniently black out that the guy, as a starter, has to get on base to steal. The guy just hasn’t shown much as a hitter – weak upper-cut swing, bizarre for a guy who relies on his legs.
He’s only 26, so it’s certainly possible that K-Long can work with him and make him a better hitter. It’s not like he’s in his 30s. But I don’t really see great upside as a hitter. I would love to be proven wrong, but I just don’t see it.
Melky, on the other hand, has hitting talent. He’s always had it. The issue is, he isn’t a speed demon, and he isn’t a big power guy. That’s really fine – because he does know how to hit. But he doesn’t fit people’s fantasy of a “Yankee center fielder.”
They can’t let go of this fantasy, even though Melky has done a good job for us.
As for Gardner’s defense: he covers a great deal of ground gap to gap. He still has some issues getting good jumps at times. He has more pure range than Melky, but having watched both, it’s my conclusion that Melky is a better instinctive fielder, gets a quicker read off the bat, etc.
The two of them do make our outfield tighter when both in the game. At some point, we have to replace our COFs.
Everything is fluid in this game, but FTR, I have always regarded the idea that Gardner should start over Melky as nonsense.
Speaking of Melky, he’s on YES now being interviewed.
I’m not going to get very deep into the Cabrera/Gardner stuff again, but, let’s face some facts. Gardner’s main attribute is speed. The only way he ever becomes more than a Dave Roberts type player is to learn how to bunt for hits and do it often. Otherwise, he just doesn’t hit or walk enough to really help as an everyday player. He isn’t a spectaular outfielder, so he doesn’t have that, either.
–
Gardner’s OBP% and BB% were higher than Melky’s this season. Melky batted .274, and Brett hit .270
Melky obviously has more power and is a switch hitter, but Gardner plays superior defense.
Heyya
October 21st, 2009 at 12:25 am
The Gardner and Cabrera debate is simple in my eyes.
I can see both of them being good baseball players and contributing to this team in different ways. However, I’m not sure I can see them being good enough to warrant having them the future centerfield job. I think they are both VERY valuable weapons off of the bench. I don’t mind they as 4th/5th outfield starters, I adore the idea.
_____________________________________________________
Totally agree with this. I think they are both stopgaps until Austin Jackson is ready.
I’m not really a huge Melky or Gardner fan, but Melky played a great bounceback game tonight. Gardner’s not coming through in the stolen bases department, but he looked decent tonight as well and should start in Game 5 instead of Swisher who still looks off.
I just don’t agree with some of the namecalling and hostility around here when it comes to the Melky/Gardner debate. Not everyone shares the same opinion, which makes this place interesting. Everyone should be able to express their opinion without being subjected to the condescension of others.
I am so tired. Its bed time!
Good night Yankee people!!!
TMcC had one job to to do on that play and he wasn’t even in position to see it, so he goes with his heart and calls Swish out? Joke! Umps have next tono accountability. best job on the planet.
What a HUGE difference a day makes between the banter of the fans. Before today’s game, everyone wanted to kill each other because of Girardi…now it’s nice and peaceful.
easy sleep tonite erica
Gardner the pinch runner has had an interesting post season. Thrown out stealing, picked off and doubled off 3rd base against the Twins lol
chuck
this is one hungry group
McClelland should do one of those SouthWest Airlines commercials (wanna get away?)
don’t forget that is the second time Swish was wrongly called out on a tag up. fwiw
Is CC an Ace yet?
I just looked at Bernie William’s stats for the hell of it, and noticed that in 2002 he hit .333. That was his 8th consecutive season hitting over 300, and in 2003 he hit .263. I didn’t realize the guy just “lost” it within the course of an offseason. That’s a legit .060 points he lost.
I guess umps can choke too
Brandon
Erica is being harsh. My daughter loved Raising Helen a few years ago. She was about 12 at the time though.
The Swisher leaving too early was not a makeup call. One ump won’t cover for another’s error.
But McClelland’s peripheral vision must be unbelievable, though. He was looking at Torii all the way.
Dr. Cox
October 21st, 2009 at 12:04 am
“It isn’t a World Series without the Dodgers and the Yankees.”
What does that mean?
I would hate a Dodger-Yankees WS. I dont want any of the Torre drama hovering.
=============
What does it mean? Simple, the Yankees and Dodgers have gone head – to – head in more World Series than anyone else, with the Yankees coming out on top most of the time. I want a Yankee-Dodger W.S. because I want revenge for that 81 mess.
Trisha, thanks for getting me on the board.
Giuseppe, I will put you on my prayer list.
GB7,
Agree with all of that.
He’s not “sexy” enough as the Yankee CF.
Tough – he’s the CF and people have to live with it for now.
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
You write as if you know your game. You’re a good read.
pepi
remember that throw you lost in the shirts in 63…man koufax was great, but didnt you hit one off him?
Terrific game just like I predicted last night. CC lights out, Cashmere gone after 4, and reality catching up with the Halo bullpen. Lackey better plan on going 9 because if Burnett keeps it close Olive Oil, Jetson and Joe Nathan Jr. all have an appointment in Samarra.
As bad as that call at 3rd was, McClelland at least can hide behind the screwball nature of the play. The call on Mauer’s double that hit Melky’s glove and fell two feet in fair territory, with the ump ten feet away and nothing else to look at, is still the absolute worst call I’ve ever seen.
Glad to see all the Melky haters back in their holes. Also noticing a lack of hat tips from the Fire Girardi brigade on the decision to throw CC on 3 days rest.
McClelland said in his heart swisher left early lol…he didn’t need his heart on that play…all he needed to do was watch the damn play.
Pasada behind Alex stopped Scoscia from being able to walk ALEX,smart of Joe.
flaherty….no pressure on AJ game 5….he’s right
m
October 21st, 2009 at 12:39 am
The Swisher leaving too early was not a makeup call. One ump won’t cover for another’s error.
But McClelland’s peripheral vision must be unbelievable, though. He was looking at Torii all the way.
Totally agree.
Uncle Ellsworth
October 21st, 2009 at 12:38 am
don’t forget that is the second time Swish was wrongly called out on a tag up. fwiw
————————————————————
You have to think that there is a preconceived notion on the part of the umpires that because Swisher doesn’t have blinding speed or even good speed, that he had to leave early to tag up and advance.
Flaherty just said he likes AJ over Lackey in game 5. Does that mean we will have the “Flaherty edge” on Thursday?! lol
posada should bat behind alex always
swisher should have his foot against the bag, not on it.
he rises up before he leaves the bag dekeing the ump
McClelland maned up and took personal responsibility for the calls. No excuses, no blame shifting. He admitted that he was wrong. Good for him, and good for the umpires. That’s the example both players and umps should follow.
I thought the umping in this series wasn’t all that bad until the last two games.
I also noticed that nobody is interviewing Swish. Is he incognito? I think he’s upset about his performance so far. He’s due for a breakout, and I think he gets it in game 5. He’s a good guy, and deserves better.
I have a solution for the Melky-Gardner debate. Trade both to the Sox for Jacoby Ellsbury!
haiku-man
October 21st, 2009 at 12:43 am
Pasada behind Alex stopped Scoscia from being able to walk ALEX,smart of Joe.
====
Well, it might have dawned on him earlier
I loved how Torri Hunter was so assistant about the appeal. As if he had any sort of decent view while he was…catching the ball.
More laughter courtesy of YES a few minutes ago: 77% feel Gardner deserves a start in this series. Based on what, exactly, I really couldn’t tell you, but it does evoke a good guffaw. I did enjoy the Melky interview that followed, though. Kid just exudes humility.
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
October 21st, 2009 at 12:41 am
GB7,
Agree with all of that.
He’s not “sexy” enough as the Yankee CF.
Tough – he’s the CF and people have to live with it for now.
————————————————————
I wouldn’t be totally shocked if Cabrera’s 2010 season isn’t his best, yet. He’ll be 25. A .300 season with 20 steals, 17-20 homers and 85-90 RBI isn’t a stretch. Same with Gardner. He really needs to hit the weight room in the winter, and learn the proper bunting techniques. What a dazzling combo those two could make next year if that happens.
*insistent
Meanwhile, lost in the other blown call was the question, why was Cano inexplicably not on the bag?
Mike
October 21st, 2009 at 12:48 am
More laughter courtesy of YES a few minutes ago: 77% feel Gardner deserves a start in this series. Based on what, exactly, I really couldn’t tell you, but it does evoke a good guffaw. I did enjoy the Melky interview that followed, though. Kid just exudes humility.
_____________________________________________________–
It probably has a lot more to do with how Swisher is playing and less to do with Gardner…
————————————————————
You have to think that there is a preconceived notion on the part of the umpires that because Swisher doesn’t have blinding speed or even good speed, that he had to leave early to tag up and advance.
That call bugged me to no end. Bad throw makes speed a non issue though happens more often than not. accounability where is it. He answers a few questions big deal.
Frank from Chatham, NJ
October 21st, 2009 at 12:42 am
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
You write as if you know your game. You’re a good read.
====
TY Frank
.
BTW, I asked you this once before, but don’t know if you saw the post.
Have you tried A Taste of Asia in Chatham? It’s exceptional Malaysian. Any way, they have a great Sunday Dim Sum.
Anyone has the quote from Al about slowing down the game?
TylerKepner Derek Jeter left Angel Stadium tonight holding a bottle of Nyquil. He’s playing pretty well for someone who’s sick, no?
4 minutes ago from web
Melky’s not sexy enough?
Oh I beg to differ.
Have you not seen his video?
Sexy Time!
Meanwhile, lost in the other blown call was the question, why was Cano inexplicably not on the bag?
or Posada? Even I know both guys should be on the base only one can be out. Why don’t they?
Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh.
I’ve been wallowing like a glutton for the past 1 1/2 hrs watching endless YES and MLBN postgame.
Life is good.
swisher not being out at 2nd was a terrible call but at least the blind ump was looking at the play.
mcclellands heart may have been watching 3rd base on the swisher play but his eyese were not.
swisher is the 2nd worse baserunner on the team after posada.
maybe on the off day someone can teach einstein cano the rules of the game!!!!!!!!!!!!
taking out robertson the other night was still a bad play.
matusi looked totally lost tonight…
matsui was horrible in this game…horrible…
I think the best way to get a call right is by actually looking at the play. McClelland should look at the base runner next time instead of the ball being caught.
Uncle Ellsworth
October 21st, 2009 at 12:50 am
————————————————————
You have to think that there is a preconceived notion on the part of the umpires that because Swisher doesn’t have blinding speed or even good speed, that he had to leave early to tag up and advance.
That call bugged me to no end. Bad throw makes speed a non issue though happens more often than not. accounability where is it. He answers a few questions big deal.
————————————————————
Poor conditioning and even worse positioning is the biggest problem that I have with umpires. I won’t even discuss the controntational issues that 90% of the umpires have.
Hey, what’s with all the fricken homeruns at the launchpad?
And who made the initial call? McClelland or Torii Hunter?
GreenBeret7
October 21st, 2009 at 12:49 am
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
October 21st, 2009 at 12:41 am
GB7,
Agree with all of that.
He’s not “sexy” enough as the Yankee CF.
Tough – he’s the CF and people have to live with it for now.
————————————————————
I wouldn’t be totally shocked if Cabrera’s 2010 season isn’t his best, yet. He’ll be 25. A .300 season with 20 steals, 17-20 homers and 85-90 RBI isn’t a stretch. Same with Gardner. He really needs to hit the weight room in the winter, and learn the proper bunting techniques. What a dazzling combo those two could make next year if that happens.
======
It wouldn’t surprise me, and I think we’d all sign up for that
.
Those numbers, I agree, are not out of reach for Cabrera.
Melky actually works a good deal of 3-2 counts. The problem has been, he hasn’t turned enough of them into walks. I would like to see his OBP reach .350 at least. The .336 was somewhat disappointing.
I would really like to see K-Long try and disabuse Gardner of that swing that’s doing him no sort of good. He needs to drive through with his legs.
Chow kway teow is the best noodle dish from Asia IMO.
I won’t even discuss the ***confrontational*** issues that 90% of the umpires have.
ok folks..got work tomorrow…i’ll be sleeping good tonight
I refuse to get ahead of myself. We’ve seen weirder things happen. That being said, if NEPA(North East PA) was lucky enough to get a Yankees/Phils WS, it would be chaotic here.
It’s literally split 50/50 when it comes to Yankees or Phillies.
Jeter was coughing again – good he has the nighttime coughing, sniffling and sneezing stuffy head so you can sleep and get some rest medicine
Hmmm, yes Melky is a year younger than Gardner — but he’s also been playing in the majors for a couple more years. I think it might be premature to give up on Gardner — a rookie — as being a productive lead off hitter. With Melky, however, it’s clear that he’s reached his potential. I love the great judges of baseball talent on this blog. You should work for the Twins, who wanted nothing to do with Melky when the Yankees tried to unload him in a bid to get Santana. Apparently you see something that they didn’t. I’m glad he had a good game today and I hope he leads the Yankees to a World Series. But I won’t have any regrets if they sign a regular centerfielder in the off season.
When I saw the conditions the Yankees were working out and playing in back in NY, I thought someone was going to get sick. Pneumonia because we all know that you can’t catch a cold from playing out in the rain.
gardner = homer bush, i could go on and on and on…he’s a bench player nothing more nothing less.
To score 10+1 runs on the Angels,considering the Yankees losing history of losing to team is huge.
Bobby Abreu’s eyes were red,literally,holding back the tears fax gave a close up.They know the Yankees are the real deal.
It’s almost like Gardner is trying to work on his Ichiro Suzuki swing. He’s just not that strong to pull it off. Swing down on the ball and run. Bunt for a hit at least once a game. That’s his game. Get stronger and it will help him drive the ball through the infield and into the gaps.
Uncle E
That is a good thing. I bet a few here would volunteer to to help out applying a little Vicks Vapo-Rub on his chest too if he asked nicely.
Agree completely on Melky. The kid is still 25 and never got a chance to really develope in the minors because of the hole we had in centerfield. He’s a gamer, is never afraid, and has always bounced back when he’s looked bad (ex. after last year’s demotion; when Gardner got the job out of Spring Training, etc.) His best is still to come and it would be a big mistake to move him for another no-heart, big contract.
Gardner will never be more than he is now: a 26 year old track star who strikes out too much, has no power, is overrated in the field and throws like a girl. Even his speed game has looked spotty lately. I don’t hate the kid but he’s Bubba Crosby with more legs and less pop. He can hang around for a few years as a pinch runner and defensive replacement but he’s not an every day major leaguer on any team, much less the NYY.
“I refuse to get ahead of myself. We’ve seen weirder things happen. That being said, if NEPA(North East PA) was lucky enough to get a Yankees/Phils WS, it would be chaotic here.
It’s literally split 50/50 when it comes to Yankees or Phillies.”
I too am from NEPA, and I would love nothing more than to see the Yankees dominate the Phillies in the WS so I could laugh in my friend’s faces.
I’m tired of hearing about how bad Gardner is.
Jeez. He’s hardly played in the second half of the season.
He got picked off in the playoffs, but otherwise he’s doing his job. Playing defense, moving guys over, and getting on base.
Give him 3 years to play in the majors, and you’ll see a big difference. Don’t judge him on 1.5 seasons of part-time play.
And please stop saying that Melky’s younger when you compare the two, unless you want to bring up the fact that Melky has 3 more years experience.
Quit picking on Gardner cuz he looks like the runt of the litter.
I don’t wanna a damn thing about umpires on sports radio tonight, tonight is CC/Al’s night..WFAN, ESPN, METS fans can take a hike w/ the umps tonight.
Yankee/Phils World Series?
I wonder where Met fans lie on that one.
Jerkface
October 21st, 2009 at 12:34 am
I’m not going to get very deep into the Cabrera/Gardner stuff again, but, let’s face some facts. Gardner’s main attribute is speed. The only way he ever becomes more than a Dave Roberts type player is to learn how to bunt for hits and do it often. Otherwise, he just doesn’t hit or walk enough to really help as an everyday player. He isn’t a spectaular outfielder, so he doesn’t have that, either.
–
Gardner’s OBP% and BB% were higher than Melky’s this season. Melky batted .274, and Brett hit .270
Melky obviously has more power and is a switch hitter, but Gardner plays superior defense.
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Jerkface,
Gardner barely faced any left-handed pitching this year. Melky absorbed most of those ABs. People write that Gardner hit .291 vs. LHP, but the fact is, he barely faced any – that’s because the manager didn’t like his ABs against them.
Don’t agree that Gardner is the better defensive OF. He’s faster – not better.
Any way, I am now on overload re Melky/Gardner.
Good night, all.
Especially a good night to Erica
.
Number23
October 21st, 2009 at 12:58 am
Hmmm, yes Melky is a year younger than Gardner — but he’s also been playing in the majors for a couple more years. I think it might be premature to give up on Gardner — a rookie — as being a productive lead off hitter. With Melky, however, it’s clear that he’s reached his potential. I love the great judges of baseball talent on this blog. You should work for the Twins, who wanted nothing to do with Melky when the Yankees tried to unload him in a bid to get Santana. Apparently you see something that they didn’t. I’m glad he had a good game today and I hope he leads the Yankees to a World Series. But I won’t have any regrets if they sign a regular centerfielder in the off season.
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Perfect….you rag people on this board about being great judges of talent, but, you’re so good that you’ve decided that at age 24, Cabrera has reached his talent limit.
Nobody’s “giving up on Gardner”. Only that right now, he has a lot of things to do to become a better ballplayer.
OK. Now you can be dismissed.
m
it is an appeal play Umps can’t initiaate it the other team has to call for it.100 pitches of fun…
October 21st, 2009 at 12:55 am
I think the best way to get a call right is by actually looking at the play. McClelland should look at the base runner next time instead of the ball being caught.
he should be in position to see both – it’s not that hard. rarely an issue in the reg season.
A-Rod’s ascension…
SupremaCCy of an ace…
Tales of Autumn told…
Posada has to bat 5th for the rest of the post season. It should not even be a question. He has been swinging the bat great and he is the perfect protection. Matsui is totally lost and will not help Arod get any pitches to hit.
i hope it rains for 3 days in anaheim so we can start CC again…. =)
Two things I liked about CC tonight.
He executed his plan perfectly,and motivated his team.
BUCK/McCarver wete forced to say nothing but good things
about CC.
I don’t hate the kid but he’s Bubba Crosby with more legs and less pop.
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Hey Randyhater, that’s exactly what my brother says. I do think Crosby gets better jumps, though.
m,
It’s actually not valid to say Melky has had “more time” in the majors. He’s effectively had LESS time to work on his hitting, because he was rushed up here. You don’t work on hitting in MLB like you do in the minors. Melky’s bat has really been a case of arrested development.
It’s a blessing that K-Long came along when he did. He’s really helped both Melky and Cano evolve (not comparing Melky and Cano’s talent as hitters, obviously). I’m hoping he can “fix” Gardner’s mechanics at the plate, but that will have to wait until the offseason.
Once more, good night.
Pat
I love the Vicks Vapo.
m
October 21st, 2009 at 1:04 am
I’m tired of hearing about how bad Gardner is.
Jeez. He’s hardly played in the second half of the season.
He got picked off in the playoffs, but otherwise he’s doing his job. Playing defense, moving guys over, and getting on base.
Give him 3 years to play in the majors, and you’ll see a big difference. Don’t judge him on 1.5 seasons of part-time play.
And please stop saying that Melky’s younger when you compare the two, unless you want to bring up the fact that Melky has 3 more years experience.
Quit picking on Gardner cuz he looks like the runt of the litter.
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Nobody’s picking on Pedroia, Jr., Mel. It’s just that he has to do more to improve his game, which is in large part built on his speed. Without the speed, he’s history. He needs to improve all facets of his game. It’s either that, or he’s Dave Robets until the speed is gone, and then, he’s an assistant coach at some junior college.
Brandon
Here’s the quote you were looking for-
Rodriguez said, “The game slows down for you. No doubt about it. You feel like you want to see the ball and hit it hard and not do too much. But I think the best way I can describe it is you feel like the game is slowing down for you a little bit.”
When asked if he feels as if he officially has put bad postseason rep behind him, he said, “Well, I’m not sure about that. I will say that in other postseasons I’ve failed and sometimes failed miserably. It certainly feels good to come through for my team and help the team win.”
bodhi,
I love your admiration for Melky and feel the need to defend him every time someone says that Gardner should start (not necessarily at the expense of Melky).
But Gardner is a rookie in terms of playing time, so let’s judge him accordingly. It’s not a battle anymore, they’re all teammates. No need to build one up at the expense of the other.
Gardner now has just as many hits in the alcs as Nick Swisher.
Gardner should start game 5 and put Melky in right. But Burnett screws that up because he has have Molina catch. Taking out both Posada and Swisher threat of power is too much to lose. Burnett really should be throwing to Posada.
DYNASTY IS DESTINY!
October 21st, 2009 at 1:09 am
A-Rod’s ascension…
SupremaCCy of an ace…
Tales of Autumn told…
D is D You Rock! don’t /can’t say it enough!
note: Yankees showers have TVs so Manny would have been good there. Erica too.
*and that you feel the need to defend him
nah leave gardner in the bench and just let him come in and replace swish late in the game. and hope he doesn’t get caught stealing.
Pittsburgh has dropped future HOF closer Craig Hanson from their 40 man roster. Somebody will pick him up in the Rule 5 Draft. Maybe the Gammons….errr….Boston Red Sox will realze their error and get him back.
Fun fact: Posada stole a base easily tonight GGBG was out by 2 feet. weird game this beisball
i want the dodgers in the WS just because the yanks get to face and pitch to vicente padilla.
Figures the same broken records have to turn tonight into a Melky vs. Gardner debate.
Melky had an abysmal series until tonight. It wasn’t your faith in him that got him those hits, it’s the law of averages. He has good numbers against Kazmir.
Spare us your excellent acumen on how incredible he is since up until tonight he was a black hole in the lineup along with Cano, Tex and Swisher and Damon to an extent.
How this is still Garnder vs. Melky is beyond me since most of the people on the blog wanted gardner in for swisher and most of us were saying you can’t sit Melky as he has good numbers vs. Kazmir.
Why don’t you get over your personal obsessions with certain players and just root for the team, the team that Melky and Gardner both happen to be a part of?
Teixeira had 2 strikeouts tonight, but I thought he had some good at bats early and helped to work Kazmir out of the game. He just missed a home run a couple times. Hopefully he gets going good because the offense is so much more dangerous when he’s hitting like he should.
m,
I was the one who made the point that Gardner’s only 26, so I’m not really sure what you’re referring to.
No one’s building one up at the expense of the other. The fact is, Melky is a better baseball player.
I would say, your rendering of the situation is based far more on emotion than mine, no?
You are sick of people putting down Gardner, yet you see nothing out of balance that he has been held up as some kind of heroic baseball player, who “deserves” to start over Cabrera? Which we hear on here all the time?
He hasn’t earned that with his play, and there is every indication that he may not even be able to ever hit major league pitching consistently.
People are not suggesting Melky be replaced by Carl Crawford, here – they’re getting indignant that he HASN’T been replaced by someone who can’t even hit, but who is being conceived of as some sort of heroic Carl Crawford double.
So, if anyone’s been inaccurately analyzed by the Yankee fan – it’s Brett Gardner – and they have wildly erred on the side of the positive, in his case.
new post
G. Love,
“Melky had an abysmal series until tonight. It wasn’t your faith in him that got him those hits, it’s the law of averages. He has good numbers against Kazmir.
Spare us your excellent acumen on how incredible he is since up until tonight he was a black hole in the lineup along with Cano, Tex and Swisher and Damon to an extent.”
Melky was 1 for 2 in Game 1 with 2 walks and a run. In Game 2, he was 2 for 6. That is not abysmal. He hit .375 with a .500 OBP in the first 2 games. Watch the games, they have been really good.
“How this is still Garnder vs. Melky is beyond me since most of the people on the blog wanted gardner in for swisher and most of us were saying you can’t sit Melky as he has good numbers vs. Kazmir.
Why don’t you get over your personal obsessions with certain players and just root for the team, the team that Melky and Gardner both happen to be a part of?”
Swisher hasn’t done a good job in the playoffs, but he had a great season at the plate and had a much better chance to be productive than Gardner. It’s not even close.
It’s not about personal obsessions. Gardner was a backup all year. He isn’t going to replace Swisher because of a few bad games at the plate.