Flash Points: John Flaherty breaks down the Game 4 pitching match-up
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Former Yankee and current YES Network analyst John Flaherty has agreed to break down the pitching match-up for every Yankees postseason game exclusively on the LoHud Yankees blog. Be sure to check out John on the YES pre- and post-game shows today. Here’s his take on the Game 4 starters:
YANKEES: LHP CC Sabathia
WHAT’S HE THROW? “Fastball, slider, change-up.”
STRENGTHS: “I think last start he made a nice adjustment with the cold weather and went more fastball/changeup than fastball/slider. Tonight, though, I expect him to have all three and I expect there to be more swings and misses than there were in Game 1 because of that slider. He also did a great job using the whole plate the last time out: In Game 1 it was fastballs to both sides and a good change-up, so continuing that will be important for him.”
WEAKNESSES: “I know that CC has said he may not have his best fastball velocity, but if it were me I’d be less worried about that and more concerned with location. If you’re a little more tired, you run the risk of not finishing your pitches and then the location can suffer. You get a little quick with your front side and the slider can hang, which the Angels will jump on. If the short rest is a factor, I think that’s where it will show up.”
——
ANGELS: LHP Scott Kazmir
WHAT’S HE THROW? “Fastball, slider, change-up.”
STRENGTHS: “If Kazmir’s got that good slider, it’s going to be like CC’s – down and in, and it can be a weapon. That’s his strikeout pitch. If it’s on and you’re looking for it, you’ll still have trouble hitting it and then he can slip in a fastball for a strike and get you that way, too. His fastball isn’t as good as it once was because of his injury problems, but if the slider is working than the two still work well together.”
WEAKNESSES: “The bottom line for him is if he throws strikes then he’ going to be tough. The times when he’s behind and throwing strikes with the fastball when the hitters are looking for it? That’s when he’s in trouble. I look for the Yankees to make him work, get his pitch count up and try to take advantage of counts where he has to come over with a strike. If they can do that, they’ll get him out of the game earlier and get into that Angels bullpen.”
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EDGE: “CC gets the edge. Obviously not as much pressure on Kazmir because of the win last night, but I don’t expect the short rest to be a problem for CC and, with the better weather, I think he’s going to have command of all three pitches tonight against the Angels.”
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on Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at 1:09 pm by Sam Borden.
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Chad Jennings
Hey Sam, not sure if I missed this, but is Hairston OK? He really crashed into the wall last night trying make the play in the 11th inning.
Trevor, did Mike really rip Phil Hughes? I’m not listening to any sports radio today, but if he did, then that is the biggest joke. Did Phil get ripped apart in the papers?
Joe needs to go to Robertson more often and stop using Aceves. I am sick of him putting in pitchers that shouldn’t be in there for a certain situation.
And will Swish, Cano, and Melky grow a brain and learn how to adjust to a breaking ball. They need to read a book on Situational hitting.
NOOOO don’t give us the edge! you gave it yesterday and we lost. I blame Flash!
Get this.
I’m not writing this post for sympathy but I’m actually writing it from my hospital bed, which has been my residence since 10/04.
I was diagnosed with a rare disease called GBS which is an autoimmune disease that attacks the nerves in the body and causes severe weaknesss and even paralysis.
https://www.google.com/health/ref/Guillain-Barre+syndrome
Believe it or not, this disorder stemmed from a common cold I had a few weeks back. No BS. You can also get it from a flu shot.
At this point, I cannot walk or stand up and my face is partially paralyzed. I should eventually make a full recovery but it’s going to be a long road.
Anyways, some of you may have noticed my absence from Lohud the last couple of weeks and this is why.
Just remember, ENJOY this team. Have some faith. They will be the last team standing. They’ve had that vibe all season.
What is this nonsense about Mo, spitting on the ball. Can anything realistically come of this?
Giuseppe,
Feel better and get well soon! Please keep a positive attitude, and focus on the stuff that matters.
Keeping you in my thoughts.
Warmly,
Percy
so Pete blogged about rivera throwing a spit-ball. What class! Worked for the Yankee beat for many years, leaves for Boston and within a month, already disgustingly latching onto a non-story like this one.
GF, very sorry to read about your condition. I hope you make a full recovery! Your posts are always good to read!
Giuseppe
Oh man! I so sorry to hear that. Get well soon. Things like this put the baseball game into perspective.
G Franco,
Get well soon… We need you in that parade…
One of my students just stopped by my office and said MLB is investigating it and a suspension could follow. Any sources on this?
Sounds like BS to me. I can’t find anything about it.
im still too hung up on the rued chances from last night to realize that game 5 is like 4 hours away. it feels like 15 minutes ago, i was screaming at the TV about the chicken alfredo move.
momentum goes only as far as tomorrow’s starting pitcher, and thankfully we have one of the best in the business on the hill tonight. its up to the yankees slumping hitters to hold up their end of the bargain and crush the angels spirits and have them down 3-1. tex, melky, cano, and SWISH, im looking at you. they have looked helpless up there, and their desire to produce is clouding their judgment, and were swinging at balls not even close to the strike zone. the RISP stats are horrifying, and if we plan to get through this series and face a very strong phillies rotation, this needs to end.
Comon Ya Yankees!
Thrillington
October 20th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
One of my students just stopped by my office and said MLB is investigating it and a suspension could follow. Any sources on this?
==========================
http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/.....qmMedUNsSP
good perspective in there too – he’s been on the highest stage his whole career and people are just noticing now? GMAB
and Pete is just trying to lather people up – it’s like all those Arod posts…he’s supposed to be driving hits/posts and Red Sox-related content appears to not be getting the job done
nothing online about an investigation. pretty lame that angels would insinuate that after all these years, rivera would cheat.
Guiseppe Franco: I am so sorry to hear about this disease you are dealing with. I checked out the link you provided and it seems like quite a rare disorder and one that is pretty painful to be going through. And to think it all stemmed through the common cold; that is very, very scary.
With that, you are in my thoughts and I am hoping you get better soon with a speedy recovery. Please keep us all updated on your progress.
Giuseppe Franco – Best wishes to you sir. I noticed you have not been posting as much.
I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts.
Wanted to put this out there since I know it’s being discussed in other posts.
Regarding the alleged video showing Mo spit on the ball. I have to question the validity of the clip in question. The clip shows Mo allegedly spitting on the ball, then, as I’ve heard some claim, Fox realised this and takes a shot of the dugout.
That’s not the case. There is more video of Mo and that ball that the original Youtube posted edited out. How do I know? The shot cross fades to the dig out and with it the Graphic in the lower right fades out, as does the one under the ALCS logo on the top right.
Had this been Foxs original feed, the graphics would have wiped away before the fade, not with it. Having extensive experience with directing programs used in the world of live sports broadcasts I can tell you the fade and the graphics are controlled by two completely different engines. Having a cross fade eliminate two graphics as it takes another sight is only possible in editing. In other words, at least a portion of this video is altered.
That immediately makes me ask two things. Why did the YouTube poster edit out the remainder of the Mo video? Two, if that portion of the video has been edited, what other portions may have been altered with out ne picking up on it.
To me, and the other professionals I work with, the credibility of this viedo is on question..
LETS GO CC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jennifer…I agree…I like it better when Flash gives the other team the edge. Not good! Although he did give CC the edge in game one, I think, or did he call it even? Crap…
This is like that rumor from the ‘86 World Series that Orosco’s glove never landed because all the camera angles failed to catch it’s return to earth, hence one of baseball’s best urban legends.
check the link I posted to the NYPost (not sure how reliable they are), but it’s in there
Our Carston Charles, Who art our Ace
Hallowed be Thy Slider;
Thy strike outs come,
Thy will be done,
in Anaheim as it was in the Bronx.
Give us this day our birth right,
and forgive us our Swisher’s hitlessness,
as we forgive Tex who can’t buy a hit;
and lead us not into a 2-2 series,
but deliver us to the World Series. Amen.
GF – the Yankees will win this for you my friend, because you have been the epitome of the positive and supportive fan. And I’m sure you’ll use that same positive attitude to see you through this. You’ll be in my prayers. We need your strength!
I had no idea Torii Hunter said he thought it was a ST game with all the moves Girardi made. lol damn
tex’s friend October 20th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
so Pete blogged about rivera throwing a spit-ball. What class! Worked for the Yankee beat for many years, leaves for Boston and within a month, already disgustingly latching onto a non-story like this one.
————-
Do you some of you lack reading comprehension skills or do you just want to rip Pete every chance you get.
Well for those who can’t read, the person who wrote the post about Mariano and the spitball was Steve Silva. Though if you actually took the time to look at the site, you would know that.
Giuseppe Franco
Sorry to hear about this. I hope you make a speedy recovery, and your in my prayers.
Clearly I lack writing skills, and I meant to say “Do some of you”, however I am so tired of this high school nonsense in killing people for no reason.
Rich so you are saying this “investigation” stemmed from some idiot posting something on YouTube?
Guiseppe Franco,
Yes, I have noticed your absence and I wish you well.
Full recovery is expected I hope.
Just concentrate on fighting your own battles, we’ll hold down the fort here.
Good luck to you, and thank you for reminding us that it’s just a game.
We got our own reminder on Saturday. Someone my husband knows (actally saw him in the water before the incident)went into a coma on Saturday because he went unconscious in the water. A bit of good news yesterday as he’s out of the coma. So, in reality, it’s just a game. We can enjoy, and agonize over it, but it’s not really important in the grand scheme
Take care, GF.
GF-
Get well soon
Giuseppe Franco – all my best to you for a full recovery.
“One of my students just stopped by my office and said MLB is investigating it and a suspension could follow. Any sources on this?”
No way! They may keep a closer eye on him, but they aren’t going to investigate anything.
6 hours and 26 minutes until Game 4!!!!!!!!
The Spitter story at the Globe was posted by Steve Silva
Giuseppe Franco
We look forward to your healthy return.
Good wishes.
from twitter
nyp_joelsherman The Commissioners Office reviewed available vid/still photo and “found no evidence Rivera spit on ball,” I am told. Link coming.
Rich,
Simply put, there’s more video. There’s two different cameras, one’s on mo, the other on Scioscia. Where’s the rest of the video on mo? They don’t dump that stuff.
This is from what Rishi linked to:
“However, the initial reaction by the league is that the video plus still pictures they have of the incident are inconclusive if Rivera is actually spitting on or near the ball. MLB does not believe anything will conclusively link Rivera to doctoring the ball to face Erick Aybar with a runner on second and none out in the 10th. But the Baseball Operations Department headed by Jimmie Lee Solomon is continuing to try to gather as many images as possible to determine exactly what is occurring.”
I would say there will probably be no bigger tempest in a teapot than this one.
I’m not giving it a second thought.
Later y’all.
jennifer-thanks for posting. That’s a relief!
I want to win this game so bad. I hate when the Yankees play in Anaheim. I wish someone could destroy Angels stadium.
Swish, and Melky better get the job done. And Tex better start hitting, and Cano needs a brain.
there is absolutely no way to tell if that spit (real or not) landed within a foot of the ball…camera angles are incredibly deceiving…why would mariano be so stupid to do that on purpose in broad view?…i doubt he is
jennifer –
he gave us the edge in game 1 as well and we won. he gave them the edge in game 2, and we won.
it was when he gave andy the edge, when he didnt deserve the edge, that we lost.
Christina- Here come the bandwagoners
Yes thats true, but he started a blog post about it. If YOU took the time, you would read that i said that he latched onto the story, not that he started it.
I love how the Angels win a dramatic walkoff game, one of the great games in their proud history…and Angel fans are still obsessed with how Rivera has dominated them.
so Pete blogged about rivera throwing a spit-ball. What class! Worked for the Yankee beat for many years, leaves for Boston and within a month, already disgustingly latching onto a non-story like this one.”
Not true. It was some other writer. Even the Sox fans sort of called him out on it.
“Spitgate” has gained a bit of energy though over the course of the day.
One thing I found recently was worth mentioning.
The original guys on the Angel blog kept pointing out how you can see a “halo of saliva” (their words) over the ball as it descends from Mo’s mouth to the ball.
Turns out, the “halo” is actually the logo on the jacket of Scosia’s sleeve as the shot of Mo fades into the shot of Scosia in the dugout.
Personally, I think it was Roger McDowell from behind the bushy ramp.
What a bunch of bad fans…
Jeremy we can’t have that ” oh here we go again at Angel stadium type attitude ” .
You have to have the . LETS CONQUER attitude . NO MERCY
NO RETREAT NO SURRENDER ! Thats the Yankee way
wow, GF – my thoughts are with you and I wish you a speedy recovery. Your post certainly puts things in perspective…..
arliss
He did? I have to go back and check that out. If so I will go back to blaming Joe for the loss, until than it is still on Flash.
Some people think Aceves during the year was doctoring the ball.
He had some shiny substance on his hat (vaseline?) that he kept rubbing his finger on before he put those same fingers on the ball to throw.
What Aceves did is more suspect then Mo.
wait, so MLB is going to investigate Mo? Are you kidding me?
wait, so MLB is going to investigate Mo? Are you kidding me?
Jennifer – yes, absolutely, he gave CC the edge over Lackey….no doubt in my mind.
That this whole ’spit’ issue is even a ’story’ is beyond ridiculous.
I bet Fox talks about it ad nauseum tonight. Buck and McCarver hate the Yankees.
Anyone know if the yankee outfield was in a no-doubles defense last night?/? Hard to believe Kendrick scores from first if they were…and who knows, maybe even Hairston gets to that ball???>
EDGE: “If we’re just talking about the pitchers and nothing else, I think Saunders may have a little bit of an edge in the cold weather because he’s a fastball/change-up guy and A.J.’s curveball is usually his go-to strikeout pitch. The weather makes it harder to spin the ball, and that favors a guy who relies more on the fastball and change. So, a slight edge to Saunders.”
EDGE: “This is a flip of the coin for me. I feel good about both guys pitching well and I think the wild card in this is going to be the weather: who’s going to be able to handle the elements? Who’s going to want it more? Who’s going to compete and challenge? We’ll see. I think both guys could pitch great and the game will end up in the bullpens.”
A google search of mariano rivera spitball already returned like 20-30 results all pointing to the halosheaven blog.. Technology nowadays is so bad that anyone can make up a video or say something stupid and it becomes a big news on the web…
Trevor Really I never head that.
I like the jalapeno in the nose trick.
“You put snot on the ball!?”
Get well soon, GF! Your presence has been missed.
We’re thinking about you.
http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/.....qmMedUNsSP
tex’s friend October 20th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Christina- Here come the bandwagoners
Yes thats true, but he started a blog post about it. If YOU took the time, you would read that i said that he latched onto the story, not that he started it.
————-
How did he latch onto the story?
YOU STATED
“so Pete blogged about rivera throwing a spit-ball. What class! Worked for the Yankee beat for many years, leaves for Boston and within a month, already disgustingly latching onto a non-story like this one.”
You said “So Pete blogged…”
Except Pete didnt say a word. That was Steve Silva. That blog has like 25 different people contributing to it. Then you go on to bring the guy down saying he has no class. If your going to kill someone, at least make sure they actually did it.
Pete never had anyting against Rivera, based on the entire time I have read this blog. He clearly doesnt like A-Rod but what writer in NY actually like Alex? Pete was just too honest with his opinion, more than most writers are. If you read Tyler Kepner at the Times you would even know he has mentioned that A-Rod isn’t very friendly with the writers.
Giuseppe Franco -
I’m sorry to hear of your illness and I wish you a speedy recovery.
Be well and thanks for the reminder to just enjoy.
Doreen
GF – Get well soon!
Okay MLB has determined there is no evidence that Mo spit on the ball.
Memo to Mo everyone will be watching you, if you have to spit spit away from the ball.
“Swish, and Melky better get the job done. And Tex better start hitting, and Cano needs a brain”
if Tex can break out of his slump, and we continue to get good pitching, that should be enuf
GF- all the best to you, get better soon.
The Angels picked the wrong guy if they wanted to get in someone’s head w/ that spit fairy tale. Mo is as cool as a cucumber.
How exactly has the Yankees “ruined Joba’s arm”. Please! Fans say some strange things on these talk shows.
The only thing I want them to do is let him go back to his old mechanics if in deed they changed them. Which some fans have speculated.
Cause clearly it has effected his FB velocity and over all command. Besides his lack of conditioning.
Erin-
Are you out there?
Girardi needs to get a lot of blame for his stupid choices in Game 1 and Game 2. I hope that people calling Girardi out will pressure him inot making better choices.
sorry-into
Thanks for the update Jennifer. I’m beyond upset about this. To me, it’s very bush league, poor sportsmanship, and simply reprehensible to manufacture that kind of a lie.
C’mon Yankees. I’ve about had enough of what the Angels dish out. Angels, my foot.
Does anyone know when the world series tickets go on sale for Philly. Might go down there to catch a game.
I really thought the whole Mo spitball thing was a joke this morning. I cant believe it got this far…
I disagree with John. I think there is just as much pressure on Kazmir and the Angels as there is on the Yankees, maybe more. A 3-1 deficit for the Angels would be devastating considering they would have to battle back through Burnett, Pettitte and CC. Plus, two of those final 3 games are at the Stadium.
Giuseppe Franco,
Please accept my best wishes and prayers for a full recovery.
I have wondered, several times, why you weren’t on the blog. Almost inquired, but then I am a streak poster myself, and thought you’d probably said you were on vacation or something.
I know I sound like a zealot, but you may want to try some qi gong exercises. They really are a great boost to the immune system and gentle. Even just deep, peaceful breathing is enormously appreciated by the body. I’d get some steamed greens in me as much as I could, also.
All the best.
Giuseppe Franco –
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will keep you in mind when I watch the Yankees the rest of this month (and hopefully next).
I hope you are back to posting regularly soon.
Trish,
Saw your post.
Wasn’t really speaking directly to any comment of yours, just the sudden discussion about Girardi’s job, which, I thought, was incongruous with the specific criticism of the Robertson hook.
TY for explaining its genesis, however
.
Jeremy,
I don’t know who you’re talking about, but I was spittin’ mad when I saw this “Yankees ruined Joba” column by Vescey:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10.....f=baseball
GF, Feel better and get well soon.
This place needs you’re level-headed, voice of reason responses to help right this place when it gets off it’s axis.
vinny-b (thankful to have Girardi in charge)
October 20th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
“Swish, and Melky better get the job done. And Tex better start hitting, and Cano needs a brain”
if Tex can break out of his slump, and we continue to get good pitching, that should be enuf
===
We’ll hit tonight.
Sorry, I meant Game 2 and Game 3. Girardi made a lot of stupid moves. Thank god A-rod bailed him out in game 2 or we would be down 2-1 in this series.
GF- Get well soon.
If it’s a close game in the 7th inning tonight I really hope Girardi remembers it’s not 2007 and pitches Robertson and not Joba. I have had enough already of Joba being used in big spots where he shouldn’t be. Robertson has done nothing but get people out use him. The obsession with the “bullpen Joba” needs to stop.
The Angels organization had nothing to do with spitgate.
An Angel’s blog started it.
Someone posted it here early this morning.
It’s been spreading like an internet scandal du jour.
I’ll tell you one thing. If there was a spitball, it helped the Angels more than the Yanks.
GET WELL SOON GIUSEPPE!!!
I just want the Yankees to have a 5 or 6 run lead after 7 inning of play… I had enough of all the close games. Time for the Yankees to flex there might !
Giuseppe Franco–
All my best wishes to you as well. A friend of mine contracted that back in 2006 and he’s doing fine now. All of his abilities returned – we’ll keep thinking of you
Mike
Jennifer, I have looked everywhere and I can’t figure out when Phillies WS tickets go on sale. Hmmm..
Giuseppe Franco,
Get well soon man! Not only does this blog need you, but thousands of men with thinning hair need you dammit!
Francesa was critical of 2 moves by Girardi.
1. Using Marte and Coke the way he did
2. Taking Robertson out
GF- Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.
6 strong from CC with a Lead should do it tonight… and we need Tex to get going… Lets go!!!!!!
This spit ball thing is RIDICULOUS!!!! Give me about 6 minutes and I can edit a few videos and alter them appropriately to show Mike Sciossa spitting on Bud Selig. Its obvious that youtube video is altered. Its so easy to alter a video that a caveman can do it. (sorry vlad guerrero i didnt mean to insult your intelligence with the caveman remark)
MR.OCTOBER
October 20th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
This spit ball thing is RIDICULOUS!!!! Give me about 6 minutes and I can edit a few videos and alter them appropriately to show Mike Sciossa spitting on Bud Selig.
*****
I think I would rather enjoy that video
5 hours and 42 minutes until Game 4!!!!!!!!!!!
The following is a quote from Peter’s Boston blog. One can clearly see that Pete was actually defending Rivera rather than accusing him.
“It’s like watching “JFK” with these people. They take one short video clip, post it on YouTube and brand a player a cheater. Suddenly that’s “evidence.” Back and to the left. Back and to the left.
Never mind that Rivera could have spit three feet away, his ball doesn’t move like a spitball would, there were six umpires on the field and he was standing in the middle of a stadium full of people. No, he just stands on the mound and spits on the ball.
There’s enough actual cheating going in baseball (good afternoon Manny and A-Rod) without get-a-lifers going after people like Mauer and Rivera. It’s not fair to any player on any team to have to deal with these sorts of things.”
Flaherty is on Francesa right now.
Erica-I’m here! I got busy with work.
This song is dedicated to Girardi postseason pen management. Simply replace she with he:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsJukf6_B4s
Christina thanks for looking/ I’ll have to try to find a Phillies blog later.
Agreed. This is just a distraction that hopefully doesnt affect Mo.
It would be nice if the Yankees go out with a purpose tonight and put the hurtin’ on Kazmir and Co.
The pitching has carried them so far, but hopefully finally losing a game will wake the offense (besides alex and jeter) up.
“We didn’t expect the Angels to be sloppy” Francesa says.
Well, Mike, that makes one of us. The same thing that hurts them in their base running and at the plate – over agressiveness – afflicts their defense.
It’s part of why they are not as good as the Yankees.
MLB: No evidence Rivera threw spitter
the league is circumspect that Rivera actually spit on the ball for a variety of reasons:
1. The spit is coming from far away. There is no attempt by Rivera to hide what he is doing. He is facing toward the outfield, but in the playoffs that leaves him in the direct line of sight of at least three umpires. He is not rubbing the ball up or massaging it in his glove as is often the case when a ball is being doctored.
2. Between the regular season and postseason, Rivera has appeared in 999 games and nothing has ever emerged before linking Rivera to doctoring the ball. He has appeared in 82 postseason games when cameras, eyeballs and opponents are fixed on him constantly, and no evidence of this has previously emerged.
the bottom of this lineup. Swisher , Cano and Melky . MUST do something !.
Im suprised by Swhisher . He’s one the most patient hitters in the game and he’s been swinging like a Tripple A kid with no clue.
Erin
October 20th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Erica-I’m here! I got busy with work.
****
Our boys Ernie and Bert got a big shout out on Big Bang theory last night.
Penny said that when she was in 1st grade her and her best friend made a pact to marry Ernie and Bert. But then they got into a big fight when they realized they both wanted to marry Ernie. And they didn’t speak again until middle school. LOL
It made me think of you. Cause I sure understand
Thanks, ray (red sox fan) for that excerpt. Much appreciated. I’m so tired of lies, half-truths, shortened quotes, hyperbole, etc., with respect to EVERYTHING.
Mariano Rivera is a saint walking among us./
Those blasphemers will be punished accordingly
.
being from NJ, i am really hoping for Yankees/Phillies.
Enough already with this Mo spit on the ball crap. It is getting more play…because he is a Yankee than Kenny Roger’s pine tar did.
“Agreed. This is just a distraction that hopefully doesnt affect Mo.”
If Mo heard about the story, he’d just laugh it off and say “Are you serious?”
tex’s friend,
I was rooting for whomever emerged from the NLCS to be beaten up. Obviously, the series is a mismatch so I can set aside that wish.
Erica-that’s awesome! Gotta love Ernie and Bert shout outs
I should really start watching that show. Everybody tells me how good it is.
Ray,
How are you liking the job that Pete is doing covering your team? Curious to hear a Sox Fan’s perspective.
Anyone remember Kenny Rogers possibly doctoring the ball in the playoffs a few years ago? I wonder if MLB investigated that! Lets see Mariano Rivera the GREATEST OF ALL TIME or Kenny Rogers one step above borderline until the last few years of his career. HMMMMMM which is shadier
i think it would be safe to accuse fuentes of something too. he actually got three straight outs. has that happened this year at all?
Anyone remember Kenny Rogers possibly doctoring the ball in the playoffs a few years ago? I wonder if MLB investigated that! Lets see Mariano Rivera the GREATEST OF ALL TIME or Kenny Rogers one step above borderline until the last few years of his career. HMMMMMM which is shadier
___
That wasn’t the worst part. He wasnt even good leading into that matchup. It was baffoling that he held them to a couple hits.
Lupica (and i can’t stand him) is spot on with Kay now.
At what point does Howie Kendrick get a little chin music from Yankee pitching? He has been Albert Pujols against the Yanks in his career. Too bad he sits against AJ – there’s an excellent chance he’d be forced to “move his feet” against him.
Erin
October 20th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Erica-that’s awesome! Gotta love Ernie and Bert shout outs I should really start watching that show. Everybody tells me how good it is.
****
It really is very funny. I recommend
“the bottom of this lineup. Swisher , Cano and Melky . MUST do something”
Tex is the person who makes this lineup click. Unless he breaks out of his slump, the offense will continue to SPUTTER
TylerKepner: This Rivera thing is the stupidest spitting controversy since Newman and Keith Hernandez.
16 minutes ago from web
CLASSIC
whats Lupica saying right now ??
GTLU:
Jeter
Damon
Texeira
Arod
Matsui (wanted to pencil in Cecil Fielder, but alas…)
Posada
Cano
Cabrera
Hairston
(RLRRLRLRR)
That #8 is going to be the tricky one – does he give Swish another go at it?
tex’s friend October 20th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
i think it would be safe to accuse fuentes of something too. he actually got three straight outs. has that happened this year at all?
————-
I assume not very many times. Though he did have 48 saves, so I am sure there were a few instances of him actually pitching decent. Although his ERA of almost 4 is horrendous.
They sure could use K-Rod right about now. And Scott Shields.
tex’s friend
October 20th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
TylerKepner: This Rivera thing is the stupidest spitting controversy since Newman and Keith Hernandez.
16 minutes ago from web
CLASSIC
*********
LMAO. That’s hilarious.
you cant remove Swisher. maybe melky . but now Swisher
tex friend
your right rogers was awful!
ps any friend of texs is a friend of mine
NEWMAN made the whole thing up!!!!!!!!!!
Lupica said he asked Kedrick did he remember facing Robertson. He said “did I walk?”
So epic fail even more with that decision.
“Rich October 20th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Wanted to put this out there since I know it’s being discussed in other posts.
…
That’s not the case. There is more video of Mo and that ball that the original Youtube posted edited out. How do I know? The shot cross fades to the dig out and with it the Graphic in the lower right fades out, as does the one under the ALCS logo on the top right.
Had this been Foxs original feed, the graphics would have wiped away before the fade, not with it. Having extensive experience with directing programs used in the world of live sports broadcasts I can tell you the fade and the graphics are controlled by two completely different engines. Having a cross fade eliminate two graphics as it takes another sight is only possible in editing. In other words, at least a portion of this video is altered.”
————————————————————
Thanks Rich!
This thing is getting absolutely Oliver Stone-like.
And I like it!
ray (sox fan)
David Ortiz should be on that list of cheaters as well. You can’t put Manny on a list just because he is no longer a Red Sox player. Ortiz was on the same list with Manny and A-rod in 2003.
SS Jeter
DH Damon
1B Teixiera
3B Rodriguez
C Posada
2B Cano
RF Swisher
LF Cabrera
CF Gardner
Giuseppe — Sorry to hear about your illness. I’ve missed our occasional jousts. Wishing you a very speedy recovery.
Postseason Bunting-
Please repost with positions after 3pm when I actually start GTLU. You are too early
Unfortunately, I don’t see a change in the lineup. I think Melky should sit, but JoeG doesn’t put Gardner in against the lefty, so the lineup will be the same. They just need to make some contact and stop swinging at balls in the dirt! I’m looking at you Melky!!
IT IS NOT TIME FOR GTLU YET!!!
Please repost after 3pm
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
Much as it pains me to see it happen, the Phils play right to the final out. Seems like since the changes made in the front office and in the manager have led to quite a bunch of players acting like a real team. These Phils remind me a lot of the Yankee teams that dominated the 90s. Is this a fair comparison?
Buster Olney (1:15 PM)
J.B.: No doubt. Their experience and toughness is a weapon, as it was for those Yankees’ teams of the late ’90s. Rollins/Victorino/Utley/Howard/Werth/etc. are this decade’s version of O’Neill/Tino Martinez/Jeter/Bernie Williams/etc.
i desppppiiiiiise keith hernandez (newmans voice)
DONNIE BASEBALL ALL THE WAY!!!!!!
How is this for a giant “oops”
According to stubhub the Mets have hope for the World Series
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/ne.....;type=lgns
Daniel (SF)
Did Joe Girardi lose Game 3 for the Yankees with his over-managing?
Buster Olney (1:23 PM)
Daniel: I don’t think he did. I thought the Angels’ hitters like Mathis and Kendrick just beat them. Going after Mathis, who hit .211, is not a bad strategy. Being leery of Kendrick’s ability to hit a fastball is sound strategy. But Kendrick bounced a single up the middle on a cutter away, and Mathis hammered a high fastball. On the scales of giving credit/giving blame, I’d lean toward giving credit to Kendrick and Mathis.
Oh, boy, lots of yankees today:
jeff (new york)
Am i the only one that has noticed that Girardi does not use his pitching coach for meetings with his starters or relievers? Does he have any confidence in Eiland making a decision??
Buster Olney (1:29 PM)
Jeff: he has done that twice and I think on both occasions, it was to make sure that the pitcher and catcher were on the same page about pitch selection. I don’t think that has much to do with Eiland as the dynamics involving Posada — and the fact that Girardi, as the guy in charge, wants to make damn sure that the pitcher is throwing the pitch he absolutely wants to throw. I wish I could’ve been a fly on the wall for that Pettitte/Posada/Girardi conversation, because I’m not convinced Pettitte threw that cutter to Vlad with full conviction, and given how it played out, with the meeting, Vlad was absolutely sitting and waiting for the cutter, opening up his hips very early and anticipating that pitch in that spot. It was a fascinating sequence.
James (New York)
What’s your overall take on how Joe Girardi has managed the Yankee bullpen in this series? Too many quick hooks?
Buster Olney (1:30 PM)
James: I think he manages a lot like Torre does, working to solve the crisis at hand and being aggressive in his moves, and let’s face it — when and if they lose, that creates a situation when he’s going to be questioned.
Melky is hitting .400 against Kazmir so he isn’t sitting. I would play Hairston in RF but I doubt Girardi would do it. Swish is hitting like .145 against him. At least Hairston can make contact.
m -
Ah,yes. The fact that the other team actually does have a part in the conclusion. What a novel idea.
Trevor
Girardi is a fool ! Robertson only faced him twice, thats not a large body of work.
My understanding is that the controversy came from one of the largest Angels blogs. Let’s hope they get some reverse karma from trying to stir up a bunch of crap!
GO YANKS!
how did the phils get good so fast after tanking the year the yanks stole abreu from them in that trade? quite a quick turnaround.
too much yankees, so here’s the link:
http://espn.go.com/sportsnatio.....ster-olney
Giuseppe Franco – hang in there. You have had a tough few weeks. It’s good you finally have a diagnosis. Small steps will lead into bigger steps. Be strong and have faith.
100 Pitches: that may be so, but the fact that Melk isn’t adjusting to the ball in the dirt has me wary of him facing anyone. He’s been pretty much AO so I don’t really factor past success into the equation. Hopefully he’s gotten some work in with Long and Long told him “DON’T SWING AT DIRT BALLS!!”
even though kaz is a lefty, start gardner in cf nd melky in rf. or hairston in right and melk in cf. but i think swish needs a mental day off… or something.
Doug (New Rochelle, NY)
Rob, really, how does Girardi take Robertson out in that spot? Since when does 1 for 2 indicate any type of usable trend??
Rob Neyer (12:20 PM)
1 or 2 … what? Plate appearances by that batter against that pitcher? I don’t think that was it. Girardi was using something a bit deeper based on pitches and tendencies. I would assume he’s been doing that all season, and it seems to have worked fairly well.
just a sample, here’s the link Neyer’s more than fair with Girardi and the Yankees. Check out the last query!:
http://espn.go.com/sportsnatio.....-rob-neyer
The Other Phil, I agree he looks like a AAA guy. If a lefty wasn’t pitching I would play Gardner that isn’t the case. Gardner should play tomorrow over him. But a manager is going to see him hitting .400 against a pitcher and hope that he snaps out of it. We have seen from Melky he either looks decent or over matched and right now unfortunately it’s the bad one.
And here’s Joe Morgan:
http://espn.go.com/sportsnatio.....joe-morgan
so Onley and Neyer have both been ok/fair with Girardi, but the NY media (and many ny fans) have not. Imagine that
100: Agreed. I don’t know what happened to the Melky that came off the bench when Gardner went down, but he’s been replaced by the Melky of last year. I’d love to see GGBG get the playing time, lefty pitcher or not, but JoeG won’t do it.
Melky looks so pathetic up at the plate. He has no clue, no plan. Swinging at weak breaking pitches.
“100 Pitches: that may be so, but the fact that Melk isn’t adjusting to the ball in the dirt has me wary of him facing anyone. He’s been pretty much AO so I don’t really factor past success into the equation. Hopefully he’s gotten some work in with Long and Long told him “DON’T SWING AT DIRT BALLS!”
or to quote a certain movie
“Melky…you’re not a farmer. You don’t have to swing at sh*t in the dirt!”
“Melky looks so pathetic up at the plate. He has no clue, no plan. Swinging at weak breaking pitches”
to be fair, neither does Texeria at this point. He is completely lost
GF,
Praying for a speedy recovery for you.
Its amazing to me all the illnesses that now stem from the common cold.
Hang in there!
The Rivera “controversy” isn’t a “controversy” at all. Its just the nonsense of the internet age.
It will have no bearing on the series or Mo.
As far as the rest of the series, its simple. If they hit, they will win the 2 games they need to win. If they don’t, their starters have to pitch shutouts and hope for a solo HR.
Not a recommended strategy.
As far as Girardi….the team can take overmanaging out of his hands by playing better. If the games are close, its 50-50 he will not overmanage.
If I was a player, I’d look to take the game out of the manager’s hands by playing better.
The Angels didn’t start this spitting thing, some pathetic blog did…….I don’t know of any fanbase that doesn’t respect or like Mariano, so this is beyond the pale. It’s sad that MLB would even stoop to those losers’ level by even investigating Mo
Giuseppe Franco, get well soon! You are missed.
Is anyone concerned about the Dodgers not making it ?? All the drama I wanted to unfold with Torree coming home may not transpire unless the Dodgers can heat up and quick! Their pitching should be better than this.
Torree better work his magic or we may not get the drama that would generate a good World Series classic.
“If I was a player, I’d look to take the game out of the manager’s hands by playing better.”
Peter Pascarelli from ESPN said that some of the “veterans” told him off the record that they thought that Girardi over-managed last night. So I guess it’s not just us.
SJ: Well said! Yesterday shouldn’t have been a 4 run game. It should have been a blowout.
Hopefully today will be the one!
Gardener is a glorified pinch runner. He doesnt even belong on the Yankees. Perhaps hed be fine in Pittsburgh or Kansas City but this is NY – centerfield. I dont want to see Gardener in the line up. Melky is no great shakes but he has long ball potential. All Gardener can do is run.
I feel like Mariano would laugh if he saw that video. Because its simply impossible for the best closer ever to simply just be pulling the wool over the eyes of every baseball fan in America for 10+ years. Some of the commenters on that dump of a blog really believe this trite. They’re just upset that Mariano is rock solid, unlike their bullpen..
Another day (without AJ pitching), another “A” lineup. Hopefully another win.
SS Jeter
LF Damon
1B Teixeira (my “pick to click”)
3B Alex
DH Matsui
C Posada
2B Cano
RF Swisher
CF Melky
Well Angels fans are pretty sad. I thought Red Sox fans were bad. Mo is the best in the game and they want to tarnish his rep.
Folks, Francesa doesnt think Girardi overmanaged except in the Aceves move. Girardi had been pushing all the right buttons until last night. I’ll give him a pass on that one.
The Angels didn’t start this spitting thing, some pathetic blog did…….I don’t know of any fanbase that doesn’t respect or like Mariano, so this is beyond the pale. It’s sad that MLB would even stoop to those losers’ level by even investigating Mo
___
At least baseball only took all of 15 minutes to ‘investigate’. They knew it was crap too and i wouldnt be surprised if they watched it once and laughed, and went about their day.
Laura not one person I’ve heard today was in Joe’s corner with that decision.
And of course I’m sure many Yankees feel the same. That’s no surprise.
“Is anyone concerned about the Dodgers not making it ?? All the drama I wanted to unfold with Torree coming home may not transpire unless the Dodgers can heat up and quick! Their pitching should be better than this”
no. I just want the yankees to make it.
whether the dodgers or phillies made it (and no yankees) i still wouldn’t watch the world series regardless
some news on Damon:
The New York Daily News reported agent Scott Boras already is singing the praises of Yankees left fielder Johnny Damon(notes), a pending free agent.
Speaking to reporters prior to Game 3 of the ALCS, Boras said, “Not that I’ve been thinking about this, but players who can get on the field every day and score 100 runs, how many guys do that? Johnny just plays, and he’s got the body type that allows him to do that. If stem-cell research were around, you’d want to tap into that gene pool. He’s (35), but has a 30-year-old’s body. He plays much younger.”
The newspaper noted Damon is only the fifth player in major league history to play in at least 140 games for 14 consecutive seasons. Damon’s future remains unclear in New York, as does that of DH Hideki Matsui(notes), who also will become a free agent this offseason. It is doubtful both will return to the Yankees.
Damon hit .282 with 107 runs scored and 82 RBIs, and he tied a career-high with 24 homers in the 2009 regular season.
GTLU:
Jeter
Damon
Texeira
Arod
Matsui
Posada
Cano
Cabrera
Hairston
“I don’t know what happened to the Melky that came off the bench when Gardner went down”
That would be the overachieving Melky. What happened is he became himself again.
“As far as Girardi….the team can take overmanaging out of his hands by playing better. If the games are close, its 50-50 he will not overmanage.
If I was a player, I’d look to take the game out of the manager’s hands by playing better.”
Girardi is taking a beating today from the media and fans. I hope for his sake, the Yankees win this series because if they don’t then more doubts about his managerial ability will come into play here. I know he’s a favorite of Cashman and probably the Steinbrenner family, but he still needs to win because right now, I don’t view him as a Yankee fan favorite even though he played on some great Yankee teams.
It is NOW time to play postseason “Guess the Line Up”
Please post your line ups to me here (or any new threads) with players AND POSITIONS. I am done chasing people who don’t post positions so its up to you.
No revisions allowed. Be sure about what you are posting.
I will accept entries until it gets leaked online or 4:30. Whichever comes first. ABSOLUTELY no late submissions will be accepted.
Francesa on now says Melky is starting and he is happy with that. He doesnt like Gardener. I agree with Mike on this one.
I really hope that Tex can start being himself starting tonight. They absolutely need him to start hitting or at least just having better at bats. He is a gigantic key to getting this team 2 more wins in this series. He needs to calm down, he looks like he wants to hit a grand slam in every at bat. I have never seen him chase more pitches than he has in this series.
Giuseppe.
Good luck in your healing.
Keep your heart and mind open. Gifts and good things can come through a serious illness.
“Peter Pascarelli from ESPN said that some of the “veterans” told him off the record that they thought that Girardi over-managed last night. So I guess it’s not just us”
the “veterans” should have a talk with the yankee hitters (minus Jeter/arod/posada) and tell them to hit the f#####g baseball
was curious to see what was going on at the halos blog and found 2 gems:
1) “I just want to know why he didn’t move his head or put the ball down.” Really? Pitchers put the ball down? Really?!
2)”Great job, guys. Now it’s on Deadspin. Now us angel fans are gonna appear pathetic and whiny. There’s NO WAY Rivera spit on that ball, in that fashion during a playoff game. C’mon, man. We won the game, let’s leave it at that.”
NEW thread- POST YOUR LINE UPS THERE!!!!
That’s a nice CC-Kazmir breakdown, but for every game we’ll need pitching match-ups for every pitcher on the roster except Gaudin.
(It need not be extensive, since many pitchers will only be called to throw a pitch or two.)
100 pitches of fun…
October 20th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
The Other Phil, I agree he looks like a AAA guy. If a lefty wasn’t pitching I would play Gardner that isn’t the case. Gardner should play tomorrow over him. But a manager is going to see him hitting .400 against a pitcher and hope that he snaps out of it. We have seen from Melky he either looks decent or over matched and right now unfortunately it’s the bad one.
=====
Melky is a .360/.385 career hitter vs. Lackey, w/.825 OPS. He’s not sitting for Gardner in Game 5.
“Francesa on now says Melky is starting and he is happy with that. He doesnt like Gardener. I agree with Mike on this one.”
You and Francesa should have a couple of diet cokes together then.:)
SS Jeter
DH Damon
1B Teixeira
3B Alex
2B Cano
C Posada
RF Swisher
LF Melky
CF Gardner
oops found a few more:
3) “But, anyway, then he goes to spit. Just prior to releasing his spit he clearly takes his right hand, with the ball, and moves it to his right to avoid spitting on the ball. He spits straight down. The spit travels between the camera and the ball.
The spit strikes the ground, just as Rivera inended, right on our logo. Hey…wait a minute…”
4) “This should never have been brought up The Yankees are dangerous as it is. But word of these baseless accusations is going to really piss them off.”
5)FWIW, reply from Post columnist Mike Vaccaro I emailed a few reporters/columnists a few hours ago. Got this back from the Post’s Mike Vaccaro:
Funny, this is everywhere this morning. It’s hard to doubt what the eyes see, no?
Very interesting …
Mike
Mike Vaccaro
Sports Columnist
New York Post
lol you know hells frozen over when I’m the positive one on the blog.
I see no reason to panic. Yes, Girardi overmanaged but he’s been doing it for a while.. We’ve just been winning. It’s a best of 7 series and we’re up 2-1 with our best pitcher going tonight against a notorious 6 inning guy who hasn’t pitched in 12 days and was horrible when he did. He’ll be strong tonight and throw too many pitches and be out early like Flash says.
Some bats need to step up but they will they’ve done all year long.
I would put Posada behind Arod. Cause Matsui seems to always being pinch ran for. Gotta have someone behind Arod.
ss jeter
lf damon
1b teixeira
3b rodriguez
c posada
dh matsui
2b cano
rf hairston
cf cabrera
I don’t care if Matsui Cano lefty lefty. Matsui kills lefty’s so…
I need a contact hitter that can bunt at the bottom of the order hence Hairston. Swisher is not that hitter. And looks over-matched here in the playoffs.
They will *like* they’ve done all year long.
DO NOT POST LINE UPS HERE
“He’s (35), but has a 30-year-old’s body. He plays much younger.””
Damon’s a warrior, and because of it, his is most definitely not the body of a 30 year old. He’s played while banged up his entire career. To some degree, the results of what is almost a football mentality, have manifested itself in a lousy September (.247, 0 homers, 8 rbi, .665 OPS)and only a marginally better October. Boras is obviously angling for multi years and as much as I respect Damon’s play and mentality, I’m not giving it to him if I’m the Yankees.
SS #2
LF #18
1B #25
3B #13
DH #55
C #20
2B #24
RF #33
CF #53
Jennifer and M and whoever else respoded to my post.
First, sorry it tool me so long to respond. On the road and trying to keep up while on my phone.
First, yes, the initial video was posted on Youtube, picked up by the Halo blog and fanned from there.
Second, yes, there is more video from the fox feed. What that video shows is anyones guess. My point is that it’s highly suspect that the clip was edited to show a tight shot of the dugout for the final moments. Why not just let it play out, or end it there? It’s always easier to not edit than to edit.
line up tonight
Jeter
Damon
Texeira
A-Rod
Matsui
Posada
Cano
Swisher
Melki
GF
Although we have disagreed in the past,get well soon.
Hopefully the Yanks will lift your spirits tonite.
Giuseppe Franco
I was wondering where you were as I always enjoy reading your posts on all issues of baseball. Auto-immune diseases are tricky.
Please take care and hope you are able to enjoy watching the games from your room. Prayers for you.
Old cliche but — win one for the Giuseppe!