Swisher not so sweet
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- October
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I have received all types of emails about potential lineup changes for the Yankees to consider, most of which fall into the “this is borderline spam” category (the guy who wants to start Hairston over Cano, for instance).
One concept worth considering, though, is this: Should Nick Swisher stay in the lineup?
Swisher has three hits in 29 at-bats. He has 10 strikeouts. He also has one big missed opportunity to make it all better, that coming in the ninth inning yesterday against Brian Fuentes.
The two main arguments against moving Swisher out of the lineup seem to be:
1. There is no one better. Brett Gardner (91 OPS+) or Jerry Hairston (94) certainly don’t get anyone fired up, and the truth is that Swisher is a better player than both. Which leads us to …
2. You don’t want to make a rash move based on a small sample size.
This one I have less trouble ignoring. The playoffs are the ultimate small sample size. Yes, certain players have done enough in their careers to earn undying faith no matter their present slump – for example, if Mariano blew three saves in a row, I’d still bring him out for the fourth chance.
Swisher, though, doesn’t fall into that category. He looks bad right now. Small sample size or not, it might be time to see if someone else could do better.
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on Friday, October 23rd, 2009 at 1:49 pm by Sam Borden.
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Chad Jennings
Josh Thomson
Agreed. I was actually screaming for Hairston to hit for Swisher in the 9th last night, given how often Nick strikes out.
It’s a tough call. I would leave him in because I don’t see any other option that entices me more, but it’s a close thing and I might PH for him later on.
He also has a better shot at getting on base than any other option by drawing a walk or two.
He does have a good eye (just can’t make contact right now)
Hairston=0 for 3 against Fuentes
Swisher= was 1 for 2 with a HR, plus he walks a lot…If I were managing I would have let Swish hit….
i have to agree the pop fly on a 90 mph straight fastball with the bases loaded mayhave been the nail in the coffin for nicky.
when buzz picked up about moving posada to 5th. girardi did it. i can see him finally telling swish that he needs to be replaced.
It will be Nick Swisher as the main contributor in our Game 6 victory tomorrow night. Mark it down.
Whatever. We had one really bad pitching game. Go back to the kind of pitching we were getting games first 7 games of the playoffs and it matter who’s in right field.
The Angels were a desperate team, and played that way.
Singleton on espnews is so funny. Says the pressure’s on the Yankees because they don’t want to let the Angels level the playing field. Wouldn’t the pressure be on the Angels? It’s win or go right back home.
Who wants to bet with all of the grief Swish has been getting he goes out and has a monster game tomorrow?
I rarely comment because I love to read everyones reactions, but here I have to say there is nothing that justifies a major upheavel in the lineup this close to the end of the series
They’ve put up 4 or more runs in every game. Swisher is a non-story.
Especially when you are facing a lefty in game 6. What can you do?
Swish is lost and scared. He has the exact opposite look as ARod. You can tell just by looking at ARod that he is ready to go in any spot and Swish is the exact oppposite. I was hoping they pinch hit CC for him last night. (kidding – sort of)
Why would you switch him if “Swisher is a better player than both”? This isn’t the time to get desperate. Now, granted, I was mad as hell last night and still am. But I’m not ready to jump out the window. The worst I see happening is the rotation getting screwed up if CC pitches Sunday. That’s about it.
If Swisher couldn’t hit that last BP fastball, then he’s of no use to the Yanks. Let Gardner try to slap his way on and maybe his speed can force a misplay or two.
Any other option is better than Nick Swisher. You guys all liked having a clown on the team, hope you’re happy
replacing one hitter is not a ‘major upheaval’, especially when that hitter bats 8th and is 3-25.
They’ve put up 4 or more runs in every game *This postseason*
I know Joe won’t do it because he hasn’t had this lineup all year (as far as I know) but given the situation with Alex, why not bat him third and Tex fourth? Tex gives a little extra protection than Matsui, especially if a lefty is on the mound. It’s a way to counter-balance Sciocia’s strategy of walking Alex whenever he has a chance to beat him. Also, even though it’s only one space up, it assures Alex bats in the first inning and maybe, just maybe, leads to one extra at-bat at the end if it breaks right.
if the bats are equal (i.e.: none) you have to upgrade at defense and play gardner in center and move swisher to right. you are afforded this luxury by having the second pinch-runner, so if a big spot comes up you can have guzman run.
torre always used to make the move early rather than late in the playoffs. hed pull an ineffective starter in the third or fourth and even batted alex eighth. such is life in the playoffs — you cant carry dead weight. play gardner, maybe he can get something done with his legs and if theres a situation late in the game where you need a fly ball to score a run you can pinch hit with swish
“Swisher is a non-story.”
Yeah, if a the non-story includes striking out with the bases loaded to end the game. A complete non-story…
You guys all liked having a clown on the team, hope you’re happy
___
We are all happy with swish’s season, it’s just the postseason. You can say the same thing about the angels and abreu. he and figgins have had a horrible alcs for the most part. you think they wish they didnt have them this year?
Sorry, but the ‘who has more pressure’ argument is a bit silly to me. They both have pressure, they both don’t want to lose. Who has ‘more’ is subjective and actually pretty irrelevant. Angels lose, they go home. Yanks lose, they get crucified by the media, but they still have one more game to play.
It’s about executing your game plan. Angels didn’t when Lackey came out, AJ and Hughes didn’t when they needed to hold serve.
Andy learns from the one-pitch mistake of Game 3 and won’t repeat that. Some of the cold bats are starting to get hot. I expect another good, close game, but have faith that the Yanks take game 6.
If you think the series is already lost, please don’t watch or comment. It’s a waste of your and our time.
Just one fan’s opinion.
“Singleton on espnews is so funny. Says the pressure’s on the Yankees because they don’t want to let the Angels level the playing field. Wouldn’t the pressure be on the Angels? It’s win or go right back home.”
Did you see the fear in the eyes of Hughes and Swisher last night? The pressure is ALL on the Yanks. The Angels didn’t look the least bit nervous even when they fell behind.
Ninja,
That was sort of my point. No one would say that, at this point in their careers, Swisher is the better major leaguer. But these are small sample sizes in the playoffs with intense consequences; it’s why Molina caught and Posada sat. Right move in the big picture? Probably not. Right move for that particular day? Probably. I look at the Swisher decision in a similar vein.
Hank
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:58 pm
“Swisher is a non-story.”
Yeah, if a the non-story includes striking out with the bases loaded to end the game. A complete non-story…
———————–
6 runs buddy. It’s not about more offense, it’s about better pitching.
I know Joe won’t do it because he hasn’t had this lineup all year (as far as I know) but given the situation with Alex, why not bat him third and Tex fourth? Tex gives a little extra protection than Matsui, especially if a lefty is on the mound. It’s a way to counter-balance Sciocia’s strategy of walking Alex whenever he has a chance to beat him. Also, even though it’s only one space up, it assures Alex bats in the first inning and maybe, just maybe, leads to one extra at-bat at the end if it breaks right.
___
i like that idea, but more likely he will just have posada 5th the rest of the playoffs. at least we can assume posada will be catching burnett next time he comes up.
Sam, you’ve got to stop feeding the trolls. Swisher is not the reason they have lost 2 games to a very good Angels team, in Anaheim, against their 2 best (by far) starters.
As Mel said, the pitching has to go back to doing what they were doing in the first 7 games. If Andy pitches well, I could be in RF, and the Yanks should still win the game.
funniest part of this whole swisher depart is that people think that no one ever makes an out on a 90 mph fb down the middle…only the terrible swish can do that!
If you had Hinske on the roster, then you have a real consideration to bench Swisher against the lefty.
tex’s friend,
By your definition, then replacing Tex wouldn’t be a major upheaval either.
Girardi’s going to stick with his main guys.
Girardi has played the “I believe in these guys” card all year so why change it now unless the upgrade is pretty significant and it isn’t.
E-gawa October 23rd, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Hank
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:58 pm
“Swisher is a non-story.”
Yeah, if a the non-story includes striking out with the bases loaded to end the game. A complete non-story…
———————–
6 runs buddy. It’s not about more offense, it’s about better pitching.
___________
And if he actually, you know, struck out.
Pop up isn’t better, but if you’re going to WHARGLLL!, at least get your facts straight…
just because they put up 6 runs doesnt mean swish’s out at the end is insignificant. He popped up a 3-2 straight fastball. that IS a problem, whether the pitchers gave up 7 or not.
Erin
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Who wants to bet with all of the grief Swish has been getting he goes out and has a monster game tomorrow?
****
That would be lovely.
Remember last week when everyone was calling for the head of Johnny Damon??? That stopped rather quick
I hope nobody responds to Hank after my comment. Hanks is clearly a Red Sox fan.
Hank, 18-1!
Peter Gammons is discussing the ALCS for the first time all week today. What a surprise. Peter got little-PEDroia and litte-Youk out of his mouth to try to pile the pressure on the Yanks with his nonsensical BS.
I would just like to point out swisher’s throw home to save a run in the 8th inning…as well as 2 other semi assists from right field.
The pitching needs to perform up to its ability, and Girardi needs to stay out of his own way. Simple as that.
You’d think these “fans” have never seen the Yanks win a series in which they’ve lost 2 games.
Imagine what this place would look like in the 90s/early 2000s, when the Yanks would routinely lose some playoff games to Texas, Cleveland, Seattle, and Oakland.
These panicky-pete “fans” are beyond pathetic.
Joe Girardi will make the correct decision. This is no time to start abandoning the players that got you here all year long. Joe Girardi is not a fool like the other Joe and is not going to bat Alex 8th to prove a point.
Has Francesa been paying attention with Robertson during the season?
give me a break.
He makes it sound as if he came from out of no where and has looked good for only 3 postseason innings.
No way he can take over for the great Joba Chamberlain.
Ralphie: Agreed. Alex popped out in the 1st but no one is all over him for not driving in runs in that spot.
The entire game takes place and everything affects everything else. Nothing happens in a vacuum. Sure, Swish needed to come up big in that spot, but for Angels fans, Fuentes did too. Fuentes won that round. If it gets to that situation again, I think Swish takes the next one.
But hopefully it doesn’t get to that situation. Enter Sandman, 1-2-3, game over. That’s what I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
Not fair to blame the guy who makes the last out. Especially when the bases were loaded without any major contributions from the Yankees. BB, BB, HBP
And yes, Hughes was nervous. And yes, Nick was anxious. But so was the Angels closer. lol.
Whatever, wallow in your predictions of another epic collapse.
Hank
Go back to the insane asylum. 2004,2004,2004. Is that all you can talk about. Because I am tired of hearing it. Stop talking about the players and realize that this manager is killing this team. He is responsible for this series not being over. Joe Blowardi.
They could flip swish and melky. If they had done that yesterday, it would have been melky in that big spot.
vin that is an excellent point about the teams in the late 90s playing tough series, and it speaks a lot to the pathetic vulture-like approach by some fans willing to kill any and everyone during their reactions to these games.
I think today must have been half days across the board at a number of elementary schools, because the level of discussion here this afternoon has plummeted to a pathetically low level.
I would play Gardner or Hairston in a heartbeat over Swisher right now. Swisher is in a terrible funk. Sending him out there day after day is not going to change anything. This isn’t A-Rod or Jeter. Swisher is a good fourth outfielder who had a career year. Time to give someone else a chance, at least for one game.
As bad as he has been lately, Swisher is a nice bat to have coming off the bench because he does take a lot of pitches.
Sam
A question for you, since you obviously know more about the game than anyone in here:
Have you ever seen a hitter with the eye of Swisher, virtually a 3-2 count in every AB, that strikes out as much as he does?
No way he should be striking out over 100 times. He is not a good hitter for average. It’s either a HR (on the road), a walk or a K.
Also for a loosey-goosey guy, why is he so obviously uptight.
Can’t play in NY? (obviously can’t hit a HR here)
They were killing Swish on the radio this morning. While I didn’t necessarily agree with everything they were saying, this had me laughing: “Apparently Derek Jeter has the flu. Derek, please go cough on Nick Swisher.”
(sorry if this was posted already, been swamped at work, havent read the blog all day)
vin: I seem to recall a certain WS, first in 15 years for the Yanks, where the Yankees lost the first 2 games at home… The first one BADLY, I might add (I know, I was there. Only WS game attended and the got whalloped.)
that was an 88 mph fastball with no movement that went right down the middle of the plate, and he popped it up to short. if he puts any kind of decent wood on the ball, this series is over. i love swish, but hes a drag at the bottom of that lineup right now.
vin
While some people are afraid of a repeat of 2004, that is understandable. Nobody ever wants to relive simply horrifying events. I am not concerned about this team, like I was with that team after Game 5 2004. This team has overcome adversity all year long, overcome the umpires, overcome the bonehead reporters, said all the right things, been the best team on the field all year long. There is nothing to suggest it is going to be different tomorrow night.
The only thing I might be concerned about is, if we get another opportunity like we did in the 1st inning yesterday, will the HP umpire make his decision to keep our fans out of the game and cheat whoever it is that pleases him. Also, will he cheat Andy throughout the game. That is the key thing to worry about. Finally, if there is a Game 7, Tim McClelland will be the HP umpires, which will most certainly mean cheat city for our batters and pitcher. He has tried cheating us time and again over the years, including Game 7 2003.
Jeremy-
Please stop using that phrase regarding Joe Girardi. Its completely dispresctful and borderline obscene. The man has made mistakes, but he does not deserve that
Plus, it makes you look like a 15 year old
Ralphie: Agreed. Alex popped out in the 1st but no one is all over him for not driving in runs in that spot.
___
Where have you been the last 5 years? Everyone jumped on a-rod everytime he didnt get a hit with runners on.
And the reason they don’t do it this year is because he comes through this year as often as we doesn’t, especially when the game is on the line.
This is Nick Swisher….a remarkably inconsistent offensive force. When he’s hot, he’s hot: when he’s cold, boy is he. A lifetime BA south of .250 but with 20+ homers per season further demonstrate the tendency for highs and lows. When will he revert to the mean? Who knows. On top of this, he is a below average fielder. At this point Girardi has made his bed and has to live with it for the rest of the ALCS. By shelving Hinske for a “second speed guy”, he eliminated a viable option when he knew full well that Swisher was in a typical “Swisher downswing”…bad move. Unless he opts to go with his guy “Gardie” we are stuck with Swishie for the rest of the ALCS. Hopefully, and assuming no collapse, I would assume Hinske will be be activated for the WS.
Equally telling, and looking ahead, I would hope Girardi and Cashman have learned what the A’s and the Chi Sox knew…that Swishie cannot be relied upon as a full-time starter due to his extreme inconsistencies (his lifetime stats should have so told Cash) and that, at best, he is a part-timer…ride him if and when he is hot, and that’s it.
so is it safe to assume dear old AJ doesn’t get his personal catcher if the Yankees make it to the World Series?
Can we put this conversation to rest?
What is the sense behind the argument that if the pitching does its job it matters not who is in RF? The question is are the Yankees better Saturday night with an OF of Damon, Cabrera and Swisher or Damon, Gardner and Cabrera.
To me, the way Swish looks at the plate I would give Garner a start. It gives the Yanks better defense and speed in exchange for power… power we haven’t seen this post-season with one extra base hit for Swish in 33 AB.
CR9
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:54 pm
It will be Nick Swisher as the main contributor in our Game 6 victory tomorrow night. Mark it down.
===============================================
I’m with you. Remember Aaron Boone! He stunk in 03, then saved the day. As much as he puts a sour taste in my mouth, i’m not going to lose faith in him. He will hit a bomb tomorrow. He will atone!
m
Hideki deserves a lot of credit for that walk. He took only the pitches that the umpire could not possibly cheat him on, unless the HP umpire was Eric Gregg.
I am shocked to hear so many people clamoring to see Rivera in the 7th inning.
What we need is to not have Molina start any other games. Do you think ARod would get walked with Posada behind him? I don’t think so. Matsui is not having a good series, Posada is much more dangerous and a switch hitter, so they can’t just go after the lefty as Scioscia did last night.
And we have to remember, there was yet ANOTHER really bad call at 1st base last night against Damon this time. If i were selig, i would have replacement umps waiting at the stadium, and would replace these clowns IMMEDIATELY.
NCAA was willing to suspend refs for not doing their job right. why not MLB?
Weather for Saturday in The Beatdown:
Could be a delay, if t-storms pass by 9?
Details for Saturday, October 24
Showers in the morning will become a steadier rain in the afternoon with a rumble of thunder possible. High 67F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a half an inch.
Evening: Rain and a few thunderstorms in the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low around 50F. SSW winds shifting to WNW at 15 to 25 mph.
Aaron Boone went back to stinking after Game 7 in 2003, though
He couldn’t get a run in from 3rd in that game in Florida where Older Weaver eventually gave up a gopherball to Alex Gonzalez. Then again, though, David Wells and Jason Giambi asking out of games in that series is really what screwed the Yankees.
ariel
Hinske will be 100% on the Series roster simply for pinchhitting in Philly.
86,
I think Garnder’s a better outfielder than Swisher, but they’re not going to sit Swisher in the postseason. That’s why I can’t fight fervently for one over the other. Because I know Girardi’s not going to make a change. Can’t see it, so I can’t get worked up about it. But if the other 9 guys in the game at the same time as the right fielder do their job, then it really doesn’t matter if it’s Swisher or anyone else.
And I do think the best outfield would be Damon/Gardner/Melky but it won’t happen anytime soon.
CR9: Sorry, I just don’t buy the argument that the umps have it out for the Yanks. I just don’t.
I agree that they’ve been HORRIBLE all post-season, but they’ve been horrible for everyone.
If the home plate up establishes his zone, no matter where it is, and sticks with it, I’m fine with that. Last night he did that. He was calling the outside pitch to lefties and didn’t give the inside one (mostly).
I think the whole pitchtrax thing has some merit, but it’s not exact and I think it actually makes some of the game worse because it give a false “fact” on some strikes.
The guys on the radio last night were talking that the home plate ump was a ‘pitchers ump’. Some are pitchers umps, some not.
But unless someone pulls a Tim Donaghy, I’m not going to go all tinfoil hat about it. Just make good calls and let the actual play on the field dictate the outcome.
I’ve always felt like Swisher’s ability to walk was mostly just cause he knew when to gamble, rather then actually being a perceptive hitter.
He’d always take pitches that were straight down the middle, it was just more often than not those pitches he took were balls.
His 250 batting average always seemed to me as a real con. He’s well-liked I suppose, but he isn’t a threat.
Too many hitters are deliberately trying to be patient. Happening with Cano, happening with Abreu, happening with all those strike 3 lookings…
You can’t force it, you have to see the ball, make a judgement. Can’t pay attention to the circumstances
Zach in Port Jeff
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I am shocked to hear so many people clamoring to see Rivera in the 7th inning.
I will not fault Girardi. No manager does it. But sometimes the 7th inning is the most important inning. It’s when a game is lost. And to go to the World Series, why not put in Mo for 30 pitches. He threw 24 the other night in 2 and a third innings. Then maybe Phil comes on in the 9th with nobody on and reacts completely differently than last night. When you have a chance to go to a world series or take a commanding 3-1 lead in a world series, you take it. There might not be a tomorrow.
Joe Torre used Jeff Weaver for a 2nd inning in Game 4 2003 and little did Joe Torre know, Mariano would never come into play again in the series.
Time to give another a try. Swish is just not getting it done.
Somebody needs to get Swisher in a cold shower, Erica?
If Girardi is constrained to use Jose when His Highness takes the mound again, IMO Jorge should be the DH in the 5 hole to protect Arod. If not, I would flip-flop Tex and Arod.
Remember, Melky was in a “terrible funk” as well. Damon looked like he should retire during the Division Series. I don’t take the superior hitter out of the lineup for any reason in the postseason, regardless of what he has done to date.
mick
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Somebody needs to get Swisher in a cold shower, Erica?
*****
No
CR9,
They all deserve credit. But it’s not like the Yankees didn’t have their chances before the last out. Give up less runs, or hit better with RISP during the game then we wouldn’t have a last out, right?
Zach,
I suggested bringing in Mo in the beginning of the 8th. He ended up coming in anyway. You want to keep the deficit at 1, so send your best pitcher out in hopes that the Yankees could make it up after that. Worry about the 9th later.
29 hours and 40 minutes until Game 6!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blaming Swish for the loss is like the boy playing little league. The team is behind 10-0 The boy strikes out to end the game. All his teammates scold him for losing the game.
My point is there is plenty of blame to go around. Swish by himself did not lose the game
Erica – always OPPC October 23rd, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Erin
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Who wants to bet with all of the grief Swish has been getting he goes out and has a monster game tomorrow?
****
That would be lovely.
Remember last week when everyone was calling for the head of Johnny Damon??? That stopped rather quick
Erica you are the optimist, god bless you
I knew Damon would bounce back so in my mind that wasn’t a issue. But Damon and Swisher are two very much different hitters. John is a contact hitter, good eye and command of the strike zone that is able to fight off the pitches to get a good swing or a walk. We have seen him do it many times. Nick is a free swinger, less command of the Strike Zone and hasn’t recorded a loud out. Further his timing and swing look all screwed up. Rome wasn’t built in a day, this will take time to fix.
I just pray that the latest chapter in the Yankees history isn’t the footnote of 3 catchers, 2 Pinch Runners and no bench. I could have seen Hinske now with several PH’s and at least a start.
Erica-I remember people calling for Damon’s head. And Melky’s for that matter. They’ve both turned it around. I see no reason why Swisher can’t do the same.
Francesa just said, “The 9th inning is a psychological inning.”
Never heard that before.
Very astute.
It wasn’t only the ninth inning but also the 7th inning which he could do anything. I think he is trying too hard and putting too much pressure on himself. He needs to stop trying to pull everything and go the other way. Come on coach long, talk to the man!
I’d sit Swisher for the next game at least. Either Melky or Swish needs to be sitting. Swish has power, but not at Yankee Stadium, I’d give Gardner a shot, start him in center and move Melky to right.
Personally, the move to keep Swish in there wasn’t bad, he walks a ton and had a good AB after getting in an 0-2 hole.
But again, scoring 6 runs should be enough. Burnett didn’t do well at all, neither did Hughes.
The Other Phil (Don’t Feed the Trolls!)
I understand your need to believe to the game is fair, but sports are like life, they are not fair. The HP umpire had a pitchers’ strike zone last night, for the Angels pitchers (aside from the Jorge call, which might have been a ball).
Over the past several postseasons, watching each one of our pitchers have a smaller strike zone than the opposing pitchers makes you see things more clearly. The umpire last night made his decision against Teixeira last night that there was no way he was going to allow us to take their crowd out of it that early. He was not going to give us Ball 4 even if that pitch was to the backstop. We’ll see how Saunders and Pettitte, 2 lefties, have their strike zones defined soon enough.
tex’s friend: Oh, I am well aware of the destruction of Alex Rodriguez over the past 5 years. My point being, every inning counts, not JUST the 9th. If the Yanks score in the first with Tex and A-Rod up with 1st/2nd, they should be able to score. They didn’t. Lackey did his job.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m as disappointed in Swish’s PS performance as anyone, but it’s not JUST about the 9th inning. Fuentes got the job done, Swish didn’t.
My lineup for Game 6, against the lefty Saunders:
Not GTLU, Erica
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Tex 1B
Arod 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Swisher RF
I just don’t see Joe penciling in Gardner in place of Swish.
Just move Swisher to #9 and hope he gets a hit. He did against Saunders last time.
Huge mistake not having Hinske on the roster. Freddy Guzman has been useless.
Tom K
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Remember, Melky was in a “terrible funk” as well. Damon looked like he should retire during the Division Series. I don’t take the superior hitter out of the lineup for any reason in the postseason, regardless of what he has done to date
****
Thats the thing with the postseason. You are dealing with a small sample size and every play is so intense and magnified. If last night’s game was July 20th we would be playing GTLU right now and probably talking about hypothetical trades for Roy Halladay. But now, everything is different.
You hit the nail on the head. You cannot disregard everything that has worked for you for 162 games and rewrite your plan based on one lousy week. Thats how you panic and go home
I’d have no problem with going to Rivera for at most a six out save…but not in game 5 when the Yankees were leading the series 3-1.
Are you serious?! Guzman looked amazing stretching and getting that lead off first base last night. He put so much pressure on Fuentes with his not attempting to even try to steal, that’s why Fuentes threw so many pitches out of the zone in the 9th. Guzman is a huge difference maker. /sarcasm
One thing Joe G. does not have that Torre did was the ability to platoon.
Where Torre had Curtis, Strawberry and Raines for LF,even Shane Spencer and Ricky Ledee, all Joe G. has is Swisher in RF.
That was a vital cog for those teams. It should be changed next year. Nady would have helped immeasureably.
Gary
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Erica you are the optimist, god bless you
******
Guilty as charged. I just find it easier to always give the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes I am disappointed. But its a great feeling when your faith gets rewarded
1998 Game 6 (to cheer some of you up…)
Game 6
Tuesday, October 13, 1998 at Yankee Stadium (I) in Bronx, New York
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Cleveland 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 5 8 3
New York 2 1 3 0 0 3 0 0 X 9 11 1
WP: David Cone (1–0) LP: Charles Nagy (0–1)
HRs: CLE – Jim Thome (4) NYY – Scott Brosius (1)
The Yankees built a 6–0 lead behind David Cone in Game 6, but the Indians refused to go quietly. A base-loaded walk and a grand slam by Jim Thome made it 6–5 in the fifth. But the Yankees would score three more on a Derek Jeter triple and a Bernie Williams single to make it 9–5. Mariano Rivera sealed a World Series berth in the ninth with Omar Vizquel grounding out to end the ALCS, sending the Yankees to their second World Series in three seasons.
Andrew GTLU Bronze Medalist
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Are you serious?! Guzman looked amazing stretching and getting that lead off first base last night. He put so much pressure on Fuentes with his not attempting to even try to steal, that’s why Fuentes threw so many pitches out of the zone in the 9th. Guzman is a huge difference maker. /sarcasm
****
LOL. You had me fooled until the word “sarcasm”
You guys sound like Red Sox fans, so fairweather.
We owe Swish a lot this season, and he deserves this start. Anyone think JerryHair is going to go 3/4 on Saturday?
I don’t.
maybe the way to look at this whole series is:
if at the beginning of the series the offer was that the yankees would win the first 2 games and win 1 out of 3 in LA would you take those odds? I know I would sign up for that in a heartbeat…
if this team is truly a team of destiny then they win 1 of the next 2 games..if not well its back to the old drawing board and trading joba, hughes and romine for halladay because as we all have seen..pitching wins championships..
Erica
I am on Swish’s side. While I do not appreciate his impotent popup of a 90 mph fastball right down the middle, I believe in him as much as I do this postseason’s Alex Rodriguez.
All I wish was that Swish would have taken that pitch to see if Fieldin the Red Sox laundry Culbreth would have given us the same ball 4 that Nick Green was entitled to because of the uniform he wore, albeit in a much less important game for Greenie.
Nick swisher walks and hits for power.. In the playoffs, he hasn’t done either even though its a small sample size.. There is nothing wrong in replacing him with a guy like Hairston/GGBG who might get a hit or two and steal a base.. We are not talking about benching Jeter, A-rod, Damon, Tex or Matsui.. its nick swisher (the #7 or #8 guy).. Guys who have been benched always seem to perform well when they come later in the game as pinch hitters..
P.S.
Guzman should have stole home in the 9th last night.
mick,
Ask Coke if the 9th is a psychological inning. He was a complete basket case when he tried to save a game earlier this year.
CR9-
Does it make me a bad person that I was praying the ball would just magically hit Swish???
Zach in Port Jeff October 23rd, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I’d have no problem with going to Rivera for at most a six out save…but not in game 5 when the Yankees were leading the series 3-1.
—–
I agree. I know some were clammoring for Mo in the 7th, but I wasn’t. Hughes had Guerrero set up, but made a (BAD) mistake. I know the opinion was ‘well, there is no 9th if Mo comes in there’ but the game doesn’t exist in a vacuum. If Mo is in in the 7th and gets gassed by the 9th and blows the game there, then I guarantee everyone would be killing Girardi for bringing him in too early. “Where’s Hughes?” and “Where’s Robertson? (a valid question, actually)” is what would be written.
I love Mo. But he’s not the Mo of old. I don’t think he can go 3 innings.
I cannot believe that nobody is ripping the Patriots for running up the score again last week as they did a couple years ago against the always classy Joe gibbs.
I guess 18-1 was the karma for ripping Gibbs, but why is nobody mentioning that with any distaste.
bat swisher 9th move melky to 8th on saturday. if they lose and a righty pitches on sunday then maybe insert gardner ….
Erica
Nope. Not at all. As long as it did not injure him, I would not care if it had hit him in the head.
If the pitching held up in the 7th, Swish might not have been in that position and we wouldn’t be discussing this – bottom line is that Hughes didn’t have his stuff last night and Girardi should have taken him out, but instead he chose last night to stay in the dugout…that’s two games this manager has blown with his handling of the pitching staff……
Correct me if im wrong, but didnt we clinch the division and the ALDS with Andy on the mound? I guess we were destined for Andy in Game 6….
CR9,
That’s because people have more important things to do than obssess about the Patriots.
And it’s sorta off-topic.
CR9: It’s the Patriots. They are media darlings. Don’t you know that Tom Brady is handsome and dating Giselle Bunchin/Munchkin/whatever???? And Belichek is AWESOME in his cutoff sweats???
“1998 Game 6 (to cheer some of you up…)”
BigSix I was at that game! It’s one of my best baseball memories because I had never experienced the loudness and intensity of a playoff game in person (I was only 11 at the time, so not a lot of opportunities yet), and the game was a see-saw affair (lots of worry when Thome hit that grand slam, he really killed the Yankees pitchers in those days when he was on the Indians). To walk out after they won, it was pure jubilation and pretty awesome, even in a year when they were supposed to make the World Series coming off the 114 regular season wins.
Coincidentally, I am going to the game tomorrow night (or whenever), so I am hoping for a repeat of history.
Erica – always OPPC October 23rd, 2009 at 2:27 pm
CR9-
Does it make me a bad person that I was praying the ball would just magically hit Swish???
—-
Nope. I wanted him on base, by hook or by crook. HBP, walk, whatever it took. Just didn’t work out…
Even if Swisher is not hitting he serves a HUGE function. He sees 20-25 pitches per game. That can’t be discounted! He helps get the starter out the game early.
Andrew-
You are my sister’s age!
the problem with swish is he isnt really working the counts as much as he used to in the regular season. True, he got it to 3-2 last night, but he pretty much dug himself in an 0-2 hole and then fuentes gave him nothing even close. He’s gotta get himself in hitters counts and just be himself. TAKE THE WALKS.
Swish is a non-story, thankfully. He is currently the worst regular player out there, and my guess is that if Girardi had Hinske on the bench (instead of Guzman) they would have pinch hit for him at least once or twice already.
What we are all feeling now is frustration that he missed a great opportunity to close out the Angels last night and blew it. Oh well, move on to game six.
I agree. I know some were clammoring for Mo in the 7th, but I wasn’t. Hughes had Guerrero set up, but made a (BAD) mistake. I know the opinion was ‘well, there is no 9th if Mo comes in there’ but the game doesn’t exist in a vacuum. If Mo is in in the 7th and gets gassed by the 9th and blows the game there, then I guarantee everyone would be killing Girardi for bringing him in too early. “Where’s Hughes?” and “Where’s Robertson? (a valid question, actually)” is what would be written.
I love Mo. But he’s not the Mo of old. I don’t think he can go 3 innings.
========================
The Other Phil,
Exactly. The bullpen has to be able to do the job, as does Burnett to start off that inning. They did not.
Regarding Mathis…I have the perfect way to play this guy. Let’s take 3 outfielders, including Cano from 2nd, and place them ALL in the left-center field gap.
Seriously.
The Other Phil (Don’t Feed the Trolls!)
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Nope. I wanted him on base, by hook or by crook. HBP, walk, whatever it took. Just didn’t work out…
*****
Somewhere in this, I think a more experienced baserunner than Guzman would have tried to distract Fuentes into a good old fashioned balk.
5/49??? career against Lackey!! Thats not really a small sample size and it showed!!!!!
CR9: It’s the Patriots. They are media darlings. Don’t you know that Tom Brady is handsome and dating Giselle Bunchin/Munchkin/whatever???? And Belichek is AWESOME in his cutoff sweats???
=====================
Her last name is Bunion. Get it right.
Actually Tom Brady is married to Giselle and she is pregnant
Reason why Yankees will win in Game 6:
1. Andy Pettitte
Andy not only is adept at holding runners, but as a lefty he turns around Morales and Figgins, who hit better from the left side.
2. Yankee Stadium
Last licks, baby. And crowd.
3. Brian Fuentes
See #2, above (Last licks, baby)
4. Texeira
Good swings last night – like him against the lefty
5. Mariano
6. Arod
Either Melky or Swish needs to be sitting
======
Please tell me this is a typo.
Melky? Needs to be sitting?
I’m sure that would make the Angels very happy…he’s hitting .381. His OBP is about .450.
Oh, forgive me.
Of course. It’s because Gardner has to play.
Right. The objective for you Gardner people is that Gardner must play.
It’s your whole priority, your raison d’etre.
We must be FAIR to Gardner, he must play.
Let’s take the everyday CF who had two more hits last night, including a double, out of the lineup, so GARDNER can play.
Even scarier, this is not unique to this site. Another has a thread called: “Gardner key to ALCS.”
Of course, why didn’t I think of that. Gardner is the key to everything.
Gardner must play.
Erica I was very spoiled as a child as a Yankees fan because of when I grew up. But, I am definitely not complaining.
Phil
I am aware that the Patriots are also the media’s darling. I have read someone say it on here before,
Everything Sox and Patriots Network = ESPN
“Erica – always OPPC
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Actually Tom Brady is married to Giselle and she is pregnant”
Despite Brady being a Yankees fan, who knows who he’s sleeping with on the side, considering his mentor is the eternal cheat, Bill Belichick. Belly cheats in football, cheats on wives, you name it, Belly cheats at it.
Andrew GTLU Bronze Medalist
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Erica I was very spoiled as a child as a Yankees fan because of when I grew up. But, I am definitely not complaining.
****
You are lucky. I remember going to games with my dad as a kid in the late 80s. We’d walk up to the gate, buy some random tickets and have our choice of any seats in the house. They only got about 25k in those days
Since Erica doesn’t like me calling Joe Girardi Joe Blowardi maybe Joke Girardi would be more appropriate.
CR9-
Any dude (Tom Brady) who dumps his pregnant girlfriend (Bridget Monihan) to run off with a supermodel (Gisele) is complete and total scum in my book.
You’re in our house now. No monkey gonna save you.
For as much crap I gave Swisher earlier in the year, I’m standing behind him. Someone just needs to tell him to drink 10 Red Bulls before the game tomorrow.
Jeremy-
I could handle the second choice
Many of the folks have said it as well, the answer to Swisher should have been Hinske.
Leaving Hinske off the ALCS roster was a bad move. Too much faith in Swisher, who I’ve loved all season but has seriously choked in the postseason. He is not even remotely close to the guy we’ve watched all season…he’s overwhelmed and it shows.
swish also made 2 of the 3 outs in the 7 inning.
Bodhi,
You’ve been on Melky’s bandwagon all year (and I’m sure probably longer). When everyone was clamoring for Gardner to take his job this spring, you kept saying how Melky is the better ballplayer and needs to be playing.
Kudos to you for sticking with your guy… but bigger kudos to him for grabbing that CF job with both hands and running with it.
I never thought Gardner was the better player, but I was grateful that he could at least do something positive, offensivly. I wasn’t so high on Melky.
Fortunately, he proved me wrong… and I’m thrilled about it. I can’t understand how people still won’t admit that Melky is on his way to becoming a good/very good all-around CFer.
Come on people, Gardner has no business starting either of the next 2 games over Swisher or Melky.
Borat:
“Leaving Hinske off the ALCS roster was a bad move. Too much faith in Swisher, who I’ve loved all season but has seriously choked in the postseason. He is not even remotely close to the guy we’ve watched all season…he’s overwhelmed and it shows.”
Actually, the reason for leaving Hinske off the ALCS roster and ALDS roster was too much faith and love in GARDNER – he was going to run all over this team – we see how that worked out….
“Actually, the reason for leaving Hinske off the ALCS roster and ALDS roster was too much faith and love in GARDNER – he was going to run all over this team – we see how that worked out….”
Did I miss the moment where Guzman has done anything at all to earn more faith or respect than Gardner??
If I did, please fill me on. Guzman’s place on this team consistantly makes me scratch my head
“I cannot believe that nobody is ripping the Patriots for running up the score again last week as they did a couple years ago against the always classy Joe gibbs.”
Why should they? NFL isn’t 7 year old soccer. If anything, people should be ripping the Titans for putting a postage stamp on their season 3 weeks ago.
Jeremy
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Since Erica doesn’t like me calling Joe Girardi Joe Blowardi maybe Joke Girardi would be more appropriate.
=====
Meh..I almost posted a similar request to you, but then I checked myself.
You can call him whatever you want. My impulse, however, was that you make some great baseball points, and it kind of diffuses their effectiveness.
It also makes me feel like I’m in the midst of a rival fan, even though I know that’s not the case. Any way, since Erica broached it, I think that kind of name calling, considering your baseball acumen, is beneath you, but obviously, the choice is yours.
Question for Everyone:
I’ve worn my Yankees sweatshirt and pair of matching sweatpants every day since the playoffs started. The first day I didn’t wear it was the off day Sunday and they lost Monday. I washed it and wore it on Tuesday and they won. Yesterday, I had to work late and wasn’t able to wear it until the 3rd inning. But, by then it was too late. I plan on putting it on after work tonight, but I don’t know whether I should wash it first or not.
Yes, I’m crazy and delusional, but would still like to know…
As far as Hughes goes Eiland said the other day that he is having a hard time controlling his nerves in these games. He also has a 5 era in the post season. If the Yanks have a lead tomorrow Girardi needs to go to Hughes but if he gets into problem then he needs to get him out of the game. He hasn’t been good and he needs to get the job done or move on and actually give Robertson the ball. You can’t keep waiting for Hughes to get the Tom Gordon nerves out of his system.
46fan
“Actually, the reason for leaving Hinske off the ALCS roster and ALDS roster was too much faith and love in GARDNER – he was going to run all over this team – we see how that worked out….”
I believe that faith was in Guzman. I still like having Gardner on the roster since he’s decent defensively and can squeeze out a hit here and there. Guzman is an auto-out. Speaking of Guzman, he replaced Arod last night..imagine the possibilities there if Swish did manage to tie it up and they went into extra innings!
Erica:
“Did I miss the moment where Guzman has done anything at all to earn more faith or respect than Gardner??
If I did, please fill me on. Guzman’s place on this team consistantly makes me scratch my head”
One pair of legs would have been enough – a bat certainly would have been a tremendous help – also, another problem here was making sure that Molina caught AJ, resulting in needing another catcher (who has done nothing either) because we all know that AJ’s problems are because of Jorge (note the sarcasm)…..
What people need to understand about umpires is, everybody has their biases in life. Umpires are human (maybe) so they have their biases too. People in all walks of life fail to act professionally at their job or do their job incorrectly due to their biases that come into play. What makes umpires any different? Because only losers whine about umpires?
“Kudos to you for sticking with your guy… but bigger kudos to him for grabbing that CF job with both hands and running with it.”
???? Wow, that’s blind loyalty if I’ve ever heard it. When Gardner went down, this is what Melky did for the next month:
.215, .274, .364
Yeah, he ran away with that job.
Swish has been drinking with the umps all week. They are all hung over. Tim McClelland called Nick out for leaving third too soon because Swish slipped him a sweaty mexican, after drinking beers all night.
For the person who posted the 1998 game 6, thanks!
I needed it BAD today!
The waiting for games to be played is killing, killing, killing me! I know I’m not alone!
Posada has had a lot of drinks also
DB
DO NOT wash it this time. You washed it after Monday’s game when their was no offday between games. Now, there is an offday, so wear it tonight, then tomorrow.
I guess this would be a more interesting discussion (on Swisher) if Hinske was around…whatever…I hope Swish goes 3-3 on Saturday (assuming he plays)
Making a change indicates panic……with swisher in the lineup, the team is 6-2 in october…….750 ball…..not necessarily a time to panic.
Granted, he hasnt contributed at all offensively….but he has made decent defensive plays (picking off Gomez), throwing out Cuddyer at 2nd on a bloop single to right, and last night, holding Willets at 3rd on the fly ball to RF off Mariano.
The other positive from Swisher is that despite the hideous results, he is still making pitchers work……through 32 plate appearances in the postseason, he has seen 4.75 pitcher per at bat. Thats a good number. Obviously it would help if he forced a pitcher to throw 5 pitches every at bat and not record an out….but atleast he is making them throw pitches.
“Any dude (Tom Brady) who dumps his pregnant girlfriend (Bridget Monihan) to run off with a supermodel (Gisele) is complete and total scum in my book.”
You’re getting dangerously close to Johnny Damon territory here. Just turn “pregnant girlfriend” into “wife with twin babies” and “supermodel” into “stripper”.
DB
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Question for Everyone:
I’ve worn my Yankees sweatshirt and pair of matching sweatpants every day since the playoffs started. The first day I didn’t wear it was the off day Sunday and they lost Monday. I washed it and wore it on Tuesday and they won. Yesterday, I had to work late and wasn’t able to wear it until the 3rd inning. But, by then it was too late. I plan on putting it on after work tonight, but I don’t know whether I should wash it first or not.
Yes, I’m crazy and delusional, but would still like to know…
*****
Is that what the smell was??? LOL
Definitely wash it first and remove the stink of the loss from last night
DB,
Don’t wash it. You are crazy and delusional… but so am I (and many more I’m sure.
I stopped sitting down after the first out was made in the 7th. Then the boys went on a tear. I know my standing up had nothing to do with it… but who am I to tempt the baseball gods? Gotta stick with what works.
Unfortunately sitting (in a variety of positions) and standing (in a variety of spots) didn’t do much good in the bottom of the 7th. But at least I tried.
Not sure what it is about this game that makes me do such idiotic things. I’m an educated, adult man… but baseball turns me into silly little boy.
Maybe that’s part of its appeal.
“Actually, the reason for leaving Hinske off the ALCS roster and ALDS roster was too much faith and love in GARDNER – he was going to run all over this team – we see how that worked out….”
No, Gardner was on the ALDS, Guzman was added in place of Hinske. But the reality is neither.
Hinske is off because they are carrying one catcher too many. If there is one silver lining to last night, it’s that AJ pitched to Posada and all did not fall apart.
If they make it to the WS, Hinske and Guzman would be very valuable. Much more so then Frank Cervelli.
DB,
YOU MAKE SURE YOU GET THOSE SWEATPANTS WASHED AND DRIED BEFORE FIRST PITCH TOMORROW. YOU DIDNT WEAR THEM ON SUNDAY? C’MON, YOUR BETTER THAN THAT!
Borat; we were screaming like crazy when Girardi took Alex out – unbelievable!!!!! Girardi doesn’t know what he’s doing and it’s showing more and more….I have thought all year that this team was winning IN SPITE of him….I give him credit for not over-using the pitchers, but that’s about it….if it’s not on the piece of paper, he doesn’t do it….he has no gut feelings for the game….
Watch Out!!!
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:58 pm
“Any dude (Tom Brady) who dumps his pregnant girlfriend (Bridget Monihan) to run off with a supermodel (Gisele) is complete and total scum in my book.”
You’re getting dangerously close to Johnny Damon territory here. Just turn “pregnant girlfriend” into “wife with twin babies” and “supermodel” into “stripper”.
*****
I invoke denial where necessary. It keeps my world pleasant
vin,
I don’t even feel that Gardner doesn’t have a role on this team – I think he clearly does.
What I find inexplicable, however, is the over valuing of this player, and the persistent notion that he is a better current option than Cabrera.
It’s one thing to have hopes for a player – it’s another to willfully blindfold yourself to what Cabrera’s contribution has been and currently is in these playoffs, compared to Gardner’s.
Now, I’m not for Swisher being replaced, either. But the poster who wrote that conflated a guy who is mired in a troubling stretch at the plate and a guy who is killin’ it.
The Swisher debate is separate – at least there might be a case there, albeit I’ll take the high OPS guy, myself.
Buckner: I agree 100% and just posted the same thing….lol
28 hours and 59 minutes until Game 6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“The other positive from Swisher is that despite the hideous results, he is still making pitchers work……through 32 plate appearances in the postseason, he has seen 4.75 pitcher per at bat.”
So we can blame him for the 4 hour games too?
DB
Check that. Wear them tonight. Then wash them for tomorrow.
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
Erica
I am sorry. I shouldn’t be name calling. I was just so mad because Girardi once again gave a game away. It seems like he doesn’t learn from his mistakes which angers me even more. Joe has screwed up so much that this series should be over if not for his constant mistakes. He continues to go to Joba when he has proven that he is unreliable, he goes to A.J. knowing that there was a 30 wait because of the rally. He continues to not go to Robertson when he has been effective. He didn’t put Hinske on the roster, and he continues to believe in Swish when all he has done in this postseason is fail.
“It also makes me feel like I’m in the midst of a rival fan, even though I know that’s not the case. Any way, since Erica broached it, I think that kind of name calling, considering your baseball acumen, is beneath you, but obviously, the choice is yours.”
Bodhi-
That was really well said
Thanks, Erica for the countdown….
Jeremy-
Its okay. I didn’t mean to sound like I was attacking you in my comment. Bodhi’s post summed up my thoughts really well, but he is much better with word than I am
I just like smilies
46fan: I said last night, it’s Yanks 3 – Girardi 2
“???? Wow, that’s blind loyalty if I’ve ever heard it. When Gardner went down, this is what Melky did for the next month:
.215, .274, .364
Yeah, he ran away with that job.
”
He did. After Gardner won the job in ST, Melky put up .327/.400/.571/.971 ops in April.
Remained productive in May, struggled in June (with the rest of the offense), heated up in July, stunk in August, returned to his normal production in Sept/October.
Even taking out the month of August, Melky still started 104 out of 135 games this season. That’s not blind loyalty, that’s a guy who earned a regular spot in the starting lineup.
46fan
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Thanks, Erica for the countdown….
****
The countdown was born out of excitement. Then it continued out of supersition.
Now I keep doing it because its a solid reminder there is more baseball in this team and keeps perspective.
And its fun!
What’s lost in all this is the fact that Melky has played a horrible CF all postseason. The Twins turned a few routine singles into doubles and Melky was way out of position in that first inning. He can’t hit the cutoff.
If Melky is going to become this superstar some of you talk of keep in mind he’s been here 5 years or so. Hasn’t happened yet. How long are you going to keep saying it?
Gardner in CF
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
What’s lost in all this is the fact that Melky has played a horrible CF all postseason. The Twins turned a few routine singles into doubles and Melky was way out of position in that first inning. He can’t hit the cutoff.
*****
Let me guess….
You think Gardner should be in CF???
Borat: absolutely…..and I’m telling you this – if Girardi goes anywhere NEAR that mound while Andy is out there, Andy and Jorge will beat the you-know-what out of him……
Erica:
“Now I keep doing it because its a solid reminder there is more baseball in this team and keeps perspective”
I love it…..and let’s hope that there’s more baseball for at least two more weeks……
Where is all this posting coming from? Grow a set (ladies, not you, of course)!
The team can clinch their first AL championship in 6 years at home tomorrow night with the winningest postseason pitcher ever.
The lineup is great, yet everyone is stuck complaining about (1) the number 8 hitter, (2) the set up guy, and (3) the manager making decent moves based on performance of the players who then don’t execute. OK, it’s baseball, game 6 is tomorrow night.
This series has been quite entertaining so far–enjoy it. These could be some of the last times you ever see Mariano do what he did in the top of the 10th in game 3. Both teams are good, both can come back. The Yankees are better, and should win. Enough moaning already.
I wish we had some Boston trolls to kick around–it would distract everyone from posting all this nonsense.
Gardner:
“He can’t hit the cutoff”
You’re kidding, right???? Melky has a MUCH better arm than Gardner….truth be told neither of them are full-time centerfielders – at some point,they both start to break down – but I think Melky is better than Gardner….
DB: It’s all your fault!!!!
CR9: re: umpires, I understand that they are human, which is why they’ve been making HORRIBLE mistakes. But your theory suggests that they are all biased against the Yankees.
Pitt: It’s an off-day. Nothing else to do… (besides, you know, work).
Girardi does not learn. Someone needs to sit down with him because he has no clue how to manage in a playoff game. Please let Tony Pena make some moves. I hope Girardi gets ejected from the game in game 6.
I hope gtardi gets tossed out in the first inning of game six.
the yanks always win when gtard gets the hook
Jeremy: I’m with you….somebody HAS to know what the right moves are and they need to THROW OUT THAT &*$# BOOK….
Erica – always OPPC
No problem.
what’s wrong with this board today?? Way Too many Chicken Littles.. .
Melky may not put up big numbers, probably never will, BUT when it’s clutch time, Melky sucks it up and performs. Swisher does not. Gardner, thus far, has shown the capacity to perform when it counts, in his limited way.
“You’re kidding, right???? Melky has a MUCH better arm than Gardner”
I believe the “missing the cutoff” reference was more about Melky’s accuracy (or lack thereof) than his arm strength.
positives about yankees still playing in the alcs..
1) do you really want the hitters to have to sit 7 days without facing real pitching – when they win saturday it’ll only be 3 days until the start of the WS- or if you want to take it further when they win sunday it’ll only be 2 days of sitting..look at what’s happened to tex – he even said it himself that it feels like its spring training all over again
2)same with the starters – 7 days of rest may be too much for a starter to wait and not get rusty…cliff lee will have about 10 days of rust/rest before he pitches on wednesday
3)it gives blockhead joe 1 more (or 2 more) games of experience to try and get it right regarding when to take pitchers out and when to keep them in..or pinchrunning in the most inopportune times
4)lohud bloggers would turn into zombies by monday afternoon if they had to wait 7 games for the next game…
5) it’ll be another game that the decision to keep guzman was a bad one and will automatically make the decision to get doug heffernan….err eric hinske back on the roster
lil’ m
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:03 am
bodhisattva: It’s strange, because in the dynasty days, Joe T used Mo for 2 innings without hesitation because he was (and is) the best pitcher in the pen if not the game. And who can forget game 7 of the 2003 ALCS when Mo went three scoreless innings before Aaron Boone did his thing? I’ll bet Casey Stengel, about whom I admittedly don’t know a whole lot, would have put Mo in as soon as they got the lead and slammed the door shut on the Angels. Who knows, he might even have had Mo go three to close out the game. To paraphrase a line from the movie “Bulworth”, you find an edge, you gotta exploit it. I’m not into sports other than baseball, but if there’s any greater edge in American sports than Mariano Rivera in the postseason, I’ve never heard of it. One day maybe someone will be brave enough to make that move and win. In the meantime, we’d all best pray that the Yankees lay the smackdown on the Angels this Saturday. Wipe that smile right off their faces and move on to dethrone the defending world champs lol.
========
lil’ m,
I missed this awesome post of yours.
It’s ineffable what Rivera does and is, but this was a moving post.
I’m sure everyone feels the same. Rivera is the eye of the storm; you just look into his face, when the camera finds it, and your heart rate slows….we know we are in the best of hands.
I love when Jorgie waits for him on the mound at home, as he trots in to Enter Sandman, and puts the ball – and all his trust – into Rivera’s blessed glove.
Every time I see him running in from the bullpen, I get a lump in my throat.
How much longer, I wonder, will I have the pleasure of witnessing this?
The Other Phil (Don’t Feed the Trolls!)
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:14 pm
CR9: re: umpires, I understand that they are human, which is why they’ve been making HORRIBLE mistakes. But your theory suggests that they are all biased against the Yankees.
**********
I’ll be honest. I am a believer in the human element of the game. I believe that blown calls even themselves out over time.
However, the stuff I have been seeing in the last game really makes me wonder if the Umpires were trying to get back to New York so they can get paid for another game.
I believe serious consideration needs to be given to an NFL style “challenge” system. Each team can get two per game to be used at the manager’s discretion. The average home run call replay takes about 5 minutes. We would be talking about approximately 20 minutes of potential stopped play, but when you are in a playoff situation I think its highly worth it. And they can just fill the time with more DirectTV and Black Taco commercials.
Curiously, these “fun” guys in the clubhouse, need to focus more on what it takes to do it when it counts rather than screwing around.
Nick Swisher is the anti rally monkey right now
new thread
46fan
Girardi lacks a feel for the game. Every other manager goes by feel not just a playbook. He has no clue. That playbook must really suck since it has cost this team 2 games.
@Vin
“Remained productive in May, struggled in June (with the rest of the offense), heated up in July, stunk in August, returned to his normal production in Sept/October.”
Hmmm, so are you saying he’s had an up and down season? You forgot to add “he stunk in the first round of the playoffs and didn’t do anything until game 4 of the ALCS”.
And games started? Did you forget that his platoon went down? Of course he’s gonna start more games.
Like another Gardner fan said, he’s not exactly the best defender out there.
All I’m saying is that Melky or Swish should be on the bench. Gardner isn’t a pinch runner. If you want to say Melky is heating up so don’t sit him, fine. But stop talking like he’s earned it, unless your definition of “earning” something is having your competitor go down with an injury.
Generally, the bottom of the order has stunk it up this postseason, so I say time to change it up.
Erica,
I think you know how to ‘turn a word’ pretty well there yourself
.
BTW, it’s now part of my automatic repertoire to implore Damon to “do it for Erica!”
He has been fairly responsive, too
.
=====
Jeremy,
I understand the frustration, really I do. And I don’t think these IGTs are particularly good for my health, so I’m happy we’re back in the Stadium tomorrow!
Yes, bench Swisher for ONE GAME. It should have been done already. It may help both Swisher and Gardner.
Jeter
Damon
Tex
Arod
Matsui
Posada
Cano
Melky
Hairston
It is written so let it be done
go to the new thread
no
i don’t want to
Swisher should of already been benched for 1 game. The way Swish is swinging right now Gardner is a better option. They both have 2 hits in the alcs and Swish has about 15 more at bats.
vin
Remained productive in May (Gardner nipping at his heels for playing time) struggled in June (he was playing full-time), heated up in July (Gardner got hot and he felt threatened), stunk in August (Gardner on DL), returned to his normal production in Sept/October (Gardner came back and he was challenged – and it wasn’t his normal production. It was his potential)
The key here is that Cabrera coasts when he is not threatened for playing time. He is content with just playing and somehow has managed to fly under the radar for 5 seasons. He is lazy and this proves it.
“vin
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:59 pm
DB,
Don’t wash it. You are crazy and delusional… but so am I (and many more I’m sure.
I stopped sitting down after the first out was made in the 7th. Then the boys went on a tear. I know my standing up had nothing to do with it… but who am I to tempt the baseball gods? Gotta stick with what works.
Unfortunately sitting (in a variety of positions) and standing (in a variety of spots) didn’t do much good in the bottom of the 7th. But at least I tried.
Not sure what it is about this game that makes me do such idiotic things. I’m an educated, adult man… but baseball turns me into silly little boy.
Maybe that’s part of its appeal.”
Vin,
Very nicely said. I consider myself the same. I have a college degree and, what i consider, a very challenging job. But when it comes to the Yankee games I won’t leave a room if they are doing well. Not even if it’s to get another beer. If they aren’t doing well when i’m in the basement i’ll make sure to go upstairs. Anything to change the luck! And I also stood up the entire 7th inning yesterday (though i think that had more to do with nervousness!)
Give Girardi a break, aside from wrongfully pullond DRob the other night, he’s done well. This is the first tone he’s managed in the postseason, relax. Did you see how Scioscia managed last night? The “smartest manager” in baseball made a worse move than Girardi…..
The problem with Swisher is that he’s horrible with RISP.
Runners on: 50-203 (.246/.402/.453) 9 HR, 62 RBI, 52 K
RISP: 27-119 (.227/.380/.361) 3 HR 48 RBI, 27 K
RISP w/2 outs: 8-49 (.163/.379/.204) 0 HR, 14 RBI, 13 K
Bases Loaded: 3-19 (.158/.280/.211) 0 HR, 13 RBI, 4 K
He is the last guy on the team who I want to see up in a big spot, or even with runners on. He’s been brutal in those situations all year and it’s carrying over into the postseason. He kills a lot of rallies. My theory is he presses too much in clutch spots and when there are guys on. His approach needs to change.
If he’s going to stay in the lineup, they should at least bat him 9th. His high OBP can set the table for the top of the order and Melky has a better chnace of getting the big hit.
Joe won’t make themove on Sat. since Saunders, a leftyis pitching.
However, if we need to play a game 7 & Swisher again did nothing in game 6. Then you need to put Gardy in CF & Melky in RF. This at least gives you more speed in CF & a better defender & arm in RF.
Girardi is pulling a Francona and sticking with Swish like Francona stuck with Bellhorn and Damon in ‘04.
Let’s hope it pays off the same way.
As hot as Alex is right now, he should be batting 3rd. That way not only does he get to bat in the 1st inning, but with Tex heating up & a switch hitter, it will make the Angels pitch to AROD. If not, Scocia will just keep walking Alex.
I think Gardner is the choice over Swisher for the following reasons: Nick is only superior in the long term sense; better overall offensive stats. Otherwise, he doesn’t match up against Brett’s speed or arm. Since he is in a slump – and it is likely the playoffs will be over before he gets out of it – it is logical to go with Gardner now. That’s the agony of decision managers have to make in the playoffs; you don’t have time to wait out players in a slump. And there is one other consideration: Nick is batting way down in the line up. It’s not as if we were talking about sitting the number four or five hitter. This should be a simple call; would be for me.
I think that Girardi should change the lineup and put Posada after AROD instead of Matsui. It seems that everytime Fuentes pitches, Arod is walked when Matsui bats after Arod.
Soscia does not want Arod to beat him.
There was another time that Arod was intentionally walked also during last nites game. The strategy with Posada batting after Arod worked when CC pitched the other nite and
will continue to work,me thinks.
I dont think A-Rod should be batting third. But I do think its a good idea to have Posada bat ahead of Matsui.
Posada is a somewhat dangerous hitter. Matsui can be also, but he’s a lefty, and I think Posada is overall a much more threatening player in the playoffs.
Texiera needs to simply pick up his game and then A-Rod will get the pitches he needs to do work.
Since Saunders is going tonight i would start Swisher over Gardner. Swisher hasnt been playing a bad right field though he will never (like Damon) make a great catch for you. Gardner is much better. Hairston is capable but i would say him for an infield position if necessary. Swisher is lost at the plate so if a righthander goes i would put him for his speed defense and hitting cant be worse than swisher especially in the short run.