World Series Game 5: Yankees at Phillies (UPDATES with Pena replacing Cabrera, Girardi and Joba audio)
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc, Podcast on Nov 02, 2009 
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YANKEES
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Nick Swisher RF
Robinson Cano 2B
Brett Gardner CF
Jose Molina C
A.J. Burnett P
Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett (1-0, 3.55 ERA in postseason)
PHILLIES
Jimmy Rollins SS
Shane Victorino CF
Chase Utley 2B
Ryan Howard 1B
Jayson Werth RF
Raul Ibanez LF
Pedro Feliz 3B
Carlos Ruiz C
Cliff Lee P
Pitching: LHP Cliff Lee (3-0, 0.54 ERA in postseason)
TIME/TV: 7:57 p.m., FOX
WEATHER: Looks like it should be a nice night for baseball. Cloudy but with a low chance of precipitation and temperatures around 50 degrees. Check out the full forecast here.
STATE OF THE STRIPES: The Yankees are one win away from their 27th World Series title after beating the Phillies in a wild game last night. The Yankees have held a 3-1 lead in the World Series eight previous times and they’ve won the title each time (six times in Game 5, two times in Game 6).
BATTER VS. PITCHER: Here are the Phillies vs. A.J. Burnett. And here are the Yankees vs. Cliff Lee.
THREE AMIGOS: The Yankees have used only three starters throughout the postseason and they are the first team to reach the World Series with a three-man rotation since the 1992 Braves (Smoltz, Glavine, Avery). The last team to win the World Series with three starters came a year before that, when the 1991 Twins (Morris, Tapani, Erickson) beat Atlanta.
BUSTING OUT: The 15 runs scored by the Yankees in Games 3 and 4 marks their biggest World Series outburst since they scored 18 runs over Games 1 and 2 of the 1998 World Series against San Diego.
WORKING OVERTIME: Mariano Rivera made his 11th appearance of the postseason in Game 4, matching his career high (also 2001). The only games in which he hasn’t pitched are Game 4 of the ALCS and Game 1 of the World Series. Rivera has thrown more than one inning five out of 11 times and more than two innings three times, recording a 0.63 ERA in 14 1/3 innings while striking out 13.
ALEX AND TEX: The middle of the Yankees order hasn’t been a consistent producer during the World Series with Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez combining to go 3-for-28 with 13 strikeouts. Rodriguez’s two hits, at least, have been meaningful – he homered in Game 3 and drove in the decisive run in Game 4.
DAMONIC: When Johnny Damon stole second and third base in the ninth inning of Game 4, he became the 13th player to record two stolen bases in an inning in the World Series. The last was Tampa Bay’s B.J. Upton in Game 3 last year.
TARGET PRACTICE: The Yankees have been hit by five pitches in the World Series, one shy of the World Series record. Pittsburgh was hit by six in 1909 and Arizona was hit by six (from Yankees pitchers) in 2001, both of which were seven-game series.
RANDOM QUESTION OF THE DAY: If you could be involved in a Yankees Champagne celebration, who would you spray first?
IF THERE WERE WALK-TO-THE-PLATE-MUSIC IN REAL LIFE, TODAY’S WOULD BE: Today Was a Good Day by Ice Cube.
Back with more later. Joe Girardi is scheduled to be in the interview room at 4:50 p.m.
UPDATE, 5:04 p.m.: Girardi said the Yankees are in talks with MLB about making a roster move for Melky. As you can see Gardner is starting in center. Audio and more info coming shortly.
UPDATE, 5:23 p.m.: Chad reports that the Yankees will hear from MLB about their roster move at 6 p.m. Obviously we’ll keep you updated. Here’s Girardi’s audio:
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UPDATE, 5:25 p.m.: For those wondering about the sign-stealing talk, apparently Larry Bowa was on ESPN Radio here in Philly and said the reason for the Yankees constant visits to the mound is that the Phillies are notorious for stealing signs. Shane Victorino responded angrily, saying, “I guess he knows something that I don’t know about, obviously. You know, everybody makes excuses. Everybody is going to find a reason. For Bowa to come out and say something like that if he doesn’t know what he’s talking about, if he doesn’t have cold, hard facts he shouldn’t say something like that. … That’s just weak, I guess.”
He added, “Obviously, if we were stealing signs, we’d be doing a lot better than we are right now.”
UPDATE, 5:35 p.m.: Here’s some audio from Joba Chamberlain’s press conference. Normally teams bring the next day’s starting pitcher to the interview room, but neither team did that today because neither team has named a Game 6 starter (if there is one). So the Yankees sent Joba and the Phillies sent Victorino.
(By the way, Girardi said Pettitte is throwing his usual side session today and the Yankees will “see how he feels” on the off day if they lose tonight.)
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***BREAKING NEWS***
UPDATE, 5:43 p.m.: MLB just announced that Ramiro Pena will replace Melky Cabrera on the roster.
UPDATE, 5:50 p.m.: Chad here with a thought on the addition of Pena instead of Freddy Guzman. I have to think Jerry Hairston is now the fourth outfielder, which means the Yankees needed someone to fill the utility infielder role. Guzman would have given the Yankees a pinch runner to replace Gardner off the bench, but he’s never going to play right field — he’s done it roughly a dozen times in his career – and if there’s going to be a defensive switch in the late innings, it’s either going to be in right field or to improve the throwing arm in left. Hairston does both of those better than Guzman. With Hairston’s likely role coming in the outfield, Pena makes sense in the infield. And he gives the Yankees pretty good speed himself, I just never thought Pena, Cervelli, Guzman and Bruney would all be active at one point or another this postseason.
UPDATE, 6:23 p.m.: Chad here again with some more notes from Girardi.
• The Yankees have been making an unusual number of trips to the mound this series, but Girardi said it’s not simply because the Yankees are concerned about the Phillies stealing signs. It’s the World Series. The Yankees are making sure everything is exactly right, that every pitch is exactly the one they want to throw.
• That said, there is some concern about players stealing signs but Girardi said it’s no more or less with the Phillies than with any other team. “In today’s game, with all the TV coverage, you have to be careful,” he said. “The camera is right on the pitcher, looking in on the catcher, you can figure out signs pretty quick.”
• Sounds like Girardi considered starting Jorge Posada but was never leaning that direction. “(Posada) had a big hit again last night, he’s had some big hits for us, but that relationship has been working,” Girardi said. “A.J. has been pitching very well. Sometimes, this time of year, it’s about pitching and defense and we just don’t want to break it up right now.”
• I know you all don’t want us reporters to jinx anything, but we had to check with Girardi to find out if they would have a workout at the stadium tomorrow in the event they lose tonight. “Probably,” he said. “But let’s not talk about that.”
UPDATE, 6:33 p.m.: One bit of dialogue from the beat writer’s session with Girardi left all of us laughing. I’ll paraphrase the questions and quote Girardi’s answers. Notice how he tries to convince himself that he can’t use Mariano Rivera for more than an inning, but slowly has to admit that this is Rivera in the World Series. Nothing is off the table.
Question: Would you use Rivera for two innings tonight?
Girardi: “I doubt it just because he’s thrown three out of four days.”
Question: Is three outs the maximum?
Girardi: “I might try four.”
Question: So four outs is the maximum?
Girardi: “I gotta see how he feels.”
Question: One-run game, middle of the order coming up in the eighth inning?
Girardi: “It might be a situation where I’d go to him.”
UPDATE, 7:02 p.m.: Meant to mention this before, but a few of you have e-mailed asking if Joe Girardi is going to change his number from No. 27 (to No. 28 or something else) if the Yankees win the World Series. Here is his answer: “I really haven’t thought a whole lot about that. I’m sure my kids would have recommendations what my uniform number should be, but I haven’t thought about that and I don’t like to think too far ahead.”
Also, it seems that Larry Bowa claims he was misquoted. He told Newsday that he never said anything about the Phillies stealing signs.
UPDATE, 7:22 p.m.: A.J. on his way to the bullpen to start his warm-ups. There’s some juice in the park tonight. Everyone knows what this game means. It’s a great night, too, for baseball. Very crisp.
UPDATE, 7:47 p.m.: Nothing says American Pastime like a Canadian singing the national anthem, though Alanis Morissette did a great job. The Phillie Phanatic was obviously impressed, running over and trying to hug Alanis after she finished. She seemed bemused.
UPDATE, 7:49 p.m.: Jim Bunning throwing out the first pitch, joined by Robin Roberts. Couple of HOFers.
UPDATE, 7:54 p.m.: A-Rod and Frankie Cervelli playing catch, as they always do, alongside the Yankee dugout. We’re minutes away.
UPDATE, 7:56 p.m.: I should mention that MLB announced that tonight’s game is being dedicated to Michael Goldsmith, an advocate in the fight against ALS, who died Sunday. For more info, check this article out.
UPDATE, 8 p.m.: And we’re off. It’s 50 degrees with clear skies at first pitch on a great night for baseball. Enjoy the game everyone.
UPDATE, 8:06 p.m.: That was A-Rod’s 16th RBI of the postseason, setting a franchise record. Remember what Flaherty said in Flash Points? Getting to Lee early could take some starch out of the Phillies and make things a lot easier for A.J.
UPDATE, 8:10 p.m.: How many “Rocky” scenes will we see on the big screen here tonight? 20? 50? It’s the bottom of the first and we just saw our first one …
UPDATE, 8:16 p.m.: Tough call right off the bat there. I thought he was pulling back, but you could certainly argue it the other way.
UPDATE, 8:17 p.m.: Wow. One pitch later it’s 3-1 Phillies. That ball was crushed by Utley right off the bat. A.J. has to stay composed. There’s a long way to go.
UPDATE, 8:25 p.m.: Great play by Teixeira there. He makes the throw from his knees as well as anyone in the game.
UPDATE, 8:27 p.m.: Whatever Burnett does, the Yankees need to keep working Lee. He threw 20 pitches in the first inning. Back in Game 1, that was three innings for him.
UPDATE, 8:37 p.m.: And Lee mows through the Yankees bottom three hitters. Fourteen pitches isn’t bad, but it was pretty free and easy for him. Right back to A.J.
UPDATE, 8:42 p.m.: Nice comeback for Burnett, who fell behind Ruiz 3-and-0 but struck him out with a 94 mph fastball. His command looked good there, staying right on the outside corner.
LETS DO THIS!!! GO YANKEES!
Play today, win today, ‘das it.
Hope you’ve all got the chance to watch tonight with friends or loved ones.
I would spray Kim Jones; and why not?
Here’s a link to the live press conferences:
http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.....id=6261176
RANDOM QUESTION OF THE DAY: If you could be involved in a Yankees Champagne celebration, who would you spray first?
I’m a professional kiss-up. I’m drenching Hal Steinbrenner. Without the money the family spent this off season, this team isn’t here on the verge of 27.
RANDOM QUESTION OF THE DAY: If you could be involved in a Yankees Champagne celebration, who would you spray first?
I’m a professional kiss-up. I’m drenching Hal Steinbrenner. Without the money the family spent this off season, this team isn’t here on the verge of 27.
___
Yeah except Bruney already did that and Hal didnt seem to like it.
3 hours and 32 minutes until Game 5!!!!!!!
YankeeRay
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:04 pm
The DVR sync to radio broadcast is the way to go. My problem is living in South Florida we get sterling all year long and the post season except for the series as the local station here is contractually bound to espn radio with Miller and Morgan.
If I could get the sterling feed on line I would sync that with DVR. Does anyone know if that is possible? I don’t want to listen to Morgan and Miller nor Fox. If anyone knows how I can get sterling on line I would greatly appreciate it.
I second this question. I have the same problem. Anyone know how to get the 880 feed online or even if you can listen to their website over a cell phone?
I’d love to hear Sterling’s call when the Yankees win it.
Thanks.
Andy Pettite was 1-1 with a 3.79 ERA in 2006 when starting in 3 days rest.. its not great.. but its not terrible either.. The yanks didnt need him in 3 days rest till now since he came back.. doesnt mean that he can’t do it..
oops, repost:
“pat, were you suggesting that I came up with the same obvious pun as many others or that I had, er, help??”
I just can’t get enough of the centaur jokes. I really do hope that the story is true although it probably isn’t. If anyone were to have 2 oil paintings of himself as a centaur it would be A-rod.
I’d probably go with a griffin or a sphinx if I had his kind of money but I guess to each his own.
lets do it tonight!!!!
Alex Half man, Half horse, All clutch Rodriguez – 3B
___________________________________________________________
LOL. That was good.
“Yeah except Bruney already did that and Hal didnt seem to like it.”
True. But you gotta help Hal understand the game. This is what happens when you win it all.
No offense to the blogmasters, but I hope this is the last game thread of the year. They need to finish the job (for our sake!)
This isn’t original, but one would think that the ‘Fillies’ would be Arod’s team
PeteAbe B. Olney made a good point, saying these teams will brawl in spr. training . The sign stealing is part of it. Lots of bad blood
???
“This isn’t original, but one would think that the ‘Fillies’ would be Arod’s team”
Nice one
shouldn’t ol pete be blogging about how empty fenway pahhhhhk is or something?
How is this for multitasking-
I just ran a GTLU and posted here all while being on the phone with one of my bosses for the last 40 minutes
Whew.. finally off the phone
I second spraying Kim Jones. I would get Kate Hudson and Minka Kelly with the overspray.
When Johnny Damon stole second and third base in the ninth inning of Game 4, he became the 13th player to record two stolen bases in an inning in the World Series. The last was Tampa Bay’s B.J. Upton in Game 3 last year.
—————————————————-
I bet that was the first time that a player stole two bases on one pitch when the ball was caught cleanly by the player covering second. That was truly incredible, and Damon will now probably be asking for a two year contract!
RANDOM QUESTION OF THE DAY: If you could be involved in a Yankees Champagne celebration, who would you spray first?
I’d definitely spray Pete Abe. It’s lonely over there on the RS blog!
Does anyone know if that is possible? I don’t want to listen to Morgan and Miller nor Fox. If anyone knows how I can get sterling on line I would greatly appreciate it.
I second this question. I have the same problem. Anyone know how to get the 880 feed online or even if you can listen to their website over a cell phone?
*****************************
Try this like to wcbs880
http://player.play.it/player/p.....estat=wcbs
Wrap it up tonight. AJ for MVP and Yankee bats will speak volume for the finale. Let’s go Yankees!
PeteAbe B. Olney made a good point, saying these teams will brawl in spr. training . The sign stealing is part of it. Lots of bad blood
???
—
Phillies are allegedly stealing signs from the bullpen.
If you have a PDA with Windows Mobile, you can get a mobile version of gameday audio for $2.49/month.
Go to mlb.com for details.
I expect the Yankees to throw at all of them when spring comes.
“pat, were you suggesting that I came up with the same obvious pun as many others or that I had, er, help??”
Nick
You , sir, are always an original.
However Blog Pun HOF has its standards and even the hint of performance enhancement can prevent your admission.
“RANDOM QUESTION OF THE DAY: If you could be involved in a Yankees Champagne celebration, who would you spray first?”
I would spray myself so it looked like I belonged there…. otherwise I’d look like the guy in the “visit Cole Hamels on the mound” commercial.
“The only games in which he hasn’t pitched are Game 4 of the ALCS and Game 1 of the World Series. ”
Advantage Yankees. The more Mo, the better. Just like – the more CC, the better. More Mo and CC = Less Gaudin and Bruney.
This about sums up Robinson Cano’s performance:
http://thesportshernia.typepad.....nthem.html
Joltin’ Joe . . . Pete Abe?
He’s busy crying in his commemorative Patriots mug while listening to Springsteen in his parent’s basement trying to dial out for Domino’s on his Sports Illustrated football phone.
I have heard (radio) it suggested that ARod was hit purposely last night in order to have the warning issued to both teams thereby affecting CC’s ability to pitch inside.
Paranoia?
Assuming that Lee manages to avoid hitting someone in the top of the first, I would have no problem with AJ putting one in Utley’s kitchen in the bottom of the first. Both benches would get warned, giving Lee something to think about before coming inside.
lineup anyone?
so excited…hopefully Lee has a bad day
Phillies are allegedly stealing signs from the bullpen.
___
Yeah i figured when posada was throwing down lots of signs with no one on base yesterday.
The cloud of suspicion is too much for me to take…next my name will appeal in the Rickles Report and I’ll be truly disgraced.
Swisher would get sprayed first.
any chance we can get erin andrews in on the celebration?
Lets goo Yankees!!! 27 outs to 27th title. Lets finish this off tonight
DT – OPPC member
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
“RANDOM QUESTION OF THE DAY: If you could be involved in a Yankees Champagne celebration, who would you spray first?”
I would spray myself so it looked like I belonged there…. otherwise I’d look like the guy in the “visit Cole Hamels on the mound” commercial.
*****************
LOL. I love that commercial. The scary part is, I can see my dad doing the same thing. He always feels he needs to coach the pitchers.
Jerkface:
Phillies are allegedly stealing signs from the bullpen.
______________
I know this type of stuff happens all the time, I think it is part of the game and on the team to recognize that it is happening. Seems to me that if they know this they can turn that to their advantage.
“tex’s friend November 2nd, 2009 at 4:47 pm
any chance we can get erin andrews in on the celebration?”
this pic has been floating around if you want to enjoy, safe for work http://i35.tinypic.com/9hmjo1.jpg%22%20border=%220
John Bender November 2nd, 2009 at 4:43 pm
This about sums up Robinson Cano’s performance:
http://thesportshernia.typepad.....nthem.html
—
The look on Jeter’s face is just awesome.
miggs – GTLU Reigning Champion
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:45 pm
lineup anyone?
********
Nothing yet. But I am out of here in 10 minutes. We might have late appointed winners
So what’s this story about the Phillies stealing signs?
tampayank November 2nd, 2009 at 4:50 pm
…safe for work
—
barely
Anyone an ESPN Insider that can post buster olneys post on last nights game? Evidently good analysis on the possible sign stealing going on.
Why no mention of hitting Alex & Tex? Hermmm…
And only one side needed to be warned last night, and it wasn’t the Yankees.
If we’re up 10-0 in the late innings, a pitch that gets away from one of the Yankee pitchers wouldn’t bother me a bit.
Patrick
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:50 pm
So what’s this story about the Phillies stealing signs?
*****
Not terribly concerned about it. Its not working that well for them
Jorge was definitely using multiple signs even when nobody was on base last night with CC. I mean, Fox is zooming in on Posada’s fingers all the time during at-bats (especially that idiotic dreaded triple-split-screen), and obviously there are televisions throughout the stadium at this point so sign stealing aint what it used to be.
Lets close this one out!
this pic has been floating around if you want to enjoy, safe for work http://i35.tinypic.com/9hmjo1.jpg%22%20border=%220
___
uhhhh. WOW???
“The cloud of suspicion is too much for me to take…next my name will appeal in the Rickles Report and I’ll be truly disgraced.”
lifting bad puns is a $10 fine in the Shecky Greene kangaroo court.
Of course lifting good puns is perfectly acceptable.
Erica – always OPPC
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:37 pm
How is this for multitasking-
I just ran a GTLU and posted here all while being on the phone with one of my bosses for the last 40 minutes
Whew.. finally off the phone
=========================================================
umm…Erica…can I see you in my office for a second…
Pete Abe is obviously having the time of his life/career, having moved up from a no-name small-time rag to a respected major-market newspaper that’s in the process of upgrading its entire sports section, AND having gone from having sole 24/7 responsibility for keeping a horde of know-nothings entertained to a very manageable share of a multi-host blog that will leave him plenty of time to show his paces as a real sportswriter while still spending quality family time back home.
Crocodile tears sadly misplaced…
Andrew – there is a 7 to 10 seconds delay on the fox broadcast, so unfortunately this is no benefit to either team
“Not terribly concerned about it. Its not working that well for them”
True enough
It’s just troubling that it appears the Phillies are sinking to new lows of cheating. Stealing signs from the bullpen, Blanton and Lee both had brown stuff on their hat they touched before every pitch, Chan Ho Park spit on the ball, etc.
Well look at that . . . a Pete Abe apologist. I thought they were nearly extinct.
That would explain Jorge constantly changing signs and going to the mound a lot. Jorge should tell AJ I’m going to put FB outside, than the hitter will lean over the plate and throw it inside. That will end it.
“this pic has been floating around if you want to enjoy, safe for work http://i35.tinypic.com/9hmjo1.jpg%22%20border=%220 ”
Holy crap… is that Erin Andrews?
Melky is being replaced on the roster according to various twitter accounts from Girardi’s pc.
Joey’s Poodle
So, are you actually a dog? or Joey’s play toy?
And I’ll post this link again, because it’s never too much – what an awesome team and season!
http://www.dailymotion.com/vid.....down_sport
Joe I.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Melky is being replaced on the roster according to various twitter accounts from Girardi’s pc.
*****************
That’s too bad. I feel awful for Melky.
I don’t get it. How are they stealing signs and relating the info in time?
Is that why they kept huddling and changing the signs even when no one was on base? It was very tedious.
“Major League Baseball has not received a specific complaint about the Red Sox being victims of sign stealing, but the Phillies have been investigated for this in the past.”
I couldn’t find anything about last night but it seems that the Phillies have been investigated by the mlb before.
http://www.boston.com/sports/b.....rt/?page=2
Kevin in CT
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Andrew – there is a 7 to 10 seconds delay on the fox broadcast, so unfortunately this is no benefit to either team
========================================================
that is true – i live in miami and for some reason i was able to pick up a cuban TV station (TV Marti) flipping between Fox and the Cuban TV station I was able to see the plays about 5 seconds earlier than what Fox showed..
watching the Girardi live press conference – good question Sam!
“Phillies are allegedly stealing signs from the bullpen.”
so that’s why posada was giving multiple signs at times when no one was on base.
i forgot about that last night.
i was going to ask what he was doing.
# Rebecca–Optimist Prime–Montero Fanaticus Primus November 2nd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Play today, win today, ‘das it.
Hope you’ve all got the chance to watch tonight with friends or loved ones.
___
You know Rebecca, I was invited to a friends house tonight and was on the fence of going. I got my whole routine of watching the game by myself, but after reading your comment, I think I’ll go.
Kevin, it could be a benefit if they learn the patterns that the Yankees are using signs-wise. It’s all speculation and perhaps the Phillies are doing something besides using TV, especially if the bullpen is involved, but it adds some intrigue for sure.
Sorry, Tom, all I saw in your post was “Red Sox” and “victims” and my eyes glazed over…
Tonight we dine in hell!!!! seriously let’s end this tonight!!!
I am leaving work. GTLU winner(s) to be announced in approximately an hour
Don’t understand the anger toward Pete. He was the one that made this blog what it is.
No one, and I mean no one should begrudge someone the opportunity to both advance his career – especially in this industry – and be closer to his family.
Wish Pete well and leave him alone. Show some class.
Nick, Hows about the Mets?:
MLB discipline czar Bob Watson was dispatched to Thursday’s series finale in Philadelphia to investigate after the Mets accused the Phillies of stealing signs through a center-field camera
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....z0Vk59XLTS
Jeter, Damon, Teixeira, ARod, Swisher, Cano, Gardner, Molina, Burnett for Yanks in Game 5.
Mike Francessa agrees with my view. We will repent using AJ today, instead of in Game 6, on full rest. I am not sure how you can win vs. Lee which we could not do with CC and our A team. Another misstep from Joe. If we don’t win today we are in trouble.
“Anyone an ESPN Insider that can post buster olneys post on last nights game? Evidently good analysis on the possible sign stealing going on.”
From the Olney blog on ESPN –
“It’s evident that there is a lot of intrigue and suspicion going on between these two teams. Earlier in the World Series, Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz repeatedly moved behind the plate as if he was trying to deceive Rodriguez on what the location of the forthcoming pitch was going to be — and interestingly, this was done with nobody on base. Ruiz would call for a pitch, set up his target (usually inside) and then shift late, to the other side of the plate, just before the pitch was thrown. What this could say is that the Phillies think A-Rod might be peeking back to check on the location of the catcher, as a clue to the next pitch.
And Sunday night, Jorge Posada went with multiple pitch signs even when there were not any runners on base — and the reason, one longtime talent evaluator said, is that there has long been a concern among visiting teams that the Phillies steal signs from their bullpen and relay them to the hitter.”
I still don’t like Molina starting but we’ll see how it goes.
If Tex and Cano can step it up the offense will be in good shape. If they can’t, we are in deep trouble vs Lee.
“Jeter, Damon, Teixeira, ARod, Swisher, Cano, Gardner, Molina, Burnett for Yanks in Game 5.”
Girardi plans to win 2-1, I guess.
Woo Hoo I got the lineup right.
“Is that why they kept huddling and changing the signs even when no one was on base? It was very tedious.”
which is exactly why it would tick the yankees off.
this was with a runner on second, but i once saw bruce kision step off and walk to the runner on second who was relaying location to the hitter and tell him so loud i heard him in the bullpen that bruce was going to kill his buddy at bat if he did it again.
stealings signs like this is a real no no because it does slow the game down and make things really aggravating.
bullpens stealing signs and relaying back to the hitter by say a guy standing or sitting is really over the top. especially if a tv were involved.
I can’t see why Lee would give ARod anything to hit tonight.
Maybe the Phillies are stealing signs from Macy’s too… that’s where they get their confidence.
Nick in SF
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Maybe the Phillies are stealing signs from Macy’s too… that’s where they get their confidence.
*************
LOL
Haha that snippet by Olney is silly. He is implying that each team is being equally sneaky. A-rod peaking back at the catcher is NOT the same as the Phillies stealing signs from the bullpen.
One is completely valid the other is flat out cheating.
Add to that the 3 Phillies pitchers who have blatantly put foreign substances on their hands and the ball (Lee, Blanton, Park) and I’m starting to think that the Phillies are about as classy as their fans.
Nick in SF
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Maybe the Phillies are stealing signs from Macy’s too… that’s where they get their confidence.
I thought they shopped at the Jerk Store.
rconn
Pete was a free agent. He went for the contract. You sometimes get booed in your old home park when you do that.
That’s baseball. Trying to tell the fans what to do is silly. Jeter said so.
Channel John Sterling all you negative Ned’s and Nancy’s. You just can not predict baseball, Suzyns.
Uncle Ellsworth (much ado about nothing)
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Nick in SF
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Maybe the Phillies are stealing signs from Macy’s too… that’s where they get their confidence.
I thought they shopped at the Jerk Store.
*********************
No, they ran out.
Patrick November 2nd, 2009 at 4:57 pm
“this pic has been floating around if you want to enjoy, safe for work http://i35.tinypic.com/9hmjo1.jpg%22%20border=%220 ”
Holy crap… is that Erin Andrews?”
That’s Gizelle.
Erin Andrews is good.
But she’s not…ELITE
I always wonder why Girardi always bats Molina eighth. Putting Gardner seventh means two lefties in a row who can’t be pinch hit for and a really slow guy to be bunted over by the pitcher. He should have flip flopped Molina and Gardner, IMHO.
Is yankee stadium open to public to watch game five tonight? Please ANSWER
RR
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Mike Francessa agrees with my view. We will repent using AJ today, instead of in Game 6, on full rest. I am not sure how you can win vs. Lee which we could not do with CC and our A team. Another misstep from Joe. If we don’t win today we are in trouble.
——
RR, I’m starting to come around on starting AJ which I was completely against up until the last 2 hours or so.
Gaudin hasn’t pitched more than an inning in a Month. Burnett already got beat by Philly in NYS earlier and there is no guarantee that he won’t get hit especially if they are pumped coming off a game 5 win over Gaudin.
I understand that Lee is tough but there is something special about this team that I think we can close it out tonight and Burnett gives us a better chance than Gaudin.
Pettitte will grind out a tough game in game 6 and we wil lhit Pedro anyway.
We will win one way or another.
pat,
That’s some real brass there. I may be going out on a shaky limb, but I’m going to say one of the bottom 3 in that lineup gets a hit. Probably AJ, haha.
Very weak lineup…especially against Lee. It makes no sense to pitch AJ tonight. None. Tomorrow we’ll be all worried about whether Andy can pitch well with 3 days rest..especially after saying how gassed he was after his last start.
I don’t like the short rest thing. If they lose tonight, see you at game 7.
Oh good, Mike Francessa agrees with you.
Sharing a a common belief with a fire-stoking nimrod like Francessa isn’t a good thing, by the way.
“That’s Gizelle.
Erin Andrews is good.
But she’s not…ELITE
”
Wow you aren’t kidding, that is indeed ELITE talent
God I despise Tom Brady…
Relax rconn23, no hate, just poking fun . . . kind of like people do to ARod.
“Ruiz would call for a pitch, set up his target (usually inside) and then shift late, to the other side of the plate, just before the pitch was thrown. ”
Did anyone notice that one time last game Ruiz was doing his usual shuffling from one side to the other while Blanton was starting his wind-up… Blanton stopped in the middle of the wind-up and looked at Ruiz as if to say “where the hell do you want me to throw the ball?!”
I laughed… not sure why Buck/McCarver didn’t elaborate more on this unusual turn of events. Oh yeah, because they don’t want to perpetuate any conspiracy or debauchery.
Oh yeah !?! Well I had sex with Jimmy Rollins’s wife !
If the Yankees even use Mo tonight, I’d like to see Posada behind the plate. Or whoever closes I’d like to see Po catching them. Just because it’d be special.
ESPN.com
“New York is turning a potential classic into a ho-hum romp toward a 27th title.”
What do they expect? We should give away some games to make it more interesting?
Why? Just because the self-proclaimed Sillies think that they would beat us in five?
Keep dreaming sillies we will wake you up after we beat you in five, ha ha.
I’m so sad for Melky. That stinks.
“Mike Francessa agrees with my view. We will repent using AJ today, instead of in Game 6, on full rest. I am not sure how you can win vs. Lee which we could not do with CC and our A team. Another misstep from Joe. If we don’t win today we are in trouble.”
And if we actually DO win today, we become world champions … something you and Francesa and others clamoring for Gaudin are basically dismissing.
You play to win … to use this game as a “throw away” and reload on Wednesdsay is a defeatist attitude and sends a horrible message to a team that is one win away from winning it all.
Besides, lets say Lee grooves one early in the game with a couple of runners on and it is quickly 3-0 Yankees. You mean to tell me that you would have more faith in Chad Gaudin protecting an early lead than A.J. Burnett?
How about us going out there and putting this team away tonight … the champaigne is on ice … lets get ‘er done!!!
Maybe the Phillies are stealing signs from Macy’s too… that’s where they get their confidence.
–
I find most attempted humor on the internet loathsome but this is classic in idea and execution.
“I REPEAT THAT PITCH SQUARELY IN THE MIDDLE OF ALEX RODRIGUEZ’S BACK WAS NOT INTENTIONAL”
-Tim MacCarver
Who cares what Francessa thinks.
The next time he says something wise pertaining to the Yankees will be the first time.
the first person I would spray at the beginning of the #27 celebration, would hands down by Derek Jeter, no question – and then a very close second would be Mo, and then Pettitte and then Posada…..have to get the original 4 – then onto Swish! How fun would that be?
look at the bottom half of tonight’s lineup, it’s a true miracle if they win tonight
“YOU KNOW WHAT CLIFF LEE DID RIGHT THERE? HE QUICK PITCHED DEREK JETER! QUICK PITCH! HEY JOE DO YOU KNOW WHAT A QUICK PITCH IS! IT’S WHEN A PITCHER THROWS IT QUICKLY! QUICK PITCH!”
- Tim McCarber
pat,
That’s an absurd analogy.
Let me let you in on something, reporters on the whole make very little money. Little, as in not a lot.
Pete didn’t go from one million dollar job to another. He made an upward move to a larger circulation. In the shape this industry is in that’s a great thing for any reporter to be able to pull off.
He also moved closer to his family. No one has any right to begrudge him that.
It’s sad on the night the Yankees could win the Series, some people are still taking pot shots at PeteAbe.
pretty weak lineup we are trotting on there …last 4 guys not too imposing
Now that Swisher is hitting again I love having him behind A-Rod. I would have put Gardner between Molina and the pitcher’s spot.
The lineup is fine, they’ll come through . . . by Pete Abe’s ghost they’ll come through I say.
pretty weak lineup we are trotting on there …last 4 guys not too imposing
How is it much different than when AJ last pitched…..I think we won that game
Well I like to think the Yanks can hit anyone, so lets take that attitude. If they just lay off Lee’s stuff that is out of the zone and at least just hack at the good pitches I know they can do better than game 1.
If he walks somebody for sure he’s in uncharted territory.
Tough to get bunches of hits against this guy so you have to think that anyone that gets on needs to get to second. Easier to get two hits than three, it’s the LA Angel formula.
I hope Robi has a good game
“look at the bottom half of tonight’s lineup, it’s a true miracle if they win tonight”
Which will make it all the more sweeter.
If we’re lucky the Curse of Pete Abe will be exercised tonight.
Notice once Pete left ARod starting hitting in the playoffs . . . Coincidence? I think not.
I love the “this lousy line-up” comments they always seemed to win in the reg season.
Patrick November 2nd, 2009 at 5:18 pm
“YOU KNOW WHAT CLIFF LEE DID RIGHT THERE? HE QUICK PITCHED DEREK JETER! QUICK PITCH! HEY JOE DO YOU KNOW WHAT A QUICK PITCH IS! IT’S WHEN A PITCHER THROWS IT QUICKLY! QUICK PITCH!”
- Tim McCarber
Good advice for Eli only it’s about getting the play off.
That is classic.
When someone said that Olney had good info on the “sign stealing” going on, I thought to myself that he would somehow try to implicate the Yankees in it. There was no way he would be just analyzing the Phillies trying to cheat the Yankees. There had to be a negative towards the Yankees.
Just classic. He started out with Alex first. Absolutely Buster.
Amazing, people still second-guessing and ringing their hands when the Yanks just have to win 1 of 3.
Let’s see, what have the doomsdayers been right about?
- Damon was old and finished.
- Matsui was old and finished.
- Rivera was old and vulnerable.
- The bullpen was a joke.
- Pena need to replace Jeter at SS next year.
- Molina or Ceravelli need to start over Posada
- CC wasn’t an ace.
- Burnett was a bust.
- Texeira was a bust.
- Couldn’t win with Cabrera as a starter.
- Cano can’t hit with RISP and it would come back to haunt Yanks.
- Yanks mishandled Chamberlain.
- Yanks mishandled Hughes.
- Mitre and Gaudin?
- Marte on the post-season roster????
- Joe Girardi generally can’t fill a line-up card, manage a bullpen, overmanages and doesn’t know when or when not to bunt.
And that’s just off the top of my head…
29 other teams would LOVE to have as many problem areas as the Yanks.
But yeah, you guys are right. It’s all just been dumb luck for the last 7 months. It’s ALL going to start going wrong starting tonight…
I love the way we, not the team down 3-1, have become the underdog for this game.
Can’t win for losing as they say.
The Phillies have lost 3 of 4….lets hope they continue to steal signs.
Look, I’m not thrilled about AJ tonight either, but for anyone to say the Yankees are in trouble up 3-2 (if we lose tonight) – well, that’s just asinine. The next positive thing Mike says about the Yankees will be the first – he has absolutely no faith in this team.
I’m looking forward to AJ throwing a banana cream pie at Joe either tonight or Wednesday…..
It is going to be awfully difficult for Lee to pitch as well tonight as he did in game 1. If he is off a little, the Yankees have enough hitters in the lineup that they can score enough to win. If he is as good or better than the other night, it doesn’t really matter who is in the lineup, right?
Thank you, jerkface. You can tell commenter pat that I came up with that myself
“How is it much different than when AJ last pitched”
Well, no Matsui, you have the pitcher batting, you have Molina hitting 8th instead of 9th, you have Gardner instead of Melky, you have Swisher hitting 5th… am I missing anything?
The Yanks need Tex, Swish and Cano to pull their weight tonight. These guys need to step up. Swish’s swing is much better from the right side hoppefully he can get some hits.
Why is MLB being such a pain about this? It’s clear Melky can’t play the remaining games – are they going to make the Yankees play with 24 players?
What’s this about the Phillies trying to steal signs? Seriously – that is disgusting. Is there any way to penalize them?
I’m thinking Gardner makes a clutch play tonight.
My predictions for this game:
Robinson Cano will have at least 1 extra base hit and at least 1 RBI
Brett Gardner will be on base at least twice and will have 1 or more stolen bases
Mariano Rivera will record a save
I was listening to Francessa last week, and he expressed an opinion and I thought “wow, he agrees with me, he’s right for a change.” I think it had to do with Molina catching AJ. Then AJ has this phenomenal game and it occurs to me — duh, I should have realized I was wrong, I AGREED with Francessa.
Yanks should take this as a major challenge.
In the old days the 7-9 hitters were never good.
Let’s play some little ball and beat em every which way imagineable.
Jeter and Damon single , Tex sac Fly, get a lead then bring out Chad Gaudin.
“IF THERE WERE WALK-TO-THE-PLATE-MUSIC IN REAL LIFE, TODAY’S WOULD BE: Today Was a Good Day by Ice Cube.”
Very true. I have had absolutely no reason to use my AK.
Later? Well anythings possible.
I don’t know about you guys but after month of listening to the national baseball media, I find myself pining for the vocal stylings of one John Sterling.
Mr. Sterling? You are a gentleman and a scholar. I humbly bow before you.
‘What’s this about the Phillies trying to steal signs? Seriously – that is disgusting. Is there any way to penalize them?”
Yes, switch the sign for a low and away breaking ball with the sign for an up and way inside fastball. Sign stealing problem fixed. No hitter will trust it again.
Cano is due
“Swish’s swing is much better from the right side hoppefully he can get some hits.”
I keep seeing comments to this effect, but looking at Melky’s splits he has an .866 OPS right handed pitching vs. .868 OPS vs. lefties.
He hits for more power vs. righties, gets on base more vs. lefties, but overall he’s absolutely even.
Olney is a twit.
Let’s win this game before deciding who gets sprayed first with Champagne.
I still have a sick feeling from 2004. I remember the delicious feeling at having a Yankee heel on the Red Sox throat followed by ever escalating dread then disaster. So I am never taking any lead for granted again.
Mike doesn’t like Joba’s hat.
Buster Olney
Spews baloney
when he yucks it up with the yanks
he’s actin’ like a phony.
oops, my comment referred to Swisher, not Melky of course.
It would have made more sense batting Gardner eight to me. If gardy gets on, AJ could bunt him over. Also, Posada would fare better pinch hitting in the 7th hole, since their would be a better chance of having someone on base at that spot.
But, alas, I do not make out the lineup. Let’s wrap it up.
Vrsce
Absolutely right. It is one thing to have confidence, and another to have overconfidence.
Is Chase Utley the only Phillie actually receiving the stolen signs?
Of course Joba can’t have a press conference without a media idiot asking a bullpen or starting pitcher question. You have to just laugh at these guys.
Any radio over the computer,use
http://www.radiotime.com
“Mike doesn’t like Joba’s hat”
Flat brim and dried up sweat.
Mark in Tampa
Utley and this past game, Peter Happy (Pedro Feliz)
Olney Buster
can not muster
a coherent article
with even a particle
of baseball insight
he’s never right
More Girardi conspiracy theories:
He wants CC in a possible game 7 on 3 days over Andy on 4.
“He added, “Obviously, if we were stealing signs, we’d be doing a lot better than we are right now.””
Everybody steals signs. It’s not like there is a rule against it, exactly, is there? Sheesh, why get so heated about it, Mr. Victorino?
Unless it’s true?
I keep seeing comments to this effect
———————–
I meant Swish has looked much better batting righty recently than lefty. I don’t know what his numbers in the past are but I am talking about right now. Lefty he has chased every breaking pitch in the dirt. Right handed he has looked a little bit better. The double and homerun came right handed so hopefully it continues tonight.
Wouldn’t you want CC on three days rest over Pettitte with four?
hell. if we can’t beat pedro or hamels at home with andy giving us 5 good ones…such panic in the streets of Lohud.
Is yankee stadium open to the public to watch game five? ANSWER
the phillies sure have one fat BP pitcher.
he’s in the background behind mitch williams on the mlbn.
Bustey Olney is mad because “The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty” is likely soon to be a piece of dated trash within the next few days, and with it his career.
I never really cared about the Phils one way or the other. However, in this series:
(1) They trash talked from day one, including taking pot shots at the fans and Yankee Stadium.
(2) The manager is acting like some crazed, angry guy out of the backwoods of WVA. Did you see his press conference last night?
(3) The fans are throwing coins at the outfielders. Even the Sox fans don’t stoop to that.
(4) Chan Ho Park clearly is throwing a spitball–that You Tube clip is unreal. he spits on the ball, and rubs it in. Let’s see Budweiser Selig investigate that. Hope the umps chcek that one before game time.
(5) They steal signs.
For this, I hope the Yankees dance on their field tonight. If not, I hope they rip Pedro for 8 runs on Wednesday.
What a bunch of losers.
This from Sweeny Murti…
YankeesWFAN Ramiro Pena has replaced Melky Cabrera on the roster.
the way some see it, they must think we are down 3-1.
Sign stealing isn’t that uncommon. Just see the Joe Mauer video on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhWYrmcSDAU
I think what mlb should look into is the substance on Blaton’s cap that he keeps rubbing between pitches, and the fact that Chan Ho Park blatantly (unlike the Mo conspiracy) spat on the ball and rubbed it right before his pitch to CC.
A few points about tonight’s game:
1. Cliff Lee, if he pitches as well as he did in Game 1, puts his name in the books as one of the best postseasons in history.
2. I don’t see Cliff Lee being the same untouchable guy he was in Game 1. 9 innings, 10Ks…not repeating that. Bob Gibson, Sandy Koufax, Whitey Ford, Josh Beckett never did it once…it sure isn’t going to happen twice.
3. I think this game is tied after 7.
4. Yanks Pen vs. Phillies Pen…
Yanks in 5. A-Rod MVP after another massive hit at the end of the game.
Lets go Yanks !!!!
THIS IS SPARTA !!!!
(4) Chan Ho Park clearly is throwing a spitball–that You Tube clip is unreal. he spits on the ball, and rubs it in. Let’s see Budweiser Selig investigate that. Hope the umps chcek that one before game time.
this looked faked to me.
Heres a good song to finish up the season. We got one more win to go!
ONE MORE TIME!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyowTzkPRzc
“One more time, we’re gonna celebrate!”
PittsburghYankeeFan
YAAAAAAAAAAAAA!! Let’s take it home tonight!!
Buster probably was writing that Last Night of Yankee Dynasty before we ever lost in 2001. He was probably doing it for good luck. He was so quick to write it. And we end up going to 1 ALCS and 1 World Series in the following 3 years.
This from the Lohud blog:
UPDATE, 5:43 p.m.: MLB just announced that Ramiro Pena will replace Melky Cabrera on the roster.
I can’t believe people want Gaudin starting tonight. He isn’t all that good to begin with, hasn’t started in a month, and would be facing a terrific lineup in a terrific hitters park. Just an all around bad idea.
The Yanks have 3 games to win one, with CC as the safety net in game 7.
You go for the kill tonight. You don’t give the Phillies any glimmer of hope by for all intents and purposes throwing this game away.
El Nino!
the way some see it, they must think we are down 3-1.
—————————————————–
jimmy rollins does. and he’s telling his teammates,”look how panicky their fans are, they would rather start gaudin over their #2 starter.”
pena on the roster. hopefully there are no outfield injuries. i guess you’d have to put him out there before matsui, but either is a scary proposition
The Pena move doesn’t make sense. It should of been Guzman. If Gardner gets hurt you need someone who can play CF. No one on the current roster can.
Between Phillies’ pitchers throwing at Alex and sign stealing, I wouldn’t be surprised if, in the late innings and – Lord willing – the Yanks leading comfortably, that someone, maybe AJ, comes up and in.
On another note –
Giuseppe Franco, how are you?
On another note, I have been very impressed with the coverage on the MLB Network. They’ve done a very nice job covering the playoffs. They – instead of ESPN – have become the place to go for baseball fans,
Not sure how close some people were paying attention to Howard’s slide into home, and to nobody’s surprise, Buck and McCarver, ESPN or MLB made no mention of it, but, Howard threw an elbow into Posada as he got to the plate. Agressive play is one thing, but, cheap shots are quite a different matter.
Great to hear Pena is on the roster replacing Melky and not Guzman
If the Yankees win tonight great,but Andy in game 6 brings some pluses too,Matsui,and Posada’s bats back in the line up!!
-Go Yankees!!
Pena, Guzman, it’s all good.
“On another note, I have been very impressed with the coverage on the MLB Network. They’ve done a very nice job covering the playoffs. They – instead of ESPN – have become the place to go for baseball fans.”
i hear ya joe. I just turned on ESPN (PTI) expecting to hear Olney or Gammons; instead, I get Jaws talking about football.
has pena ever played the of?
why is that a good move?
Guess no one remembers pena played outfield in scranton this year. All you armchair managers, if you could do it better you would be.
Re:
Howards slide into home,McCarver mentioned and showed The REPLAY proving he never tagged home plate,but the ump signaled safe.
let’s not forget that the real ultimate backup plan isn’t cc in game 7- it’s cole ” i wish the season was over” hamels in game7
scaranton?? how about YS? has he played it there?
I don’t know why it bothers me, but the argument that this is a loss anyway just throw Gaudin out there is counterintuitive.
Mitch Williams talking about Utley’s ownage of CC –
Is he in his head? Hell yeah, he has moved in and is rearranging the furniture. CC responds by saying maybe he should throw underhand to Utley. LOL
Might not like Mitch but that was pretty funny.
m
exactly. this is part of girardi’s philosophy, creating a winning culture.
Pena in makes some sense.
He can play infield positions and has some experience in the outfield, he has decent speed, while not as good as Guzman, he is quick enough.
The Yankees have Hinske to cover the outfield in a real pinch.
mitch williams on mlbn just mentioned an old name from my memory banks.
he was talking about how out a certain hitter can just hit a pitcher and billy joe robideaux was the guy for him.
billy joe when he was 15 years old replaced me in the starting line up of a semi pro game and man i was ticked off ( i was in my 30′s).
of course that was before he hit that home run at the umass baseball field in his first at bat.
haiku-man
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Re:
Howards slide into home,McCarver mentioned and showed The REPLAY proving he never tagged home plate,but the ump signaled safe.
————————————————————
The fact that Howard didn’t touch the plate has nothing to do with it. Once Posada lost control of the ball and then picked it up and threw to second base, that ended the play at home. It’s just like an appeal play. If it’s not made immediately, and before another play/pitch is made, the forfeits any appeals.
Arod not getting a single pitch to hit with this protection.
Wow what a lineup
arod tonight: 0-2, 2BB
You know it really amazes me how bias the media is against the Yankees, not that I care much cuzz in the end it only makes winning more sweeter but not one mention about Howard not touching the plate or even throwing the elbow trying to connect with Posada. God knows if this was Arod or Posada what they would be saying? ” ahh yankees get another break, clearly did not touch the plate…also I second that from the above poster, I hope we have a big lead in one of the next game or two and let the Philthiies have it. God i hate that town and teams.
Let’s win tonight. Go Yankees
Yankees taking batting practice on MLB TV
I for one have not been impressed by either ESPN, FOX or MLB Network this year. ESPN has John Kruk ranting about nonsense, and listening to Skip Bayless this morning made me want to throw up. On FOX, Joe Buck does a fine job, and so does Ken Rosenthal, but it’s time for Tim McCarver to go – the guy simply doesn’t do his homework. MLB Network is fine, and in fine I mean I only like listening to Al Leiter. Mitch Williams is completely biased and does not take an objective viewpoint to anything. Harold Reynolds makes his usual stupid points as well.
On the other hand, the YES postgame shows have been great, and surprisingly objective, with Ken Singleton and John Flaherty doing a great job, and Michael Kay being…well, Michael Kay. Props to Bob Lorenz as well.
I’m much more concerned about the lineup than AJ throwing on short rest.
Damon hasn’t hit Lee, Tex hasn’t been hitting, ARod is going to be pitched around, Swisher’s had one good game, Cano hasn’t been hitting, Gardner, Molina, and the pitcher.
Doesn’t give me a good feeling.
Cliff Lee is still human. He was as good as you can be in a World Series (save Don Larsen) in Game 1. He just is not going to do that again…even if he is slightly less dominant, Philly cant be happy having to go to the pen tonight…period.
Manuel sounds like such a goober.
What a weak lineup 5-9. ARod won’t see a pitch all night.
GreenBeret
I get what you’re saying, and if it’s a rule, it’s a rule…
But that does not make any sense. If once Jorge throws to 2nd, they can no longer appeal, why is it that Torii Hunter can throw home to try to get the guy, fail, and then appeal at 3rd base. I thought appeals on plays like that ended with the next pitch being thrown.
Congratulations to our 8 winners of Guess the Line Up today.
Trevor
Erin
Upstate Kate
vin
NYY626
NYCT
Comet
Frank from Chatham, NJ
Today we had 8 correct out of 28 for 28.57% correctness.
Thanks to all who participated in our possible last round of GTLU. Updated standings will follow.
“Howard threw an elbow into Posada as he got to the plate. Agressive play is one thing, but, cheap shots are quite a different matter.”
gb7-
you sure posada was at the plate when howard came crashing in there.
according to some on the blog jorge was at least few feet away.
i’m poking fun at the posada haters of course because jorge was right in there to take the shot by howard.
Just want to point out that Hairston has played more than 100 big league games in center field. He’s probably the backup center fielder for the rest of this series, and might have been even if Guzman had been added to the roster.
Joe Buck and Ken Rosenthal do a fine job????????
Can I get what you are smoking? If by fine job, you mean the most unprofessional job possible, then they do a darn fine job. Aside from their unprofessionalism and bias, I saw ole Kenny Rosenthal yuckin it up with the Phillies in their dugout last night during the game.
It was Pena’s turn anyway.
randy l.
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
mitch williams on mlbn just mentioned an old name from my memory banks.
he was talking about how out a certain hitter can just hit a pitcher and billy joe robideaux was the guy for him.
billy joe when he was 15 years old replaced me in the starting line up of a semi pro game and man i was ticked off ( i was in my 30’s).
of course that was before he hit that home run at the umass baseball field in his first at bat.
————————————————————
When he first showed up with Milwaukee, I thought that he was going to be something special because he had a great baseball name. I think it was like Joltin’ Joe Charbaneau….he had to be good just to live down the name. Neither could deliver. Bill Shakespeare was wrong, “Rose by any other name don’t mean crap.”
Guess the Line Up Standings
After 13 rounds of Postseason Guess the Line Up, there have been 45 different winners. Here are the players with 3 wins or more:
Note: GTLU will be played Wednesday at 2:30 if necessary
Upstate Kate – 7 wins – 10/7, 10/11, 10/16, 10/19, 10/31, 11/1, 11/2
Vin – 7 wins – 10/9, 10/16, 10/19, 10/24, 10/31, 11/1, 11/2
Blackaccord – 6 wins – 10/7, 10/16, 10/19, 10/29, 10/31, 11/1
Fran- 6 wins – 10/11, 10/16, 10/19, 10/24, 10/28, 11/1
Andrew GTLU Bronze Medalist – 5 wins- 10/7, 10/9, 10/16, 10/19, 10/22
Frank from Chatham – 5 wins – 10/20, 10/22, 10/31, 11/1, 11/2
Andrew33 – 4 wins – 10/19, 10/22, 10/28, 11/1
Dave F – 4 wins – 10/24, 10/28, 10/31, 11/1
NYY626 – 5 wins – 10/9, 10/19, 10/24, 10/31, 11/2
Rob in VT – 4 wins -10/9, 10/16, 10/19, 10/28
Christina -3 wins – 10/11, 10/19, 11/1
Doreen – 3 wins – 10/7, 10/11, 10/31
Ed H – 3 wins – 10/11, 10/16, 10/19
Erin – 3 wins – 10/28, 11/1, 11/2
KF – 3 wins – 10/11, 10/19, 10/31
Shawn- 3 wins- 10/16, 10/22, 10/28
Phil Hughes threw me a ball!!!!
I yelled “Phil, I love Seinfeld too!!”
he turned, chuckled and tossed me the ball from 10 feet away
yeah!!!!
chad
didn’t forget hairston but who backs him up with one less OF? subbing an IF, Pena for an Of, Melky is the concern.
“Joe Buck and Ken Rosenthal do a fine job????????
Can I get what you are smoking? If by fine job, you mean the most unprofessional job possible, then they do a darn fine job. Aside from their unprofessionalism and bias, I saw ole Kenny Rosenthal yuckin it up with the Phillies in their dugout last night during the game.”
Funny enough, Phillies fans seem to be complaining about the same thing. They think that Rosenthal and Buck are Yankees-biased. It evens out in the end. I can’t say the same about McCarver but Buck is actually doing a good job.
bottom third of that line up is terrible
I was not comparing apples and apples in my question. The 2 situations involve apples and apples, however, except for one thing if the following actually happened. Prior to appealing Swish, did whoever received the ball on the throw home in the Angels game fake a throw to 2nd or 1st base, with another runner on, or actually throw the ball to one of the bases?
They can keep Philly ………
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNm39BzFP2I
“If they lose to the Yankees it’ll be because they’re the best team money can buy, not the one that was put together,” Sferco said, comparing the Phillies’ home-grown core players to the Yankees’ high-priced free agent acquisitions.
http://www.phillyburbs.com/new.....s-win.html
All right! Here’s to hoping that me and Upstate Kate are the postseason GTLU winners. I really don’t want to have to submit another lineup this season.
I can’t wait until GTLU, Spring Training edition. That’ll be fun…especially with the split squads and such.
randy l.
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:11 pm
“Howard threw an elbow into Posada as he got to the plate. Agressive play is one thing, but, cheap shots are quite a different matter.”
gb7-
you sure posada was at the plate when howard came crashing in there.
according to some on the blog jorge was at least few feet away.
i’m poking fun at the posada haters of course because jorge was right in there to take the shot by howard.
————————————————————
Actually, I was surprised that Posada was able to block off as much of the plate as he did, considering he had to reach out to the infield side of the plate to catch the throw. At almost the same time, Howard slid in and threw the elbow into Posada’s glove hand and arm, before he could secure the ball and brace. If you watch the slo-mo replay, you can see the elbow come out and get Posada.
“Damon hasn’t hit Lee, Tex hasn’t been hitting, ARod is going to be pitched around, Swisher’s had one good game, Cano hasn’t been hitting, Gardner, Molina, and the pitcher.
Doesn’t give me a good feeling.”
wave your hat -
there’s always a way to beat someone.
there is something about lee that is annoying as m pointed out last time he pitched.
i think it’s simply his pushing the pace of the game and being so good of course
screw him.
the yankees need to tick him off simply by not letting him have his way with speeding up things.
yankee hitters should do everything they can to slow him down.
the hit batters have added a little edge to things and i see nothing wrong with some gamesmanship with yankee hitters playing with his head.
My cousin, the Chiropractor posted something on her facebook that the Yankees just hired a team chiropractor on the advice of Johnny Damon. Apparently, he was getting great care in Orlando and thought the team could really benefit.
If chiropractors caused last night’s miracle- I am a beliver
1 hour and 38 minutes until Game 5!!!!!!
Uncle E
After looking at it closely, the video could be doctored. Does someone have the feed on DVR from last night, and can they look at that sequence from Chan Ho Park?
Wow, high-priced free agent acquisitions? I seem to remember that Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada are all home-grown and high-priced. Actually, don’t the Yanks have the highest percentage of home-grown players on their 25-man roster?
I don’t mind Molina catching, but I would like to see Posada behind the plate if they should lean toward a win to get the final 3 outs.
Dan
I know. Red Sox fans think that the 2 are biased against them. Same for the Phillies. Not you, I can appreciate your opinion, but those other fans who think that are delusional. The utter disappointment and dejection in Joe Buck’s voice the past few games and the ALCS is evident. Joe, this ALCS and World Series, has questioned and said what needs to happen for the Angels and Phils to win. Nothing is mentioned about how the Yanks can win. How can the Angels come back? How can the Angels hold the lead? How can the Phillies retire Jeter?
Last night, I hope someone else heard this too, Joe said, with the Yanks up 2 runs and the Phillies had 2 men on for Ryan Howard, and I quote, “The Phillies need Howard to pop one right here.” He might as well have saying, “I need you to pop one right here.”
Ken Rosenthal, well, is Ken Rosenthal. He has that silly childlike voice where he sucks up to the teacher (the opposition of the Yankees).
Any chance Mo busts out his changeup against Ryan Howard tonight? Like he did in ST against him (I believe it was this year)?
Erica – always OPPC
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:22 pm
My cousin, the Chiropractor posted something on her facebook that the Yankees just hired a team chiropractor on the advice of Johnny Damon. Apparently, he was getting great care in Orlando and thought the team could really benefit.
*****************
That’s really cool. Too bad your cousin wasn’t chosen as Team Chiropractor!
Lets go Yanks !!! Seal the Deal !
I think it’s that Cliff Lee looks a little “too” calm, ya know?
I don’t care what the bottom of the lineup looks like. They have to play the game. And they all want to make their mark.
I just hope they’re not pressing because it could be the last game; and I don’t think they will be based on the interviews – one game at a time, etc.
It’s just too much time before game time. I’m tired of waiting.
Cliff Lee is human. He pitched a few stinkers this year, if you look at his game log.
ARod may get nothing to hit, but Swishalicious may.
I am reminded of game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals last year. Detroit was the overwhelming favorite over the Pens.
Yet with Malkin and Crosby, who was the game MVP? Max Talbot, a Swisher like hockey player if there ever was one, with 2 goals in a shocking 2-0 win.
The role players may surprise you tonight.
Dan
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:06 pm
I for one have not been impressed by either ESPN, FOX or MLB Network this year. ESPN has John Kruk ranting about nonsense, and listening to Skip Bayless this morning made me want to throw up. On FOX, Joe Buck does a fine job, and so does Ken Rosenthal, but it’s time for Tim McCarver to go – the guy simply doesn’t do his homework. MLB Network is fine, and in fine I mean I only like listening to Al Leiter. Mitch Williams is completely biased and does not take an objective viewpoint to anything. Harold Reynolds makes his usual stupid points as well.
————————————————————
ESPN doesn’t require anybody to “do their homework”. They’re more interested in having clowns, jerks and idiots, because they are in the entertainment business…not sports information business. If you actually think that Joe Buck is doing a “fine job”, you’re not smoking anything, you’re main-lining.
randy-
You are right, of course. Anything can happen and it usually does!
Have to leave to get home in time. Go Yanks- end it tonight.
Erin-
So is it stalkerish to e-mail some dude you don’t know on facebook who was tagged in an album of someone else you know because he was wearing an Oscar the Grouch costume on Halloween?
My thinking is that they are replacing Cabrera’s outfield spot with Hairston, then replacing Hairston’s infield role with Pena. Yes, they quite literally replaced an outfielder with an infielder, but in the process they moved an infielder’s role into the outfield.
Not sure it makes a big difference either way. If this series were to come down to either Pena or Guzman, I’d be shocked.
“he turned, chuckled and tossed me the ball from 10 feet away
yeah!!!!”
boston dave-
sounds like a good omen to me.
since you’re at the game, if it’s not asking too much , if no yankee hitters slow down lee’s pace on the mound, just charge the damn mound to slow him down.
then head off towards howard . he’ll never catch you and then make a run back for the stands.
The key tonight is pitching.
That’s the reason AJ is out there.
Pitching is the key.
He’s out there to OUTPITCH Lee.
Stow the football mentality.
“Manuel sounds like such a goober.”
Don’t let that southern drawl fool you,he’s as slimy as they come,the shifty eyed ghost!He brought out the phony charm,when he thought his team would win.Now you get to see right through him.
Two guys from Arkansas will tee off on the mound tonight.
Yahoo sports has a article on the two boyz from ARKANSAS meeting.
Supposedly Lee pointed to the Budweiser sign,and said to AJ “that’s what I’ll be aiming for.”
AJ said,”that’s alright,I know how to hit too,I spent 6 yrs in the NL.”
Both these guys grew up in Arkansas,and didn’t know each other.Both share the same agent.
Let’s get it on!!
With the depleted lineup Cano better come through with a good game. If not we will be into a Game 7.
The Yankee haters are talking about payroll but didn’t they say that the Yankees can’t win with a high payroll ? LOL !
They can’t have it both ways.
AJ can out pitch Lee. He may not but he is capable of doing so.
Is anyone that selfish (like me) who wanna Yankees to clinch at home?
A 55,000 people paaaaaaaarty!!
Erica-I think you’re safe. You have the friend of a friend connection. You have to reach out to any guy who apprectiates the Muppets!
I have a question for the Aussie readers of this blog.
Having been to Sydney and Melbourne, I am fascinated with cricket. I brought a small ball/bat/wicket set home for my kids, and I tried to get to the MCG but didn’t have time.
You guys have an amazing country, by the way. The best way to describe it is like a California beach town as an entire continent.
My question:
How do you think major league baseball players would fare in cricket?
This thing will be over in game 6 if the Yanks lose tonight. I predicted that this series would be over in game 6 and it might happen.
NYY needs to get to Lee. Two ways to do it is to have guys like Jeter, Damon, Garner bunt and run the bases. The other thing is disrupt his rhythm by constantly stepping out on him.
“With the depleted lineup Cano better come through with a good game. If not we will be into a Game 7.”
Wow, that was fast. What was the score of game 6? How did Andy look on 3 days rest? Most importantly, am I still tied for first in GTLU?!?!?!?!
ESPN doesn’t require anybody to “do their homework”. They’re more interested in having clowns, jerks and idiots, because they are in the entertainment business…not sports information business. If you actually think that Joe Buck is doing a “fine job”, you’re not smoking anything, you’re main-lining.
———————————
well said. case in point. no where today did anyone bring up Gaudin’s stats vs lefties or vs phillies when giving their “expert” opinion. neither mike (i never do my homework) francesa, nor espn guys, nor the YES guys to be fair.
well here is what girardi is looking at when looking at Gaudin:
.408 on base avg vs LEFTIES THIS YEAR
.386 batting avg against current Phillie Lineup.
I actually saw Pena play CF when my wife and I went to the LoHud game in Scranton at the end of August. What I saw was that he charged balls very well (he is an infielder, after all) and made an accurate, strong throw to home. He does need some work on going back on balls hit to the wall, but, heck, so does Bobby Abreu. I came away impressed, and I think if he works on it over the winter and in ST, he can do a good job.
And, as John Sterling says, you can’t predict baseball. Don’t surrender to Cliff Lee just yet.
vin-
Scroll up to 6:14
Don’t know if anybody mentioned it yet, but Maddux was still with the Cubs in ’92. The three-man rotation was Smoltz, Glavine, Avery.
I would spray swisher first because that would be easiest. Then Melky. Then build my confidence up to A-Rod and Jeter. Then finally, after I had some of the bubbly myself, I’d spray CC and Mariano.
HOW VALUBLE IS RIVERA. look at all these other closers this postseason. You simply can’t put a price tag on how unbelievably reliable Mariano Rivera is. You have to stand back in awe of him.
People need to get over the “win at home” crap. Win it now. I prefer needing to win out of three games instead one out of two games.
Well when you have Fox zooming in on Posada’s crotch to check the sign, and the announcer saying what the next pitch will be…they need to mix it up. I almost swallowed my tongue when the announcers were questioning why Posada was putting out more than one sign. DUH! I think they’re more worried about the announcers than the Phillies at this point!
Erica:
Is there a prize for the person who has the most lineups guessed right during the postseason for the Yankees?
Just wondering….
The only thing I know about Australia is that they make good wine. I’m sipping some Molly Dooker right now, waiting for dinner, and enjoying it immensely. And it’s not expensive, that’s the other thing about Aussie wines, they’re fairly reasonable, running $10-20.
I’m saving the good cognac for later tonight, when Mariano puts it away.
Anti Anti-Yankee fodder:
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/articl.....Id=rss_mlb
Yanks and Rockies lead league in percentage of homegrown players on 25 man rosters (article was written July 26, 2009). Good chart on the right.
Stop worrying, the bottom of the lineup will hit tonight. All stars align well for Yankees tonight. (quit mentioning Gaudin, who does poorly against the lefties). Go Yankees!
How many people eat prior to the game? Like 1-2 hours before?
Does melky get a ring if we win tonight?
Absolutely, win it now.
Those who fantasize about having the luxury of choosing the winning venue are just begging to be kicked in the sweets by destiny’s boot.
Umm -
So have the umpires been instructed to do whatever they can to elongate the series? To make sure it gets to 7 games however they can?
What kind of a stupid thing is that that Verducci is saying: “Baseball “needs” a 7th game?
Why am I not surprised that Swisher is a professional bull-riding fan???
Erica,
I saw… see my 6:21 post.
However, our friend feels that once the Yanks lose tonight we go automatically to game 7. I was just wondering if I still had the (tied) lead after game 6.
“How do you think major league baseball players would fare in cricket?”
They’d probably hit many wicked googleys!
Other than the skill sets, Nick Swisher is about as quirky and goofy as Mickey Rivers. Back in Mick’s day, he was called a flake. That name fits both quite well.
turbowei
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Does melky get a ring if we win tonight?
Of Course,
Edwar and Alby too AND Ransom and Berroa.
CR9
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:38 pm
How many people eat prior to the game? Like 1-2 hours before?
seems like 6:00 is dinner time here it always goes quiet at that time
berri
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Erica:
Is there a prize for the person who has the most lineups guessed right during the postseason for the Yankees?
Just wondering….
*******
No, its more of a bragging rights type of thing
if I can spray anyone up it would b freddy guzman
lol
Jete would be nice..
“I think it’s that Cliff Lee looks a little “too” calm, ya know?”
he definitely likes to feel like he’s in control out there by dictating the pace.
the yankees need to slow him down. there’s nothing in the rules that says a hitter has to hit at the pace the pitcher wants.
i think the yankees will figure out lee the more they face him. hopefully they move enough in that direction tonight to scratch some runs and go into the end of the game in good shape.
CR9 – I’ve been up and going from 5:30 AM today, and had a light lunch six hours, with nothing since. So dinner now is a pretty good thing for me.
erica, how about a “GRAND PRIZE”
a empty lineup card.. & A PEN!!
“What kind of a stupid thing is that that Verducci is saying: “Baseball “needs” a 7th game?”
That quote is a joke, right Doreen? I always knew Verducci was anti-Yankee, but that is a little extreme.
What does baseball need a 7th game for, because it is a one game winner take all and the only opportunity for the Yankees to lose the series now?
Did Baseball need a Game 7 in 2004 or 2007, Verducci??????
CR9/Uncle E -
I think the 6 o’clock hour doubles as dinner time and travel time (work to home).
“Does melky get a ring if we win tonight?”
No, you must be directly involved in the recording of the final out to get a ring.
John Wetteland and Charlie Hayes in ’96.
Mariano, Brosius and Tino Martinez in ’98.
Mariano and Chad Curtis in ’99.
Mariano and Bernie Williams in ’00.
Jeter doesn’t yet have a ring, and Mo has 3.
(I’m so tired of seeing that same question over and over again – but in different iterations, this one being the most ridiculous).
Feel bad for melky… He’s a big part of this team and it does weakenthe yanks a bit
Vin-
Hahaha. I admire your spirit, but I don’t think there is a future for spring training GTLU. Unfortunately, I am a CPA and I have no life until after April 15th. I usually barely notice spring training is going on. I will try to pick up GTLU after April 15th, since I truly believe its a Yankee good luck charm, but I can’t make promises
I would be thrilled if today was the last round of GTLU for 2009
Greenberet7:
Posada didn’t pick up the ball after that collision with Howard at home. CC was backing up the play and threw to second, since the umpire called him (Howard) safe at home.
The umpiring has been awful. Howard clearly did not touch homeplate, but you are correct about having an appeal. It has to be immediately called before anything else happens.
The Yankees didn’t do any appealing.
Yep, thanks guys. 6 seems like the right time to eat with these games at 8.
“No, its more of a bragging rights type of thing ”
Wait, so there’s no prize?! Do I at least get a WS Ring? You know, since Berroa, Clagget, and Cash all get one?? I’ve contributed just as much as those guys.
OK, except for Cash. His walking to the mound, picking up rosin bag, and walking back to the plate without saying a word to AJ was AWESOME!
Uncle Ellsworth (much ado about nothing)
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:46 pm
(4) Chan Ho Park clearly is throwing a spitball–that You Tube clip is unreal. he spits on the ball, and rubs it in. Let’s see Budweiser Selig investigate that. Hope the umps chcek that one before game time.
this looked faked to me.
——————————-
it doesn’t matter, that’s not how a spitball is thrown. The whole idea of a spitball (or the use of any other foreign substance) is to reduce the friction between the fingers and the ball so it slides out of the hand instead of rotating. Spitting on the ball and then rubbing it in would do nothing to cause that, there has to be a wet spot where the fingers grip the ball to cause the spitball action (which is very similar to a split finger fastball or forkball).
Lesson over…
vin
I didn’t intend to troll.I thought that was a valid question.
Since Joe isn’t even certain that Andy can pitch on 3 days rest, why exactly is he pitching AJ tonight? If he’s got to wait and see how Andy feels, that means there is a possibility of Gaudin pitching game 6 – ugh.
I wonder why Victorino took so much offense to the sign stealing. Is it really a big deal? Teams at every single level do this and it’s definitely not dirty.
Betsy
Andy is pitching Game 6. That’s just manager talk. Why would he bring in Gaudin ? Come on !
it doesn’t matter, that’s not how a spitball is thrown. The whole idea of a spitball (or the use of any other foreign substance) is to reduce the friction between the fingers and the ball so it slides out of the hand instead of rotating. Spitting on the ball and then rubbing it in would do nothing to cause that, there has to be a wet spot where the fingers grip the ball to cause the spitball action (which is very similar to a split finger fastball or forkball).
Lesson over…
regardless of its effectiviness what was pictured on the faked video was clearly against the rules. That’s enough to create a controversy.
I’m Out GO YANKS!
I’m thinking this is one of those games where a no name wins it.
Which no name will it be?
A. Brett Gardner
B. Jose Molina
C. Jerry Hairston
D. Eric Hinske
I’m guessing B, Jose Molina.
The Yanks must step out on Lee early in the game. I really hope they already spoke about doing that. In game 1 he was way too comfortable on the mound and his rhythm was never messed with. Hopefully his command isn’t great so they could get him out of the game after 6 innings. The bottom of the order must swing at strikes and at least take pitches.
Actual what Bowa said is not new. There was another team I forgot which one that accused the Phillies stealing signs at there homepark last year.
Let’s Go, Yankees! Clap clap clap clap clap.
Let’s Go, Yankees! Clap clap clap clap clap.
Let’s Go, Yankees! Clap clap clap clap clap.
Let’s Go, Yankees! Clap clap clap clap clap.
Betsy, we get it-you are worried about tonight and game 6 and think it’s a mistake to pitch AJ.
“I didn’t intend to troll.I thought that was a valid question.”
I was just having some fun at your expense.
My question:
How do you think major league baseball players would fare in cricket?
***********************************
I really don’t know. It’s a whole entirely different batting stance altogether, although a cricket bat is wider than a baseball bat.
Plus you have the ball coming mostly (with the exception of a full toss) at you off the ground on the bounce with as many throwing variations (due to the seam) as a cutter, sinker etc in baseball instead of coming at you in a strikezone.
Plus all the ridiculous rules and ways you can get out and the whole running between wickets and not four bases thing. There are some similarities, but not much.
Add to that those balls come at you at about as fast as most baseball pitchers throw, and I’d say its really something you have to grow up with to be able to do it at even a semi-professional level. Its definitely not like adjusting between softball and baseball.
Not only does every player get a ring, but so do scouts, front office personnel, etc. (One of my prized possessions is an official 1978 Yankees World Series ring that originally belonged to — if I recall correctly — the team’s treasurer or assistant treasurer; his name is inscribed on the ring.)
vin, doesn’t the guy that hit the final out also get a losers ring?
gb7-
they just played the mccovey rocket to richardson on mlbn.
i still have yet to see that ball!.
i got a treat to hear clete boyer on tape telling how his knees were shaking when at the mound meeting ralph terry said he was pitching to mccovey even though a base was open.
Donna,
yes that is true EXCEPT for the 2000 ws ring….none of the scouts or FO personnel got rings for that year as steiny thought everyone was trying to sell em….my good friend was a Yankee scount for a long time and HATES that he only has 3 of em
Well the Phillies are a dirty team just like the city and the people in it. Pitchers hitting A-rod, Victorino trying to knock down players, players talking trash including the manager.
I can’t wait to see the Phillies lose.
“I’m sipping some Molly Dooker right now,”
That’s a good wine, Joe. You have excellent taste.
Manny Ramirez trying to play cricket.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb-E5Yo2_ag
There’s a difference between players and coaches stealing signs, and a quite different thing in having somebody with a pair of binos in the bleachers or bullpen picking up and relaying signs or somebody with a TV monitor in the bullpen relaying signs. Using binos or electronics is illegal.
i would love to see aj get pied tonight…
Honestly, I think cricket players would adjust somewhat better to baseball, than vice versa. But thats just an amateur opinion.
anyone that thinks the ump or posada or cc had ANY idea that howard didnt touch home is out of their mind. I umped for 10 years and there is no way in hell that anyone saw that except for the camera and millions of fans that saw it in slowmo….just like most of the blown calls that COULD be reversed by replay….which they should!
even the lowly angry brett tomko gets a ring boys……
Cliff Lee, in 2009, has the following opponent batting averages against him:
First pitch: .261
1-0: .472
2-0: .368
0-1: .318
1-1: .316
2-1: .318
0-2: .113
1-2: .251
2-2: .236
3-2: .254
The Yankees need to be swinging early in the count and hitting the first good fastball they see. They have all these stats, of course, so don’t be surprised if ‘working the count’ isn’t a high priority tonight.
You guys have an amazing country, by the way. The best way to describe it is like a California beach town as an entire continent.
***************************
Thank you, btw. Even though I live here now, I’m homesick for Australia and my hometown (Sydney) every single day.
I just made sausage rolls last night to curb my homesickness.
Tonight is just a fascinating game for so many reasons. And AJ Burnett is at the forefront of those stories because his level of performance have varied so much.
This past season AJ walked more hitter per inning than any year in his career since 2001 when he was a 24 year old throwing for the Marlins (excludes 2003 when he only threw 23 innings in the majors).
This past year AJ set a career high for most wild pitches and hit the second most batters he’s ever hit in a season.
On the whole AJ had one of the worst control/command seasons of his entire career this year. Given how his control has never been a strength, that is quite something.
But there were two AJ’s this season – a brilliant pitcher and one who was very hittable. Everything with AJ depends on whether his complicated mechanics are in sink and whether he can control his emotions.
We saw AJ at his best in Game 2. If he can do that again, AJ moves into a very special place in yankee history and everything that’s come before during the regular season will be long forgotten. It will disappear.
We’ll know right away. In the past when AJ’s had trouble with his control much of that has been due to his inability to control his power curve. This year was different because his fastball command was often poor and it was the fastball and not the curve that was the primary problem.
In particular, AJ was unable to hit the outer portion of the plate closest to the left hand batters box in games where he didn’t pitch well.
That’s the tell to look for tonight.
If AJ can’t locate the ball there it could be a long night. AJ’s ball tends to run back towards his arm side a ridiculous amount when he’s not right. If that happens the lefty hitters on the Phillies will get fastballs right in their wheelhouses because AJ wont’ be able to bust them inside.
That’s the most immediate thing to look for – often you can see it with AJ in the first inning.
If he’s able to locate on the inside part of the plate to lefty hitters without the ball running back over the plate he is going to have a strong game.
He did that brilliantly in game 2. They need him to stay locked in for one more game.
Mike Jaret-I agree.
Angel, I played baseball at MelbourneUni for 4 years. Most players obviously had big cricket backgrounds…and they were tremendous baseball players too.
Everyone in the organization gets a ring, including the athletic trainers – remind me to post a picture of my Arena Bowl Championship ring. Its a Beut! And for the most part, the auxiliary staff gets asked if they would like to purchase one.
randy l.
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:01 pm
gb7-
they just played the mccovey rocket to richardson on mlbn.
i still have yet to see that ball!.
i got a treat to hear clete boyer on tape telling how his knees were shaking when at the mound meeting ralph terry said he was pitching to mccovey even though a base was open.
————————————————————
I still can’t believe that ball didn’t kill Richardson, or, at least leave a Richardson imprint on the right center field wall (like a crime scene tape outline of a body). The real play was Maris and Richardson on the Mays double. Maris said a few years later that he had about one throw a game in him because he had a seperated shoulder. They just never told anybody. Richardson would go out into medium right and take the relay and the Giants never caught on. Otherwise, alou would have scored and Mays goes to 3rd. smart team play.
Bobby Valentine on ESPN opined that the umpired was looking more for the ball at that point – to the naked eye, Howard looked like he crossed (and touched) the plate; the ump was looking to see if Posada held onto the ball, which he did not. It was a legitimately tough call.
Too bad about Melky that really is a shame. And tough matchup for Gardner. He hasn’t started in almost a month and gets his first postseason start against a real tough lefty in Cliff Lee.
Wish Posada was in the lineup it doesn’t look as strong without his bat.
It’s so nice to be excited and not nervous.
CB,
Great post!! I just hope that he can keep his emotions in check along with his mechanics. If guys get on base will he be able to concentrate on Molina and ignore the crowd noise. I guess we will find out very soon.
I was just watching the MLB network pregame and heard ‘empire state of mind’ by Jay Z playing in the background at CBP…found that to be ironic ha
Anyone know why there’s no YES pregame? All I have is a rerun of Mike Francessa.
Thanks.
trisha-pregame’s 6:00-7:00.
I know, it’s dumb. Try MLB and FOX.
Doreen,
Wouldn’t you look to see if the player touched homeplate? Whether or not Posada held on to the ball would become quite apparent after the play.
Duh.
trisha – OPPC forever – (new lucky picture from last day at the old Stadium) BRING ON THE GHOSTS!
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Anyone know why there’s no YES pregame? All I have is a rerun of Mike Francessa.
Thanks.
————————–
the pregame was on 6-7pm
# trisha – OPPC forever – (new lucky picture from last day at the old Stadium) BRING ON THE GHOSTS! November 2nd, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Anyone know why there’s no YES pregame? All I have is a rerun of Mike Francessa.
Thanks.
——–
pregame was from 630-7 b/c of a nets basketball game.
also, postgame won’t come on until fox is finised with their broadcast (if the yanks win).
Trisha…the pre-game was earlier since there is a Nets game.
“Lesson over…”
Why. Does rubbing your hands together magically make saliva dry?
Hey all…
I am so excited and can’t wait for the game to start! This should be a really good game to watch. I feel bad for Melky pulling the hamstring but glad that Ramiro Pena was added to the roster! He is adorable and I still remember his 1st home run on September 28th against the Royals and how the Yankee’s all faked him out when he came to the dugout. That seems like eons ago but I could tell back then it was going to be a great run and it has so far. LET’s GO YANKEE’S!!
Erica and Erin – not sure if either of you heard or saw any of this but I bet the both of you would get a kick out of it. Jimmy Kimmel and his band all dressed up as Sesame Street….Big Bird, Bert & Ernie and others!
Check it out…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N8W1vTI9OU
Is it true Lee was 14/13 reg season with a 3.22 ERA?
Zach in Port Jeff
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Angel, I played baseball at MelbourneUni for 4 years. Most players obviously had big cricket backgrounds…and they were tremendous baseball players too.
*********************************
Yep, there seem to be quite a few pitchers from australia, making it to the big leagues in recent years, and I’d bet most of them had a background in cricket. Like baseball, cricket requires great hand-eye cooordination. Swinging a baseball bat seems to be a more natural thing to do than the way they swing a cricket bat.
I always wondered why they didn’t make baseball bats out of willow. I know its probably a heavier wood and most baseball players want the lightest wood they can get, but you rarely ever see a broken cricket bat do you? lol.
LETS GO YANKS !!!!
Trisha -
Looks like a Nets game tonight.
Let’s Go Yankees, Clap, Clap, Clap-clap-clap
I also saw Pena play in SWB. He made a terrific catch with strong winds blowing. I think even Chad made a point to say he looked pretty good in CF on his former blog. However the minor & majors are two different ballparks, but overall the few games I saw him in Scranton I thought he did fine,just a little more practice, I saw potential. I also was there when he made that strong accurate throw to home plate to which Cervelli credited him big time. I also think, but its simply just an opinion so don’t jump on me; that Pena plays better defensively than Hairston, Jr.
I always thought that applying a foreign substance on a baseball-spit, pinetar, vaseline, ect. was illegal.
“vin, doesn’t the guy that hit the final out also get a losers ring?”
That’s right…
Mark Lemke, Mark Sweeney, Keith Lockhart, Mike Piazza all have LOSER Rings.
Along with Jorge Posada (2003
)
My favorite is Otix Nixon’s in ’92. Bottom of the 11th, down by 1 (1 run already in). The pinch-runner (John Smoltz) is 90 feet away from tying the game. And Nixon BUNTS! Poorly. Right back to the pitcher (Mike Timlin) for the final out of the series.
Mike Jaret November 2nd, 2009 at 7:06 pm
even the lowly angry brett tomko gets a ring boys……
===================================================
I don’t believe that is correct. After the season the team votes on who gets a world series share and a ring.
gb 7-
mlbn also showed the mays double after a alou’s( i think it was matty) drag bunt.
i didn’t know it but there had been three days of rain delays and the field was really wet and the ball was soaked that maris picked up .
mays said he was shocked that alou was held up.
your story about richardson’s sore shoulder really adds to the drama of that moment.
do you get mlbn? it’s great.
Yep, there seem to be quite a few pitchers from australia, making it to the big leagues in recent years, and I’d bet most of them had a background in cricket.
=================
My favourite being Graeme Lloyd, who oddly enough is my girlfriends uncle.
Angel – A tale told by idiots, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:06 pm
You guys have an amazing country, by the way. The best way to describe it is like a California beach town as an entire continent.
***************************
Thank you, btw. Even though I live here now, I’m homesick for Australia and my hometown (Sydney) every single day.
I just made sausage rolls last night to curb my homesickness.
————————————————————
Wasn’t aware that you were Australian, Angel. I stayed in Gold Coast for 6 weeks a couple of years ago. Love it. One of my four favorite places…Sydney, Melbourne, Goldcoat and The Great Barrier. Absolutely loved the Blue Mountains and Flinders Ranges in Wilpena Pound. My regreat were not getting to Adalaide and deeper into the interior.
LETS GO YANKEES !!! LETS GO YANKEES !!!
Bronx Jeers
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
“Lesson over…”
Why. Does rubbing your hands together magically make saliva dry?
————————–
the post said he rubbed it into the ball, not his hands. If he rubbed it in to the ball it would just get absorbed, not cause a slick spot. Baseball also allows pitchers to go to their mouths when it’s cold out, that was probably the case last night. With all the cameras and 6 umpires, getting away with something blatant is next to impossible, wouldn’t you agree?
Jim-
you are correct, the team usually votes on people to get rings and shares of the cash if they were on the major league roster at all during the season.
“Also, it seems that Larry Bowa claims he was misquoted. He told Newsday that he never said anything about the Phillies stealing signs.
”
Matt Kemp and the boys appreciate the retraction, Bowa. They’ll probably get drilled anyway.
Lets go Yankees!!!!!!!
Thanks all. That makes me an idiot. I went on and made sure I was back for 7 so I could watch the pregame. I can’t imagine I missed anything groundbreaking. I guess I’ll watch nonbaseball TV until the game comes in.
Exciting game tonight for so many reasons!
Boston Dave must be in heaven!
“even the lowly angry brett tomko gets a ring boys……”
That can’t be true. He was released by the Yankees and picked up by someone else.
That should have read “I went out and made sure I was back for 7″
Told ya I’m an idiot.
Zach,
Is your girlfriend tough on lefties, too?
I want the yankees to win tonight so do get me wrong here, But i wouldnt be terribly upset if they got the win at home, in front of their fans!
I’m torn here.
I just got a call from a friend who has Legends seats for a potential game 6.
Can’t root against them but I’d love to be there when they win it!
Bronx Bombers Girl
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Hey all…
I am so excited and can’t wait for the game to start! This should be a really good game to watch. I feel bad for Melky pulling the hamstring but glad that Ramiro Pena was added to the roster! He is adorable and I still remember his 1st home run on September 28th against the Royals and how the Yankee’s all faked him out when he came to the dugout. That seems like eons ago but I could tell back then it was going to be a great run and it has so far. LET’s GO YANKEE’S!!
Erica and Erin – not sure if either of you heard or saw any of this but I bet the both of you would get a kick out of it. Jimmy Kimmel and his band all dressed up as Sesame Street….Big Bird, Bert & Ernie and others!
Check it out…
***********
Jimmy Kimmel looks oddly like Big Bird. LOL. Thanks for sharing
“That can’t be true. He was released by the Yankees and picked up by someone else.”
He should get his “Oakland A’s, 4th Place in the AL West” ring next year.
Zach,
Is your girlfriend tough on lefties, too?
======================
Incredibly tough on lefties! Like her uncle, she also wants to inflict bodily harm on Armando Benitez.
I also saw Pena play in SWB. He made a terrific catch with strong winds blowing. I think even Chad made a point to say he looked pretty good in CF on his former blog. However the minor & majors are two different ballparks, but overall the few games I saw him in Scranton I thought he did fine,just a little more practice, I saw potential. I also was there when he made that strong accurate throw to home plate to which Cervelli credited him big time. I also think, but its simply just an opinion so don’t jump on me; that Pena plays better defensively than Hairston, Jr.
——————————————————
When I went to Wilkes-Barre to visit relatives, I went to 2 SWB Yankees game, and Pena seems promising out there in CF. I thought especially with the weather conditions that he did good for his short time out there. Maybe in the offseason winter league they’ll give him more time in the outfield. But I like him in the infield. Great Defense
0 hours and 30 minutes until Game 5!!!!!!!!!!!
randy l.
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:22 pm
gb 7-
mlbn also showed the mays double after a alou’s( i think it was matty) drag bunt.
i didn’t know it but there had been three days of rain delays and the field was really wet and the ball was soaked that maris picked up .
mays said he was shocked that alou was held up.
your story about richardson’s sore shoulder really adds to the drama of that moment.
do you get mlbn? it’s great.
————————————————————
Definately get MLB. One of the must have channels. That rain went on forever. That was the first time I’d ever heard of them using helicopters to dry out the field. It was Maris with the bad shoulder, or otherwise, I think he might have been playing center field. He was a great, natural center fielder and better than Mantle. Mantle just had that incredible, blazing speed to outrun his and pitcher’s mistakes. You ever notice that everyone caught with two hands and no outfielder ever slid to catch the ball?
michelle b. 27 outs to go! November 2nd, 2009 at 7:28 pm
I want the yankees to win tonight so do get me wrong here, But i wouldnt be terribly upset if they got the win at home, in front of their fans!
________________________________________________________________
My sentiments exactly.
Is first pitch at 8:20? I need to know if i should leave work now or in 30 min.
Finish them off Yanks !!
While I would love for them to clinch at home, like Cole Hamels, I want this over with now!!!!
CB-
it’s interesting that you’re saying that when aj is off he gets too much movement on the two seamer.
he may hit some one just trying to get it in on hitters which would trigger speculation that it was on purpose.
i agree it’s a fascinating match up tonight.
Thanks for info on postgame also. That would have been my next dilemma!
keep it light tonight guys.
its just a game.
game 5.
the last game of the season.
Let’s Go Yankees, Clap, Clap, Clap-clap-clap
I like putting Pena on the roster. Is it too late for Hinske to learn how to play center field? lol
Let’s go Yankeees!! Let’s get this done! I need sleep!!!!
Side note-
Watching last night’s Mad Men before this game was a terrible idea. What a downer
Vader
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Let’s Go Yankees, Clap, Clap, Clap-clap-clap
********
Clap clap clap
michelle b. 27 outs to go!
First pitch is 7:57 tonight, not 8:20. Go girl..run like the wind!
Trisha,
Your lucky new picture from the last day at the old Stadium seems to be working since you posted it, hope it continues tonight. Have fun watching the game
“There’s some juice in the park tonight.”
Wow, Barry Bonds showed up!
Mark Grace said, “in spring training the Phillies will be playing Dodge Ball,When they play the Yankees,to retaliate what they did to Alex.” Now that’s funny!!
Let’s Go Yankees, Clap, Clap, Clap-clap-clap
Someone unlikely usually has a big moment in the WS.
The Yankees line-up is full of “unlikelys” tonight so may be it will be their night!
I love Jeter, but he is not the greatest Yankee ever.
To get in the mood for Yankee victory-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMxASjxRk1w
# Laura – “You should know I bleed Blue, but I ain’t a Crip though” November 2nd, 2009 at 7:32 pm
While I would love for them to clinch at home, like Cole Hamels, I want this over with now!!!!
Easy to say when your team is 27 outs away from a sweet victory
pat
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Someone unlikely usually has a big moment in the WS.
The Yankees line-up is full of “unlikelys” tonight so may be it will be their night!
*******
Pat-
Do you mean you didn’t put money on Jose Molina as the one who would hit the last home run at OYS?
these fox guys are absolute clowns…
Does anyone have a good line so I can listen to Sterling? I tried the 880 site and it’s nothing but news.
Anyone have any proxies for to listen on mlb.com ?
THanks again.
Very savvy of fox to have Ozzie on the pregame — makes McCarver seem almost tolerable. (Nice try.)
Bronx Bombers Girl-Thank you so much for that link! Kimmel looks hilarious as big bird.
I really think the Phils could’ve benefited from having this be an off-day (like in the ALCS). I think the extra day gave the Angels a chance to re-group and believe that they could acutally come back against this might juggernaut.
It wouldn’t be completely out of the realm of possibility for the Phils to come out a bit flat tonight given how quickly they have coughed up the last 3 games.
My guess is this game will be decided in the first 4 innings. If it’s close after 4, then the Yanks will definitely nail it down. They’re too mentally strong. If the Phils have a sizable lead, then we’ll probably be doing this all over again on Wednesday.
The Manny playing cricket You Tube video is hilarious.
He would fit right in with the West Indies team given the dreadlocks and the hat…
KF, you are so sweet.
I am hoping that some of the ghosts were hovering during the time we waited to visit them at Monument Park and inhabited my picture!
Again, being there for that last game was one the best days and nights of my life – if not the best – I swear.
“the post said he rubbed it into the ball, not his hands. If he rubbed it in to the ball it would just get absorbed, not cause a slick spot. Baseball also allows pitchers to go to their mouths when it’s cold out, that was probably the case last night. With all the cameras and 6 umpires, getting away with something blatant is next to impossible, wouldn’t you agree?”
So are they using those Bounty super absorbent baseballs again?
Personally, I don’t care.
If Chan Ho Park needs something extra to get out CC Sabathia? Well than that’s his problem.
It’s just that it’s a big story when Mo does it(and he didn’t even do it) and when it’s clear as day that Park did it? Nada!
I think the mlb.com audio is free under gameday.
Erica -
I watched MadMen this afternoon. I agree.
Oh, how IRONIC – Alanis Morrissette – a non-singer singing the Anthem.
Way to go Phillies having a foreigner sing the national anthem.
Do we get to hear “Oh Canada” afterwards?
How did Alanis get chosen for this?
I like Alanis but I don’t think the Star-Spangled Banner is her thing.
Let’s go AJ. Let’s go Yankees.
This sounds awful. Canada sucks.
Alanis is Canadian right? Why is she singing?
Doreen
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Erica -
I watched MadMen this afternoon. I agree.
Oh, how IRONIC – Alanis Morrissette – a non-singer singing the Anthem.
******
I was thinking its Ironic a Canadian is singing the National Anthem.
Maybe FOX is trying to invoke the best of 1995….
A real fan would want to win ton and not care about winning on ny or having game 6 tix
This is it,Go Yankees!!
Can anyone understand what Ozzie Guillen is saying??
I think Jason said Jeter is not the best yankee ever. WRONG! I just got on the blog, but I had to comment.
Nice a Canadian
MLB is so dumb the NFL would never do that
I also love how the Phillies can’t decide their true colors
Are they red? moron? white? dark blue? powder blue? which one is it
OK, it’s time to knock out Prince Valium himself, Cliff Lee.
Scared of the Wall November 2nd, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I like Alanis but I don’t think the Star-Spangled Banner is her thing.
I liked her on the soundtrack to the movie DeLovely, the Cole Porter story.
The only game accuscore missed this year was game 1, where they had Sabathia beating Lee.
My guess, it’s the other way around.
Phils are going down, 4-1.
Let’s go Yankees, clap clap clap clap clap!!!
(repeat)
unfortunately you have to pay for it on mlb.com
no luck there… anyone have any proxies?
THanks
just finished making my pre game call to my 88 year old father . we went over last night’s game and man is he impressed with damon.
he has some good hunches and when i said they have a weak hitting lineup with melky and posada out of the lineup he said he was confident gardner could do some damage and posada would get his at bats.
we’ll see how it goes.
should be a good one
“I think Jason said Jeter is not the best yankee ever. WRONG! I just got on the blog, but I had to comment.”
Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra all say hi.
“The only game accuscore missed this year was game 1, where they had Sabathia beating Lee.
My guess, it’s the other way around.
Phils are going down, 4-1.
”
YES! I mentioned earlier… tonight we will beat The Machine that is AccuScore. To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best – including AccuScore.
“Way to go Phillies having a foreigner sing the national anthem.”
So?
We had an Irish Anti-Semite doing God Bless America for years!
AmyKNelson: Fox probably trying hard not to show it, but there are a TON of empty seats here. I know., 30 min til 1st pitch, but still…
I only hope in the clincher that the Yankees put up a ton of runs early on and put it away. I think I’ve had enough of all of these tit-for-tat rallies with these late inning heroics that’s happened throughout the playoffs as the coup de grace. It puts too much wear and tear on my heart.
Or won’t that be as fun?
(Yeah, it’s fun in hindsight AFTER they’ve won, but not always fun while the game is still in progress!)
I’ve got a feeling Lee’s going to be horrible tonight (please, please, please!)
randy l.
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:53 pm
just finished making my pre game call to my 88 year old father . we went over last night’s game and man is he impressed with damon.
********
tell your Dad he is really behind. I have been impressed with Damon since 2003
Erica & Erin – I thought it was hilarious when I saw it myself and thought it would be fun to share.
Not sure what to do…should I stay on the blog while the game plays or stay away from it since I was not here for the last two games and watched away from the computer? What a dilemma?
vin
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:53 pm
“The only game accuscore missed this year was game 1, where they had Sabathia beating Lee.
My guess, it’s the other way around.
Phils are going down, 4-1.
”
YES! I mentioned earlier… tonight we will beat The Machine that is AccuScore. To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best – including AccuScore.
******
Accuscore is goign down tonight!
I want them to win tonight. Don’t give Philly hope.
It wouldn’t be terribly disappointing if they didn’t, but still…
randy l.
Nice post!
It’s usually a good idea to trust your Dad
I think Damon is going to be a Demon tonight
Erica
Molina HR. Perfect example of an unlikely.
So no one else has the same issue on wanting to listen to Sterling but not being able to?
Maybe it’s more difficult to get a proxy with ESPN owning the rights to everything.
ESPN is just as bad as Fox for the Saturday baseball rules.
Way to screw the fans over!
randy – bless you, you’re so fortunate to still have your father around.
Let’s go Derek! Let’s go Yankees!
“I think Jason said Jeter is not the best yankee ever. WRONG! I just got on the blog, but I had to comment.”
valerie g-
i gotta go with mantle, but jeter is right up there with the all time greats.
Jete is gonna sit curveball on Lee and send one out.
Enjoy the game everyone! As the saying goes, we’re playing with house money tonight. (I think that’s an appropriate application of that saying!)
I am so here in spirit. Consider that a good thing at least during these last games since one of my first official acts this season was to guarantee that Number 27 was on its way! And you all know I never wavered.
GO YANKEES!!!
I’ll probably check in from time to time, just because I’ll need to touch base once in a while.
Alex needs to be patient and not expand his strike zone because Lee is probably going to try and pitch around him all night.
Let’s Go Yanks!!!!!
Can someone check Lee’s cap please…..
Lets pound lee tonight!
I’m not saying that its pine tar, but how come lee has something white on his cap even before throwing out a first pitch? he had the same thing in game 1..
“Can anyone understand what Ozzie Guillen is saying??”
No and believe it or not, that’s part of the fun.
KF – as it appears that we are pretty much of the same mind, your posts and cheers will go double for me!
trisha–where ya going?
MPB Johnny Damon = Awesome
Alright Tex let’s get something going.
We’re already doing better than last time.
steal?
hit and run?
Anyone else have butterflies?
Jeter didn’t waste any time…Nice going Damon.
randy–ok. i’ll go along with that.
Well Johnny didn’t hit the snot out of it, but it’s a hit
Make him throw strikes!!!
World Series Game V
Cliff Lee, formidable foe
Phillies’ final hope
if Johnny steals second will there be riots in Philly?
Lee is throwing more pitches out of the zone than he did in Game 1.
I’m not saying that its pine tar, but how come lee has something white on his cap even before throwing out a first pitch? he had the same thing in game 1..
============================================
Also on the back of his hat, same side. Suspicious.
kf and joe and erica-
since he ‘s watched the yanks in person since the time of ruth and gehrig i pay attention.
he also said the yanks had to do some bunting and other trickery which we would call small ball against lee.
I notice the difference in lee’s pitching..ut oh!
If Damon doesn’t steal three bags on one pitch tonight I will be disappointed.
Valerie, I find it easier to concentrate on the game when I am not posting. And since this is the WS I really want to be able to catch it all!
But I am here with all of you, with the forum open. Just not posting so much during the game.
I forgot to say, GO AJ!!!
GO JOSE!!!
I’m sure A-Rod will avenge himself, providing he doesn’t take one for the team again…
randy l.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:03 pm
kf and joe and erica-
since he ’s watched the yanks in person since the time of ruth and gehrig i pay attention.
he also said the yanks had to do some bunting and other trickery which we would call small ball against lee.
*******
Sounds like a good guy to me
mark is late on everthing?
Bad AB after bad AB for Tex.
3 and 0 count. How bad is Tex. He is just like Howard. They feast on garbage pitching in the regular season
“valerie g-
i gotta go with mantle, but jeter is right up there with the all time greats.”
maybe some guys named ruth, gehrig, joe d…also..
Lee isn’t as sharp tonight.
Lee does not have the command he did last game.
Arod!!!!
First blood!
AROD!!!!!!!!!!
Yeeeeeeeeeeah!
attaboy damon…
wow, we’re going for the throat here
Yay A-rod!
YES! Massive hit by Alex. My man!
Man, I wish Alex was clutch!
Good start
I wish A-Rod was clutch
What a great way to start.
2 out hits are THE most important.
A-ROD!
How clutch can Arod get?
Damon didn’t have to steal three bags, just touching them is good enuf.
Alex!!!!
Lee DEFINITELY doesn’t look as sharp as the other night.
A-rod !
Arod is so unclutch!
Why ON earth do the phills keep pitching to arod….yanks have no bottom of the line-up..but I will take it…
DT – OPPC member
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Damon didn’t have to steal three bags, just touching them is good enuf.
*******
All I can say is M-V-P
lee looks a little more nervous than usual.
missed badly on his first pitch to alex.
damon on a two game salary drive
that ball was hit in the perfect spot for damon to score…only thing better would’ve been a homerun…
falling behind every hitter…
did Burnett dye his hair or was it just funny lighting?
Lightning off of Lee
Alex Rodriguez striking
fear in Philly hearts
So far so good…Lee not as sharp in 1st inning…c’mon AJ let’s get her done!
No Mr. Lee, I expect you to die!
you know ,i think lee has had too much rest.
now it’s all on AJ to pitch a gem…
Come on Cano big hits baby
Me thinks Mr. Lee is a tad bit nervous.
A Rod! Sorry, I was a few minutes behind real time. A Rod is making a bid for MVP. I wonder what the lowest Batting average was for a WS MVP.
BIG BIG SPOT FOR CANO…..he is due
Wow. This Lee is not the same as Lee.
Depending on how AJ does, we might clinch in Philly today?
Get that pitch count up, up up and Lee will have to flee.
can cano break out of this?
Immediately the thing you have to like about the yankees approach so far is that they are taking Cliff Lee to the opposite field or up the middle.
Tex made an out but it was a noteworthy out because he hit the ball to right field which he doesn’t do often.
Jeter – up the middle. Damon – center field.
And Alex just had yet another beautiful at bat. Alex got a pitch center-out on the plate and he just took it the other way and did so with authority because he was looking to go to right field.
Great approach so far.
it wasn’t that close at home mccarver
Cano is so due!
Lee usually has better control than this – no?
4 days rest is not enough, apparently… maybe Lee needs 5 days…
Cano didn’t get a hit. I’m so shocked.
or not!
Better swing for Cano.
So we’re winning now. Anyone want to make the Gaudin argument right now?
Canos due at some point
16 RBI in the playoffs for Arod.
A Yankee record.
Not too shabby considering they’ve been doing the Wild Card for 15 years.
cano got a good swing in…
Now thats the Cano we know great keep it up one will drop in.
Aw, come on, have you guys seen Joba’s hat? It’s a mess.
Hopefully its Good AJ vs. Bad Cliffy.
Cano goes the other way anddddddd makers another out
suck it Francesa
Well, between innings isn’t bad.
So far so good. Lee doesn’t look like he has his best stuff. I don’t know his record for settling in, etc.
hey great start…..got to love it…put pressure right on them
hey great start…..got to love it…put pressure right on them
I know I’m asking for the moon here – but the Yanks need to keep that up. 19 pitches for Lee… if they can do that – he’ll be out by the 6th. I’m hoping for the 7th.
What is Lee’s pitch count after the 1st?
Come on AJ!
Anyone know Lee’s pitch count?
Cano makes good contact, but right to fielders.
20 pitches 3 on 1 run in the first,good start.
Lee was behind in he count to all batters.Damon has the worst BA against him,and he got on and scored the
its only one inning but the yanks played Lee pretty well.. Lee for his part was not sharp either… Lets make him work and get him out of the game..
AJ doesn’t have to pitch a gem. Just keep us in the game!
Hit it right at him
“Immediately the thing you have to like about the yankees approach so far is that they are taking Cliff Lee to the opposite field or up the middle.”
yes they are. i like it too.
How is it again that Arod didn’t get mvp during the alcs? shaking head
Lee threw 20 that inning. I was hoping for 30.
Hey at least Cano made decent contact…it’s much better than swinging at a ball in the dirt like we’ve seen so much this postseason
Hopefully AJ can have a good 1st inning. You can usually tell early on with him as far as how his mechanics look.
Chad or josh whoever out there i think u should say for girardi that cliff lee’s cap is dirty from the 1st pitch he should check it out for ilegal stuff thanks
20 pitches. 11 balls, 9 strikes
jeter with a quick pep talk to aj…
# trisha – OPPC forever – (new lucky picture from last day at the old Stadium) BRING ON THE GHOSTS! November 2nd, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Well, between innings isn’t bad.
So far so good. Lee doesn’t look like he has his best stuff. I don’t know his record for settling in, etc.
I think the Yanks did a lot less chasing also
Pitching with a lead has to be good for AJ’s psyche.
Cano also took the ball the other way. I hope this is the yankees game plan against Lee tonight. Lee, especially in this small ball park, is going to try to live on the outside corner and expand the zone there.
They cannot try to pull Cliff Lee.
And in that first inning not one hitter did.
Roll Call in Philly?!?!? I LOVE IT!
20 pitches 9 strikes
Anyone else notic something on the left side of the brim of Lee’s hat?
Cano….
speechless, drop him more if there’s game 6
enough pitches–nobody likes sarcasm.
Come on AJ!! Take it to these lying, cheating, spitting, predicting Phonies!
Hankie White Sale at Macy’s tomorrow, Phillies Phans!
AJ threw that second pitch to Rollins and it was inside. But importantly he actually hit the target on that side of the plate.
The ball didn’t run arm side back out over the plate.
That’s a good sign for AJ.
ROLL CALL!! looks like philly is now new york territory! ha
Nice that we will clear the bottom of the line up in the 2nd inning
Com’on AJ!
derek just missed it…
and the adventure begins…
Here’s hoping A.J. isn’t too pumped up. He might be pitching with the same pressure as Lee is for the opposite reason.
payback is a be atch
That’s strike one
The Yanks need to finish this series off before Rollins, Howard and Ibanez heat up.
o boy..
He swung!
He’s in trouble with the first two hitters, but, was that a message?
That fastball came back right over the plate. You can see they will be running all over the place tonight
AJ in early trouble, looks like he doesn’t have decent stuff
Ughhh. Not good. Bring in gaudin
Now let’s have a warning
The ball didn’t hit him, he hit the ball!
That hit by Rollins was exactly on the kind of pitch that has killed AJ this whole year.
He was trying to bust him inside but missed the target because the ball ran arm side back out over the plate.
A.J needs to get out of this with little damage
Come on AJ don’t fall apart now.
damn
Holy Crap!!!!!!!
Yuck
shi…ttttttttttt
Why do I hate the Fox crew so much?…
Okay. Not the way to start.
It was good while it lasted…
Been there, done that!
lol unbelievable…so bad
Just like that
#($#(*$(#* BAD AJ
There is no one eviler on this planet than Chase Utley
Well AJ.. You brought this on yourself!.. Get Gaudin ready!
I’m tired of Utley now.
Welll, that was quick!
Start over A.J.
queue the trolls….
Just like Anaheim in game 5.
Let the second guessing begin
Are there ever gonna get Utley out?
i guess this is aj’s bad inning…
So no one wanted Gaudin to pitch tonight?
ok that was the worst possible start. Guess this is the slugfest game we were all waiting for. I’m predicting 11-9.
God d*m BAD F/in AJ
3 days rest really worked. Right down the middle to Utley once again. When will these people learn.
And right about now is when this boards gets crazy negative and becomes unbearable.
only thing good is, lee doesn’t have much tonight, but even worse…. burnett has even less. this is going to at least wednsday.
god please pettite
Bad AJ bad bad.
Lol
No big deal. This game figures to be a slugfest.
Crap. Not a great beginning for AJ.
DT – OPPC member
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:17 pm
queue the trolls….
********
Please Joe at some point put Jorgie’s bat into the lineup
Same pitch that Rollins hit, A.J needs to go with his breaking stuff more
Mother F’er stupid ass AJ
Well the Yank’s need to limit the damage then do what they do best, play come from behind
No command, bad stuff. Terrible…
10 pitches gets him 3-1 lovely.
He may have hit the wrong batter. He needs to use his curve on the first pitch for a while. Utley’s going after Jackson’s record of 5 homers in a WS.
Not like we haven’t seen this before…another come from behind win.
Not the end of the world, Lee doesn’t look great either… AJ just has to stop the bleeding.
this is just riduculous…be competitive AJ my god
There goes the world series mvp.
He can’t even get an out….
Howard looking great in this World Series.
AJ needs to stop the bleeding mow.
where in the blue heck was that one?
Three days rest, pitching on the road, you had to know there was some risk.
I expect A.J. to settle down after all is said and done, providing the damage isn’t double digit.
good game
well this was over quick.
still nobody out
Jeezus F’in christ.
Oh boooooooyyyyy.
C’mon AJ. Outs are good things.
AJ Burnett has to be the worst purchase the Yankees have ever made!
That wasn’t a strike?
hey, it’s 3-1. plenty of time. game NOT over.
chase utley, what kind of hairstyle is that???
This has nothing to do with three days rest. It’s the first inning.
We’ve seen this all year from AJ far too often.
He can’t command his fastball and it’s getting pelted because he’s leaving out over the plate.
He keeps missing Molina’s target over and over.
And now he looks completely rattled.
Just can’t count on Burnett on the road. I’ll never understand the disparity in his command from one start to the next.
It’s the first inning. Keep the faith.
pull it together AJ we got a long way to go still….
Chad Gaudin anyone?
Now Joe looks like a fool for not starting Gaudin. This game is over.
If the Yankee lose this game, Girardi will be crucified in the media tomorrow.
Good thing Molina is catching…
Bad Burnett again, but if he keeps it at three, I still like our chances.
This must be all Posada’s fault
Dearest AJ Burnett-
Here we are. Game 5 of the World Series. Let’s clinch this and start the celebrating. Pitch well and none of this crap. It’s time to stop fooling around. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely Yours,
Erica
Oops – hope AJ can slow things down like in the Anaheim game and give the offense a chance to catch up.
i’m still baffled how that was not strike 3…
Shane bunted at the ball. Howard just took strike 3. Utley swung at the first pitch, which he does not normally do.
Joe Buck: “The Phillies need a jolt”
I hate this guy!!!!!!
thats not a strike??
its just a 2 run game.. cmon AJ
$82 million dollar piece of crap.
No worries…..yet.
AJ has to keep them right here.
Vrsce says:
November 2, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Bad AJ bad bad.
Lol
No big deal. This game figures to be a slugfest.
===========
Really?? Didn’t know Lee is due for that.
Strap in boys, it’s going to be a bumpy ride and a long night. Keep the faith, folks.
well , i did say i wouldn’t pitch to utley.
i liked pitches 3-4 inches outside.
the yankee coaches should have signaled to molina to NOT throw a strike on the first pitch to utley.
rollins swung at the first pitch.
it was likely utley would too based on pre game speculation.
all this said burnett is not done if he can get out of this without further damage.
Unfortunately, I think everyone here fully expected this type of 1st inning from AJ. I’ve never seen someone who almost always looks like 1) he can’t be hit or 2) he can’t get an out. That’s oversimplifying it of course, but that sure is how it feels.
This game isn’t over.
we don’t even have an out yet
We just need to limit the damage, it’s a 9 inning game and Lee looks quite hittable so far.
Should have just pitched Gaudin and gotten Burnett and Pettitte ready for Games 6 and 7 at home.
Girardi has turned this series into a disaster by pitching four guys in a row on 3 days rest (Sabathia twice) with no reliable long reliever to back them up.
u guys really giving up in the bottom of the first?
The philly hitters are sitting first pitch fastball.
And AJ and molina keep throwing first pitch fastballs.
“AJ Burnett has to be the worst purchase the Yankees have ever made!”
***************************************************
I understand your frustration, but I wouldn’t go that far. There is still 8 innings left. Have some faith.
so Posada should catch the next inning
trying not to hit the panic button and keep positive
Hope we win game 7 for game 6 Pettitte cannot pitch and win on three days rest. Girardi screwed up a good thing with his stupid move.
K
Let’s go Yankees!!
Let’s go Yankees!!
Let’s go Yankees!!
Come on AJ. You can do it.
if he can hold it here we will be ok
Sterling already calling for Gaudin at some point in the game. Well if you’re going to do that might as well started him.
Pitch Burnett on regular rest in game 6. I will be more then happy to eat my words but so far it doesn’t look good.
even buck thought howard was struck out – he said “TWO OUTS” lol…
Okay. That’s more like it. Settle down, AJ. Limit the damage. It’s a long game.
His pitches are moving too much, you would think being on 3 days rest would counter act him having a lot of movement, he is too pumped up, lets have him settle down, This is the Yankees we still have a chance.
AJ at 17 pitches..
Another umpire with a terrible strike zone.
My, what short memories people have… the Yankees could be the team down 3-1 right now if not for AJ’s performance in Game 2.
Good strikeout. 26 more outs to a championship.
sunny615
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:21 pm
$82 million dollar piece of crap.
*************
You should watch that classic game again from August where AJ matched zeros against Beckett for 8 innings
these guys cant even get the # of outs right!
Prime example of why it doesn’t matter who catches AJ
Unfortunately this will help Lee tremendously. But, at least it’s just the first. Plenty of time to hit and score. But no matter how you spin it…things not exactly looking great right now.
The curveball is ok, but he has bad location with the fastball.
Whatever Jayson Werth is taking, Utley borrowed it for the WS.
The ump is also squeezing him.
Scared of the Wall November 2nd, 2009 at 8:23 pm
My, what short memories people have… the Yankees could be the team down 3-1 right now if not for AJ’s performance in Game 2.
———-
i don’t think it’s memory loss, i think it’s sheer stupidity…
Getting squeezed now…
this ump better give these close ball calls both ways
Burnetts bad starts dont even give us a chance ever
yeah, we’re pretty concerned about Howard stealing bases all night
wow tex!
Okay, One more.
Tex = Vacuum
This game is not over. It has just started and we have come from behind before!
Take out AJ and save him for game 6
AJ is incapable of pitching on the road? Even with his snuggie bear?
I think he can.
CB,
“And now he looks completely rattled.”
Assuming he gets out of this inning without allowing further damage, do you think a small deficit could actually work in AJ’s favor and remove the pressure of trying to hold a lead? Just wishful thinking huh?
Betsy was right…
nice play Tex
nice play Tex….AJ ur killing me man….if its not the Yanks he’s pitchin to he loses it
Tex the best defensive player in the post season this year.
DT – OPPC member
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:17 pm
queue the trolls….
============================
How is that a positive comment? You should resign from OPPC in disgrace.
Rs and RR you two have got to get a grip, AJ needs to get out of this inning and then he will hold them. Stop being such fairweather fans!
People here surprise me. You have followed this team enough to keep your faith in the Yanks comeback kids. Lee doesn’t look that sharp so this may be a high offensive game.
If AJ gets out of this as it is right now, he pitches better the rest of the game and we still have a chance.
“Just can’t count on Burnett on the road.”
That reality is too simple for some of the eggheads in the crowd, rconn. They will have to disect and trisect and come up with all intricate configurations.
He has trouble on the road.
KISS
I am so tired of having to watch these games with the sound off.
25 more outs to glory. Ok I’ll stop counting down. The Yankees are winning tonight 11-9.
I can’t believe that a catcher as good and as smart as Molina would call for a home run pitch….
Talking of Mark Teixeira and winning his 3rd gold glove, Joe Buck just said “That’s what the Yankees bought this offseason”
Sabathia on short rest yesterday was smart, but it was smart because winning means we can use Gaudin here.
Still, if Burnett settles down there isd a LOT of game left. I for one am optimistic about this team today.
Buck: “They BOUGHT a guy in Teixeira”…. would it kill him to say “signed”?
I agree with Randy. He still has time to pull it back in.
it is only 3-1. relax.
we win dis game
Ok pretty good gut check after the damage. Keep it close AJ
Okay. Could have been so much worse.
Now, offense needs to take it up.
Okay, we’re only down by 2 with lots of baseball left to be played. Let’s score some runs!
He has to keep it at 3 and if he can, I think we can score some off Lee and come back. This Lee’s not the same as Lee of last Thursday.
Greg Nettles just sent a Teix message: Damn!
Only two runs down. Time to start clawing back.
3-1 AJ needs to hold it here, Lee is at 20 pitches lets GO OFFENSE!!
Maybe AJ just pitches better on the weekends?
This is why he was slated to be the #3 starter this year. His inconsistency can be maddening.
It is entirely possible that AJ settles down from here. We have to get some runs off of Lee.
This personal catcher stuff has always been a fallacy with AJ.
He’s just a very inconsistant guy.
That’s why they will have to open the wallet for John Lackey in the off-season.
There is no way this guy is a #2 starter in a rotation.
Way too inconsistant.
I’m so tired of utley, he’s worse than kendrick!
Yankeeeeeeeees!
I knew this was terrible decision
if I wanted to give up 3 runs in the first inning I could’ve had Gaudin do that.
#1 – victorino held the bat out up until he got hit – that’s a strike
#2 – ryan howard 3-2 pitch was a strike…
but it’s ok…3-1, 8 innings to go…plenty of time…aj needs to settle down…
lets show some faith guys…its pathetic how fast people give up..
The phillies are squaring up AJ’s fastball and pounding it.
No idea why they don’t start going with his curve ball more.
He can’t put his fastball where he needs to.
Just a terrible inning after the yankees break through and take a lead.
AJ couldn’t hold the lead for even an inning in a game where the yankees are running out one of their weakest hitting line ups of the entire season.
Utley almost single-handedly keeping his team in the series.
Joe Buck is a snivelling -uck.
Jones says:
November 2, 2009 at 8:22 pm
“AJ Burnett has to be the worst purchase the Yankees have ever made!”
***************************************************
I understand your frustration, but I wouldn’t go that far. There is still 8 innings left. Have some faith.
=============
How quickly people forget about Carla Pavano…
c’mon bottom of the order!!
alright, get one back boys.
AJ needs to just forget it and move on.
Maybe he can do like he did in the ALCS and pitch 5 good innings now.
Down 3-1? no biggie.
Ok that was the “bad” inning. Here come the Yankee bats. It’s only the first inning.
P.S. Who else thinks Mark Teixeira deserves his 3rd gold glove? What a good play of not letting the ball pass by him!
“That’s why they will have to open the wallet for John Lackey in the off-season.”
lol…you do such a bad job impersonating SJ lol
If AJ holds them to 3 runs, I bet the yanks win this, I think they are going to score some runs on Lee. furthermore, I think the bullpen of the phils is shell shocked, they better have a monster lead.
The lead Chased away
Burnett battered, bruised–brittle?
Battle just begun…
memo to the LoHud bridge jumpers and those who panic as soon as the Yankees fall behind:
LEE HAS NOTHING TONIGHT-IF HE DOESN’T GET AHEAD OF BATTERS CONSISTENTLY HE GETS HIT
Resume your panic, we’ll all laugh at you when the Yankees win #27.
Some people on here are pathetic haha.
“How is that a positive comment? You should resign from OPPC in disgrace.”
Every time the Yanks fall behind the bridge jumpers and trolls appear. That ain’t rocket science bro.
I didn’t say this game is over. Relax.
SJ44
fraud SJ44
The second inning already doesn’t look too good. Gardner, Molina, Burnett gives Lee a great chance for a quick shut down inning, and Burnett will get no time to catch his breath.
OMG we’re down by 2 runs after the 1st inning. The yankees choke again!
I said it last night and will say it again…I hope Gordon Gekko does not get another pitch to hit this series.
“The philly hitters are sitting first pitch fastball.”
Good call, the only two hitters that didn’t get a first pitch fastball–Howard and Feliz–were fooled and had a swinging strike.
did anyone do duncan’s “we play today, we win today” before the game?…just covering the bases.
RalphieD (OPPC) November 2nd, 2009 at 8:29 pm
“That’s why they will have to open the wallet for John Lackey in the off-season.”
lol…you do such a bad job impersonating SJ lol
__________________________________________________________
The impersonator spelled “inconsistent” wrong as well….
Everyone needs to channel their inning Bucky Dent and something good will happen! The Yankees have 8 innings worth of damage to unleash. Go for it!
Positive Posting tonight only for me.
The Yankees will come back; they always do…
losing victorino could be a big blow…i wonder if he is alright.
lee doesnt look too sharp either, could be a long game. or lee could get his control together and own us like game 1. who knows? AJ could do the same…
lets take some pitches!
CB,
Lets hope Eiland and AJ regroup and tweak the game plan for the next inning.
Stultus Magnus November 2nd, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Jones says:
November 2, 2009 at 8:22 pm
“AJ Burnett has to be the worst purchase the Yankees have ever made!”
***************************************************
I understand your frustration, but I wouldn’t go that far. There is still 8 innings left. Have some faith.
=============
How quickly people forget about Carla Pavano…
Thats disrespectful to all the Carla’s of the world
come on ump…thats low for aj but a strike for lee??
This has nothing to do with 3 days rest.
He can’t locate his fastball. When that happens, he gets hammered.
Chad Gaudin is not a realistic option tonight.
Calling for him is dumber than believing the catcher is the key to AJ.
we realy need tex to be the number 3 hitter that chase is being in this series.
we are getting nothing from him
tonight it could be the difference.
“lol…you do such a bad job impersonating SJ lol”
Yet he/she keeps coming back. It’s actually kinda sad.
This game is far from over. Lee hasn’t looked that sharp so far either.
AJ just needs to put that inning behind him and go with his curve ball more.
The weak bottom of the lineup scares me more at this point then AJ. I think he’ll calm down but our 1-5 guys have to produce big time tonight.
I am starting to wonder if fake SJ44 is the real SJ44.
What if there never was a wise SJ44
I am so tired of seeing Utely get batting practice pitches to hit. Pitch him away and make him hit the ball the other way.
The Phillies made adjustments on Burnett like the Angels did the second time around.
Start it off in the top of the 3rd.
Wait, were there warnings issued?
They definitely need to continue to bust Utley inside (hopefully w/o AJ’s fastball tailing back to the center). The guy stand right on top of the plate. He covers everything. How do you pitch him now???
Hey Cano that’s how you run out a ground ball
muffin stump
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:30 pm
did anyone do duncan’s “we play today, we win today” before the game?…just covering the bases.
******
You lead muffin stump!
This personal catcher stuff has always been a fallacy with AJ.
Couldn’t agree more….if you throw to more than one catcher like AJ had to this year one is bound to catch a couple more wins than the other…highly unlikely the numbers are exactly same but that doesn’t mean one catches him better than the other… I wish we had Posada in the lineup tonight and not Molina….I bring Posada in next time through
“The philly hitters are sitting first pitch fastball.
And AJ and molina keep throwing first pitch fastballs.”
cb-
there needs to be coaches in the club house that guess strategy and identify sit as soon as possible and pass it on to the players.
the players are too keyed up and not seeing the big picture.
i look at this as a coaching deficiency rather than a player one
This should be an easy inning for Lee.
NYY626
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:29 pm
OMG we’re down by 2 runs after the 1st inning. The yankees choke again!
***********
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH
vin, not sure about AJ and weekends but we know for sure that he’s better at home than on the road.
Still, there’s plenty of game left to play.
A walk to Molina
Didn’t Molina hit the last HR at the old Stadium?
“I am starting to wonder if fake SJ44 is the real SJ44.
What if there never was a wise SJ44″
My mind is blown.
Could there be a real fake SJ44?
Erica…please don’t tell me you’re falling for the is this the real SJ?
Com’on…
For every good start AJ has, there’s the bad one – the game against the red sox where he gave up 10 runs? He should give back money for every bad start he has. OR, he needs to consolidate his bad innings into one bad game and keep the rest for the rest of his starts.
guys…tonight is not the night to get into the whole personal catcher nonsense…
let’s concentrate on the game and let all those old arguments go…
Molina is having a good at-bat….
“I’ve never seen someone who almost always looks like 1) he can’t be hit or 2) he can’t get an out.”
Very apt – often all in the same game (and I’m a big AJ fan).
I am starting to wonder if fake SJ44 is the real SJ44.
What if there never was a wise SJ44
===========================
What if SJ44 (real or fake one) is really Bobcat?
Molina is making Lee throw a lot of pitches.
Lee doesn’t look as sharp tonight though, unfortunately neither does AJ.
good AB molina…got screwed on the first strike…
How come we haven’t figured out how to pitch Utley?
He needs to be pushed off the plate with some heat.
Well, at least the Yanks clear Molina and Burnett out of the way for the top of the 3rd inning.
Trisha, if you refrain from insulting commenters here tonight, that would be great!
KIPT
Vader
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Erica…please don’t tell me you’re falling for the is this the real SJ?
Com’on…
**************
No, thats not him at all. I am just saying the imposter shows up more than the “real” SJ44. What if the “real” SJ44 is actually the imposter
Good AB by Molina made him throw pitches
McCarver is such a moron… American League hitters don’t know about Cliff Lee’s tendency to break bats? Not as if he played in the AL for his entire career until this summer..
Come on AJ homer.
What if SJ is really Pete?
The conspiracy theorist in me finds it odd that the strike zone was huge when Pettitte faced Hamels and when CC faced Blanton, but it is looking tight with Burnett facing Lee. As a result, even if it the calls go both ways, this obviously works in the Phillies’ favor in each game. Just seems odd.
A.J. can start a rally…
…or maybe not.
“I am so tired of seeing Utely get batting practice pitches to hit. Pitch him away and make him hit the ball the other way.”
They were. Go back and look at where Molina was set up – he was sitting outside.
AJ missed his spot and left the ball out over the plate and it got hammered.
This is why the idea that the catcher has some influence over the outcome of how AJ pitches is so strange.
AJ throws two pitches and does not hit the spot where the catcher is set up.
AJ’s FB tailed over the plate both times. He just needs to know where it’s going.
Please, Joe. Pitch around Chase Utley. Thanks.
Not sure Lee has it tonight. They have a chance.
If Burnett limits the damage like he did in LA, and the Yanks make Lee work by getting deep in pitch counts, they’ll eventually either get to him or the BP.
That wasn’t a strike… unlikely that AJ would have reached base anyway, but still…
Let’s hope that was AJ’s only bad inning, and that the Yankee bat punish Lee in the next inning.
umps strikezone is a joke…call it both ways blue
“McCarver is such a moron”
Someone needs to have this printed on a T-shirt. It would sell in the millions.
How many pitches for Lee?
34 for Lee
Utley definitely needs to be brushed off the plate,
Ala how they have been pitching A-rod.
Completely off-topic:
What on Earth does OPPC mean? Thanks
Utley better be pitched away in his next at bat. They are basically throwing it under hand to him.
offensive powerhouse that is the bottom 3rd… at least they made him throw a whopping 14 pitches…
Joe just said that the strike zone is going to be tight, referring to Cliff Lee. Was he not watching what just transpired. HE JUST MADE THAT UP!
Bobcat–make an appearance, please.
It is only fitting tonight.
We really need Tex to show up tonight (offensively that is – defensively he’s obviously a beast)
Erica…wouldn’t that be something, someone impostering a troll with actual, well thought out points…
CB
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:36 pm
“I am so tired of seeing Utely get batting practice pitches to hit. Pitch him away and make him hit the ball the other way.”
They were. Go back and look at where Molina was set up – he was sitting outside.
AJ missed his spot and left the ball out over the plate and it got hammered.
This is why the idea that the catcher has some influence over the outcome of how AJ pitches is so strange.
AJ throws two pitches and does not hit the spot where the catcher is set up.
***********
You have clearly never seen the meatball over the plate sign. It’s kind of like a fist
Check that he (Utley) needs to wear one……….fair is fair!!!
Lee hasn’t thrown too many offspeed pitches yet.. wonder why?? That said, yanks are making him work.. so lets keep the scores close…
Vader
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Erica…wouldn’t that be something, someone impostering a troll with actual, well thought out points…
*****
I am really a very deep person
“Trisha, if you refrain from insulting commenters here tonight, that would be great!”
YAWN!
At least the strike zones are consistent (cough cough BS cough cough)
“i look at this as a coaching deficiency rather than a player one”
randy,
I agree. Don’t know what Eiland went out there to say.
It’s curious that they would not use AJ’s curve ball more.
Throwing Utlet a first pitch fastball when Rollins was so aggressive early in the count…
now we’ll see if crap AJ is still here or the AJ who has settled down yet.
sfochild
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Completely off-topic:
What on Earth does OPPC mean? Thanks
********
Official Positive Posters Club
you didn’t expect much from the bottom 3 in this order. But the most you can ask for is for them to make lee work.
Let’s go Yankees.
3 up 3 down and get the top of the order up to the plate
Let’s go Yankees.
Hopefully that was just nerves for AJ in the 1st…this is a big night and he’s bound to have some butterflies
Let’s go Yankees!!!
Buck “Strikeout Number 1 for Cliff Lee”, he didn’t mention it was against our AL pitcher who never bats. That alone is a good sign. We will get long looks at Philly middle relief tonight.
One thing Burnett needs to do is shut down the bottom of the Phillies lineup. I don’t expect Gardner, Molina, and Burnett to do much against a tough pitcher like Lee, but that means Burnett has to match him and not let guys like Feliz and Ruiz get on base.
The Cards have the second most right?
Hoping for a 123 inning here, you can do it!
Lets hope this HP umpires strike zone goes both ways, because to me, AJ was getting squeezed a bit in the 1st inning and Lee’s 2nd inning he was getting some boarderline calls.
aj’s making a habit of coming up small in the 1st innings of game 5′s…..
still early. lee obviously does not look as good as he did in game 1.
AJ could have given up 3 runs with Posada behind the plate. So much for AJ’s comfort level.
Who is a better hitter, Molina or AJ?
Erica – always OPPC
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:38 pm
sfochild
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Completely off-topic:
What on Earth does OPPC mean? Thanks
********
Official Positive Posters Club
——————————————————————–
Oh, got it.
Aj has a completely different strike zone. This is disgusting.
this looks ike CRAP AJ.
If anyone can read lips as good as I can, Eiland was telling AJ to “finish your ____ing pitches”.
3-0 vs the 8th hitter COME ON!!!
Burnett just sucks…its like watching Joba
Where were those last 2 pitches?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Only FOX would create a trivia question that somehow revolved around the Red Sox (Which American League team has won the second most World Series)
Is there actually a strike zone tonight?
This umpire is the complete opposite of yesterday’s ump. he’s not giving ANYTHING close.
“Throwing Utlet a first pitch fastball when Rollins was so aggressive early in the count…”
and that’s exactly the adjustment the Angels made for his second start against them. Why did they not anticipate that?
Weak friggin strike zone
Bad AJ bad bad boy.
Go to your curveball.
Where is the strike zone tonight? Hello ump….
AJ is not going to get borderline calls because he has no command of his fastball.
Umps don’t give pitchers throwing like this borderline calls.
Battle man, battle!!!
he struck him out already, just that demuth the ump decided against it
Nice rebound.
K-K
Attaway AJ!!
Trisha, you seem like you are very unpleasant.
Nice AJ. Good overcoming of a poor strike zone.
I cannot believe that in a World Series, the umpires have let their biases come into play. In a World bleepin Series.
big come back!
lets go AJ – 123!
Great job by Burnett throwing FOUR strikes in a row.
those last two pitches were by far the best ones AJ has thrown tonight, that’s a good sign.
We should stop worrying about Lee and spend more time being concerned about AJ.
Those saying Lee does not have it are basing it on what?
Interesting that AJ shook off the curveball to strike out Ruiz with a fastball.
how many times can we blame umpires…Just play the game…make your adjustments and move on…win the game AJ lets go
Maybe there’s something in the visitor’s clubhouse water
nice…a low pitch 2nd inning would be clutch
Tex should have ran over Lee on the first base line.
JasonR
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Only FOX would create a trivia question that somehow revolved around the Red Sox (Which American League team has won the second most World Series)
***************
Boston is not the answer. I am certain of it
As someone who swoons to pitching and defense, I think Tex has been worth his weight in gold. The guy is phenomenal at first.
Well got home in time to see A.J. strikeout. I have to say, i dont usually like listening to Joe morgan, but they were a welcome relief from these two dodo’s on fox.
Are we all just spoiled with the announcing of John Sterling and Michael Kay being pro Yankee – that it seems like Joe Buck and Tim McCarver are anti Yankee?
I don’t know if that is the case, but I’m sick of them both. I think announcers at this level should be objective and not stick their snide remarks in the telecast.
wow – the ump is just not consistent
Official Positive Posters Club
——————————————————————–
What are the rules? Just as the name indicates? Only positive comments? Great idea, but you have a few backsliders.
I hope Posada pinch hits for Molina when his spot in the lineup comes up again.
According to gameday, AJ threw 5 strikes to Ruiz.
“and that’s exactly the adjustment the Angels made for his second start against them. Why did they not anticipate that?”
It was. The Angels just sat fastball early and pounded him.
But again – even in that game AJ just didn’t have good fastball command and that was the primary problem.
He needs to start locating because the second time through the order will only be more difficult.
Ok- 2nd inning for AJ much better- keep it up!
sit Rollins down!
Come on AJ. One more.
That same pitch had just been called a ball. I’ll take it as it was, but still, how do you pitch to a strike zone that is as steady as a street during an earthquake?
“Which American League team has won the second most World Series”
The A’s?
As a whole, the umpires have been universally poor for both teams. There is no bias. Stop complaining.
these umpires are supposed to be the best in MLB, why else would they be in the World Series? With Questec and the other monitors the supervisors know who is good and who is bad behind the plate, they just call call things a little differently. AJ won’t get marginal calls until he starts hitting the glove most of the time.
Squeezed again…
Where was that pitch?
where is the pitch tracker??
this will be a long night with this strike zone…i hope its at least consistent on both sides
hate 2 out walks
where did that pitch miss?
He needs to start locating because the second time through the order will only be more difficult.
It’s easier to locate when your confident about where the strike zone is.
Tom in N.J.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:44 pm
“Which American League team has won the second most World Series”
The A’s?
****************
Yuppers
“Trisha, you seem like you are very unpleasant.”
Only to unpleasant people “Mike from Princeton”
See ya now.
Strike zone is bogus to-nite
“Talking of Mark Teixeira and winning his 3rd gold glove, Joe Buck just said “That’s what the Yankees bought this offseason””
Of course…you didn’t know players have to sell their soul in order to play for the evil empire?
He’s not biased… Just really really bad
How does a 12-6 curve that ends at the knees not hit the strike zone??
Did that NBA ref get involved with this crew??
why bother swinging if he isnt going to call a single strike without swinging?
According to gameday, pitches 1,3 and 5 were strikes to Rollins.
I know understand the ump is less inclined to give AJ borderline calls, but he’s getting squeezed.
attack victorino.
c’mon AJ!!
Let’s go Yankees!!
Let’s go Yankees!!
Let’s go Yankees!!
“Boston is not the answer. I am certain of it”
Boston is the answer. They have only 2 World Titles in the last 91 years but they have 5 from 1903-1918.
Victorino is done.
Jeter didn’t have to move
Are the kidding me? Can someone please explain how “Victorino is as tough as they come”? What about AROD getting hit three times? It pisses me off…..Ughhhh!
Not good when the catcher sets up outside, and ends up inside. Just keep it at 3.
Victorino is hurt…big time
according to gameday, there are pitches in the MIDDLE OF THE STRIKE ZONE being called for balls. MIDDLE OF THE ZONE PEOPLE. This is highway robbery. It’s unbelievable.
hahhaha victorino’s hurt. He’s such a punk.
now the good hitters are up.
Victorino’s hand is hurting him.
Let’s go Yankees!!!!
Nice bounceback inning for AJ….
Victorino is hurting, hopefully the Yanks smash some balls into CF.
You can YAWN ’til the cows come home, but please try to keep it positive without the insults!
Thanks!
KIPT
Victorino is playing hurt and really helping the yanks here…
JasonR
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:45 pm
“Boston is not the answer. I am certain of it”
Boston is the answer. They have only 2 World Titles in the last 91 years but they have 5 from 1903-1918.
***********
But the Oakland A’s have 9. That’s more than 7
Let’s hope they continue to let victorino play.
the answer is oakland
“Vrsce
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Official Positive Posters Club
——————————————————————–
What are the rules? Just as the name indicates? Only positive comments? Great idea, but you have a few backsliders.”
We are looking for an OPPC principal and cop. Someone tough.
Check spelling. Check attitude. Dole out punishment.
I nominate you.
If this werent the last game of the world series for the phillies (wanna bet), i think victorino would have been taken out for an x-ray. He looks like he is really struggling with the pain.
Dodgers is the answer.
Mike from Princeton
Why try and cause trouble? It’s a baseball game.
I think the cardinals have second most ws titles
Jeter didn’t show up the other team with that catch though. Lee did. He needs to be pounded.
Nick in SF in Larkspur
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:46 pm
KIPT
************
KIPT???? Keep It in the Pants Trisha?????
“Are the kidding me? Can someone please explain how “Victorino is as tough as they come”? What about AROD getting hit three times? It pisses me off…..Ughhhh!”
In all fairness, Victorino’s finger might be broken.
You heard it here first yankees win 5-4 or 4-3…..something about tonight that screams a Yankees win. Anyone feeling the same thing? I felt the same the past 3 games.
Interesting inning coming up here…i wonder if Lee will make adjustments, he hasnt looked particularly impressive thus far
never seen so much whining geez its gets old reading 50 posts about a missed strike call please learn the game
A few observations.
(1) Shane Victorino is played with a bruised and perhaps broken hand. This could hurt them with a long fly in the late innings.
(2) The strike zone is a postage stamp. It should be that way for both pitchers.
(3) Cliff Lee does not have it tonight. He is hittable. Let’s watch this next inning to get an idea.
Victorino probably has broken fingers.
Victorino is hurt…big time
==================
Looks like it.
he will have a few months to heal.
victorino is tough as they come?
if by tough, you mean complaining for 2 innings about a ball that hit him while he was trying to bunt (should have been a strike).
i thought victorino was supposed to be tough.
he could never catch.
too much showing off he’s hurt.
what a woos.
is your widdle finger sore ?
now you’ve let the whole country know , you are excused if you stink tonight.
weak , very weak.
wow…im shocked Victorino is still in
Good job, AJ, settled down!
Come on Yankees, let’s get ‘em back!!!
yea Lee is on
they didnt spend this much time talking about the 5 times yankees were hit TOTAL
Clare
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:45 pm
According to gameday, pitches 1,3 and 5 were strikes to Rollins.
————————————————————
A good catcher would have done a better job of framing those pitches….or, so I’m told.
Sorry, but I could give a rat’s behind if Victorino is hurt. AJ hit him by accident. They hit Alex 3 times on purpose.
Victorino’s hand is the size of a kiwi. My X-ray vision goggles say its probably broken!
“Good AB by Molina made him throw pitches”
___________________________________________
Thats the only positive he can provide at the plate
Is anybody bothered by the 80% of camera time being given to the phillies. And most of the closeups.
maybe if victorino pulled the bat back and didn’t offer at the pitch his hand wouldn’t hurt so much.
Please don’t let Lee settle in.
Do the Phillies have a back up CF’er?
dammit – this offense is going back to sleep
according to this blog, the Yankees get screwed by the umpires every game of the year. How they have won 113 games and need only one more to win the World Series is beyond comprehension given the bias.
The Phillies have X-Ray facilities in the ballpark, but unfortunately they do not accept Victorino’s insurance.
Lee is def. hittable tonight. Hoping the yankees think so too.
Does anyone pitch inside more effectively than Cliff Lee, I think that is how he became such a good pitcher
work the pitcher!! Make him throw lots of pitches.
Nick in SF in Larkspur, you suck.
Everyone else here is fine, though, so there is no need for anyone to feel insulted.
If YOU do, oh well. Let’s at least keep it honest.
Now how about you MYOFBJL?
Thanks!
Oh Erica, that is not good!
Keep It Positive, Trisha!
Positive!!!
MPB Johnny Damon = Really Awesome
nice…tie this thing up Tex
This would be a nice time for hit #2
The Philadelphia/KC/Oakland A’s have the 2nd most WS titles from the AL
The Cards have the 2nd most overall
The Joe Girardi pitching rotation experiment will cost him the World Series in my opinion. All Yankee pitchers will throw on short rest and it will totally backfire.
“As someone who swoons to pitching and defense, I think Tex has been worth his weight in gold. The guy is phenomenal at first.”
Tex plays a great 1st base. Should win the Gold Glove.
He needs to get some hits.
————————————
Joe Buck hates the Yanks.
The trivia question was 2nd most AL WS titles, which is either Boston or the A’s.
Erica, what is MPB?
tex has to center a pitch sooner or later off this lefty
Tie game, Tex. You’re good for it!
Wow…Lee doesn’t have his A game tonight. Need to take advantage!
michelle b. – Trying to Steal Erica’s PB JD
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:52 pm
*****
Really Michelle?? Come on… we are in pretend love!
Official Positive Posters Club, I wouldn’t call all your posts “positive” but thats just me.
Erica – always OPPC
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:43 pm
JasonR
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Only FOX would create a trivia question that somehow revolved around the Red Sox (Which American League team has won the second most World Series)
***************
Boston is not the answer. I am certain of it
——————————————————————–
Well, the answer is the St. Louis Cardinals, but I believe that ESPN could have easily found a way to make a question about the Red Sox (or any Boston team, really, I can easily envision them running a Celtics/Patriots question during the World Series)
“Mike in Princeton”, case in point about being unpleasant only to unpleasant people. I like to keep it real.
Lee is not nearly as sharp as Game 1. The Yanks have to make him pay. If only AJ can keep it close, Manuel will be forced to ph for Lee, and we can get to their BP.
Gardner in CF November 2nd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
maybe if victorino pulled the bat back and didn’t offer at the pitch his hand wouldn’t hurt so much.
_________________________________________________________
Victorino is also notorious for hovering over the plate. Don’t want to absolve AJ of any wrongdoing, but odds are a batter is gonna get hit when he’s standing over the plate like that, especially when’s leaning over and trying to bunt.
“But the Oakland A’s have 9. That’s more than 7
”
Good call! But technically, the Philadelphia A’s have 5 of those 9 titles. Totally forgot the A’s were originally from Philly.
Wow.. Buck is telling the Yankees to resign Johnny Damon. Or maybe he is his new agent
stop swinging at balls!!
lee has about as much as sabathia did the last time, we will see if the yankees choke
067 for tex…..WOW!
Trish, you make me feel sad.
Erica – always OPPC November 2nd, 2009 at 8:52 pm
MPB Johnny Damon = Really Awesome
**************************************************************
Yes he is, see my new title…
I was gonna say Tex tie it up. But oh well
Jon RIngland
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Erica, what is MPB?
****
My Pretend Boyfriend
jesus Tex u cant hit my man
come on AROD, apparently you and johnny b good are all we got to hope for in the first couple innings…
Trisha,
I had thought Nick was better than that, why play his game. There’s no place here for that, we’re all Yankee fans. (mostly)
“Lee is not nearly as sharp as Game 1. The Yanks have to make him pay. If only AJ can keep it close, Manuel will be forced to ph for Lee, and we can get to their BP.”
I agree 100%
Tex is killing them
I would enjoy a two run bomb right about now.
My comments are all positive in terms of the Yankees. That is what the OPPC is about.
Rumor has it that the home plate umpire was switched at the last minute to Tim Donaghy, who arrived just in time after a delayed flight from Las Vegas.
just missed it
Nick in SF in Larkspur
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Oh Erica, that is not good!
Keep It Positive, Trisha!
Positive!!!
***********
It was a joke! I am sure trisha laughed. I did!
dang, arod just missed that one…
and the gagging continues
Utley needs to get plunked..
“who is up next, UTLEY WITH HIS HOMERUN!!!!”
Way to stay impartial guys lol
50 pitches… gotta keep making him throw lots per inning… get him out by the 6th
victorino is just looking for attention now…
“jesus Tex u cant hit my man”
…really?
no complaining until at least the 7th inning.
Trish, does swearing in an acronym mean you aren’t Christian either??
Is Lee still struggling and hittable?
Tex is killing this lineup.
Joe buck is a imbecil! He hates The Yankees disputes every umpire call and he doesn’t even know a drop three strike counts as a strikeout! Let’s go yanks! Oh yeah and the answer is cards with 10 ws titles
And Utley did not touch the bag. This is really pathetic.
Man this lineup blows, that makes this game not nearly as fun to watch. so lame, he should get rid of molina now and put posada in.
“Rumor has it that the home plate umpire was switched at the last minute to Tim Donaghy, who arrived just in time after a delayed flight from Las Vegas.”
Honestly, I think the home plate ump has been fair. Lee isn’t getting calls either.
Last night though, the ump was terrible.
I guess asking for positivity and lack of insults was too much.
I know the “eggheads” was not about me.
Who Could it Be?
No more insults, please!!!!!
F Victorino who cares about him. If AJ can give us the next 3 innings of shutout ball the Yankees bring home # 27 das it!
Pitchers are taught in High School to throw the ball up and in to players who squaring around to bunt. A.J. doesn’t have to be “absolved” of anything.
A.J keep it close, keep it close.
063..for TEX
Wow. Lee was missing location with his pitches, yet still received favorable calls, including strike 1 to Alex. Eliminates that idea. Must be the uni.
Too bad Tex can’t get going at all. He fouls everything off and can’t hit the ball square.
50 pitches for Lee. Make em work!
Lee at 50
New thread. Come on over.
“Victorino’s hand is the size of a kiwi. My X-ray vision goggles say its probably broken!”
michelle b-
you may be right.
he still doesn’t have to be a drama queen showing everyone after he pops up.
jeter plays all the time with banged up hands and he just hangs his head when he’s in pain.
victorino totally hammed it up and still is.
broken bones in the hand don’t hurt that much anyway.
Lee at 50 pitches and looks hittable.
AJ really needs to earn his paycheck this inning and start to shut the Phillies down.
Victorino- wonder if he’s had his hand x-rayed yet. He won’t be a factor the rest of this game.
plunk his arse
He better not groove one to him. Go away…
Hit utley
Did u see those loosers on fox said that the 2nd most championships won are by the okland A’s with 9, well the real answer is the st. Luis cards with 10. Wow do they suck!!!
Lee does not have his best stuff. Yes, he is hittable. ARod just missed one there.
If AJ can keep them within 2 runs going into the late innings, they have a chance.
Manuel is going to Lee for 130 pitches tonight. Shades of Al Leiter in game 5 in 2000.
The yankees actively did decided to hamstring their offense tonight by playing Molina despite not having Matsui and melky.
This is one of the weakest line ups they’ve had since Alex came back.
They really need Tex to do something. The bottom of the line up is a huge liability tonight and they need the top of the line up to make up for that. Tex has to be better.
cc November 2nd, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Is Lee still struggling and hittable?
Tex is killing this lineup.
________________________________________________
Lee is certainly not dominant like he was the other night.
He’s getting behind in counts and only has 1 strikeout, which was our pitcher.
That was a strike. Dont groove one now…
new thread
we have identified the most clueless poster on the blog, it’s the one that thinks getting Lee to throw pitches will get him out of the game in the 6th inning. First of all, he threw 120 in game 1, second of all, it’s his last start of the year, and last, but not least, the best way to get to Lee is early in the count, he’s really tough when he gets ahead.
the big thing for lee’s pitch count is if the bottom of the order can work him and maybe get a couple hits…
this is a big inning for AJ. if he lets up more runs I think we see posada pinch hit for molina (if anyone is on base at the time)…
Yes, thats the approach. I’d rather them walk Utley.
Wow,
the blog games have begun…hopefully we can win tonight so everyone can be positive for the rest of the off season and we dont have to sit through another game this season, where everyone spends soo much effort trying to keep people from being negative, while being negative to another person…. whoa – i just made my own eyes cross.
Gotta believe that Utley’s running soon with Howard up.
And, just as I’m typing…
From the ESPN live chat:
robneyer: Hey, if you’re in the park, watch Cliff Lee closely for an inning or two. He’s rumored to doctor up the ball with Talcum powder (seriously).
not impressed with molina’s throw…
if by some miracle we get out of this inning, still in the game,. You have to hit for molina
and i mean miracle
oy…bad AJ has shown up.
Do you guys think this would have happened anyway with five days rest?
ok get Gaudin ready..this is embarassing now
seriously Burnett has sh*t tonight…get him out
Giradi afraid to take Burnett out….He waited until he imploded….WTH…
Save AJ to relieve for CC
Seriously in favor of Lee now.
Too late….You don’t give Lee such a lead. If the Yankees come back and win this game I’m gonna go out with all my Yankee gear, underware and all….
This is why I didn’t like the move to pitch aj tonight. He pitches better at home and you’re pitching him on short rest in a game he likely loses anyway. if gaudin goes out there and loses you have aj at home on full rest against someone other than lee and the Phillies don’t have the momentum from beating one of your too two pitchers. Now unless we mount a huge comeback its andy on short rest on Wednesday…. Ugh this aint even close to over
This is why I didn’t like the move to pitch aj tonight. He pitches better at home and you’re pitching him on short rest in a game he likely loses anyway. if gaudin goes out there and loses you have aj at home on full rest against someone other than lee and the Phillies don’t have the momentum from beating one of your too two pitchers. Now unless we mount a huge comeback its andy on short rest on Wednesday…. Ugh this aint even close to over
thank god hes painful to watch on the road
Because of this gutless performance now they have a 37 year old pitching on 3 days rest on Wed. That was an absolutely pathetic 2 innings.
Oh, goodness. I was away – I had to get my daughter settled in. What the heck happened? Robertson’s in and AJ’s out?
Burnett’s burdens build
Utley unleashed, Howard,
Ibanez…in 6?
Girardi’s idiotic move now puts the Yanks at risk of losing this series. He had to be “cute” and “smart”. Most everyone on this board and around baseball questioned his moves about the pitching. He deserves to fall if the Yankees lose this series….period!
I wonder if he will even use Gaudin tonight. Or if he needs to be saved to back up Andy. Ohterwise the bullpen gets absolutely killed tonight.
YankeeKid November 2nd, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Girardi’s idiotic move now puts the Yanks at risk of losing this series. He had to be “cute” and “smart”. Most everyone on this board and around baseball questioned his moves about the pitching. He deserves to fall if the Yankees lose this series….period!
I don’t follow what you are talking about. We pitched CC to get ahead 3-1, and to have him for a possible game 7. What was idiotic, who did you want to pitch tonight?
100 pitches of fun… November 2nd, 2009 at 9:19 pm
I wonder if he will even use Gaudin tonight. Or if he needs to be saved to back up Andy. Othererwise the bullpen gets absolutely killed tonight.
My bet no. I think he’s already decided it’s a long shot to win this one and need to gear up for the next game.
The Liberty Bell
Tolling the tune of six one
Falling in Philly
We still have Andy and CC for games 6 and 7 vs. Pedro and Hammels. We are still in good shape.
Is there a reason Utley hasn’t been knocked down yet? Girardi is such a wuss. Demuth squeezed Burnett right out of the game& Girardi says nothing. The Yankees win in spite of him.