Wearing it after Game 5
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- November
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When you spend a lot of time in a baseball clubhouse, you pick up on a lot of baseball phrases. Some I can print, some I can’t, but one I’ve always liked is, “Wear it.”
Best I can tell, it can be used in two ways. When a pitcher gets shelled but stays in the game to eat innings, he wears it. He takes it for the team, right there for everyone to see. And when a pitcher gets beat up and takes the blame afterward, he wears it. He owns up to his mistakes and lets the weight fall on his shoulders.
Baseball players struggle from time to time, but it’s easy to respect them when they wear it, and both A.J. Burnett and Phil Coke wore it last night. A lot was made of Burnett, and rightfully so. He wasn’t very good, and Sam was standing right next to him when Burnett said he let the city down. Coke wasn’t very good either. Sent in to face the Phillies lefties, he let two of them — Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez — hit solo home runs that became the difference in the game.
“It was a disappointing way to lose the game,” Coke said. “Having had a hand in contributing to losing the game, I’m especially disappointed with what I did, and I’m embarrassed.”
Baseball players struggle from time to time, and they lose big games once in a while. Nothing to do but wear it and move on. Second chances are coming up tomorrow.
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on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 11:00 am by Chad Jennings.
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Sam Borden
Josh Thomson
In December, I did not care for the AJ signing.
Even after the loss last night, he continues to grow on me tremendously. You could see it in the way he carried himself–he wanted it so badly.
Gotta feeling Cole Hamels is praying the Yanks win game six so he doesn’t have to face the pressure of pitching game 7
With two more days rest and pitching in YS, AJ would have had a much more favorable circumstance. Could he still have delivered a stinker? Sure, but his odds would have been better for a good performance.
Girardi definitely wants CC for game 7 and he didn’t want to be the one to say that he was giving starts to Gaudin and AJ and not Andy. So he made it easy on himself and hard on AJ.
After AJ came through in game 2 to save the season (remember, we only scored 3 in that game) it’s too bad he is left with this taint for the offseason. If I were he, I’d be somewhat upset. But I guess the $82m will help a bit.
Despite the win, Manuel and the Phils can’t have any confidense in closing out the game at that bodes well for the Yankees Wednesday night
32 hours and 49 minutes until Game 6!!!!!!!
I love AJ, but wanting it and going out there and pitching like you want it are 2 different things.
AJ clearly has the stuff to be an excellent pitcher. What he needs to work on throughout the offseason is his mechanics. It’s the most difficult thing to do in sports, repeat the same delivery motion over and over and over again…But if AJ ever wants to gain control/command, he will have to work on his motion.
The next time I want to hear the phrase “wear it” around the Yankees is their first home game in 2010 when they give out the rings
“AJ is doing the best he can, but he’s not capable of more. It’s like blaming a utility infielder for not being a starter. AJ is who he is…..”
I will say that I usually don’t like ripping players on the Yankees. But AJ Burnett deserves to get ripped, and I am going to rip him because I am not looking forward to 4 more years of what he brings to the table. He had a great start in Game 2, he has won a number of games this year for the Yankees when they needed him to win, and I am not trying to disparage that.
But as a fan, I expect a normally-good pitcher to be competitive, battling and at least moderately effective when he is coming off a start against a team that he just absolutely dominated for 7 innings. I don’t think those expectations are completely out of hand based on a number of factors working in AJ’s favor: talent, stuff, familiarity with the hitters, to name a few.
So, when he folds up like a tent on the mound, he deserves to be ripped, and in no way am I just going to brush it off as “eh he’s doing the best he can, he tried his hardest and is not capable of more, he clearly cares so oh well go get ‘em next time”
Based on his career I would say he IS capable of more than 2 crap innings in a World Series game. And I notice it’s no problem to rip Teixeira and Phil Coke and Jeter to shreds, but when it comes to AJ, what, it’s just “AJ Being AJ” or that it’s okay to expect him to come unhinged sometimes, since that’s his DNA and it just has to be accepted since he’s a Yankee?! I don’t buy that.
Reminder-
Guess the Line Up will be played tomorrow from 2:30-4pm. With only one or two games left, every win is big.
Here are current GTLU 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:
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
Repost:
Betsy,
If you would have told me at the beginning of the season/series/whatever that the Yankees would be in position to win their 27th WS by being up 3-2, I’d have taken it in a heartbeat
************************************************
I think with hindsight every Yankee fan that’s intellectually honest with themselves would have loved to be this position…especially playing the potential last 2 games at home. (not to mention an offense that doesn’t quit when their down)
The Yankees have played very well as a team this year. They like every other team have their flaws, some players step up their game and some struggle but it’s all the players that have gotten us here.
I think every other team in mlb would love to be our position, even the Phillies.
We have the advantage of playing at home and the Ghost’s of Championships past are the ultimate intangible
On the subject of Gaudin… if there was ever a time to start Gaudin, it was game 4, with the Yanks up 2-1, facing Blanton. Then you would have had CC, AJ and Andy on full rest in games 5, 6 and 7. Once you start CC in game 4, the 3 man rotation is pretty much set. No sense talking about it anymore now. It is what it is.
Lotta phillies fans gonna be wearing it in the Boogiedown tomorrow night.
Game 6 at Yankee stadium is going to be amazing! can’t wait! I’m sure the crowd will be at its loudest! Winning it in the Bronx would be quite a way to break in the new stadium, don’t you think?
You are right Chad, both AJ and Coke took the blame for their poor performances. Even tho he wont be given the chance, I like that Coke said he wanted to take the ball again, as opposed to wishing that the season was over. Lets not forget that AJ and Coke both contributed to the Yankees being in the WS.
This team has picked each other up all season long. They have been accountable in losses (the vast majority of times) and generous in spreading the wealth in giving credit for victories.
A disappointing game, to say the least. After AJ’s first inning woes, I expected he’d pull it together, as he has so often – his “one bad inning” thing. But it was not to be. For whatever reason. It’s particularly upsetting because, once again, the team rallied to match the 6 runs given up by AJ, only to be foiled by an ineffective (and probably rusty) Phil Coke.
But I can’t say I blame Girardi for bring in Coke. Yes, he’s been prone to giving up the HRs this season, but he’s also had some really excellent outings. More good than bad, I’d say, though it’s always the bad that sticks in people’s minds. And still, with that, with those 2 runs, it still came down to the offense coming up just short in the ninth inning.
How can you not like a team that fights back like this?
And as far as the 3-man rotation goes. I don’t understand people who say it’s Girardi wanting to put his stamp on the games. That’s patently ridiculous.
Gaudin has not pitched in forever, save for one appearance in relief during the playoffs.
Joba did not come through as the fourth starter, though he has done a good job out of the pen.
They have 3 starters. So, unless you want to start someone who (a) is poor against lefties; (b) hasn’t started in a month; (c) is a back-end starter at best and is guaranteed to need the bullpen by the 5 or 6th inning, you make other plans. The 3-man, short-rest rotation is also risky, but it’s a better risk because you’re going with your better talent to begin with.
The question mark was always AJ. AJ on any rest. You can’t necessarily say that yesterday’s failure was because of the short rest, because how would you then explain all his shortcomings during the regular season on regular rest. I’m starting to “get it.” This is AJ. (Personally, though, I think he’ll be better next season – how many pitchers have had a tough time their first year in NY? CC is one of the few exceptions, I think.)
Andy is gutty, experienced and knows what to do. They’ve got Joba, Marte, Robertson, Aceves & Mo in the bullpen.
They’ve got their best lineup.
They’ve got home field advantage and the ghosts.
It’s already a better day.
(And I only expected one win in Philly, was hoping for 2. I’d say you have to look at the overall. The overall is good.)
I cringed there in the 9th when Jeter got ahead 2-0 and then took that 2-0 fastball right down Broadway. He should have been sitting on that fastball there, ready to crush it. Once he took that pitch for a strike, I could see a DP coming. Sure enough, he got jammed on the next pitch and hit a tailor made DP. Surprised me there.
If we were to write a story book ending- wouldn’t you write it so it ends at home?
JohnC November 3rd, 2009 at 11:16 am
I cringed there in the 9th when Jeter got ahead 2-0 and then took that 2-0 fastball right down Broadway. He should have been sitting on that fastball there, ready to crush it.
========================================
He must of being sitting on the change-up. it happens.
Love this quote by Damon after the game:
“That happens sometimes,” outfielder Johnny Damon said. “And when that happens, as a pitcher, you hope to limit the damage. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to. But he’s been big for us all year, and this team has always been able to pick guys up, so hopefully we can pick him up.”
http://www.usatoday.com/sports.....rest_N.htm
Sabathia pitched three September games on short rest for the Milwaukee Brewers last September, permitting two earned runs in 21? innings. Although the Phillies peppered him for five runs in 3? innings in the 2008 National League Division Series, he performed well in his most recent postseason effort on short rest, holding the Los Angeles Angels to one run over eight innings of Game 4 of the American League Championship Series.
“I didn’t feel tired after the seventh,” Sabathia said Wednesday of his ALCS start. “I can throw 113 or 133 or 140. It’s all the same once you get up past a certain number. I pitched a lot on three days’ rest last year and figured out I can do it. I’m pretty confident I can go out there and do it again.”
Speaking of Damon: the guy is locked in, as is Hideki-san.
That is enormously good news, that two of our lefties are ready to move in for the kill.
Posada, as well, is having fantastic ABs, and he’ll be batting left-handed vs. Pedro.
Had Girardi started Posada, instead of voluntarily turning in a B lineup, it might have made a difference last night.
No way Pedro survives our lineup this time around.
Histprically, none of AJ’s success pitching on short rest came with Jose Molina behind the plate.
Girardi put him in a position to fail — again.
betsy,
Did you see my response on the last thread re: Jeter?
Speaking of which, did anyone watch Curb Your Enthusiasm on Sunday? Larry David gets ANGRY when a guy badmouths Jeter. Loved it.
Doreen,
That was a great post, the best I’ve read all day. I felt it put the current situation into perspective.
bodhisattva.
Good point re: Matsui.
One highly consoling aspect of NY is we get our DH back. Makes our lineup dangerously deep as it should be. No DH does really impact us, especially with Melky out and Molina catching AJ.
The Mad Prince in Pinstripes
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:23 am
Speaking of which, did anyone watch Curb Your Enthusiasm on Sunday? Larry David gets ANGRY when a guy badmouths Jeter. Loved it.
******************
I haven’t watched it yet-it’s in my DVR, but my brother told me to watch out for a Yankee reference. I can’t wait to watch it!
my question is why are we still pitching to Utly….i though Coke should of walked him
Will be good to have Matusi back in the lineup for game 6. Why is it Gardner always waits till there is 2 strikes on him before he swings the bat. He is way too passive up at bat, taking too many pitches. Pitchers know he is looking to walk, and they throw him hittable pitches and he takes, getting into 0-2 hole most of the time. He needs to be a little more aggressive.
Will be good to have Matusi back in the lineup for game 6. Why is it Gardner always waits till there is 2 strikes on him before he swings the bat. He is way too passive up at bat, taking too many pitches. Pitchers know he is looking to walk, and they throw him hittable pitches and he takes, getting into 0-2 hole most of the time. He needs to be a little more aggressive.
They talk about Yankee Stad. being a bandbox. My goodness, Philly is a bandbox.
The words “short rest” I have a bad feeling are going to haunt this manager for the rest of his waking days.
I was not down with this from the beginning. I though it was a terrible idea. The way this thing has the potential of blowing up will make 2004 a footnote for all Yankee fans.
Nick,
Histprically, none of AJ’s success pitching on short rest came with Jose Molina behind the plate.
Girardi put him in a position to fail — again.
Boy isn’t that cherry picking at it finest.
IMO, the absence of Posada behind the plate had little bearing to how AJ pitched last night.
If he pitched well would Girardi have gotten the credit?
Your daily dose of optimism
http://www.puristbleedspinstri.....-of-sugar/
The runs that Coke gave up weren’t the difference in the game.
The difference in the game was how poorly AJ pitched.
If AJ doesn’t pitch horribly and take the Yankees out of it from the beginning then maybe things turn out differently.
You aren’t winning very many games when your starter pitches 2 innings and gives up 6 runs.
I couldn’t care less about AJ wearing. What else was he supposed to say?
Everybody and their 2 year old brother knows AJ stunk it up last night.
Mad Prince,
Yes, Good riddance NL rules!!!
Another thing: people are down on Cano, but he really hit the ball on the nose vs. Pedro. Ibanez stole a double off him, and he singled later.
If Cano hits tomorrow, it could be a long night for Pedro.
steveoh -
You’re right. If ever they were going to start Gaudin and abandon the short-rest scenario, the best opportunity was versus Blanton in Game 4. (As it turned out Blanton pitched decently, though.)
I think it weighed on this manager’s mind, though, that he’d then only have Andy Pettitte for one start.
“After AJ came through in game 2 to save the season (remember, we only scored 3 in that game) it’s too bad he is left with this taint for the offseason. If I were he, I’d be somewhat upset. But I guess the $82m will help a bit.”
So AJ should be upset because the manager made him pitch on 3 days rest?
Has there EVER been a player that so many excuses have been made for?
It’s more a matter of Posada at the plate than behind it.
The man can hit.
bluelion November 3rd, 2009 at 11:25 am
my question is why are we still pitching to Utly….i though Coke should of walked him
==================
At some point Howard is gonna break out of his K slump. Pitching around Utley is a gamble.
Girardi gambled by not having his starters on 4 day rest, and not using Gaudin last night who could have done no worse.
It remains to be seen if that gamble will pay off, as the Yankees in game six go with Pettitte on short rest. If location is off, watch out.
If it does go to a game seven[I am praying not], then the Phillies can throw a whole host of starters at us in Hamels, Blanton, Happ, Myers, and even Lee on short rest for a few innings, while we will have to rely on our inconsistent bullpen.
AJ’s a stand-up guy and we haven’t seen the best of him yet. SJ44 and CB had great posts about AJ’s pitching and this team being a mix of experienced (the core four, Johnny Damon) and inexperienced (the kids, Tex, Swish) in terms of knowing what it takes to play in the World Series. They were insightful and very encouraging both for now and in the future. bodhisattva described AJ as fragile and obscenely talented, IMO a characterization as accurate as it is moving. Patience and a little confidence – this team plays hard and they fight right to the end. Let’s see if they’re not the last team standing at the end of game 6. Go Yanks…
One of the reasons why so many people wanted Gaudin to pitch last night was because Lee was pitching. Lots of fans thought we had no chance to beat Lee and that he would be unhittable.
But Lee didn’t pitch great, he gave up 7 hits and 5 runs. If AJ had a half decent start, or if Coke didn’t give up those 2 home runs, the Yankees could have won this game. The fact that the Yanks were able to score some runs against Lee shows that you shouldn’t concede a game merely because the other team has it’s ace pitching.
Rebecca -
Great entry today. You know I am with you 100%. It’s been a fun, fun season, regardless how it ends.
“I cringed there in the 9th when Jeter got ahead 2-0 and then took that 2-0 fastball right down Broadway. He should have been sitting on that fastball there, ready to crush it. Once he took that pitch for a strike, I could see a DP coming. Sure enough, he got jammed on the next pitch and hit a tailor made DP. Surprised me there.”
You cringed because he did what he was supposed to do?
That makes a lot of sense right there……..NOT!
Why would he swing 2-0 when it looks like the pitcher CAN’T or won’t throw a strike?
Some of you just like to complain for the sake of complaining.
You could see a DP coming? That’s one of the most ridiculous things I think I’ve read in here.
Phillies pitcher got into a fight after last night’s game: blows:
Brett Myers reportedly walked by Hamels in the clubhouse after Philadelphia’s 8-6 victory in Game 5 on Monday night and blurted: “What are you doing here? I thought you quit,” Yahoo! Sports reported.
According to a witness cited in the report, Hamels replied with an expletive and the two were quickly separated.
http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....amels.html
KF: first, turn sense of humor on. My point, taken literally, would be absurd; AJ has never pitched on short rest to either Molina or Posada.
Second, I in no way blame the lack of Posada (or the presence of Molina) behind the plate for AJ’s performance; that would be silly. AJ gets all the credit for that.
He did have the disadvantage of having the Yanks’ worst lineups of the postseason behind him; Girardi can have the credit for that.
Stultus –
At some point Howard is gonna break out of his K slump. Pitching around Utley is a gamble.
You have to pitch around Utley!! Howard doesn’t have a clue right now
AJ pitched to one or two batters too many. It was clear he didn’t have command and wasn’t getting the outside corner. Had he been relieved at the start of the inning, or at least after that hard hit ball over the middle Robertson could have possibly avoided runs 4,5,6.
Amazingly we could have won that game!
They can say whatever they want. They were both beyond awful, and unfortunately, there are no consequences for being awful after you sign your contract. Burnett is possibly the biggest enigma I’ve ever seen. How you could be that awful in such an important game is beyond me. The dude can’t last 3 innings in the world series? I would highly doubt it if homer-prone Phil Coke ever threw a pitch for the Yankees again. Reversion to the mean was very cruel for Mr. Coke.
Things to carry forward even as we gnash our teeth over the ever-unreliable Babycakes:
1. We won two out of three at their house.
2. Robertson and Aceves showed they can be trusted in tough situations even on the biggest stage.
It’s more a matter of Posada at the plate than behind it.
The man can hit.
***********************
I agree the man can hit and is a gamer. But Girardi and his brain trust were more comfortable with the pairing.
Was the alternative Gaudin? He had not pitched in quite a while and would most likely have been rusty. If I recall correctly, he’s been terrible against lefties.
I don’t think Girardi set us up to fail, I felt he played the percentages and they didn’t work out.
It seems somebody’s sarcasm meter is broken.
Mike -
The quickest way to give Howard “a clue” is to pitch around Utley to get to him.
“Love this quote by Damon after the game:
“That happens sometimes,” outfielder Johnny Damon said. “And when that happens, as a pitcher, you hope to limit the damage. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to. But he’s been big for us all year, and this team has always been able to pick guys up, so hopefully we can pick him up.”
Johnny Damon is a hypocrite. Sorry Erica.
When he lambasted Phil Hughes earlier in the season for not being able to keep the team in the game everyone thought it was good for him to say it.
AJ pitched like a skunk and Damon should have given the same speech he gave the media about Phil Hughes earlier this year.
To paraphrase, “these pitchers need to learn how now to game the game get away from them. Give up 3 runs and keep it there and blah blah blah”
But AJ gets let of the hook by Damon. Maybe if AJ could have limited the damage the Yankees wouldn’t have had to score 9 runs to win the game.
Mike November 3rd, 2009 at 11:37 am
Stultus –
At some point Howard is gonna break out of his K slump. Pitching around Utley is a gamble.
You have to pitch around Utley!! Howard doesn’t have a clue right now.
========================
That guy has hit 40 or more homers for 4 years straight.
I wouldn’t be excited to pitch around Utley to get to Howard.
Mike
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:37 am
Stultus –
At some point Howard is gonna break out of his K slump. Pitching around Utley is a gamble.
You have to pitch around Utley!! Howard doesn’t have a clue right now
====
Haha. Howard is even jumpy when he takes a pitch. You know he’s dying to swing!
Jack
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:07 am
Plus, CC was awful on short rest in Philly and will only be more tired now.
———————————-
it’s idiotic comments like this that show how little most fans understand baseball. CC was so ‘awful’ he left with a 4-3 lead in the 7th and, with that performance last night, the Yankees would be getting ready for a parade celebrating #27. On top of that, there is just no understanding of how pitchers can have their great stuff one day and struggle the next. CC got hammered in Tampa the last weekend of the season, did that mean he was ‘tired’ also?
the Yankees will close it out at Yankee Stadium, they scared the crap out of the Phillies last night in the 8th and 9th, enough for Manuel to bypass Lidge for Madsen (who wasn’t exactly good either). Andy and CC on 3 days rest is still light years better than Pedro and whoever pitches game 7 for the Phillies-add the home field advantage, Matsui and Posada back in the lineup, and this is a virtual lock, a far cry from 2004 when the Yankees basically had no one to pitch games 6 and 7.
He’s a great power bat, but he’s got holes in his swing a good lefthander can exploit.
For the most part, the guy has looked clueless against our lefties. Utley is another level of hitter.
They were doomed yesterday. If I heard one more person say “They were going to lose today because they want to win it at home” I swear I was going postal. I got to admit, Girardi almost set them up to fail with that lineup and burning AJ away from home, but Im not so sure Chad Gaudin whould have fared much better. I guess they’ll just have to win it at home. :/
I said this last thursday and i’ll say it again: cliff lee is the only pitcher on that staff we have to be concerned with. Now i will add this: Last night proves he is hittable also when he is not locked in as in game 1. we will be fine. Yankees in 6 and even if it goes 7 I like our chances w/ cc over anything Philly throws out there.
Nick,
He did have the disadvantage of having the Yanks’ worst lineups of the postseason behind him; Girardi can have the credit for that.
I agree, but aside from Posada how could he have improved the lineup especially with so many struggling?
Chad,
Thanks for that perspective.
It hurts that we lost a game in which Cliff Lee wasn’t very good.
But you can’t change what happened. Got to come back on Wednesday and try, try again.
Hopefully, the Yankees will be celebrating in front of the home crowd in the very near future.
As for picking up the pitchers? Sometimes the pitchers pick up the hitters. So it evens out somewhat.
raymagnetic-when Damon called Hughes out, he was still pretty new to the rotation wasn’t he? That seemed to jump start Hughes because he realized he needed to step up. Say what you will about AJ but he did come up big for the team at times this season(if it weren’t for his Game 2 performance we might be in the Phillies position right now)and I think that’s what Damon meant.
How does it matter if it was a fun season if we were to lose????
That would make it all the more devastating. It was a season of pies, overcoming adversity, coming back from down 0-8 against the Red Sox to level the season series, getting some redemption against the Angels, Alex finally being Alex, the core Four looking as strong as 10 years ago. We have to win, it is their destiny to win. At this point, nothing else should be seen as success.
I cannot bear ever watching another sporting event if we were to lose. I know in my heart that it cannot happen. Fox and ESPN and Mike Francesa cannot get their way again. This team has withstood challenges all year long and have grown stronger as a unit because of this.
it’s on the coaching staff that they pitched to utley.
that was a decision made before the game.
i wouldn’t have and said so before the game.
would you pitch to alex when he’s in the middle of a hot streak?
how is utley any different?
if girardi has his pitchers pitch to utley wednesday he’s out of his mind.
the Truth Squad
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
Jack
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:07 am
Plus, CC was awful on short rest in Philly and will only be more tired now.
———————————-
it’s idiotic comments like this that show how little most fans understand baseball. CC was so ‘awful’ he left with a 4-3 lead in the 7th and, with that performance last night, the Yankees would be getting ready for a parade celebrating #27. On top of that, there is just no understanding of how pitchers can have their great stuff one day and struggle the next. CC got hammered in Tampa the last weekend of the season, did that mean he was ‘tired’ also?
the Yankees will close it out at Yankee Stadium, they scared the crap out of the Phillies last night in the 8th and 9th, enough for Manuel to bypass Lidge for Madsen (who wasn’t exactly good either). Andy and CC on 3 days rest is still light years better than Pedro and whoever pitches game 7 for the Phillies-add the home field advantage, Matsui and Posada back in the lineup, and this is a virtual lock, a far cry from 2004 when the Yankees basically had no one to pitch games 6 and 7.
=====
Truth Squad,
Golden post. Funny, too, because you are merciless. And you’re right, of course.
I keep breaking my self-promise not to call people out for stupid posts, but with you around, I may be able to keep it
.
Anybody else think that Jeter is either gassed or not right? I know he’s had his share of hits, but he hasn’t driven the ball with any authority for days. The DP in the ninth last night didn’t surprise me, given his GB tendencies and his recent ABs.
Feeling good about tomorrow night. We’ll likely have to sweat through yet another close one, but the boys have a great chance to bring it home!
Items to build on to win Wednesday night:
Robertson, Aceves, and even Hughes pitched well.
Rivera and Marte are rested.
Victorino might not be 100%
Posada and Matsui are back in the lineup.
Yankees still relaxed and confident they can win in the late innings.
That being said I’m hoping the Yankees score early and often and cruise to #27 Wednesday night!
10 Great reasons for Yankees fans to feel good about wednesday.If not for Coke’s 2/3 ip,Yankees would’ve tied up the game,forcing extra innings.
1.Yankees scored 6 runs off their Ace Monday(GM1 only 1)
2.Pedro isn’t Lee
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Bull Pen awakens~~~~~~~~~~~~
3.Robertson 2 ip=no runs
4.Aceves 2 ip=no runs
5.Hughes 1.1 ip=no runs
6.Homefield no place like home(ask Dorothy)
7.Yankees w/o full time Matsui won 2/3 on road
8.Pasada Matsui back in line up(yeah baby!)
9.Yankees winning record at home
10.Mariano after 2 days rest,need I say Mo!
i agree randy !.. Utley is putting up reggie jackson type numbers .. You CAN NOT pitch to him
This is off topic from everyone’s venting of last nights game, but I have been thinking about the play at home plate with Howard and Posada in game 4. Some have said that the Yanks were at fault for not making an appeal on the play. To me, blaming Girardi for not making an appeal made no sense. The umpire gave a delayed safe sign after he saw the ball come out of Posada’s glove. Without instant replay, there is no way in hell that that call was going to be over turned! Not a chance.
With the benefit of seeing the instant replay, we can tell who made the mistakes. First mistake was committed by Posada. Its a tough play for any catcher to hold on to the ball in that situation but he had the ball, and was given the best chance possible of making the play. He didn’t. Second mistake was committed by CC. He threw the ball to 2nd, before the umpire gave the call. (hard to tell because there might have been a verbal safe call before the half heart-ed arm gesture). In retrospect he should have tagged Howard first but its pretty hard to fault CC for trying to make a play at second. 3rd mistake was made by Howard for being too interested in bowling over Posada and forgetting that he had to touch the plate. 4th mistake was made by the umpire for blowing the call. Obviously Howard never touched the plate and trotted into the dugout. Technically Howard is automatically out for leaving the base paths or the field of play during a live play. (David Walstein, NYT)
I watched the replay over and over again, and I think the following is the way it went down in real time. The play at home is close and the umpire is looking to see if Posada has the ball after the “Ole” play. If Posada holds on, it is certain that Howard will be called out. Instead the ball rolls away. But even then the umpire does not seem to give an immediate safe call. I think there was doubt in the umpire’s mind whether Howard had in fact touched home plate. But CC throws the ball to 2nd and the ump gives an limp safe gesture. I think if CC goes and tags Howard, it reinforces the umpire’s doubt about what he actually saw. Of course CC would have to sell it to the umpire as if he was certain Howard never touched home.
I think an appeal would have done nothing. It would have been a formality. I have never seen an umpire over turn his own safe/out call. The over turn would have to come from another umpire, non of whom would have credibility from a position stand point. Anyway, any thoughts?
“…aside from Posada how could he have improved the lineup especially with so many struggling?”
Aside from Posada? Removing Posada from that lineup and replacing him with a brutally bad hitter when you also have the pitcher hitting is pretty harmful to the lineup.
It’s not just one hitter, it’s also the fact that you end up with half the others batting out of position; Swisher was our #5 batter last night.
I do not say that Girardi put the team in a position to fail, I just say that he didn’t put them in the best position to win.
Just keep feeding Howard a steady diet of LHP. He has a Jose Molina-esue .653 OPS aginst them this year.
randy l.
Can they afford to pitch around Utley every time? It seems to me that they needed to pitch him inside a few times.
Maybe they tried and poor execution didn’t help. In any case a better game plan is necessary.
As a Tuesday Morning QB, I wish Joe G had pitched Gaudin instead of AJ. Then we would have had AJ on full rest and 3 LHP in the bullpen for games 6 & 7 if needed.
I also still don’t understand the Molina thing. It was painful watching 7, 8 & 9 Yankee hitters bat. Melky was missed & so was Posada early. I guess the Gardner fans got their wish with him starting, but it weaked the whole team in doing so. I give him credit for the catch in CF!!! But his arm is weak and bat even weaker.
Hopefully, Joe G will learn his lesson about over managing but probably not.
For the most part, the guy has looked clueless against our lefties. Utley is another level of hitter.
———————————————
Look at his situational stats. His slugging % is even better against lefty pitching!
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/p.....009/288923
bod, thanks but there is so much inane, inaccurate, and stupid stuff posted here that a single game thread could keep a comedian in business for at least a year. You have to wonder what filter they watch the games through (if they even watch and aren’t following the game on Gameday). It’s the same stuff all the time-the umpires are squeezing the Yankee pitchers, Cano sucks/is lazy/stupid/slow, Posada is responsible for every run given up by a Yankees pitcher, Gardner is the second coming (of Bubba Crosby, maybe, at best, but Crosby could at least hit a ball out of the infield)-we could go on all day.
Brett Myers – a guy who beat up his wife in the street near Fenway during interleague play a few years back. Way to keep it classy . . .
“But AJ gets let of the hook by Damon.”
He’s just following the LoHud Yankees blog mantra: Whatever A.J. does, it’s not his fault.
If only other players got that same consideration.
Alex,
Morgan clarified this on the radio. He said the Yankees didn’t appeal, that’s why the play stood at the plate.
My first thought is, I’ve never seen an appeal to an ump work. What good is that? But the Yankees obviously didn’t see it because you know they would’ve at least tried.
He was called safe because…??? The umps knew he didn’t touch the plate, but Posada didn’t pick up the ball and tag Howard (lesson, pick up the ball and apply the tag, you might win the appeal?). Or did they think Howard touched the plate? (and why didn’t he just touch it with his right hand?)
What does scapegoating players accomplish?
I’m reading some of you say you can’t get on Jeter because he’s been good but you are willing to beat up on AJ because he had a bad night. He also got a win in Game 2 so hasn’t he also been good?
What you saw from AJ last night was what you have seen from AJ all year- rest had nothing to do with it.
Most players have moments when they come up big and moments when they come up small. The blame and bias of who gets beat up for it is ridiculous.
thanks to those of you attempting to keep a cool head and post with some sanity. unfortunately a large portion of the comments are still at best, unreadable. that must mean it’s time for lunch!
Randy, are you concerned if this goes 7 that CC is running out of steam? He’s pitched well twice this series, but not as well as before…….and now he’d be going on 3 days rest again. Also, if it reaches game 7, the Phils will have all the momentum.
I’m seeing a lot of comments about the Yanks should have sent Gaudin out in game 5 then send Burnett out in game 6.
What if Gaudin loses (series 3-2), then Burnett turns around and throws his stinker in game 6 (series 3-3)? All of a sudden, it’s an even series and you can either go with Pettitte on normal rest or CC on short rest for a decisive game 7.
You can’t assume that if Burnett was on normal rest he would have thrown a better game. He was on normal rest against the Angels and gave up 6 runs in that game too.
I feel more comfortable with Pettitte and CC on short rest going back to the Bronx.
Rebecca, I only get on players for not caring and not working hard, somethings AJ can’t be accused of. Blaming him for being who he is is rough….I can’t do it.
“bod, thanks but there is so much inane, inaccurate, and stupid stuff posted here that a single game thread could keep a comedian in business for at least a year. You have to wonder what filter they watch the games through (if they even watch and aren’t following the game on Gameday). It’s the same stuff all the time-the umpires are squeezing the Yankee pitchers, Cano sucks/is lazy/stupid/slow, Posada is responsible for every run given up by a Yankees pitcher, Gardner is the second coming (of Bubba Crosby, maybe, at best, but Crosby could at least hit a ball out of the infield)-we could go on all day.”
Its true, I’d say over 75% of people that post here have absolutely no clue. One of the reasons I stay away during game threads.
Alex
Anyway, any thoughts?
——————————
Alex, you try catching a throw on a short hop and tagging a 230 pound guy in the same motion while he’s running over you without getting it knocked out of your glove before you call it a mistake. And CC made exactly the right play, he was trying to get the runner at 2nd, you don’t get points in baseball for thinking things through before making a decision-the game is played on instincts developed throughout your lifetime.
m: I’ve seen lots of appeals to umps work. We saw one in the ALCS when Swisher was called out for leaving 3rd base too soon on the tag-up. But that was an appeal to Tim McClelland’s heart…
Anyway, appeals often work if the ump saw the play clearly. It’s arguments that always fail.
“Can they afford to pitch around Utley every time?”
KF-
sure , why not?
as far as pitching inside, did you see utley move his feet even once?
did you see him on his butt in the dirt?
did you see him ticked off like alex was after being hit for the 3rd time ?
no, they did not attack utley inside.
it wasn’t just poor execution.
the coaching staff made the decision to pitch to him.
bad decision.
really bad decision.
Erin, aw – thanks for posting. I’m sure his teammates could see that AJ felt terrible about it. He saved their bacon a few times early this season and he saved the WS in game 2. I love this team.
Looking forward to the game tomorrow.
If the Yankees get an early lead it will be a 9 inning celebration, with the crowd getting louder and louder each inning as we get closer to a championship.
And I’ll be celebrating from the legends seats courtesy of a friend who I now owe a big favor.
Betsy, CC has pitched twice on 3 days rest-the first time he dominated the Angels and the 2nd time he pitched well enough to leave the game with a lead. What more do you want?
m,
It is exactly what Morgan is saying that I disagree with. (most of the time I like Morgan). My point is that an appeal would have done nothing. Clearly the ump determined that Howard had touched home,whether he doubted it or not. If the ump determined that Howard never touched home, it doesn’t matter what Posada and CC did or didn’t do. Once Howard trotted into the dugout, he is automatically out.
Right, Vaunted Chris – where were you after game 2?
Mad Prince, no I missed your response…..
Randy 1
What I meant by bad execution was that if they tried to attack inside it was pitiful execution.
“Hokiehill
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:52 am
Personally I can’t think of a more fitting way for the Yankees to get 27 in the new Yankee Stadium than with Pettitte on the mound, Posada behind the plate, Jeter going 3-4 and Mo slamming the door!”
I didn’t even think of that until you said it but how great would that be?! The original 4 playing together in the last game of 2009 at the new Yankee Stadium and winning the WS. I smell a Yankees classic in the works!!
Randy, the pitch that killed the Yankees last night was the home run in the 1st inning-there was not the opportunity to pitch around Utley in that situation and AJ missed location with a fastball that was supposed to be inside and wound up over the middle of the plate. I agree, though, that they need to knock him off the plate, Coke would have been the guy to do that in the 7th inning last night because if he gets run it’s no big deal.
“What if Gaudin loses (series 3-2), then Burnett turns around and throws his stinker in game 6 (series 3-3)? All of a sudden, it’s an even series and you can either go with Pettitte on normal rest or CC on short rest for a decisive game 7.
You can’t assume that if Burnett was on normal rest he would have thrown a better game. He was on normal rest against the Angels and gave up 6 runs in that game too.”
Great point. This was probably something the staff weighed while making their decision, although you’ll never get Girardi to admit it.
I’m satisfied with the rotation decisions so far and very comfortable and confident that we can close it out tomorrow.
I still think that it was the right call, but the wrong result.
AJ’s numbers on short rest were good, Gaudin has not pitched more than an inning in a month.
No matter what the players say, the short rest does affect their physical abilities for the most part.
We can all see that CC’s not as sharp as he usually is, but when asked if it was physical or mental he replied that it was mental. I’m not buying it. He just doesn’t want to give any cause for second-guessing going on short rest. He’s “wearing it”, so to speak.
miggs, congrats on scoring the game 6 ticket. Glad that a True Intelligent Fan will be there for the party.
RConn, you’re kidding, right? Tex has gotten a free pass this post-season; how very hypocritical considering the abuse Alex has taken.
Yankee Trader
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:52 am
For the most part, the guy has looked clueless against our lefties. Utley is another level of hitter.
———————————————
Look at his situational stats. His slugging % is even better against lefty pitching!
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/p…..009/288923
=====
Yeah, had a look at his numbers vs. lefties before the series started, and it wasn’t surprising. He’s a remarkable player, and the slug is a concern in our park, as we’ve already seen that played out.
You definitely unofficially pitch around him and hope he gets himself out. If not, you feel more comfortable pitching to Howard.
truth squad,
in fairness, I did say it was a difficult play for Posada to make but that he was given a great chance to make the play. And he didn’t. I think I’m looking at it pretty objectively, trying not to put myself in his shoes. And yes, much of the game is played on instinct and for CC to go tag Howard would also be part of instinct.
>>I cannot bear ever watching another sporting event if we were to lose.<<
Oh the drama! Even most of those people who declared that 2004 had stained the Yankee legacy beyond all redemption eventually came crawling back.
inspite of the loss, the Yankees got 6 runs off Lee.They got to him the second time around.If Coke wasn’t in the game,Yankees had a real chance to win.
I feel good about last night’s game Yankee’s bast came alive,Lee was knocked out of the game.Lee knows he wasn’t as dominate.Yankees faired much better second time around
Mlb.com is reporting he might be willing to pitch in an inning or 2 if there’s a gm 7
Nick did you get hurt by that under play last night?
I was thinking about that as AJ was getting shelled. I’m glad I didn’t pull the trigger on that one.
Is Utley Roy Hobbs? I mean, seriously. It’s starting to feel like it’s time to give him the Bonds treatment.
I have a feeling he’s going to break the HR record in the WS tomorrow night and when we win the game and the series he’s going to get the MVP.
That said, we have 2 chances to win this. We have the better pitching matchups and we get Matsui back in the lineup.
These guys already saw Pedro once and I don’t think he’s going to dazzle them with anything new.
We also get Jorge in the lineup against Pedro and we all know how much Jorge loves Pedro.
Andy just has to keep the game close and not fall apart like AJ did last night.
This team proved last night you have to put up 8 to stop them and even then, we’ll take it down to our last at bat fighting with a good chance.
I also expect Jeter to have a monster game tomorrow. He’s got a bad taste in his mouth right now. He’ll be locked in.
betsy
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:59 am
Erin, aw – thanks for posting. I’m sure his teammates could see that AJ felt terrible about it. He saved their bacon a few times early this season and he saved the WS in game 2. I love this team.
**********
I love how this team picks each other up. And I’m sure his teammates appreciated AJ taking full responsibility.
Betsy-you’re very welcome
So because AJ pitched well in 1 WS game it’s okay that he only threw 2 innings yesterday?
What is it about AJ that makes people make excuses for him time and time again?
His job is to pitch well enough to keep the Yankees in the game and he didn’t do his job, bottom line.
Who cares about how hard he tried?
First it was Posada’s fault that AJ couln’t pitch well. Now that that argument clearly has no merit it’s AJ tried hard and he saved the season so it’s okay.
Stop making excuses for the guy. He’s a headcase if ever there was a headcase.
I’m sick of people always making excuses for the guy. AJ showed no heart last night when it mattered, it mattered when he was on the mound, not while he was in the interview room.
“Randy, are you concerned if this goes 7 that CC is running out of steam?”
betsy-
no, i think he’ll have so much adrenaline going that he’ll go all out right to the end.
i think he has enough on three days rest to do it.
plus i like the match up . hamels may come through for them , but he sure has an odd way of showing he’s ready.
… but hopefully andy gives us a historic performance and cements his reputation as a big game post season pitcher and #27 comes in the 6th game.
Alex,
Very good point. Clearly (or not so without the aid of video replay) it was a blown call. I don’t know how a man Howard’s size managed to glide right over the plate. Wait, I do know how. He basically rolled right over Jorge.
Oh well. It didn’t cost us the game. Did they give an explanation? There was one play earlier in the series where they claimed they did the right thing, what was that one?
Tex hasn’t gotten a free pass. Can you at least get your facts straight before posting? Maybe just once? Surprise everyone.
positives from the game last night:
1) yankees beat up, somewhat, on lee with a minor league worthy lineup
2) they made a game that was basically over in the 1st inning real interesting – they also figured lee and the rest of the bullpen out – this doesn’t bode well for pedro tomorrow
3) jeter should bunt with runners on 1st and second and no body out..
4) phil coke should go back to sweeping chimneys – i.e. something he is good at…
GLove, I don’t see how a losing player can win the MVP, but honestly, he can have it if the Yankees win.
Good news:
The bats are WIDE awake. They managed to score 6 runs off Philly’s 2 best pitchers (think about it) – Lee and Madsen.
Pedro’s voodoo act won’t play as well the 2nd time around. The Yanks started hitting him the 3rd and 4th time through the lineup in his first start. I’m also not sure how his arm will hold up on even normal rest.
Good job Rebecca
can any of you who think CC is wearing down because he’s pitched on 3 days rest actually explain how it affects a pitcher? Do you really think there is residual physical ‘fatigue’ for a guy like CC because he’s getting one less day of rest a couple of times in a row? He’s aleady said a million times he hates throwing bullpen sessions and one of the benefits with 3 days is not having to throw. If anything it’s the mental side but there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that a pitcher like CC would have any mental fatigue in the 7th game of the World Series, the adrenaline from the situation would completely overwhelm it. CC has worked his whole life to get to a conclusive game of the World Series, if he needs to pitch a game 7 you will see the best he has, as you will from Andy tomorrow.
About the Hamels/Meyer thing, I do think Meyers has no business saying anything; he’s lucky still to be on the Phillies instead of in jail.
miggs: it did hurt me. I was counting on Molina to guide AJ through another great performance and also undermine our run-scoring ability. Once he couldn’t accomplish the former, he wasn’t around for the latter!
It’ll all be ok as long as the Yanks win. Otherwise, I might have to disappear for awhile.
First time ever that I’ve agreed with something that Mike Lupica wrote!
“If the Yankees are going to win No. 27, they will do it at home. Maybe that is the way it was supposed to be.”
Forget the pragmatism, I’m all about the superstition. First year in the new Stadium, where else should the world series be closed out? If you believe in the ghosts then you should have no trouble believing that this is the way it is meant to be. If you don’t believe in the ghosts or any superstition, then what I can say to you is the going 6 or 7 games in the world series isn’t unusual. When the two best teams face each other, there is a reason that they end up duking it out to the end.
Personally, I’m going with the new Stadium and ghosts aspect. I say we take it in 6. Andy’s reward for owning up to his HGH usage – unlike his misremembering teammate who is now nothing more than a footnote in the game of baseball.
Good karma for Andy, great karma for the new Stadium, GO YANKEES!!!
(I have no trouble turning the page and looking foward. Yesterday is a distant memory.)
Good for Eiland. Sticking up for the pitchers.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=4617458
But they are wearing out the path to the mound. Why don’t they just say they don’t want the Phillies dugout camera to pick up their signals?
Again, Miggs living in his own little world…..YOU try getting your facts straight. If you think Tex has been criticzed up until now, then you need to see a dr. to cure your delusions.
m,
Yeah, we have the benefit of replay. But I haven’t heard much about it except that we should have appealed. I don’t think the appeal would have done anything to change the call. Once the home plate ump determined that Howard touched home, he is not going to reverse that.
People relax, we’ll win it tomorrow. stop over-reacting. Now that said, if we lose this series, this blog is gonna blow up, ppl will be calling Girardi’s head and possibly Aj’s lol. just relax, we’ll get ‘em tomorrow.
“I’m sick of people always making excuses for the guy. AJ showed no heart last night when it mattered, it mattered when he was on the mound, not while he was in the interview room.”
raymagnetic your whole post is on point, but to follow on this thread, it amazes me that somehow you can’t accuse a player of showing no heart because he says he’s trying hard and that he let people down, on top of the fact that he’s contributed to the team.
I personally will not just accept that this is what AJ Burnett is going to be, as a lot of fans are looking to do based on his consistent inconsistency all year long. Really, all he had to do was not implode and they could have won the World Series. A pedestrian outing, like 4-5 runs allowed in more than 2 innings, and they probably win the World Series.
And yet he couldn’t even do that. But it’s okay, he tried hard, and that’s just what AJ is? Not going to pass muster, especially when I will have to listen to that excuse for quite a while longer than just this year.
Vin good point.
I expect the Yankees to figure Pedro out early tomorrow. By the 2nd time through the lineup they should be putting very good swings on him.
With the ‘A’ lineup starting with the exception of Gardner in CF, you have to think a lot of runs are coming. The more the Yankee hitters see their relievers the better swings they get also. They were getting to Madson last night, he was lucky to have a 3 run lead.
If you can get just 5 good innings from Pettitte then hand it over to a rested bullpen…I think that’s a recipe for success.
Expect to see Joba, Marte, and Mo tomorrow. I wouldn’t be surprised to see multiple innings for Joba and Mo either.
No, I can’t prove anything.
But I do know that CC threw a high number of pitches pitching on 3 days rest in the ALCS. Not sharp in game 1 of the WS (by his own admission so please don’t flame me). Pitched on 3 days rest of game 2 of the WS, better but not the CC we’ve grown accustomed to watching).
So, I’m using the old ocular test. Just an opinion.
I have a game 7 ticket.
How unfortunate it’ll never get used.
Yankees also have a secret weapon,DAMON.His stats were suppose to be bad against,yet he scored the first run,and got on base.
He’s highly motivated,his contract year,and has loads of postseason hitting under his belt.When he was the at the plate
I literally was saying Johnny remember how you hit in 2004.
As bad as anyone feels about losing last night,remember it’s hard to sweep a team at their home.Yankees took 2 from them in their hostile homfield.Yankees in regular season,won the series.This was an away game,and Yankees won the 3 game series2/3.
It won’t hurt Burnett’s cause by learning another pitch and refine it in spring training with Dave Eiland.
Give hitters another thing to think about other than a heater and slider.
oops. pitched on 3 days rest of game 4 of the WS.
there are a few points people seem to be missing.
of course aj could suck on normal rest, anyone could…
but you have to put your players in the best position to perform, and having AJ on short rest was not that position.
Plus, you know compromise andy by putting him on short rest. if andy was on full rest for game 6, i totally understand starting aj game 5, but it makes no sense starting these 2 guys on short rest.
the likely hood of failure for both of them is much higher now…aj already got burned, and now hopefully the same doesn’t happen to andy.
so this now as an effect on game 5, 6, and 7…instead of us feeling confident with AJ and andy (or cc in 7) in games 6 and 7…we now have to wonder how aging andy will do on short rest.
it was a risk that just didnt add up. going into game 5, you cant honestly tell me that you thought the yanks had more than a 20% chance of winning that game…now girardi has put the team in a much tougher spot.
you cant say that after game 2’s performance that AJ would have just sucked in game 6 the way he did in game 5…that doesn’t pass as a reasonable argument.
girardi’s decision was wrong before game 5, and was wrong after game 5…once the yanks went up 3-1, it was time to throw gaudin to the wolves and hope for the best…
…now we all have to hope andy can give us 6 solid innings on short rest…then if he fails…CC pitching for the third time in 9 days against a tough phillies line-up for the third time…
…yanks still have the advantage, but it is a lot more uncomfortable and scary than it ever should have been going into game 6.
“Randy, the pitch that killed the Yankees last night was the home run in the 1st inning-there was not the opportunity to pitch around Utley in that situation and AJ missed location with a fastball that was supposed to be inside and wound up over the middle of the plate.”
truth squad-
the truth is it was the first pitch.
the truth is that utley was already killing them.
the truth is there was a base open.
the truth is burnett has trouble in the first inning.
the truth is the phillies had made a decision to swing at aj’s first pitches and the yankees just didn’t know it yet though many of us did.
the truth is utley should not have been thrown a strike in that situation. 4 inches outside and he would have still swung.
truth is the yankee coaching staff was asleep with their decision to just pitch him a little tough.
and the truth is if they pitch to him the rest of this series , they deserve to lose.
“Again, Miggs living in his own little world…..YOU try getting your facts straight. If you think Tex has been criticzed up until now, then you need to see a dr. to cure your delusions.”
You are so clueless its almost not worth a response, but I can’t resist.
First of all, the guy was booed a ton in April when he got off to a bad start. Then he responds by leading the league in HRs and RBIs.
Fans and radio personalities have been critical of his playoff hitting. For someone who posts on so many blogs and reads so many articles I’m surprised you didn’t see the Daily News headline from today, which read “181M For This?”
The funniest part is the criticism is completely unwarranted. Any knowledgable baseball fan understands that most hitters aren’t going to put up the same numbers in the postseason because the pitching is so good. He’s also played amazing defense and saved countless runs with his glove. In addition to carrying the team for long stretches during the year.
They wouldn’t be here without Tex. Get a freaking clue!
the Truth Squad
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:52 am
bod, thanks but there is so much inane, inaccurate, and stupid stuff posted here that a single game thread could keep a comedian in business for at least a year. You have to wonder what filter they watch the games through (if they even watch and aren’t following the game on Gameday). It’s the same stuff all the time-the umpires are squeezing the Yankee pitchers, Cano sucks/is lazy/stupid/slow, Posada is responsible for every run given up by a Yankees pitcher, Gardner is the second coming (of Bubba Crosby, maybe, at best, but Crosby could at least hit a ball out of the infield)-we could go on all day.
=======
I got worn down by the abusive, unfounded crap about Cabrera all year long. Finally just said, let stupidity reign – why do I really care if these people are clueless? It’s not like Cashman doesn’t get it, and eventually, Girardi saw the light.
The Posada stuff is just baffling…people are dedicated, tireless, and militant in their hatred – yes, hatred – of this great Yankee. Lines are drawn, egos are at stake, people race in and out claiming delusional victories over other posters….I fled the IGTs for this and will likely never return.
Cano? I would say actually, in all three cases – Melky, Posada, Cano – the people who irrationally despise these players are 9 of 10 times generally clueless about the game, and their posts betray this. I pick my spots nowadays – or maybe I just reach my boiling point and have to speak out. But they are not going to change. On a certain level, they just don’t know any better, which is why I try to restrain myself.
Re CF: I am really hoping we see a strict diet of bunting from Gardner for the rest of the series, which I don’t expect to be more than one game.
The level swing from him is the odd happening these days. I think he needs the offseason to address his issues at the plate. He made a great catch last night, but wasn’t even close on the Utley stumble play – I guess we live with that split of the difference. One thing I pray for – he does not try to be a hero coming in on the ball. We need him to play the percentages on balls hit to CF. If he does this, we should be alright.
“Rebecca, I only get on players for not caring and not working hard, somethings AJ can’t be accused of. Blaming him for being who he is is rough….I can’t do it.”
Betsy, that is intelligent, mature, and the kind of fan loyalty that I would bet players appreciate the most. Kind of like a fan application of the golden rule.
Good for you.
I’ll never forget Robby Cano talking about how much it hurt him that people were accusing him of being lazy last year when he was having difficulty in the field. He said the opposite was the truth, and having people accuse him of not trying really did a number on him.
Always fun to see unappreciative fans trash players when they don’t the job done…
miggs – GTLU Reigning Champion November 3rd, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Tex hasn’t gotten a free pass. Can you at least get your facts straight before posting? Maybe just once? Surprise everyone.
===================
Yeah, but you have to admit that A-Rod would be getting totally bashed if he had Tex’s postseason numbers.
I wouldn’t say he’s gotten a free pass, but he’s not getting the A-Rod treatment which is good because nobody deserves that.
m, CC pitched game 1 of the WS on normal rest, in fact he had 6 days rest since his regular turn should have been on Monday. That extra rest is more than enough to take care of any residual effect of pitching on 3 days rest the time before.
Pitching performance is not consistent from start to start, what makes the great ones like CC great is that they struggle through most bad ones and give the team a chance to win. CC has made 5 starts in the post season and has been at his best once, in game 1 of the ALCS. That’s about normal for a starting pitcher-Al Leiter and David Cone have each said it many times.
You and many others are making the mistake by thinking that CC and Andy will pitch worse this time than the last time, they have just as good a chance to pitch a great game as of getting hammered, that’s why the Yankees will win the series because both of their bests (and reasonable expectations) are far better than whoever the Phillies throw out there.
How can any of you purport to know if AJ is showing heart, or if AJ wants it. Just because he does not perform well sometimes, does not mean anything.
Until you can talk in AJ’s shoes, you just cannot know.
It very well could be that he wanted it so bad last night, that his emotions affected him being able to repeat his delivery in the correct manner.
All it comes down to is mechanics.
The funniest part is the criticism is completely unwarranted. Any knowledgable baseball fan understands that most hitters aren’t going to put up the same numbers in the postseason because the pitching is so good. He’s also played amazing defense and saved countless runs with his glove. In addition to carrying the team for long stretches during the year.
=======
Especially in that strange animal that is the World Series. Often, you’re seeing guys you don’t normally face. Expecting good hitters to just go 2 for 5 every night is a flawed expectation.
Right now, we get to ride Posada, Matsui, Damon, who are all left-handed and all hot at once. Bodes well for us. WIth Jorgie in back of Alex again, as Nick pointed out, we’re in good shape.
m: did you watch game 4 of the ALCS?
walk in AJ’s shoes***
It just appears to me that he lets his emotions take over. And that is perfectly normal. Every player is human, except for the Roided up David Ortiz, who was nothing more than a robot.
….Meaning, Jorgie will be hitting lefty against Pedro in our ballpark, which favors LHB.
@ Steveoh
“On the subject of Gaudin… if there was ever a time to start Gaudin, it was game 4, with the Yanks up 2-1, facing Blanton. Then you would have had CC, AJ and Andy on full rest in games 5, 6 and 7. Once you start CC in game 4, the 3 man rotation is pretty much set. No sense talking about it anymore now. It is what it is.”
—————
As much as I would want to pitch those guys on full rest, we needed game 4, it was a huge game. We lose and its 2-2 going into game 5 with Cliff Lee going @ home, not a real great position to be in. Going home 3-2 vs. 2-3 is a big difference. Just my thoughts…
We pound Pedro in Game 6. Period.
Bodhi-
Another point regarding Tex….
His average may not be high but his playoff hits have been huge… the walkoff HR, the double driving in 2, the big 9th inning hit last night.
Combine that with great baserunning and spectacular defense and he is carrying his weight. Some fans just can’t comprehend that.
Truth,
I know that. And I explained myself. Even during the game thread, we had a lead in his short rest start of the ALCS. We were ahead, and Girardi marched him right back out there even though he was pitching on short rest in THAT game. Knowing that we would be riding him on 3 days rest in the WS (yes, I realize that he would get 6 days rest if we made it to the WS). I called it right there in the thread. We need this guy stop riding him so hard.
And yes, I know pitchers are inconsistent.
But, I do know that CC’s arm has logged in at least 265 innings. Not sure if this was before or after game 4, but there’s some mileage on the odometer.
Anyway, I’m not really looking to debate the causes and effects. That’s just my opinion.
I think if it comes down to CC in a game 7, he’ll have enough heart to overcome any physical challenges should they arise.
But please don’t try to sell me that the 3-man rotation can’t possibly be feeling any physical or mental fatigue at this point of the season.
If the Yankees are able tp pound Pedro into retirement and win #27 at home won’t that be worth losing game 5.
I really think Andy will step up and give a gutsy performance and I can’t see Pedro pitching even as well as he did last time out. It will likely be a bullpen game and the yankees have a big advantage there.. I think #27 comes home tommorow
Yes, Nick. I did. It seems like a long time ago, but I did.
Randy, I’m not taking issue with pitching Utley differently at all-they tried to bust him inside in the 1st inning and AJ missed location by a foot. The previous pitch to Victorino was about 18 inches too far inside. If Victorino bunts Rollins over then you pitch Utley very carefully. Burnett was just all over the place last night and when he misses location he gets hammered. But you can’t put him on in that situation, Burnett had pitched him well in game 2.
Andy handled Utley very well in game 3 so he should be able to do the same thing again-he got him with breaking balls down and away. Hopefully he’ll do it again.
All you need is 5 good innings from Pettitte tomorrow.
That should be enough. The Yankees are going to score alotof runs tomorrow.
bod, try putting emotion aside enough to realize that not everyone who thinks Posada has lost a step or thinks that he is better paired with certain pitchers do it from a position of hatred. I think you really captured it when you referred to him as “that great Yankee,” almost making it appear that you are wounded that anyone would question anything about him because of what he has done in the past.
I mention this only because some posters (or maybe one poster) here have mentioned that I “hate” Posada because I was so firm in my belief that he wasn’t well paired with certain pitchers – which did turn into just one pitcher.
I still stand by that but it has nothing to do with hatred of Posada. That accusation was as ludicrous as so much of the crazed emotion I saw levelled against anyone who suggested it.
And yes, I know he was very sharp and dealing and was awesome in general.
This team has so much 2004 in their heads it is ovah. Phils will be dominant big time in Games 6 and 7.
Still, I bow to the Yanks, my Sox puked up the chowder and your guys are the class of the AL. You all should feel good about the season, and as much as I hate to admit it, Yanks will be the first place team for the next few years to come.
Completely agree, miggs.
Looking at average is looking in the wrong place. Teix has been jumping a little at the plate, but he has gotten monumentally big hits.
I really anticipate he’ll re-apply himself to lay off the soft stuff, and have great ABs tomorrow night.
REPEAT it is hard to sweep a team in their home park.
Yankees have so many pluses going into game 6 as listed above at 11:48.As unfriendly as the Philly stadium was,Yankees will feel the love at home.
The pressure is still on the Phillies,they can’t afford to lose Wednesday.We have big Game Andy vs Who’s your daddy!
You vill lose…
m, But please don’t try to sell me that the 3-man rotation can’t possibly be feeling any physical or mental fatigue at this point of the season.
——————————-
m, no more than a 4 man rotation when it comes down to 1 start for the rest of the season.
Does anyone think that it is even a possibility of changing the batting order due to Tex (moving Al up to 3rd). I would try it if it were not the World Series and a “as close to must win game as possible.”
We have had it this way all year, and I do not see it as a good move to change it in the 2nd to final game of the season.
Betsy where are you?
You haven’t responded to my post after calling me “delusional” and “living in my own world”
Nothing to say or you realize I’m right and you’re completely off base?
Just waiting for your response but I doubt it ever comes since I’ve proven you wrong once again.
Teixeira has been criticized but it’s been like this:
“It’s a good thing, Teixeira is doing such a great job on defense, saving hits and possible runs, and getting outs, because he’s not doing anything offensively.”
Plus I have seen the odd – “Tex looks awful at the plate.”
What – do we have to say a player is “garbage” if he’s not getting good results? That’s silly.
All these guys want to win. All of them want to contribute. Baseball is a game of failures.
I think the fact that Teixeira is slumping at the plate, yet still able to focus on the field is outstanding. I still hate that he hasn’t had all that many positive at-bats. And yet – he’s had a couple few that were game changers. I’ll take quality over quantity most any time.
Then there’s AJ. Last night he stunk. The time before that, he kept the series from getting away from the Yankees – kept the Phillies from winning 2 at YS. The time before that – no good. Time before that, pretty good. AJ is up and down. What more can you really say? Oh, yeah, he stinks he has no heart. He doesn’t look like a guy with no heart – he looks to me like a guy who needs to get over some kind of hump.
There’s no way any players should get torn to shreds and have their character questioned. Of course you can talk about whether a player came through or not at a particular point in the game. I’ll never understand the need to tear a player to shreds if he doesn’t get the job done.
I truly apologize. It might be the final game of the season.****
Anyway I have a novel idea: stop criticizing and start appreciating!
Appreciate the fact that every person on that team had something to do with getting the team to where it is.
Appreciate the fact that those guys are going out there trying to win, not trying to lose.
Appreciate the fact that the world series is a really big stage and not everyone can take the stage and perform a Tony-worthy performance every time out, no matter how hard they may try.
Appreciate the fact that your team is one of the last two left standing.
Finally appreciate the fact that if there is anyone wanting to win the world series more than the fans, it’s the players out on the field. And they are doing their best too bring it home.
raymagnetic
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:39 am
“Love this quote by Damon after the game:
“That happens sometimes,” outfielder Johnny Damon said. “And when that happens, as a pitcher, you hope to limit the damage. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to. But he’s been big for us all year, and this team has always been able to pick guys up, so hopefully we can pick him up.”
Johnny Damon is a hypocrite. Sorry Erica.
When he lambasted Phil Hughes earlier in the season for not being able to keep the team in the game everyone thought it was good for him to say it.
AJ pitched like a skunk and Damon should have given the same speech he gave the media about Phil Hughes earlier this year.
To paraphrase, “these pitchers need to learn how now to game the game get away from them. Give up 3 runs and keep it there and blah blah blah”
But AJ gets let of the hook by Damon. Maybe if AJ could have limited the damage the Yankees wouldn’t have had to score 9 runs to win the game.
************
I think you are overlooking the difference between Burnett and Hughes. At the time Damon was quotes, Hughes is still learning his way around a clubhouse and needs to learn how to deal with the media and take proper accountibility. AJ Burnett does not need those lessons.
And really, at this point in the season, what point is there for Damon to tell the media that we need to blame Burnett?
Sorry for the repost below but I posted it late last night and also was not sure if Blackaccord saw my comment after. I am still excited and can’t wait!
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Bronx Bombers Girl
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:14 am
***THIS COMMENT IS DIRECTED TO THE OPPC CREW & YANKEE FANS!***
What an amzing job by the Yankees to come within a 3 run deficit and almost take this game tonight. I can not believe the envy from fake posters on here. It is quite hilarious and amusing.
As always I remain excited and anxious for Game 6 to arrive because our boys are coming back home right here to the Bronx and getting it done!
********************************
Blackaccord
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:22 am
You go girl!!!!! 6 runs down in 8th inning and they were one swing away from tying it.. many teams like the phillies yesterday would have packed it up already.. didn’t you notice the tense fans and the phillies dugout when the yanks had 1 and 3 nobody out as well as when damon got the hit..
I won’t blame jeter for the DP.. It happens and it came at the wrong time.. Doesnt take away what he has done in this world series.. Game 6 in our house.. Andy going… Matsui and posada back in the lineup.. Pedro probably on the mound.. what else do you need? I’m all pumped up and ready..
********************
Bronx Bombers Girl November 3rd, 2009 at 1:02 am
Blackaccord,
or I am sitting @ home I am going to cheer them on regardless!)
Absolutely, I love the cameras panning on the Phillies fans in the stands wringing (is that a word lol) there “rally towels”. Our Yankee’s team never ceases to amaze me whether #1 or #9 in the lineup for that matter and also for all the criticisms on here about not hitting not pitching…I think they seem to forget that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE and YOU CAN NEVER COUNT THE YANKEE’S OUT. The Yankees are winning it here in the BX and whether I manage to score tickets (which I highly doubt
LET’S GO YANKEE’S!!!
miggs-
Why don’t you just leave Betsy alone?
Truth,
I don’t know what that means, but I’m talking about the cumulative effects of a very long season on a short postseason rotation.
And the mental pressure’s on 3 guys to do it all.
Anyway, if they get it done, then it will be an amazing achievement. (of course three men rotations probably did it all the time in the past. but they didn’t have as many rounds).
Anyway…
m: just checking, as there was also a successful (though bogus) appeal in that game.
From my perch, it looked like CC was getting even stronger and more dominating as the game reached the late innings. He probably also smelled blood in the water as the Yanks pounded Kazmir.
Ah what a great game that was!
As far as whining about the pitcher choices, I’d rather have AJ Burnett on 3 days rest than Chad Gaudin on 45 days rest.
I’d also rather have Andy Pettitte going on 3 days rest than AJ Burnett on ANY rest.
The Yankees are in control of this series.
They have the pitching and homefield advantage, for the next 2 games.
If they can’t get it done, they only have themselves to blame.
That said, they won’t lose 2 in NY. Just can’t see it.
AJ? This should put to rest once and for all the ridiculous notion this guy needs a personal catcher.
Guys with 7 ERA’s in the post-season and near 5 ERA’s in the regular season, who lead the league in walks and WP’s don’t get personal catchers.
If he is ever going to get stronger mentally, which is what its going to take if he is ever going to reach his potential, you have to eliminate all excuses and crutches.
The personal catcher thing is on Girardi. It was ill-timed (doing it for the playoffs) and it bit him in the butt.
Hopefully, Andy or CC covers for it.
In my world it’s all good. I truly wish the same for all of you. I have believed in the strength of this team from day one. It hasn’t changed, and it’s not going to change.
Time to enjoy the beauty of a New England fall day.
” I’m not taking issue with pitching Utley differently at all-they tried to bust him inside in the 1st inning and AJ missed location by a foot. ”
i like he idea of being objective using the truth squad tag, but you are missing the obvious truth and taking the same approach that girardi and his coaching staff did.
you’re saying pitch him tough.
the problem with that is aj in the first inning is usually bad aj.
he’s not going to have the command to pitch him tough. he needs to aim at spots that are so far out of the strike zone that he couldn’t possibly throw a strike in the middle of the plate.
on a humorous note, will gaudin ever make an appearance in the world series ?
if they simply decided to go with three pitchers in the first place, he could have pitched 2-3 times already in this series.
it’s kind of a waste of a roster spot by not being decisive.
Nick,
Now I see. Yeah. Don’t like that Torii Hunter too much, I know trying to cheat in baseball is acceptable. But that one stung for some reason.
I guess, I should clarify. I’ve never seen an ump reverse a call on his own.
Erica-
Why should I? She can insult me and call me names while posting innaccurate information and I’m not allowed to defend myself?
Kind of hypocritical don’t you think?
trisha – OPPC forever – (new lucky picture from last day at the old Stadium) BRING ON THE GHOSTS!
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:31 pm
bod, try putting emotion aside enough to realize that not everyone who thinks Posada has lost a step or thinks that he is better paired with certain pitchers do it from a position of hatred. I think you really captured it when you referred to him as “that great Yankee,” almost making it appear that you are wounded that anyone would question anything about him because of what he has done in the past.
I mention this only because some posters (or maybe one poster) here have mentioned that I “hate” Posada because I was so firm in my belief that he wasn’t well paired with certain pitchers – which did turn into just one pitcher.
I still stand by that but it has nothing to do with hatred of Posada. That accusation was as ludicrous as so much of the crazed emotion I saw levelled against anyone who suggested it.
====
Trisha,
Always happy to see you.
The Great Yankee wasn’t a nostalgic reference: Posada’s hitting .333 in the World Series, and has driven in 5 runs. Only Alex has more RBI (6).
With all due respect, I don’t really need ‘emotion’ on my side – I have numbers, which are indifferent to our desires. Posada isn’t exactly Jason Varitek. He is a very dangerous, professional hitter, who continues to come through, making Joe Girardi look like a goat for ever taking his bat out of the lineup. Thankfully, that chapter of nonsense is closed.
SJ, you should have seen the imposter version of you trashing AJ last night!!!
It still amazes me that the guy has gotten to hang around every night!
I have wondered for years why some want to do away with some historical parts of the game in order to shorten the overall length.
Mostly sportscasters & writers because they don’t get paid “OT.”
I for one fully enjoy all of the many nuances baseball has to offer.
Like the pitcher & catcher meetings, if necessary. After all, the most important player on the field HAS to be the pitcher and if he needs another chat with his catcher, so be it.
Baseball IS much like watching grass grow. So what! It’s great entertainment on a sunny afternoon with nothing but a hot dog & a beer in your hands and 9 guys trying to play with round bats and round balls.
It’s a great way for a grandfather to spend with his 10 year old grandson. Why shorten it?
Micheal Kaye constantly says at the end of a game when the length of the game has exceeded 2 hours – another “unmanageable game.”
Unmanageable for who? Not me, one of the game’s fans.
As far as the 3 man rotation, that was decided in early September by the Yankees.
Just because they didn’t hold a press conference about it, doesn’t mean it was a rash decision.
Its why they backed off guys and gave them a lot of rest between starts in September.
Everybody in that clubhouse knew it was a 3 man rotation for the post-season.
Frankly, they had no other choice.
Chad Gaudin is not a very good starting pitcher. His numbers against lefties are awful.
Joba was one of the worst starting pitchers in the AL the last 2 months of the season. They didn’t have the confidence (rightly so) he could turn it around.
If they lose the WS, its not going to be because guys went on 3 days rest.
AJ stunk last night. He stunk in Anaheim in a pennant clinching game when he had full rest.
He’s an enigmatic, emotional, up and down type of pitcher. That’s who he is regardless of how much rest he gets.
Andy? I suspect Andy will be strong for 5 innings and need help to gut it out for the 6th. He is the one guy who could use the extra day to get him deeper into the game.
The Yankees have a fully rested bullpen and should have no problems going to it early if Andy needs it.
CC? He’s a horse. He’s not tired and I wouldn’t want anybody else to have the ball in a Game 7, if it comes down to that.
Frankly, I’m less concerned about the pitching than I am about the offense.
Too many guys in the lineup (Tex and Cano to name 2) are just outs right now. Weak AB’s, weak hacks, they really have no chance up there at the present time.
That’s a concern. However, I think its mitigated because I believe this team will find a way to win one more game this season.
As Randy correctly stated the other day, this will be the weakest Yankee team in the next 3-4 years.
A combination of guys lacking post-season experience and being a starter short.
If they win it this year, its going to be the start of another run because the best is yet to come with this team.
They just have to find a way to finish the deal.
Guys we need to cheer up. We just took 2 of 3 from philly at their place and we head back home for the final two games in which we have the pitching advantage in both. I take a short rest Andy over Pedro anytime and I would take a 2 day rest cc ocee anybody the phils would run out there for game seven. Plus the Yankees have a decided edge in the bullpens.
The Yankees are a better team than the phillies and its going to take some severe underperforming for them to not win one of these games and this team has way too much fight to allow that
Randy, you know more about catching than I do so I can’t argue with you. If Utley walks then Howard either sees a cookie because AJ clearly had no breaking ball last night or also walks-the result in the 1st inning is probably the same 3 runs.
what has really changed over the years, particularly with Girardi, is the unwillingness to give a start the quick hook when it’s clear he doesn’t have it. I’m sure we can agree that AJ should have been out of the game at least 1 or 2 batters earlier since after a decent 2nd inning with the bottom of the order he wasn’t getting anyone else out in the 3rd.
Speaking of which, did anyone watch Curb Your Enthusiasm on Sunday? Larry David gets ANGRY when a guy badmouths Jeter. Loved it.
———-
Larry David is a Yankee Hater. Just FYI.
I admit I was dead wrong about AJ starting on short rest. I thought the adrenaline would get AJ through a strong outing. It doesnt mean I dont have confidence in Pettite and CC to bring number 27 home. Can we please BRUSH Utley off the plate not once but twice. Make him think we are trying to hit him and then pound the ball on the outer half of the plate. I like Posada in game 6 vs Pedro. I got a feeling Posada is looking forward to one more shot at Pedro since he didnt get his chance in game 2. Cmon Andy 6 strong and Joba and Mo will due the rest. (maybe Marte if needed for some lefties)
MLBONFOX Bob Klapisch: ‘Title hopes not so bright for #Yanks after Game 5’ http://j.mp/1cSSW8 #Yankees #Phillies
___
How do these idiots have jobs? Last time i checked, it was an advantage to be up 3 games to 2.
Trisha,
I stay away from the game threads because its the one area of the blog that has not improved under new leadership.
Its a cesspool. Full of trolls, morons and people who are so utterly clueless about baseball, its comical.
I’m hoping the powers that be on the this blog look into registration in the off-season.
The blog is big enough now to be able to handle it and not lose page views. You will be better able to handle trolls and idiots and it will make the game threads much more readable and interactive.
For the post-season, its been a mess. Its a shame but, Josh, Chad and Sam have better things to do right now.
In the off-season, I hope they address the issue.
“He is a very dangerous, professional hitter, who continues to come through, making Joe Girardi look like a goat for ever taking his bat out of the lineup. Thankfully, that chapter of nonsense is closed.”
I don’t think there has been a question about his offense, at least not on my part. I just wish that all of the people who are so convinced that Girardi was wrong were expansive enough to realize that those who believe he wasn’t also believed that they had the numbers and other things to support their position. There was such a lack of mutual respect and that’s what bothered me the most.
I was always able to understand where those on your side of the issue were coming from, though I didn’t agree with it.
I agree that it is good that it is over. Now it’s up to Girardi, Burnett, and Posada to work this thing out or you just might see Cervelli or someone else playing the same role next year. There’s a problem that needs fixing. Now it’s on them.
Frank,
Miller was going off last night. Saying that Molina shouldn’t be able to call time out right before the pitch.
And Morgan smacked him down good on it. He said the batter is allowed to take time, so the pitcher should, too. Miller tried to bring up the 20 second rule. And get this. He called the pitcher and catcher “one”. It was awesome.
I don’t know why people get all flustered about the length of a game. The average Yankee-Red Sox game lasts about 4-5 hours, because they’re two really good teams bashing it out. Not because of the number of visits to the mound. As Colin likes to say (paraphrasing) about replay and Selig’s excuses, “In a game without a clock, don’t give me that **”
Oops. Morgan responded by saying the pitcher and catcher are “one”
Serenity now y’all
With all due respect, I don’t really need ‘emotion’ on my side – I have numbers, which are indifferent to our desires. Posada isn’t exactly Jason Varitek. He is a very dangerous, professional hitter, who continues to come through, making Joe Girardi look like a goat for ever taking his bat out of the lineup. Thankfully, that chapter of nonsense is closed.
____________________________
So, Greg Maddux having his personal catcher over the All Star hitting Javy Lopez for ALL THOSE YEARS in Atlanta was also wrong? Nah. your arguing this ridiculous point for 2 at bats of molina vs posada against an entire game from your pitcher? Everyone loves to talk from their gut, but when viewing actual statistics over the course of a season’s worth of work, its not only not even close, its not even debateable..
An interesting thing happened in our house last night.
My husband, who has been as critical of Alex Rodriguez as Mike Lupica and PeteAbe combined at times, said in the 9th inning, “they need to get A-Rod to the plate.”
Now I just read the Daily News (the back page was disgraceful IMO)and Bill Madden- yes the Bill Madden who in spring training said the Steinbrenners should DFA Alex and eat his contract; writes an article titled, “Alex Rodriguez is A-money player for New York Yankees in this World Series”.
Death, taxes and A-Rod bashing just aren’t the constants in life they once were.
SJ, thanks for summing all the points up so well, I think you hit every note both accurately and clearly.
I personally think the Yankees will pound Pedro in game 6 and score a ton of runs-the Phils bullpen sucks and the Yankees really haven’t had a breakout game the entire post season at the plate where they jump on a pitcher early and continue through the game. Game 6, with the championship on the line in front of a home crowd, would be the right and perfect time.
m: don’t know for sure, but I don’t think the ump (or Posada, of course) knew that Howard missed the plate. I don’t even think Howard knew. So I guess it’s all academic.
AJ’s next job will involve champagne, maybe pie, and I’m sure he will be up to THAT task.
As far as Utley is concerned, they need to pitch him better and not walk him to pitch to Howard.
If Arod can get hit 3-4 times in a series, I don’t know why Utley can’t get pitched tighter.
They are allowing him to extend and when he does, he’s in the zone right now.
Pitch him tigher and if you hit him, you hit him. That’s baseball.
I find it comical that according to some posters we’re supposed to lash AJ with a bullwhip for showing “no heart” and not getting the job done, but we’re supposed to not acknowledge Cano’s utter failure as an offensive player in this post season and make excuses such as “he’s facing better pitching now” etc.
By that argument, AJ and Coke are facing better hitters now. I guess that makes it okay they coughed up all the runs since it’s okay that Cano and Tex for that matter haven’t hit their weight.
Erica,
I just think it’s very hypocritical of Johnny to let AJ off the hook like that.
He couldn’t have danced around the question if he really wanted to.
AJ did not deserve a free pass pitching the way he pitched last night.
-Philly had 3 straight games at home,and won 1 game.
-Yankees drop 1 at home,and without a fulltime Matsui,Posada,losing Melky,and still walked away with 2 games in Philly.
-Yankees play great at home.Yankees have no fear of Pedro.
-Yankees have the advantage,Alex is hitting.
Damon is highly motivated to stay.Matsui wants to stay with the Yankees,and will show why he should.
-Big Game Andy will fight to the end.
-Bull pen(-Coke) looks good.Robertson and Aceves,showed no fear last night,even Hughes went 1.1 scoreless.
-We as Fans have a lot to be positive about.Why waste energy over a game that’s over.
Texs Friend-
Can you please call your friend and tell him to relax a little when at bat. One big hit from him tomorrow night and nobody will remember that he is hitting .065??? in the World Series. Cmon Tex we are all rooting for you to snap out of it. Its now a 1 game season. This is legends are made.
PS tell him to relay that message to Cano also.
Those fans that continue to kneel at the throne of Posada behind the plate are in for a big big awakening next year as his games caught continue to dwindle. he is a defensive liability in so many ways its almost humorous. he cant frame pitches, he almost never saves any wild pitches, he rises out of his stance costing his pitcher multiple pitches belt and letter high, he has an amazing amt of passed balls, his arm is ok, but his speed to release is below avg. he gets cranky when the pitcher shakes him off, he is hard headed and extremely difficult on his pitchers….. all those things, and most are getting worse as he nears 40 years of age. sorry guys, time to wake up and start realizing jorge will be DHing much more starting next year and into the end of his career. stop holding on to the past.
This is how I see it.
Yesterday was a disaster but…
Joba, Marte, and Rivera will have two days with Rivera using like what 12 pitches while in Philly and even Hughes looked good.
The Phillies bullpen is shaky. The manager doesn’t trust Lidge and Madson looked overworked last night.
The Yankees need to get to Pedro early and often and get into the Phillies bullpen.
Also Tex needs to pick it up Damon is hot, A-Rod was 2-4 last night and Jeter will be Jeter
Premature, somewhat off-topic, and if you want to ignore, I’ll understand.
However,
I think that the way AJ has performed (and not performed, really) has to give the Yankees pause in deciding what to do about next year, and specifically, about CMW, who, even if they decide to stick with him in whatever contractual way works out, will not be available to them for the first part of the season.
In short, it is clear that the Yankees probably need a #2 pitcher for next season.
Andy may or may not come back, but I believe his spot can be covered (Joba, Hughes, even Kennedy). But a true #2? It’s not AJ. And CMW is not an option to start the season.
So, then, my feeling is they may opt not to bring back Wang because they have to deal with an issue they didn’t count on. You can’t count on Hughes, Joba (or Kennedy) to be more than they can be right now (while they may, you can’t count on it).
I would hate that, but I’m not seeing any alternatives.
If the Yankees win the WS (and even if they don’t), they’ve added to their income simply by hosting 2, 3 and either 3 or 4 playoff games, plus 2 open-stadium away games. They will have some money they haven’t had in prior years.
Thoughts?
I’m going to get there really early tomorrow to take everything in.
I want to walk the entire stadium one last time for the year, visit Monument Cave again, and of course take full advantage of the free food and drinks.
And once the game starts I’m not planning on leaving my seat unless I need more food and drinks.
Its going to be a 9 inning celebration tomorrow!
SJ,
You’re advocating not walking Utley to get to Howard?
Utley is literally the only reason this series isn’t over. Take him out of the line-up and we’d all be lining up downtown throwing pieces of paper at the team.
Howard seems like he can’t hit the ball with a Tennis racquet right now.
Im not arguing with you, just curious as to why.
Just a little more on “wear it”: It’s an evolution of the “like a dog”, “like dogs” expressions. As in, “the other team treated us like dogs”. That term is less common/popular now, and has extrapolated to “wear it”.
Dogs wear collars. So after you get beat on, you “wear the collar”. Or, just “wear it”. You may have also heard the expression that a team or player got “collared”.
Your etymology lesson ends now.
pass
Kate Hudson’s latest pin-up poster. I actually think she look like a guy in this photo:
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix.....15;658.jpg
I wouldn’t walk Utley to get to Howard with 1st & 2nd, nobody out.
You going to the game tomorrow miggs? Jealous! Have fun.
raymagnetic,
Johnny Damon shouldn’t be criticizing anyone publicly.
SJ44,
Maybe I am overthinking things as much as Girardi does, but I have wondered if it’s more a tendency to overvalue one aspect of the catcher’s role — precisely the part of that role that he thought he himself was great at — that leads Joe G. astray more than mushy feelings about Babycakes needing his nanny.
In other words, could it be that this is more about himself and his preferred narrative for Girardi than his ideas about AJ?
Kate also says:
“I sometimes feel like when you’re talking to boys, they just hear certain keywords…” says Hudson in the interview. “But if you had a bubble above their head, they’d be thinking about game scores, m*sturb*tion and food.”
http://www.nydailynews.com/gos.....d_foo.html
Geez Kate, is that all Alex does?
Thank you, Joel. That better explains that thing AJ wears around his neck.
“Larry David is a Yankee Hater. Just FYI.”
No, Larry David is a Yankee fan (always has been). Jerry Seinfeld is the Yankee Hater.
Thanks S.A.
I got lucky and a friend somehow scored Legends seats. To say I owe him would be an understatement.
I’ll have a drink for you tomorrow. Any preference?
Comparing Maddux and Burnett’s situations makes no sense.
Look at Maddux’s numbers and look at AJ’s. They are a “bit” different.
There are also plenty of people around the Braves who believe they would have won more World Series had Maddux not had a personal catcher.
Also, if you look at Maddux’s WS numbers, they aren’t all that hot.
AJ hasn’t improved that much under Molina.
That’s the entire point in all this.
A minimal pitching improvement doesn’t offset what you lose when you take Posada out of the lineup.
If AJ’s numbers were Maddux-like, you can understand the need for a post-season personal catcher.
However, when you are pitching to a 7 ERA and twice have fallen apart in pennant clinching games, its pretty to tough to argue he would be worse with Posada.
If he is, then he is a AAA pitcher and we all know he’s better than that.
Doreen,
I think AJ is fine at the #2 spot. Its worked well all year. Did he have some rough outings? Yes of course he did. But he is still in his first year as a Yankee pitching in New York and there is bound to be some growing pains.
CMW is NOT an option.
I dont think its too much of an issue. We did get to the world series and all.
I am not a Pete Abe hater and miss his commentary, but I have to commend Chad for this story. We would never see this from Pete, and I really like it.
“I wouldn’t walk Utley to get to Howard with 1st & 2nd, nobody out.”
But if there are two outs, put Utley on and definatly go after Howard. Especially with the lefty-lefty match up.
the love affair continues with AJ because he wore it.. man you people are gullible. this is a #2 starter getting paid $18mill per, who is a crapshoot from start to start. he is 32, tremendous talent but needs his own personal catcher, pitches significantly poorer on the road and for every great start has a terrible start.
nah forget all the important stuff he said he let down the city, all is forgiven..
aj is a crapshoot, he is a cement head, and deserves no pass…i did not expect bob gibson i did expect 6 innings 3 runs or less, that is what he should have done. but no aj looked like he was scared, pettitte may fail tommorrow but it will not be because of any fear, fear of what???
aj deserves the scorn……….
I think the following players will not return next year:
Nady
Matsui
Bruney
Wang
Mitre
Molina
I HOPE the following players are on the roster in 2010:
Damon
Pettitte
Cervelli
Gaudin
Robertson
Melancon
We’ve seen these guys all get shelled in the playoffs in the past few years:
-CC
-AJ
-Beckett
-Kazmir
-AJ
-Hamels
-Cliff Lee (5 ER over 7 IP is a “shelling” for him)
That’s off the top of my head. The point is, it happens.
You people need to stop making excuses for A.J.
He stunk up the mound and it didn’t matter if it was 3 days rest or full rest the guy is all over the map. He has one good game then another bad one. He would have done the same thing in Game 6 and then all of you would be worried. A.J. can’t get the job done, this is the second time that he failed to close out a series.
Dr. Cox,
I thought we were talking in the context of the first inning yesterday?
But yeah, they’re going to have to tread very carefully. Nothing over the plate.
Francesa calling for a 9 out Mo save.
9 outs!
Talk about going for shock value. Gotta love Francesa. Mo is the only “sure thing” pitcher left. Forget about CC right? He’s no good. So funny.
miggs-Just have a nice cold beer. We are winning this game tomorrow night. Enjoy!
Chien-ming Wang is not an option? We know that how?
“MLBONFOX Bob Klapisch: ‘Title hopes not so bright for #Yanks after Game 5’ http://j.mp/1cSSW8 #Yankees #Phillies”
How do they have jobs???? That line right there is their job description. They are supposed to question the Yankees. The media, and I noticed this all the time with Pete’s questions, are meant to try and get in the Yankees heads. Why would you think that previous year is in the current Yankees, even those who were not here then? Because the entire media, being anti-NY, has the goal of trying to put the pressure on them in hopes they fail.
From what I have seen though, these 3 guys, Sam Chad and Josh, even if one or all of them are Yanks fans, are absolutely unbiased and provide great information. They also do not seem to be trying to stir up memories of a previous year.
And I’m talking to the people who claim that the 3 days rest hurt A.J.
the point is it happens with AJ at a much higher rate then other suppose aces…
really who is suprisd he wet the bed???
if Beckett wet the bed you would be suprised, if cc does you will be suprised with AJ no one is suprised…
he deserves no props he wet the bed, the guy is 32, talks a big game but came up miniscule……….
Guys.. Lets shake off last nights loss . We lost. no need in replayng it. Lets learn from our mistakes and move on.
We’ll get’em tommorow !
Francesa calling for a 9 out Mo save.
==========================
Did Francesa forget to drink his diet coke this morning?
9 outs for Mo?? Oh brother
betsy, my response was on the last thread re: Jeter…i’ll try to repost later.
I’m not excusing his performance. Just saying move on…
im in class. whats francessa saying ?
Dr Cox,
I’m not a big fan of putting people on in the post-season. I’d rather they earn their way on base because baserunners are precious in post-season games.
They have to do a better job of moving Utley’s feet and not have him so comfortable in the box.
The Phillies are doing it with Arod. The Yankees need to do the same with Utley.
Trader,
One thing about Girardi. He’s stubborn, almost to a fault.
He gets something in his head and he seems to feel the need to force it in order to work. Its why he overmanaged against Anaheim and why (IMO) he went too far with the AJ-Molina pairing.
He’s a first time post-season manager learning how to do it on the biggest stage in baseball. Not easy.
I am hoping the veterans, Jeter, Damon, Arod, Andy, Mariano, etc, take it out of his hands.
Frankly, its in the veterans hands right now to finish the job.
Girardi has done a very good job this year. I think its up to the players to finish the deal and keep Girardi from his biggest enemy in the next day or two……himself.
Doreen,
I don’t know if AJ’s meltdowns will affect the Yankees thinking re: Wang. I believe he’s going to get non-tendered because they don’t want 5 million+ dollars tied up on a guy who may not pitch until mid-season and they have no idea how he will recover from this latest surgery.
I do think they will kick the tires on John Lackey for several reasons:
1. They will have serious money coming off the books again and can be creative if they want to.
2. They know he can pitch on the big stage and succeed. Especially with a better bullpen behind him.
3. AJ’s meltdowns. Basically, he’s a #4 starter production-wise. That ain’t good considering they are paying him 16+ million per year.
4. The unknown with Chamberlain. Even though he gave up the HR the other night, he threw the ball better in that appearance than he has since Mid-July.
I think there is going to be a LOT of talk internally about what to do with him in the off-season.
I will be surprised if both he and Hughes are in the rotation next year. Just a gut feeling from asking around but, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Phil in the rotation next year and Joba in the pen being groomed to be the future closer.
hughes appeared to right his ship last night, robertson has pitched well all playoffs all you got to do is look at his #’s, joba is fair ,and mo is off the wall.
the phillies pen is a disaster area compared to the yanks.
phil coke, bruney, gaudin those are mop up guys………..
the yanks will win tommorrow but would have won last night if aj was a man a pitched with the heart that pettitte does……
Doesn’t matter whether AJ has 3,4,5 or however many days between stars. When he is not “on” he will give up runs, walks and cannot stop the bleeding. 6 runs given up.
With Andy and CC they can tough it out when they do not have their good stuff. They can limit the damage, AJ cannot. But the Yankees knew what they were getting when they signed AJ. Now they have to live with it.
Yankees will win the Series. Yankees pitching staff is better than the Phillie staff.
“Dr. Cox,
I thought we were talking in the context of the first inning yesterday?
But yeah, they’re going to have to tread very carefully. Nothing over the plate”
M,
No in that context I agree with you. You never walk someone to put the bases loaded with no outs.
However, the way Utley has been killing us, even lefties, I wouldnt be THAT upset if it happened.
Its so awful that this one man is the reason we dont have a ring yet. Think about it. HE is the soul reason.
By pitching AJ yesterday Girardi put 2 games in danger instead of just one. The right move was to pitch Gaudin yesterday and have AJ ready for game 6. Even if AJ pitched bad then you could have Andy come out of the bullpen on 3 days rest. He is really putting Andy in a tough spot here. I know everyone has faith in Andy but he is only going to be as good as the stuff he brings out to the mound. Like he said the other day my experience doesn’t mean anything if my stuff isn’t there the day I pitch.
No, Larry David is a Yankee fan (always has been). Jerry Seinfeld is the Yankee Hater.
——
Really? I thought he was a Dodgers guy. My bad.
SJ44, you have wisdom that few have on this forum.
“Looking at average is looking in the wrong place. Teix has been jumping a little at the plate, but he has gotten monumentally big hits.”
Correct me if I’m wrong, but only the hit against the Twins was a game the Yanks eventually won. I agree those hits are better than singles with two outs and nobody on (no offense, Damon), but they’re not monumental hits. A HR last night would have been a monumental hit if the Yanks then went on to win the WS.
Regarding Utley, they absolutely need to bust him in and up a bit. They do that and it avoids him getting anything to hit that well.
I think Cano is moving back toward the stance he had when he struggled last season. In some at bats he looks like he is just standing there with no intention of swinging at the first two pitches. (I think he was told not to). The other thing is he is going into that over turn load up where you can see his numbers. His stance had been changed to keep him from doing that, it might not be as much as before, but it is more than we had been seeing through most of this season.
Regarding the concern over the number of visits, there will be a need to be able to have a team that is concerned with the other team stealing signs. The Phillies have been investigated a couple of times for this, so it seems to be part of their culture to feel it is OK to cheat (stealing signs using methods other than just picking them up, or seeing signs when on base).
I can’t see why people are ripping so much on AJ. Short rest wasn’t his problem. In fact, most of his short rest starts are better than his usual games. I think that is from him not being overly strong. AJ has shown all year that he is like the little girl with the curls. (Taken from ESPN radio). When he’s good he is very very good, but when he is bad…
He was bad last night. My thoughts are “what else is new”? He is Forest Gump’s box of chocolates. If the Yankees can ever figure out how to get that straightened out I feel sorry for the opposition.
Pettitte on short rest is a question, but I think he will be able to go deep enough in the game to keep the Yankees in it. Last year he had shoulder troubles, but I haven’t seen any of that issue creep up this year. Its his last start of the season, possibly his career if he decides to retire. He will empty the tank.
I think Pedro can still be tough. His pitches vary enough in speed, even the same pitches he throws have different velocity. The Yankee bats seemed to catch on to him, and given that this is the second time seeing him this series could make his outing that much more difficult.
I hope the Yankees spend today working with Teixeira. Maybe they can do some live BP with him being pitched to by Edwar. Get him seeing the change up better might help him to stop swinging at balls.
Betsy,
Where was I after game 2? I don’t ever post here. But I would have been congratulating AJ for doing his job, and doing it well. The point is, and it has been made, that pitchers as good as AJ cannot afford to have their bad outings result in 2 IP, 6 earned, 4 walks..especially in the World Series. There is just absolutely no excuse for it. Joe Blanton was not good, he faced the yankees, and still put up a line 100x better than AJ. That just isn’t acceptable. There has to be a happy medium. And Burnett has not shown the ability to stop having games like this more regularly than other very good pitchers. And for him to do it in the World Series is just unfathomable to me.
This is a good post–nice insights into the clubhouse. Inject some dry humor/sarcasm once in a while. That will make this blog more fun to read.