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The workout story: Yanks confident behind Pettitte in Game 6

Josh Thomson
November
3

The Yankees are on the field, loosening for one or two more games at Yankee Stadium. They’re all here, and all say they are emboldened by taking the field tomorrow night behind Andy Pettitte — even on short rest.

A great deal of Joe Girardi’s press conference today dealt with Pettitte. The 37-year-old last started on short rest in 2006, when he made three starts on three days of rest. Before that? 2001, or when he was in his 20s.

In fact, Pettitte last started on normal rest on Sept. 5. He has made every start the last two months on five days rest or more. Still, Girardi has faith in baseball’s winningest postseason pitcher. He tried to identify why Pettitte can pitch well on three days rest, and you can hear his explanation in the audio file:

Here are a few other notes:

• Girardi expressed a willingness to pitch Mariano Rivera multiple innings in Game 6. “Hopefully we don’t need it, but whatever I have to do, whatever it takes to win the game,” Rivera said. “It’s a big game for us tomorrow and I have to be ready for it.” Rivera also said he thought he was capable of pitching multiple innings in both Game 6 and 7 if need be.

• Girardi also added no insight into who will play right field tomorrow. He said the coaches hadn’t looked at tomorrow’s lineup yet. Of course, Jerry Hairston Jr. started there last time the club faced Pedro Martinez, Game 2, but Hairston (10 for 27 lifetime vs. Pedro) told me he has received no indication either way. Nick Swisher (0 for 2) and Eric Hinske (8 for 30, HR, 7 RBI) are the other options. “I’m always prepared to play,” Hairston said.

• Brett Gardner said he jarred his lower back when he slammed into the wall during Game 5. He momentarily lost his breath but said he feels perfectly fine now. When Swisher met him in center after the fall last night, he changed the mood. “I thought I was going to die for about three or four seconds,” Gardner said. “Then I felt like I was fine. By the time Swisher got over there he was joking with me, saying I just wanted to get on TV. That lifted my spirits a little bit.”

• CC Sabathia said he felt strong already and would be ready for a Game 7. He again repeated that extra rest down the stretch has left him in solid position to pitch every fourth day. “I’ll be ready,” he said.

• Pettitte will talk in about 15 minutes (the schedule changed). I’ll have audio from him in a bit.

UPDATE, 5:10 p.m.: Pettitte talked for about 10 minutes. He obviously focused on pitching on short rest and trying to close out another series. “Man, I don’t remember the last time I pitched on short rest,” Pettitte said.

Here’s the full audio:

Also, I made a mistake earlier. Before ‘06, Pettitte last pitched on short rest in Game 2 of the 2003 World Series. He was terrific, pitching 8 2/3 innings of one-run ball to beat the Marlins 6-1. Pettitte didn’t allow an earned run and surrendered just six hits. Here’s the game.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 4:36 pm by Josh Thomson.
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235 Responses to “The workout story: Yanks confident behind Pettitte in Game 6”

  1. Ninja Burglar

    Whoops!

  2. CR9

    Andy + Mo + a fair CCT Joe West = 27

  3. Josh Thomson

    Ninja…Not sure what happened. As you can imagine, I didn’t take the picture sideways.

    In any event, it’s gone.

  4. Ninja Burglar

    Lol, sorry i jumped on you. :) You’re doing a great job!

  5. CR9

    Josh,

    You have remained 26 years old for quite some time. What is your secret? ;)

  6. Erin

    “I thought I was going to die for about three or four seconds,” Gardner said. “Then I felt like I was fine. By the time Swisher got over there he was joking with me, saying I just wanted to get on TV. That lifted my spirits a little bit.”

    ******************
    LOL. Leave it to Swish. :)

  7. Erica - always OPPC

    27 hours and 18 minutes until Game 6!!!!!!!

  8. Stultus Magnus

    Erica – always OPPC November 3rd, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    The secret is out….

    I am throwing the first pitch tomorrow night :-)

    ====================

    That’s ominous

  9. Erica - always OPPC

    (Repost)
    How come when the Red Sox sign a formerly great pitcher coming off an injury ridden and statistically bad year(s), they are praised as risk takers who know how to spot bargain contracts???

    Yet anyone who thinks the Yanks should consider signing CMW is an idiot?

  10. Erica - always OPPC

    Stultus Magnus
    November 3rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
    Erica – always OPPC November 3rd, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    The secret is out….

    I am throwing the first pitch tomorrow night

    ====================

    That’s ominous

    *******

    Stop being jealous they didn’t ask you :-)

  11. #9

    Girardi should rest Damon tomorrow.

  12. Carl

    #9 November 3rd, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    Girardi should rest Damon tomorrow.

    Alex also

  13. Erica - always OPPC

    #9
    November 3rd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
    Girardi should rest Damon tomorrow.

    *****

    Two thoughts-
    :evil: and :roll:

  14. Erin

    #9
    November 3rd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
    Girardi should rest Damon tomorrow.

    ***************
    Why, exactly?

  15. joeman

    they have no choice but Gardner is a AAA player at best, with all his speed why not bunt every time up at least he has a shot of beating it out,also he never walks

  16. Yankee Trader

    You can study Pettitte’s situational stats this year and back to 2004. I’ll be happy if Andy gets thru his two toughest innings-first and fifth and gives us five solid innings with a commanding lead!

    http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/p…../2009/7976

  17. Jeremy

    I still can’t believe that Joe West will be behind homeplate in Game 6. After all the bad umps this season and postseason they allow Joe West to be a part of the crew.

  18. Darrin

    How about resting Mo, too? Let’s let Bruney close.

  19. #9

    Erin – the ‘rest Damon’ is a joke – refering to a decision Girardi made earlier in season.

  20. JasonR

    “How come when the Red Sox sign a formerly great pitcher coming off an injury ridden and statistically bad year(s), they are praised as risk takers who know how to spot bargain contracts???”

    I assume you’re talking about Smoltz. That’s basically because Smoltz is a big Hall of Fame name and because Peter Gammons said it 100,000 times and he’s the most respected reporter in baseball.

  21. Yankee Trader

    Stultus Magnus
    November 3rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
    Erica – always OPPC November 3rd, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    The secret is out….

    I am throwing the first pitch tomorrow night
    ——————————————-

    I think he meant to say ” I am throwing up, if the first pitch is hit out for a homer!”

  22. Paco Dooley

    Another example of why Swish is good for this team. Last year’s team was dour, this year’s team has a much better mood, and he is a big part of that.

  23. Erin

    #9
    November 3rd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
    Erin – the ‘rest Damon’ is a joke – refering to a decision Girardi made earlier in season.

    ******************
    That’s good. I was hoping you weren’t serious! :)

  24. Erica - always OPPC

    I have a great idea. Lets use this line up:

    Garnder CF
    Pena SS
    Tex 1B
    Damon DH (I have to put MPB in the line up)
    Hinske LF
    Molina C
    Cano 2B (he needs the batting practice)
    Swisher RF
    Hairston 3B

  25. joeman

    if Pedro in fact pitches, I say he’s lucky to see the 4th inning

  26. Yankee Trader

    Someone fill me in [refresh my memory] why Joe West behind home plate is a bad idea!

  27. CountryClub

    When Andy came back to NY in 2007, this is the game we were all hoping he’d get a chance to pitch. He’ll get the job done.

  28. joeman

    Erica – always OPPC November 3rd, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    I have a great idea. Lets use this line up:

    Garnder CF
    Pena SS
    Tex 1B
    Damon DH (I have to put MPB in the line up)
    Hinske LF
    Molina C
    Cano 2B (he needs the batting practice)
    Swisher RF
    Hairston 3B

    not a chance how does Gardner ever get on base

  29. Stultus Magnus

    Erica – always OPPC November 3rd, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    Stultus Magnus
    November 3rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
    Erica – always OPPC November 3rd, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    The secret is out….

    I am throwing the first pitch tomorrow night

    ====================

    That’s ominous

    *******

    Stop being jealous they didn’t ask you :-)

    ==============

    Just try to throw it more than 10 feet.

    Don’t bounce it 20 times.

  30. Erica - always OPPC

    Yankee Trader
    November 3rd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
    Stultus Magnus
    November 3rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
    Erica – always OPPC November 3rd, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    The secret is out….

    I am throwing the first pitch tomorrow night
    ——————————————-

    I think he meant to say ” I am throwing up, if the first pitch is hit out for a homer!”

    ********

    Relax, the first pitch is ceremonial. There’s no batter. Besides, I am 100% certain that if I pitched from the mound the ball would never reach the plate. Maybe halfway if I try very hard.

    I sort of throw like a girl :-(

  31. SJ44

    Rest his hottest hitter beside Arod? LOL, that’s pretty funny.

  32. Stultus Magnus

    Like I said…

  33. m

    What the heck’s going on with Ninja, Josh, and pictures?

    Inquiring minds!

    lol@Swisher. Only he would say such a thing. Well, maybe Damon or Jeter.

  34. mick

    Andy-Pedro, what drama. Like an old movie.

  35. Darrin

    I’ve watch a lot of games this year with Joe West behind the plate.

    Something to look for — he seems to be very generous with the called strike on the outside corner to lefties, but NOT on the outside corner to righties. Hopefully, he has corrected this flaw, but we’ll see.

  36. JasonR

    “Someone fill me in [refresh my memory] why Joe West behind home plate is a bad idea!”

    He calls a wide strike zone which helps Pedro.

  37. Jeff NJ

    A Rod is working too hard, he needs Wed off to get ready for game 7!! We should concede game 6 and worry about being in the best position for game 7!!

  38. 7789

    I would have Swisher in right tommorow this is game 6 just go with a normal lineup. They already had a weird lineup in game 5.

    Jeter
    Damon
    Teixeira
    A-Rod
    Matsui
    Posada
    Cano
    Swisher
    Gardner

    No way Pedro will survive past 4-5 innings.

  39. joeman

    if West was behind the plate for a CC – Lee game it would be over in less than 2hrs

  40. NYY626

    Erica – always OPPC
    November 3rd, 2009 at 4:50 pm
    I have a great idea. Lets use this line up:

    Garnder CF
    Pena SS
    Tex 1B
    Damon DH (I have to put MPB in the line up)
    Hinske LF
    Molina C
    Cano 2B (he needs the batting practice)
    Swisher RF
    Hairston 3B
    ____________________________________________________________
    I like this lineup! Eventhough Jeter has the highest batting average in the playoffs, all he does is hit into DP’s! He’s gotta be benched tomorrow so he think about how he failed. We all know Posada is just flat out terrible. Him and Jete can chit chat on the bench cause they’re pretty much useless on the field. And Arod will more than likely fail miserably in the biggest spot of his life.

  41. mick

    andy is so relaxed in his presser.

    not like AJ “I want the ball again” Burnett.

  42. 100 pitches of fun...

    Andy: “I know I felt terrible the other night and I was on 6 days rest” …Ouch

  43. Scared of the Wall

    These reporters are so silly: “David Cone used to say when he was facing Pedro it was always on his mind that someone that good was pitching on the other side. Is Pedro on your mind?”

    Pedro Martinez was in his prime when Cone was pitching against him. He was absolutely dominant and was probably the best pitcher in baseball. Pedro is a shell of his former shelf, and while still a decent pitcher, he’s not nearly as intimidating as he was 10 years ago.

  44. Erica - always OPPC

    I am leaving work now.

    Don’t forget to go vote!!!!

  45. Tom in N.J.

    Well, my girlfriend has the swine flu (stupid germ infested 1st graders).

    Guess I’ll be getting soon.

  46. betsy

    Sounds like our boys are in the right frame of mind. I just hate that an apparently awful ump is behind the plate and could easily determine the outcome of the game. The Yankees always seem to get the short end of the stick…

  47. homas

    Does anyone have the answer to why there was not a pinch runner for matsui in the 9??? Could have hit and run and kept out of double play with jeter.

  48. Nick in SF in Vallejo

    16 postseason wins vs. 1 is an imperfect but valid comparison.

    The pitcher with the single win hasn’t had as many opportunies but he also doesn’t have nearly the wealth of experience as the pitcher with the 16 wins.

    Now it may very well be that 10 years from now Andy will be long retired with 16+ wins and then it would be silly to compare starting him vs some young fireballer.

    But since the comparison was between Andy today and AJ today, the point is well made.

  49. trisha - OPPC forever - (new lucky picture from last day at the old Stadium) BRING ON THE GHOSTS!

    mick, in all fairness, Andy has been there done that, many many times. This is AJ’s first postseason. Smart money isn’t criticizing him too harshly or decided that he’s worthless because he was less than perfect. (not saying you did that. But some are.)

    “It’s the manager’s job to put players in a position to succeed and avoid purposely putting them in position where they are likely to fail. AJ was far more effective any way you want to cut it at Yankee Stadium this year than he was on the road. When you add in pitching Burnett on 3 days rest for the first time all year, it was less than surprising that he failed.”

    Drive 4-5 – I wasn’t around when you posted this but I hope you’re around now because this is the kind of lucid argument that is so often missing here. This is totally on point.

    “AJ was far more effective any way you want to cut it at Yankee Stadium this year than he was on the road.”

    Just wanted to post that again for anyone who needed to read it yet a fourth time to get it.

    Funny that it usually isn’t rocket science to talk about pitchers who pitch better at home as opposed to on the road, and vice versa.

  50. Nick in SF in Vallejo

    Tom: ouch, I hpe she gets well and you stay well.

  51. GreenBeret7

    Tom in N.J.
    November 3rd, 2009 at 5:01 pm
    Well, my girlfriend has the swine flu (stupid germ infested 1st graders).

    Guess I’ll be getting soon.

    ————————————————————

    So when she called you a pig for breaking wind and belching at the dinner table, she was right, huh? she got it from you.

    Sorry to hear about her catching such a nasty desease, Tom. Hope she recovers well and fast. Best wishes to her and you.

  52. zmaster!

    Homas: You really want to hit & run with jeter up???
    if the runner gets thrown out what good is that?
    Jeter hits one… & then ur down 1 run.. no sense in doing that

  53. Nick in SF in Vallejo

    If anyone has proof that AJ couldn’t get out of the 3rd inning last night because he pitched on the road, this would be a great time to post it.

  54. #9

    Mariano should start tomorrows game – then we’ll all feel more confident.

  55. homas

    you really want matsui runnning around the bases as the tying run??? First and third no outs, why not use Pena there?

  56. BJK

    homas
    November 3rd, 2009 at 5:10 pm
    you really want matsui runnning around the bases as the tying run??? First and third no outs, why not use Pena there?

    ————————————————–

    Matsui wasn’t the tying run. Jeter was.

    If Matsui were the tying run, you pinch run pena so he can hopefully score on a ball in the gap.

    Pena wasn’t going to be fast enough to break up that double play.

  57. Tom in N.J.

    Thanks Nick and GB.

    I’m off to buy a humidifier and then take a bath in purell.

  58. Doreen

    Tom in NJ -

    Hope you girlfriend has a speedy recovery and that you stay uninfected.

  59. Scared of the Wall

    homas November 3rd, 2009 at 5:10 pm

    you really want matsui runnning around the bases as the tying run??? First and third no outs, why not use Pena there?

    ______________________________________________________

    Pena was our last guy off the bench.

    If the game went into extras, the pitcher would have to bat. Having zero bench players in extra innings at an NL park is a disaster waiting to happen.

  60. Jerome Ave

    hey where is that pat m guy. he saod last week that there was no way the yankees would go with burnett and pettite on 3 days rest. never shows up when he is wrong. just like all the other know it alls.

  61. iiicollies

    Mariano should start tomorrows game – then we’ll all feel more confident.

    Has Mo been cloned yet? We really should be ready for 2012.

  62. Scared of the Wall

    Francesa is screaming at Sweeny…. Sweeny should hang up.

  63. Wave Your Hat

    Just for the record:

    All American League pitchers, 2009:

    Home ERA: 4.20
    Road ERA: 4.74

    AJ, Career:

    Home ERA: 3.45
    Road ERA: 4.22

    AJ, 2009:

    Home ERA: 3.51
    Road ERA: 4.59

    So, basically, the average American league pitcher is half a run better at home. On a career basis, AJ has been about three-quarters of a run better at home. This year he’s been a run better at home.

    I don’t think you can conclude anything from these numbers other than AJ is better than the average AL pitcher. His home-road splits are a little more extreme than the average AL pitcher, but not dramatically more so.

  64. Cam

    How many outs can mo really be expected to get?

  65. JRod

    I would love to see Sweeny Murti’s face right now

  66. #9

    Hearing Francesca & Sweeny argue reminds me of a scene of ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’…

  67. PittsburghYankeeFan

    What a way to end an awful postseason for the umps–Country Joe West.

    Just perfect.

  68. Scared of the Wall

    This is some great entertainment right now… Sweeny is calling Francesa out “you’ve wanted Joba to be in this spot all year long and now you don’t want him there” “how do you know your right while my opinion is wrong”

  69. Brawny Lad

    betsy

    The Yankees always seem to get the short end of the stick…

    _____________________________________________

    It’s true. Persecuted and oppressed.

  70. Heyya

    What is the argument at hand with Sweeny and Francesca?

  71. Nick in SF in Vallejo

    So AJ Burnett is better than the average American League road pitcher.
    Interesting fact.

  72. CR9

    CCT Joe West is your typical dirtbag umpire. He thinks that umpires are a part of baseball, a part worth recognizing. He feels that umpires should be noticed. He gives 29 teams’ pitchers outside pitches for called strikes. He does not give the Yankees that same pitch.

    I will gladly be wrong, I truly hope I am wrong, but if this sad excuse for a human being takes over a World Series Game 6 (with bad calls of any kind or against one or both teams), then there is something truly wrong with him.

  73. Jeremy

    Mo can pitch 2 innings but 3 innings is crazy.

  74. #9

    “What is the argument at hand with Sweeny and Francesca?”

    Basically Francesca insisting he’s right & Sweeny using logic against his arguments.

  75. Bronx Jeers

    Girardi’s a total tool for pitching AJ yesterday.

    I mean first off Mars is currently in the house of Leo which is bad enough but combined with the fact that yesterday was the 10th day of Scorpious.

    And AJ’s a freakin Capricorn! Of course he was going to bomb!

    I mean hello!!!! Earth to Girardi? Anybody home?

  76. Heyya

    I looked up Joe West on Wikipedia, and it says he is a singer? Like seriously? He also invented the chest protector? He also acted in a movie? Is this all for real?

  77. Nick in SF in Vallejo

    :lol:

  78. Bob(the original)

    Don’t start whining about umps.

    West is an awful umpire, but it has nothing to do with anti Yankee bias.

    You people sound like such idiots when you whine about that kind of garbage.

  79. Heyya

    #9,

    I stopped watching Mike a year ago because all he did was yell at people on the phone, even if they had good arguments. When I first got into baseball and listened to Mike and Chris, and all they did was turn down any ideas, never saying it was a good idea. Always saying it was “stupid!”. What a joke.

  80. JasonR

    “I looked up Joe West on Wikipedia, and it says he is a singer? Like seriously? He also invented the chest protector? He also acted in a movie? Is this all for real?”

    The sun also sets in him.

  81. Scared of the Wall

    Francesa is insisting that Mariano MUST pitch 3 innings or Girardi will get fired.

    Sweeny is saying you have to have more confidence in your bullpen than that, and that for Mo to pitch 3 innings is a daunting task.

    Francesa is being his usual bullheaded self, refusing to entertain the fact that Sweeny has a different opinion than him. He is being really disrespectful to Sweeny, like he is with most of his caller: cutting him off, yelling, interrupting him.

  82. indy42

    did anybody notice the muse song “Uprising” playing in the background of Andy’s audio?

    …strange…

  83. Heyya

    I’m shocked it’s not a caller calling up and suggesting Mo go 3, and having Mike yell at them. Surprisingly enough, it’s Mike making the ludicrous suggestion.

  84. KF

    Erica,

    I just saw this and thought you might be interested :)

    Heyman: Yanks may be willing to offer Damon two years
    By Mike Axisa of RAB

    Via MLBTR, Jon Heyman mentions that the Yankees “were believed willing to go for two years and $16 million” for Johnny Damon, but that was before the postseason. Damon’s recent heroics surely have bumped up his price just a bit. Regardless, two guaranteed years for Damon is nuts because just a week or so ago he looked fried amidst a two-month long slump. The Yanks would be wise to limit their offer to one guaranteed year, with an option, to not only reduce risk but to maintain roster flexibility beyond 2010.

  85. Ninja Burglar

    M,

    The picture originally at the top of the post was sideways. :) It was a far-away shot of the team taking the field for practice earlier today.

  86. Darrin

    Why is it ludicrous for Mo to come into the game in the 7th inning?

    Say the Yanks lead 5-2 after 6? Mo comes in for the 7th – ballgame over, World Series over.

  87. Scared of the Wall

    These reporters continue to feed Pedro’s ego by asking ridiculous questions… comparing him to Babe Ruth? Come on..

  88. randy l.

    pedro on mlbn

    what a piece of work.

    the yankees got to lee the second time around.

    hopefully they get to pedro the same way they did with lee.

    yankees can beat him.

  89. Boston Dave - ONE win til 27

    I dont think pitching AJ on short rest was a problem.

    The problem was leaving him in once it was obvious he didn’t have it tonight.

    He barely threw the curveball and I can’t remember him landing any in the strikezone.

    When Coke came in, I told everyone in my section that it was an absolutely horrible move by Girardi.

    Coke is a flyball pitcher and Utley and Ibanez are solid hitters against lefties. Only Howard struggles against lefties.

    Needless to say, I looked like a genius.

    a sad genius :(

  90. betsy

    Mick, I know AJ pitched terribly, but the guy did want the ball. Why pick on his press conference? What did you want him to say?

  91. Heyya

    Mo going 2 innings is a stretch in my eyes, and that makes me nervous enough, I can’t imagine him going 3 innings.

    Just because Mo is dominant for 1 inning, or even 2 for that matter, doesn’t mean he is going to be just as dominant for 3 innings. If he can be just as good for 3, than why not pitch him 4 innings? Shorten the game up even more. If he was to go that long, he might as well just start, and we all know how that went in the beginning of his career. There’s a reason he isn’t starting.

    Mo is untested going 3 innings, and a potential World Series game, I don’t feel like is a good way to test it. I say go for matchups in the 7th, and have Mo in for the 8th/9th.

    If the Yankees were to lead 5-2 in the 7th, if I were to be manager, Mo definitely WON’T be the one coming in.

  92. Boston Dave - ONE win til 27

    “the yankees got to lee the second time around.

    hopefully they get to pedro the same way they did with lee.

    yankees can beat him.”

    ————

    I think seeing Pedro for the 2nd time in 5 days will be a huge advantage for NY.

    Andy will be at a small disadvantage as well but I think Andy is on his game right now and can go 6IP/3R.

  93. Wait till the World Series

    Absolutely you let Mo go maybe not three, but for 8 outs, definitely. We win, remember, it’s over, and even in the worst case scenario and Mo blows it, Philly’s pen is awful.

    We will win because we have more reliable pitchers than Philly; for those keeping score that’s one (Mariano) to none.

    Mo is the lone constant in a sea of variables.

  94. Adam

    “These reporters continue to feed Pedro’s ego by asking ridiculous questions… comparing him to Babe Ruth? Come on..”

    I mean he is one of the best pitchers of all-time. Dude deserves to have an ego.

  95. betsy

    Mike is a putz, he really is. I don’t care much for Sweeney, but he always stands his ground with Mike and I do love that. What is Mike saying, that he wishes Joba were a starter now? I’ve no idea as I refused to listen to him all day. The man is insane, INSANE, if he thinks Joe is (or should) push a near 40 year old 3 innings. That might be the stupidest thing he’s ever said and he’s said quite a few stupid things. The only one Francesca is more disrespectful to than Sweeney is Cash…..or, maybe, his callers.

  96. champ809

    i really hope the Yanks come to their senses and let Damon go….

  97. Wait till the World Series

    Mo has pitched three innings before. He’s done it a fair amount in extra inning games.

    You ride him until it gets to the point of rificulousness; three innings is not that point.

  98. Wait till the World Series

    I’m shocked at what you’re all saying…you absolutely push him three innings.

  99. randy l.

    “I think seeing Pedro for the 2nd time in 5 days will be a huge advantage for NY.”

    i’m think this too because they haven’t seen him in a while and now they know what he has at this point in his career.

    i’m not looking for a low scoring game. andy was all over the place last game but he somehow hung in there.

    chances are he’s better than last time, but all he has to do is pitch better than pedro.
    i think he can do it.

  100. Wave Your Hat

    I’d like the Yanks to be in a position to go after Carl Crawford at the end of next year. If they can give Damon a two year deal and still do that I wouldn’t be opposed to the Yanks signing Damon for 2 years.

  101. JasonR

    My guess in a 1 run game and the bullpen is struggling, we will see Rivera in the 7th inning.

  102. Stultus Magnus

    Mo is untested going 3 innings, and a potential World Series game, I don’t feel like is a good way to test it.

    =================

    ????

    2003 ALCS, Game 7

  103. Wait till the World Series

    I think the Rays are going to shell out the cash to get Crawford; I thik that’s why they shipped out Kazmir.

  104. rconn23

    A.J. pitched poorly because he has been an inconsistent starter his entire career.

    A good start, followed by a bad one was predictable – given the pitcher. He’s 32 years old and has been befuddling people his entire career – long before Jorge Posada told him to throw all those bad pitches:)

    If he has an inability to throw well on the road, then he is a tremendously flawed pitcher. Pure and simple. There is no excuse for that.

    He’s pitched really well in one of his postseason starts terrible in two and OK in the other two. He is what he is and the catcher makes no difference in that. He’s been the same his entire career in Florida and Toronto.

    That being said, it’s not fair to compare Burnett and Pettitte’s postseason stats when Pettitte has played for better teams and had many more opportunities to play in the postseason.

    Pettitte is a very good pitcher. Very good.

    However, this perception of him being a guy who really takes it to another level in the postseason is not true. The numbers say he’s been virtually the same guy he’s been during the regular season – very good and very consistent.

    When the sample size becomes larger players are what the back of their baseball card says they are.

    Jeter is thought of as a postseason monster. But he’s virtually the same player that’s he’s been in the regular season – which is of course terrific.

    If Andy pitches like the back of his baseball card, the Yankees should be sitting pretty tomorrow night.

  105. randy l.

    is chad gaudin going to pitch ever ?

    kind of a waste of a roster spot.

  106. Stultus Magnus

    A 1-run game at home, we will not see Rivera in the 7th.

  107. mick

    Boston Dave–

    I told you to try for game 6 or 7.

  108. JasonR

    “????

    2003 ALCS, Game 7″

    Mo’s single best performance ever. Plus that was against a Boston team that had seen lot of him.

  109. Bronx Jeers

    There’s absolutely nothing to worry about with Cowboy Joe West.

    Andy’s a Texan! They’re probably cousins or something.

  110. Heyya

    Do you have his stats on 3 inning games? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him pitch 3 innings in a game before. I haven’t ever seen Mo tire out in a game, and I really don’t want a World Series game to be the first. 9 outs is a huge task to ask Mo to do.

    I’m not saying he can’t pitch 3 perfect innings, we all know he has the ability, but it’s a risk nonetheless. A risk I don’t take because I rather patch up the 7th.

    I just feel, if there’s a lefty in the inning, than Marte can definitely get them out, and I have plenty of faith in Robertson getting at least one out without giving up a hit. That’s 2 outs right there. THAN I feel comfortable getting Mo in.

  111. peteg9699

    Heyya. please fact check before Making statements. Mo is untested going three innings? Forget game 7 in 2003 alcs that quickly? think those were pretty hard innings he for through.

  112. rconn23

    “Mo is untested going 3 innings, and a potential World Series game, I don’t feel like is a good way to test it.”

    Game 7 vin 2003 versus the Red Sox. He pitched three scoreless and was brilliant against one the of the best lineups of the decade.

  113. Adam

    If the 7th inning proves to be the highest leverage situation in Game 6 (like it was in Game 5 of the ALCS) then I have no problem with Joe bringing in Mariano in and riding him for as long as he appear effective.

  114. Doreen

    Guys – WAY off topic, but I got this catalog in the mail today, and I’m thinking of getting this for my husband for Christmas:

    http://www.brookstone.com/MLB-.....rchResults|C4CategoryProdList1FDT|7835137

  115. Scared of the Wall

    “Mo has pitched three innings before. He’s done it a fair amount in extra inning games.”

    __________________________________________________________

    I’m not so sure of a “fair amount,” but the last time he did it was in the 2006 season. The last time in the postseason was the infamous Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS.

    Maybe if it’s a 1-run game he pitches 3 innings. It really depends on the circumstance.

  116. Heyya

    I don’t mind bringing in Mo in the 8th, than let’s say he looks good despite giving up the tying run, than leaving him in the for 10th. But to EXPECT him to go 3 innings, from the beginning, it’s a tough decision to make, in my opinion.

  117. mick

    Mick, I know AJ pitched terribly, but the guy did want the ball. Why pick on his press conference? What did you want him to say?

    Betsy
    I just think he is a blowhard. He likes to portray great confidence, which I think he lacks.

  118. Adam

    “is chad gaudin going to pitch ever ?
    kind of a waste of a roster spot.”

    He’s on the roster in case one of the 3 starter can’t pitch and for no other reason. It makes sense for security.

  119. Enough Pitching Changes

    You know I am not sure if aj should have pitched on three days rest..but let’s look at the postives:

    You got game 6 and 7 with andy and cc..yes they are short rest but I find them more andy more reliable than AJ..plus with no more aj NO MORE MOLINA…it will be the yankee line-up that we know and love..I like Andy battles and gets through 6 innings about 4 runs…yanks score about 6-8 off pedro..yanks win going away….the big difference between andy and AJ..andy can get by when his stuff is “subpar” he can figure out a way..When AJ does not have his stuff..he gets killed..He just is not a “bulldog” type pitcher..He needs everything perfect to pitch well: his own catcher, his best stuff..etc.

  120. Heyya

    Adam,

    My problem with that, is what if he looks ineffective in the beginning of the 9th? No way would Joe take him out for anyone else, and rightfully so. That’s the risk we are taking.

  121. pat

    “Swisher and Cano taking extra BP right now. Kevin Long is flipping balls to them from behind a screen. He’s about 35 ft away. — JT”

    See, he’s not lazy and he does care. :wink:

  122. Josh Thomson

    Rivera has pitched three innings or more twice in his postseason career: The aforementioned 2003 ALCS, Game 7, and in his first-ever outing, Game 2 of the 1995 ALDS.

  123. Wait till the World Series

    It absolutely depends on the circumstance. No “one size fits all” answer.

    I mean, if he looks ineffective, take him. You’re getting him, in the end, for the same number of high leverage innings, just at different points in the game. Then if he DOES look effective, you’ve just taken out the variables and that crumbling “bridge”. I’d do it if the situation called for it.

  124. Darrin

    Didn’t Mo get 8 outs for us in a game like 2 weeks ago??

  125. Cam

    Mike Francesa vs. Sweeny Murti on Mo pitching in the 7th was great

  126. trisha - OPPC forever - (new lucky picture from last day at the old Stadium) BRING ON THE GHOSTS!

    “I told you to try for game 6 or 7.”

    Me too, BD! Did you do a write up yet on your experience or is this your first post since you’ve returned. (I guess I could rove the state of RI, checking in every opportunity from different venues so that I could be sure to see all the posts but that would take me all of 50 minutes!) So if you wrote earlier I didn’t see it.

    Geeze BD, you came close to seeing something pretty amazing. How were your seats? And how were the Philly fans toward you? Are you happy you went?

  127. Get Yer Damn hands Off Of her!

    Charlie Manuel might be the nicest manager in the Majors, but jesus, he sounds like he has an IQ of 4.

  128. Wave Your Hat

    rconn23-

    The problem with the whole line of argument is that AJ does not have “an inability to pitch on the road”.

    In fact, he’s a good road pitcher – significantly better than the average AL pitcher on the road over his career, and slightly better than the average AL pitcher on the road this year.

    AJ is a very good pitcher at home – significantly better than the average AL pitcher at home over his career, and significantly better than the average AL pitcher at home this year.

    Don’t fall into the logical fallacy. The fact that AJ is an extremely good pitcher at home does not make him a bad pitcher on the road.

    Bottom line, AJ is better than the average pitcher on the road.

  129. Darrin

    Oh and one other thing – a ‘partially’ effective Mo is still the best we got.

  130. Adam

    “My problem with that, is what if he looks ineffective in the beginning of the 9th? No way would Joe take him out for anyone else, and rightfully so. That’s the risk we are taking.”

    The 9th inning isn’t some mythical thing. If we need two or three outs and have a 3 run lead then I’m pretty sure any of our pitchers can do it. I wouldn’t start Mo in the 7th, but if a situation emerges like Game 5 of the ALCS where 2 guys were on and we needed 1 out then you absolutely bring in your best reliever.

  131. Wait till the World Series

    A.J. said exactly what I wanted to hear at his press conference. I was unhappy with his pitching, but not his attitude.

  132. Bronx Jeers

    Guys – WAY off topic, but I got this catalog in the mail today, and I’m thinking of getting this for my husband for Christmas:
    ————————————————————–

    I think it’s a great idea Doreen.

    And if you need a nice grill to put under it, I know a guy you can talk to. Very good price!

    http://condodomain.com/blog/wp.....-grill.jpg

  133. rconn23

    Rivera is not going to pitch three innings in a Game 6. Game 7 would be a different story if the scenario presented itself.

    Torre threw Rivera out there for 3 in Game 7 in 2003 for three innings in a tie game at home. Rivera mowed through a tremendous lineup and was economical in doing so.

    That situation presents itself to Girardi in a potential Game 7, he would be foolish not to consider plugging Mo in for 3.

    As for tomorrow if the Yankees have a one or two run lead after 7 you will see Mo for two innings.

    You go all in with the greatest of all time – the safest possible gamble you can take.

  134. 100 pitches of fun...

    There is no chance Mo is coming into the 7th inning. That is way too much to ask of him. 8th inning definitely. You are setting him up to fail any earlier then that, the guy isn’t machine.

  135. mick

    mick, in all fairness, Andy has been there done that, many many times. This is AJ’s first postseason.

    Trisha
    ———————————–
    That’s why his false bravado sounds shallow to me.

  136. Joe from Long Island

    randy – I’m just a layperson here, but I had the exact same thought. It’s good to know that someone else, and with more knowledge, has the same thought.

    Andy just has to do better than Pedro. And if he can go long enough to get to Mo with a lead, so much the better.

  137. trisha - OPPC forever - (new lucky picture from last day at the old Stadium) BRING ON THE GHOSTS!

    Doreen – sweet gift! I actually liked the ChiSox one the best, design wise. Wait. Ozzie is rooting for the Phillies. Never mind.

    :)

  138. Wave Your Hat

    Mo has pitched more than two innings in the post-season exactly three times.

    The most recent was in game 7 of the 2003 ALCS – he went three innings.

    The other two were way back at the start of his career, 2.2 IP in game 2 of the 1996 ALDS, and 3.1 IP in game 2 of the 1995 ALDS.

    You can’t pitch Mo more than two innings unless it is game 7.

  139. Enough Pitching Changes

    The 9th inning isn’t some mythical thing. If we need two or three outs and have a 3 run lead then I’m pretty sure any of our pitchers can do it. I wouldn’t start Mo in the 7th, but if a situation emerges like Game 5 of the ALCS where 2 guys were on and we needed 1 out then you absolutely bring in your best reliever.

    to clinch a world series with the guys in our bullpen not named Mariano..it will be much harder then you might think..

  140. Enough Pitching Changes

    “You can’t pitch Mo more than two innings unless it is game 7.”

    agree…

  141. Wait till the World Series

    False bravado at least shows a willingness to want to help the team. That’s all I care about?

    Even if we lose, if Manuel pitches Hamels game 7 that may be the worst managerial move EVER. Swallow your pride and go to Lee on 3 days rest, Charlie…on the second thought, don’t.

  142. Scared of the Wall

    Get Yer Damn hands Off Of her! November 3rd, 2009 at 6:11 pm

    Charlie Manuel might be the nicest manager in the Majors, but jesus, he sounds like he has an IQ of 4.

    _________________________________________________________

    I lived in the South for a few years, but I have never heard a slow Southern drawl such as Charlie Manuel’s. He definitely must be from backwoods Appalachia.

  143. mick

    You can’t deny AJ has talent.

    It’s just that he doesn’t have the psychological make-up.

    Other pitchers that don’t have his talent make up for it with guile, smarts, whatever you want to call it.

    That is why Joe didn’t trust him to go game 6, full rest or not. Gaudin was a ruse, he had no intention of using him.

  144. Enough Pitching Changes

    at least AJ throws pies…that is earning this 82 million dollars..

  145. Heyya

    Even if Mo pitched 2 2/3 innings this postseason. What makes you think he can do even MORE of a daunting task with 3 innings than before? Than let’s say we are in the same situation next year, you want him to go 3 1/3 innings? You can’t keep pushing him until he falters, because every time Mo comes in, you KNOW it’s a big game. You can’t take risks like that, especially not as often as you all want.

    Mo is THE BEST at what he does, and what he does is close games, by pitching 1 inning. It doesn’t mean he is THE BEST 3 inning closer ever.

    I will not hate Girardi for bringing him in for 3 innings, but I would do otherwise, that’s all I’m saying.

  146. Enough Pitching Changes

    “Swallow your pride and go to Lee on 3 days rest, ” of course it would 2 days rest not three…

  147. KF

    Doreen November 3rd, 2009 at 6:06 pm

    Guys – WAY off topic, but I got this catalog in the mail today, and I’m thinking of getting this for my husband for Christmas:

    http://www.brookstone.com/MLB-…..rchResults|C4CategoryProdList1FDT|7835137

    A lite color might be tough to keep clean, otherwise if it fits with your grill measurements it sounds like your husband should enjoy it. He can show it off at a bbq party :)

  148. Wait till the World Series

    Game 6 is also a clinching game. In game 7, I don’t think you worry about how many innings or pitches he’s thrown beyond the point of human ability to pitch (like, if he throws 60 pitches and loses, THEN we’d probably only see him for 1 ining in game 7). But I don’t like the idea of Joba/Marte/whoever blowing the game in the 7th, and then in game 7 having no opportunity to go to Mo. You’ll be kicking yourself forever if that happens.

  149. Adam

    “It’s just that he doesn’t have the psychological make-up.”

    I love stuff like this. How many pitchers did you idiots run out of town because they didn’t “have the psychological make-up” only to see them succeed elsewhere?

  150. Get Yer Damn hands Off Of her!

    I personally trust Marte Hughes and Joba to get 4-5 outs with a 2 or 3 run lead.

    The blows the Phillies have dealt have been one off mistake home runs. They ahven’t run rallies on our relievers by any means in close games.

    I think Mariano should start the 8th, but not appear in the 7th with bases loaded and one out.

  151. mick

    False bravado at least shows a willingness to want to help the _team. That’s all I care about?
    –__

    ARE YOU ASKING ME OR TELLING ME.

  152. trisha - OPPC forever - (new lucky picture from last day at the old Stadium) BRING ON THE GHOSTS!

    “That’s why his false bravado sounds shallow to me.”

    mick, I think that’s just part of the drill. They all try to sound confident. I think his will come from having enough good experience so he can build on it. I’m willing to give him the “on the road, 3-days rest” pass all day long. That said, if he failed at the Stadium, I still wouldn’t turn on him. But there’s enough to question there that I give him the benefit of the doubt.

    Hey more experienced than him have melted down. Can’t be a lot of fun being the relative new kid on the block (i.e., the only one in the starting rotation who had never sniffed a postseason start.)

    It’s all good. He’s ours and we love him.

    Same with Robby, Phil Coke, and anyone else who hasn’t quite made the grade. That’s what the rest of the team is for – and obviously they’ve gotten the job done quite well. I would have to believe that rather than trashing and hating on any of their teammates, each of them can think back to a time when they were picked up by those teammates.

    They’re a lot more mature than their fans are, that’s for sure!

    :)

    :)

  153. Wait till the World Series

    Enough Pitching Changes-Ooohhh, math fail. My bad.

    All apologies to Charlie.

  154. Wait till the World Series

    Mick-Telling. Typo.

  155. mick

    go to Lee on 3 days rest,

    try 2 days, get facts straight

  156. 100 pitches of fun...

    Hopefully Andy can give them 5-6 good innings and then the only people we see out of the bullpen are Robertson, Joba and Marte. Hughes is ok for a batter or 2 but I dont trust him as much. Definitely no Aceves or Coke. Coke can get the ball again in spring training

  157. Wait till the World Series

    Again, I apologize for the math fail. You’re all 100% right, I messed up. Sorry.

  158. mick

    They all try to sound confident.

    Trish

    Not all. Andy and CC don’t sound like they have something to prove.

  159. charlestonchew

    Not signing Chien Ming Wang would be idiotic.

    Give him 2-3 years and 6-8 million and let’s get him back into top shape. He loves the Yanks and is a national hero.

    We can’t lose him. He’s young and still a dang good pitcher. Don’t forget that. If he gets correct rehab of his hips and legs, he’s going to be great again. You don’t give up and let some other team snatch him when he can clearly be fixed.

    Some people are ridiculous.

  160. CR9

    If you have a chance to win a World Series, anything is up for debate.

    If it was a 3 run lead, I would go with Mo in the 7th inning. If he gets you through the 8th inning without giving up a run, maybe in those 2 innings, your offense scores a run or 2. You could have a 3-5 run lead by the 9th. Then you definitely leave him in there for the 9th.

    I would not put him in the 7th inning if we were up by 1.

    I might if we were up by 2.

    This is the World Series. With a World Series for the taking, who better to take it than the greatest reliever in baseball history.

  161. Get Yer Damn hands Off Of her!

    Charlie Manuel is from Northfork, WV.

    A town as of the census of 2000, there were 519 people, 229 households, and 130 families residing in the town.

    Median household income is $16,544.

    The town also has a museum which has a variety of coal mining items.

    Yeah I guess that is backwoods. Nothing against WV or Manuel, he just doesn’t come across as the fastest pickel in the barrell !

  162. Scared of the Wall

    The biggest risk in bringing Mo in for a 3 inning save is his pitch count.

    Mariano threw 39 pitches in his 2 inning save in Game 2. I have the utmost confidence in Mo but I’d be lying to you if I said I wasn’t concerned with Mo coming in the 9th after throwing 40 pitches.

  163. trisha - OPPC forever - (new lucky picture from last day at the old Stadium) BRING ON THE GHOSTS!

    mick – I’m talking more the “newbies” to the postseason.

  164. Doreen

    Bronx Jeers -

    Got a grill and the very conservative black cover. I thought this would be fun, and it’s a decent price for a whimsical type of gift. They also have propane tanks with a team logo, but, ours is hidden inside a cabinet anyway, so what’s the point?

    :)

    —–
    To the Francessa/Sweeni argument, and Mo going 3.

    Does a team REALLY want to win at all costs? Meaning, do you use Mo for 3 Innings (which Girardi will not do) and not let any other reliever into the game? What kind of message does this send? I mean, it’ s not like once the season ends you never have to see these people again. These players, most of them, will be back next year and you’re depending on them to help gain a championship, again. Now, I think there’s a limit. I think players understand if you choose someone over you because they’re “hot” and you’re not, but I don’t think it goes over so well to bypass everyone and make Mo pitch in a situation he’s not done (3 innings!!!!).

  165. rconn23

    Wave,

    I’m not saying I agree with the logic that Burnett is incapable of pitching well on the road – and the numbers back that up.

    There is no Yankee player in recent memory though for which more excuses are made than A.J. Burnett.

    Instead of people admitting that he is what his career numbers say he is they give three excuses – Jorge Posada screws him up, he can’t pitch on the road, and Girardi put him in a bad situation.

    All three of those are implausible. Even if they were true – and they are not,- they aren’t acceptable “excuses” that should absolve a pitcher.

    Derek Jeter hits into a DP last night and people on this blog are ready to kill him, even after a brilliant season.

    Jorge Posada, according to a segment of people on this blog, suddenly can’t call pitches anymore even though he’s been the starting catcher for three World Series teams.

    On down the line proven players are constantly – lock and potential Hall of Famers – crucified on this blog – and the failures of an average pitcher who has accomplished nothing really of note in a nine-year career are blamed on everyone else accept the pitchrer himself.

    It’s illogical, and frankly, it’s indefensible.

  166. steveoh

    2003? 2002 was 6 years ago ffs. Mariano was 33, now he’s 39. Anyone who is around 40+ knows the difference. Mariano has been awesome throughout his career, but he is human. 2 innings now is postseason only, and is pushing it. He might be able to do 3, but I wouldn’t try it.

  167. Stan

    The floodgates will open early for Pedro and the Yankees will be looking for a fat cushion for Mariano to work with courtesy of the Phillie relievers that follow Pedro.

  168. steveoh

    2003* was 6 years ago… (post above)

  169. NYS

    new to this site.. But I think only 4 innings is what is required of Andy provided we are close. If Andy does that, we go with Hughes, Robertson, Marte, Joba, Ace etc. for innings 5 through 7 and give MO 8th and 9th.

  170. mick

    I love stuff like this. How many pitchers did you idiots run out of town because they didn’t “have the psychological make-up” only to see them succeed e

    genius, guys like ed whitson, kevin brown ran themselves out of town on their own. if they can’t pitch here, it’s more on the scouts that chose them or the gm.

  171. NYS

    If we have lead, even CC can come in for an inning to go for the kill.

  172. CR9

    He has the propensity to get 3 pitch ABs and sometimes 1 pitch ABs. He could get through 3 innings on 45-50 pitches.

  173. NYS

    Forgot Guadin. He can give an inning or so as well.

  174. champ809

    yeah but that was also 6 yrs ago Mo was 33 yrs old and he was still throwing 95-97 with sick movement on his pitches..

    it’s six years later he’ll be 40 in two weeks he’s coming off shoulder surgery this past offseason and after pitching in every game this postseason except two he’s currently sitting 87-90 topping out at 91 with less movement although he still has pinpoint control.

    be easy with the 3 inning saves. Girardi is morphing into the guy who overworked Josh Johnson,Annibal Sanchez and Sergio Mitre in Florida in his quest to be named manager of the year for the Marlins only to have all those arms blow up the next year.

    He manages to make things much harder than they have to be with his impatient micromanaging approach.

    i know it’s too early to think about right now but the Yanks made a 7yr commitment to Sabathia knowing full well that he’d thrown more innings and pitches than any pitcher in baseball the last three years. If he goes 7 innings in game 7 if we need it he’ll be at over 280 innings and close to 5000 in game pitches….his arms going to fall off within 3 yrs if Joe makes it a practice to kepp riding him like this

  175. Wait till the World Series

    It’s not about what message it sends. Swallow your egos guys. If Girardi doesn’t put in Mariano only because he’s worried how his pitcherss psyches will be affected next season we will have bigger problems than Mo going three innings…namely, the fragile psyches of the pitchers.

  176. Cam

    I think Mo goes maximum 2 in game 6, but he could go 3 in a game 7

  177. pat

    Online poll about sexiest player in the World Series. Order of finish

    Chase Utkey :shock:
    Derek Jeter
    Cole Hamels
    Alex Rodriguez

    There’s a segment of the population somewhere that doesn’t think the wet head is dead. :sad:

  178. Drive 4-5

    I have a question for all these folks who want Mo to pitch in the 7th tomorow night. What happens if he’s thrown 45 pitches and he proves he’s human and gives up a 2 run homer and we lose the game? Exactly who is the closer for Game 7?

  179. randy l.

    “I lived in the South for a few years, but I have never heard a slow Southern drawl such as Charlie Manuel’s. He definitely must be from backwoods Appalachia.”

    would you believe he’s fluent in japanese?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Manuel

    there’s probably more to manuel than what you see on the surface.

    kind of the equivalent of the country lawyer that just plays dumb.

  180. Tony Womack

    Hi All,

    Just wanted to let you know that doctors have injected my DNA into Robinson Cano and a little into Mark Teixeira. It’s good to be back!

    Oh, and Kenny Lofton sends his regards,

    Your pal,

    Tony

  181. Heyya

    Scared of the Wall,

    I agree. We all know Mo can have 8 pitch innings, if that’s the case, bring him in for the 6th also! But we just don’t know. What if his first inning is 15 pitches (reasonable) and the second is around 20 pitches? He can end up throwing 50 pitches! Than we can’t use him for one pitch in game 7 if it comes up.

    For me to pull the trigger and bring Mo in for the 7th, 99 out of 100 things needs to have gone wrong, and I still think we have an option or two of that 99 left, before going to Mo.

  182. Get Yer Damn hands Off Of her!

    I say Mariano pitches 24 outs, lets only give Andy one inning to be safe.

  183. trisha - OPPC forever - (new lucky picture from last day at the old Stadium) BRING ON THE GHOSTS!

    “Not all. Andy and CC don’t sound like they have something to prove.”

    Uh, because maybe they don’t?

    How long have you been watching baseball? Are you telling me that you’ve never heard a pitcher who has had a dreadful outing say that he can’t wait to get back out on the mound, that when the manager puts him back out there right away he is so grateful that the manager showed some confidence in him? That’s not false bravado. That’s a KNOWLEDGE that all players fail at some point and enough of a belief in his own ability that he wants the chance to get back out there.

    And by the way, they are not only playing on the biggest stage, they are doing it with the biggest spotlight on their baseball caps – the interlocking NY.

    Sorry. I don’t have a word of criticism for any player who goes out and gives it his all, fail or succeed. And I believe all of our guys have done that. They’ve given their best.

  184. WS

    I can’t see a scenario where Girardi uses Mo for 3IP in G6. Could Mo do it? Sure. But if for any reason the game is lost – he would run the risk of lessening Mo’s effectiveness in G7. Big no-no. Yes, you have to play to win when you have the chance – but you also need some kind of balance in case you can’t wrap it up. The possibility of 2IP in G7 and 2IP in potential G7 is a good balance.

    In any event, I’m really hoping it’s all a moot point. Let’s score a bunch of runs in the first half of the game and cruise to the end! :)

  185. CR9

    Scared of the wall

    I’d be worried too. But, ask yourself this. Mariano Rivera after 40 pitches or a fully rested any other reliever on this team or in the major leagues. Who do you trust more?

  186. Wait till the World Series

    Mo is the closer for game 7. It’s game 7. All hands on deck.

    BDon’t say it’s never been done. Francessa pulled up tons of situations where it’s been done. Agree with him or not, he didn’t make up those situations. They’ve happened.

  187. Get Yer Damn hands Off Of her!

    Pat,

    Chase “Jessie James” Utley needs a shave.

    Hate that stupid head !

  188. Doreen

    Trisha & KF -

    I was actually hoping it would have been the traditional Navy w/white pinstripes and the logo, but apparently they’re going for the uniform shirt look. :?

    I think it would be one of those things where if the weather’s gonna be bad, we switch to the black cover. The really interesting thing is, now that I think of it, is if we have company over for a BBQ, the cover is not going to be on the grill is it? :lol:

  189. Jeremy

    A.J. burnett can’t be trusted in a big game situation. The guy does have a 10 cent head. He is a up and down pitcher, and that performance last night was a Kevin Brown type performance.

  190. Erica - always OPPC

    KF-

    Thank you for sharing that Johnny news :grin:

  191. Wave Your Hat

    “Instead of people admitting that he is what his career numbers say he is they give three excuses – Jorge Posada screws him up, he can’t pitch on the road, and Girardi put him in a bad situation.
    All three of those are implausible. ”

    I’m with you. Although who’s to say AJ wouldn’t have been better on full rest. Not that I’m criticizing Girardi, given his options starting AJ in game 5 was probably the best choice.

  192. Bob(the original)

    champ809
    November 3rd, 2009 at 6:26 pm

    i know it’s too early to think about right now but the Yanks made a 7yr commitment to Sabathia knowing full well that he’d thrown more innings and pitches than any pitcher in baseball the last three years. If he goes 7 innings in game 7 if we need it he’ll be at over 280 innings and close to 5000 in game pitches….his arms going to fall off within 3 yrs if Joe makes it a practice to kepp riding him like this
    ————————————-

    Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t the Yankees sign Sabathia to help them win the World Series?

    If you’re not gonna ride him now, than what the heck are you even playing the game for?

  193. Erica - always OPPC

    Tom in NJ-

    I had swine flu. It wasn’t that bad. I got to be quarantined at home for a week (which led me to comment on this blog). I only had the fever, cough and tummy problems for a week. Unfortunately it took me about three weeks to get full Erica energy back. Good luck!

  194. Heyya

    I’m a dude, but I never thought to myself that any women would have thought any of those 4 players were “sexy.” I seriously don’t see it.

    I don’t mean to start another debate, but I don’t see why some women are infatuated with Jeter’s physical image.

  195. trisha - OPPC forever - (new lucky picture from last day at the old Stadium) BRING ON THE GHOSTS!

    In any event, I will now go to the Michael Jackson movie with a friend and not worry a hair on my head about tomorrow night. Girardi’s done well without me up to this point. I trust him for one or two more games!

    Cheerio all!

    And don’t forget – blessed are the flexible for they shall not get bent out of shape.

    :)

  196. Jeff NJ

    So Francessa thinks its worth the gamble to pitch Mo 3 innings in game 6 to go for it, but yet was willing to concede game 5 without a fight? You have to go for it whenever there is an opportunity, Burnett in Game 5 was an opportunity and Mike didn’t think we should take it. Wish Sweeny would have used that logic.

  197. Bob(the original)

    The swine flu isn’t that bad. Just get yourself a little oinkment.

  198. mick

    Uh, because maybe they don’t?
    ———————————–
    Trish
    They don’t because they are better pitchers. Talk is cheap.

  199. trisha - OPPC forever - (new lucky picture from last day at the old Stadium) BRING ON THE GHOSTS!

    mick – of course they are better pitchers. There are lots of pitchers who are better than others! It doesn’t mean that the other ones aren’t confident.

    Again – I’d much rather have a pitcher want to get back out there than say he can’t wait for the season to be over.
    But that’s just me.

    Okay mick. See ya later.

    :)

  200. mick

    you got the last word, trish. :)

  201. Erin

    pat
    November 3rd, 2009 at 6:26 pm
    Online poll about sexiest player in the World Series. Order of finish

    Chase Utkey
    Derek Jeter
    Cole Hamels
    Alex Rodriguez

    There’s a segment of the population somewhere that doesn’t think the wet head is dead.

    ****************

    Seriously? Gross. How did he beat Derek and Alex?

  202. Get Yer Damn hands Off Of her!

    Steve Summers is AWESOME !!!!!!!!

  203. Get Yer Damn hands Off Of her!

    He’s making fun of Manuel right now, horrible.

  204. mick

    November 3rd, 2009 at 6:38 pm

    Steve Summers is AWESOME !!!!!!!!

    ——————————
    He’s a yankee hater.

  205. the Truth Squad

    Here are some things each of you should consider today:

    If, on these dates: May 1, July 10, and the morning of October 29th you were offered the opportunity to have the Yankees ahead 3-2 in the World Series with Andy and CC lined up to pitch game 6 (even with the 3 days rest caveat)-would any of you turn that down? Well, that’s where we are today. Forget about everything that’s happened up until now, the Yankees need a single win in the next two games in a stadium where their home record in the second half (even with the loss in game 1) is about 35-9.

    And, this stuff about AJ not being able to pitch on the road is such a bunch of hogwash it defies belief. He won 18 games last year pitching for Toronto-not a single one of those wins was at the new Yankee Stadium.

  206. RS

    The 2003 ALCS Game 7 went extra innings. Torre was able to ride out Rivera by gauging his effectiveness. If he had thrown 50 pitches in the 2 innings, and had to work out of a bases loaded jam, he would have never been out for the 3rd inning.

    That situation is different than Girardi going to Rivera in the 7th inning and saying, “Here, get 9 outs.” I don’t think Rivera has ever been in THAT type of situation before, and certainly not recently.

    Also, our offense does an amazing job scoring runs in the 7th-9th inning. This isn’t the SF Giants riding out Lincecum’s arm because it’s the only way to victory. A 1-run lead in the 7th inning can easily turn into a 4-run lead.

  207. S.o.S.(Did rollins mean phillies in 8?)

    What is up fellas. I dont know what this sky is falling talk is about. Joba pitched very strong the night before and Hughes looked more in control than ever in the playoffs.

    You know what those tough minded/never say die(media keeps telling us) Phillies are thinking today? “What freakin lead is safe against this relentless team? If they almost erased a 6 run lead in the 8th inning vs. our best pitcher. Whats safe?” We are closing this game out in 6 ala anaheim.

  208. champ809

    of course they signed him to win a world series but the idea behind a 7yr 160 mil investment is to have him for the whole seven years…
    overworking these guys today in many cases effects them tommorow…look at Hamels off of last years workload…now we’re talking crazyness of throwing Mo for 3innings…Goose Gossage did that all the time but it’s a different game now.

    even Beckett hasn’t been the same since the ‘07 season…the sox got the ring that year but you can make a case that it cost them a chance to repeat last year because he was not the same pitcher and they couldn’t get past the rays

  209. Danny

    On Sportscenter Kruk and Gammons both picked the Phillies to win tomorrow. Gammons said he thinks Pedro will get it done.

    Mitch Williams also picked the Phils tomorrow on 1050 earlier today

  210. lets go yankees (formerly lets go twins)

    Pitching Mo for 3 innings is just asking for trouble. In the 7th inning I am confident Marte and Joba can get the job done. Marte has been death to lefties this postseason and really his whole career. Joba looked great last night up until that 3-2 pitch got away from him. Pettitte just needs to go 6 and the Yankees will be golden

  211. Erin

    Danny
    November 3rd, 2009 at 6:42 pm
    On Sportscenter Kruk and Gammons both picked the Phillies to win tomorrow. Gammons said he thinks Pedro will get it done.

    Mitch Williams also picked the Phils tomorrow on 1050 earlier today

    *********************
    If Kruk picked the Phillies, the Yankees will definitely wrap it up tomorrow ;)

  212. CR9

    RS

    Great point. But Joe should say to Mo, get as many outs as you can, not here’s 9 outs, go get ‘em. Like I said, he really could only come in with a 3 run lead in the 7th. There would be a strong probability that he would give up 0 or 1 runs. Maybe in those 2 innings, our offense gets 1 or 2 runs.

    Oh well, it is my firm belief and hope it will be a 7 run lead come the 8th inning, and Mo can come in for the final 2 to nail the door shut.

  213. lets go yankees (formerly lets go twins)

    champ809
    November 3rd, 2009 at 6:41 pm
    of course they signed him to win a world series but the idea behind a 7yr 160 mil investment is to have him for the whole seven years…
    overworking these guys today in many cases effects them tommorow…look at Hamels off of last years workload…now we’re talking crazyness of throwing Mo for 3innings…Goose Gossage did that all the time but it’s a different game now.

    —————

    I am pretty sure CC has pitched even more innings than this year in the past.

  214. the Truth Squad

    Sparky Lyle pitched 6 innings (give or take a couple of outs) in the deciding game of the ALCS in either ‘76 or ‘77, that was a different era.

    I don’t see a need for Mo to go 3 innings in game 6 unless it was extra innings and the bullpen is burned out-not a likely scenario. If it’s game 7 you leave him out there as long as he can get outs, if it’s 3 innings or more it’s not an issue, he has the full winter to rest.

  215. CR9

    Could these ESPN losers be any more obvious. My only question to all these losers would be, why not come out and say “This is what I want to happen, not necessarily what I think will happen.”

  216. Abdababdaserser

    It will all be dependent on the situation as to who will pitch in any given innings.

    If the Yankees have a 3 or 4 run lead they aren’t going to Mo early. If they have a lead and a reliever gives up a run or two (such as Coke) you bring in Mo in the high leverage situation, even if its early.

    The real key to tomorrow’s game is going to be Andy. If he keeps the game in check the Yankees should win. If he can’t get past the 3rd inning, it will be a crap shoot and give fodder to all the mediots who know nothing about baseball.

    I really think the media in general is given a list of things to harp on. Instant replay, short rest and how pitchers can’t handle it, what have you.

    Same with the comments made by Hamels, which are made to sound like he quit on the team. (The whole interview made it sound more like he was looking forward to a new start after this years struggles, but not giving up on this WS.)

    Same with him and his teammate. It could very easily been the usual banter between friends.

    This type of stuff is why a beat writer is so much better than the national “experts”. While they might have some similar opinions, they base their opinions on being around the team. That is a big difference.

  217. blake

    Yankees win 6-4 tomorrow for #27. Andy goes 6 innings and gives up 3 runs.

  218. Wait till the World Series

    I heard Hamels’ interview, and it was one of the worst I’ve ever heard.

  219. lets go yankees (formerly lets go twins)

    I was wrong. CC has pitched about 10 more innings than he ever has. He will be fine next year.

  220. the Truth Squad

    champ, CC is a different animal than those others-he is a huge guy who is very strong and uses his body very well in his delivery.

    go look up the stats of Mickey Lolich in the late 60’s and early 70’s-he threw 300+ innings a year for about 5 years after winning 3 complete games in the 1968 World Series.

  221. KF

    Trisha,

    In any event, I will now go to the Michael Jackson movie with a friend and not worry a hair on my head about tomorrow night.

    I saw the movie last weekend, let me know if you liked it.

  222. Abdababdaserser

    Gammons is senile. Sorry, but he jumped the shark years ago. His bias doesn’t always come through, but when the Yankees went up 3-1 in the series he barely could talk.

    Kruk with his unprofessional ranting and raving makes you wonder if he ever played above little league. He is obviously not baseball smart. Anyone on TV who grows a playoff beard in support of his team is pretty pathetic anyway. He watches these games with his heart, not his head.

  223. the Truth Squad

    there is one more element in this discussion for games 6 and 7-AJ is available in the bullpen. Before you laugh, you either get the good AJ or bad AJ and it’s pretty easy to tell while he’s warming up. If he’s hitting the glove you bring him in on a very short leash, there would be no need to keep him in a game 6 or game 7 if he’s not dominating like he did in game 2.

  224. S.A.--Serenity Now

    poof
    bye bye gamethread :P

  225. Gary

    If Girardi goes with the numbers why didnt Hinske play right field in game 2. With those numbers against pedro why not give him a shot?

  226. Wait till the World Series

    Maybe it was all a dream…

  227. Boatz n Hose

    Game thread was fun. It was like I saw the future.

  228. Wait till the World Series

    Why is Hinske here? In pich hitting situations, he’s went to Hairston. I thought we got Hinske so that we DON’T have to do that?

  229. Boatz n Hose

    Wait till the World Series November 3rd, 2009 at 6:55 pm

    Why is Hinske here?

    ———-

    To eat Cano.

  230. the Truth Squad

    Hinske is 8-30 against Pedro lifetime, that isn’t nearly enough to compensate for his butchery in right field-Matsui would be an upgrade on one knee.

  231. Erica - always OPPC

    new thread :arrow:

  232. Erica - always OPPC

    Boatz n Hose
    November 3rd, 2009 at 6:55 pm
    Wait till the World Series November 3rd, 2009 at 6:55 pm

    Why is Hinske here?

    ———-

    To eat Cano.
    ***********

    LOL :lol:

  233. Jeremy

    We all know that Gammons, Kruk, and Williams were going to pick the Phillies to win game 6. Doesn’t mean much because they have been wrong all year long.

    This series will be over. And all the Yankee haters will be making excuses and talking about payroll.

  234. NYS

    Have they already announced the line up?

  235. pickingpros

    Moreover, they need to be confident in the bullpen if they only expect Pettite to go 85 pitches. Coming out and saying that is just a welcoming mat for the Phillies to eat up pitches, then tear up the weary bullpen.

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New York Yankees baseball fans cheer during a ticker-tape parade along Broadway celebrating their 27th World Series championship on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009,  in New York.   (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams) New York Yankees baseball player  Mariano Rivera, bottom, waves during a ticker-tape parade along Broadway celebrating their 27th World Series championship on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009,  in New York.  (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) Floats carrying the New York Yankees baseball team make their way along Broadway during a ticker-tape parade celebrating their 27th World Series championship on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009,  in New York.  (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) New York Yankees baseball players Alex Rodriguez, second from left,  Francisco Cervelli, third from right, and entertainer Jay-Z, left, celebrate on a float  during a ticker-tape parade along Broadway celebrating their 27th World Series championship on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009,  in New York.   (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams) New York Yankees baseball player Alex Rodriguez, right, and entertainer Jay-Z celebrate on a float during a ticker-tape parade along Broadway celebrating their 27th World Series championship on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009,  in New York.   (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams) Floats carrying the New York Yankees baseball team make their way along Broadway during a ticker-tape parade celebrating their 27th World Series championship on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009,  in New York.  (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui, the World Series MVP, celebrates from a float during a ticker-tape parade along Broadway celebrating their 27th World Series championship on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009,  in New York. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams) Baseball fans cheers as the New York Yankees were honored along Broadway in New York on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, with a ticker-tape parade celebrating their 27th World Series championship. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
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About the authors
Chad JenningsChad Jennings joined the The Journal News in October 2009, having spent the better part of seven years covering baseball in Scranton, PA. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri and an award-winning beat reporter and features writer. E-mail me at cjennings@lohud.com
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Sam BordenSam Borden is an award-winning journalist who joined The Journal News and LoHud.com in January 2008. He covered the Yankees for the New York Daily News from 2004-06, and has also worked as a columnist for the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville. E-mail me at sborden@lohud.com
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Sam BordenJosh Thomson has done some of everything since joining The Journal News in March 2003. He began working for the Gannett weeklies during the winter of 2002 as a freelance writer. He joined the daily staff soon after and has since covered various high school and pro sports. E-mail me at jthomson@lohud.com
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