Today in The Journal News
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Nov 03, 2009 
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Given their first chance to clinch No. 27, the Yankees lost to Chase Utley and the Phillies last night in Philadelphia. Pitching on three-days rest, A.J. Burnett couldn’t get out of the third inning and a ninth-inning Yankees rally fell short. I had that story in today’s newspaper.
Even with the loss, the Yankees are coming home in good shape, Sam writes. They lost last night, but managed to take two out of three at Citizens Bank Park and they’re coming back to Yankee Stadium with two chances to win the whole thing.
In Game 6, the Yankees will be once again facing Pedro Martinez. The Phillies announced their Game 6 starter while the Yankees are waiting to decide whether to start Andy Pettitte. The notebook also had news about the Yankees latest roster move, Jorge Posada coming off the bench, Nick Swisher moving up in the lineup and the one number Joe Girardi seems not to care about.
Finally, center field has come full circle with Brett Gardner taking over for Melky Cabrera, who’s out of action with a strained hamstring.
We get another day of baseball. That’s not such a bad
thing
I have much more confidence in Pettitte on 3 days rest than I would in AJ on full rest in game 6…just the way I feel about Andy, he is not a big fastball pitcher so the short rest won’t affect that as much and he knows how to gut it out with the cutter, curve, etc…..the offense will pound Pedro, he won’t be the same pitcher, the Yankee hitters now will be able to figure out a plan of attack vs. him as well…just look at the way Lee pitched last night, not the same as game 1…I look for us to score 6-8 runs and leave the bullpen some room for error…..the Stadium will be crazy tomorrow night and we need Pettitte to be solid for 5 -6 innings and then you have Joba for 2 Marte for 1 and Mariano for 2 and our 27th World Championship!!!! Let’s Go Yankees!!!
ARod with the voice of reason: “it’s greedy to think we could win three in a row at philly. We needed to win 2 of 3, and we did.”
I think some people forget the Phillies are the defending world champions — they’re not an untested team.
I said going into the series that we’d win it in 6. We are now in the position to do so. I also said going into Philly that we needed to take 2 out 3. We had to come home with the advantage. We did! We’ll win it Wednesday!
“LOL. His hair is awful. I have to turn away whenever he has his hat or helmet off”
i thought it was footage of Jason Giambi, the first time the camera was on him. No joke
That’s the thing – we are still up 3-2, which people are forgetting. I still don’t like Andy at all on short rest……..and we have a rusty Gaudin as backup? Still, I have not lost faith in this team.
Andy sealed the deal to send them to the world series, and he can potentially win it for them tomorrow. It seems like the offense is waking up, and the bullpen (except Coke) looked pretty good. I like their chances.
Their winning it in The Stadium will not be a bad thing.
I want Coke no where near a mound! Not even the bullpen mound. He is constantly giving up homeruns. 10 homeruns in 60 ip in the regular season! And now 2 more in the post! That is unacceptable!
vinny-b (thankful to have Girardi in charge)
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:44 am
“LOL. His hair is awful. I have to turn away whenever he has his hat or helmet off”
i thought it was footage of Jason Giambi, the first time the camera was on him. No joke
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That’s hilarious. I never even thought of that-he does look like Giambi!
There was a lot of talk earlier in the week about Andy not being good on 3 days rest. However, those numbers were based on 12 regular season starts on 3 days. His postseason numbers on 3 days rest are actually very good. I saw it on TV earlier, so I don’t know how to access it again, but his ERA was under 3 with a winning record.
I have this feeling that the Yanks will hit Pedro hard. I don’t think Andy will be all that great on short rest given his various age related issues, but I think that they will have a great shot to put away the Phillies with Pedro on the mound.
That said, the Phillie fans cannot be happy with the prospects of a game 7 without a decent pitcher to send out there. It pretty much has to be Blanton on short rest, no? He hasn’t been great on regular rest, and so 75% of CC is probably too much for the Phillies. At least that’s my hope!
One thing is obvious. If the Yanks choke away game 6, you can crown the Phillies WS champions. We all remember just how competitive NY was vs Boston in 2004′s game 7.
Where would this collapse rank with the all-time worst chokes?
Found the stat, Pettitte is 3-1, 2.88 on 3 days rest in postseason play.
According to Twitter hamels and myers were in some sort of scuffle last night.
I do NOT know how true this is so keep eyes and ears open.
Why haven’t we hit Utley? Drill him. Or at least buzz the tower. He’s obviously way too comfortable. Down last night would have been the perfect time. I don’t get it. Where is Clemens when you need him?
Rebecca there is an article posted earlier in this thread.
Kate. To answer your question. Yes I was in my green sweatpants in my recliner in the basement so I did my job. Everything was set up for victory. It seems that even the green sweatpants are no match for the power of bad aj.
I think andy gives a gutsy performance in game 6 and gives us six innings maybe 3 runs and we pound Pedro into oblivian and take the series in 6. At least that’s my dream scenerio
jennifer
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:51 am
I want Coke no where near a mound! Not even the bullpen mound. He is constantly giving up homeruns. 10 homeruns in 60 ip in the regular season! And now 2 more in the post! That is unacceptable!
_____________________________
Just goes to show what the life of a pitcher is. When the Yankees got Marte and Nady, Coke was one of the pitchers who might have gone in that deal. He didn’t and came up to the bigs and everyone was raving on him.
This year? He looks good and then gives up BP hits.
If the Yankees win, he gets a ring. Doesn’t that seem just a little wrong?
I am hoping that the series ends come Wednesday. I hope there is no rain delays. I hope Who’s Yer Daddy gets sent to the woodshed.
It is so strange just like Joba he got the first outs with relative ease than gave up bombs.
As a pie thrower A.J. Burnett is good. As a strike thrower he’s inconsistent.
In 2010 he’ll be relegated to a No. 3 or 4 status in the starting rotation.
We have a work horse going for us in game 6.. Phillies have a crafty pitcher who hasn’t thrown much in the last 2 years going for them.. We are getting Matsui back in the lineup which is huge (considering its pedro pitching)… Phillies get ben francisco… We have a sure game 7 starter if it at all we need one.. Phillies don’t know if it will be happ or hamels or blanton…. We play 2 games at home.. Phillies don’t… We will wrap it up in 6…
“I don’t want to see A-Rod (Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez) celebrate on our field,” said Luke, 14, “because he took steroids.”http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_details/article/124/2009/november/03/phils-phans-no-matter-what.html
Coke has been doing this far too much this year though.
Joba got beat by one batter.
As soon as Coke was brought in I felt the game was over, that he would put it out of reach. I know most of the people I talk to at work said the same thing.
_____________
Perfect scenario would be for Pedro to give up a 3-4 run home run to Alex to start the game off. Alex hitting it so hard he runs around the bases twice before it lands. lol.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:12 am
“I don’t want to see A-Rod (Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez) celebrate on our field,” said Luke, 14, “because he took steroids.”http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_details/article/124/2009/november/03/phils-phans-no-matter-what.html
— nobody is perfect Luke !
34 hours and 44 minutes until Game 6!!!!!!!
10 things to be happy about:
10 no more of the AJ/Molina/Posada debate
9 another exciting round of GTLU
8 another chance to see Johnny D do a shirtless interview
7 Yankees took 2 of 3 in Phiily
6 Yankees are done travelling
5 Cliff Lee can’t pitch every game
4 we might get to finally see secret weapon Gaudin
3 Phillies’ bullpen is worse than Yankees
2 Yankees only need to win 1 more game
1 the ghosts await
Did Girardi think the game was over at 6-2? What was the reason for bringing in Coke.
AJ really was more likely coming here as the number 3 starter. Wang being hurt changed those plans.
The rotation was supposed to be CC, Wang, AJ, Pettitte, Joba.
Its just the way it goes sometimes. Plans change as the season goes on.
If Pettitte is going to retire, I hope it is known early on. If he does the Yankees might go after Lackey. I would still prefer to have Pettitte though. I think he has some left.
It’s ironic that Philly fans would act so moral about A-Rod taking steroids when the 1993 Phillies were one of the great steroid teams of all time.
honestly. I know everyone is down this morning but big picture if someone told u before the series started that we would be up 3-2 heading to Yankee stadium for game 6. Wouldn’t you have taken that. Heck if after game 2 I definatley would have taken it …
in the end if the yankees can’t win one of these next two games at home then they don’t deserve to win.
upstate kate
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:19 am
10 things to be happy about:
10 no more of the AJ/Molina/Posada debate
9 another exciting round of GTLU
8 another chance to see Johnny D do a shirtless interview
7 Yankees took 2 of 3 in Phiily
6 Yankees are done travelling
5 Cliff Lee can’t pitch every game
4 we might get to finally see secret weapon Gaudin
3 Phillies’ bullpen is worse than Yankees
2 Yankees only need to win 1 more game
1 the ghosts await
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Love it!
Right Jack – there will be no point in playing game 7. LOL….I’m sure the Yankees themselves are a TAD less worried than fans are.
I’m honestly very at peace with the loss. Of course I would have been ecstatic if we won last night, but I’m excited for the chance to finish this at home. I’m not sure why everyone is so worried that we’re throwing out “an aging 37 year old pitcher” on Wednesday. Newsflash: so are the Phillies. Pedro’s going down. ( P.S. I’m pumped for for some Jorge vs. Pedro action).
Blake, that’s how I look at it. If they blow this, then the team deserves whatever ignominy history bestows upon them. They took 2/3 in Philly, scary, bad Philly – that’s impressive. However, mediots and fans are going to make it out that the Yankees are the ones in bad shape instead of the Phils because of the short-rest situation……
One thing I thought about last night regarding Girardi’s decision to throw AJ. Was he just getting AJ out of the way, hoping he’d do well?
Think about. Philly is team you’d rather have lefties against and to be able to come home with Pettite and Sabathia lined up is a pretty good thing. I Agree with KeithFL…. I am much more comfortable with Pettite on three days than AJ.
And let’s not forget CC against Cole “I want this to end” Hamels if it comes to that.
Andy has to go 7.. then let mo take care of the rest
The Yankees are waiting to decide whether to start Andy Pettitte
Huh? You mean they might end up starting Gaudin in game 6 when they could have done it last night? You have to be kidding
NYY626
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:24 am
I’m honestly very at peace with the loss. Of course I would have been ecstatic if we won last night, but I’m excited for the chance to finish this at home.
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This is exactly how I feel. I’m really not bothered by them losing last night at all. I’m thrilled they took 2 out of 3 in Philadelphia, and get a chance to win at home. Wrapping this up at home just seems like the way it should be!
Like with the Angels series, I think we all got a little greedy thinking about ending it in 5 games. The Phillies are a good team.
As many have said, if a miracle worker came here after Game 1 and said “The Yankees definitely will win 3 out of the next 4 games”, everyone would have been excited.
It’s fitting that the last game of the 2009 MLB season will be played in at the New Stadium.
The phillies have just as many starting pitching concerns as the Yankees do going into game 6.
I think at worst u consider the starting pitching in game 6 a wash. the Yankees have the bullpen advantage and they are at home.
This team fights to the end and I just can’t see them losing both of these games. if I goes 7 then who do you trust more a short rest cc or whoever the phils run out there..
“I don’t want to see A-Rod (Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez) celebrate on our field,” said Luke, 14, “because he took steroids.”http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_details/article/124/2009/november/03/phils-phans-no-matter-what.html
____
Does someone want to remind this kid they had JC Romero celebrating on their field last year, and he too took steroids?
This kid went to the Jamie Moyer school of denying everything that helps you and being a hypocrite.
“The Yankees are waiting to decide whether to start Andy Pettitte
Huh? You mean they might end up starting Gaudin in game 6 when they could have done it last night? You have to be kidding”
Exactly – this is Joe G doing his usual obfuscating about his plans. He got over it with regards to injuries (for the most part), but he still feels some need to hide his hand when he card is stuck to his forehead for all to see.
“5 Cliff Lee can’t pitch every game”
Yankees would have beat Lee last night had they gotten anything more out of their fragile starting pitcher. They were on Lee all night long, tons of their outs were hit hard. The Phillies simply do not have a pitcher capable of shutting down the Yankees’ offense. Madson had been the most effective guy for them all series and the Yankees were on him in the 9th inning, I think because they’ve now seen him 3 or 4 times this series and have a better read on change-up/fastball (except for Teixeira who can not track a change-up to save his life).
One hope for Game 6 besides winning, obviously, is Pettitte busting Chase Utley inside all night, walk him, hit him, it doesn’t matter. Just keep the ball away from the middle of the plate and hopefully jam him when he does swing.
I don’t care who pitches for the yanks ! I’m worried about how to pitch to Utley and Werth.
Did Girardi think the game was over at 6-2? What was the reason for bringing in Coke.
___
Who else was he going to bring in?
Andrew. I don’t want Pettite coming inside on Utley. he’s pulling everyhing. Keep the ball on the outside. make him reach
Hmph. Nick’s comment on Alex made me think that there is no way to know if any of these players are on something now, or were in the past.
That lead me to wondering if the reason why Utley is greasing his hair with vasoline is because his head has grown larger from using HGH, and its the only way to get his hat and batting helmet on.
(I am joking here, though nothing is out of the question when it comes to these players, regardless of laundry).
Tex is great, but really needs to learn how to see a changeup low and not swing at it. Cano and Gardner need to spend all day at YS with Kevin Long, and i mean ALL DAY.
Who else was he going to bring in?
________________________
Heck, I’d have had Swisher pitching over Coke. lol.
I expect Andy to go 6 innings, give up 2 runs but leave with a 3-run lead. Girardi can mix and match right up to Mariano but not let a bridge guy stay one hitter too long.
Timely hitting with some contribution from Cano and Teixeira will be just what the doctor ordered.
Go for it – do it with a Game 7 urgency.
Utley shouldn’t get a pitch to hit unless Ryan Howard proves he can’t strike out.
M. Kay’s Head November 3rd, 2009 at 9:27 am
The Yankees are waiting to decide whether to start Andy Pettitte
Huh? You mean they might end up starting Gaudin in game 6 when they could have done it last night? You have to be kidding
====================
Yes, that is troubling…
I’m sure they will start Pettitte.
I wouldn’t want any other starter, other than a rested CC, to pitch a big game spot other than Andy.
This is a great spot for him, he will be ready tommorow night, who the hell else would pitch?!? Haha.
If Pedro gets the hill, we will pound him !!
So ready for Game 6 !
tex’s friend November 3rd, 2009 at 9:33 am
Did Girardi think the game was over at 6-2? What was the reason for bringing in Coke.
___
Who else was he going to bring in?
=======================
Marte
I do have to say this about Burnett. I was against the decision to start him in game 5 but I don’t think his performance has that much to do with him being on short rest. he made no adjustments from game one. The phillies were swinging early at fastballs to avoid the curve which aj should have known they would do. He wasn’t nearly as sharp as in game 2 but u have to make adjustments and battle to keep your team in the ballgame. If aj just turns in a Joe blanton performance then we win that game.
I can see Andy getting knocked around a little but I can’t see him coming completely unglued and not giving is a chance to win..
Despite the heartbreaking loss last night, the Yankees accomplished what they needed in Philadelphia. They won 2 games which is really more than we should expect. Remember, they only won 1 game in Anaheim in the ALCS and that was enough.
The Yanks have to take care of business at home which sounds like a pretty good proposition to me considering their 2nd half record when playing at home.
I had a ton of confidence in Andy for the ALCS clinching game and I still have that confidence. I don’t care if he’s on 3 days rest, he has done everything in this league; he can handle a start on short rest.
Girardi drew this series up well, we have 2 shots to clinch with our 2 best pitchers starting. I like our chances.
Next season the whole team needs to practice laying down bunts.
One thing I noticed with Cano is that he is back to showing his numbers during his at bats. That was some of his problem last season. Turning too far and it causing too much head movement. I hope Long gets him figured out during this off day.
Phil Coke needs a hair cut, maybe even a Swisher cut !
The Yankees did what they needed to do in Philadelphia. I like the Yankees chances tomorrow night. Andy may be pitching on short rest but so is Pedro (for him). All of Pedro’s playoff starts have come with a week of rest in between. This will be his 1st start on 4 days.
Andy had no stuff in his game 3 start. He couldn’t locate any of his pitches except the 4-seam fastball which isn’t really his bread and butter. What are the chances he has bad stuff again? I’d say, pretty low.
His curve is death on lefties and that cutter is going to eat up the righties.
I’m looking for 6+ innings with 2 earned runs or less. I have a feeling that the offense is going to go off on Pedro, he just isn’t good enough anymore to fool us twice.
“Andy may be pitching on short rest but so is Pedro (for him). All of Pedro’s playoff starts have come with a week of rest in between. This will be his 1st start on 4 days.”
That’s a great point. With Pedro’s age and injury concerns that actually could be a big issue with him.
One more thing. I know everyone has mixed feelings about Roger clemens and I don’t want to stir up a hornets nest about that but I wish we could bring him in for one pitch to buzz utleys tower and get his butt off the plate….
Why would you bring Marte, who has been your best middle reliever, into a game with a 4 run deficit? If Coke is that bad he shouldn’t be on the roster.
I believe criticizing Girardi about bringing in Coke in improper. They were down by four. Chamberlain and Marte are the primary Mo bridges now it seems and Girardi doesn’t want to overwork them with back to back games possible in New York.
I also don’t criticize him for the three day rest starting decisions. I have no doubt that was an organizational decision. It would have been nice to have acquired another starter at the trading deadline since the 4th starter issue was evident then.
someone needs to teach Luke the facts of life. Many players on the Phillies probably took or take some form of steroids. Those in glasshouses shall not cast stones Luke.
the point here is that CC,AJ and or Pett are all better pitchers on normal rest ie FULL STRENGTH.
With a 3-1 lead and the last 2 games @ home Girardi’s one job is to bring the championship home. PERIOD!
A manager’s only job is to put his players in the best position to succeed. No matter what sport it is.
By pitching Gaudin last night(he was on the roster to be the 4th/spot starter)the point isn’t to concede the game but if in fact we lose the game we come home with our top 4 pitchers-Mo,AJ,Pett and CC- fully rested and BEST PREPARED to close out the series with our 27th championship!
the problem is Girardi wants the story to be about him! He’s got too much LaRussa in him for my blood. His need to leave his imprint on these series so that the story is how he outmanaged the other manager and managed the Yanks to the title! This team has won IN SPITE of Girardi not because of him! the sooner he accepts that the better off we as Yankees are!
“Andrew. I don’t want Pettite coming inside on Utley. he’s pulling everyhing. Keep the ball on the outside. make him reach”
He’s pulling everything over the middle-to-outer half of the plate. He stands close to the plate and he has the extension to cover a pitch meant to be outside because he reacts so quickly and has great bat speed. He has not been turning on pitches inside, he has been dropping the head on pitches out over the plate.
The times the Yankees have got him out, they have gotten far enough inside on him to either jam him or get a called strike on the inner half, and then have been able to make better pitches away because he can not guess as easily due to having the inside part of the plate on his mind.
Last night and in his successful at-bats earlier in the series he just dives out and crushes pitches over the plate. He needs to get pitched in.
Question, how many people on the ledge today predicted we’d win in 6? I said this after we lost game 1. I saw 1 person pick us to sweep and the vast majority were calling for us to win (or lose) in 6. Just remember that in order for those predictions to come true, we have to lose a couple games.
The bottom line is, we’ve got 2 games to get 1 win with the winningest pitcher in post-season history on the mound tomorrow night and our ace on the mound Thursday night (if need be)…add to that, we’re in New York the rest of the way. Need even more feel good thoughts? Pedro Martinez is on the mound tomorrow night. Still not happy? We have no more shuffling of the lineup with Molina in for Jorge (not that this was a problem for me)…add to that, we get the DH back which has to be considered an advantage for us.
I, like the rest of you, am a little down after the loss last night…I very much wanted to get it over with and I wanted AJ to have the big moment on the mound but there are plenty of reasons to still feel confident, despite what Francesca and the other mediots may try to tell you today.
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!
The Yankees are waiting to decide whether to start Andy Pettitte
Huh? You mean they might end up starting Gaudin in game 6 when they could have done it last night? You have to be kidding
====================
Yes, that is troubling…
I’m sure they will start Pettitte.
————————————————————-
I’m sure Andy’s going to come out today with his coy Aw Shucks routine and say something like “Well, I’m just going to go out and give it my best and we’ll see what happens”
But I’m positive that he wants the ball…badly.
It’s a great opportunity for him. Think about where a victory tomorrow puts him in the book of Yankee lore.
Tex needs to start putting together better ABs, even it he just walks again.
we just took 2 out of 3 on the road.
Even if Girardi would have used Gaudin, you would not have 3 well rested starters. AJ would be on normal rest for game 6, Andy for game 7. CC would be on short rest regardless. So if Gaudin lost, then AJ had problems, what next? Bring in Andy on short rest to finish up for AJ? Or give up that game and hope Andy can win game 7 on regular rest? Do you not use CC at all?
I think Girardi did the best he could given the pitching staff he currently has.
I still feel the Yankees will win; hell, all they need is 1 out of 2 at home.
Starting AJ on short rest was just greedy. So to mix sports metaphors, but gambler Girardi essentially tried for the quick knockout. The trouble with that is if it doesn’t work it leaves you in danger.
If they had used Gaudin they’d have been no worse off, and might have been better- a couple less runs let up by him than AJ gave up and it would have been a win.
If they had still lost, you would have had AJ on full rest at home where he’s done much better this year. Petite on full rest, or CC on short- he has looked tired even for a workhorse- would then have been available for game 7.
This sounds a lot better to me than the present. This is how I felt before game 5. Hopefully going for the unrealistic- 3 in a row at Phili- quick kill doesn’t cost the Yankees the series.
Burnett is also inconsistent with his pie throwing. He did not get a few guys square on the face this year. Sometimes he only got the sides of their face. I think it was his mechanics.
we all want the Yanks to do wella nd win but facts are facts…Girardi’s 3 day rest strategy is helping the Phils get back in this series.
as i stated yesterday when starters pitch on short rest they pitch with diminished stuff and inconsistant location which is what killed AJ last night. A lineup as potent as the Phillies can feast in that scenario ex. the first 3 innings last night.
i have a lotta faith in Andy too Pat but i also know that i’d much rather have him on full rest that on short rest tommorrow.
the fact is that Pedro on full rest vs. Andy on short rest is advantage Phils. We need our bats to get to him early and often and not get behind early to give Pedro extra motivation. Everyone talks about Pedro being 38 and washed up and not the same yadda yadda but the truth is Pedro is a first ballot HOF,probably the smartest pitcher in the game still and certainly adept at exploiting hitters weaknesses especially if those hitters are pressing and expanding the zone.
Everyone take it easy.. we have this series all wrapped up on wednsday.. just sit back.. relax.. & enjoy the moment
Patrick
). I’m expecting him to have a good game.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:43 am
Andy had no stuff in his game 3 start. He couldn’t locate any of his pitches except the 4-seam fastball which isn’t really his bread and butter. What are the chances he has bad stuff again? I’d say, pretty low.
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I’m thinking the same think Patrick. He had a pretty blah outing in game 3 ( except for the spectacular RBI
” Pedro is a first ballot HOF,probably the smartest pitcher in the game still and certainly adept at exploiting hitters weaknesses especially if those hitters are pressing and expanding the zone.”
I could not agree more with this statement. Only one thing was left out, however. If he is getting cheap calls from CCT Joe West, then our hitters will undoubtedly expand the zone. Pedro, from a previous team he played for, understands when an umpire is giving him a different strike zone than his opposing pitcher.
Not pitching a 4th starter = No #27 this year!
Pettite and CC (like AJ) run out of gas!
Think of it this way – if they win tomorrow, what better scenario is there than winning with Andy on the Mound to start, Mo on the mound to finish, and playing in front of a big crowd at the new stadium?
It may not happen that way (the winning part), but if it does, how sweet is that?
Let’s hope Girardi continues to have enough sense not to use Bruney in any situation that hints at being critical.
Not pitching a 4th starter = No #27 this year!
Pettite and CC (like AJ) run out of gas!
_______________
Brilliant analysis…NOT. You think AJ “ran out of gas”? puhleeeze. the mind numbing second guessing is laughable…..
DSSS
that is the exact point.
Girardi overplayed his hand because he needs to interject himself in the story. He couldn’t let the “players win” the series he’s gotta “manage them to the win”.
Hey Joe,reality check….this aint the 90 Reds vs. the A’s and you aint Pinella…..your impatience is extending the inevitable stay outta the way and let the Yanks win
So would you all have rathered lose last nigth with Gaudin on the mound and then have the ever inconsistent Burnett pitching game 6? HE very well could have done the same thing in game 6, really pushing people to the ledge.
Not me. Still the right move by Girardi.
Feel much better about Pettitte and CC the next 2 games. Although there is some apprehension about Andy going on short rest at home, where he hasn’t been as good this year.
The Yanks only needed one of two at home in 2004, as well. We all know how great that turned out. If a team blows game 6, then all bets are off the following night. In fact, all the pressure then is on the home team.
Plus, CC was awful on short rest in Philly and will only be more tired now.
So much for wanting the season to end, now hamels “will never ever quit on Phillies, fans”
Guys like Coke and Aceves have only been reliable pitchers when they were getting regular work this year. Anytime either of them had an extended break they were erratic. Girardi paid the price last night for bringing in Coke basically once a week in the playoffs. I know he was criticized for overmanaging in the beginning of the playoffs but it really was the only way to keep all his workhorses sharp and ready.
The Yankees best bullpen pitchers this series (Marte and Mo)will be well rested. They could probably cover 3 innings between them shortening the length the Yankees need from Andy.
If Girardi decides to start Gaudin in game 6 he should be fired immediately.
FOX has a man-crush on Cliff Lee. The guy pitched 7 innings and gave up 5 earned runs and somehow was player of the game over Chase Utley? Who is smoking what herb over at Fox. Lee was WORSE than avg.
so Patrick your logic is that on three days rest his stuff will improve?????
let’s hope so but that ain’t usually how it works my friend.
56Bomber
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:08 am
If Girardi decides to start Gaudin in game 6 he should be fired immediately.
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There isn’t a snowballs chance in hell that Andy doesn’t make the start tomorrow.
“we all want the Yanks to do well and win but facts are facts…Girardi’s 3 day rest strategy is helping the Phils get back in this series.”
I’m positive if Gaudin started yesterday and they lost, everybody would be in here complaining about Joe and how he started a guy they got off the scrapheap.
Upstate Kate made a very good point.
This 3 man rotation isn’t really Joe’s fault. He managing with what he was given.
A little quiz for everyone.
Who was the winning pitcher when the Yankees clinched the AL East?
Who was the winning pitcher when the Yankees clinched the ALDS?
Who was the winning pitcher when the Yankees clinched the ALCS?
Answer to all- Andy Pettitte
If Andy gets the win tomorrow and clinches the WS, will he be the first person to ever do that?
Would the Yankees be in the World Series without the 3 days rest strategy?
fans, media, et al really get overly hyped over the “3 days rest” boogeyman. look at the stats. Andy has 15 career starts on 3 days rest. w a 3.80era. those are the FACTS. his era is the same as his career ERA. whether he pitches on 3 or 4 rest doesnt matter. its a story to make fans feel better or worse or to hang their hat on an an excuse…..
The real question to me is whether Andy is going to stand up Utley in his first AB tomorrow night. He has been way too comfortable standing at the plate and turning around outside pitches.
Bob, Andy did pitch a lot better at home in the 2nd half of the season. His overall splits for the year were better road vs. home, but starting in July Andy pitched a lot better in the Bronx than he did early in the season. Part of it has to be contributed to rediscovering the cutter. Hopefully he can put another good outing together tomorrow.
Would the Yankees be in the World Series without the 3 days rest strategy?
Maybe not but that was only with CC on 3 days. I don’t blame the 3 days for Burnett’s performance. You never know what you’re going to get with him. But I am worried about Andy on 3 days.
If i told everyone here that we would score 5 on Lee in 7 innings, we would have all signed up for that. Coke, to me was the story of game 5, not AJ. AJ stunk, came out, the pen did their job, until Coke. Game was still within striking distance, until Coke. Coke did what he has done all year. Give up homers to the lefties he’s paid to get out. He simply is NO GOOD.
All I have to say about tomorrow night is we need to get on the board first and with more than 1 run. We have Kai Andy Pettitte, who is without a doubt, one of the fiercest battlers in MLB against a guy who is going to walk in to YS with arrogance and smugness. Our offense is going to have to wipe that smugness off his face. Send him to his dugout like last time, and I wonder if he’ll be smiling again.
I’m still very pleased that this team NEVER, ever gives up….As Joe and Evan are saying, the Yankees are up 3-1 in the series and down 8-2 late in the game and they still made the game scary. I love that…..
Also, the made a good point: Charlie Manuel has no confidence in his closer with a 3 run lead in the 9th? That’s pretty amazing.
“Burnett is also inconsistent with his pie throwing. He did not get a few guys square on the face this year. Sometimes he only got the sides of their face. I think it was his mechanics.”
Remember the time he pied Miranda and he also pied himself? That was the equivalent of the Utley home run last night.
Lets be honest, who here wouldn’t be scared to death of AJ imploding in game 6? I rather rely on the experience of Andy, 3 days rest nonwithstanding.
joe,
bingo.
we had 3 games left. it was either aj, andy, cc or gaudin, aj, cc. i pick option A. every single time!
“FOX has a man-crush on Cliff Lee. The guy pitched 7 innings and gave up 5 earned runs and somehow was player of the game over Chase Utley? Who is smoking what herb over at Fox. Lee was WORSE than avg.”
They had to make him player of the game after the shlobbed his knob during the entire pregame show. I was giddy when he looked very hittable in the first inning just wanting to see the look on Buck and McCarver’s face…unfortunately it didn’t work out that way.
Also, can you imagine the outcry here if Gaudin pitched last night, and the Yankees lost by the same score, 8-6? Everyone would have assumed that AJ would have won a game where we scored 6 runs. Hindsight is always 20 20
“All I have to say about tomorrow night is we need to get on the board first and with more than 1 run.”
Honestly, even if we don’t score first it’s not a big deal.
If we’re down but the game is within reach (1 or 2 runs) when Manuel goes to his bullpen, we’re going to win the game. Grady Little Jr. doesn’t trust his bullpen, which he showed yesterday when he sent Cliff Lee out there in the 8th inning with a 6 run lead.
I can take yesterday’s loss as perhaps inevitable…hard to imagine going into Philly and taking all 3. So that’s fine.
What isn’t fine and what seriously alarms me is the prospect of starting Andy Pettitte on 3 days rest and, if necessary, relying on CC on 3 days rest AGAIN.
I’ve been incredibly optimistic throughout this series, but for some reason I seriously alarmed by where we stand right now.
Even if we want to consider Pedro and Hamels as both being “not as good” as Andy or CC, they’re both working on a lot more rest and will be fresh.
Another nightmare scenario came into my head: what if it we go to game 7 and it RAINS on Thursday forcing the game to be played Friday? Make no mistake about it: Cliff Lee will be pitching on 3 days rest.
Will someone please calm me down and tell me everything is going to be alright?
Joe Girardi made a mistake last night that cost us, but players also have to perform.
I wouldn’t have put Coke in against Utley. Utley hit three homeruns off of Sabathia, and one off of Burnett.
That’s three homeruns off of probably the best lefty in baseball. You don’t put in a mediocre lefty from the bullpen in that situation. If you’re gonna put any lefty in, it’s gotta be Marte. Marte has been our best reliever and hasn’t been particularly overworked. Let him have a shot at it.
The worst thing last night was Jeter’s double play. When he got to the plate, I got a really bad feeling and called the double play right away. All he needed to hit was a fly ball. Bunt. Or strike out on purpose. Either would have been fine with me.
He does that way too often in situations like that. The “clutch” Jeter we’ve always loved hasn’t been around for a few postseasons (though he has helped carry us during this one). Let’s not pretend it wasn’t Jeter who killed that rally. While Coke is partly to blame and AJ, too, Jeter has his share for this game. Let’s not forget.
Either way, I like our chances in New York and I hope that Andy feels good enough to go tomorrow. If not, Gaudin and Joba can hook up with Aceves as a solid “starter.” Pedro is going to get hammered by our hitting. We won’t be embarrassed twice.
On the bright side, due to the low pitch count AJ should be available to come out of the bullpen in game 7. We’re all confident he could come right in and provide a couple of shutdown innings right?
youreonthemark,
I agree and disagree about AJ vs. Coke. By the time AJ left, he had us down too far with a guy like Lee on the mound, 5 runs or not.
Coke did smoke pole last night, that’s for sure, but Robertson and Aceves looked great out there, very impressive.
I think AJ and Coke are equally to blame here and to top that off, I think Jeter’s terrible GIDP in the 9th was the ULTIMATE buzz kill. We had that game won before he did that…at the very least, sac fly.
But alas, its a team game and a team loss. Teixeira looked awful by and large and is killing me with all these first pitch fly outs.
It was wrong to start AJ on 3 days rest in Game 5 with the Yankees leading 3-1. He may still have self-destructed if he had instead started Game 6, but I think that is less likely.
Andy was tired the other day and will not be in better shape on short rest. In spite of that, Girardi has put himself in a position where he has no choice but to start Andy in Game 6; I can’t see Gaudin as a realistic option.
This is now a 2 game series, and it all revolves around who happens to be on, on any given day. The way the match ups project, it’s anybody’s guess how it’s going to end.
Giardi is your classic micro manager; he can’t seem to help himself. Maybe he’ll learn over time after enough mistakes and his luck runs out. Unfortunately he probably won’t have learned from his mistakes if/when the Yankees win.
charlestonchew,
I agree…not sure where Marte was last night…
I hate squandered opportunities and I am really starting to hate Chase Utley.
He can keep hitting his solo shots, but if Ryan Howard suddenly comes to life in these last two games, we’re in deep doo doo.
dsss,
I just wish that Girardi had reacted sooner in pulling AJ…he should have had a very short leash as should anyone working on 3 days rest except maybe CC.
I’d have had Gaudin up as soon as a runner reached base in the 3rd, given AJ one more batter, then yanked him if he didn’t get it done. Girardi left him in one batter too long and to top this off, you have to consider the option of having Burnett out of the pen in 6 or 7 if necessary against a righty like Werth.
The fact that Girardi has not named a Game 6 starter is ominous. That inclines me to believe he isn’t all that convinced that Pettitte is rested enough to be effective for at least 5 innings.
dsss who are you starting instead of Burnett last night? Chad Gaudin?
The people that want to second guess Girardi for starting AJ because of its ramifications for Game 6, how are you sure Burnett pitches a better game tomorrow night than he did last night? The Angels rocked Burnett the second time they saw him in a 7 game series and he was going on a full 4 days’ rest in that game, against a weaker lineup than the one that spanked him last night. Am I supposed to think that it’s a home vs. away issue, and that he would have done a better job limiting the damage had he been in New York?
It was the best move Girardi could make because it gives AJ a chance to step up, which he completely squandered through a gutless performance. It’s not micro-managing to pitch one of your 3 best starters in a World Series game when the only other alternative is a guy who hasn’t pitched in more than a month and gets killed by left handed hitters.
dsss November 3rd, 2009 at 10:34 am
It was wrong to start AJ on 3 days rest in Game 5 with the Yankees leading 3-1. He may still have self-destructed if he had instead started Game 6, but I think that is less likely.
Andy was tired the other day and will not be in better shape on short rest. In spite of that, Girardi has put himself in a position where he has no choice but to start Andy in Game 6; I can’t see Gaudin as a realistic option.
This is now a 2 game series, and it all revolves around who happens to be on, on any given day. The way the match ups project, it’s anybody’s guess how it’s going to end.
Giardi is your classic micro manager; he can’t seem to help himself. Maybe he’ll learn over time after enough mistakes and his luck runs out. Unfortunately he probably won’t have learned from his mistakes if/when the Yankees win.
‘What was wrong last night was the team giving up 8 runs, I’ll give you that AJ had a part in that.
All this endless second guessing, we have seen AJ implode on normal rest vrs short rest. It wasn’t a factor. He didn’t hit spots and gave up walks and then threw the gopher pitch. When he’s off that is what he does. Girardi didn’t lose this one.
If there is someone to blame it has to be Coke, what a S##tty performance. Tex also is getting paid to field and HIT the ball. People are making the argument that Cano doesn’t need to hit because he makes plays, you can’t make the same argument about your #3 hitter who lead the league in most catagories. Tex I’m sure knows it and he has to produce.
Not only should they pitch utley inside they should be quick pitching him like crazy. He gets set really late and it could throw his timing off…
Just call me Mr. Clutch
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:07 am
Just goes to show what the life of a pitcher is. When the Yankees got Marte and Nady, Coke was one of the pitchers who might have gone in that deal. He didn’t and came up to the bigs and everyone was raving on him.
This year? He looks good and then gives up BP hits.
If the Yankees win, he gets a ring. Doesn’t that seem just a little wrong?
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???????????????
Wait a minute.
The Yankees are on the verge of clinching their 27th World Series, and should that happen, you are begrudging a relief pitcher’s right to championship ring?
Ok.
I will skip over your posts from here on in.
Vintage Pettitte vs Pedro…It doesn’t get better than that!
“It was wrong to start AJ on 3 days rest in Game 5 with the Yankees leading 3-1. He may still have self-destructed if he had instead started Game 6, but I think that is less likely”
no it wasn’t.
I would rather Burnett self-destruct in Game 5. Instead of Game 6.
JasonR
You’re right. We do not have to score first. But I hate being down in “must-win” or “close to must win games”. Them scoring more than 1 run early would be for my sanity.
Maybe we can just get a guy in our lineup to hit a 2 run homer early and then get someone to hit a grand slam a couple innings later.
Coke is not the story of the game. burnett is being overpaid – made 1.5 mil more than halladay this year – to do something. he’s gotta go more than 2-plus even on short rest. sorry, it is on aj, not some rookie middle reliever.
The fact that Girardi has not named a Game 6 starter is ominous. That inclines me to believe he isn’t all that convinced that Pettitte is rested enough to be effective for at least 5 innings.
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Come on Prince,
You know that Joe doesn’t announce squat until he absolutely has to.
betsy
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:19 am
I’m still very pleased that this team NEVER, ever gives up….As Joe and Evan are saying, the Yankees are up 3-1 in the series and down 8-2 late in the game and they still made the game scary. I love that…..
Also, the made a good point: Charlie Manuel has no confidence in his closer with a 3 run lead in the 9th? That’s pretty amazing.
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Exactly, Betsy.
We simply ran out of outs The Phillies can’t contain us – not in their crummy little park, and not at Yankee Stadium.
And don’t worry about Andy. Andy will be ready and bring all he has to the table tomorrow. He’s a warrior, and he’ll pitch to the score and deliver a winnable game to our bats.
upstate kate
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:19 am
10 things to be happy about:
10 no more of the AJ/Molina/Posada debate
9 another exciting round of GTLU
8 another chance to see Johnny D do a shirtless interview
7 Yankees took 2 of 3 in Phiily
6 Yankees are done travelling
5 Cliff Lee can’t pitch every game
4 we might get to finally see secret weapon Gaudin
3 Phillies’ bullpen is worse than Yankees
2 Yankees only need to win 1 more game
1 the ghosts await
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This is my favorite post ever
Mad Prince, I think the Phillies are the ones who should be alarmed as they have to win tomorrow. The Yankees took 2/3 in Philly….that’s outstanding. I’m not thrilled with Andy on short rest and CC yet again ,especially as CC appears to be wearing out (or else the Phils are just not a good matchup for him), but the team is still in great position. 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
There is no way we lose game 6…….Posada % Matsui are both back in the lineup……Mo is well rested…
I forgot to add homefield advantage too!!
Mad Prince: calm down. Everything is going to be alright.
(Was I supposed to tell you why or is that enough?)
Charleston, you’re being rather hard on Jeter, are you not? The guy has been one of the few hitters to be consistently good (actually great) this post-season. Tex really ought to be taking grief- he’s been absolutely brutal.
I wish Joe hadn’t brought in Coke, but Marte had pitched 2 games in a row; I’m not sure whether to kill him or not. Coke stinks, though.
Jim Mason
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:49 am
Coke is not the story of the game. burnett is being overpaid – made 1.5 mil more than halladay this year – to do something. he’s gotta go more than 2-plus even on short rest. sorry, it is on aj, not some rookie middle reliever.
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Burnett is a thrower. He’s not a pitcher in the way that Andy Pettitte is. He relies completely on stuff. If his delivery fails him, he’s done.
Pettitte is a crafty lefty who makes in-game adjustments and has the heart of a lion.
I’m not knocking AJ – he gave us a great Game 2 start, which we had to have.
But I trust Andy.
Coke has been up and down, and recently, he hasn’t been used much. Coke won’t pitch tomorrow, but he gets a pass from me. He got us some big outs over the season and has a good arm. He was over-used earlier on – he had more BP innings than anyone at a certain point and his arm was dragging. He’ll be fine next year.
Mad Prince, no we didn’t have the game won – the Phillies still had the lead.
I can’t believe anyone is blaming Jeter…..
I hate throwing terms like gutless around. 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…..
why thanks Erica, 8 & 9 were for you.
“so Patrick your logic is that on three days rest his stuff will improve?????
let’s hope so but that ain’t usually how it works my friend.”
You are reading into my statement the wrong way. I’m not saying his stuff will improve because he’s on 3 days rest, I’m saying it will improve because it was really bad in his last start.
A pitcher’s stuff can come and go depending on the day and there isn’t really any rhyme or reason for it. Some days you have it, some days you don’t. I’m simply saying, the chances are low that Andy won’t have it two games in a row.
Bodh, I know Andy’s a warrior, but still – the short rest concerns me. It has nothing to do with my having a lack of faith in him – it’s just that this is uncharted territory for him as he hasn’t pitched on 3 days rest since 2004 (I think).
A.J. gave us a great start in game 2, without it the Yankees would be behind 3-2 rather than leading 3-2. He had a bad outing last night but you can’t forget his greatness in game 2.
The only weak spot Utley has is high and away, his swing is so short he can’t keep up with that part of the plate. Anything inside is big trouble.
The Jeter hate is senseless. Just senseless.
guys .. lets back off AJ. .he lost. shake it off .
I agree there was no way of predicting which AJ would show up even on full rest, and unfortunately last night we saw the nightmare.
I agree that AJ was left in too long when it was obvious he didn’t have it and looked scared without a plan. He should have had a short leash; he’s no CC.
Game 5 was not a do-or-die winner-take-all game. Although I’m not a fan of Gaudin, I think in a 6 or 7 game series with the Yankees leading 3-1, Gaudin gave us the best odds for that particular game, as it would have put the rotation in a better position for games 6 and/or 7.
Nick/Betsy,
Your consolation is much appreciated
Betsy, I’m definitely NOT blaming Jeter entirely…sorry if I sounded as though I am.
BUT, you have to admit, we had guys on 1st and 3rd with no outs in the top of the 9th and Jeter was at the plate. Now, of course, there were 24 outs preceding that at bat in which we certainly had opportunities to do more damage than we did, but not many of them had us with two runners on, no outs, and arguably our best contact hitter at the plate.
I don’t expect Jeter to come up big every time, that is just not fair, but last night, I definitely expected him to do more than GIDP in that situation.
Oh well, no worries, and you’re absolutely right when you say that we are in a good position going back to NY up 3-2. We did just fine against the Angels in the exact same situation even if our pitchers were more rested.
I just looked up tickets to tomorrow nights game on Stubhub… yowsers!
“Bodh, I know Andy’s a warrior, but still – the short rest concerns me. It has nothing to do with my having a lack of faith in him – it’s just that this is uncharted territory for him as he hasn’t pitched on 3 days rest since 2004 (I think).”
I think it is concerning for all of us. There is most definitely risk involved when you start a guy like Andy on 3 days. However, I think many of us believe that his ability and experience will allow him to perform well tomorrow night.
If Tex stops swinging at balls low in the zone . WE WIN. thats it
Patrick
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:58 am
A.J. gave us a great start in game 2, without it the Yankees would be behind 3-2 rather than leading 3-2. He had a bad outing last night but you can’t forget his greatness in game 2.
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Very well said.
lil’ m
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:59 am
The Jeter hate is senseless. Just senseless.
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Anyone who bad-mouthed Jeter because of last night is officially not allowed to celebrate if he does something exciting tomorrow. The guy has pretty much ignited our offense this post season ( first homerun in the ALDS, first in the ALCS, the only one who hit Lee in Game 1 etc). He’s not going to come through everytime. Plus, I said this last night, I’m convinced he’s saving his heroics for the bronx
Gary
All this endless second guessing, we have seen AJ implode on normal rest vrs short rest. It wasn’t a factor. He didn’t hit spots and gave up walks and then threw the gopher pitch. When he’s off that is what he does. Girardi didn’t lose this one.”
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it’s not second guessing because i for one along with many of the experts were saying yesterday that it was a mistake or at the very least an unnecessary gamble to take with a 3-1 lead.
the point is again as you said he wasn’t hitting his spots etc. and that’s what a pitcher pitching on short rest does…get it. if pitchers were more effective on short rest then everybody would do it but THEY USUALLY AREN’T…Girardi likes to manage by the #’s and matchups and such and again the #’s and matchups suggested the right strategy was to pitch AJ at home where he’s been a much more effective pitcher ex. GAME 2 ALDS,ALCS,WS all at home and on FULL REST.
Joe took a gamble and it backfired and now it helps out a dangerous tough Phillies team get back in the series. There is no debate about that.
also curiously Gen. Girardi who hasn’t seen a move or switch he hasn’t liked all postseason doesn’t pinch run Pena for Matsui and try to steal second base with Derek “double play” Jeter at the plate…..hmmmm…isn’t this the sme guy who pinch ran guzman for ARod when he was hitting like .5000 in the Angels series….at least be consistant numbnut!
Girardi is making this thing harder than it has to be
before the game CB and i discussed pitching to utley.
he said really attack inside and make him move his feet.
i liked 3-4 inches off the outside of the plate.
i don’t think either of us suggested pitches down the middle.
i don’t think either of us suggested pitching to him at all with howard in such a slump behind him.
yet the yankees pitched to him.
to me that’s on the coaching staff unless burnett and other pitchers were told not to pitch to him and they are so bad they threw strikes anyway.
i’m just very surprised utley was allowed to beat them.
i don’t know what to make of it.
most people are talking about Andy on short rest. Pedro isn’t no spring chicken either!!!!. this game may come down to the bullpens !
betsy
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:58 am
Bodh, I know Andy’s a warrior, but still – the short rest concerns me. It has nothing to do with my having a lack of faith in him – it’s just that this is uncharted territory for him as he hasn’t pitched on 3 days rest since 2004 (I think).
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Pitching on 3 days rest as opposed to four seems more psychological than physical in terms of presenting issues for a pitcher. It takes you out of your routine, but then again, this is the playoffs, and Andy is pitching for all the marbles.
To me, that mental obstacle gets removed because of the sheer adrenaline of the postseason.
randy,
The only thing I can say is, it looked like Burnett’s fastball command was way off last night. Everything was up and he had a lot of tailing movement on it. It looked to me that when he went after Utley he tried to go in but left the pitch at the belt and it tailed right into the middle of the plate.
Just a bad job by Burnett, he was too fired up I guess.
I’m dissapointed in A.J. but maybe after last night’s performance Joe will let Posada catch him next year
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
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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
new thread
Patrick -
The only thing I can say is, it looked like Burnett’s fastball command was way off last night. Everything was up and he had a lot of tailing movement on it. It looked to me that when he went after Utley he tried to go in but left the pitch at the belt and it tailed right into the middle of the plate.
Just a bad job by Burnett, he was too fired up I guess.
I’m dissapointed in A.J. but maybe after last night’s performance Joe will let Posada catch him next year
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Thats why its important to pitch Utley outside.. IF you miss .. you miss outside . IF you pitch in.. you more liable to the ball over the plate
“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 like talent, stuff, familiarity, etc. 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”
Based on his career I would say he IS capable of more than 2 crap innings in the World Series. 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”?! I don’t buy that.
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.
Patrick
I gotta disagree that Pett stuff was bad he had 7 stikeouts through 5 innings k’ing Utley and Howard twice. He made one mistake to Werth and he hit it a mile but if ARod makes that play on Stairs’ grounder then Pett gets out of that inning only giving up one run…
and even the pitch to Werth was a good pitcher’s pitch down and away he just hit it, tip your cap to him.
If Andy can come out and throw as well as he did game 3 and our defense makes all the plays then he’ll keep them to 2 runs or less and we win it all!
Bubbly is better than crow, but a little Dave’s Insanity Sauce does wonders. The Start Gaudin people may have been right, after all. I really wanted to see AJ go out in a blaze of glory and the Yanks win the World Series last night BUT…
it will be fabulous to win it all in New York! At least last night’s loss was a moral victory; the Yanks rallied from way down in the hole and conducted themselves well after the game. Go Yanks!
“Anyone who bad-mouthed Jeter because of last night is officially not allowed to celebrate if he does something exciting tomorrow.”
are you saying that the best baseball players fail 7 out of 10 times?
you’re right.
Bunch of crybabies on here. Suck it up and be a real fan. We’re taking this series in 6. Be happy we took 2 of 3 in Philly against the defending champs.
“The only thing I can say is, it looked like Burnett’s fastball command was way off last night. Everything was up and he had a lot of tailing movement on it. It looked to me that when he went after Utley he tried to go in but left the pitch at the belt and it tailed right into the middle of the plate.”
patrick-
i mentioned what you’re saying to CB that because his ball tails back that it would be hard to go in on him.
i think CB’s position is that bad aj has too much tail on his fastball, and good aj can get it in there.
if the yankees went with gaudin last night and lost and burnett was pitching wednesday i wouldn’t feel any more confident than having andy go on three days with gaudin and the rest of the bullpen backing him up.
pettitte going wednesday is a free shot to wrap it up. you know he’ll leave it all out there trying.
sabathia is the ace up the yankees sleeve. if it has to go seven games , with sabathia going it’s the yankee’s advantage and the makings of a classic seven game series victory.
James,
This isn’t about “crybabies” and “real fans”. You can be a fan and still be able to look at what they do right or wrong. You can still discuss things that are critical. You are aloud to think.
Charlestonchew: “The worst thing last night was Jeter’s double play. When he got to the plate, I got a really bad feeling and called the double play right away. All he needed to hit was a fly ball. Bunt. Or strike out on purpose. Either would have been fine with me.”
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well then, you are an idiot.
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.)
@ Stan
“As a pie thrower A.J. Burnett is good. As a strike thrower he’s inconsistent.
In 2010 he’ll be relegated to a No. 3 or 4 status in the starting rotation.”
———
Who would we have as a #2? This is why we paid AJ, to be our #2. I don’t imagine it changing anytime soon. Maybe we go out and get Lackey, but I don’t expect the Yanks will pay him.
dsss,
Sure you can look at what the team did wrong but everyone is harping on the little things. The bottom line is the Phillies are a great team and we are up 3-2 on them. Second guessing every move Girardi makes is ridiculous.
James,
I agree with you that over-analyzing and second guessing is ridiculous. They are both great teams and either one can win, although I think it will be the Yankees.
There is though, nothing wrong with analysis; maybe it will prevent us from making the same mistakes over again.
I would like to see Hinske be given a chance in RF Vs Pedro……but it’s probably not gonna happen…
Andy is great, tough, and I trust him. However on short rest it would be tough for someone 10 years younger.
What’s wrong with giving him a little offensive and defensive help? The lineup needs to be boosted in whatever way it can.