The Sounds of October?
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Nov 04, 2009 
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There has been a lot of talk about how the new Yankee Stadium sounds in comparison to the old one. That’s natural – the new Stadium has been compared to the old one in just about everything. Most of the time, the new Stadium wins handily. Just not necessarily in volume.
Normally I don’t get too wound up in the whole “it’s not the same as it was across the street” concept, particularly as it pertains to how loud the crowd is but tonight is one of the few nights where I’ll pay attention. The general consensus is that Game 6′s and Game 7′s are the games where the most “true fans” show up and the corporate crowd is the smallest. Why? Because corporations who are taking clients to games or using them as business opportunities usually go to games early in the series since they are guaranteed to happen. Game 6 or Game 7 doesn’t happen every series – you can’t bank on taking a client to one of those ahead of time.
Because of that, one would think tonight’s crowd – even with ticket prices that would certainly burn a hole in every pocket I’ve got – will be as heated as any this Stadium has seen. Pumped. Juiced. Loud. At least it should be. The real fans will be in the house.
“We love playing at home,” Johnny Damon said the other day, “because we know that there is nowhere in the world that has fans who care as much as these guys.”
The game 1 and 2 crowds were embarassing. I hope you’re right about the suits not filling the place this time.
When the ball explodes off of Alex’s bat, it will be loud.
Unfortunately I can not make it to this game, however as a message to those who are going: THIS IS IT. The potential clinching game of the 27th World Series. Be invested in EVERY pitch. Get on the opposing pitchers. Pump up our pitchers. THIS IS THE WORLD SERIES. The millions of Yankee fans who can not make the game are counting on you to represent us loudly and dispel the myth that Yankees fans aren’t as passionate ad loud as Phillies fans.
A Phillies player said he heard crickets in Game 1!! GET IT UP LETS GO GUYS!!!
I couldn’t care less about “real crowds” or how loud it is. Just win.
I was lucky enough to have attended all 5 games so far in this series. The crowds can’t be compared. The Phillies fans were so much more passionate than the crowds at Yankee Stadium. 99% of the fans in Philadelphia were there for baseball while in NY it was about half that. Yankee Stadium isn’t about baseball anymore and that is sad.
I would imagine the stadium will get pretty loud tonight if they win.
In 135 career games in RF, Eric Hinske has made a grand total of ONE ERROR.
In 327 career games in RF, Nick Swisher has made a grand total of EIGHT ERRORS.
Based on this, you aren’t losing much defensively in RF starting Hinske over Swisher.
Based on the pitching matchup, Hinske hit Pedro the 3rd best on our squad, to a clip of .267. Hairston hits him best, however with Gardner already in CF…you need more pop.
That pop is Hinske. Will Girardi start him over Swisher tonight, and keep Swisher as a PH to come in against the Philly relief core? Time will tell…
If the Yankees win the world series tonight, what day will the parade be? friday?
I don’t wanna jinx..
“We love playing at home,” Johnny Damon said the other day, “because we know that there is nowhere in the world that has fans who care as much as these guys.”
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I love you too Johnny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8 hours and 56 minutes until Game 6!!!!!!
Aerofanatic, You can’t really tell who is better defensively by the number of errors they commit. The main reason is that certain outfielders are faster and can get to more balls then other outfielders. If an outfielder is too slow to get to a ball that a faster outfielder can get too (and catch) he will not be tagged with an error. In this case I think that Swisher is faster than Hinske and has more range in the outfield. Swisher isn’t fast by any means but Hinske is very lumbering out there.
Because of the way the stadium is constructed the upper deck (normally the loudest) is set back further. The sound is not contained as much.
No talks of parades yet — no jinxing! The one thing (ok, one of many things) driving me crazy about the Fox broadcasters is that they keep saying, so-and-so has gone X number of games without a hit, and then he gets one, or so-and-so has won 10 of 10 of his last starts, and then he loses. So no predictions, no guessing anything about game 7, and certainly no talking about parades!
AEROFANATIC
November 4th, 2009 at 11:02 am
In 135 career games in RF, Eric Hinske has made a grand total of ONE ERROR.
In 327 career games in RF, Nick Swisher has made a grand total of EIGHT ERRORS.
Based on this, you aren’t losing much defensively in RF starting Hinske over Swisher.
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I’m sure you’re aware of this, but errors only take into account balls the player actually makes contact with. Hinske has no range. He’s a guy you hide in RF and hope doesn’t get exposed, and you hope like hell his bat justifies any mishaps out there. He’s not starting this game.
an anxious day…..time please fly by
Let’s Go Yankees…Clap, Clap, Clap-clap-clap
Rays traded Iwamura to Pittsburgh and announced it during the WS. Isn’t there a rule against that?
Robbie better step it up or Cash will call the “farm team” in Pittsburgh and call up the new 2nd baseman.
Swisher has worked hard on his defense, he is much better now than earlier in the season. He has made some great defensive plays in the post season. Swish is also more familiar w/ the ball park, b/c he plays almost every game. I would be surprised to see Hinske play in his place.
“I couldn’t care less about “real crowds” or how loud it is. Just win.”
Seriously. And every Yankee player has commented on the excitement they get from the fans in the Stadium, so I have to believe that they are not there measuring noise decibils per pitch. Rather they are locked in and trying to win.
Let the crowds take care of themselves. It’s pretty hard to pack in 50,000+ people and not hear ANY noise.
Geesh.
I hear ya guys, and I am a Swisher fan and hope he plays…I just know Joe goes by the #s as evidenced in Game 2 starting Hairston.
Swish has picked it up a bit, so he should start…but I would not be shocked to see it be Hinske…based on Joe’s “by the numbers” style.
Alot of the crowd noise “escapes” the stadium due to the structure at top, with the “fence like” appearance of the concrete. The noise can not reverberate like it did in the old stadium.
There wasn’t a whole lot to cheer about in game one if I recall and game two was a nailbiter as well for much of the game. If the Yankees want it loud then they need to give the fans something to cheer about tonight. I think a five spot in the first off Pedro ought to do it
I’ll be shocked if Swisher doesn’t get the start tonight. I think him getting benched for game 2 woke him up a bit. He’s looked much better at the plate the last two games, and has made some great defensive plays in right throughout the postseason.
Prediction: If the Yankees are leading in the 9th inning, no one is going to talk about how the crowd isn’t making noise.
Unfortunately I can not make it to this game, however as a message to those who are going: THIS IS IT. The potential clinching game of the 27th World Series. Be invested in EVERY pitch. Get on the opposing pitchers. Pump up our pitchers. THIS IS THE WORLD SERIES. The millions of Yankee fans who can not make the game are counting on you to represent us loudly and dispel the myth that Yankees fans aren’t as passionate ad loud as Phillies fans.
A Phillies player said he heard crickets in Game 1!! GET IT UP LETS GO GUYS!!!
________
Amen! Go Yankees! Can’t wait!
Swisher will play tonight. Hinske is too big a liability defensively in a game of this magnitude and hairston isn’t an everyday player..
Vader
November 4th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Let’s Go Yankees…Clap, Clap, Clap-clap-clap
****
clap clap clap
Gardner better not be in the lineup tonight. He is a defenseive replacemant at best..the guy can’t hit…Jerry Hairston just adds something to this team with his grittiness and experience
The stadium is never loud when the other pitcher is shutting you down. There really werent any Yankee rallies in either game. They did nothing vs Lee and 2 of the runs scored on pedro were solo HR’s.
Like someone else said above, just win the game.
blake November 4th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Swisher will play tonight. Hinske is too big a liability defensively in a game of this magnitude and hairston isn’t an everyday player..
Hairston is more of an everday player than Gardner ever will be
AEROFANATIC
November 4th, 2009 at 11:10 am
I hear ya guys, and I am a Swisher fan and hope he plays…I just know Joe goes by the #s as evidenced in Game 2 starting Hairston.
Swish has picked it up a bit, so he should start…but I would not be shocked to see it be Hinske…based on Joe’s “by the numbers” style.
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if joe goes by the numbers hairston will play because he is batting like .350 against pedro
It’s not just about noise. I think everyone agrees the new place won’t get as loud due to architecture. However, there have been large swaths of people sitting down and looking relatively uninterested in WS Games 1 & 2. It was a huge drop off from the Alds and Alcs, when, in my opinion the place was loud. I felt the upperdeck shake at game 6 of the Alcs this year.
If you’re going to the game get loud! At the old stadium everyone stood and cheered with 2 strikes. That doesn’t happen anymore and folks need to get more involved even if we’re down a run or two.
I looked around at tickets and actually could make it to this game. But the effort it would take now to find a hotel room and get a train there in time, I just think I am happier watching from the warmth of my living room, content to hang out with my forum friends.
I hope that doesn’t make me crazy. I’ll make up for it by starting to put away money now and having enough to pay a king’s ransom for a good seat in next year’s world series! Yes the Yankees will be there again.
In regards to the noise level at the games…
1) The two Stadiums are set up differently…the old one was more of a bowl and the new one has the tiers setback for better viewing.
2) The old one had closed concourses and the new one is open, so you would think sound travels differently.
3) While watching some of the classic games, I noticed how the seats closer to the field “inside the moat” seemed to be more passionate fans, which were most likely season ticket holders for generations, that aren’t sitting in the new one, never mind whether anyone is sitting in them at all.
4) After attending a few games this year, I would say the sound/noise translates better to being there live than on TV. Why that it is, is anyone’s guess?
In 135 career games in RF, Eric Hinske has made a grand total of ONE ERROR.
In 327 career games in RF, Nick Swisher has made a grand total of EIGHT ERRORS.
Based on this, you aren’t losing much defensively in RF starting Hinske over Swisher.
———————————————–
Swisher is a much better RF than hinske.. Have you seen the jump that he’s getting on some line drives.. There was a ball that was hit to hairston in game 2 that he played it on the hop.. Swisher was making plays on those balls.. Its because certain OFs don’t get good jumps that certain fly balls turn into base hits…
Mr. Gardner,
I have not lost faith in your bat. Please use it when given the opportunity. Thank you.
yeah, gardner can’t hit. I guess what he did in the regular season doesnt matter. Lets judge him on the 10 plate appearances he’s had in the past 30 days. Unreal.
By the way, the catch he made in game 5 would have been a double or triple if anyone else was out there. There were no outs at the time, so it’s very possible he saved a run.
Hinske has a 1.8 UZR/150 in RF. Swisher has a 4.9.
Stop posting, Sam. Let Chad do his blog.
pat
November 4th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Rays traded Iwamura to Pittsburgh and announced it during the WS. Isn’t there a rule against that?
Robbie better step it up or Cash will call the “farm team” in Pittsburgh and call up the new 2nd baseman.
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Tell Cash to pluck back Tabata.
Swisher can change the game with one swing and he works the count to drive up pedros pitch count. I like hairston but swisher has to play this game.
I sure hope we wrap it up tonite. Imagine how tense Game 7 will be. The ghosts of 2004 would be hovering over the field and I can’t help but think that Jetes, Mo, Jorge, Arod, Andy, etc. will be wondering if they will choke again.
CountryClub November 4th, 2009 at 11:19 am
yeah, gardner can’t hit. I guess what he did in the regular season doesnt matter. Lets judge him on the 10 plate appearances he’s had in the past 30 days. Unreal.
By the way, the catch he made in game 5 would have been a double or triple if anyone else was out there. There were no outs at the time, so it’s very possible he saved a run.
Regualr season means nothing now…This is the postseason…the guy is ice cold..his defense will be missed and thats all..
Hinske is awful as a fielder. Yes, he catches what he gets to. The problem is, he doesnt get to much.
I had a very very realistic dream last night in which I was Nick Swisher.
I think that Sam’s post is right on. The crowd does matter. It influences the players and I believe the umpires as well. The crowd is not the determining factor, but it can certainly help when it gets really loud.
From an entertainment perspective, the game is more enjoyable to watch or listen too when the crowd is going crazy.
When I think of Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, I think of the crowd before and after Posada’s bloop double. I can still hear the “Let’s Go Yankees” chant from that night in my head. It is time that we hear it again at the same level.
Swisher is a much better RF than hinske.. Have you seen the jump that he’s getting on some line drives
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He has been getting great jumps for some time now. He has really applied himself defensively, and shown that he is a pretty good instintiive outfielder.
“Rays traded Iwamura to Pittsburgh and announced it during the WS. Isn’t there a rule against that?”
Meh, no one cares about the Rays and Pirates anyway.
Steve – did you get a big hit?
Tex and Cano are ice cold too. Do you want to sit them for inferior players? I didnt think so.
Gardner broke his thumb missed like a month and was never the same hitting after that…He is an automatic out at this point…but his defense is amazing
why not hairston in cf,swisher in rf
jeter
damon
tex
arod
matsui
posada
swisher
cano
hairston
hairston kills pedro & gardner can replace hairston later
At least Yankee fans will never resort to waving towels and thundersticks.
“Regualr season means nothing now…This is the postseason…the guy is ice cold..his defense will be missed and thats all..”
And this is why the average fan is a complete idiot.
How much experience does Hairston have in CF? (real question, not knocking either him or Gardner)
The last time the Yankees clinched the WS in a game 6 was in 1996 at the old Yankee Stadium. I re watched that game last night. And it was amazing. Joe Girardi who was 0 for 7 up to that point in the series, had a brilliant game. He went 2 for 3 with a huge triple that opened the scoring. Mariano Duncan, who started the game at 2nd base, had a memorable quote, “We play today, we win today. Das it”. Girardi also had a memorable quote, (I paraphrase), they said they could beat the 27′Yankees, they forgot about the 96′ Yankees.
Not unlike tonight, a crafty LH and a crafty RH started that game. Jimmy Key struggled all game trying unsuccessfully to establish the outside corner on the Atlanta Brave hitters. But in opportunity after opportunity the Brave hitters just couldn’t get the big hit with the runners in scoring position. The Braves also had some bad luck. Umpires blew a call at second, which killed a rally. Bobby Cox was thrown out of the game.
Gregg Maddox, who was still in his prime, had a much better game. He had one bad inning, when he gave up 3 clean RBI’s to Girardi on a triple, to Jeter on a single, and to Bernie Williams on a single. He was in control for rest of the game, scattering some meaningless hits. He went 7 2/3, leaving the last out for Wohlers.
Jimmy Key went 5 1/3 and was relieved by David Weathers with 1 out, man on 3rd, Yankees up 3-1. Weathers struck out Javy Lopez on 3 pitches then walked Andruw Jones. Graeme Lloyd came in and induced a pop up from Ryan Klesko to end the inning. Then it was Mariano Rivera time for an uneventful 7th and 8th. Wetteland came in for the 9th and as usual, made it a nail biter. He gave up a run, to make it 3-2. With runners at the corners with 2 outs Mark Lemke hit a pop up in foul territory. Charlie Hayes, who replaced Wade Boggs at 3rd, tried to make a play near the dugout while evading a Brave player. He dove into the Brave dugout but couldn’t make the catch. On the very next pitch, Lemke popped up again to nearly the same location and we all know what happened. Hayes makes the catch, Yankees win the series.
Just like tonight Buck and McCarver did the play by play broadcast for Fox. McCarver famously and incorrectly announced, in a “look how smart I am tone”, that the yellow sign saying “John 3:16″ being held up by a fan behind home plate, was in honor of Tommy John’s career ERA. Tommy John’s career ERA is 3.34. The sign clearly refers to the bible and I have heard some speculation that the text also represents Tommy John’s career ERA before his famous “Tommy John Surgery”. I don’t know? If anybody knows the full story behind the sign, I would love to know.
I hope tonight’s game 6 is as memorable as game 6 in 96′
Man, a lot of Gardner hate today. There’s a reason he’s usually brought in late in games for defense…
Guys you have to understand: the ALCS crowd was not the WS Games 1 & 2 crowd.
Many of those people who were raucous for Game 6 have been priced out. Just read the boards – people are unable to fork over $600 for a ticket, so we’re left with some real baseball dilletantes who maybe root for the Yankees but they’re looking at the WS as more of an “event.”
I’m hoping some of the more fanatical people coughed it up tonight because of the stakes. That would help deliver more of an Old Yankee Stadium vibe.
CountryClub November 4th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Tex and Cano are ice cold too. Do you want to sit them for inferior players? I didnt think so.
No because what are your options for them??? None? What are your options for Gardner?? A few… (Hairston, Hinske) both better bats…not at all close defensively
I agree that hairston is more of an everyday player than Gardner but defensively Gardner is better in center. I think he difference in their bats doesn’t make up the difference in their gloves. Did you not see Gardner go get that ball at the wall the other night.
I love to hear stories about crowds getting loud, and the ground shaking and all. However, unfortunately I’m watching the game at home, and technology has yet to be able to capture the REAL feeling of those loud crowds. So whether it’s loud or not, it will do nothing for me because I won’t be able to feel what the fans at the game feel.
The only thing to make me feel that good would be a win tonight.
“hairston kills pedro & gardner can replace hairston later”
Hairston had 10 good AB 5 years ago. It’s an insanely small sample and completely irrelevant. Hairston also has only played CF a handful of times the past few years. I wouldn’t trust him out there.
Adam November 4th, 2009 at 11:24 am
“Regualr season means nothing now…This is the postseason…the guy is ice cold..his defense will be missed and thats all..”
And this is why the average fan is a complete idiot.
And that is why if they dont put the best team on the field the Phillies will celebrate on our field….
How is Hairston more of an everyday player? We’re talking about a guy with a .700 career OPS. He’s not a good hitter.
And Hairston is a good fielder..He can play center field..He def has before and well
Erin
November 4th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Man, a lot of Gardner hate today. There’s a reason he’s usually brought in late in games for defense…
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There’s no room for undermining any of the starters tonight. Gardner was pressed into service and I’m hoping he’ll bunt to get on. We know once he gets on, he can use his great asset. But he has to get on.
Hairston can’t be handed the keys to CF because he’s played maybe ONE game out there for us this season. He’s a good outfielder, but you’ve got to go with the guy who’s played out there and is comfortable in YS CF.
I won’t be in here tonight, nor exposed to McCarver-Buck Phillies cheerleading squad.
Remember, those people hate us, and the rest of the baseball world lives to see us lose. Don’t be divided!
GO YANKS!
Hairston should play RF tonite but Joe is so loyal to Swish it probably wont happen.
i’d prefer the stadium be as quiet as possible…..so that i can hear gammons, kruk, mitch williams, karl ravech and the rest of the NESPN and MLBNetwork losers crying in their homer hankies…
Adam November 4th, 2009 at 11:27 am
How is Hairston more of an everyday player? We’re talking about a guy with a .700 career OPS. He’s not a good hitter.
The guy has more experience….and he’s played just as much as Gardner in this postseason..He is just a professional hitter..although that 3-1 swing the other night killed me
“Hairston should play RF tonite but Joe is so loyal to Swish it probably wont happen.”
Based on what? Swisher has the better bat and they’re comparable enough in the field. There is ZERO reason to weaken the offense with Hairston in right.
I just hope the loss of Melky is not a major blow, he could be very clutch.
IMO…the New Stadium is going to be christened tonight and the fans will be a major part it.
This is the season of what now….The 2009 World Series Championship New York Yankees!
“The guy has more experience….and he’s played just as much as Gardner in this postseason..He is just a professional hitter..although that 3-1 swing the other night killed me”
A professional hitter means you have a .700 career OPS and have struggled to keep an everyday job your entire career? Are you Joe Morgan? If not, you should pursue a career in broadcasting. You already have all the meaningless cliches down pat.
hairston is like 20 for 57 against pedro
insane numbers i believe
gardner is better defensively & we need swish in the lineup because he works the count & has power but i would at least start hairston in cf if it is possible
Hairston hits Pedro was the point. Swish had a good game after being benched but he looks back to his former self.
Bring it tonight Yanks fans, for those of us who can’t be there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #27 HAPPENS TONIGHT.
Adam
November 4th, 2009 at 11:26 am
“hairston kills pedro & gardner can replace hairston later”
Hairston had 10 good AB 5 years ago. It’s an insanely small sample and completely irrelevant. Hairston also has only played CF a handful of times the past few years. I wouldn’t trust him out there.
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Agreed. You can’t mess around up the middle. I’m already praying that Gardner keeps the ball in front of him, and doesn’t try to make the “spectacular” catch coming in. Use breakneck speed going coast-to-coast and back – not in. We don’t need any gifted doubles, ala Victorino on Jeter.
“The ghosts of 2004 would be hovering over the field and I can’t help but think that Jetes, Mo, Jorge, Arod, Andy, etc. will be wondering if they will choke again.”
It was an ALDS game not a WS game, Andy wasn’t a Yankee in 2004 and Kevin Brown won’t be pitching tomorrow night.
The players are past it. The media and “fans” need to move past it too.
Many of those people who were raucous for Game 6 have been priced out. Just read the boards – people are unable to fork over $600 for a ticket, so we’re left
Bodhi-
It’s a shame that the Stadium prob. wont sell out tonite due to the high prices.
A professional hitter means you have a .700 career OPS and have struggled to keep an everyday job your entire career? Are you Joe Morgan? If not, you should pursue a career in broadcasting. You already have all the meaningless cliches down pat.
Yes i am Joe Morgan…Keep your OPS numbers who are you Joe Girardi? I just feel more comfortable with Hairston..he wouldnt get thrown out twice trying to steal..and he wouldnt get doubled off third in a crucial spot..all he will do is compete and give you a tough AB unlike Gardner
you cant ignore hairstons numbers against pedro but i dont take swish out of the lineup
play hairston in cf
his numbers are great against pedro
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
nor be exposed to McCarver-Buck Phillies cheerleading squad.
*******************
you’re going to miss Dumb and Dumber? Lucky you.
mick
November 4th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Hairston hits Pedro was the point. Swish had a good game after being benched but he looks back to his former self.
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Swish has been much worse from the left side, from where he’ll be hitting tonight. His better contact has been made from the right. I’d still be hesitant to take him out – because perhaps he’s due to hit LH. The OPS factor makes me lean toward Swish.
Swish has no power at home. He becomes invisible in big situations. Use your eyes , not your hearts.
If Pettitte was here in 2004, there wouldn’t have been a collapse. There will not be a collapse in 2009.
Bodhissatva-
you are correct. I was lucky to pay face value for 5 playoff games this year. Those at the ALCS either paid face or a reasonable markup on stubhub. At the series everyone who sat around me (bleachers) paid $400 and up. Thus, a more bourgeoisie crowd.
sab
November 4th, 2009 at 11:29 am
i’d prefer the stadium be as quiet as possible…..so that i can hear gammons, kruk, mitch williams, karl ravech and the rest of the NESPN and MLBNetwork losers crying in their homer hankies…
===========================================================
having said that – i really like dave winfield and eduardo perez – they are fair, say smart things and don’t let their likes or dislikes get in the way of just reporting the news and events…
“Swish has no power at home. He becomes invisible in big situations. Use your eyes , not your hearts”
Use your brain, not your eyes. The numbers don’t lie. Swish is far superior to the alternatives.
BUT WAIT JERRY HAIRSTON WENT 10 FOR 27 AGAINST PEDRO 5 YEARS AGO!!! 27 AT BATS!!!!! THAT NOTHING SAMPLE IS WHAT WE SHOULD MAKE ALL DECISIONS ON!!!!
Outfield Tonight… LF Curtis CF Williams RF O’Neill
“Swish has been much worse from the left side, from where he’ll be hitting tonight. His better contact has been made from the right.”
Maybe during the post-season, but if you look at the whole season Swish hits lefties and righties equally well, and career-wise he actually hits righties a little better.
I wouldn’t worry about the platoon splits with Nick.
“yeah, gardner can’t hit. I guess what he did in the regular season doesnt matter.”
what did gardner do in the regular season?? why are people in love with this guy?
mick
November 4th, 2009 at 11:30 am
I just hope the loss of Melky is not a major blow, he could be very clutch.
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Fortunately, we lost him late in Game 4, a game that gave us a 3-1 series lead. We also lost him with only one game to play with an NL lineup. I think if Melky were healthy, you might have seen Hairston tonight. They got crucial back to back hits late in Game 2 with Pedro on the ropes. Gardner came in to pinch run, and went 1st to 3rd on Melky’s hit. That’s the perfect way to use him – because someone else’s bat has already done the job.
I was at the second game of the ALDS when Tex hit the walk off homer and that place was ROCKING..even moreso when Alex tied it in the 9th. The fans were going crazy. When I arrived home I watched it again on TV and the sound wasn’t even close to the noise at the Stadium. I don’t know if it’s the structure of the new place or the TV equipment but in order to really appreciate the crowd noise you have to be there in person. I wish I was tonight but I’ll be at Mickey Mantle’s watching with a group of friends and hopefully celebrating a Yankee 27th Championship !!!
Go Yankees 2009 !!!
adam, watch your tone.
Swisher’s worst is behind him. He knows Yankee Stadium’s RF better than anybody and I doubt Girardi is considering benching him again.
Wave Your Hat
November 4th, 2009 at 11:41 am
“Swish has been much worse from the left side, from where he’ll be hitting tonight. His better contact has been made from the right.”
Maybe during the post-season, but if you look at the whole season Swish hits lefties and righties equally well, and career-wise he actually hits righties a little better.
I wouldn’t worry about the platoon splits with Nick.
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I know his splits for the regular season. He has looked lost LH at the plate in postseason. I am not worried, really, which is why I said he’s due to hit from the leftside and why I would go for Swish and his on base and slug potential.
“what did gardner do in the regular season?? why are people in love with this guy?”
Posted a mediocre OPS just like the CF candidates. His numbers are pretty much exactly where Ellsbury’s were last year.
Melky: .752 OPS
Gardner: .724 OPS
Hairston: .710 OPS
what did gardner do in the regular season?? why are people in love with this guy?
–
Played elite CF defense and got on base more than melky while hitting for less power.
Steve
November 4th, 2009 at 11:22 am
I had a very very realistic dream last night in which I was Nick Swisher.
*****
How’d you look with a Swishawk?
no.27
November 4th, 2009 at 11:42 am
“yeah, gardner can’t hit. I guess what he did in the regular season doesnt matter.”
what did gardner do in the regular season?? why are people in love with this guy?
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That requires a complicated answer, but now is no time for it.
Let’s hope the abundance of love people bestow on this kid can be returned in some measure tonight.
I can’t stop laughing at all of you wishing for Hairston tonight. Joe got killed for starting him the last time and now that’s all anybody wants. I’m fine with which ever guy goes…Hairston looked alright in his one start and Swisher looks like he’s feeling more confident at the plate. Swisher was a liability when he wasn’t getting good AB’s so Joe sat him (and used “the numbers” avenue to not make Swish too upset) but he’s looked much better the past couple games. Swisher with a decent bat is a much better player then every-day Hairston…with Gardner in center (most likely), I’d say save Hairston to pinch run and give Swish the start in right.
I pray they win tonight, I am so sick of everyone in the media predicting a choke……
I will be there tonight and I will be screaming my face off. This is it. We win TONIGHT…
“I had a very very realistic dream last night in which I was Nick Swisher.”
Odd, I too had a dream with Swisher in it. He hit the game winning home run and started doing Hulk Hogan’s poses while standing on 2nd base.
Todd November 4th, 2009 at 11:49 am
I pray they win tonight, I am so sick of everyone in the media predicting a choke……
U shud hear Michael Kay..saying Andy will get rocked…This is supposed to be the voice of the Yankees
gardner does play great defense in cf
We had great ABs on the road. Hopefully, no one takes it upon himself to play the hero, and we just have professional ABs. You don’t want to take long swings against Pedro. Compact swings, however, will produce results.
# bru November 4th, 2009 at 11:51 am
gardner does play great defense in cf
As did Melky with a better arm
LET’S GET LOUD TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Such an obvious joke about dreams I want to make here and its killing me to suppress it……
PL
November 4th, 2009 at 11:52 am
# bru November 4th, 2009 at 11:51 am
gardner does play great defense in cf
As did Melky with a better arm
====
Utley is out at the plate after stumbling, that’s for sure.
Todd
November 4th, 2009 at 11:49 am
I pray they win tonight, I am so sick of everyone in the media predicting a choke……
*****************
Tell me about it. The media is almost giddy thinking they’ll choke. It’s disgusting.
I feel I have more control over the situation when I am at the game.
More passive in front of the TV.
More cerebral.
At the game my inner animal comes out.
okay everybody tonight is the game jeter gets that walkoff hit we’ve been waiting for all season, cementing his status as mr. november and crowning the yankees world champions
did anyone hear Madson?…he said when the Phillies got to the ballpark for Game 5 they felt like they were up 3 games to 1…Are you serious…Please embarasse them tonight Yanks
Michael Kay, I’ve been missing you all post season. ( I much rather hear “SEE YA” and “OOO WHAT A PLAY BY_____” than have to listen to the obvious hate from Buck and Mccarver). Don’t make me angry now by saying stupid things about Andy.
Its not even noon yet. Uggggg.
“I know his splits for the regular season. He has looked lost LH at the plate in postseason.”
bodh-
I think that’s just an illusion created by Nick’s overall poor hitting in the post-season and the fact that his one good offensive performance came against Hamels and Happ.
PL
November 4th, 2009 at 11:56 am
did anyone hear Madson?…he said when the Phillies got to the ballpark for Game 5 they felt like they were up 3 games to 1…Are you serious…Please embarasse them tonight Yanks
*******************
Didn’t the Angels say something similar? After they won game 5 it was “we’re winning the next 2, period.” How’d that work out for them?
I was at game 6 of the ALCS and the new stadium was rocking!!! I was also at game 1 and 2 of the WS and it wasnt nearly as loud. Game 1 was really quiet but Cliff Lee was dealing and it was a nasty night. Game 2 still wasnt as loud as Game6 ALCS but it was loud especially towards Pedro. I think a lot has to do with the fact that MLB gives out a lot more tickets to celebs and families because of the guarantee of the game being played. The same is true for corporations in games 1 and 2. The new stadium design also has a lot to do with it. Upper deck is a lot further back and the open hallways probably allow a lot of the noise as well. Also I think the TV has a lot to do with it. If you listen to the radio listen to the difference between 880 and 1050. The two stations sound totally different one sounds a lot louder than the other. 2 outs in the 8th and Enter Sandman playing and you wont be able to hear yourself think no matter what stadium it is!
I wish I could be there but I am 1100 miles away. For those of you going, make it LOUD!!!! Show the fans in Philly that we don’t need hankies or thundersticks (like LAA)or any other gimmick that other teams use.
Be proud Yankee Fans! Be Loud! Rock the house and make noise all game long! Enjoy the ride and savor the moment.
M. Kay is your classic “sandbagger” He predicts doom & gloom so when it happens he can say “I told you so.” But if he’s wrong, he’s happy because the NYY win.
The NYY will win tonight. For a team that just won game 5, the Phillies looked more relieved afterward than anything. For a team that lost the NYY headed home with a 3-2 lead and momentum from the way they got to Lee & the BP late in the game. Can’t wait for the game.
mick
November 4th, 2009 at 11:53 am
I feel I have more control over the situation when I am at the game.
More passive in front of the TV.
More cerebral.
At the game my inner animal comes out.
====
Being there makes it easier to communicate optimism to the playing area. Mental pictures, when not aborted by anxieties or fear, are very effective.
I would like to think tonight will be mostly “TRUE” fans but at obstructed view bleacher seats going for $550 each on stubhub, I don’t believe many “TRUE” fans will be able to go. There needs to be some sort of cap placed on these websites. This is just ridiculous!
Anybody have a favorite/cheap bar near the stadium? I’m going tonight and want to watch without breaking the bank.
NYYROC
November 4th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
M. Kay is your classic “sandbagger” He predicts doom & gloom so when it happens he can say “I told you so.” But if he’s wrong, he’s happy because the NYY win.
The NYY will win tonight.
====
I heard his tripe the other day regarding Games 6 & 7.
The old (original) Stadium saw a World Championship for it’s first year in 1923 and it’s only fitting that the new Stadium see the same.
A rite of passage.
If the Yankees were smart they’d give away every seat that isn’t purchased by game time and fill that stadium up! They should also install some kind of rule where they allow people sitting higher up to go down into the Legend seats if the owners aren’t there by the end of the 4th inning…let people enjoy the close seats and get the people that will heckle the opposing hitters.
I hope it gets LOUD LOUD LOUD tonight because playing in NY SHOULD be one of the significant x-factors in tonight’s game.
PL
November 4th, 2009 at 11:52 am
# bru November 4th, 2009 at 11:51 am
gardner does play great defense in cf
As did Melky with a better arm
———————————————————-
yes but melky cant cover the ground gardner does
not even close
i do miss melkys bat
hey whatever happened to the 5,000 standing room only tickets the Yanks claimed to sell in the beginning of the season?
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes November 4th, 2009 at 11:51 am
We had great ABs on the road. Hopefully, no one takes it upon himself to play the hero, and we just have professional ABs. You don’t want to take long swings against Pedro. Compact swings, however, will produce results.
===================
Yes, I don’t want to see everybody swinging for the fences, just get hits, take your BBs, and keep the lineup moving along, inning after inning.
Jeter hasnt had any pie all year! Hes due!! Pettite 6 2/3 strong. Posada 2 huge RBI to send Pedro to the shower. Hughes and Joba bridge Mo and Jeter walk off base hit to rightfield in the 9th. It will be on Yankee classic by the time the winning run scores.
“I sure hope we wrap it up tonite. Imagine how tense Game 7 will be. The ghosts of 2004 would be hovering over the field and I can’t help but think that Jetes, Mo, Jorge, Arod, Andy, etc. will be wondering if they will choke again.”
I of course have a theory on that too. It’s called paying ahead. When the Yankees won the 2003 ALCS, they had Jason Giambi hit two homers and Roger Clemens start the game. Both had been using PEDs. Clemens never admitted to his use of course, and I belive the baseball gods had the Yankees pay dearly for the PED useage. So 2004 rolled around and there was some big atonement. Of course in 2004* the milkshake twins, Ramirez and Ortiz, accounted for a lot of the damage. Cut to 2009. Ortiz is outed and of course denies every doing anything. Never a good idea to lie. So the Sux are ousted in the first round and the Dodgers also disappear (Manny never said much about anything as I remember.) Andy owned up to using HGH as so his karma is clean. Arod owned up to using whatever he used, so his karma too is clean. Look at the seasons both have turned in!
It’s about the baseball gods as much as the ghosts. Or it’s about having what you do come back on you, bad and good.
On that theory I have no fears about 2004* other than it being a distant memory. Nobody loves the toughest competition on the face of the earth more than Jeter. He hardly will fade because of 2004*. Posada is tough as nails, Mariano is pure as driven snow, and Andy is as focused as you will find.
Now add to that that the Yankees have a better team than the Phils, I feel very secure that we will be celebrating Number 27 in short order.
Anthony
November 4th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
I would like to think tonight will be mostly “TRUE” fans but at obstructed view bleacher seats going for $550 each on stubhub, I don’t believe many “TRUE” fans will be able to go. There needs to be some sort of cap placed on these websites. This is just ridiculous!
====
That’s why it makes sense to have season tickets. If you don’t, you’ll get shut out of the World Series.
A 41 game plan guarantees you Opening Day and all playoff games. I have a full season, but that’s because if you didn’t go full, you would have gotten pushed way out of the strike zone when the team moved across the street.
I’ve eaten a lot of tickets this season, especially the torrential April games. But if you don’t care that much about being in the strike zone, and just want to make sure you’re in, the 41-game plan is golden. You cannot be denied Series tickets.
yes but melky cant cover the ground gardner does
not even close
i do miss melkys bat
====
Guess you missed his great running catch on Rollins, and all the other great plays he’s made over the years. That’s why seeing the games live makes all the difference.
*Wangawa November 4th, 2009 at 11:38 am
If Pettitte was here in 2004, there wouldn’t have been a collapse. There will not be a collapse in 2009.*
Couldn’t have said it better myself…
HootHoot! Game Day!
Looking for Andy to dig deep inside and deliver us to the Promised Land!
Under the present circumstances, I think that Andy would prefer to have Gardner in center field.
Singleton (espn) saying Pedro has the edge and will pitch his way to immortality (paraphrasing there). Winfield a bit less biased, thinks both will step as they’re capable, but both will be out around the 5th.
If there was a cage match with two old guys, this is what it would look like. The good guys win tonight.
for anyone too young to remember there is a classic being shown now on on mlbn with tiant pitching to the big red machine in the ’75 world series.
Was Melky’s arm or his ego the reason he couldn’t hit a cutoff man?
if we cant win one game & allow the phillies to win 3 in a row then we dont deserve it
burnett,pettitte & cc have to get it done
3 shots
pettitte has to pitch well enough to win
if not cc has to
i like our chances
One thing for sure:
Utley needs to get knocked on his rear. He is way too comfortable at the plate. Then I would give him nothing inside.
Well, Pettitte ain’t 31 like he was in 2003, but I like his repertoire and his experience in these kinds of situations. When it comes down to it, its about making your pitches, getting ahead, and keeping the hitters off balance.
I for one don’t pitch to Utley in any situation in which we have no one on w/ outs. Take your chances w/ Howard and pray he doesn’t bust out in this game tonight.
I’m sure Pedro will come in with a modified game plan, but we’ve now faced him and have a better idea of what he is coming at us with in terms of stuff. Hopefully that will amount to Jeter and Damon setting the table for the big bats, particularly Matsui.
We get our DH back which strengthens our lineup and Posada will be behind the dish.
This is our best opportunity to close it out. Hopefully the pen is ready to go by the 5th or 6th inning at the very earliest. Joe can’t take any chances if Pettitte gets into too much trouble early on.
I like our chances tonight…I love Andy Pettitte and have had his back since 96 just as he’s had ours. He will give his absolute best, you can count on that. We need to cheer him on, “put the women and children to bed, and go look for some F-in dinner!!!”
randy l.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
for anyone too young to remember there is a classic being shown now on on mlbn with tiant pitching to the big red machine in the ‘75 world series.
====
I was thinking about Tiant in ’75 the other day, when all this ‘short rest’ stuff kicked up. Did he pitch 3 games in that series? I seem to remember there were rainouts, but I was pretty young and my memory of it is sketchy.
“If the Yankees were smart they’d give away every seat that isn’t purchased by game time and fill that stadium up! They should also install some kind of rule where they allow people sitting higher up to go down into the Legend seats if the owners aren’t there by the end of the 4th inning…let people enjoy the close seats and get the people that will heckle the opposing hitters.”
**********************************************
Problem with the stubhub and other re-seller tickets is that the Yankees don’t own those – they were bought with the sole purpose of re-selling them for an astronomical profit. Used to be this was only done outside the stadium (“who needs tickets?”) but then it expanded to brokers, and with the expansion of the internet and the introduction of Stubhub, it is out of control. We wanted to bring the kids — let them enjoy the excitement of their first WS game (this is MY first one), but at $400+ for bleachers seats, we had to say no way.
Gardner in CF
November 4th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Was Melky’s arm or his ego the reason he couldn’t hit a cutoff man?
====
If you’re talking about Utley’s stumble, your boy was the one who couldn’t get the ball in.
Vader
“The two Stadiums are set up differently…the old one was more of a bowl and the new one has the tiers setback for better viewing.”
You’re right on about the designs of the 2 Stadiums. But as a season ticket holder with seats in the tiers in both ballparks, I can tell you the view is not as good as it was in the old place. The seats are now recessed back in a more gradual angle. While walking up the steps at the old place could be daunting, the steep incline led to better viewing. In the new Stadium, if someone leans forward in the seat in front of you, the view is blocked. In the old place you could still see over their heads for the most part.
As far as the noise goes. The new Stadium is so open that sound changes with the amount of wind. I’ve sat in my seat and have been able to hear everything. Othertimes, I’ve sat in my seat and canot even hear the ball hit the bat. It’s weird.
new post
man, you people and 2004…let it go.
our team is FAR FAR FAR more capable than it was in 2004, specifically our pitching staff.
do you remember who was in that rotation of 2004? A bunch of no talent butt clowns. Vasquez never performed in NY, Kevin Brown was wayyyy over the hump, Moose was legit, Lieber was mediocre at best, and i don’t even remember who we had after that.
We’re a different team now and furthermore, 2004 was a year in which Manny and Ortiz were juicing. Ortiz was pretty much unstoppable.
MAD PRINCE IN PINSTRIPE-
I think the problem is that every seat is actually sold but a lot of people just buy them to resell them. Those tix go on stubhub for ridiculous amounts of money and they dont sell. Leading to empty seats. Also a lot of people stand in the hallway behind the plate as well as down the lines. During game 6 of the ALDS i left my seat in Damons porch and went behind homeplate during the 7th inning for some awesome pictures. Anyway I ended up getting a really good spot and never returned to my seat. By the 8th it seemed as if everyone had the same idea. The hallway was mobbed with people.
I’ve been to about 10 games this season and I was also there on Sunday when they opened the stadium for game 4, It was probably as loud for game 4 as it’s been for any of the regular season games I went to. Outside of that game where Swisher hit 2 homeruns including a walkoff. It was loud that night.
Tiant did pitch 3 games in the 75 series.
I was thinking about him this morning, because Tiant in 1975 reminds me a lot of Pedro in 2009. A once hard-throwing righty, Tiant in 1975 was succeeding with an assortment of offspeed pitches.
Tiant dominated the Reds in Game 1 of the series, the Big Red Machine complaining about how he had nothing, but they still couldn’t hit him.
Tiant pitched well in game 4, and came back to pitch game 6 because of a lengthy rain delay in the series.
But in Game 6, Tiant had nothing. The Big Red Machine rocked him for 11 hits and 6 runs.
I’m hoping that’s the Pedro we get tonight.
i’ll be there tonight – get LOUD baby!
Thanks, Wave.
Yeah, I remember the rain and the mulitple starts. So many years ago….
What I don’t understand is why Pedro gets the edge? I can understand calling it even.
I want the Yankees to win because I love them. But now, I also want them to win in order to shut down the people who would be sadistically elated if they lose. And I want them to win so I don’t have to deal with the negative fallout, which the Yankees would not deserve.
I guess HFA only counts when you’re NOT the Yankees?
I guess being older and going on less rest is an issue only if you ARE on the Yankees?
I sure hope none of them is listening to the radio, watching television of reading any newspapers. I hope they are studying their daily affirmations, playing with their kids and whatever else they do on a game day.
The “pressure” is on the Phillies to win 2 games at Yankees Stadium. I just want to scream. Loudly.
With that, I promised myself I wouldn’t hang out here all day. So, see y’all later.
I think the audio set up as far as television goes definitely has something to do with it. I’m not sure if the “openness” of the stadium may have been playing a role as well. The old yard was very much a toilet bowl like set up where all the sound was flushed down into the center of the field, echoing off the walls and vibrating the stadium. The new house has all these openings everywhere and is much more symmetric and open, owing to more sound escaping and less thundering sound. The business-filled crowd isn’t helping the situation, either. Hopefully tonight is better, but I doubt it given the ridiculous prices.
Swisher has hit 29 homers and can take a walk when needed. Joe will be going with him. No need for desperation. He has been swinging a better bat of late so I think we’ll see him in RF. Hairston, Hinske, Pena off the bench will be good enough. The criowd will be into it big time with Pedro. The key is Andy keeping the game close for 4-5 innings..if he does, we win tonite.
The new Stadium doesn’t have the upper deck hanging over the field, increasing the noise as well as the echo. It was a mistake not to design it that way.
*”AEROFANATIC November 4th, 2009 at 11:02 am
In 135 career games in RF, Eric Hinske has made a grand total of ONE ERROR.
In 327 career games in RF, Nick Swisher has made a grand total of EIGHT ERRORS.”*
——
Errors are a really bad way to judge OF defense.
can’t agree with you more!
i’ll be there tonight (minus the $700 I spent on left field bleacher seats)
but you can count on me screaming and tormenting Pedro as he warms up in the Philly bullpen before the game!
I went to 12 games this year including opening day and game 1 and 2 of the ALDS. I always sit in the RF bleachers and we were standing on the benches the entire game. When Arod tied the game in the 9th, i’ve never seen anything like it. It was the loudest, roudiest thing I have ever seen or been a part of. We are the same fans from across the street and we act the same way. You gotta compare apples to apples. When we talk about the noise at the old stadium, we think of Boone’s walkoff, Games 3, 4, 5 of the ’01 World Series, etc. No one is thinking about how loud it was during Gm7 of the ’04 ALCS. The place is loud and roudy and we don’t lose there.
I went to Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS (horrible, horrible night), and as we were approaching the stadium on the subway the guy next to me was on his phone telling someone, “Yeah, we’ll probably stay until the 7th inning and head out of there.” I was totally shocked and disgusted. Leave the 7th inning of Game 7 vs. the Sox??
So apparently, for whatever reason, these types of people do show up for these games. But hopefully not too many. (And of course, he didn’t actually miss anything important by leaving in the 7th inning.)
I dislike the entire premise of this post. Perpetuates the myth that people who work at “companies” aren’t true fans. Sam — when do you think the next time you will have to reach into your pocket to see a Yankee game will be?