Game 6: Yankees at Rays
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Gameday Thread on Apr 11, 2010 
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YANKEES
Derek Jeter SS
Nick Johnson DH
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Jorge Posada C
Curtis Granderson CF
Nick Swisher RF
Brett Gardner LF
RHP A.J. Burnett (0-0, 5.40)
Career vs. Rays
RAYS
Jason Bartlett SS
Carl Crawford LF
Ben Zobrist RF
Evan Longoria 3B
Carlos Pena 1B
B.J. Upton CF
Pat Burrell DH
Dioner Navarro C
Sean Rodriguez 2B
RHP James Shields (0-0, 4.50)
Career vs. Yankees
TIME/TV: 1:40 p.m./YES Network and TBS
WEATHER: Tampa, you’re something sort of dome-ish.
UMPIRES: HP Laz Diaz, 1B Vic Carapazza, 2B James Hoye, 3B Wally Bell
LAZY SUNDAY: No sense in a pregame notes post considering there really are no pregame notes. There was absolutely nothing going on here this morning, just some more talk about CC Sabathia’s start last night and a lot of talk about finally going home. The coaches. The players. The writers. We’ve all seen plenty of Tampa. The team is flying to New York after the game.
WHEN WINN? Still no Randy Winn in the lineup, but Joe Girardi said he’s trying to decide when to give him a start. “It started looking at that today,” Girardi said. “But I only looked for about two minutes.”
RANDOM NEAR-NO-HIT NOTES: According to Elias, CC Sabathia was the first pitcher to lose a no-hitter in the eighth inning or later on a hit by a former battery-mate since Nolan Ryan on September 30, 1989. On that day, Brian Downing singled with one out in the eighth. Downing had caught Ryan 10 years earlier… Two hits tied for the fewest the Yankees had ever allowed against the Rays… It was the Yankees 16th shutout against the Rays.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Today is Mark Teixeira’s 30th birthday.
UPDATE, 1:23 p.m.: Here’s the Girardi pregame audio. A lot of CC Sabathia talk, but there was also a discussion — some of it with media relations director Jason Zillo — about Tuesday’s pregame ceremonies. No one seems to know whether Hideki Matsui will get his ring during the ceremony. He’ll definitely get one, just not sure he’ll get one on the field Tuesday.
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UPDATE, 1:50 p.m.: Play of the game just happened in the second deck behind home plate. A guy caught a foul ball with his right hand while holding a baby with his left. Very impressive. Better than the Zobrist catch.
UPDATE, 2:02 p.m.: Burnett just doesn’t look sharp today. I realize that’s not groundbreaking analysis, but it’s the truth. Things have not started well, and I can’t really understand Zobrist bunting after the first two batters singled.
UPDATE, 2:06 p.m.: That inning could have spiraled out of control, but Burnett did an OK job of limiting the damage. I kind of thought that inning might get real ugly.
UPDATE, 2:27 p.m.: When he’s on, James Shields is pretty darn good. And he’s been pretty darn good so far today.
UPDATE, 2:49 p.m.: Posada fouled off four pitches before taking that walk. Brought Granderson back to the plate with runners at first and second in the fourth.
UPDATE, 2:59 p.m.: With that Longoria pop up, Burnett has retired the past nine batters. He’s turned it around after that shaky start… Make that 10 straight with the Pena grounder.
UPDATE, 3:07 p.m.: Didn’t look like the best call on the Gardner strikeout. Gardner was not especially pleased.
UPDATE, 3:14 p.m.: Not the best birthday for Teixeira. Three at-bats, three strikeouts.
UPDATE, 3:20 p.m.: Pat Burrell got a hit and still managed to be a liability to the Rays.
UPDATE, 3:22 p.m.: Not the best route, but Granderson made the play. Two putouts and an assist for him that inning.
UPDATE, 3:29 p.m.: Here comes the lefty Choate to face Posada and Granderson. Shields was plenty effective, but he had already thrown 101 pitches.
UPDATE, 3:32 p.m.: And just like that, the Yankees have the lead. Good thing Posada was catching this game, huh?
UPDATE, 3:42 p.m.: Singled off a lefty, stole second base, took third on Swishers slow roller and scored on a wild pitch. Granderson manufactured that run all by himself.
UPDATE, 3:53 p.m.: From my seat in the press box, it’s impossible to see the part of the catwalk in question. The Yankees are saying the Longoria popup hit a catwalk in foul territory and bounced into play. The rules here at Tropicana Field are that the second catwalk — the one the ball might have hit — is in play and a ball that hits it is in play. Not sure whether that rule changes if the moment of impact occurs in foul territory.
UPDATE, 4:08 p.m.: After that Rodriguez two-run double, Cano very nearly got the ball out of the ball park. Nice running catch by Crawford. He really covers a ton of ground out there.
UPDATE, 4:18 p.m.: No one argued it, but that was clearly a catch by Granderson.
Happy Birthday to Teixeira!!
Well, what exactly does that say about how Joe feels about Randy Winn? Poor Randy.
Go AJ!
mel,
There was a paper called the Long Island Press years ago, but that went out of business. Wonder if this is a re-invention of that paper. Anyway I have to check it out.
Ledger_Yankees This morning in the clubhouse Tony Pena thought it would be funny to shake my hand… after covering his with pine tar. #NYY
4 minutes ago via TweetDeck
RANDOM NEAR-NO-HIT NOTES: According to Elias, CC Sabathia was the first pitcher to lose a no-hitter in the eighth inning or later on a hit by a former battery-mate since Nolan Ryan on September 30, 1989. On that day, Brian Downing singled with one out in the eighth. Downing had caught Ryan 10 years earlier…
—————————————————————————————-
The catchers…..It’s always those freakin catchers that gotta muck things up. There’s a reason why unsung heroes are unsung.
From Wally Bell to Laz Diaz…seriously, MLB can’t do better than this?
Rish, lol…………..I wonder if Carig went beserk like Brett did; that was hilarious.
The catchers…..It’s always those freakin catchers that gotta muck things up. There’s a reason why unsung heroes are unsung.
==================================
You gotta figure an ex-battery mate knows what and how you throw.
that Tony Pena has a crazy sense of humor, too
Damn, I thought it was 1:05 start.
I actually really liked the 3:00 start yesterday rather than the typical 4. Does anyone know if FOX games are starting at 3?
“haha if only i was truly tyler clippard…. I will say if he stayed a Yank he would have quickly become one of my faves…. I remember his first start on Sunday Night Baseball when he shut the Mets down and had that RBI double…. I knew a legend was being born. ha”
———————————————————————————-
what-up, Tyler
yes. I remember the above game you mentioned. Shades of Brandon Claussen, in his first start against the Mets
come to think of it, the Mets make our players look pretty good : )
how can anyone not love Cervelli ??!!
been a fan of his game, since seeing him play at single-A Tampa
Just looked at the schedule for this week. Another off day on Monday? And 2 day games.. ugh
Someone posted this in the comments at RAB. You will like CHOP a lot more after this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GIEHPGj9sI
Lets go Yankees!!!
I am delighted that this game is on TBS also. So anybody ‘out of town’ can watch the game today.
Nats already getting to Johan and the Mets
Ledger_Yankees A few days ago, I texted somebody close to Matsui, who hadn’t heard anything about participating in the ring ceremony. #NYY
Ledger_Yankees Big question: Will Matsui participate in the #NYY ring ceremony? “It would be kind of neat,” Girardi said.
Justin verlander pumping 102, 103 , 104 mph fastballs again.
Fran,
I think I heard a readership of 85,000?
It piqued my interest because I saw sports content on the online version they were showing.
A quick search took me to the site, but I won’t post it here.
They also mentioned that they added more opinion and news pieces, so I thought it was interesting to see how a (relatively) small circular was filling a void in a day when more and more papers were going pay-to-view.
Just updated with Girardi pregame audio.
very happy for Matsui
austin jackson about to come up, everybody tune in to game day …. NOW
One or more of Yankees’ top 4 batters will hit HR today.
Santana gives up a grandslam in the first
No one seems to know whether Hideki Matsui will get his ring during the ceremony. He’ll definitely get one, just not sure he’ll get one on the field Tuesday.
——————————————————————
Well, perhaps someone from the Yanks should…you know…like make a phone call or something?
You know the fans would like to see him out there regardless of the uniform he’s wearing.
Rod Barajas got ran over by Adam Dunn
YESKimJones How great is CC? He even had AJ laughing in the clubhouse today. That doesn’t happen often on days AJ starts.
1 minute ago via UberTwitter
No one seems to know whether Hideki Matsui will get his ring during the ceremony. He’ll definitely get one, just not sure he’ll get one on the field Tuesday.
***********************
I hope he takes part in the ceremony on Tuesday. I agree with Girardi-I think it would be cool.
holy Santana – that is just not good
Verlander is going to have one hell of a monster season.
102 mph fastball + 77 mph curve ball + wicked change up.
Verlander’s throwing hard – just giving up a lot of runs
2 1st inning Grand Slams:
1 given up by Johan
1 given up by Verlander
“I hope he takes part in the ceremony on Tuesday. I agree with Girardi-I think it would be cool”
———————————————————————–
definitely.
perfect timing, with the Angels in town
mel,
I will check it out. Thanks.
lol @ Kev.
Austin probably thought he was escaping the pressure from Yankee fans. Ha!
Matsui should definately get his ring on the field, the Yankees decided not to bring him back…Let him get his due adoration, and respect from the greatest fans in the world!!!!!
Then Matsui can show his ring to Abreu
YES just showed Girardi with Michael Kay. He said he has seen the rings and they are really impressive.
43 pitch first inning for Verlander.
So apparently someone has noted the Brett Gardner has not swung and missed yet this year?
Could be a fluke, but if the guy is going to be high contact, he’s going to get on base at a decent clip.
I highly recommend Joel Sherman’s column today. It’s particularly timely the day after CC threw that gem yesterday.
Sherman’s column is about the quality of pitching available in the free agent market over the next several years given the number of younger front end starers who have signed long term deals over the last year and the challenges that poses for the Yanks (and the mets).
It is truly hard to underestimate how franchise altering signing CC was. Even with the tremendous resources the Yankees have, there is no longer any guarantee that you can use that money wisely in the free agent market. Revenue sharing allows almost any team to extend young pitcher long term. It’s completely changed the dynamics of free agency, for pitchers in particular.
The opportunity to sign CC as a left hander and at his age was just unbelievable. It has completely changed the organization. And he really was the last pitcher of that caliber and age who is going to be available for a good 5 year block moving forward.
And what’s been great about CC is that he’s still getting better as a pitcher. I’m watching the Nats bat Santana around – he’s still an excellent pitcher but he’s no where close to what he was. That change up CC was throwing yesterday – he couldn’t throw it at that level in 2008.
At the same time, the upcoming free agency market for pitching really speaks to the importance of the yankees being able to successfully develop starting pitching internally – and that’s a very specific challenge – not “pitching” – starting pitching.
If you can’t develop your own starters you are not going to be able to find them on the free agent market for the next few years. That’s the bottom line.
An excerpt from Sherman:
“It does not get better in subsequent years. There is a dearth of available prime-age aces as teams have more proactively bought out free-agent years with extensions for their elite starters. In the past two offseasons, Kansas City’s Zack Greinke and San Francisco’s Matt Cain have signed through 2012, Florida’s Josh Johnson and the White Sox’s Gavin Floyd through 2013, and Seattle’s Felix Hernandez, Boston’s Jon Lester and Detroit’s Justin Verlander through 2014.
So the spigot is just about off for high-end, 30-and-under starters coming out in free agency in the next few years. ”
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports.....vMO4hnD05H
I am happy with Santana’s performance.
I mean, why not?
Stuckey,
Wallace matthews (or is it the other way around?) had the details in his game thread yesterday. Was up to 17 non-swing & misses through the “RBI” single. I checked his 8th & 9th inning AB, and the streak continued. Either a called strike, foul, or ball put into play.
The really good thing so far is the # of K’s for Brett.
Vinny- Its hilarious to think that in 2006 the Mets were one of the most promising teams in the league. they ran away with the East by like 15 games, had good young talent in Wright and Reyes and even Beltran, a good bulpen with Duaner Sanchez, Feliciano, and Wagner, a farm system that was supposed to make some noise with Gomez, Milledge, among others… Their biggest problem back then was what to do with Heilman.
Looks like absolutely none of that worked out for them. Its amazing. Only one still going is David Wright.
Verlander just had one of the worst first inning any pitcher could have. 43 pitches, loaded the bases twice, gave up a sac-fly, and a grand slam, era 13.50 !!
good double play by mets
Brett Gardner currently ranked 24th in Yahoo fantasy stats. Pujols is ranked 27th.
Now, I know that Gardner is no where near the player that Pujols is, and there is no way he’s going to still be that high at the end of the season. But, the boy has had a great week.
Rob B,
It won’t last long, but atm Gardner has the hight batting average on the team. Funny.
# Rishi April 11th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Verlander’s throwing hard – just giving up a lot of runs
2 1st inning Grand Slams:
1 given up by Johan
1 given up by Verlander
That’s crazy
Ugh. What’s with that blue? UNC fans will be happy for a day.
CB: do you think the Yankees will sign Cliff Lee in the off-season ??
CB,
While the point you raise is an extremely legitimate one, I’m not sure there’s ever been a strong free agency market for top-flight 30-under pitchers, which explains despite their resources the Yankees had to turn to the Johnson’s, Brown’s of the world in trades and the Pavano’s, Igawa’s, Contreras’ and Wright’s in FA.
Hell, even Burnett to a degree is an example.
Even Mussina was over 30.
Sabathia was rare because he was rare, not sure he’s going to be any rarer than he already was.
Poor Nick
lol. NJ’s luck is unbelievably bad so far this season.
those of you looking for NJ to swing the bat: there you go
If Nick keeps hitting the ball like that, the hits will come. You don’t worry about guys that look good at the plate. They’ll get the hits eventually.
“If Nick keeps hitting the ball like that, the hits will come.”
——————————————————————
he has been. Bad luck
Shields’ PC ballooned up to 14, thanks to Tex.
Let’s go, AJ.
I have advocated in the past that Joe should just reverse the batting lineup from time to time to confuse the opposing pitchers.
Looking at the current batting averages of our guys, I think this is the right time to do it.
CC’s gotta be the biggest FA arm they’ve signed since Catfish and that was at the dawn of free agency.
Cliff Lee is certainly off to an inopportune start to his walk season.
And with any luck, Hughes will hopefully join the long list of young starters that sign extensions before they hit free agency. It’s hard to imagine the Yanks not making an exception to their rule if it does indeed come to that.
there goes AJ’s no hitter
let me guess. Bartlett will steal second, then score on single from Crawford?
Gardner is great! I said it many times on this blog! He will have a fantastic season!
‘Joe should just reverse the batting lineup’
I’m sure batting Jeter 9th would go over well w/the fan base.
CB
Is A-Rod ‘s batting stance the same from his great postseason run last year?
This season, it looks like his base is smaller.
“do you think the Yankees will sign Cliff Lee in the off-season ??”
I think it depends on a number of factors. Lee will have to have another big year and not miss anymore time. This is now the second time Lee has missed significant time over the past 3 seasons with this same abdominal strain injury.
Does Pettitte retire or fall off a cliff? If he does I think the yanks will likely go hard after Lee to get a second lefty in the rotation.
It’ll also depend on how Vazquez pitches this year. If Javy is very good they might be able to work out a deal that is favorable to both sides. Vazquez has placed a lot of value in being on the East Coast so that he’s close to his home in Puerto Rico. There is almost no better place for him to play in terms of logistics than NY. Javy’s not as good as Lee but if you could sign Javy after a good season for say 2 yrs/ 25-28M vs Lee for 5 yrs/90M you’d have to think very hard about that.
Finally, it depends on what progress they think any of there young pitcher do or do not make. If Hughes doesn’t have a good season that might push them to Lee. If Joba has a good season where it looks like he might be able to start again that changes things. Do any of the guys in the minors break out?
Those are the major variables. The important external ones are that both the Sox and the Rays have their rotations under control for several years pending health.
The Lee decision right now is less straight forward than the Crawford one is.
Chris,
You called that. What will the final score be?
Chris was right. %^&^%%#$#
“let me guess. Bartlett will steal second, then score on single from Crawford?”
How was Cano no where near that ball? With Tex not having to hold the runner on at first, shouldn’t Cano have been positioned closer to the second base bag?
um – a stolen base on a pitch out?
what’s going on!
I really hope the Yankees sign Crawford and he comes to the Trop and steals 5 bases to shut those cowbells up.
Why would Zobrist bunt?
Carl is pretty darn quick…
“Is A-Rod ’s batting stance the same from his great postseason run last year?”
Basically. I think it’s the same. His front leg kick might be a bit higher again. Overall he look similar but it’s hard to say without seeign him from multiple angles.
why would your #3 hitter bunt?
You could see Arod directing AJ to go to 1st.
uh. The only way to win against them is to pitch a no hitter?
Zobrist bunted on Maddon’s orders. One out, can score runner from 3B on fly ball, passed ball, etc.
I guess we won’t be spending much time laughing at the Martinez/Varitek base-stealing merry-go-round this year.
Burnett is going to walk Longoria to face Pena, whom he has good numbers against.
Dumb move by Zobrist to give an out away when Burnett is already in meltdown mode once again, and has nothing to put away hitters.
Posada’s throws have been horrible so far this year. They are either high, or to the 3rd base side, or both. That one was in plenty of time, but he threw it to the 3rd base side and Jeter had no chance to tag Crawford.
BloggingBombers The Rays have stolen seven bases in this series. And before the Posada haters start hatin’, it should be noted that two were on Cervelli.
what happened to the strike zone, AJ!
The Burnett/Posasda battery is going to produce some stolen bases against. Posada throws on the other side of the bag Crawford is out.
# Chuck58 April 11th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Zobrist bunted on Maddon’s orders. One out, can score runner from 3B on fly ball, passed ball, etc.
AJ can’t find the zone. Why would you give him a free out? I mean Carl could steal third.
And CC’s value is rising even higher this inning.
The thing about the Rays is that they don’t give the opposing pitcher a chance to breathe and slow things down on the mound because there’s always the threat of a stolen base, which makes it so hard to focus while in a jam.
AJ is not long for this game.
A change up would be nice here.
Joelsherman1 14 batters into outing, Santana has allowed a cycle to #Nationals, notably a HR and 2B by Willingham #Mets
1 minute ago via TweetDeck
I hate watching Burnett pitch. He’s just not much more than an average pitcher.
AJ is not sharp, not even close
Rays should have Pena steal 2nd.
I would.
Zobrist bunting there was a huge gift to the yanks. When AJ is in one of these no command modes I can’t see why you would just give him an out and bail him out.
The yanks have battered Shields over and over in the past. I can’t understand playing for one run there.
If the yanks escape 2-0 here that’s a plus given how AJ has been pitching.
STRIKES, MAN – throw STRIKES
Carl, I think Maddon wanted to go with the surest thing, rather than gamble on a big inning. If AJ finds his way, they’ll need all of the runs they can get. If AJ can’t find the plate with a map and compass, Tampa will get plenty more runs…
AJ has no fastball control today and the tight srikezone is not helping
The Yankees need to get to Shields, but he has really good numbers in this stadium.
Game one: Blow out by Rays
Game two: Blow out by Yanks
Game three: Blow out by Rays?
Man – if I’m the Rays, I don’t swing until he’s managed to throw 2 strikes, first
Hopefully, we will now make them pay
AJ is over rotating out on the mound. He’s got to fix that.
My big floppy ears have a quiz for you.
What’s the common point between any mediocre starts so far?
Answer. ME!
Mark- Can’t Touch This April 11th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
AJ has no fastball control today and the tight srikezone is not helping
==========================
they are trying to keep the game from going too long!
Burnett can help take away the baserunning game of the Rays by actually getting hitters out – a novel concept.
When I see A.J. pitch like this I wonder why the Yankees gave this guy so much money. He’s basically been an average pitcher throughout his career. Maybe slightly above average. He’s thrown 1500 innings in this league, why did the Yankees think he would change now? Overrated, overpaid.
Chuck,
nice use of the emoticon
Now let’s hope that AJ settles down. The Yanks should be able to score runs off Shields.
AJ is just a #3 starter and that’s the truth.. He’s too inconsistent and is a headcase on the mound.. Sure he saved the WS last year with his start, but that was just 1 start..
rays’ pitcher is not that good; yanks should have chance
Mike Leake, who skipped the minors, pitching a shut-out through 4 against the cubs.
Would be base stealers are 9 for 9 against Yankees’ catchers this 1st week of the season.
* I should say Yankees PITCHERS and catchers
They made sure not to give AJ any cheap calls last inning, but already, the 1-0 pitch to Alex was inside, but called a strike.
CR – I noticed that, too
“rays’ pitcher is not that good; yanks should have chance”
Rays’ pitcher is better than the Yankees’ pitcher……but the Yankees’ offense always has a chance.
# Patrick April 11th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
When I see A.J. pitch like this I wonder why the Yankees gave this guy so much money. He’s basically been an average pitcher throughout his career. Maybe slightly above average. He’s thrown 1500 innings in this league, why did the Yankees think he would change now? Overrated, overpaid.
Because of games like world series game 2.
I don’t understand how Jorge’s “floppy ears” are responsible for mediocre starts by the pitchers.
Are they distracting? Is that it?
atta boy Curtis!
“He’s basically been an average pitcher throughout his career. ”
He can’t repeat his delivery consistently. His mechanics are very complicated and they are very brittle. The smallest thing changes or goes out of line and he turns into a disaster.
His mechanics actually minimize his arm strength in certain ways. He probably doesn’t need to try to hide the ball as much as he does.
Man I love Granderson
I’m really enjoying having Granderson on our team
The Yankees did not really have much of a choice but to sign a 2nd SP after CC that offseason. They had a huge hole in their rotation. It was really either him or Lowe.
Nice stroke by Granderson. Rays unis are U-G-L-Y!
great job, Grandy!
I know it’s early, but Curtis has had some clutch hits so far this year. He won the Boston game when he homered off Papelbon, got a single off the lefty yesterday to keep the inning going, and now drives in Alex with a double. Not even close at second.
Terrible at bat by swish
what happened to Swish’s “eye”
Grandy!!
Nasty pitching right there by Shields.
Still, getting one of those runs right back is huge.
By the way, hard hit balls again right at people. Jorgie this time.
NJ has already gotten scrizzewed out of a few hits this season by nice catches.
Patrick-
Buerhle is in trouble Early
(I am such a poet
)
I have a feeling A.J. will settle down and our lineup will pour it on off Shields.
Agree about the Burnett signing – the Yankees needed two starters and didn’t want Lowe. I’d rather have Burnett than Lowe, so that makes it a good signing.
I’m sick of seeing Curtis in road grays; he was born to wear pinstripes.
That was a nice inning by AJ
I actually like A.J., but does anybody else think that Pettite should be the #2 starter and A.J. #3?
Nice bounceback inning for Burnett. His pitch count is actually very good.
# Nick in SF in Larkspur April 11th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
I’m sick of seeing Curtis in road grays; he was born to wear pinstripes.
I agree Nick. The first game of spring training, I thought the guy was born to play with the Yankees. My man crush.
Kevin Kennedy has already harkened back to his Red Sox days on 4 separate occasions this game.
One would think that this game is between the Red Sox and Red Sox!
For most teams CF is amongst the worst offensive spots on the field. Think about how much production the Yanks are getting from their CF spot so far. The marginal advantage there could be enormous given how Curtis is swinging the bat.
The Yanks bought low on Curtis. Not as much as they did on Swisher. But they got him after a relatively down season.
He looks great.
Nice second inning by Burnett!
Thank you, Fran
Quick 1-2-3 by AJ;
time for some more scoring!
Met announcers puzzled that Girardi needed to say he would have taken CC out after the hit. They’re going on a rant.
nice wide strike zone for shields.
The Yankees could have overpaid Lowe or Burnett and they chose to overpay Burnett which was the right choice.
That does not really make it a good signing, just a necessary one. He is not an $82 million pitcher, but the Yankees can afford to overpay a guy like Burnett.
I think Lowe is pretty used-up.
Hoping to catch the lightning in AJ’s arm.
Another 3-2 count on NJ. It’s amazing how often that happens.
Sewage Man April 11th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Another 3-2 count on NJ. It’s amazing how often that happens
*************
Its all his fault the games are so long!!!!!
Its embarrassing!
It’s semantics, but a bad or so-so contract can still be a good signing, at least for the Yankees.
That is, he was a good player to have signed and to have in the rotation and the fact (or opinion) that they had to overpay to get him hasn’t had an obvious negative impact on the team so far.
Year One worked out well. We’ll see in Year 5.
Looking at today’s game, the Red Sox have a pretty bad offense. No?
# Sam April 11th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Looking at today’s game, the Red Sox have a pretty bad offense. No?
Beating up on the Royals pitching? Come on man.
Why wouldn’t the Mets announcers offer their expert opinions on no-hitters. I mean, when you think of no-hitters, you automatically think of the the Mets.
Wait, what?
“Looking at today’s game, the Red Sox have a pretty bad offense. No?”
Who are they playing? Exactly.
Wow listening to the YES announcers you’d think Nick Johnson was really struggling. Did I miss something?
I posted that Sherman article earlier, CB, and had the same thoughts you did. For the Yankees, it’s really vital that Phil step up. I don’t expect him to be a #3 next year, but he has to be that at least in his career (I expect he’ll be much better than that). I don’t know where Joba fits at this point and there is something of a gap between these two and some other really promising arms. I will be happy if just a few of those names turn out to be solid major leaguers. Still, it would be nice to develop an ace of our own.
I’m just tuning the game in now – seems like another disappointing start for AJ. Hopefully he can hold it right here……
lol
Tiger opens with the worst tee shot in the history of golf.
masters update, Tiger almost hit a tree on his first drive, but didn’t curse
This is pathetic. 0-1 pitch to Gardner was not a strike, but called one.
One pitch to Teixeira was a borderline call, called a strike.
But again, I see AJ getting no cheap calls in his favor.
Crawford is ahead in the count 2-1. AJ is struggling with his command.
And Crawford swings through a pitch up and away that would have been ball 3.
WTH is going on? Do the YES announcers ever plan on talking about the actual game today?
It’s good to see the Ray’s organization cares about animal rights.
24 rays in a kiddie pool? Yeah that seems fair.
I am concerned that Jeremy Hermida is going to be good for them.
Please quiet my worries, someone.
He has already homered off Greinke, and doubled in 2 runs off Meche (who is not that bad).
“This is pathetic. 0-1 pitch to Gardner was not a strike, but called one.
One pitch to Teixeira was a borderline call, called a strike.
But again, I see AJ getting no cheap calls in his favor.”
Do you have ANYthing else to contribute by constant complaints about how the world is against the Yankees?
AJ just threw a change up to Zobrist!
What a great pitch. Zobrist just swung right over it.
AJ’s curve does not look good today. He really should try to use the change. Unfortunately, the rays line up has a lot of right handed hitters.
I’m glad the Yankees signed AJ; he’s a good pitcher and a great teammate. If we just accept that this is who he is, he’s fine. It’s not his fault that people have ridiculous expectations of him. He is not a bad pitcher by any means or even mediocre – he’s good, and there’s nothing wrong with that. LOL Derek Lowe?
I’ve said this before, but I have no interest in Cliff Lee and his long term/big bucks contract. If Javy has a good year, I’d re-sign him, though that will tick off fans who want the 2 draft picks.
Zobrist looked pretty bad on that swing. Looks AJ fixed whatever in his delivery. Now they need to score.
It’s way, way, way, way, way, way, way too early in the season to care about the Red Sox are doing.
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too early.
AJ’s curve hasn’t looked good all spring, which is unusual for him, but I think that’s because he’s worked on his change so much.
keithlaw I eagerly await the first “Strasburg’s mentality is better suited to the bullpen” article. #joba
1 minute ago via Seesmic
Who cares what the Red Sox are doing? CR, I can’t believe I’m saying this to anyone, but don’t worry, lol. The Sox are going to have players that do well for them, players aside from their big guns; they’re an excellent team. The Rays are an excellent team. We have to admit that the Yankees are not the only game in town (meaning the AL East). In any case, it’s way woo early to be scoreboard watching.
# 13 April 11th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
It’s way, way, way, way, way, way, way too early in the season to care about the Red Sox are doing.
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too early.
I agree
CR9
I think Hermida’s playing time will be too sparse for him to have a significant impact on their season (unless Nancy Drew goes down for an extended period).
Nice shot by Alex
Alex! Man, that was smooth and easy and just carried….
Gil Meche had shoulder and back problems for much of last year, especially the second half.
Throughout spring training this year Meche was dealing with shoulder stiffness. He didn’t throw very much and was having discomfort.
He’s very behind in his work. The sox should tee off on him today. He’s really not in proper game form.
What a bum Alex has become, only managing a double.
The old Alex would have homered off the catwalk.
CB – now that I think about that pitch – and I don’t know a lot about pitching – that could have been a change up. Who’d ‘a’ thunk it?
Come on Cano. Get Arod in. Do or die at bat. Season on the line.
Aj is decent. People have expectations because he gets paid a ton of money for 5 years. He is a14-11 pitcher with era in the fours. He a had a great year with the bluejays and got a huge contract for it.
That’s good, Betsy
Exactly so>
alright – now at least tie this up
here we go, Cano
Sam = Red Sox fan, since 2004.
or not
“now that I think about that pitch – and I don’t know a lot about pitching – that could have been a change up. Who’d ‘a’ thunk it?”
Joe,
If you were referring to the first pitch AJ threw Zobrist – the one he just swung over. That was AJ’s change up.
It’s a great pitch. He maintains very good arm speed when he throws it and it has a lot of downward fade on it.
He really needs to use it more.
Why are we discussing Jeremy heremida and his playing time? Who cares?
Betsy,
Curious. Why the dismissal for Cliff Lee but the regard for Burnett. From a baseball standpoint.
Numbers wise they are very similar (particularly if you look at them both through their age 30 season).
Lee is coming off two very good years in a row and a dominant post-season.
Just curious.
Offense is still hit or miss so far…………
Manny Banuelos was scratched from his AA start; boy, I hope he’s not hurt. The guy that covers Trenton (not Ashmore) speculates that perhaps he’s going to replace Garcia. Yankees had better cross their fingers; this would be 3 arms hurt in less than a week.
BloggingBombers I hope @LoHudYankees is OK RT @swbyankeesTT Kevin Russo just hit with a pitch up and in. He’s looking at his right hand. Appears to be OK.
1 minute ago via web
lol Betsy. My worries regarding Hermida have been quashed by Ohta and CB.
Kevin Kennedy is now talking about how the umpires stopped Ortiz during the first series of the season from taking time out.
But they dont mention Derek Jeter, or any of our guys that had to change their uniform.
Too many yankee fans have become obsessed with the Sox. It’s ironic too because for years Yankee fans chuckled at Red Sox fans for being obsessed with the Yanks.
The yankee’s win #27 and yankee fans still have the Sox in their heads. It’s very strange.
stuckey,
I’m not Betsy, but I do have a thought:
Lee had his two great seasons in the NL. AJ had that great walk-year in the AL East.
Just saying.
Can Grandy be dandy again?
Shields best pitch is his change up.
Granderson just laid off a good one on pitch one.
The pitches are piling up for Shields. The Tampa Bay bullpen? Not so great.
Lee won the Cy Young at Cleveland also, didn’t he? Not the AL East, but closer to it than the NL.
CB
I’m hardly obsessed with the Sox.
I am concerned, slightly, about any team that I feel stands a chance to dethrone the Yankees as Division, League, or World Series Champions.
Curtis had his pitch on that second strike and he knew it.
Stuckey, I already explained why I don’t want Lee; you seem to want long-winded answers from me. I don’t want another long-term big money contract on this team; I would rather have Javy, if he has a good year, than Lee.
I don’t think AJ is bad or mediocre like people think; they’re allowed that opinion, but I’m allowed mine as well. IMO, he’s a fine pitcher. I did not want Derek Lowe at all and I thought AJ had turned a corner. Well, he works very hard and does the best he can; no one can say he doesn’t. If he can’t be better than just a good pitcher, then I have absolutely no problem with that. The only time I would criticize a player is if they don’t put in the effort; AJ should not be penalized for peoples’ expectations of him. I also think he’s a great teammate -I like him personally.
They’re really working Shields. 72 pitches already.
If the Yankees take care of the Yankees then they do not have to worry about any other teams!!!
Come on Swish.
Lee had his two great seasons in the NL. AJ had that great walk-year in the AL East.
Lee is better but do the yanks want another long term deal on a pitcher?????
“I’m hardly obsessed with the Sox.”
I wasn’t referring to you. It was the general comment. I’m not even sure how the Sox conversation got started in this thread.
Another cheap strike.
When will we get to face a pitcher like Meche? anytime in the near future?
Go Swish Hawk
lol
The Sox conversation got started by……me!
Shileds is going to use his change up away. Swisher needs to go the other way.
oh, well, at least we got Shields’ pitch count up.
Rob B
actually Cliff Lee has his 1 GREAT season in the AL wining the CY Young for Cleveland the year after CC.
He had a VERY GOOD 2 months in the NL with the Phils after the trade last year and a GREAT GREAT postseason.
I think it would be a mistake to pay him for 5 or 6 yrs @ 18mil or more based on his body of work.
Shields is throwing a lot of pitches.
CB April 11th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
?I’m hardly obsessed with the Sox.?
I wasn?t referring to you. It was the general comment. I?m not even sure how the Sox conversation got started in this thread.
=================================
that would be “Sam”
SAS says:
April 11, 2010 at 2:48 pm
If the Yankees take care of the Yankees then they do not have to worry about any other teams!!!
Actually shouldn’t the yanks take care of the tram they are playing instead of themselves
Terrible
Rob, that has nothing to do with it for me as, after all, Lee did win a Cy Young in the AL.
Circumstances with the pitching has changed. CC is CC – that’s great. AJ will be AJ – a good, not great pitcher. That’s fine. If Phil has a good year, you could reasonably expect him to develop further next year. I want to see how Javy does this year, but if he has a good year, I would just rather re-sign him. I don’t know what happens with the extra spot; I don’t know where Joba is. Even if he’s great out of the pen, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to be a good starter.
Zobrist is a very good RF. Pretty remarkable that he can be that proficient out there when he’s also playing 2b and doing a good job there.
Good point, SAS.
Wheww, you absolved me Rishi, it wasn’t me that got it started!
that was a terrible offensive inning but there is one positive…Shields wont be around past the 6th…
Pitch counts don’t matter, though, runs do. If Shields has to get out of there, the pen will just come in.
Rob,
Lee won his 2008 Cy Young with Cleveland, and was rocking a 3.14 ERA in 22 start in Cleveland before being traded to the Phils in 2009.
Well, as long as people keep posting updates on the Sox or former players, the conversation will keep going.
# Betsy – Hughes rules (pleading the Fifth) April 11th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Pitch counts don’t matter, though, runs do. If Shields has to get out of there, the pen will just come in.
We beat up pens!
another wasted opportunity for the Yanks.. Not looking aggressive enough at the plate and getting behind in counts.. Team as a whole isn’t clicking offensively yet, but Granderson is meshing nicely in this lineup..
If Banuelos gets the call to Trenton to replace Garcia I’d be surprised by that move. It would be aggressive on the part of the Yanks and I think Noesi is probably more ready for the promotion but I think the Yanks are highest on Manny from that group of the younger arms and may feel like lets see how he handles the challenge.
He’s only 19 but then again the Rangers have Martin Perez pitching at AAA at 19 and he was very very good.
AJ’s curve is very slurvy today. He’s over rotating on the pitch. Doesn’t have that usual downwards bite.
The Yankees only have 2 hits, yet they have seen 77 pitches in just 4 innings. Pretty amazing.
This is a dangerous lineup even if they are not hitting or squaring up on a guy.
I love tino but has Carlos pena ever dropped down a bunt???
The Banuelos story comes from Josh Norris, one of the other beat writers in Trenton [more than one! How cool is that!!] No word of any injury and no one else has the stroy, yet.
I am hoping Manny is getting called up to cover for Garcia in SWB.
Good eye, Betsy, and thanks
Nice play by Tex on Pena….
Good story on Kei Igawa as a lefty specialist, by John Nalbone on his blog.
Maybe AJ can’t throw the change and the curve at the same time; maybe he just needs to forget the change.
Carl, the offense really isn’t clicking yet despite the 10 run outburst. I hate seeing golden opportunities go by the board like that.
Yanks scored 10 runs yesterday,…. Facing a decent pitcher everyone relax
Hey Chuck
First, I hope Banuelos isn’t hurt. Second, I really don’t need to see a 19 year old at AAA. Can’t the Yankees ever just let their kids develop without rushing them? They handle injuries terribly in that regard. Their prized kids are alway rushed to fill a need.
# Betsy – Hughes rules (pleading the Fifth) April 11th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Maybe AJ can’t throw the change and the curve at the same time; maybe he just needs to forget the change.
Carl, the offense really isn’t clicking yet despite the 10 run outburst. I hate seeing golden opportunities go by the board like that.
We’ll be aight
Who’s upset? Speaking for myself, I said the Yankees are not clicking on all cylinders yet – they’re not, obviously.
Man- that has to be embarrassing for a player
atta boy aj
that was sweet AJ!
He was leaning not sleeping.. Does Kay understand baseball
BJ picked off! Yay!!!
What’s the scouting report on Manny Banuelos?
I’d be extremely surprised if Banuelos got the call to AA. I think it’s unlikely that’s why he was scratched.
Clay Buchholz making his first start vs the Royals, I’m sure Betsy will be interested in how he does. Just gave up a HR to Jose Guillen.
AJ en fuego
What was Upton thinking?
“posted this on Twitter, but Manny Banuelos, the scheduled starter in Tampa today, appears to have been scratched. This could mean he’s injured, but it could also mean he’s coming to Trenton. I would be surprised — but not that surprised — if he moves up so early.
Replacing Christian Garcia with a guy who Mark Newman called “The Mexican Whitey Ford” would make life a lot easier for Tony Franklin. More on this as it develops.”
http://minormatterstrenton.blogspot.com/
I gave up kei igawa for lent a few years ago and learned my life was so much better without him..
unreal
the minor league arms are just snake bit, apparently.
Jerkface, not really. Although I hope Buchholz doesn’t pitch well this year, I can’t spend my time worrying about it; I think he’s going to be very good. I’d rather see him good and Phil good than both be bad.
Ledger_Yankees RT @swbyankeesTT: @BloggingBombers Yeah, Russo stayed in the game. Tell @lohudYankees there’s no need to fly back. // haha #NYY
Working today no radio signals here only got itunes but on wcbs880 they don’t have the game broadcast can someone pls help me how I can listen to the game?????
Gardy cheated on 2 strikes in the AB. FoxTrax confirms, I know, shocking!
I’m going to assume he’s injured; that way, I won’t be disappointed when he is. I will also be pleasantly surprised if he’s not. I
Shields seems to be getting a lot of boderline calls.
What is O’Neill talking about with that tailing back over the plate? That was nowhere close!
As long as the umpires are still upset about the Yankees’ comments about West, the Yankees are not going to get any benefit of the doubt.
UPDATE, 3:07 p.m.: Didn?t look like the best call on the Gardner strikeout. Gardner was not especially pleased.
Zobrist almost went to first!
NICK JOHNSON GOT A HIT – omg, omg
As long as the Yankees have 27 World Titles and a 200 million payroll, the Yankees are not going to get any benefit of the doubt, or fairness.
lol Nick
A hit for Nick!
Stuckey, Betsy, et al: Sorry, I had completely forgotten that Lee was in the AL most of last season. I was thinking it was the year before that he had been traded.
oops. Egg on my face.
it will take a HR to score him, though
“Zobrist is a very good RF. Pretty remarkable that he can be that proficient out there when he’s also playing 2b and doing a good job there.”
————
you could make a case that Zobrist was the MVP of the AL last season
This has the makings of another Yankee come from behind win.
AJ is cruising along. Mariano and Joba are rested.
Wonder who is slower- Johnson or Posada?
Fran (the original) and OPPC member April 11th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Wonder who is slower- Johnson or Posada?
===========
Unfortunately, I think it’s Posada
I saw a story on Zobrist once a couple months ago. A very likable guy too. An inspiration of sorts.
Ugh, at least he went down swinging and not looking that time. 0-3, 3 k’s. Are we looking at a golden sombrero for Tex? Of course, I think Tex has seen about a third of Shields’ pitches in this game.
Rishi April 11th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Fran (the original) and OPPC member April 11th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Wonder who is slower- Johnson or Posada?
===========
Unfortunately, I think it?s Posada
————————————————
AHHHH I meant, I think Posada is FASTER
BD,
Zobrist had a great year, but he still wasn’t close to Mauer in terms of MVP. Mauer was heads and shoulders above any other player, other than perhaps Zack Greinke if you want to make that argument.
96 pitches for Sheilds
NJ is much faster than Posada. He is also a better baserunner.
Argh. That called “strike” to Gardner was a lot more outside than that “ball” to BJ Upton.
Well, the good news is that (partly thanks to Tex), Shields is at 96 pitches already. Hopefully we’ll see some underbelly soon.
Rishi,
I know that it would take a long time to watch them run the bases
“As long as the Yankees have 27 World Titles”
Right… 27…
Makes you question the relative value of the benefit of the doubt or “fairness”?
It be fair how does Brett Gardner deserve the benefit of the doubt on borderline calls?? He is not exactly Tony gwynn or Wade boggs
CR, I don’t believe in conspiracy theories and I totallly disagree about the Yankees WS and $$ having anything to do with anything. I just feel (and I expect the umps aren’t too happy at the Sox either) that umpires defend their own.
Enough pitching changes:
It wasn’t borderline, it was a ball. Any baseball player should deserve the right calls to be made.
What has James Shields done to deserve a generous zone?
Enough, I certainly don’t expect the umps to be making bad calls because they are ticked off at the Yankees. They’d better have more integrity than that.
Rishi April 11th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
it will take a HR to score him, though
**************
Thats not nice-
He scored from first base the other night
Bets
If Banuelos got the call it would be to AA-Trenton not AAA-Scranton.
I was refering to Martin Perez a 19yr old LHP for the Texas Rangers who is at AAA this season. He’s a stud, Venezuelan who reminds everybody of Johan Santana…..94-96 FB with a killer change.
Banuelos is similar although his velo is a tick lower at 91-94 as a starter with the FB but he got it up to 96 last year out the ‘pen. his best secondary pitch is a sick curve although he lost it for most of last season as he was working in the change…..makes his season last year all the more impressive that he was able to have the kind of year that he had at 18yrs old without what for him up to that point had been his best pitch-the curve.
thinking about who they have in Tampa that could take Garcia’s place Manny might actually be the most logical if it’s not Noesi.
Brackman has too much still to work on
Warren has about 15 innings above short season leagues and already skipped a level to make the Tampa team
Pope is just not a true prospect and is not the kinda guy that Franklin would want to replace his ace.
Maybe manny did get the callup
True sheilds is not Tom glavine but sometimes calls go against you…especially when u are a player like Brett Gardner
Erica – always OPPC – Sesame Street Mafia and GTLU supporter April 11th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Rishi April 11th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
it will take a HR to score him, though
**************
Thats not nice-
He scored from first base the other night
=============================
Uh – just barely
Yankees are taking so many pitches that it’s actually affecting Tiger Woods’ golf game.
Grandy!
Nice DP, Grandy!!
Terrific footspeed and throw by Granderson there.
I’m sorry, I meant Banuelos to AA. The point still stands – let the kid develop instead of rushing him to another level he’s likely not ready for.
Hell yeah Curtis!
Betsy – Hughes rules (pleading the Fifth) says:
April 11, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Enough, I certainly don’t expect the umps to be making bad calls because they are ticked off at the Yankees. They’d better have more integrity than that.
Not sure the pitch was called a strike because of this dumb Joe west thing
Rishi April 11th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Erica – always OPPC – Sesame Street Mafia and GTLU supporter April 11th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Uh – just barely
**************
But the run still counts
How good is Curtis Grandeson. Just unbelievable. And he was thinking double play the entire time because he knew Burrell would be running.
The yanks defense is so much better this year than it was last. And last year it was so much better than it was in 2008.
haven’t seen as many “Damon > Granderson” garbage posts in the past few days.
This is why I hate the Rays.
Nice play by Granderson.
Tex will get back at them by striking out in his next AB.
Take that!
Warren had a great debut. He is probably my favorite low minors pitching prospect right now just based on his time last season. He seems really solid.
I never knew how strong and accurate Grandy’s arm was. Pleasant surprise.
BD (Boston Dave) – NJ walk tracker = 7 April 11th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
haven’t seen as many “Damon > Granderson” garbage posts in the past few days.
****************
Quit causing problems!!!!!
Nice catch, Grandy!
So AJ has done a nice job of settling in – kudos to him.
Nice D gets AJ out of the inning.
No more saying that Curtis isn’t a good center fielder. Hes great. What a steal by the Yankees. Not taking anything from my boy Ajax.
the name is Curtis Granderson.
thank you.
this is why ca$hman is king…dude was after granderson before the world series was even over. he’s going to be our CF for the next 5-7 years.
Gardner doesn’t “deserve” anything. But the kid has a VERY good eye.
Unless Burnett has a meltdown, he can go 7-8 innings today.
Buchholz is running into trouble with KC in the 3rd.
I am not watching the game but the story with Buchholz, aside from his straight fastball, has been that he gets rattled with runners on base.
Podsednik has already stolen 2 bases and I imagine if he doesn’t have confidence in his catchers ability to throw out runners, it will add to the pressure.
Buchholz has to worry enough as it is with fastball location, keeping his changeup deceptive, and commanding his curveball.
Girardi really needs to send Maddon and the Rays a message one of these days.
Rays are dirty.
Granderson is a great guy and pretty outstanding player. Johnson is faster than Posada.
Love em’ both ! Johnson, so far has hit more hard shots in 5 games plus than any Yank.
Gardner needs to get on and STEAL baby STEAL !
Great job by A.J.
The first two men he faces score, and he shuts the door.
That is good stuff.
“What has James Shields done to deserve a generous zone?”
Come on! You can complain or disagree with the idea of giving pitcher’s benefit of the doubt on call but Shields is one of the premier command/ control pitchers in the game.
He is almost the epitome of the kind of pitcher who is going to get a generous zone from umps.
Not saying it’s right. But it happens. And it happens for guys like Shields who are always around the plate.
How great is it to see sparkling defense in our outfield!
Ledger_Yankees Indeed, Burrell came back to first with a hard slide. Teixeira appeared to take exception. #NYY
1 minute ago via TweetDeck
Erica,
I’m generally against comparing individual players on other teams… just pointing out that Granderson is proving himself to be a valuable addition.
I am sure Johnny will not be hitting .150 for much longer
Hard to believe anyone hasn’t started a pre-game “Guess the AJ” contest before each of Burnett’s starts.
RS, he’s got a pretty low pitch count……..So much for AJ melting down, huh? Whether it’s Gardner or Joe Mauer, they both deserve to have the right call made against them. I’m not even talking about close calls – I’m talking about ordinary calls.
Burrell had no reason to slide towards Tex. !!! Bag was wide open.
If I was Tex, I would have put a knee right in Burrell’s face.
BD (Boston Dave) – NJ walk tracker = 7 April 11th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Erica,
I’m generally against comparing individual players on other teams… just pointing out that Granderson is proving himself to be a valuable addition.
I am sure Johnny will not be hitting .150 for much longer
******************
I am still adjusting
what a phenomenal at bat by Cano.
wow.
“this is why ca$hman is king…dude was after granderson before the world series was even over. he’s going to be our CF for the next 5-7 years”
—————————————————————————–
yes.
at least until Slade Heathcott is ready
Nice hit Robbie.. Time to get Shields out of this game!
Burrell needs a pitch in his ear
Patrick-
You are catching up to me.
Unfortunately, the only member of my offense to do anything today other than strike out has been Carl Crawford
how about we bring Robbie home?
I couldn’t have spoken that any sooner..
“thinking about who they have in Tampa that could take Garcia’s place Manny might actually be the most logical if it’s not Noesi.”
Trenton could very well just fill the spot in the rotation internally, Either De La Rosa or Pendelton can enter the rotation – Pendelton in particular.
I don’t think they’ll rush anyone up from Tampa to fill the spot.
Looks Mike Gonzalez might get a chance to do his Brad Lidge impersonation in Baltimore again.
Tex took exception to Burrell’s face.
Into the Rays bullpen.
“Hard to believe anyone hasn’t started a pre-game “Guess the AJ” contest before each of Burnett’s starts.”
Guess the AJ would be too much of a 50-50 game. How about a “Guess the AJ bad inning” contest?
I don’t see Winn helping much and probably not lasting into the 2nd half of season. No power, didn’t do much in spring at all. Maybe not a good fit. Like the chances of Weber being called up.
the Rays now have to get 11 outs from their bullpen.
good luck w/that.
Choate choke ?
“No more saying that Curtis isn’t a good center fielder. Hes great.”
It’s really remarkable how this whole Granderson isn’t a good defensive player nonsense started.
A few plays down the stretch of last year in Detroit that very few people even saw. And a middling UZR.
It’s funny too because the fielding bible had Granderson as the second best defensive CF last year.
Posada!!!
Jorgie juiced one!
Yep !!!
HIP HIP….
Liked Adam Warren in College and loved that we picked him up.
The tick up in Velo that he’s seen that last year and change just makes him even better and GB made what I feel is a very accurate comparison to Mike Mussina. Similar types although i will say that many people forget just how good Moose was in Baltimore.
Moose had great control and command of about 5 above average to plus pitches and sat 94 with 96 in the chamber when he needed it.
I think Adam Warren has a really really good year this season…12+ wins, 3.00era or better…
The Yanks couldn’t promote him to Trenton now though.
the two guys that I’m currently really intrigued by at the lower levels as far as pitchers go are Jose Ramirez and Caleb Cotham….Bryan Mitchell too so I guess that makes three…
I personally think that Noesi should get the promotion and Banny should stay where he’s at for now. If after 10-12 starts he’s cruising then send him up to Tony and let him have at ‘em..
Randy Choate: Professional Relief Pitcher
Nice one, Jorgie!!
THANK YOU JORGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, I guess Posada got him home!!!
HIP….HIP…. GONE !!!
Jorge struck solid wood.. mighty good
Choate on that!
“I don’t see Winn helping much”
————————————
word
Randy Winn = Tony Womack revisited
Turn Posada around? Right handed side is his best.
thats for all the Jorge bashers out there
Hip Hip!!
Jip Jip Jorge!
Since when is Buccholz pumping 97 mph fastballs?
I just did a victory lap around my apartment
Posada always murders an average speed lefty and kills some good ones also !!!
I know CB has mentioned this several times,
but the advantage the Yankees have at premium positions like CF (Granderson) and C (Posada) cannot be understated.
It’s quite rare that the Yankees have two guys who just defy age in Rivera and especially Posada.
He is hitting like a 27 year old.
Jorge juiced one
Curtis hits lefties!
Oppo approach by Granderson vs lefties = gold
Grand !!!
The Hit Parade continues…
I don’t think Choate had it today
This just in: I like Curtis Granderson.
Choate, Choate, Choate…that name seems familiar for some reason….
Kevin long is looking like a genius. I bet he can just count the dollars on his upcoming contract.
Erica,
That HR helped me too since he drove in Robbie who is on my team
you put a guy in this lineup with kevin long and you can throw all their past performances out the window. granderson does not look like a guy helpless against lefties in the slightest.
Posada’s home run or something like it was inevitable once the yankees got into the rays pen.
And this is exactly why bunting Zobrist in the first innings was so dump for the Rays.
They played this game soft. They had AJ on the ropes. And instead of going for the kill with arguably their best hitter up, they chose to inflict another paper cut.
Just horrible game management. They should have been paying for a 5-6 run inning before giving AJ a chance to see if he could settle in.
Maddon had to know that there was a good chance Sheilds wouldn’t make it past 6 innings today.
‘cannot be understated.’
I hate being one of ‘those’ people, BD, but I think you meant to say ‘overstated’.
Your point is still valid.
Erica,
I had a lead for like a split second. Then I was only 0.5 points behind. Then Posada hit the HR
Fran (the original) and OPPC member April 11th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Erica,
That HR helped me too since he drove in Robbie who is on my team
****************
Well, then its a win-win-win
“It’s really remarkable how this whole Granderson isn’t a good defensive player nonsense started”
——————————————————————————
yes it is. Mike Francessa and others, helped perpetuate this. And many believed it
people are sheep
Patrick April 11th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Erica,
I had a lead for like a split second. Then I was only 0.5 points behind. Then Posada hit the HR
*******************
I’d say I am sorry, but I am really, really not
CB
Yeah I know they have a couple of guys in the pen that they could stretch out. I personally would like to see DeLaRosa continue as a starter but they may feel now is the time to put him back in the ‘pen if they feel that ultimately that is where he’ll fit the big club.
tony has a real good chance at the title this season with the talent they have and so I’m sure he’d like to see a real quality arm take over the front of his ‘ro.
It certainly is good that the Yanks have so many options in the system right now.
Ohta,
haha, yes you are right… and I swear I rarely make those mistakes (of course I’m also typing a mile a minute on here)
what is Nick swinging at?
Brian Bruney pitching for the Nats against the Mets in the 8th inning.
Pedroia just hit a HR too-
I should have complained about my offense sooner. It seems to have woken them up!
Now if only that no-good Carlos Lee would reach base somehow
# vinny-b (Granderson is my fave NYY position player – no rite of passage necessary) April 11th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
“It’s really remarkable how this whole Granderson isn’t a good defensive player nonsense started”
——————————————————————————
yes it is. Mike Francessa and others, helped perpetuate this. And many believed it
people are sheep
Curtis said he misplayed 2 balls. People were bringing it up all spring on wind aided balls. On routine pop ups I say he takes bad routes for fun
Winn might be worse deal than Womack !!!
Curtis does it all
A feet-first-slide? You mean people still do those?
imho, granderson will be 30/30 this year with a very very very outside shot at 40/40…
Grand STEAL !
Grandy is playing a great game
‘Winn might be worse deal than Womack !!!’
and to that I say, “Impossible!”
Curtis now has hits against lefties in consecutive games.
and great on the basepaths…
I hate Minnesota Twins.
nice grandy!
Granderson baby! Gardner was in a daze lol
Yankees running game > Tampa Bay
oh – Tino so called that one
Granderson is good at baseball.
Granderson’s play getting to 3rd was huge. Big run for the Yankees.
Oh, I like that Granderson fella
I know of the saying “that’s why they play the games”
but Halladay and the Phillies playing against the Astros?
just not fair.
Granderson is just a dynamic player.
And now Curtis does it with his speed. Exactly what is there not to like about this guy?
It’s been said that he was caught in trying to do too much in Detroit. He won’t have to take sole responsibility here.
Granderson taking to the Yankees like a fish to water!
Nice little insurance run manufactured there.
That Curtis… fast, quick, and head’s-up. Nice….
Tony Womack was truly woeful. Randy Winn, 2010: small sample size.
remember when Mike Francessa would go on the radio everyday, and say he wanted the yankees to get a “real” centerfielder?! He would lobby for Nate McClout and others, day in day out
the idiot finally has his centerfielder. Only he is too dumb to even know it
KC better use Robinson Tejeda as much against the Yankees as they are against Boston.
the guy walks everyone. another wild pitch.
ERA over 20 and it wouldn’t surprise me if it goes up higher.
This game is exciting. The bullpen is going to have to hold it down. The rays are no scrubs
Wait a minute, are people talking about Mr. “catch-the-ball” Womack? The only guy I’ve ever seen Mo yell at on the field?
Nobody is worse. Nobody.
Grandy strikes again !
“Turn Posada around? Right handed side is his best.”
I think the reason why Maddon brough Choate in was that Posada is a switch hitter an he wanted to have a lefty fact Granderson.
I think Maddon was trying to save a pitching move while still getting the lefty matchup for Curtis.
Curtis is hitting lefties very well. Choate is a lefty specialist really. And he can be tough. Curtis now has hits against several lefty pitchers.
That’s going to force managers to take notice.
“And now Curtis does it with his speed. Exactly what is there not to like about this guy?”
———————————————————————————————-
he’s a platoon player. Didn’t you know?
My ears think Granderson is a slick player. Look at him all over the field running, stealing, catching crazy fly balls. I forget who he is Matsui or Damon. I don’t miss Damon. Damon wouldn ‘t be doing all the things Granderson does. Smart move by Yankees.
If Gardner can continue to get on base, having two “pests” on the basepaths is going to be quite a weapon that opponents aren’t used to seeing with the Yankees.
The pitchers have a hard time with the sluggers in that Yankee lineup.
The last thing they need is to have to worry about that kind of speed on the bases while they’re pitching to an elite offense.
I loved Johnny Damon as a Yankee but Granderson has done several things in this game already that Damon simply can’t do anymore. If he starts hitting LH pitching then look out AL.
Tony Womack was truly woeful. Randy Winn, 2010: small sample size.
Bigger sample last year ! ( weaker league) No help this spring. A couple of the guys at AAA could do much better.
AJ has great stuff, just not great control of it too many times.
I would totally let Paul O’Neill borrow my cell phone
# Erica – always OPPC – Sesame Street Mafia and GTLU supporter April 11th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
I would totally let Paul O’Neill borrow my cell phone
He could have mine
Absolutely, CB. Paul O’Neill had a rep for not being able to hit lefties, when he came over from Cincy. That worked out pretty well. Seriously, Kevin Long is in line for a nice raise. This is the last year of his contract, and I can’t imagine the Yanks letting him go.
blake April 11th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
I loved Johnny Damon as a Yankee but Granderson has done several things in this game already that Damon simply can’t do anymore. If he starts hitting LH pitching then look out AL.
******************
I will give him the defense-
But Damon can sure steal bases
Don’t make me angry!
Sean April 11th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
This game is exciting. The bullpen is going to have to hold it down. The rays are no scrubs
Sean, you’re right. I learned that Friday night. But AJ is looking good, cruising even.
NOTHING stirs up us Yankee fans like the words “Tony Womack”.
I just threw up a little in my mouth just typing the words.
Has AJ learned to limit damage and grind out a start when things don’t start out well or he doesn’t have his best stuff? If so, that’s a scary thought for baseball as well.
The yankees have opened the season with one of the most challenging road trips they’ll have all year.
They’re facing two teams that are arguably the second and third best teams in baseball.
And they are outproducing those teams largely due to the production they are getting from their catcher and centerfielder.
Think about that – their catcher and centerfielder. Those are often the two worst offensive positions on a team. And they are leading the yanks through this very tough stretch of games.
Granderson is simply dominating games across multiple dimensions. He is making his presence felt everywhere.
Here it comes again:
Zobrist steals second, scores on Longoria single.
burnett seems to be pitching to contact today. is this a new philosophy for him? or is it htat he doesn’t have his dominant form?
i had a scary thought. imagine this team with crawford and cliff lee?
YUCK
He’s out.
Chris – It’s interesting how infrequently (if ever) you get Yankee premonitions
I can honestly say-
There is no way that during this offseason the Yankees resign Jeter, Mariano, and sign Lee and Crawford
Erica,
I apologize…nothing personal
I can’t stand this Mickey mouse indoor baseball stuff. Baseballs shouldn’t hit speakers.
’57, you may be right. Winn is here on the off-chance that you are mistaken, and he hasn’t had much opportunity to show one way or another. We’ll see.
wow talk about TERRIBLE luck…geez
“Has AJ learned to limit damage and grind out a start when things don’t start out well or he doesn’t have his best stuff?”
We might find out here. This stupid stadium… what a joke. AJ overpowered Longoria there and the ridiculous stadium bails out the rays.
Longoria wasn’t surprised at all.
Two outs. AJ needs to bear down.
they imploded Texas Stadium yesterday.
I think they imploded the wrong stadium.
The Trop is a joke.
Maybe this has been mentioned but didn’t AJ have to cover his sleeve tattoos last year with… a sleeve? Something about it being distracting? Did that change? If I remember right they did the same thing to Brandon league.
Awful call.
Play this game under protest….
Thats BS
Ball hit the speaker in foul ground.
The pathetic and embarrassing crew that are major league baseball umpires strike again.
Let’s get Pena, AJ.
Tom in N.J. April 11th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Awful call.
Play this game under protest….
***************
Girardi should have gotten himself tossed
Dumb rule ! Usually if ball hits object in foul ground it’s dead and can’t become fair.
Some great decision by the umpire crew – whew
That BS call has changed the entire complexion of the inning, and possibly the entire game. What a joke.
aj needs to lock it down and just get one out
Playing games under protest is like complaining to the wife that you’re not getting enough action.
Where’s it really going to get you?
Trenton Thunder roll to a 4-1 victory behind Dave Phelps gem and Dave Adams big stick…
Phelps 5 2/3 3hits 1run 1 walk 7strikeouts
Dave Adams 2-4 2runs 2rbis another 2b
Romine with the day off
What a hot mess these umpires are
get rid of that crummy dome and artificial field!
I think AJ was being careful to Pena.
Hi yankee people.
Hopefully AJ can get out of this.
The umpires are just dumb. Why have rules if you don’t bother to check them?
Whew
GJ AJ
This entire league is one big fat joke.
I would stop watching baseball altogether if the Yankees did not exist.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Yankees and Rangers
“Ball hit the speaker in foul ground.
The pathetic and embarrassing crew that are major league baseball umpires strike again.”
Ummm, isn’t SJ44 away for the weekend?
Who does this post sound like exactly?
This is ridiculous. MLB needs to do something about this nonsense with balls hitting the roof. It either needs to be a do over or a foul ball or something. It cannot be let play out as a hit…its ridiculous…
another popup – oh, my!!!
Hi Angel
You brought AJ luck!!!
Smart, AJ, and well done.
Justice is served. Pop up saved AJ and company from that BS call.
If Joe West wants to talk about something that’s a joke and an embarrassment, he only has himself and the rest of MLB Umpires to look at.
Very nice comeback by AJ, to keep himself under control and get out of it. Tampa comes up empty, despite the gift.
I think Winn’s contract was NOT a minor league deal, so he made team. Not sure ?
umps are obviously pathetic and embarrassing.
After the cheatjob of the foul ball, that scumpire Laz Diaz couldnt even give AJ the benefit of that 1-0 pitch to Pena, which was a tad outside, but called a strike for James Shields quite a bit this game.
AJ has done a very good job today. These are the kind of moments when pitchers need to find a way to get things done.
Last year he’d get into trouble and often couldn’t contain the damage. He’s done that so far this year.
AJ overpowered both Longoria and BJ Upton. Fortunately, the speaker didn’t help out Upton.
Very surprised to see Upton swing at the first pitch given the dynamics of the inning.
give them credits that they didn’t rule that as homerun.
Pretty sure Winn’s deal WAS a ML contract; Thames was not guaranteed.
Jeet! Cap’n starting us off
# BD (Boston Dave) – NJ walk tracker = 7 April 11th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
If Gardner can continue to get on base, having two “pests” on the basepaths is going to be quite a weapon that opponents aren’t used to seeing with the Yankees.
The pitchers have a hard time with the sluggers in that Yankee lineup.
The last thing they need is to have to worry about that kind of speed on the bases while they’re pitching to an elite offense.
———-
that’s why i think the final outfield piece would be crawford. have 3 speedsters on the field that will chase down everything and have 3 guys on the basepaths causing extreme havoc for the next 5 years of tex + arod and hopefully montero.
Is April 15th still Jackie Robinson Day??
I don’t like when every player wears 42. Its weird when you think Mariano Rivera is in CF
AJ did not look happy coming off the mound
NJ up in a good spot.
Changed this entire inning.
BJ Upton, biggest hitter of the game and AJ comes thru. Well done!
One of the reasons why guys like Joe West should have kept his mouth shut was because for years people in the game would cover up for umpire inadequacies.
Not anymore. You will see more people in the game, on and off the record, criticize these guys by name.
It’s going to get personal and it’s going to get ugly.
As it should because half the guys working in the game should be unemployed.
Lance Cormier… a name that strikes fear in the hearts of… who?
I thought I was the ultimate ump hater.
Obviously, I had yet to meet one CR9.
I know exactly where you’re coming from, dude. Bad umpiring takes some of the fun out of the game.
Another decent hit ball, right at someone for NJ.
Once he starts getting the breaks, he’ll start doing great.
Nick in SF in Larkspur April 11th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Lance Cormier… a name that strikes fear in the hearts of… who?
*****************
Propsective future pitching coaches
jz 166 give them credits that they didn’t rule that as homerun
Yeah, those groundrules are pretty scary!
“… who?”
Edgar Renteria as of yesterday?
z
Thanks, man.
No conspiracies. Just plain and simple pathetic umpiring/refereeing ruin these games.
They should be put in prison. That’s the only place these unprofessionals belong.
A-Rod is about to go deep
SJ is probably just posting from his phone.
Patrick-
This is WAY too close for comfort. Back off!!!
Man, let’s keep that train a-rollin’….
Damn it, Tex didn’t get a hit again.
Oh, wait, that was a walk? Not a K? Eh, it’ll do.
This line up is brutal to face.
the Trop should host the All Star Game
Just wait til NJ starts getting his line shots to drop. Also, some better umpiring will serve him well.
Rob B April 11th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Damn it, Tex didn’t get a hit again.
He has to go 0 for another ten, then the spring ‘ll trigger again
Lance Cormier… a name that strikes fear in the hearts of… who?
———————————
Guys vying for the last stool at bars with darkened windows and names like “The Tool Box”
almost
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Arod suddenly became a doubles machine this year.
Two more, Alex the machine
Yay Alex. That helps the Yankees and my fantasy team
Go Alex
Take that, Laz Diaz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A-rod has narrowly missed about 7 HRs this season
Carl, you called it – just not as deep as you and I hoped!
man, arod got all of that. it was in on his hands and he hit the wall. who else in the game can do that?
The team is clearly better off with Cody Ransom playing 3b…
Nice one, Al!
Love that doubles machinery. Let’s go Cano!!!
geez, miss HR by 2 feet
# Joe from Long Island April 11th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Carl, you called it – just not as deep as you and I hoped!
Hes been so close man. So close.
I’m sitting behind HP and it was obvious the ball hit the speaker in foul ground.
If you look up, which they are suppose to do here, it’s hard to miss.
Nobody looked up on this crew.
Arod adds insurance which is nice.
crawford will look nice in pinstripes next year
Carl plays a sweet left
Careful w/that wall, Carl. We need you nice and healthy for next year.
The team is clearly better off with Cody Ransom playing 3b…
*************
CB,
LOL. But a lot of people did think so.
Real good swing by Robbie, just robbed on a very nice catch by other CC.
When Alex keeps his swing short he is brutal. You could just see that hit coming once alex got the count even again.
And Carl Crawford is such a great defensive LF it’s unbelievable.
Good at bat from Robbie again with RISP. Any other LF and that’s a double.
“the Trop should host the All Star Game”
OMG how hilarious would it be if someone in the HR derby hit a popup to the highest catwalk and it was called a HR?
hahaha Cody Ransom…..That was Pete’s wish!
If the Yankees go 4-2 on this road trip as it looks like they will, that will be an incredible start to the season considering their usual early season woes and the competition they are facing.
Really cannot ask for much more. Anyone complaining about this team is crazy.
The New York Come-From-Behind Yankees.
ARod is starting to heat up….i think Tex comes online once we get back home.
what are these games going to look like when Nick ropes start finding holes, Jeet joins the fun and Tex is mashing along with ARod,Robbie and Grandy?…
talk about a long day for opposing staffs
“LOL. But a lot of people did think so.”
Ian O’Conner – the guy ESPN NY just hired wrote a column saying exactly that for the Record last year.
He literally wrote a column saying that the yanks were better off with Ransom than ARod.
Conveniently that column was taken off the Record’s website during the course of last season…
I really wanna see Tex or A-Rod hit a homer today….
Granderson looks like gold! Nice acquistion!
champ809 April 11th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
ARod is starting to …
You are not whistling dixie!
LGY
What is really good about it is that it is done against the Sox and Rays. Nice boost for the confidence.
“If the Yankees go 4-2 on this road trip as it looks like they will, that will be an incredible start to the season considering their usual early season woes and the competition they are facing.”
And the fact that the yankees started the season with one of their more difficult road trips of the year.
They’ve now gotten through 6 road games against their two biggest rivals. Rivals which have largely had success the past few years by playing well early in the season when the yankees were struggling.
It’s not just the difference in how they’ve opened the season. It’s that combined with how hard the road trip itself is.
I would have been very happy to see them go 3-3 before the season started. That would have been very successful.
Go Rangers!
This is way too much: the Yanks, the Masters, MLB Extra Innings…sports overload.
“What’s the common point between any mediocre starts so far?
Answer. (Posada)”
————
guess that theory is awful silly now.
Looking like 4-2 on the road in Boston and Tampa Bay. Solid starts from CC, AJ, and Pettitte.
I think Posada and Cervelli must have both done something right.
“# CB April 11th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
The team is clearly better off with Cody Ransom playing 3b…
”
Signed,
PA
hey everybody…i know i’m a bit late with this question, but does anybody know if Matsui’s getting his ring on the field tuesday??
CB,
Don’t forget, both Boston and Tampa are always considerably better at home than on the road.
These aren’t typical road games for the Yankees.
They (are on pace to) win series against two of the best home teams in baseball.
YES!
Andruw Jones
Comes through !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
omg he caught that
boy these umpires…..
Pete didnt really believe that.
As was every Red Sox fans’ wish, he was just hoping Alex would not be able to be healthy enough to play the season.
HE CAUGHT THE BALL!
These umpires continue to suck. Clearly caught it.
“# SJ44 April 11th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
I’m sitting behind HP and it was obvious the ball hit the speaker in foul ground.
If you look up, which they are suppose to do here, it’s hard to miss.
Nobody looked up on this crew.
Arod adds insurance which is nice.
”
I went to the game yesterday but was w/ the peasants in right field
umps again
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He caught that!
HE CAUGHT IT!!!
How bad can these guys be?!
Horrible call. Grandy caught that ball.
Exactly how is Granderson supposed to trap that ball with his glove open towards the roof?
Wow another stellar call
On the YES pre-game show they were saying that Kevin Long picked up a flaw in Alex’s swing and was working on it with him earlier tody. Looks like it worked.
Man, those umps are not making NY friends
nice dp!
Granderson caught that. This is so painful. How amazingly inept is this umpring crew.
Granderson makes another phenomenal defensive play and this useless crew kills them again.
These umps are disgusting.
THAT WAS a CATCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Even the Rays guys admitted it!!
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
what a wierd inning that was.
does cano win a gold glove this year?
Well, that erases things
AJ calm, cool and collected….
Well, that erases things
AJ calm, cool and collected….
The Jays are off to a 5-1 start but they were hot early last year also and fizzled.
The Sox are now tied 4-4. Andruw Jones with a HR.
Im not purporting any conspiracies, but when is enough ENOUGH?!?!?!
How many times do the close calls have to go agaisnt us before it is no longer inept umpiring and just plain biased umpiring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That was a put out by Granderson. But the DP takes care of that. Great job by AJ so far.
Hey Erica, I think you’re safe this week. Oswault is about to get nailed with a loss (despite going 6 innings with 8 K’s and only 2 ER). You also have Jackson just beginning his start. If he gets you a decent outing you’ve got this all wrapped up.
Weird trigger, there…. sorry!
Grandy definitely caught that. Bad call.
“Exactly how is Granderson supposed to trap that ball with his glove open towards the roof?”
Forgive them, their IQ’s are seemingly very low.
Curtis got jobbed.
“Don’t forget, both Boston and Tampa are always considerably better at home than on the road.
These aren’t typical road games for the Yankees.”
BD,
No they are not typical in any way. It is obviously early in the season but it’s also true that all the games count.
This is only going to be helpful. The Rays in particular have a very favorable schedule the first month. They need to get out well.
Prison is the only way these sick umpires will ever learn their lesson.
looks like Buchholz is in line for the win despite allowing 9 baserunners on 94 pitches through 5 innings.
not a great outing for him.
Though I suppose if Hughes leaves the game this week up 8-3 regardless of the circumstances, we’ll take it
Good game.
Bring on the Los Angeles Angels of Matsui.
These games would move along a lot faster if the umps could get these calls right. Just sayin’.
Anybody else read that awesome article on Halladay in SI?
omg a fair 1-1 call…. and of course the Rays guys are complaining.
Well hit ball by Grandy.
CB April 11th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
“LOL. But a lot of people did think so.”
Ian O’Conner – the guy ESPN NY just hired wrote a column saying exactly that for the Record last year.
He literally wrote a column saying that the yanks were better off with Ransom than ARod
Poor fellow, he really missed out there. I have this great idea for a toll bridge into Manhattan from Brooklyn. Maybe he would like a small share.
That the umps blew the call takes nothing away from the great defensive play Granderson made.
He is playing dominating baseball.
And he just squared up another pitch. Hit is hard but right at Pena.
He is playing phenomenal baseball.
I just got back from shopping to see that AJ is continuing to do a fine job. I’m glad I wasn’t here to see that bad call from the umps.
SJ, don’t you feel that they umps have an advantage? They run the game; if the Yanks or any team opens their mouths, they will just take it out on them on the field.
I said that Granderson would have a great year and I also said that hard work pays off. Any improvement, however incremental is a good sign.
Has AJ thrown any changeups besides the one earlier in the game? Thanks!
Patrick April 11th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Hey Erica, I think you’re safe this week. Oswault is about to get nailed with a loss (despite going 6 innings with 8 K’s and only 2 ER). You also have Jackson just beginning his start. If he gets you a decent outing you’ve got this all wrapped up.
***********
Was there a buried hex against Edwin Jackson encoded in this message?
Also can AJ go 8 or do we not want to push it? How many pitches has he thrown?
atta boy Swish
Patrick-
You are probably getting the win for Buehrle which should cancel the loss for oswalt
SWISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Take that, Laz Diaz and Wally Bell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah Swish!!!!!!!!!!!
Swish KNEW it was gone
Swish!!!!
what a BOMB
lost in all the Granderson love is how great Swisher looks at the plate so far.
I think he’s close to a .500 OBP and is seeing the ball as well as ever.
bring on the LAA!
Swish strikes pure wood
Nice piece of hitting by Gardy!
MLB sure tried to do us no favors by sticking BOS, TB, and LAA the first 3 series.
Insurance runs …….. you can’t have enough of them. Thank you Nick Swisher.
Where are the guys who said AJ was going to melt down?
It’s OK because that catch will probably make the reels tonight and everybody watching will know that 2B ump JAMES HOYE is a chump.
Twins Lose !!!!!!!!!!
Yay !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Does Burnett come out for the 8th?
“looks like Buchholz is in line for the win despite allowing 9 baserunners on 94 pitches through 5 innings.
not a great outing for him. ”
During spring training I thought I’d noticed a change in Buchholtz’ arm angle. I’ve been looking int at his innings during commercial breaks.
Clay has looked very marginal today. Very flat fastball. Poor command. Terrible pace, especially when men get on base.
It’s curious. He’s continued to to what he did in spring training. He’s back to how he was throwing the ball in 2008 – he’s back to being very over the top. He looked very good at the end of last year when they changed his arm slot to more 3/4.
But he’s back throwing like he was before. Maybe it’s because he hasn’t thrown in a real game in a while but he was shaky at best.
lol Betsy
There goes Nick, again, prolonging the game.
# Betsy – Hughes rules (pleading the Fifth) April 11th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Where are the guys who said AJ was going to melt down?
He looks like a different pitcher so far this year. I know its only been 2 starts, but he hasn’t had a real meltdown.
And who said that he can’t work with Jorge?
Given the workload the staff had last year, I hope AJ doesn’t come out again.
This is exactly the kind of game where you can save some wear on AJ’s arm. A 5 run lead is safe.
“Was there a buried hex against Edwin Jackson encoded in this message?”
Hahaa as I was writing that about Jackson I saw he gave up a walk then single to start the game. Looks like he gave up another walk and hit plus a run
If the White Sox pull this out yeah I think you’re right that I get the win.
Looks like this one is going to go right down to the line
Betsy – don’t know @ AJ’s changeups, haven’t been watching. Striking a good balance between posts and play is difficult – or I’d tell.
Not only that Carl, but he’s pitched very well today…..
Nice game!
mel, if you’re here, look for an email from me.
Patrick and mel I made my decision on going to Opening Day. I’m not. As sick as I still am I would end up in the hospital if I tried to do it all in a day and get myself to the Stadium by 11 and then get myself home on the last train to leave, which is 7:30 p.m.
I will just have to see the ring ceremony Opening Day 2011.
Yep Betsy
Smurfy (lol, I laugh every time I type this name), thanks! Hey he threw at leaset one today, lol.
Darn – Joba. I wanted to see AJ out again – but, Joba hasn’t pitched in a few days.
Big deal, Kay – so AJ only had 1 strike out; who cares?
Ok I was all over A.J. after that awful first inning but obviously he ended up with a great outing today. I hope he pitches like that all year (except, more K’s please
)
Betsy,
You’re right. Good job by AJ. Could have imploded and really lost it in the 1st inning, but battled through it and really settled down.
couldn’t ask for a better start by Granderson. now he can just relax and enjoy the love coming his way in the home opener.
Oh, that’s true, CB. He did his job, now it’s up to the pen to hold it.
7 innings 6 hits is actually 7 inn 4 hits.
Joba’s fastball has a lot of life on it today.
Anybody else not see ‘Trisha’ before the ‘OPPC’?
Patrick, you’re
Fran, what will we talk about tonight?
Anybody going to the Yankees Welcome Home dinner tomorrow night?
I don’t mind the lack of K’s because it gave Burnett an excellent pitch count. Later in the year, this could have been an 8-inning start for him, which is much more valuable than 5 2/3 with 7 K’s.
Betsy,
We’ll find something I’m sure.
Bartlett is a very underrated player.
AJ got past that turbulence, straightened up and kept flying right. Impressive.
Bronx Jeers – exactly.
Hmm, Joba
Gonna need to get Mo up
Not a good inning for Joba, but he hasn’t pitched in 5 days.
I will accept that cause its Carl Crawford and we have a 4 run lead
Betsy,
AJ did a very good job today. His mechanics were really out of whack that first inning. Fortunately he limited the damage and then corrected the problems he was having.
“Joba’s fastball has a lot of life on it today.”
They’re hitting it anyway.
Patrick-
We are so close I am actually squirming. LOL
Stuff is good, location is bad.
Gotta get him out of there if another guy reaches base.
LOL Fran
RS, good point….I hate to see the pen have to get busy again with a big lead, but there’s yet another day off tomorrow. I hate to waste all our days off now instead of having some in the dog days of summer.
My thought is that Joba isn’t someone who’s cut out to come in with a good-size lead. You know there are relievers who don’t do well with big leads. He doesn’t deserve death or tarring and feathering because of it.
And I feel really bad for him after listening to Kay. He is between a rock and a hard place. And he is a good teammate.
How does Joba go from 95 to 91 with fastball ? Mo is so consistent with MPH, it’s unreal !
Joba sitting at 93-94
Trisha-
Did you delete your name?
I wish he would throw his slider for a strike.
I know the Astros stink, but Halladay is sickkk.
9 ip, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K – 111 pitches
2-0, 0.56 ERA
Joba is so inconsistent even on a pitch to pitch basis at times.
The first several fastball’s he threw were very good. Then he throws a 91 mph fastball out of nowhere that misses it’s spot that Crawford just hammers.
He just varies so much in terms of his velocity and command.
You should talk about the different personalities who comment on LoHud.
Or politics.
Nice change-up.
Joba did a fine job on Zobrist.
Great slider to K Zobrist.
OPPC member who sees, hears, and knows all. 28 is on its way!!!!! April 11th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
My thought is that Joba isn’t someone who’s cut out to come in with a good-size lead. You know there are relievers who don’t do well with big leads. He doesn’t deserve death or tarring and feathering because of it.
And I feel really bad for him after listening to Kay. He is between a rock and a hard place. And he is a good teammate
_________________________________
What’s going on with Joba? I’m not listening to Kay, so I’m not sure what you’re talking about…
Huh. Thanks CR9. No idea how that happened. Maybe when I was writing the post part of it jumped and I deleted. (that’s happened before but usually I catch it) t
Park will help Yankees all season. Nor a starter any more, but knows how to pitch in relief with more than a fastball !!!
Yep, CB. All a pitcher has to do is give the Yankees a chance -and that’s what he did (and then some).
Joba’s stuff is good, like you said. He kept Longo off balance.
CB,
Thats because he can’t repeat his mechanics.
A big reason why he is back in the pen.
Excellent CB to get Longoria.
“I know the Astros stink, but Halladay is sickkk.”
He is truly incomparable. Think of how so many great pitchers have struggled early on as they build arm strength.
In his first game Halladay throws 88 pitches and strikes out 8 or 9.
He just douses the Astros today.
He could win 25 games his year.
Val, Michael Kay said he was talking to Joba after the decision was made and asked him if he was doing okay with it because he seemed to be fine with it. Joba said that of course if bothered him but he was afraid that if he complained he wouldn’t be seen as a good teammate. So he said that he was between a rock and a hard place because by not complaining then people were thinking that he didn’t care. I guess he may still want to be a closer.
I love the kid. He is as genuine as the day is long and a really enthusiastic player. And he has great stuff.
Halladay will eat that league for breakfast !!! CY YOUNG
Joba’s got a gripe: that 3rd ball was a sweet strike
The EIG whomever it is needs to be the guy who you trust the most. Early season returns? Park, Robertson, Joba.
Subject to change of course.
As a reliever Joba needs to know strike 1 is the most important pitch.
Erica,
I was ahead of you for a minute there after Buehrle got his win. Then Oswault got the loss and I went back to being 4 points behind
Another walk…………..
If Joba can’t repeat his mechanics, can he really be a great reliever? Doesn’t he have to at least be consistent within a game?
This is crazy. Yesterday Matsui got a 9th inning walkoff for the Angels and now Damon just got a 9th inning walk with the bases loaded to tie the game against Cleveland.
The Tigers were losing 7-1 at one point and the score is now 8-8 with the bases still loaded.
He pitched around Pena to get to Upton.
I think he has good numbers against BJ.
“Thats because he can’t repeat his mechanics. ”
That’s very true, unfortunately.
It’s amazing even watching him because you can visibly see differences in how he throws the ball pitch to pitch. He looked like he didn’t extend through that pitch to Crawford.
He just no longer repeats his delivery well.
Why would Joba complain about not winning the job?
Girardi needs to stop messing around here and win the game. Stop babying Joba if he is going to nibble nibble nibble.
Finaly Joba gets out of the inning.
Can’t wait for Tuesday
Been waiting all off season
Upton’s pop – had to hold my breath again
Trisha–thanks! Yeah, that makes sense. I think players always run that risk–you complain too much and you’re not a team player, but you don’t complain at all and you don’t care. Rough position to be in. But he’s a solid pitcher, and he’ll help the team no matter what role he plays. besides, he’ll replace mo…hopefully
Patrick April 11th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
Erica,
I was ahead of you for a minute there after Buehrle got his win. Then Oswault got the loss and I went back to being 4 points behind
*************
My fate is literally in the hands of Edwin Jackson. LOL
I am very grateful for the unexpected Heath Bell save last night. Right now that is my safety cushion
M, I don’t know either….that’s an odd comment if that’s what Joba said. He had no reason to complain and he’s right; he would look very bad if he did.
Wasn’t pretty but, he got the job done and made some good pitches to get Zobrist, Longoria, and Upton. Three pretty tough hitters.
I wonder if there was an over/under on wins for Halladay. Can he make a serious run at 25??
Joba made a lot of stupid remarks after bad starts last year. He’s a short man only at this point in his career. Gotta keep the speed up to 95 or more on fastball and get slider over and he’ll do fine !
That 91mph FB to Crawford looked to me to be a 2 seamer that missed it’s spot.
Joba is still getting the 4 seamer up there at 94 and he’s still not loose yet.
imo
Joba got out of trouble, something important for a young pitcher to learn. But, the mechanics issue….I’m sure if Eiland and Girardi could fix it, they would.
I had no problems with Chamberlain pitching to Pena that close. It was get him to chase or walk him to get to Upton, who’s clearly dangerous….just not right now. Rough start but great recovery to hang Crawford at third.
Nick in SF in Larkspur April 11th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
I wonder if there was an over/under on wins for Halladay. Can he make a serious run at 25??
************
Philly is a MUCH better hitting team than Toronto. I don’t see why not
Wow, Freddie -10 at the Masters
Fran, do we take our points with us from week to week or do we start fresh with no points? BD, see what you were saying about how quickly things can turn? I was firmly in first place yesterday and am now just as firmly headed back toward last!
I knew that I was in trouble mainly because my pitching ran out yesterday. Most of the rest of you still had pitchers going, in some cases 3 and 4 pitchers.
Meanwhile, BJ Upton is so convincing me that I need to seriously consider adiosing him.
Betsy,
I don’t think Joba said that. That’s Kay projecting and (mis) reading between the lines.
Was that the third or fourth time Houston has been blanked so far this season? Ouch
Is it too early for me to complain about Nick Johnson?
“I wonder if there was an over/under on wins for Halladay. Can he make a serious run at 25??”
short answer….yes.
“Can he make a serious run at 25??”
He’s got a legitimate shot. He poised to put up a historically great season.
He’s one of the most unique pitchers in recent baseball history. That league has never seen him and the NL stinks as it is. And he plays for the team with the best offense in that league.
LOL. I thought that was the bottom of the 9th.
M, LOL that wouldn’t be the first time….
Great formula for a win. Keep ‘em close early and get ‘em late.
Rip their heart out, eh GB?
Don’t ya’ just love these announcers that say the production Damon and Matsui had last ( 172 RBI between them ) will be missed. So, Grandy and Joshnson won’t drive in anything ? Crazy !!!
Mo Time !
Betsy – Hughes rules (pleading the Fifth) April 11th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Rip their heart out, eh GB?
———————————————————————————————————————-
absolutely. Rip their hearts out, toss in the dirt and stomp on it.
“Don’t ya’ just love these announcers that say the production Damon and Matsui had last ( 172 RBI between them ) will be missed. So, Grandy and Joshnson won’t drive in anything ? Crazy !!!”
They’ll drive in runs, but it won’t be close to 172. Nick Johnson doesn’t do anything but walk or strikeout. He’s not driving anybody in. Grandy will get some RBIs though.
# Laura April 11th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Is it too early for me to complain about Nick Johnson?
For what ? Hitting the ball too hard ?
Love what I saw from Joba today. That was smart pitching to not give Pena anything to hit and go after Upton
And a nice breaking pitch to get Longo. Just made a mistake to future Yankee Crawford, but it happens.
Laura April 11th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Is it too early for me to complain about Nick Johnson?
Definitely: he’s not pretty, but he plays a very good game
Why does nobody seem to appreciate Grandy? I mean he was loved on Detroit, comes over here and the fans seem to be way too hard on him. I don’t get it. He’s an amazing player.
Trisha,
You start over again. But the points come into play if there is a tie at the end of the season. They are used as a tie breaker to dertermine who goes to the playoffs.
I meant to say I guess Joba still wants to be a starter. I said closer.
I don’t think it has anything to do with not being able to repeat his mechanics. He knows how to pitch. Joba has a competitive mentality, IMO, and not a mop up mentality. It may be hard for him to get up to pitch when the score isn’t close. By the way, he isn’t the only Yankee with that problem. Mariano Rivera seems to do best when he’s dealing with a tight score, certainly not a tie score!
I just got caught up there, had to step out for a few minutes….I have no idea how the umpire missed that call on the catch Granderson made…it was right in front of him and it looked like he was less than 10 feet away from the play.
I don’t know if I’ve ever seen Burnett be that economical and pitch to contact that much.
Masters is getting interesting
# Valerie G. April 11th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Why does nobody seem to appreciate Grandy? I mean he was loved on Detroit, comes over here and the fans seem to be way too hard on him. I don’t get it. He’s an amazing player.
scroll up. we love em!
I smell a double play
“Definitely: he’s not pretty, but he plays a very good game”
I could probably overlook his slow start if he were good looking.
Erica,
I think my only hope is if Jackson has a terrible start and gets you 0-5 points and if Fielder hits some bombs tonight. Other than that you have me beat
Halladay is going to absolutely carve the NL to pieces. He doesn’t even have to face the only AL quality lineup in that league. Good luck beating the Phils when he pitches National league.
Erica – always OPPC – Sesame Street Mafia and GTLU supporter April 11th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
I smell a double play
***********
I am a prophet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Erica called it.
We all love Grandy – I loved him as soon as he signed.
Val, I love Grandy. I thought that was one of the most exciting trades the Yankees made. I loved watching him play in Detroit and always wished we could have him (never expecting it to happen!) That’s because I fell in love with his fielding. You know I am pitching and defense all the way.
Cano could of ran to first base with that ball.
Carl April 11th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
# Valerie G. April 11th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Why does nobody seem to appreciate Grandy? I mean he was loved on Detroit, comes over here and the fans seem to be way too hard on him. I don’t get it. He’s an amazing player.
scroll up. we love em!
______________________________
haha yeah just saw that, thanks! I was mainly going on the few comments I saw today (just came on here like a half hr ago) and the posts from the last few games.
Blake,
AJ threw 92 pitches in 7 innings. Joba threw 27 in 1. AJ was very economical. Especially since he threw a lot of pitches in that 1st inning.
Valerie G. April 11th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Why does nobody seem to appreciate Grandy? I mean he was loved on Detroit, comes over here and the fans seem to be way too hard on him. I don’t get it. He’s an amazing player.
We just had to see him, he’s catching fire now.
Valerie, some folks even gave Roger Maris a hard time.
Unbelievable.
“That 91mph FB to Crawford looked to me to be a 2 seamer that missed it’s spot.”
I don’t think it was. His two seamer usually has more arm side run to it. But it may have just been a horrible pitch.
Also, I don’t think they would throw a two seamer to Crawford. Getting him to hit the ball on the ground on turf doesn’t seem like a great plan.
Patrick April 11th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Erica,
I think my only hope is if Jackson has a terrible start and gets you 0-5 points and if Fielder hits some bombs tonight. Other than that you have me beat
**************
We shall see….
Tomorrow is the end of our match right??
That wasn’t a strike? Revenge of the umps!
Thanks Fran. I’m not going to have to worry about tying anyone for first!
4-2 on what was the toughest roadtrip to start the year in baseball.
Nobody in baseball opened on the road against 2 teams as good as Boston and TB.
Very good start for the Yankees.
Does Mo have a strikeout this season?
But M, he only had 1 K!
According to Kim Jones, CC had AJ laughing in the dugout today and that’s rare on days AJ pitches………maybe CC should do that all the time for AJ
Grandy’s going to go nuts at NYS – wait and see [in a good way].
Who’s complaining about Grandy? I think he’s doing a great job so far. He’s made me not miss Damon (sorry Erica!).
Trisha–I have been a HUGE Granderson fan for quite some time. Really excited when the Yanks picked him up…it’s good to know the Yanks fans are feeling the love though
# Mark- Can’t Touch This April 11th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Does Mo have a strikeout this season?
Struck out Ellsbury
Rivera has clearly lost his magic. A hit and a walk in the same game.
2 now
Nice 1st week for the Yankees. 4-2 vs. Boston and Tampa on the road.
CB is right, Granderson is dominating games right now on both sides of the ball. Anyone who questioned his ability to play CF has to rethink that after watching him early this season, and he’s showing very good signs against lefties. He and Cano both could make the jump to elite level players this season…yikes.
Woo hoo!!!!
Tomorrow? I thought it was tonight. Well it’s not going to make much difference because DB killed me today and I would have to have the top 5 pitchers in the league going to get anywhere near him.
As Casey Stengel was fond of saying : ” The Yankees don’t pay me to win every game, just 2 out of 3. “
We win! Feels good
Had just enough magic left to get by.
Fran, we should have a champagne toast to the Yankees !
Betsy and Fran, have a great dinner! We’ll expect a report.
Here’s to Jorge and AJ….
Trisha and Erica,
Tonight. The week goes from Monday to Sunday.
way up with the Yankees!!!!
way,way up with the Trop (as in total destruction!)
good series!
Johnson, if healthy all year will drive in 60 and Grandy will be good for 90 RBI
Betsy,
Have to get ready. See you later.
Chuck58 April 11th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Valerie, some folks even gave Roger Maris a hard time.
Unbelievable
_________________________
Well I wouldn’t compare him to Maris, but he is awesome and should definitely get some love from the fans. For the kind of player he is, he deserves it.
I can offer a report now: Fran is picking up the check
Once again Jorge and AJ did a great job together. This just gets better and better.
YES!!!
Johnson, if healthy all year will drive in 60 and Grandy will be good for 90 RBI
Now, that was a real ” Moe Down”
Betsy,
Hope you’re planning on washing dishes then
Awww, Fran is such a sweetheart.
Fran (the original) and OPPC member April 11th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Trisha and Erica,
Tonight. The week goes from Monday to Sunday.
*****************
Thanks Fran-
Trisha,
. I am ready!!!
Tomorrow its you vs Erica’s Avengers
GreenBeret7 April 11th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Rivera has clearly lost his magic. A hit and a walk in the same game
____________________________
That had to have been sarcastic.
Chuck58 April 11th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Valerie, some folks even gave Roger Maris a hard time.
Unbelievable.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Not even a close comparison. The only player that’s ever gotten more disrespect as a person and as a ball player for the Yankees has been Rodriguez.
new thread
While you guys are at dinner you should seriously talk about the possibility of coming this way and taking in some games around here! Betsy I know you said you like fenway. Something makes me think Fran will not be at all impressed. But we could get bleacher seats there and see whoevers in town. And then there’s the PawSox when the play Scranton. That could be fun. We’d get to see all of our prospects!
**************
Feel bad for Randy Choate.
GreenBeret7 April 11th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Chuck58 April 11th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Valerie, some folks even gave Roger Maris a hard time.
Unbelievable.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Not even a close comparison. The only player that’s ever gotten more disrespect as a person and as a ball player for the Yankees has been Rodriguez
_____________________________________________________
Arod has gotten a lot of disrespect–to be honest, he’s deserved it sometimes, though…Granderson wasn’t on the Yanks (reg season) a day before he was ridiculed. Crazy.
Erica will love this. With Detroit trailing in the 9th and down to their last out, Damon ties the game with a bases loaded walk. winning run then scored on a wild pitch.
Rodriguez has gotten way too much disrepect as a player than he ever deserved…before or after the steroid issues. He may not have been the most personable person and probably did things that weren’t exactly acceptable behavior, but, no Yankee was as dispicable in their personal lives as Mantle and Ruth.
Rick April 11th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
As Casey Stengel was fond of saying : ” The Yankees don’t pay me to win every game, just 2 out of 3.
Now that’s choice!
Looks like Alex is going to fly right. Won’t take long to get the home boo birds singing a sweeter song for such a good hitter/ Fielder !!