Game 12: Yankees vs. Rangers
Posted by: Josh Thomson - Posted in Misc on Apr 18, 2010 
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YANKEES
Gardner LF
Johnson DH
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Cano 2B
Posada C
Granderson CF
Swisher RF
Pena SS
LHP Pettitte (1-0, 0.75)
Career vs. Rangers
RANGERS
Andrus SS
Young 3B
Hamilton CF
Guerrero DH
Cruz RF
Garko 1B
Murphy LF
Treanor C
Blanco 2B
RHP Harden (0-0, 2.79)
Career vs. Yankees
TIME/TV: 1:05 p.m./YES Network
UMPIRES: Mike DiMuro HP, Tim Welke 1B (crew chief), Tim Timmons 2B, D.J. Reyburn 3B
WEATHER: It’s already a beautiful, sunny day here at the park. However, today’s forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies with a 20 percent chance of isolated showers. Highs will be in the mid 50s. Winds are out of the NW at 10-15 MPH with gusts as high as 25 MPH.
I’m in for Chad today. More to come from the clubhouse in a bit…
A-NOTHER SPOT TO CLIMB: Alex Rodriguez hit his 584th home run yesterday, moving him past Mark McGwire and into sole possession of eighth place on MLB’s all-time home run list. A-Rod snapped a 41 at-bat homerless streak, the third-longest of his career and longest since 49 homerless at-bats in 1995. Now, Rodriguez needs just two more homers to tie Frank Robinson for seventh on baseball’s most storied list.
CAN’T CURB THIS CAPTAIN: Derek Jeter has hit safely in all 11 games this season and is batting .380 (19 for 50). The Elias Sports Bureau said it is Jeter’s highest average through 50 at-bats since 1999 when he batted .440. Jeter will not start today because of a head cold.
ON THIS DATE IN YANKEE HISTORY…: Yankee Stadium opened its doors for the first time ever. It was April 18, 1923, and the Yankees beat the Red Sox 4-1. The guy they say built the place, Babe Ruth, belted the park’s first home run, a three-run shot in the third inning. Ironically, 46 years and a day later the Yankees dedicated a monument at the Stadium to Ruth, who passed away the previous August.
UPDATE, 12:24 p.m.: I’m back with a few pregame notes —
• Jeter will not start for the first time in 2010. He is suffering from the same head cold that supposedly plagued him yesterday, although the captain picked up three more hits, including a homer. Joe Girardi said he held off on posting the lineup because he wanted to check on Jeter. Obviously, he didn’t like what he heard. (Girardi said he wouldn’t take the word of Jeter, who never wants to sit out, but judge if his shortstop felt better by the sound of his voice.) Ramiro Pena will start at short and bat ninth. He replace Jeter yesterday because Jeter was ill.
• Girardi expects a better start from Javier Vazquez on Tuesday in Oakland, saying he was encouraged by the improvement Vazquez showed in his second start. I’ll have more on this in the paper, online and on the blog tomorrow, but Vazquez said the issue is his mechanics. His arm’s been late, causing his ball to sail rather than sink. He’s not concerned about his velocity being a touch off. Last year he played winter ball and competed in the World Classic and said that made his arm stronger earlier in the season than it is currently.
That’s all for now. Time for lunch. Enjoy the game and let me know if you have any questions.
UPDATE, 1:03 p.m.: The Yankees take the field.
UPDATE, 1:09 p.m.: After watching Granderson fight the sun for that fly out by Elvis Andrus to start the game, I just want to mention something leftover from Friday. I wasn’t there for this, but Granderson told some reporters that the sun was tough during the day games last Tuesday and Wednesday. He said he discussed it with Torii Hunter of the Angels, who agreed that center was a tough sunfield at the new stadium.
Anyway, I found that interesting. We’ll see if it comes into play. This is one of those Sunday afternoons that gets John Sterling reaching for adjectives.
UPDATE, 1:24 p.m.: Gardner just stole his sixth base of the year. Texas could’ve had him, but Matt Treanor made a bad throw to second, one-hopping it on the first-base side of the bag. Gardy remains a perfect 6 for 6.
UPDATE, 1:32 p.m.: Yanks lead 1-0 after one thanks to two hit batsmen and a walk from Harden, who had this to say prior to today’s start. Uh oh, Rich.
UPDATE, 1:55 p.m.: That’s a one-out RBI double by Andrus, who pulled an inside pitch just past the glove of a diving A-Rod. The ball bounced around in the corner and slipped by Gardner, but Treanor would have scored no matter what. The game is tied 1-1.
UPDATE, 2:03 p.m.: The Rangers lead 2-1 in the middle of the third, but it could’ve been worse. The inning was on the brink until Teixeira snared that line drive off the bat of Hamilton, who pulled one that was born an RBI double. Pettitte escaped the inning on a pop out by Vlad, but credit Tex. Another outstanding play.
UPDATE, 2:05 p.m.: There is is, your first Teix message of 2010. It was a no-doubter into the second deck. Teixeira had gone 41 at-bats without a homer to start the year, the second-longest stretch of his career. The game is tied 2-2.
UPDATE, 2:09 p.m.: Correction on Tex. It was a 40 at-bat homerless streak, not 41.
UPDATE, 2:16 p.m.: The bases are juiced for Swisher. After the third conference already this game, Texas will stick with Harden. There’s been no serious activity in the pen yet.
UPDATE, 2:20 p.m.: The first hit of 2010 for Ramiro Pena is a big one, a two-out, two-run single to right. It’s 4-2 Yankees. Who needs Jeter? (kidding)
UPDATE, 2:40 p.m.: That as a rough start for Harden, who performed his finest Oliver Perez impression, looking unhittable occasionally but mostly just plain wild. The task now falls to Dustin Nippert. Yanks are just 5 for 19 against Nippert with zero extra-base hits.
UPDATE, 2:53 p.m.: They just showed Tanyon Sturtze on the big board. It should be noted that he raised his left arm to waive to the crowd. (Thanks, Joe.)
UPDATE, 3:01 p.m.: That’s just 82 pitches through six for Pettitte, who has now retired 11 of 12 beginning when Tex snared the line drive that would’ve scored a runner in the third.
UPDATE, 3:08 p.m.: Three more trips on base today for Gardner, who just easily picked up his seventh steal of the year. 7 for 7.
UPDATE, 3:26 p.m.: So far, so quietly, the old Yankee guard — who really will fall off, someday before they turn 50 — is off to another tremendous start. That solo homer by Posada was his third of the year. He’s nearing .400. As I mentioned earlier, Jeter is off to the second-fastest start of his career. And Pettitte is cruising along. In fact, the Yankee pen is quiet, so I think Andy’s coming out for the eighth.
UPDATE, 3:43 p.m.: Assuming it’s over, that was an outstanding in-game comeback by Andy Pettitte. He looked lost in the third inning, but rebounded to retire 17 of the last 19. In fact, the Rangers don’t have a hit in that span. Their last was a single by Michael Young with one out in the third. Yanks lead 5-2, middle of the eighth.
UPDATE, 3:46 p.m.: Gardner has now reached base seven times and stolen three bases in the last two games. That ground ball to second was ruled a single, perhaps because Joaquin Arias made such a bad play he never touched it.
UPDATE, 3:50 p.m.: Oops, make that 7 for 8 for No. 11, who was picked off at first base and will be credited with a caught stealing. Now that play was executed well by the Rangers in order to catch the speedy Gardner at second base.
thanks for the new post
“Nothing is ever heard about Selena Roberts anymore. With book sales virtually nill, it’s like she dropped off the face of the earth.”
If Arod takes the HR record away from Bonds, I wonder what the response will be?
Obviously the PED cloud hangs over head, but on the other hand, he takes the record away from Bonds – who is pretty much universally hated.
The following people have submitted lineups for GTLU this morning:
AL Duque
Mark in Tampa
Phil Columbus
Joe from Long Island
Fran (the original)
GTLU
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
Thanks Doreen, for taking the time to run GTLU on a Sunday
Rishi,
Good point. We really needed a new one. The last post had game threads for the Yankees game, Mets game and Boston/Tampa game.
Looks like they picked a good time to head to California.
The wind will certainly be a determining factor today. More home runs and deep fly balls should be expected.
GTLU
Jeter SS
Johnson DH
Teixiera 1B
AROD 3B
Cano 2B
Posada c
Granderson CF
Swisher RF
Gardner LF
If you go 0 for 7 on the day and hit a sac fly for the win, is that “clutch”?
Oh, of course, Rain makes an appearance again.
How about that Met game yesterday?
If you go 0 for 7 on the day and hit a sac fly for the win, is that “clutch”?
*********************
Pat,
For the Mets it is.
10 more minutes for GTLU.
GTLU
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
Everybody should win today!
Doreen,
Have you decided what time we are going to play GTLU for the West coast games?
Pretty funny up here in Boston this morning. The panic has set in on WEEI.
Gardner SS
CC DH
AJ 1B
AP 3B
Cano 2B
Posada c
Granderson CF
Swisher RF
Jeter LF
Doreen,
Jeter SS
NJ DH
Tex 1B
Arod 3B
Cano 2B
Posada C
Granderson CF
Swisher RF
Gardner LF
For those who may take pleasure in hearing Sox fans cry about the team, WEEI can be listened to online:
http://www.weei.com/
“Pretty funny up here in Boston this morning. The panic has set in on WEEI.”
It should. You can’t build a team on run prevention alone. Especially when the pitching is good, not great.
There lineup 5-9 is brutal and now they’re dealing with the injury bug.
Everyone at the four letter word was carrying on about how their rotation is now set until 2014. Is that a good thing for them?
GTLU
Jeter ss
Johnson dh
Tex 1b
Arod 3b
Cano 2b
Posada c
Grandy cf
Winn rf
Gardy lf
The blog is much better than a year ago, but it is disappointing that we got no post-game thread. No quotes from Joe, No quotes from AJ………….
Jon Heyman is a jerk based just off that stupid tweet of hiss.
Bodh, you went to Hughes’ game? What did you think of his performance?
I heard Selena Roberts being interviewd on the Kevin Slaten radio show team 1380.net, in St Louis a few months ago when I was there on business.
She was speaking about Mark Mcgwire’s roids usage and being allowed to come back to baseball unpunished, and the softball interview by Costas that answered none of the real issues of what he did.
She actually sounded sane and not vindictive. Remember Pete liked her because she didn’t (like him) like Alex.
Boston betting on run prevention was pretty funny. The key stat in baseball today is still OBP. Out of the 8 playoff teams last year 6 were in the top 6 in OBP, the other two scored a boat load of runs anyway (Phili and St. Louis).
The audio is not working for me, BD….
Fran -
4 pm to 7pm
But I reserve the right to tweak the time a bit, since that’s dinner time at my house!
GLTU is Now Closed to Today.
Thanks to everyone who played!
Betsy,
did you try the link in the top right Listen Live ?
Doreen,
That sounds like a plan. And we’ll certainly respect your right to have dinner
they’re talking about Bill Hall playing left field to give the team a spark or something..
and we were worried about Aceves or Marcus Thames platooning?
Remember Pete liked her because she didn’t (like him) like Alex.
==============================================
Pete?
After the demolition of old Yankee Stadium ……..
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub.....pment.html
Phillies lost to Marlins yesterday. Beantown is reeling after 2 consecutive loses. Larussa (Mgr Cardinals) played his pitcher Lohse) in left field, and a catcher, as a pitcher in a 20 inning loss to the Mets. Larussa had no other players to play.
I think that Boston is a better team than they are showing. That said sure is, FUN to see the great Theo’s plan to overtake the Yanks fall apart right now.
BD, ok – now it works. I hope I’m not disappointed in the quality of the callers, lol.
Hope Gardner will have a great game today!
Yesterday was really fun!
Oh man,
David Ortiz planning to blow up Fenway park?
This was his quote after the game last night:
“I’ll tell you what, some explosions are coming.”
Post closing but I’ll take a shot at what could be a greatday to restTex since we already won the series.
Jeter ss
Johnson 1b
Arod 3b
Cano 2b
Posada c
Granderson cf
Swisher DH
Winn rf
gardner lf
Alright I gave everyone a 12 game head start on the GTLU contest for 2010.
Now I’m back after a major work emergency which caused me to basically be cut off from the outside world for a few weeks.
The team is in great shape. I haven’t read any of the comments for weeks but any complaining by the usual suspects should be brushed aside as the nonsense that it is.
For a team that usually starts slow, to have their record after 11 games is a great sign.
Now where’s the posted lineup?
What is GTLU?
BD (Boston Dave) – NJ walk tracker = 13 April 18th, 2010 at 10:33 am
they’re talking about Bill Hall playing left field to give the team a spark or something..
and we were worried about Aceves or Marcus Thames platooning?
“““““““““““““`
It’s hard to imagine how Boston management thinks Pedroia and Youkilis will stay hot for the entire season and offensively carry the team with some help from Victor Martinez. The team as constructed does not have the day in and day out presence or flexability of the Rays who is their nearest competitor.
If Boston is not winning at home this time of the year they can’t expect to put up a formidable charge with no immediate help from the farm system.
Does any other outlet have the lineup?
Its just over 2 hours before gametime and still no lineup posted?
Also, no postgame thread last night?
What’s going on with this blog?
It’s still WAY too early to write the Sox off…………
Yeah because the Sox must be feared and fretted over.
Otherwise what would you post about 50% of the time?
# CR9 April 18th, 2010 at 1:09 am
I’ll repost this tomorrow….
Did anyone see the article that Ervin Santana had the gonads to say “the Yankees get all the calls, and that Andy Pettitte got calls that he didnt get”
He went on to say that every time he faces us or the Sox, both the Sox and Yanks get the calls…..
BUT HERE IS THE KICKER
Buster Olney linked to this article in his blog, and just put it as “Santana says Yankees get all the calls”…..Completely leaving out the Red Sox, a Boston fan like Olney would do!
Teixeira needs ABs to get his timing down, not days off (which would mean two days off since the Yanks are off Mon).
The Red Sox will turn it around, but they still have glaring holes that can and will be exploited throughout the season.
That said, they aren’t nearly as good as projected before the season started. They are probably more flawed than the Rays.
BD (Boston Dave) – NJ walk tracker = 13 April 18th, 2010 at 10:42 am
Oh man,
David Ortiz planning to blow up Fenway park?
This was his quote after the game last night:
“I’ll tell you what, some explosions are coming.”
_______________________________________________________
Maybe Theo Epstein plans to bring in Vince Coleman for a fireworks show in front of the Socks dugout like Vince did with the Mets several years ago.
Tom,
GTLU is Guess the Line-up. It’s a game we play before most Yankee games.
LoHudYankees Yogi is wandering around the clubhouse with a stack of envelopes. He looks fantastic for his age. #Yankees – JT
about 1 hour ago via UberTwitter
What is GTLU?
+++++++++++++++++
GTLU stands for (correct me if I’m wrong):
GTLU == No One Cares.
It?s still WAY too early to write the Sox off????
========================================
Maybe so…but this is really fun! You have no idea how obnoxius these Boston Sux fans can be…
“B Real April 18th, 2010 at 1:24 am
Ervin Santana’s average ERA is closing in on 5.00 since 2007.
I’m not sure “getting the calls” is his biggest concern right now.
And Buster Olney is losing credibility fast. He actually was once a decent reporter. He’s fallen pray to ESPN’s demand for salacious reporting (even when it’s completely false), ridiculous trade rumors, and anti-Yankeeism.
“
This blog is a million times better than it was before.
First, professionalism exists now.
Second, there are no more lies from an insecure Pete about how people were threatening his life.
Third, there is no more telling readers to throw themselves in front of traffic for disagreeing with him.
Fourth, we dont have to worry about him devouring, in the literal sense, the blog any longer.
Jon Heyman
had joe girardi been managing ubaldo jimenez tonite, jimenez would have had a wonderful 7-inning performance. #killjoy
about 10 hours ago
LOL
Watch out, GF – you said the Sox would turn it around. What a notion!!!
“Maybe Theo Epstein plans to bring in Vince Coleman for a fireworks show”
————–
hahahaha
that was one of the more mind-boggling events in recent baseball history
OK team usa, either your = key sticks or you’re a programmer…
GF,
I agree with you about the Rays and the Sox. I think the Rays will present the bigger challenge to the Yankees this season. I see the Yanks and Rays finishing 1/2 in the division.
BD, I don’t know what Buster wrote as I’m not an Insider, but he is definitely fast becoming irrelevant to me; I don’t think he’s very good anymore. Remember that article he wrote about how AJ and Jorge shouldn’t bother working together anymore?
Sox have always started out hot and they used to burn out and we used to start out slow then heat up and take over in the 2nd half
Hope the tables haven’t been reversed…..
Anyone have a lineup yet?
Someone has to have it posted somewhere.
Betsy
Look at my 10:49 am post.
He didnt write the article, he just linked to it. But even his link to the article was unprofessional.
Welcome back miggs.
No line-up posted anywhere that I see. Late report for the players today, I presume if they are traveling after the game.
Chad and Sam have ben doing postgames with audio but both are off this weekend.
Pat nice to see you here.
I forgot its getaway day….. thus the explanation for the late lineup.
bd-
turned on weei.com just out of curiosity. i never listen to it even though i’m down here on cape cod.
pretty funny. so far from the announcer and reporter discussion:
-varitek should hit in the five hole today
- he may keep playing for another 3-4 years as a back up because ANY team in the majors would love to have him in that role.
huh.
it’s interesting that he’s hitting well in his spot starts, but doesn’t a catcher need to be able to throw to second as part of the job description?
the red sox appear to be in such a mess with ortiz, lowel,and varitek that l that i think they just might make a major change at some point in the next month or so to shuffle the deck.
things can snowball downhill in boston in a hurry because fenway runs on emotion in both directions.
Betsy,
I used to like Olney and his blog used to be a must-read for avid baseball fans.
There is zero doubt he’s lost a tremendous amount of credibility and it’s sort of a sign of the times.
There is such competition with blogs, internet news, etc that ESPN reporters are forced to come up with complete garbage to keep readership up. People like drama and rumors. It sells.
People don’t like hearing “there are no rumors right now”
If there are no rumors… then make some up!
Hating the Yanks sells too. So let’s do that!
It’s a shame and a testament to blogs like this one that can deliver solid news and informed opinions.
I don’t see what the big deal is about postgame audio or quotes… you can find them on YESnetwork.com or the dozens of twitter accouts of the beatwriters, yankees.com, or in the news this morning…. it’s not like there is some exclusive scoop here. not worth complaining aboit…..
If Tex and Arod get going which I’m sure they will the Yankees will get better, scarry.
Calm down, Stewart – it was ONE comment. I never complain about Chad, Sam or Josh – I just said I was disappointed.
randy,
I heard a discussion last night about the “silver lining” for the Sox so far.
“Jason Varitek is the hottest hitting backup catcher in the game right now.”
I admire the optimism of those particular fans, but if 10 at bats from their backup catcher is the best they can do after a horrendous double-loss night, they’re in for a long season.
I still think Olney is a very credible writer and very objective.
If you read Madden, Lupica, Wally Matthews, etc. you know you are getting yankee bashing. Olney might stir it up every now and then but overall he is very fair and doesn’t obsess over the Sox.
# Fran (the original) and OPPC member April 18th, 2010 at 10:53 am
GF,
I agree with you about the Rays and the Sox. I think the Rays will present the bigger challenge to the Yankees this season. I see the Yanks and Rays finishing 1/2 in the division.
————————–
I’m kind of thinking that right now, but things could always change.
However, somehow, Ortiz was able to turn his season around last year after a ridiculously abysmal two month start. Could he do it again? Who knows.
And you cannot overlook the fact that the Red Sox have a lot of cold hard cash and Theo is always a threat to get what he needs before the trade deadline.
That’s one big advantage the Red Sox have over the Rays in a pennant race. Theo has always had the willingness to get those pieces and the Rays really haven’t – despite the fact that the Rays are loaded with young trade chips and the Red Sox aren’t.
But this year may be different due to the end of Crawford’s and Pena’s contract.
We’ll see. But it should be clear to everyone that the Yankees are better than either of them.
randy,
I heard that talk about Varitek “reinventing himself” as a backup catcher and how “every team” would love to have a guy like that.
I guess I can understand the denial going on. It’s easier than accepting the current truth.
“I still think Olney is a very credible writer and very objective.
If you read Madden, Lupica, Wally Matthews, etc. you know you are getting yankee bashing. Olney might stir it up every now and then but overall he is very fair and doesn’t obsess over the Sox.”
You had me at CREDIBLE!!!! You should be a comedian!!!!!!
Doesnt obsess over the SOX!!!!!! He has already come up with 3 trade scenarios for the Sox to get a catcher to fill that need.
BD, Buster works for ESPN and ESPN hates the Yankees; Buster is trying to attract the anti-Yankee crowd. It doesn’t say much for his integrity, but he fits right in. I’m glad I’m not an Insider, to be honest.
To be clear, I don’t have a problem with reasonable criticism of the Yankees, but if they aren’t going to get their due when it’s deserved, then it’s hard to take that criticism seriously.
“And you cannot overlook the fact that the Red Sox have a lot of cold hard cash and Theo is always a threat to get what he needs before the trade deadline.”
——————–
GF,
that’s a great point.
The Sox may be faced with a critical decision in a couple months, especially if they are 8-10 games out.
Do they try to make a big run or do they throw in the towel?
They will surely make significant attempts to acquire a guy like Adrian Gonzalez, but how serious their offers are will be telling.
Of course they’ll try to “steal” some players but if they want to make a serious run, will they sell the farm for a major acquisition?
I’m another one who has no issues with Buster Olney.
That doesn’t mean I agree with everything he says, but I still respect his opinion and the job he does.
Can’t say that about most Yankee/baseball writers in the business.
“If Tex and Arod get going which I’m sure they will the Yankees will get better”
————————
yup, it’s not a question of “if”, it’s a question of “when”
if guys like Cano, Posada, Grandy, etc keep swinging hot bats, that lineup is going to punish people
We’ll see. But it should be clear to everyone that the Yankees are better than either of them.
*******************************
GF,
That’s the truth. The Yanks are on a roll right now and Tex hasn’t started hitting yet. And Alex is just starting to heat up.
If they’re going to get Gonzalez, they’re going to have to part with some of their gems. If Theo doesn’t want to give up Buchholz, then I don’t even know how they get him. Just because the Sox want a player, doesn’t mean they can or will get him.
miggs – welcome back.
Writers in the blogoshere – Olney, Matthews, Lupica, etc. – have to generate reader/viewer hits. It’s how advertisers can objectively quantify how many people read their stuff and are exposed to the products. What easier way for the these guys to do that than to appeal to the large number of Yankee-haters in the world.
I wouldn’t get too worked up about it, for other than comic value.
“doesn’t a catcher need to be able to throw to second as part of the job description?”
That does seem to be a flaw in the run prevention plan that they are ignoring or are okay with.
“BD, Buster works for ESPN and ESPN hates the Yankees”
While I agree there is a slight lean against the Yankees when it comes to ESPN coverage, to say ESPN “hates” the Yankees is about as short-sighted and uneducated as a comment can get.
The Yankees bring ratings and ratings bring dollars.
You have to be a complete moron to not understand this.
GF, I haven’t completely abandoned Olney yet, but I admit I’ve been completely turned off by him.
The only really objective sportswriter in NY is Marc Carig. I had thought well of Ken Davidoff, but not so much recently.
LoHudYankees No lineup yet. Girardi just said he is waiting to see how Jeter feels when he arrives. Pena will start if Jeter’s too sick to go. #Yankees
“I still think Olney is a very credible writer and very objective.”
————
Don’t get me wrong. I still like Olney and think he’s capable of being a good reporter, but he continues to conjure up ridiculous rumors.
At hte trade deadline last year, I think he had 75 different rumors and not a single one came to fruition.
Sooner or later you’re going to lose some credibility.
Red Sox schedule is about to get a little easier… after Texas at home, they have 9 straight vs. Toronto and Baltimore.
However. after that, the schedule becomes brutal for them
4 home Angels
3 home Yankees
3 road Detroit
2 road Yankees
2 home Twins
3 road Phillies
3 road Rays
Just because the Sox want a player, doesn’t mean they can or will get him.
**************************
Hi Betsy,
That right is only reserved for the Yankees
miggs -
Hi, welcome back. Hope the work situation has calmed down for a long while for you.
Pat,
Obviously I missed something. What is wrong with Derek?
BD
Olney is the guy who (covered Cone and Wells Perfect game) denegrated Cone and Wells perfect game, saying that other people’s no hitters like Jon Sanchez were better.
He also says his mentor is Peter Gammons. That speaks to his lack of unprofessionalism and love for the Sox!!
GF and BD – That’s a very interesting thing. If, and I realize this is a big if – the Red Sox take a dive, and are 10+ games out and in third place come July, does Theo ask Lucchino and Henry for a bag of $$$ to buy more talent, or do they throw in the towel and deal their more marketable players to contenders for young players/prospects, that might help them more in the long run?
That seems like a very fundamental question, especially for franchise that hasn’t had to think that way in a long time.
And how do they sell that to a fanbase that forks out an awful lot of money for tickets and multi-colored caps and jerseys?
Fran
Girardi said “head cold” yesterday.
Hey Fran, lol
How are you this morning?
Sox interleague schedule is brutal compared to ours
We play the Mets twice
They play the Phillies twice
We play on the road vs. Arizona and LAD
They play on the road vs. San Fran and Colorado
They play home vs. Arizona and LAD
We play home vs. Philly and Houston
We have 4 ‘easy’ series with the Mets twice, Astros, and D’Backs. They only have 1 (D’Backs).
nice to see Theo’s win prevention plan coming to fruition.
Joe said yesterday that Jeter’s been fighthing a head cold, that’s why he took him out late in the game yesterday. It wouldn’t be the worst thing (outside of my losing in GTLU) for Derek to sit one out (with an off day tomorrow) and get Pena some playing time for a game.
CR, he did say that – absolutely ridiculous.
Joe,
The Mets are in the same situation. They have a stadium they need to sell out and are competing against the Yankees. Do they trade Reyes or some other “big player” to help in the long run?
Joe from LI,
yup, it will be interesting to see.
I personally don’t think they make a major move if they are 10 games out.
I think they will leak fake trade rumors to the media to make it appear as if they are frantically trying to improve the team to appease the fans.
They’ll try to make changes in the offseason instead.
We are getting ahead of ourselves a bit, but it’s an interesting thought for sure.
Betsy
Yep. Cone and Wells were against a young inexperienced team and minor league team, respectively.
Doreen and Joe thanks for the kind words.
When you are personally invested in your work it tends to take priority over everything else, which unfortunately included this blog.
But I’m back to defend my GTLU crown and (hopefully) add some good content to this blog.
The Yankees have gotten through a very rough stretch of their schedule as good as could be expected. The Rays are off to a good start, too, but it’s going to get easier for the Yankees after this WC trip. I think their final WC trip is before the All-Star break – nice.
Hi guys -
I’m going to be headed out and away from my computer from 11:45 to about 2:00. If the lineup is not posted before that time, please know that I will post the winner(s) of today’s GTLU as soon as I am able.
Official 2010 Boston Red Sox video:
http://www.dailymotion.com/vid.....here_music
CR9,
I forgot about that (Olney discarding the perfect games).
Boo Olney. Boo!
WOW,
WEEI saying the Sox could have had Miguel Montero for Michael Bowden.
Are they serious or just insane?
Not a whimper I tell you, not a whimper from the Umps about the 6 hr 53 minute, Met/Cards 20 inning game. wHICH i BELIEVE BROKE THE RECORD ON LONGEST GAME
Beantown is panicked about their team .
It boggles the mind how a seemingly intelligent grown man can grow up believing the nonsense and conspiracy theories that plague this site almost daily now.
Everybody is out to get the Yankees and everyone in the media is a secret Red Sox homer.
Amazing incompetence:
“Four Mets pitchers threw at least two innings of relief, allowing Manuel to save closer Francisco Rodriguez for a save situation. That did not occur until the 19th… Rodriguez, who had warmed up every inning from the eighth through the 19th, estimated that he threw more than 100 pitches in the bullpen. And he admitted to being somewhat gassed by the time Manuel finally called his nam”
Betsy,
All is good here. I recommended Sage to some friends. They went last night and really enjoyed it. You make good choices Betsy. Perhaps in your spare time you could be a restaurant critic
Boston needs to shake up their lineup. They can start by putting Ortiz at 1st base with his slick fielding glove and speed then push him up to #3 in the batting order.
There’s 2 Marathons on Monday in Beansville. The Rays will be in the 2nd of the two ……… running on Boston’s catching.
Still no word on a lineup.
LoHudYankees No Jeter today. Gardner, Johnson, Tex, A-Rod, Cano, Posada, Granderson’, Swish, Pena – JT
Manuel could be fired just on what he did to K-Rod alone; we discussed that last night. If I’m a Met fan, I’m furious about that.
Fran, lol. A few years ago, I went to Paris and I brought a little diary with me. I don’t keep diaries at all, but I wanted to make note of what I was eating so I could remember my trip better. I went to this brasserie and was writing down what I thought of the food when the French couple next tried to make conversation. Despite their knowing very little English and I just having a smattering of high school French, we were able to have a conversation. The first thing they said was that they thought I was a restaurant critic, lol. They saw me writing stuff down and looking at my food and, naturally, jumped to that conclusion.
Nope, I would never be a restaurant critic; I love to enjoy my food – I would never want to have to pick it apart.
Aww, poor Jeter; the plane right out to Oakland won’t make him feel better either, but at least they have a day off on Monday. Get well soon, Derek!
BD (Boston Dave) – NJ walk tracker = 13 April 18th, 2010 at 11:21 am
The RS are right up against the luxury tax now. They don’t seem to want to go over so I’m not sure if they will make a move.
Gosh I hope Boston isnt out of it by July. Im a Mets fan hoping we can peddle Beltran off at the deadline for a young starter… that team needs a bat and if beltran can come back healthy hed be a good fit in beantown.
Today’s Winner in GTLU is Joe Girardi, but he obviously had inside info!
Thanks to all who played.
Joe G is quickly moving up the winners’ list.
I am on my way out, but I will update the standings later today and post them.
Joe from LI,
I’m very interested to see how the Rays handle the pennant race as well.
If they are within striking distance (and they should be), will they be willing to go out and pick up those pieces?
They certainly have the chips in the minors to get whatever they want and they should feel a sense of urgency given the end of the Crawford and Pena contracts.
But the Rays ownership is dead set on lowering the Rays’ payroll and may not be willing to go that extra mile.
It’s a shame that such a good team and well run organization has such terrible attendance. A new ballpark would have done wonders for that franchise.
Betsy,
I know what you mean, but maybe you could be one of those mystery shopper critics
“The RS are right up against the luxury tax now.”
Don’t you mean the Yankee tax?
They’re spending like 100 million more than the Marlins, and not being penalized for it!
Why is Gardner leading off? Why not leadoff someone who can actually hit, like NJ with Swisher batting 2nd?
I have to start getting up earlier on Sundays-I keep missing the Sunday editions of GTLU.
I hope Jeter feels better!!!
Wow, Manuel wants to get fired!
FB, DJ.
miggs- what line of work are you in?
BD – I think you’re right. The catch is what moves can they make in the offseason? The FA market isn’t great, and they may not have the right trade pieces. They’ve got some problems for the next few years. If the Yankees and Cash continue to play their cards right, it could be pretty a miserable time to be a Sox fan.
Fran – yes, I agree. The thing is, I don’t get the impression (though this is strictly as an observer, of course) that the Mets have an organizational philosophy. I could see the Wilpons keeping players for appearances sake, and not thinking long term; which, they haven’t done for a long time.
Did Manuel really have KRod throw for inning after inning? OMG, what was he thinking? That’s one thing about Girardi, he doesn’t give guys “dry humps”.
“While I agree there is a slight lean against the Yankees when it comes to ESPN coverage, to say ESPN “hates” the Yankees is about as short-sighted and uneducated as a comment can get.
The Yankees bring ratings and ratings bring dollars.
You have to be a complete moron to not understand this.”
It depends on what the meaning of hate is. Yankee “hate” drives ratings, especially when the Yankees are as good as they are now.
“BD – I think you’re right. The catch is what moves can they make in the offseason?”
—————–
They’ll be free of Varitek, Ortiz, Lowell and Bill Hall
VMart will be a free agent and it’s a very difficult situation. They can’t possibly pay him as a catcher. He’s not. But if someone else pays him, can the Sox let him go??
I have no idea… but here are my predictions:
a) they try to trade Ellsbury, Buchholz, and prospects for Adrian Gonzalez
b) they sign Crawford or Jason Werth for LF
c) they sign/trade for an average stopgap catcher – Miguel Olivo?
d) they sign a couple of relievers – Qualls, Putz, Balfour, Crain?
Get well soon Jeterini!
GF – yeah, this year one of the biggest hurdles for the Rays will be dealing with the payroll issue. They definitely have the cards to play if they want. The question is do they want?
Yeah, who does that Girardi think he is, using inside information to make a lineup?
Joe,
Probably right about the Wilpons. That’s why Melvin is the candidate in waiting to replace Manuel. He is a “yes” man and will agree to whatever the front office wants.
And yes KRod was warming up almost every inning to come in for the save should the Mets score. Maybe they should have waited for a run to score and then have him warm up like the Yanks have done with Mo.
GF,
I don’t think the Rays make a move. I think they roll with what they have – though perhaps they do make minor additions in the bullpen.
They’ll probably bring up Hellickson to either start (add Davis to pen) or go to the pen.
They have enough solid prospects in the minors to handle the losses of Crawford and Pena.
Their farm system is loaded and they could stay competitive for another 5 years even with the $65M payroll.
I think, anyway…
Yeah, who does that Girardi think he is, using inside information to make a lineup?
******************************
Is this like insider trading. Aren’t there regulations against this?
We have to check Doreen’s rules.
haha
Rachel Nichols of ESPN called the Mets game yesterday “Chinese Water Torture”
LOL
I like Nichols!
___
And Lupica threw in his typical anti Yankee dig!!! YAAAA!!!! Where’s murphydog with his weekly Sunday Loopy bashing!!!! I look forward to it every week!!
fred April 18th, 2010 at 11:41 am
Why is Gardner leading off? Why not leadoff someone who can actually hit, like NJ with Swisher batting 2nd?
I was thinking more along the lines of Granderson leading off considering he had done it for the the past four seasons in Detroit and they are facing a righty.
Girardi just wants to win GTLU same as everyone else I guess.
I wonder what’s wrong with Jeter. It would nice if there’s a Yankee blog out there out somewhere in the web that would give us some info.
Too bad no such blog exists.
It doesn’t matter who leads off as long as they are patient today.
Get Harden’s pitch count up.
He has filthy stuff but he’s walking 7.8 guys per 9 innings so far this season and though those #s are going to go down, the Yanks could certainly draw 3,4,5 walks today.
The Rangers bullpen, minus Feliz, is not pretty right now.
Get to the pen and hammer it.
Jeter out with hamstring injury (?)
Gardner is probably leading off to try and continue to put pressure on a Texas defense that has stuggled in this series.
Jeter has a cold – don’t be morons, Jim and g.
BD –
1. Trying and succeeding are two different things, of course. But in dealing Bucholz they open up another hole, this one in the rotation. Of course, if he doesn’t do step up this year, it may not be a great loss. But, then, why would SD want him, and the Sox would still have to fill that rotation slot.
2. Getting a real catcher would help them, but, then, what to do with VMart (I think they will try to resign him, though it will cost them, as other teams may pay for him as a cathcer). If they somehow do get Gonzalez, then VMart would have to catch, which would be problematic for them, else they let him go and lose his bat.
3. I think if Cash wants Crawford, he gets him, thus leaving Werth for the Sox to chase after, along with other teams.
4. Filling the pen with FA middle relievers? Risky.
The Red Sox have some real problems to work out. They really need to figure out what direction they’re going in.
Joe,
I agree. I’m just throwing stuff out there.
But the Sox will have an easier time finding a 5th starter replacement than they will an elite bat.
The Sox rotation is their least concern right now.
If they can get Adrian they have to do it.
The Sox farm system is littered with speedy outfielders, just little power.
They can replace Ellsbury fairly easily.
The Sox with Gonzalez, Werth, a capable catcher, and a couple decent bullpen arms would be a dramatic improvement.
“If they somehow do get Gonzalez, then VMart would have to catch,”
—————
VMart would be backup catcher and DH in that scenario. Ortiz will be long gone.
That’s the reason I don’t know that they can resign him.
man, this site has been steadily going down down down hill since Pete A bra left.
Who knew. we would miss a red sox royalist running things here.
WEEI:
“ARod is off the juice. He only has 1 HR”
BD, why would the Phillies trade Werth? Are you talking this year?
In order to get Gonzalez, they’re going to have to trade Buchholz at least……..
BD, did the hosts say that or some whiny caller?
Buster Onley’s blog is pay-to-play.
One wonders why someone is paying to read in the “Insider’ portion of the site they claim not to be able to stand…?
Why didn’t Selig appoint anyone from the Yankees (the most successful franchise business mode,) to his special commission if no Yankees bias exist?
Betsy,
I’m talking about this offseason for Werth.
and the announcers on WEEI said that. It didn’t sound like they were kidding, but in their defense, they were arguing with a Yankee fan caller.
BD, they sound like jerks…and hypocritical ones at that since they probably haven’t said a word about Ortiz.
Boston Dave, The Sox (and their fans) and so fixated on the Yankees it’s funny. Did you see their opening day ceremony? They had some 6 year old kid recite the famous Herb Brooks Miracle on Ice pregame speech, putting in the Yankees instead of the Russians. What a joke!
Betsy,
I think Buchholz, Ellsbury, Lars Anderson, and Bowden might get Gonzalez.
I’m obviously just throwing stuff out there… who knows.
But If I were GM, I’d do this in a second. I’d sign Werth, another starter (there are quite a few good backend rotation guys hitting free agency), and a couple relievers.
The Sox free up some salary from Ortiz, Lowell, VMart, Bill Hall.
Noreaster,
Oh I saw it. That was awful.
A disgrace to the 1980 US Hockey team.
Captain america… your criticism about the blog going downhill…way off the mark. The blog has been great, and getting better.
Buster Olney
Spews baloney
Riding the Red Sox pony
A Peter Gammons crony!!!
Overall it’s comical that all the writers didn’t pick up on the fact than the Sox had several major flaws last year that were not addressed (or made worse) during the off season:
1) The lack of power on the road.
2) Lack of OBP
3) No depth in the pen
4) Catchers who cannot throw out runners
How anybody can pick that team to win it all is beyond me.
BD, that doesn’t sound like much at all……….unless Lars Anderson recaptures his glory. Ellsbury is ok and Bowden is nothing special…………
“BD, that doesn’t sound like much at all……….unless Lars Anderson recaptures his glory. Ellsbury is ok and Bowden is nothing special…………”
————–
it depends on whether or not another team is going to offer an elite prospect or not.
I doubt another team is going to give an elite prospect for a 1.5 year rental of Gonzalez. If they plan to resign him, then they are looking at $150M or so on top of it.
I’m not a huge fan of any of those 4 guys, but the fact remains that they are still on most top prospect lists.
I believe San Diego will trade Adrian. So it comes down to who gives the best offer.
It might not be the Red Sox… but it wouldn’t surprise me if a smaller market team declines to offer an elite prospect and the Sox end up as a finalist.
Looking forward to Pena flashing the leather @short.
“Boston Dave, The Sox (and their fans) and so fixated on the Yankees it’s funny.”
if this blog is any indication, the fixation is entirely mutual.
The Padres have no reason to get rid of Gonazlez, at this point.
Even if they did, there are plenty of teams that SHOULD be in the market for a player of his elite talent.
And if that is the case, there are plenty of other systems that have better talent in the upper levels of their system than the Sox.
“if this blog is any indication, the fixation is entirely mutual.”
————–
that’s partially my fault.
living in Boston and having 95% of my friends as diehard fans, I can’t avoid it.
And it’s sort of fun to watch them squirm.
CR9,
there’s no doubt about that.
I guess I’m suggesting the Sox go “all out” for him.
They may not have the pieces to get it done…. certainly if another team offers an elite type prospect in the package.
But like I said, will a smaller market team offer an elite prospect for 1.5 years of Gonzalez?
He’ll command a very large contract in 2 years.
We’ll have to wait and see…. but it should be a lively trade deadline this year because of it.
LoHudYankees Just to clarify, Jeter has a cold. Girardi said it has been going around the clubhouse. He blamed @YankeesWFAN (not kidding) #Yankees – JT
“Why didn’t Selig appoint anyone from the Yankees (the most successful franchise business mode,) to his special commission if no Yankees bias exist?”
The notion that Major League baseball itself is biased against the Yankees is to be in complete ignorance of some very basic facts, most glaring;u national TV ratings (particularly the postseaon) which is the engine that drives the car.
MLB LOVES the Yankees are anyone claiming otherwise simply doesn’t understand the game.
The Yankees are the team to beat.
The Rays are no more than a WC team.
The Sox finish out of the money unless they upgrade at the TD or sooner.
At http://www.boston.com article:redsux swept swept away by grateful Rays
The very first comment is in all caps, it along with the others are an enjoyable read.
The article notes that the stadium seats weren’t full and that the fans chose to stay away, because of recent play. Awh….. boo hoo!!
CR9:
Picture Loopyca and King, the two old gasbags, sitting up in the luxurious confines of the press box, enjoying opening day for free, (free food, free seats, free drink). What is the single insider thing that Loopyca wants us to know about that day?
The one insider thing Loopca shares with us is that King took an obnoxious and gratuitous swipe at a guy no longer drawing a check from the Yankees, who played his heart and soul out for the team, a hitting champ and star performer and contributor to championships.
Far as I know, while Bernie always did his best to harm the other team, he never did anything to harm either King or Loopyca. What he does now is continue to support various charitable causes and be a good citizen in retirement while pursuing a music career.
For that he gets pilloried on Opening Day and today the malignant dwarf repeats the pitiless remark in his column, secure in the knowledge that we will all guffaw as he must have:
“When Bernie Williams bounced that ceremonial first pitch in front of home plate the other day, it was my friend George King who mentioned in the press box that Bernie was throwing as well now as when he was 23.”
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....z0lTARKUc5
Loopy, you ought to check yerself before you rickety rickety wreck yerself.
is there any chance Durant and OKC upet the Lakers today?
20%?
BD (Boston Dave),
It’s pretty impressive the number of us MA Yankee fans that read this blog. The Yankees and Red Sox have been joined at the hip for over 80 years. It’s always ugly for the side that’s struggling.
The blog is still thriving without Pete A, but it’s getting very,very ugly for him in Beantown.
“Meanwhile, “Boston Davio” is hoping the team stinks so I’ll lose my job. Really? What kind of human being hopes that for another person and their family? What is my response to that supposed to be? ”
The perception of Pete being associated with the Yankees cannot be shaken. It would be the same if Gordon Edes started covering the Yankees. Yankee/Red Sox images repel each other like oil and water.
murphy
LMAO!!!!!!
They insulted one of the classiest guys of his era, Bernabe!!! OMG, if that doesnt speak volumes about the lack of professionalism!
I’d love to take one of Joe West’s CDs and shove it so far up Loopy’s *** that he wouldnt be able to spew his diarrhea for a year!!
Dont you love how he didnt want to ‘insult Bernie himself’, so he used George King’s name to qualify his own insult. Obviously, King said it, but Loopy wanted to get a Bernie insult in his column and used King to do it!!!
I get the feeling that Lupica’s own parents and family cant stand him.
He just has one of those faces, one that not even a mother could love.
“The notion that Major League baseball itself is biased against the Yankees is to be in complete ignorance of some very basic facts, most glaring;u national TV ratings (particularly the postseaon) which is the engine that drives the car.
MLB LOVES the Yankees are anyone claiming otherwise simply doesn’t understand the game.”
I understand the game. I also understand that numerous rules have been enacted by MLB over the last 50 years or so at the behest of other owners to constrain primarily what is viewed as Yankee excess. MLB may love what the Yankees have done for MLB’s bottom line, but to claim as you do that MLB “loves” the Yankees is over the top. The Yankees are the 800 pound gorilla in MLB’s living room.
Yankees great TV ratings are because of the Yankees brand, don’t fool yourself into thinking Selig loves the Yankees. He likes the money they generate. He loves the revenue sharing and luxury tax. Otherwise 8-12 teams might not be able to keep their doors open. Selig loves corporate welfare period .
Chan Ho Park said his strained right hamstring feels “good,” and he’s on track to resume workouts when the team arrives in Oakland on Tuesday. So that’s a plus.
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....rtsto.html
Reading Pete’s Red Sox blog is funny. He still whines about the comments and cries like a little baby. I am so glad we have Chad and Sam now.
# CAMERON April 18th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Yankees great TV ratings are because of the Yankees brand, don’t fool yourself into thinking Selig loves the Yankees. He likes the money they generate. He loves the revenue sharing and luxury tax. Otherwise 8-12 teams might not be able to keep their doors open. Selig loves corporate welfare period .
So he loves the Yankees right?
?if this blog is any indication, the fixation is entirely mutual.?
?????
You would NEVER see the Yankees mention the Sox pregame in the first game of the season!
My fault too living up here. But you have to admit, it’s just so funny to see a team so poorly put together with their fans having such high hopes…with no farm system help on the horizon…
“I also understand that numerous rules have been enacted by MLB over the last 50 years or so at the behest of other owners to constrain primarily what is viewed as Yankee excess.”
Unsuccessfully.
“MLB may love what the Yankees have done for MLB’s bottom line, but to claim as you do that MLB “loves” the Yankees is over the top. The Yankees are the 800 pound gorilla in MLB’s living room.”
If you understand the game of Major League baseball is about revenue, and MLB has not yet done anything to effectively curtail the revenue the Yankees generate for the league, then you’re on your way to understanding the dynamic.
“Dont you love how he didnt want to ‘insult Bernie himself’, so he used George King’s name to qualify his own insult. Obviously, King said it, but Loopy wanted to get a Bernie insult in his column and used King to do it!!!”
Not sure he was being even that careful. It seems to me he just thought everybody else would be on the same page and enjoy the “insider cool” of the remark, which he wanted to give George King credit for.
A classic, boorish, arrogant Loopyca moment.
murphy
Yep. I hear ya. My scenario implies that Loopy thinks he might receive backlash for the insult.
Which obviously is not the case, due to his arrogance!!
“Yankees great TV ratings are because of the Yankees brand, don’t fool yourself into thinking Selig loves the Yankees. He likes the money they generate. He loves the revenue sharing and luxury tax. Otherwise 8-12 teams might not be able to keep their doors open. Selig loves corporate welfare period .”
Once you understand the game of Major League Baseball is not about tradition, or competition, but revenue, then you’ll understand.
You just made the argument why baseball LOVES the Yankees, you just haven’t gotten over the hurtle of understanding what the game is REALLY about.
Yankee “fans” obvious need to try to paint the Yankees has “underdogs” – the league, press, umpires – are against them, and manufacturing something they must “ovecome” given their obvious advantage is fascinating.
Doubling considering that the people engaging in this mental foolery with themselves apparently have utterly no self-awareness of it.
Ortiz not in Sox lineup…against a righy.
murphy
Another Lupica comment.
If Ortiz is washed up, or as old as some seem to think he is (no mention of steroids), then the Sox will gave to give up a bunch of prospects for Gonzalez.
Hmm, last time I checked, for a guy with Gonzalez’ talent and contract, you’d have to give up someone (s) off your ML roster to get him.
If a Yankees fan or columnist wrote tha, it’s “the Yankees think every other team is their farm system”
“If you understand the game of Major League baseball is about revenue, and MLB has not yet done anything to effectively curtail the revenue the Yankees generate for the league, then you’re on your way to understanding the dynamic.”
Don’t be condescending to me stuckey. You haven’t the brain power to maintain the effort for long and I don’t want to see you hurt yourself
I said that your claim of MLB loving the Yankees is over the top, and it clearly is. If MLB loves the Yankees as you maintain, why do they keep trying, as you concede, to make rules that negatively affect the Yankees? Successfully or not, they keep trying to tie the Yankees down. It’s about much more than the luxury tax and revenue sharing and goes way back to the Rule Five draft and numerous other rule changes before that designed to check the Yankees. Read up on your baseball history.
These days the Yankees are a constant pain in the commissioner’s neck with the other owners always crying that the Yanks have an unfair financial advantage.
Maybe they are the team that MLB loves to hate.
“Ortiz not in Sox lineup…against a righy.”
Perhaps the Star Chamber of ESPN, MLB’s Front Office and the Umpires Union have all forced San Diego to trade him to the Red Sox straight-up for David Ortiz?
Drive 4-6 – Hi there. We went to our first Saturday game of the season yesterday, and despite the weather loved it. At least, I loved it. Mrs. Joe had a slightly different opinion, sitting there bundled up like Nanook of the North; but she tolerates me. Great to get back on the Saturday plan. Hope you enjoy your trips to the Stadium.
I’m sorry to read that about Pete. While he can generate some controversy, he doesn’t deserve that sort of comment. He took that job to be closer to his family, and the Globe is a step up from the Journal News, I guess. I truly hope things have worked out for him.
Anyone else using MLB.tv not able to watch the YES feed?
you think you have terrible job
try being Roscoe
he’s a bedbug-sniffing dog
CR9:
“If Ortiz is washed up, or as old as some seem to think he is (no mention of steroids), then the Sox will gave to give up a bunch of prospects for Gonzalez.”
IMO it’s just another example of Loopyca being arrogant and lazy because he’s a columnist and not a beat writer. Apparently nobody at the News has the cojones to contradict this guy.
Lets go Yankees!!!
I’m not getting the Yes feed right now either…
Yes I have got the same problem! Only fox …
“If MLB loves the Yankees as you maintain, why do they keep trying, as you concede, to make rules that negatively affect the Yankees?”
Because an effective rebutal of an argument is not to cite the extreme-case scenario. There are 29 other teams and the league does have to serve them too.
No, MLB can’t utterly turn a blind eye to the Yankees advantage. The league does NEED 20 other financially solvent franchises, and that does require they be some competitive parity.
Saying the league has put into place measures so that the entire league to a degree shares in the Yankees success while NOT yet curtailing the Yankees success is a real world dynamic.
“Maybe they are the team that MLB loves to hate.”
If that what generates the league the most revenue, so be it.
Reports say the Sox may be interested in Adrian Gonzalez. The White Sox, that is.
They too are disppointed in their start of the season but have the elite prospects to offer San Diego opposed to Boston’s offer.
Where did pitch 3 miss?
GI Joe means business, I don’t remember Jetes ever sitting for a cold.
Nino is at short!
Just read on Twitter. Joe blamed Sweeny for Jeter being sick. LOL
Nice inning Andy
Who’s worse:
Angel Hernandez
or
C.B. Bucknor?
Andy looks really good this year. Once Javy gets going, this pitching staff will be a beast.
jennifer April 18th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Just read on Twitter. Joe blamed Sweeny for Jeter being sick. LOL
*********************
jennifer, did you see Sweeny’s response?
YankeesWFAN @LoHudYankees Girardi blamed me or Jeter did? Finally got the WS curse off my back and now this!
lol
damn that was a great bunt
dammit!
I know the rangers are tired of gardner. lol
Thanks Rich
purpose pitch
now steal 2nd & 3rd
Now its time to steal… lol
It’s part of the game. Why wouldn’t he be happy?
Rays go for sweep today in Fenway
LOL
if gardner can lay down more bunts like those…he will get his fair share of hits…that was a beauty
would BG run?
The problem of baseball game highlights on TV
The no-no only ranks No.3 on YES?
In last night’s 6-5 win by Rays over Boston, ESPN only shows 2 2-run HR by Boston.
Talk about bias.
BG… “Mr. Intangible”
Harden is unnerved by any sign of Gardner trickeration.
Apparently Rich Harden woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
I think just because COL is a low budget and small market team, they achievements don’t count. LOL, seems noone gives me a shxt to their no-no.
“Rays go for sweep today in Fenway”
Actually, the play again tomorrow morning (yes, morning, it’s Patriots Day in Boston).
Robbie with bases loaded???
Here we go, Robbie…nice and easy
Is it just me, or does Mike Maddux look like a Deadwood character?
Yesterday’s game — among other things — is in Harden’s head.
He was probably marginally relieved that Gardner was leading off instead of Jeter and the bunt threw him off. He’s yet to recover his composure.
/armchair’d
It happens a lot.
A pitcher seems to be out of it in first inning.
Then completely recovers to pitch 6, 7 innings of great shutdown baseball.
Harden following the same trend today.
Robi is becoming a dependable situational hitter infront of our eyes.
Harden recovered.
still no hitting us
Rain Delay
Jim,
Since you haven’t been right on any of you idiotic predictions so far this year, you still want to stick with that one?
The Sox game is on now, you can get back to watching Team Run Prevention.
Gardner should attempt a bunt next AB. Harden might literally implode.
Nice start! Shouldn’t there be another run or two up there?
BTW, I know we laugh at the Sox catchers, but everyone’s probably laughing at us, too.
Going off memory, as of last night. The Sox are 8%…but we’re at 0%.
1-12 vs. 0-9
I’m not going to laugh anymore…oh who am I kidding?
New song for VMart & Varitek:
“If Running On You Is Wrong, I Don’t Want To Be Right”
According to TBS, Lincecum’s 6 shutout innings was > than Burnett’s 7 shutout innings.
Ricky Romero at it again through 3 vs. LAA
“According to TBS, Lincecum’s 6 shutout innings was > than Burnett’s 7 shutout innings.
”
And this matters why?
I am going to miss Andy when he retires.
Such a great pitcher…
I think we should operate under the assumption that he may retire after this season.
That leaves less than 30 starts (plus any playoffs) left.
Appreciate each one!!
Anyone have an MLB.tv link that works?
None of the ones on the website work and I can’t watch the game! Any game for that matter…
SJ44 April 18th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
The Sox game is on now, you can get back to watching Team Run Prevention.
************************
charleston chew,
I am watching but the YES feed doesnt work, only Texas.
I’m on the support forum and it sounds like others are having problems:
http://www.mlb.com/help/suppor.....rentPage=1
I suggest posting or following up there for a solution.
Andy Pettitte has an ERA of 0.64.
0.64.
Sorry if there was confusion about Jeter being sick. I figured it had been mentioned yesterday, but as you know I didn’t cover the game. It was written about today in several stories. The head cold forced him out of yesterday’s game, not any sort of injury.
Also, I disagree with some of you about Buchholz. I know he’s a Red Sox, but he’s exactly the type of player any trade for Gonzalez will be built around.
Pettitte doesn’t have his best stuff today, and is still managing to get guys out. That’s a good sign. I’m sure that it’s against free-swinging Texas doesn’t hurt.
Rich Harden, entering this game, had 8 walks in 9 2/3 IP.
He averaged over 4 walks per 9 last year.
He has great stuff but he just can’t get away with that many walks.
BD, it feels like Andy was here his whole career; the only proof that he was ever in Houston is wearing #65, lol.
There’s going to be a hole when Andy leaves, not just on the mound, but off it. He’s a mentor to CC, AJ -probably the young pitchers as well. I think this will be his last year, but who knows? What a career he’s had.
I can’t get MLB.tv to work either. I can get any other game in the line up to work. But I can’t get the only one I want to watch.
And I paid money for this?
“Also, I disagree with some of you about Buchholz. I know he’s a Red Sox, but he’s exactly the type of player any trade for Gonzalez will be built around.”
————-
Agreed. I like my proposal
“I think we should operate under the assumption that he may retire after this season.”
I’m not. I acknowledge it’s a strong possibility, but I think of Pettitte continues to adjust to remain effective, he could have a few years left.
Josh, I don’t think anyone said that Buchholz wouldn’t be the centerpiece of Gonzalez package. The Padres would have to ask for him, plus a lot more.
Rob B,
definitely try posting on the MLB TV support forum.
it sounds like you’re not alone.
For some reason the Texas feed is working for me, but others can’t get it or the YES feed.
nice job BG
Way to go Gardy!!!!
Brett Gardner is taking the league by storm!!
ANY production out of the #9 spot is great… if he is getting on base at a decent clip in this lineup…. it’s just not fair!
Brett Gardner – OPS machine
stuckey… Pettitte said something Monday to the effect of him having to wait and see how things stand at the end of the season because he had in no way made his mind up about returning or not. What he meant, of course, by that was that he had to see if he was healthy and still a contributing member of the rotation.
(and I realize he’s leading off today)
I love the idea that this team is wearing on starting pitching. Just like the ’98 crew.
The notion that Pettitte may retire next season is not just an assumption, it’s a fact. He either will or won’t so he may.
/stuckey’d
stuckey,
I’m not assuming he will retire… just that he may (and I realize that’s not much of an assumption)
either way, I will be sad to see him go.
Andy’s going to retire eventually, whether it’s next year or the year after or the year after that; no one can dispute that.
Yes feed is working on MLB comcast in So. Florida.
the biggest upset today just might be if NJ doesn’t draw a walk against the Rangers
He can’t take that pitch. NJ takes too many called third strikes on the inner half of the plate.
Got to be swinging at that pitch in that situation.
whatever, stuckey.
Nick, let’s not go there… it’s what’s ruined RAB
My Ouja board consulted Andy’s spirit and he told me directly that he will play one more season…he also told me that he was going to be a hairdresser…
Hello, sorry for contacting you in this fashion
but I started a new sports directory you might
be interested in…at thesportszone.org
Some of these pitch calls are atrocious.
The strike 3 pitch to NJ was not a strike.
Pitch 1 and the SO pitch to someone in the 2nd inning were not strikes.
It’s absurd.
Gammons giving the Yanks love on NESN.
he’s a GGBG fan. loves Granderson & Gardner’s outfield D.
Betsy… I was just pointing out that he’d be more than enough of a centerpiece to get it done. Some suggested the Sox wouldn’t have the pieces.
What it always comes down to is the market. Only so many teams would be in for Gonzalez, mostly major-market teams with a need at first base that want him long-term. The Red Sox, Mets and Giants seem to be the best fits, but would the Padres trade him within their own division? And even though Ike Davis would be a strong prospect to replace him, don’t teams always prefer pitching?
The only thing I will say is that it could be a Matt Holliday situation, where a smaller-market team in need of a first baseman trades top prospects for Gonzalez with the intention of keeping him but holding out the carrot that it could trade him in 2011 at the deadline to replenish what was lost on the farm.
What else did he say, hardwired? Thanks!
The race to 100 is on for Nick the quick
The third strike to Nick was a strike. It had the inner half and was at the knees.
It was a good call.
I think Nick should swing a bit more.
“I’m going to put it right on the line. There’s been a lot of complaints already. Fooling around on the field, bad language, smoking grass, poor umpiring. If you guys want to get fired. If you want to be replaced by QuestTek, just keep it up.”
Josh, Buchholz is fine as a centerpiece, but not if the other players involved are mediocre. Lars Anderson did not have a good year last year and Ellsbury/Bowden? Eh.
SJ
I’ll take your word for it. It looked an awful lot inside. And there was no overhead angle to give any sort of confirmation either way.
And with a pitcher struggling to throw strikes, they usually dont get borderline calls.
3 cutters in a row
Is Nick more interested in walking than hitting? Once Alex and Tex get going, no pitcher is going to walk Nick, so he needs to be more aggressive. This is likely what concerned people about his signing.
SJ
It’s like he doesn’t realize what stadium he’s playing in. I agree he should be lokking to drive that inside pitch, instead it appears to be his out pitch.
Gotta hit the cut off man…
wth was swish thinking?
He had no chance of throwing him out there….Why do that???
Aaaaand now he’s not getting anyone out, and not finding the zone at all. Pettitte’s just got nothing today.
he loved all the moves from the offseason, despite the criticism they took. the pitchers are the ones who benefited the most by improving the outfield D.
he thinks Cervelli will stick.
the only negative he could come up w/was questioning if Nick J. will take DH ABs from Posada (thinks he’s too old to catch everyday, not meant as a knock on Jorge who he called “a warrior”).
atta boy Tex
…I still hate that old prune.
Hardwired, thanks!
I don’t think that’s a concern about Nick, but I wonder if he’s way too passive at the plate.
The Mark Teixeira And1 Baseball Mix tape vol. 2.0
Craig Counsell with a grand slam.
I thought the Nats were improving?
10-0 Milwaukee
IN THE 1st inning!
Giambi would have got the dp
How many times do you see a great defensive play, and that guy lead off the next offensive inning!
nice to hear Gammons praising the Yanks… and actually being right about it.
I think he’s always been complimentary of the Yankees, at least for the most part.
His knock has been that he’s even more in love with the Sox, not so much that he’s anti-Yankees.
With 1 out in the first, and it’s a homegame….
Good gracious.
Andy limits the damage as good veteran pitchers are known to do.
TEX!!!
BD, I agree; Gammons has always respected the Yankees – this has nothing to do with his feelings about the Sox.
texxxxxxxxxxx
FINALLY. Way to pick up Andy, Tex.
TEX!!!! stat padder…..;)
Tex Message!
And it says “I’m Back!”
Welcome to the parade, Tex!
FINALLY!
hardwired, I had to scroll up to see if you were quoting Gammons or Andy Pettitte vis ouiji spirit chat.
Hey, you’re back on the Mark, Tex!
Welcome to the season Tex!
YES!! TEX marks the SPOT!!!!
Tex! Aww, I’m so happy for him…
granted that was an awful pitch by Harden.
tailed right back out over the middle of the plate.
and Tex squared it up nicely
Kay saying that, per Joe, Tex’ slump is concerning for him because it could be wearing on him……….. poor guy.
It must be May!!!
I just wish I could have seen it.
Blasted MLB.tv.
Omg…Mark a HR could hitless streak be ovah?
“Walk this way…..Alex…”
Harden spooked after the blast.
Regardless of the result of this game, if this team stays healthy, they are going to dominate this year.
They are relentless and scary good.
bad AB by cano.
Cano looks like hes trying to do to much.
WHAT WAS HE SWINGING AT????!!!
Rob B,
Are you seeing an error message?
“Cano looks like hes trying to do to much.”
Nah he just couldn’t see the slider and didn’t trust his eyes.
****random comment****
Relentless is a good word for the Yankees; they make the team work for every out. That’s what I saw last year – even in apparent blowouts, the team never gave up. They have a very, very consistent approach at the plate. Harden is already up to 50 something pitches in the 3rd
Cano is human, seriously. If he’s in a slump (too early to say), then he’s in a slump. It happens – calm down.
Nick Johnson looks slow on fastballs in the middle of the plate almost like he is trying to drive it the other way. He should be looking to pull those IMO especially in the stadium. I know Harden throws hard but he should be trying to catch the ball out in front IMO.
Thus he gets caught looking at inside fastballs though I thought the first 3rd strike was a ball and I wish they would have shown a replay.
54 pitches in the third with 1 out…nice
Finally, MLB.tv is working.
This yankee lineup is a pain in the toosh!
That home run is a good example of how Tex’s swing works and why he has such difficulty at the beginning of the season and during his cold streaks.
Tex really has a dramatic upper cut swing where he hits off his back leg that his designed to generate loft and backspin on the ball. His home runs often take on those dramatic upwards arcs for that reason.
His swing from the right hand side would have been devastating in Fenway park for those same reasons.
But it’s a very complicated swing to time. If he’s a hair off he’s going to be under or over the ball. Very few elite level players use a swing like Tex’s.
Um, how was that a strike?
Texeria is ahead of both Mantle & Murray’s hr pace for switchitters……And to think many here don’t see Mark as a HOF candidate if he stays on pace
Talk about sample sizes. Gardner’s AVG jumped 100+ points in just a few days.
Regardless of the result of this game, if this team stays healthy, they are going to dominate this year.
They are relentless and scary good.
……………………….
I doubt they are better than the Phillies.
BUHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! nice hit.
I think Tex was taught by his father………Well, it’s frustrating at times, but he’s had a tremendous career, so you just deal with the bad streaks.
when you’re hot… you’re hot
# m April 18th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Rob B,
Are you seeing an error message?
———
I was initially, but then all I started getting was a blank screen. MLB.tv has been horrible this year.
It’s working now, though.
Murphy decided he didn’t like the look of that ball. Best to avoid it.
Hey betty boop,
Why don’t you calm down.
Second time in this post you telling someone to calm down.
“I doubt they are better than the Phillies.”
————–
I think the Yanks are better, but sure, the Phillies are solid.
Keep in mind that the Phillies have played Houston, Washington, and Florida so far.
The Yankees ahve played the Sox, Rays, and Rangers.
I like the Yankees 8-3 record a little better
They are better than the Phillies, but doubt away.
Harden wont make it out the 4th.
Nick Johnson himself has said that when he’s slumping one of the bad habits he falls into is becoming too passive at the plate.
That’s how he looks right now. His at bats have not been good, despite the walks he’s drawing.
On the flip side this is also one of the good things about a player like Johnson. If a guy like Cano starts slumping with the bat he generates no value and makes a lot of outs. When Johnson slumps with the stick at least he’s still getting on base and giving a chance to the guys up behind him.
That said – Nick needs to pick it up at the plate. He looks like he’s stuck in a spell where the bad habits are holding him back.
Pat M, I admit I’m one of those people…..I’m taking a wait and see on Tex as far as the HOF as he’s got a long way to go.
I think Jon Lester is mad!
he K’d the side in the 1st.
Great AB by granderson.
Who said Curtis didn’t have patience?
You have to throw stricks with this team.
64 pitches
1 out
3 inning
tired pitcher
If Nick is just in a slump, then that’s ok; if it’s a consistent issue (being too passive), then it’s a problem. CB, thanks for the info – I was not aware Nick had said that. I guess we’ll just have to wait for his slump to play out……..
Is Harden up to about 60 pitches now?
A walk is a run….
too fast swish
A HR is a Grandslammer
…and a K is an out….oh.
wow swish is slumping bad
Awfu at bat by Swisher…………
Patience..grasshopper.
Pena overmatched on that pitch……..
Pena!!
pena!
Hey, lol! Pena!!!!!
EL NINO!!!!
NINO!
Woot!
el nino!
No Wally Pipp jokes, please.
way to pick up Swisher, Ramiro.
How nice is that hit by Pena?
Horrible at bats today by both Johnson and Swisher. It’s why too much can be made out of context neutral statistics.
Swisher’s swing is getting longer and longer again. Instead of just trying to make solid contact and take the ball back up the box he took another huge cut at the ball.
If he’s going to do that he’s just not going to drive in runs efficiently.
Pena takes a nice simple, short path to the ball by pulling his hands into his body and picks up swisher.
just a phenomenal at bat
pulled the hands way in there…. just great job by Pena
“Pena overmatched on that pitch……..”
Not on the second one though.
Jeter who?
Boy, what a fantastic job by Kid Pena; 4-5 with the bases loaded!
That will make Swish feel better……..everyone on this team just picks each other up. It’s unbelievable.
i love this team, if one guy doesn’t come threw , somebody else does
And they same yankees dont have farm talent… HAH!
Harden must be pulling his hair out.
Pena .800 w/ bases loaded? thats cool
say*
I don’t blame Swisher for that AB. The first picture to him was about a foot too high, and called a strike. That meant the third pitch was probably going to be called one, too. He was forced in to swinging by a strike zone that you could park a city bus in.
Ramaro Sanderson Pena
Seems like Swish needs another session with Long; It’s probably going to take awhile before the new mechanics stick as he’s been swinging this way his whole career.
Peña wasn’t overmatched on that pitch.
He was baiting him.
Paul it’s 5 ABs w/ 4 hits….but yeh nice stat to hold for Nino.
Trevor, and thank goodness for that. Rich Harden probably thought he was out of the inning with Pena up.
Joe Girardi is a genius starting Pena.
74+ pitches in the 3rd inning.
Harden will not pitch a complete game today. Not gonna happen.
Swisher is having a tough time getting runners in from 3rd with less than 2 out this year.
Small sample, but I think 4 failures already this year.
Fire Torre.
Derek is a genius for getting a cold…….:)
Not sure how the conversation started – but the yankees are a much better overall team than the Phillies.
After Doc the phillies rotation is very mediocre. Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick are in their rotation, IIRC. Let those guys pitch in the AL East and they would get destroyed.
The phillies bull pen is horrible. Jose Contreras is playing a significant role in their pen.
The only thing that makes the phillies a comparable club to the yanks would be presence of Halladay in a short series.
But outside the context of a 7 game series, there is very little comparison between the two teams because the pitching is so tilted in the yankees favor, both in the rotation and pen.
CB, That’s the glass is half full approach to viewing Nick’s woes……I’m not subscribing to it though…At least Cano puts wood on the ball…….Bottom line is, Nick Johnson is a .275 hitter who k’s 100 + times if he gets 500 ab’s….
Harden pitched 35 pitches 3 runs and is at 74 after only 3 innings.
Andy pitched 19 with 2 runs at 52 pitches
Can anyone update me on how Montero is doing in AAA so far this season?
Not liking the walk, but as Flaherty said, this is going to be a battle for Andy today.
Ok, that’s good…….
Mark,
http://riveraveblues.com/
look on the right side of the site. Montero watch.
The Yankees were better than the Phillies last year and they are this year.
This started by a Red Sox fan in the thread who stated the Phillies are better.
It’s what happens when you can’t go gaga over Team Run Prevention.
Tex is feeling it
should they just hand out the gold glove now?
You knew this was coming after the first inning. Andy is not as sharp as he was in his 1st 2 starts but all he had to do was keep the team within reasonable striking distance and he would/will get a W.
The Yankees were either going to get to Harden at some point because there are only so many people he can put on base without getting punished or the Yankees were going to punish the middle relievers after knocking Harden out early.
This is really a terrible matchup for Harden. He can barely last 5 innings against an average NL offense. Against this Yankee team he has no shot.
The Yankees pitching has just been terrific this last couple of go-rounds; if Javy could ever get going – wow.
Tex – nice game, lol.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.....8;sid=t531
bookmark
THAT’S run prevetion!
tex doing it all NICE
The Mark Teixeira And1 Baseball Mix Tape vol. 2.0 will be available in stores soon.
Cameron just misplayed a ball by Longoria. Pena HR. Team run prevention. haha
How many runs and games has Mar Teixeira saved with his glove? Too numerous to count.
I’d love to see a game at a ballpark in which Traenor was batting. For fun, I’d love to yell DIG, SPIKE as a joke!!
Great day so far for Tex!
Why a Sox troll would want to hang out here is beyond me; wouldn’t you think he’d want to hang out with other Sox fans? I wonder if he’s even a Sox fan. I love Dennis and Ray and any Sox fan that wants to talk baseball, but trolls whos purpose in life is to be annoying? I don’t get it.
Andy pitched 13 in the 4 good job he’s at 65
Tanks carl
2-0 Rays on a Longo double and Pena blast
off their ace – Lester
uh oh Sawx
Unbelievable that UZR (or whatever) actually makes Tex out to be a mediocre 1B….
Pat M.,
Nick does need to pick it up with the bat. At the same time, I think he will. He’s a much better hitter than what he’s shown.
If he’s healthy enough to get 500 AB he’ll have a successful year however. For Nick, 500 AB’s will mean he got 600 plate appearances. I agree that he’ll strike out frequently, but he’ll also draw 100 walks. Probably more. And I think he’ll hit around 20 HR as well.
And if he does get 500 AB’s he’s going to score 110 runs with the guys hitting behind him.
He’s not a perfect player – he’s not the hitter Matsui is. But he’ll be a valuable member of the club as long as he stays healthy.
I do think he’ll pick it up with the bat. He hasn’t played much baseball over the past two seasons and it looks to me like he’s still getting acclimated to the speed of the game. Finally – this is the first time he’s every DH’d on a regular basis and that’s an adjustment as well.
np Mark
LOL….this is awkward I just saw Tanyon Sturtze and still think of what he’s thinking of Torre.
I loved Tanyon Sturtze too
guy looked like he was playing his last game every time out
Tarheel,
Did you see the ball Cameron dropped last night? It led to the Rays 4 run first inning.
He’s scuffling in CF so far this year.
another great at bat by nick johnson
upset averted
the league leader in walks strikes again
I’m sorry I didn’t keep a log of how many runs Mark Teixeira has saved with his glove or smart 1st base play.
He’s on base again, lol…….
Betsy,
The notion that UZR makes Tex a mediocre 1b is one of the most misused notions to knock UZR.
Rays go up 2-0 on the Sox…..would love the hear about 15 minutes of Boston sports talk radio if the Rays can manage to take 3 out of 4
And………..a DP. One of these days Tex will get going.
tex dp, missed it, did he hit it hard
“Cameron just misplayed a ball by Longoria. Pena HR. Team run prevention. haha”
That’s really hard to believe. He was very good in CF last year. I didn’t see the play but the one he whiffed on yesterday was hard to believe. It was the kind of mistake you’d expect to see in the low minor leagues.
LGY, it’s ridiculous. In any case, I don’t pay attention to those alphabet systms that computer people came up with to reduce baseball to a mathematical system – they leave me cold.
I missed the beginning of the inning, that was the great Tanyon Sturtze in the stands?
wow
how did ARod take that ball up the middle?
what an at bat
By alphabet systems, I mean UZR, FPX, BABIP, etc…
Lets see if Robi adjusts to the slider he couldn’t see.
Still, Buchholz didn’t pick up his teammate (he didn’t have to give up the double to Burrell) and Lester didn’t do it today. Lester is a tremendous pitcher, however, so that really doesn’t mean much overall.
“I missed the beginning of the inning, that was the great Tanyon Sturtze in the stands?”
Yup.
SJ
I did. It’s funny how this whole run prevention thing is making them look so bad. Every mistake is magnified. They are thier own worst enemy right now.
By alphabet systems, I mean UZR, FPX, BABIP, etc…
tnx Betsy,
Sometimes you are so quick, it is hard for us mortals to keep up.
Oh right, you know baseball!!
‘Dustin Nippert’
I don’t know why, but that always makes me chuckle.
Teddy, eh – not really; it was not a hard line drive or anything like that.
Harden out of the game already, lol
Betsy,
By misused I did not mean misinterpreted or anything. I meant the statement you made is not entirely true.
TY, Brandon. For a second I was confused and thought he was about to be abused by Ron Washingong.
Blow off, Mike – and that’s the last thing I have to say to you. If you keep posti
Over the past two games, the Rangers top 2 starters headed into this season, have gotten 18 outs against the yankees between them.
18 outs over 2 games.
Dammit. I wanted strikes to Robi, I want to see how his ABs vs those secondary pitches go.
Yes Harden knocked out after 3.2 innings 94 pitches 2 left on base .
C’mon Posada!
LGY, I’m not sure what you mean, but either way, I don’t need UZR or some other math system to tell me what I see with my own eyes.
The Yankees are leaving a trail of SP in their path, lol.
“The notion that UZR makes Tex a mediocre 1b is one of the most misused notions to knock UZR.”
It may be misused but that still doesn’t make it any less of a problem because it directly affects the construct and face validity of UZR.
And if it is misused – it is misused both ways. Both by people who unfairly criticize UZR and those who staunchly defend it.
the Yankee War Machine
Betsy,
Lester’s not doing terrible. Pena just owns him. Tops in the league with HR off Lester.
M, I didn’t mean to imply that Lester is doing badly. It’s just that with the errors that the Sox are making, the pitchers are making mistakes after that.
They need to ask Alex, in the postgame, what was going on there, stealing 3rd with two out.
The yankees are just dominating the Rangers in every phase of the game. Nippert just gets into the game. There are two men on base. And the scorching hot posada is at the plate.
Nippert really needs to concentrate on the hitter.
And Alex just blows that whole thing apart by taking the base. They didn’t score there but they are creating havoc for the Rangers in every phase of the game.
Alex is moving so much better than he was last year.
great job getting harden out of the game , so far can’t break the game open
You wrote “Ironically, 46 years and a day later the Yankees dedicated a monument at the Stadium to Ruth, who passed away the previous August.”
You mean 26 years later… Ruth died in 1948.
A part of me roots for this Texas team. I’m glad that Ryan’s able to put his fingerprints all over this franchise. I think they’re headed in the right direction.
Ryan’s done a good job in a very short time with the pitching, but the “as hard and as long as you can” approach just doesn’t work with the Yankees. Is this the 3rd straight game in the series that they’ve chased the starter early?
Needless to say, I hope it can work on the rest of the league. But this is just a small sample illustrating that the Yankees are in a league of their own.
Correct Greg.
“The -win- run prevention defense backfired again. Evan Longoria lined a ball to center than landed at the base of the wall. Cameron may not have caught it even if he got a good jump, but he started in at first.”
Pete A
Somehow I think the natives are not going to like Pete’s sarcasm.
I think we all misunderstood what Epstein meant by having a run prevention mantra.
It’s easy to assume he was talking about Beltre, Cameron and Scutaro.
But now I’m pretty sure he was talking about Ortiz and Drew.
…and Beltre and Cameron and Scutaro.
Mike Cameron missed another play in the outfield? I thought D was supposed to be constant?
I have to watch the Yankees on MLB.TV. Today I can’t get the YES feed to work, so I’m listening to the Texas announcers. They are great guys. They make no snips are the Yankees. Giving lots of info about the Yankees. Very impartial broadcasting. I like listening to them.
Makes me realize Joe Buck really does not like the Yankees. I thought when you got to FOX, TBS, and ESPN the announcers were supposed to be impartial.
Betsy,
My bad. But Pena still owns Lefty Lester.
Pete was funny sometimes. Team win prevention made me laugh.
# Georgia April 18th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
I have to watch the Yankees on MLB.TV. Today I can’t get the YES feed to work, so I’m listening to the Texas announcers. They are great guys. They make no snips are the Yankees. Giving lots of info about the Yankees. Very impartial broadcasting. I like listening to them.
Makes me realize Joe Buck really does not like the Yankees. I thought when you got to FOX, TBS, and ESPN the announcers were supposed to be impartial.
Yes feed is back up. Just reload your player.
Joe
The ball was hit hard, but he started in and the ball landed over his head.
After last night, not good at all.
Georgia April 18th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
I have to watch the Yankees on MLB.TV. Today I can’t get the YES feed to work, so I’m listening to the Texas announcers.
————–
Have you tried reloading it? Mine wasn’t working at all earlier, but it’s working now.
What else can you say about andy?
Did anyone hear the awkward silence that followed on YES after John Flaherty referred to Mike Mussina as Michael Kay’s buddy/friend? LOL
Rays up early!
Pettite has settled in nicely after a rocky third, retiring 8 of his last 9 (with a little help from Teixeira).
Ladies and Gents that was a 11 pitch inning by Andy he’s at 76 after 5
Lester hung one and Zobrist walloped it over the 2B.
Joe from Long Island
The Sox made a mistake with Cameron. He is good in terms of defense but he never played good defense at Fenway park. I recall during the 2003 ALCS when Brett Boone was talking about Fenway he use to say that alot of players hated playing there because of all the quirks and the green monster. He said that when he was with the Mariners Cameron would play bad there because he didn’t like the field.
No doubt, Benny. I’d take this each and every time.
The Yankee starters have silenced and have made a very potent Texas lineup look rather ordinary……Very impressive
Pete’s been mixing it up with the natives for a while now. As far as I can tell, no other blogger makes himself/herself such a part of the narrative.
He really seems to get bent out of shape when the readers just don’t get his sense of humor. That’s when the pettiness ensues.
Flaherty did the same thing to Michael Kay about Mussina the other day. I think it’s hilarious.
That strike 3 pitch WAS NOT a strike.
It’s just too hard not to laugh while watching the Sox game.
4-0 Rays.
Jim was that yesterday? I saw it – Flash showing a sign of a sense of humor.
What a suprise. Ben Zobrist steals a base.
And all of these stolen bases the rays have gotten against the sox have come with a very wet track that is not good to run on.
Indoors on turf – it’s going to be something else when they play.
Terrible AB by Swish, again. Yuck.
wow..4-0 tampa!
Okay, now THAT AB from Swish WAS awful. Yikes.
Flash has really grown on me. His sense of humor is rather amusing.
Wait Flash said that Mussina line twice?! That’s hack.
From Pete Abe: “The win prevention defense backfired again.”
CB,
I agree. I think UZR is too strongly defended because there is not really much out there available to the public right now in terms of reliable defensive statistics. It is the only thing for the statistically inclined side to “hold onto” and it is the only thing for the other side of the coin to bash. The 2 sides of the argument have gone way too far with UZR, probably further than any other discussion regarding an advanced statistic.
But, UZR does have its uses. Saying that UZR portrays Tex as a mediocre 1B is not only not true but even if it did it could still be useful if properly applied. UZR does not even take into account or calculate probably more than half of what makes Tex such a good 1B.
CR9
Rays have humiliated the sux!!
CB – I understand the thought to create havoc on the bases, but that was a close play with Alex at 3rd. I guess he knew what he was doing, but I’d still like to hear him talk about it.
Ron Washington is the one getting fingerprinted.
We shouldn’t be letting the Rangers hang around like this…
Uncle Ellsworth,
Happened last inning, but as Vicki noted it wasn’t the first time. I just liked how Kay didn’t say a word for a good 10 seconds after that comment. Gave my ears a break. =D
Just in.How are the yankees playing?
# Roger(live from Amsterdam) April 18th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Just in.How are the yankees playing?
good! 4-2 Yanks
Haiku-man
Yankees played the Rays and won the series, beantown is fighting to get a win from them.
I thought the sox played their best at home? hehehe
I would guess Flash and Moose were friendly.
Alex looks so much better handing those pop ups than he used to. He’s obviously worked on it.
Remember when he would always breath such a huge sigh of relief when he caught one?
What all this talk about the Sox defense. The Yankees defense looks better.
# Rob B April 18th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Alex looks so much better handing those pop ups than he used to. He’s obviously worked on it.
Remember when he would always breath such a huge sigh of relief when he caught one?
Remember when he and Jeter ran into each other. Jeter got mad lol
Jeez, a six-pitch frame for Andy, 82 through 6. He is dealing now, 11 of the last 12 retired.
andy is dealing.
Andy looking good.
6 pitch inning! Wow…now lets score a few more runs…
It’s almost comical, Andy was scuffling and now he’s through 6 innings at 82 pitches.
But will anyone but Yankee fans laugh?
UPDATE, 2:53 p.m.: They just showed Tanyon Sturtze on the big board. It should be noted that he raised his left arm to waive to the crowd. (Thanks, Joe.)
************
LOL classic
it is very scary how good we look so early in the season. almost everything has come together already.
Completely agree on A-Rod and pop-ups, Rob B.
6 pitch inning for Andy, he’s in a zone
Jeremy, I’m not sure what is wrong with Cameron, but he has looked bad in center for the Sux so far…
“Saying that UZR portrays Tex as a mediocre 1B is not only not true but even if it did it could still be useful if properly applied.”
LGY
Maybe I am reading it wrong, but it lists Tex #16 out of 20. You are right that is not mediocre thats bottom feeding.
And the offense has overall been good, but not firing on all cylinders, disunyc. Really good pitching thus far. Once Teixeira hits more consistently, and if they keep getting strong starts, look out.
Joe,
Just a guess – but I think Alex was probably standing out there on 2b and just saw that Nippert had completely fallen asleep on the mound.
Alex really is one of the smartest base runners in the game – he has great game intelligence and I would really trust him on a play like that given the downside with Posada at the plate. Nippert must have been really out to lunch when Alex was getting a read on him.
And that proved to be the case – almost too much so. I think Alex was anticipating Nippert would go to the plate and he almost got too good of a jump. Rather than throwing to the plate as he was about to Nippert literally froze out on the mound.
It was definitely risky – two outs and a big time run producer at the plate you can’t make the 3rd out at 3rd base.
But Alex is such a good base runner it must have been a very extreme situation out there for him to chance it.
One more inning for AP, give to Robertson/Rivera.
Jeremy – thanks for the info about Mike Cameron. If that’s true, Sox did not do their due diligence, as the lawyers say.
Andy has really gotten it together this game. 6-pitch inning. Yanks starters have been best so far at this very early point. Here’s hoping it lasts.
Gardner on base again…400+ OBP
Gardner trying to keep the hole open for NJ?
“UZR does not even take into account or calculate probably more than half of what makes Tex such a good 1B.”
If that’s the case (and I’m not saying it is), then UZR isn’t a very good metric for measuring 1b defense. The variable is not comprehensively accounting for the construct it’s purportedly designed to represent.
And if that’s the case, for example, then UZR should not be used to calculate WAR.
But it is.
NJ hears LoHud gripes, swings at pitch he doesn’t like, flies out.
I’m over Nick Johnson
I wanna see Garner get 100 steals
Gardner is so slow…
White Lightning
“NJ hears LoHud gripes, swings at pitch he doesn?t like, flies out.”
couldn’t you have made a haiku out of that statement?
Noreaster
I don’t get it either. Brett Boone said though Cameron is one of the best in the game in terms of defense he just performed badly at Fenway.
Like Joe from Long Island said the Red Sox made a mistake. Brett Boone even said this during the 2003 ALCS broadcast.
Gardner is either very cautious on the bases or it takes him quite a while to read a pitcher’s move.
Nippert is very slow to the plate.
It’s great that Gardern stole the base. But it would have been nice for him to do it earlier in the inning when Tex was up and before there were two outs. It increases the probability that he’d score.
If Gardner is at 2b and Tex hits that line drive to SS, the ball might very well be through for a single if the SS is pinching in to hold Gardner at 2b.
Jon Lester is such a great, great pitcher. LOL.
How is Melky doin ? anyone know?
Jeremy, The few games I have seen, Cameron seems to be afraid of the ‘monster’ looking to play a ball off the wall rather than trying to catch it. Plus he seems to be unable to read the ball off the bat.
I wanna see Garner get 100 steals
———-
Gardner is so small. They just couldn’t see him when he’s on base.
Nippert just threw Alex a 3-2 change up – change up he really tried to get down in the zone.
The Rangers are more or less pitching around Alex today.
Alex is really seeing the ball well. He used to swing at the those change ups.
CB,
The only other thing I can think of there is Girardi wanting Gardner to keep the hole open for NJ and Tex. How often does Tex take the ball the opposite way that a line drive to the SS is a foreseeable outcome?
I just love it when Minnesota and Boston are both losing.
Cano’s batting average continues to free fall.
Uncle Ellsworth, Melky is hitting .125 in 40ABs with 1 double and 2 RBIs.
caution turns to fear
rage soars from underbelly
no soup for NJ!
In 20 innings yesterday, the Cardinals left 19 on base, the Yankees in 7 innings have left so far 20.
it be nice is brett start stealing earlier in the inning
Gardner
and the Rangers continue to hang around…
CALM DOWN Betsy,
I was away for while; you know exercising after a quick bite to eat.
Still here anxiously awaiting your baseball insight; your worrying about the bullpen, Tex slump, Swish slump etc., & oh yea Gardner should be released,
BUT Phil is the second coming . .
Personally, I do not think UZR is a good measure for 1B defense at all. It does not take into account many of the things that go into playing 1B. Specifically for Tex, the things that it does not take into account he excels at. Scooping balls in the dirt, stretching on bad throw, great reflexes, soft hands, throws to 2b, etc.
“The only other thing I can think of there is Girardi wanting Gardner to keep the hole open for NJ and Tex.”
LGY,
That’s entirely possible. Girardi does put a lot of emphasis on handedness and as you stated Tex in particular is a dead pull hitter.
That very well might be it. But if that’s the case then you are really decreasing the value of speed at the top of the line up.
Nippert is so slow to the plate i think the team would have been better off with Gardner on second as soon as possible in that inning.
But as you stated – it very well could be a managerial decision. I guess my question on that is how Gardner is allowed to run. I might be wrong – but I thought Garnder had a complete green light to steal.
can Andy go 32-0?
Andy is just dealing…how good is this guy?
15 pitches in 2 innings
Pena looks so smooth…
Pettitte has done a great job rebounding from a very rough start. After looking like he was going to have to battle for the first three innings, Andy came back and found a really solid rhythm, and done nothing but get guys out. He can probably go the 8th if Joe wants.
You hate to say it, but the Rangers look like they are a beat team. They are just mailing in at bats now.
The yankees look like they’ve just dominated them in so many ways that the Rangers just don’t know what to do.
the bat is becalmed
“Nick the Stick”, they say he’s called…!
:another fly-out
Gabe Kapler helped create a couple runs versus Lester, and got on base again.
On the day Tanyon gets shown in the stands.
How things come full circle!
For those that dont remember, in that Varitek Roid Rage attack on ARod and bench clearer, it was Papi, Trot Nixon, and Gabe Kapler (surprise, surprise, all 3 Roidies) that were beating on Tanyon near the dugout.
I thought Tex swung at the first pitch? Gardner didn’t really have a chance to run.
Smokin Andy threw only 9 pitches in the 7th. CC and Cerevelli really motivated AJ, and Andy!
Hope it works on Javy!!
Watch the Rangers go to Sillytown, U.S.A. (Boston) and break out with hot bats.
CB,
I would think Gardner would have the green light as well. I am just trying to figure out a reason why a guy that fast seems to be so cautious at times and really not trust himself on the basepaths. He does not need a good jump to steal. He is so fast that I have said at times that I think even on pitch outs he will be safe a great percentage of the time.
Andy is pitching like he pitched in the 2nd half of last year and it’s a good thing because Nippert’s done a good job. It’s only a 4-2 game at this point, too bad it’s not more. Again, though, the Yankees aren’t even hitting on all cylinders. Imagine the damage that they’ll do when they do start?
Thanks Nick
Thanks Nor easter – i just looked – he’s struggling – he needs to shave
Ajax seems to be doing well for the Tigres – good for him.
Posada!
hip hip!
Jorge!
HIP HIP….!
Jorge’s dad is on the dugout phone now, just to say “Good job!”
How good is this lineup?? yousa!
Joot Joot Jorge!
I honestly can’t believe how Posada can hit this way. How does a 38 year old catcher have this kind of bat speed?
He literally is a better hitter now than he was a decade ago. He’s just a much smarter, more complete hitter.
It really looks like Posada coming very late in his career to catching has made a huge difference in conserving his tools at the plate.
Wait, I thought the Rangers were on a plane already?
Jorge – Cano – Jeter all darkhorse candidates for MVP – I know it is April but…..
Roger
Do you love Iceland? :p
CB, The Texas club is thinking post game spread and the charter to Logan
Oops…
I think the Rangers will be very happy to get out of town and into Boston. That should be interesting. (I remember after one series last year, where the White Sox got trashed over a weekend, Ozzie said the only thing good about the trip was the hotel.)
My goodness, Jorge’s bat is still quick. How does he do it – and, please, no jokes about juice. I’d like to still believe in somethings.
Posada!!
Noreaster
Yeah I think Red Sox fans are going to want Theo’s head on a platter.
Joelsherman1 Posada just tied #Yankees announcer Ken Singleton with his 246th career homer
Yankees have to score one more now. They’ve won every game so far by an even number.
# Joe from Long Island April 18th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
My goodness, Jorge’s bat is still quick. How does he do it – and, please, no jokes about juice. I’d like to still believe in somethings.
—————-
The secret formula is what he does to not need batting gloves.
Swish needs to sit down
Please Roger
tell us if there are effects in Hollandaise from the volcano – that you can see
“It really looks like Posada coming very late in his career to catching has made a huge difference in conserving his tools at the plate.”
I think this is a good point. He did get a late start so he probably doesn’t have as many miles on him as a 38 year old catcher normally may…regardless he’s remarkable.
The Yankees struck gold with the core four, not just because they are HOF or near HOF talent but because they have continued to play at a high level so late into their careers. I don’t know when or even if we’ll see this again.
Pat M.,
They really are. This is a beaten team. And it’s a team that honestly looks psychologically beaten.
And I honestly don’t blame them. They seem to have a shell shocked look to them. I think that watching what happened to their starting pitching in this series just must have been very disheartening.
A double steal by the Rays!
Biggest hit today was the 2-out, 2 RBI single by Pena. Nice that yesterday Gardner was the story, today Pena. That the “little guys” can play such prominent roles, actually picking up the team when some of the big name hitters are off to slow starts, is really encouraging.
Iceland means….not flying back to work!
bad boys running wild in Boston.
Carl, I’ll bet Swish will work with Long tomorrow on the day off. I imagine it’s not easy changing batting mechanics (if that even makes sense) that he’s used probably since he was a kid.
Another double steal against Boston.
uncle e –
i can report from england that the ash cloud, though invisible, has grounded all flights in/out for at least 4 days, causing havoc to import trade, and ruining lots of holiday plans!
i think flights are starting to clear up for southern europe, but we’re still covered in 30k ft high ash!
The rays should have just worn track shoes in this series.
Someone out there somewhere is pitching a no-hitter.
Joe, I couldn’t agree more. I think it helps that Pena and Cervelli were welcomed by the veterans in ST last year; they were considered part of the team, not just some young kids who possibly weren’t even going to stick. That acceptance had to have given them confidence….at least I’d like to think so.
good afternoon, Dan
I had dreams with dollar signs
killed by three late goals
uncle e ?
i can report from england that the ash cloud, though invisible, has grounded all flights in/out for at least 4 days, causing havoc to import trade, and ruining lots of holiday plans!
i think flights are starting to clear up for southern europe, but we?re still covered in 30k ft high ash!
Thanks Dano – so you really can’t see anything?
we really don’t need this right now
Roger are you in HK?
BTW
The Sox don’t have a hit yet bottom 5.
I thought Andy was a 5 inning pitcher…this is false advertisement.
Iceland: what happens when the smoke monster escapes the island?
that was a strike !
“The Sox don’t have a hit yet bottom 5.”
run prevention.
ump realllly squeezed andy on that andrus ab
Andy will win the Cy Young. Book it
WTH …all but one of those pitches are strikes ???!!!!!!!!!
Hummm, time to get someone up in the pen.
Betsy, he was doing good early on, but now it seems like he went back to his old long swing.
It’s fine to have your pitchers concentrate on the hitter and not become fixated on the runner.
But at the same time that cost-benefit analysis is very much dependent on an estimate of what the runners success rate will be on stolen bases.
You might estimate that say if runners steal at an 80-85% success rate we’re still out ahead by having the pitcher focus on the hitter.
But this “analysis” the sox have supposedly done just cannot hold with close to a 100% success rate on stolen bases.
And that’s basically where they have been not only so far this season – but last season as well.
The Sox keep coming out with these “ideas” and organizational philosphies (“run prevention”) that more and more sound like empty slogans cloaked as sophisticated ideas.
And the question is whether or not the Sox actually believe these are valid ideas or are they just trying to paper over deficits they don’t have the talent to answer for.
Uncle Ellsworth
No I’m still in Amsterdam.I had a flght back yesterday but their not flying over here.So this situation in Iceland actually means some extra days at home for me.
hey Nick-
a flapping young pole
plus surplus of stars injured,
poor arsene speechless
Carl, I guess when Nick started slumping, he went back to his old ways -not a surprise as the new stance/swing is probably not completely comfortable yet.
# Tarheelyank April 18th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
BTW
The Sox don’t have a hit yet bottom 5.
==========================
Jinx!
CB, Theo and crew have been playing crazy ideas like Run Prevention for years (ie: bullpen by committee)…
“Iceland: what happens when the smoke monster escapes the island?”
He starts selling credit default swaps Nordic style?
Uncle E -
nothing visible, we’re assured
but my kids’ asthma’s really bad, so i wonder if it’s drifting to earth…
ATTA BOY ANDY!!
Pettitte!
a fantastic job by Andy…..he was simply dandy!
Great game andy!
great game andy, MO TIME
I don’t remember Andy being as good as he’s been early this season at any point in the regular season last year…he’s been outstanding.
What’s the over/under on how many times Andy will use the word “battle” in the post-game press conference?
Great performance.
The Rangers had the 3rd best team ERA in the AL before this game. That even includes the beat downs they suffered in the first two games of the series. So, was it all smoke and mirrors? Or are the Yankees that good?
Next up: Oakland, with the number 1 team ERA in the AL. Are they really that good? Or have they just not faced any good offenses yet?
Wow………..and I couldn’t believe they sent Andy out there again. His pitch count must have been ridiculously low.
Mo time? for what?, you milk Andy for maybe one more or go D-Rob, Mo doesn’t need to get in this game.
LOL @ beltre…breaking up the no hitter only to get thrown out at 2nd…what a doof…
Wow, did you guys see that play by Crawford…catches everything and just hosed Beltre trying for a double.
Betsy, I think you’re on to something there.
It’s wild – we’re on a Yankee blog, based on a small, suburban NY newspaper, and we’re getting travel and volcano updates from Europe. Good Lord bless the Yankees’ extensive and worldwide fanbase!
LOL @ BELTRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“Jinx!”
Haha your right. Beltre gets a single, out trying to stretch it to a double. Run prevention!!
Didn’t realize the Garza had been no hitting the Sox so far today before Beltre just got that hit (and got thrown out trying to stretch it to a double).
I think Oakland is probably for real with their pitching….I don’t know if they have the best staff (despite being ranked #1) because they’re playing in an awful park for hitters. Last year when the Yanks were out there, I couldn’t wait for them to leave that place……….
That should be it for Andy 107 pitches 8 innings, 8th inning 16 pitches.
Well the Sux have a hit, Beltre hit a single and was thrown out trying to make it a double…
Has Glen Sather fallen in that volcano? :please say yes, please say yes:
Silly to try to stretch that when you’re already down.
The Rays pitching has been great; Price has been terrific and so has Garza.
basehit? no way…
Brett hasn’t hit a ball out the infield and the Rangers would be glad not to see him again.
When Gardner hits the ball on the ground the Rangers are just panicking.
Dano are you an ex pat?
where you livin?
CB, With all the preseason hype about their club and it’s 2010 season, this road trip was one about making a statement and being one of the boys on the shelf….I still think they’ll be in the hunt with the Angels ( who have awaken ) for the AL West……That being said, this sweep and the fashion of being swept has punctured a tire for the Texas Rangers…….How they respond when they get to Boston with speak volumes….For both clubs……..I don’t know the numbers, but ever since Pettite returned from the All-Star break, his numbers have to be in the top 10 in baseball
Beltre taking “run prevention” the work direction.
“Has Glen Sather fallen in that volcano? :please say yes, please say yes:”
HOPEFULLY!
Joe, I’m no psychiatrist, but I don’t believe it hurts. Even if it doesn’t help, I still love the fact that we have such welcoming players….
beltre just got a hit for boston
and again, I’m over Nick Johnson
Did the Yankees really think that Nick Johnson was a suitable replacement for Matsui?
I would pitch Mo because it’s been awhile since he’s pitched and there’s an off-day tomorrow.
There’s that inside pitch on NJ again. It would seem that is the scouting report on him.
CB
I responded in our conversation re: football last night.
Here’s the short version: The Man U midfield really needs upgrading. In the Champions League Final last year, Barca ripped apart our midfield. Barca had NO HELP from the referees in winning that game. We were dominated and thrashed. See, I can admit when my team loses fairly
“Next up: Oakland, with the number 1 team ERA in the AL. Are they really that good? Or have they just not faced any good offenses yet?”
I believe the A’s have already played the Mariners in two series this year. They played the M’s at least once.
Brett Anderson is the real deal in Oakland. He really is. Frontline arm. Other than that their pitching isn’t anything special.
I think the yankees miss Anderson. Sheets is going to have a devil of a time with the yanks.
Not even 15 games into the season and I want mute michael’better than everyone’ kay.
no longer perfect in the stolen base category
The book on Johnson now reads “Paint the inside corner”. Three straight times, he’s LOOKED at strike three on that corner. Just not a good day for NJ.
And boo, Gardy getting picked off.
Lets Go Mo!
I do think Texas is a good club, but they had an awful weekend; they just need to move on and try not to be affected by just 3 games.
Pettitte’s ERA is 1.35, wow what a great start to the year!
“What’s the over/under on how many times Andy will use the word “battle” in the post-game press conference?”
Lolz.
Also, what is the over/under on how many times Girardi and select others will call Andy a “warrior” or “solider”?
Upton just hit one about 2 miles off Lester.
I like this, lol:
http://www.myyesnetwork.com/12.....rous_beast
Wish I had put $$$ on the under for Boston this yr.
The Sox should clearly acquire Washburn and move Lester to the bullpen.
Lester has an 8.40 ERA
Phillies about to be shut-out for the 2nd consecutive day?
Wow…
Ouch, 6-0 Rays…
Man U does need help in the midfield. Kind of a glaring problem.
That said, they are still in a pickle because Barca has perhaps the single most incomparable player in the world playing midfield for them (not best – most incomparable…)
I don’t know where Ferguson wants to go, but it will be extremely difficult to get one of the elite players in the world in midfield via transfer. Those players are just so hard to come by and so expensive when they are made available.
He could just try to enhance the defense there but they really need something to take the pressure off Rooney. It isn’t reasonable to expect him to be able to continue this pace of play over multiple seasons.
Lester is a slow-starter, so the Sox should have no concerns about him.
lester just gave up a 2 run hr to upton in the 6th 6 to 0 rays
Matsui’s line today: 2 for 4 with an RBI.
Uncle E – no, not an ex-pat, I’m the resident English lohudder (i think), I live in beautiful rural Kent.
Although I have family living in Manhattan, Brooklyn and NJ, so I’m practically one of you too!!
Nice – 9 games without an error.
Will be ten with this one…
Lester just botched up a come backer to the mound – more “run prevention”
Mo looks awfully good early in the season..
Mo, just silly
So if Nick Johnson doesn’t adjust, I guess he’ll never hit again.
Generation Gone on the hill for the Diamondbacks.
I love the english countryside – and the sitcoms
“.How they respond when they get to Boston with speak volumes….For both clubs……..”
Pat M.,
The AL West is up for grabs. I thought the Rangers had a great chance to take the division this year.
You’re right – huge test for them and their pitching up in Fenway. And the Sox poor performance against the Rays makes it more challenging for the Rangers.
It’ll be interesting to see how the react. Very telling.
What happened to Josh Hamilton as a presence in the line up?
I sure the Phils will be fine.
They just want to do a walkoff.
And Lester throws one away.
Too bad Francona can’t pull him since the bullpen is so taxed right now.
Mo!
Great game, Pettitte has another fantastic day, Tex hits one, Pena gives Jeter a day off and Brett continues playing ping pong…
just dominant!
Nasty! Ballgame!
Ok, there it is !! Woo hoo!
beautiful
Comebacker to Lester, turns to throw out runner going to third, Beltre not on the bag, throw to first pulls Youk off of bag. LOL
Next play cant tur 2, run scores. Run Prevention hahah
What a pitch – how can you hit that? Mo was a surgeon out there….unbelievable.
Pettitte, Posada, Mo. Game.
“Upton just hit one about 2 miles off Lester.”
He’s going to have a big year – already off to a great start.
Whatever happened last year was an aberration. He’s the Rays version of Cano – never does enough to satisfy the fanbase.
Too much bat speed to not excel.
WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!
Also, Jon LeSTAR has given up 7 runs. Upton with an absolute bomb of a HR to DEEP CENTER FIELD!!!!
This was like the posteason, starting pitcher comes out go to Mo.
Bring out the brooms YANKEES CLEANED HOUSE!!
No chance against Mo for the Rangers.
The Rays are dominating Boston. Theres no reason to worry about Lester, I think he will be fine, its the rest of the team thats concerning…the fact that they are struggling to score runs and that teams are absolutely stealing them blind.
How good is mariano?? He’s just sickening.
Here’s what I want:
Phil lose
Boston lose
Twins lose
Tigers lose
What a performance by ANDY!!!! Struggling early, kept us in it, then turned his day around!!
Did anyone hear Swish on the pregame yesterday, asked by Kim Jones who his favorite actress was, it took him maybe .5 seconds to respond with an emphatic JOANNA GARCIA!!!!
LOL
Time to go to the sux game thread, I sense bridge jumpers.
The talk about the need for an “heir apparent” to Mo is just silly.
He’s a machine. How do you start “planning” to replace someone who hasn’t shown any significant sign of slowing down.
Nice game
give that man another 5 year contract.
Gardner OBP = .438
Definitely no need to worry about Lester, but I’m still glad he’s getting smacked, lol.
“He’s the Rays version of Cano – never does enough to satisfy the fanbase.”
He is a lot like Cano in the fact that he’s just too talented for that not to eventually shine through.
The Rays are really good, they are a better bullpen away from being exceptional.
I wish there was another word to use for Mo other than machine because even machines breakdown. He’s inhuman, really………Tom Kelly’s quote from 1996 still applies.
gyhu
Phills lost yesterday with old man Moyer (47) on the mound. It would be good if they did lose today also.
Pedroia leads the Red Sox starters in SLG by more than 250 points.
Houston, we have a problem.
CB
Absolutely right! May not be the best, but he certainly is incomparable. He is a magician!
Fletcher could be a good midfielder. If Hargreaves ever comes back from injury, he could be a valuable addition.
And again, you are right. It’s unreasonable to expect Rooney to handle the load singlehandedly. Especially with injuries.
Valencia has been a great addition!
Its really early yet but are the Sox good enough to spot both the Yankees and Rays 5 games, cause thats what they will be doing if they go on to lose this one.
Boston ( 94 ) I took the unders…..Tampa ( 89.5 ) I took them over……Actually of my big 5 ( The Benjamin Franklin Group ) The Yanks, Twins, Giants, Astros are ahead of the scale….White Sox are behind the tracking for 83 wins………Don’t look now, but The Angels are heating up just in time for the Yanks next weekend…….
HAHAHAHAHA
DOUBLE PLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then again Pedroia’s SLG is ridiculously high right now.
Mo has 5 saves this early, oh baby, this contract year will be great.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....8;c_id=nyy
NEW YORK — Saddled with two of the Yankees’ three losses this season, Javier Vazquez is off to a slow start, and he attributes it to being too quick on the mound.
Vazquez came out of his Saturday bullpen session concentrating on staying back and in rhythm on the mound and not getting ahead of himself during his delivery.
“In the game, you get the adrenaline going and start rushing a bit,” Vazquez said. “It’s easily correctable.”
When Vazquez gets too quick with his delivery, his fastball has a tendency to both tail a little out of his hand and straighten out in the strike zone. That has led to two disappointing outings in his return to pinstripes. Vazquez is 0-2 with a 9.82 ERA, reminding fans more of his late-season swoon in 2004 with the Bombers than of his banner season in Atlanta last year. He was booed as early as the second inning in his home debut Wednesday.
“Fans are fans, and once I start pitching better, they’ll root for me,” Vazquez said, pointing out that the fans even booed Derek Jeter during his first stint in the Bronx in 2004. “I know what to expect. You’ve just got to forget about it and not let it bother you.”
For his part, manager Joe Girardi thought Vazquez improved from his first start in Tampa to his second against the Angels. He expects even better results against the Athletics.
“For Javy, it’s making sure he has a good angle on his fastball,” Girardi said. “I thought he threw better in the second start. If that trend continues, I think he’ll throw well Tuesday night.”
Yankees have takenthe first four series against playoff contending teams and people are complaning about Nick Johnson.
He’s been about base so far about 42 percent of the time and he isn’t even hitting yet. People need to relax. In the No. 2 hole, Johnson needs to get on base any way he can, and he’s doing that, even though he’s in a slump hitting the ball.
Once he and Tex start hitting, this lineup will be unstoppable, possibly the greatest lineup the team has put out there since the 1998 team. A tortuous lineup for pitchers to face.
Wait, let me correct myself.
I feel horrible watching the Sox struggle.
_____
10 games in a row without an error. There’s run prevention!!!
Pete was right last year, when he said the Yankees made a mistake in giving Mo a three year contract – it should have been five.
Wow, fans booed Nick Johnson? Oh, big surprise…
“Its really early yet but are the Sox good enough to spot both the Yankees and Rays 5 games, cause thats what they will be doing if they go on to lose this one.”
May 13th. If the Sox are behind by then, things could get late early for them. They still play 17 of their 23 at home.
How many appearances does Schowenweiss have on the short season?
Don’t know if this was posted before, but this is hilarious!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR56biaYvnU
Hope we get a new post today
Pat M – yeah, the Angels are playing better now, but it’s against Toronto, so take it for what it’s worth. Having said that, they’re still a tough and dangerous team. I wouldn’t take them lightly next weekend.
Next new post: Game 12: Yankees vs. Athletics
Fans booed NJ???????????????????????????????
I dont understand, our team has been so good so far. NJ, despite struggling, has been good!
I love it when the underdogs win! Go YANKEES!!
“Saddled with two of the Yankees’ three losses this season, Javier Vazquez is off to a slow start, and he attributes it to being too quick on the mound.”
Javy’s front shoulder is flying open. It’s causing his pitching arm to lag. That’s why he’s up in the zone and his ball has so much arm side run on it.
Just think how good the pitching would be if that notable hack Jorge Posada wasn’t catching…
Ahem.
Nick
The Tuesday game will run past the new L O S T episode on the West Coast. Hope you’ve got a DVR (Im sure you do!)
The Red Sox will play better baseball, but once again Theo Epstein’s offseason acquisitions were warmly embraced by the shills in the media without even a hint of skepticism.
Last year, Peter Gammons said John Smoltz – a 42-year old coming off shoulder surgery, facing AL east competition regularly for the first time – would be the best pitcher in the division by season’s end. He also said that Brad Penny would be better than A.J. Burnett.
How’d that work out.
This year, the Sox signed a 34-year old shortstop coming off a career year, a 37-year old centerfielder, and an undiscplined hitting third baseman coming off a sub .700 OPS and they are supposedly going to dominate because they “can prevent runs.”
If the Yankees made those 3 signings it would be labeled as “Wild-spending Yankees foolishly throw away money on more aging players”. Ridiculous the double-standard when it comes to the Yankees.
Stuckey,
I’m not writing them off by any stretch of the imagination but enough data is compiling now to see that they have some significant deficiencies. They have very little room for error because there are two other teams in their division that are so good.
Carl April 18th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Hope we get a new post today
**********************
I’m sure Josh is on top of it.
Since Javy is just having mechanical issues, that’s good news because it can be fixed….
“I love it when the underdogs win! Go YANKEES!!”
lol This is funny as is, but funnier cause you actually mean it…
GTNT? Guess the next thread?
This is a game where Pettitte definately had to battle. He had better “stuff” in his first two starts, but, today he showed what a money pitcher really is. Who would have guessed that Pettitte would have the first 8 inning start on the staff. He was brilliant in his approach to pitching today. He had just about every hitter in between. He outthought the hitters.
“The Red Sox will play better baseball, but once again Theo Epstein’s offseason acquisitions were warmly embraced by the shills in the media without even a hint of skepticism.”
Not just the media. Baseball bloggers and the alternative baseball writing community widely brought into “run prevention” this year and “low risk high reward” last year.
Theo’s moves have been widely lauded both this year and last year and lauded by a diverse group of people.
At this point, there are many people who are basically labeling any move he makes a great one just based on the “idea” supposedly supporting it.
funny posada can’t catch, yet the yanks keep on winnining
Yes, dvr will be employed. Set for the season anyway. No problem.
No spoilers at the Coliseum… well, some A’s fans will have their night spoiled.
Nice matchup in Oakland today. Brian Matusz vs Brett Anderson.
Two great young pitchers
“funny posada can’t catch, yet the yanks keep on winnining”
Amazing how that works isn’t it.
HAHAHAHAHAHAH
DOUBLE PLAY!!!! AGAIN!!!!
“At this point, there are many people who are basically labeling any move he makes a great one just based on the ?idea? supposedly supporting it.”
the cult of personality – it is everywhere you look.
I think it was Ken Davidoff, with Newsday here in LI, who questioned the Sox strategy this offseason. He wrote in his column that baseball people politely told him he was “an idiot”.
How could so many be so wrong? Is this an example of too many people being lemmings? Like that Audi commercial, too many just blindly following the conventional wisdom that the Red Sox are some brilliant machine?
yep cb, i think they should look at jorge hardware to see if he can’t catch
The Sox have a reputation of being very smart and the Yanks have a rep of being spendthrifts who throw $$$ around with not much thought behind that. These reps are extremely deep-seated and I don’t think we can expect the media to change their tactics anytime soon.
I don’t know how many times I’ve heard on ESPN and elsewhere about how good the Sox defense at 3rd would be and how they have 3 CF’ers in the outfield.
Problem is that they don’t have 3 CF’ers in the outfield, their SS defense is so so and everyone just skipped right over their catching situation. Its easy talk up any team when you solely focus on their strengths and never discuss their deficiencies.
NYYs aren’t going to shake Tampa loose any time soon. A successful West Coast trip will be 6-3 and at worst a 5-4 trip.
The Red Sox fans are really mad. Check their blogs and NESN.com.
Victor Martinez = Victor Freeze!! Cuz he’s ice cold!!
Let’s see what the Rays do when they play the same type of schedule the Yanks have………..
CB April 18th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
?funny posada can’t catch, yet the yanks keep on winnining?
Amazing how that works isn?t it.
————————————————————————
It’s sad when a pitcher has a bad game it’s Posadas fault, but when he helps a srtuggling pitcher through a game the pitcher gets the credit.\
People are looking at the Yankees as individuals to pick appart singularly rather than as a team that meshes as one.
The media is biased. They love the Red Sox. And the network that I’m talking about is ESPN.
Could this weekend get any better?!
Now, people across the NBA are FINALLY attacking Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and the Celtics for what they are, whining, violent, trouble starting, vicious, acting, flopping babies.
Quentin of the Heat, Noah of the Bulls, Bogut of Milwaukee..
WOOOHOOO!!!!!
The irrational Posada hatred is just absurd. Hopefully, it’s gone for good from this blog, because it’s simply illogical.
He’s one of the greatest catcher in Yankee history, one whose Hall of Fame case keeps getting stronger every day. He’s been the receiver on four World Series winning teams.
Maine,
It’s so true. Where are all of the people on this blog who are constantly so quick to attribute enormous amounts of credit for a plus pitching performance to the catcher when Molina or Cervelli play when the same thing happens to Jorge.
It’s just mind boggling – the circular logic.
The yankees staff has been great all season and Jorge has caught the vast majority of the games.
That’s completely irrelevant. Cervelli catches a game CC throws and Cervelli of course is the reason.
It’s just amazing. CC is one of the top 5 pitchers in baseball and was before he came to the yankees. He’s on his way to the Hall of Fame. And somehow a 24 year back up catcher is the reason for his success.
Right now, not much wrong with the outfield defense except for Gardner’s continued plays down in the left field corner and around the foul line wall. He has no trouble hitting the walls in the outfield, but, maybe that’s because he doesn’t always see it, but, he sees that wall along 3rd base/left field line come up fast and seems to shy away a little.
“It’s not a question of being negative about this Red Sox team. It’s simply a fact that this team is the worst in baseball..lacking even the fundamentals of the game. They are “angels in the outfield” in reverse. With the exception of three or four players they don’t have a clue.”
quote from a poster at Extra Bases.
rconn23 April 18th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
The irrational Posada hatred is just absurd. Hopefully, it?s gone for good from this blog, because it?s simply illogical.
He?s one of the greatest catcher in Yankee history, one whose Hall of Fame case keeps getting stronger every day. He?s been the receiver on four World Series winning teams.
———————————————————————————–
Don’t look for it to end till he retires. Some are to willing to cast aside the old for something new even before their time.
CR9,
Are you watching Real and Valencia?
Your boy just knocked one home, though Marcello was the one who really set up the score.
blake
Hmmm, wonder if Pete is attacking that poster for jumping on them so early in the season….or perhaps telling the poster to throw himself in front of traffic!
CB,
You’re right about the blogging community laiding the Red Sox moves. I’ve never heard the term “run prevention” thrown about so much this off-season, mostly by Epstein – who repeated it endlessly.
Another term I’ve heard for the first time repeatedly is regarding Casey Kelly. I’ve seen numberous bloggers, members of the alternative baseball community talk about Kelly’s “pitchability.” I’ve never heard that before about any pitching prospect. Amazing.
Jorge only takes the blame, he never gets the credit. If Montero is really good after Jorge retires, then Jorge will never get the accolades he deserves because everyone will be fawning over Montero. The only way Jorge would be appreciated is if we had trouble filling the C position, but that doesn’t appear likely.
LOL Blake, that’s a funny comment.
Sort of a mixed day for Montero today with his first passed ball and two strikeouts, but was 1-3 with two walks and that’s a good sign. Nova was ok. Eduardo Nunez was huge, though.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.....a_bufaaa_1
CB
Yep. Beautiful setup!
Just so you know, CR is not my boy because he is a great player. I love players like Van Der Sar and Giggsy more.
CR just happens to be absolutely stunningly superbly GORGEOUS!!! And yes, I’m a straight male!!!
Just tuned into the Rays-Sox game. WTH is that on Garza’s chin?
Right now, not much wrong with the outfield defense except for Gardner’s continued plays down in the left field corner and around the foul line wall
==========================================
Agree that he is tentative, crashing into the wall last year may make him a bit gun shy. That along with learning the different looks from left field seem to be a learning curve for him. Let’s hope he makes progress in this area.
Offensively, so far OK.
CB
It was obvious that Andy wasn’t sharp at first and thats where an experienced catcher can help him till he finds his groove.
Betsy,
That was a mild one…they are in full bridge jump mode over there..
The Sox have a very formidable front 3, but everyone was talking as if the back end of the rotation was a given to be very good while at the same time they killed Javy (for various reasons) and Phil. Hypocrisy runs rampant when it comes to the Sox/Yanks.
LoHudYankees Jeter seemed slightly amused answering Qs. He said he’s fine and he expects to play Tuesday. “I could’ve played today,” Jeter said. -JT
Living in central NH, right in the guts of Sox Nation, I am really baffled sometimes of the negativity Sox fans are about the 4-8 Sox.. Yanks fans can be the same way sometimes, but Sox fans always resort to “Well the Yanks have a $200 Mil payroll”.. I say “They may have a high payroll, but the acquisitions brought chemistry to this team; which gave them a WS ring”…
I think the new members of the Sox are gonna need some time to get it together, but by no means are Sox terrifying anymore.. This is the time to get some seperation in the standings.
LOL Blake, I love it because they were so sure of themselves after Opening Night. I’m sure they’ll be ok, but still, Sox fans in a tizzy is a sight to behold.
For Charleston, the bats were missing and Paredes had a big error, but, pitcher Shaefer Hall was outstanding again, today with no luck. Higashioke had another hit.
Charleston box
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.....x_augafx_1
CB
Also, what makes Messi SO SPECIAL is that he never quits on a play (a la Ronaldo). He is always working giving full effort, to go along with his natural ability to score. He is so special to watch. That 4 goal thrashing of Arsenal was pure brilliance!
I truly believe that (perhaps, back at United during his 42 goal campaign), Ronaldo could have been even greater than he was if he was able to keep his emotions in check, and also didnt quit on so many plays to argue or dive!!
Betsy,
For your enjoyment….
“Another error! Whoooohoooooo!!! What a TEAM! We can’t hit or field… and when Lester pitches—–we can’t pitch!! Yay!! I will have so much free time for my family this summer NOT watching Red Sox baseball. A painful sack of inept turds… what did anyone expect for $170 Million? I just want to see JD emit some emotion. ANYTHING. Drop an anvil on his toe or something. See what he does. We could find somebody else to drive in his annual 64 runs no problem.
Is there something in the collective bargaining agreement that the Red Sox can’t score 1st? Can we EVER put the opponent in a precarious situation? What’s it going to be, 1-5 at Fenway so far in 2010? And a PITIFUL 1-5. This series has been embarrassing. I haven’t seen THIS poor baseball all the way around from this organization since I don’t know when. 18 years?
Someone tell Jonny Lester that the season starts in April and that he’d better figure out a way to get ready for it better than he has. Not that we WIN should he be ready—–as we have NO runs for him. No attempts by CaMORON to catch a ball with a closed glove today, I see. And Boot-a-ro has played a clean game thus far. But, as is the case with the great teams——–somebody else is always stepping up. Enter Jon Lester today.
What a team. BUMS. At least Ortiz didn’t K 3 times today…. and don’t say it’s because he didn’t play—–cuz I bet he can still whiff 3 times on an off day.
We’re a bad 4th place team. Until the Orioles sweep us, that is.
Trenton got just enough hitting from Laird, Adams and Krum to go with DJ Mitchell’s 5 innings of 1 hit ball and good pen work.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.....x_prtaax_1
Tampa Yanks were rained out.
CR9,
Have you ever been to a football match in Europe? Pretty crazy stuff.
Terry from NH April 18th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Living in central NH, right in the guts of Sox Nation, I am really baffled sometimes of the negativity Sox fans are about the 4-8 Sox.. Yanks fans can be the same way sometimes, but Sox fans always resort to ?Well the Yanks have a $200 Mil payroll?.. I say ?They may have a high payroll, but the acquisitions brought chemistry to this team; which gave them a WS ring??
I think the new members of the Sox are gonna need some time to get it together, but by no means are Sox terrifying anymore.. This is the time to get some seperation in the standings.
———————————————————————————————–
The RS haven’t had the same chemistry since the 04 team.
They also have some guys like Lowell and Ortiz that are helping the chemistry.
1. LOVE Ramon Pena. Wish there were a spot for him on the roster because I think he would only get better and better. Plucky kid, great skills offensively and defensively.
2. No question that Jorge settled Andy in. That is one tandem I’d never want to see broken up. They are a hand-in-glove match.
3. Still see the Yankees running away with the division. (Haven’t changed my mind since yesterday)
4. I don’t see the Suxers recovering in any major way. I think they are in deep doo doo.
This is for you, CR9:
http://tinyurl.com/2tbxft
Blake, that’s hilarious!
They’re getting on Lester? That’s sad……..
CaMORON? Drop an anvil on Drew’s toe? Boot-a-ro? I have to give them credit, they’re very creative!
GB, thanks for the updates!
“I’ve seen numberous bloggers, members of the alternative baseball community talk about Kelly’s “pitchability.” I’ve never heard that before about any pitching prospect. Amazing.”
Pitchability – like “run prevention” – is a real notion in baseball and has been for a long time.
But it’s true that anytime Theo starts bringing up a concept the baseball blogging community often just takes it as if it were these intensely brilliant pearls of wisdom rather than what it is – a form of marketing.
It’s really amazing that a group of people constantly haranguing others about “evidence” are so willing to ignore empirical reality for the dressed up “concepts” that the Red Sox are constantly going on and on about.
There’s this strange, almost “fervor” associated with how some people view Theo and the Sox. I just don’t get it.
As an example – how much have we heard about how the Sox and John Farrell are revolutionizing pitching and quantification of pitching?
Here was a great quote from Brad Penny in Cafardo’s column today:
“rad Penny, RHP, Cardinals — We’ve always thought of Penny as a fly-ball pitcher, but in two starts with the Cardinals, he has gotten 42 outs and 25 of them have been on grounders. Penny, to no surprise, credits legendary pitching coach Dave Duncan for emphasizing the sinker. “He shows you numbers I’ve never seen before,’’ said Penny, “like ground-ball outs to hits, fly-ball outs to hits. No one has ever showed me stuff like that before. He puts it in front of you. Hell, why haven’t I been trying to get ground balls all the time?’’ He couldn’t figure this out on his own in Boston?”
Now maybe Penny is just going on with sour grapes. But could you imagine the number of snarky blog columns these kinds of comments would attract about not understanding statistics if they were made about most any other team?
But they are going to likely be completely ignored by sabermatricians and bloggers everywhere.
http://www.boston.com/sports/b.....ly/?page=5
boot-a-ro is classic.
Matt Garza has been crazy good or the Suxers have been crazy bad – or a combination thereof.
LGY
unfortunately, NO!
If Man U or Madrid made it to the Champions League Final this year, I was going to go all out and buy a bunch of tickets to the Final in the Bernabeu!!
blake
After the RS won their two WS the fans acted like it was the norm for them to be there. I think reality is settling in that they may have a problem.
Run prevention fooled the fans for only so long.
Sure thing, Betsy. everything was happening too fast with 4 games going on to try updating during the games, today. Sorry about that. With the free radio feeds available on line, maybe those living around the Trenton and Tampa teams can fill in. Most of the scranton games are on MiLB-TV.com, so I watch them and the big kids in the Bronx and use another computer to pick up the audio feeds, but, it gets a bit much at times.
Garza with a nice outing today. Hopefully, maddon won’t put him in the 9th.
On another note, listening to the Rays broadcast this weekend without Kevin Kennedy….
The broadcast is so much more reasonable to listen to.
Unbelievable! Brian Anderson and Staaaats dont make so bad a team!
___
Thanks, Nick!
Sox shut out TWICE this week
Just think about that
Maddon doesn’t seem to be shy about pushing his starters.
CR9,
Definitely something you have to do in your lifetime. Just be careful with your rants if you are at an away stadium. I saw an away fan get hit in the back with a flare.
“# trisha – OPPC member who sees, hears, and knows all. 28 is on its way!!!!! April 18th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Matt Garza has been crazy good or the Suxers have been crazy bad – or a combination thereof.
”
he’s been lights out every start. don’t know why he isn’t their official #1 over Shields
How are you liking me now?
“I think reality is settling in that they may have a problem.”
That’s the thing – the Sox really pushed forward this sort of myth that the reason why the world series drought ended had as much to do with the brilliance of management as it did with the play on the field.
And management processes can be repeated over and over. As such success was just going to go on indefinitely.
It was management strategy rather than Manny and Ortiz wreaking havoc that was the key to success.
But that was just a myth and that myth is now being exposed.
The Sox have a strong farm system. Under Theo they haven’t even come remotely close to developing a player with even plus power – never mind an elite bat on the Manny and Ortiz level.
At some point reality interferes with ideas.
prospect info request!
i turn to all the bloggers with great minor leagues knowledge here:
Shaeffer Hall – class A charleston.
what do you know about him?
he’s tearing the league apart so far. went 8 strong innings today.
is he legit?
GB, no need to apologize at all!
What exactly does pitchability mean? Who has it – only Red Sox prospects?
GB7
Trenton was supposed to be on local radio but the stations were carrying the RS instead. I was hoping to keep track of the games.
LGY
LOL
I am undefeated in about 20-25 games having attended games of my teams. So there probably wouldnt need to be any rants
Also, at games, I tend to just shut my mouth, so as not to get the people I am with involved in any altercation!
for any College Football fans there will be a major conference shakeup coming soon…Big Ten is looking at adding Notre Dame and going to 16 teams and all other conferences will probably be making moves. Big Ten is meeting today about this
Well, the Sox do deserve credit for trading for Manny and Ortiz…….They had the guts to make the Beckett trade and they’ve developed Lester.
Jason Heyward with a walk-off 2-run single with two outs.
Austin Jackson April 18th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
How are you liking me now?
————————————————————————————-
I’m liking that you brought us Curtis Granderson.
Keep up the good work and will see you in a few years for your prime.
2009: ” low risk/ high reward”
2010: ” run prevention”
2011: ” reclaim glory and cowboy up (re-sign Damon, Pedro, Manny, and Schilling)”
2012: ” TBD”
CB,
I guess I’ve just never seen “pitchability” regurgitated by the blogging community so much regarding one player. I’m taking that it simply means having “command and feel”, correct?
I think placing bets on run prevention as the key to success is a flawed concept, but many who are arguing against it, are comparing it to the Moneyball conept of taking high .OBP players. What Billy Beane was doing was trying to explore market iniefficiencies by taking players who had a talent for getting on base and not making outs. Granted having Mulder, Hudson and Zito drove the engine for those teams.
Finding players at low costs who don’t make outs, such as Nick Johnson, Swisher – although he’s in a swoon now – is always a sound concept, no matter the size market of the team.
The one thing I do not understand with Theo is how much people overlook how bad he has been with FA signings. Every one of Cashman’s bad FA signings have been ridiculed and harped on for years.
Ortiz, Drew, Lowell, Lugo, Smoltz, Penny, Dice-K are/were bad contracts just from the past few years.
They are paying more than twice what the Yankees paid for Pavano for Dice-K.
Manny was a free agent. He signed w/Boston after the Yanks chose Mussina over him.
CB
Theo gets to much of the credit for the WS teams.
Duquett(sp) was responsible for most of the 04 team and Beckett and Lowell were aquired after Theo stepped down for a few months.
I’m still not home – I’m on my MIL’s computer. Got to see the game from after Tex’s HR to the bottom of the 7th. We were eating lunch in nice bar/restaurant that had the game on.
Impressed with Andy, of course, but mostly with Pena’s very clutch hit! Good for Ramiro.
I have a question: during the game (no sound at the bar), they kept showing a guy on the screen who looked like he looked up at the broadcast booth. Anyway, they showed him for a while. Who was he???
Glad Tex had a HR. Did Cano walk today?
I guess I’ll try to watch the replay later.
Anyway, just had to stop by and skim through.
‘Pitchability’ sounds like something you do with your empty Bud Light bottle.
“I am undefeated in about 20-25 games having attended games of my teams. So there probably wouldnt need to be any rants”
———————————
Do you count games where your team was cheated as a W?
Boston about to lose again in Tampa…Gammons has seemed pretty upset every time they go back to the studio.
Doreen,
That man was former Yankee relief pitcher (and product of Joe Torre’s abuse) Tanyon Strurtze
I haven’t heard pitchability since Ian Kennedy.
I love that the Red Sox are being exposed.
They are not 2 time World Champs without Ortiz and Manny who were the most destructive 2-some I’ve ever seen in my life in a lineup. PED’s aside, they wrecked lineups and pitching staffs with their ability to bash every kind of pitching from good to bad.
Gammons is as much at fault for Theo’s being branded a boy genius. He has had a crush on him from jumpstreet.
What’s going on now is going to force Theo into an interesting corner. He has no players coming that will help that team. He has to trade and sign them and he HAS to be right. He can’t afford any misses because they have piled up.
As for Farrell, the magazine cover boy pitching coach who Gammons also has a man crush on, there is nothing more condemning than seeing what Duncan was able to do with Pineiro and now with Penny. These were both pitchers that the strong jawed pearly toothed Farrell had and couldn’t do a thing with.
Duncan fixes pitchers. Farrell looks good in his uniform. There’s a difference.
If this Boston season goes the way I believe it will, Farrell will regret not taking his chance at managing a team in Cleveland when he had it.
He’s a pin up pitching coach. Nothing else.
Doreen April 18th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
Did Cano walk today?
*********************
He did
“Well, the Sox do deserve credit for trading for Manny and Ortiz…….They had the guts to make the Beckett trade and they’ve developed Lester.”
————————
They also traded away one of the 5 best players in baseball to get Beckett. Who also happens to play the position they have been trying to fill for years.
“I guess I’ve just never seen “pitchability” regurgitated by the blogging community so much regarding one player. ”
rconn,
That’s because it really hasn’t. “Pitchability” is all of the things that much of the quantitatively oriented baseball community dismisses whole cloth because it isn’t truly quantifiable.
Pitchability is basically command, feel, polish, maturity. It’s pitching IQ. Ian Kennedy coming out of college was a “pitchability” guy. Last year in the draft Mike Leake was a “pitchability” guy.
Maddux was the ultimate pitchability guy.
But you can’t really quantify it because it is a qualitative phenomenon. That’s why you haven’t seen it discussed much on many baseball blogs.
Ironically, its something that traditionalists and scouts would put a lot of credence in.
But your right – now that the Sox have a pitcher who can’t throw over 92mph pitchability is everything.
Betsy,
The Sox do deserve credit for signing Manny – but that was Dan Duquette who got that contract done. Theo has always hated Ramirez, and if he were in charge at that time, there’s a good chance that doesn’t get done.
Theo signed Ortiz, but even Theo will admit they had no idea that Ortiz would slug the way he did once he got to Boston. An enormous amount of luck there. Look at his numbers in Minny.
As for Beckett, Theo was on his hiatus when they traded Beckett for Hanley Ramirez. It’s widely speculated that Theo would not have done that deal were he in charge at the time.
As for Lester, well, no doubt they’ve done a great job developing him. He’s a tremendous pitcher.
It’s just that Epstein gets far too much credit from the mainstream media, while Cashman is looked at as a guy who gets to spend all the money he wants.
I wouldn’t trade any GM for Brian Cashman, I really wouldn’t.
is pitchability like drinkability?
OMGGGGGGG
Beckett was fantastic for the Sox in the 2007 playoffs. However these are the scores of the games he pitched in:
4-0
10-3
7-1
13-1
Did they really need a pitcher like Beckett who was so good in the playoffs to win in 2007? Was it really such a good idea to trade Hanley for Beckett? Could probably have filled their rotation much easier than the gaping hole they have had at SS for years. Hanley is a guy who is capable of having a huge impact in the AL East.
“What Billy Beane was doing was trying to explore market iniefficiencies by taking players who had a talent for getting on base and not making outs.”
But that was part of the buzz about run prevention. It was written over and over that defense and run prevention were the “new market inefficiency.”
How else can you explain being able to sign Mike Cameron for a two year $15M deal? He generates more WAR than Bay and costs a fraction of the amount! The market is improperly valuating Cameron because baseball doesn’t understand defense properly. But now that we have UZR the quantitatively astute can identify and leverage this new market inefficiency, etc.
That’s the line of reasoning that was parroted over and over with both the Sox and Mariners.
It’s as if the 1970′s Orioles, mid 80′s cardinal teams and even the 2008 Rays never existed.
# Doreen April 18th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
I have a question: during the game (no sound at the bar), they kept showing a guy on the screen who looked like he looked up at the broadcast booth. Anyway, they showed him for a while. Who was he???
Tanyon Sturtz
RAYS WIN!!!
__
LGY
No, I wouldnt count that
But I do keep note of any time my team is cheated, even in a win!
You’ll probably laugh, but in that 10-0 game in which CC had the no hitter versus the Rays, we were cheated TIME AND AGAIN!!
G. Love
I think Farrells contract wouldn’t allow him to leave for that Cleveland job.
Maine, I’m not sure which Trenton station MiLB uses, but, there is a link to all of the free feeds.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball...../audio.jsp
CC was squeezed in that game. Bad job behind HP that game. A vet with a reputation like him throwing a no-no should have gottten more borderline calls.
Peter Gammons isn’t happy right now.
New Post: Jeter expects to play Tuesday in Oakland
Uncle Ellsworth April 18th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
is pitchability like drinkability?
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Not sure about that, but, depending on which inning it is, some on this blog are big believers in “bit–chability”.
Boston at least had a moral victory by breaking up the shutout.
Maine,
If that’s true, he’s a moron. I don’t understand anyone signing a contract that prevented you from getting a major promotion unless there is a tacit understanding that you will take over for Francona soon.
In that case, I hope Farrell takes over for Francona. He’ll be a horrible manager, but look great in the team picture! ESPN and FOX have decreed him to be a gold standard pitching coach and quite frankly, the results aren’t there.
If they were, they wouldn’t have just spend 82.5 million to buy Lackey.
Under Farrell Dice K, Buchholtz, Bowden, Delcarmen, Penny, Pinero, Okajima, Ramirez (who Gammons was proclaiming a steal when the Red Sox got him) all have regressed a great deal.
Give him credit for Lester and Papelbum. I’m not giving him credit for Bard who I think is a flash in the pan who will not be the next Boston closer and will be traded for a hitter this season.
Hard to disregard Beckett’s pitching in big games. ask any pitcher if it isn’t easier to pitch in big games when the offense is hitting. Ask any batter if it isn’t easier to hit when you know that because of your starter, not every at bat they have doesn’t come with the game on the line.
Spot on CB.
Once the duo of Ortiz/Manny was broken up, so was the fear of Boston’s lineup regardless of substance abuse or not.
Theo Epstein is a propped up myth courtesy of his guitar playing pal. Peter Gammons. ESPN bought into a craze hook, line, and sinker also courtesy of Gammons.
When looking deep into that organization, there’s nothing real special on the way except overhyped wannabes. It’s why Theo Epstein will be unable to deal for Adrian Gonzalez even with money coming off the books next year with Ortiz, Lowell, and Varitek. He severely overpaid for J.D. Drew and is stuck with him through 2011.
Joe Torre ruined Tanyon Sturtze’s arm? He pitched under Torre in two seasons – 2004(28G 77 1/3IP) and 2005 (64G 78IP). Of those 92 appearances he pitched on back to back days a whopping 13 times. Six less times than a 40 year old Mariano Rivera during the 09 regular season. Let’s not lump Sturtze in with Gordon and Proctor who actually were over-used.
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