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A New York Yankees blog by Chad Jennings and the staff of The Journal News


Keeping Posada healthy vs. keeping him in the lineup

Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Aug 08, 2010 Print This Post Print This Post | Email This Post Email This Post

Red Sox Yankees BaseballJoe Girardi wouldn’t say yesterday whether he planned to have Jorge Posada in the lineup tonight, but the smart money seems to be on Posada sitting the bench. The Yankees have established a clear starter-catcher rotation, it doesn’t often include Posada catching A.J. Burnett.

For the most part, Girardi has assigned Posada the task of catching CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes and Dustin Moseley/Andy Pettitte. Francisco Cervelli catches the other two. Vazquez hasn’t pitched to Posada since May 1. Burnett has pitched to him once since June 21.

“Will it change from time to time? Possibly,” Girardi said. “But Cervi has caught Javy and A.J. most of the time nd I’ve stuck to that rotation because it’s been successful.”

It’s all in the name of keeping Posada healthy, especially after the knee problems that forced him to miss time in Cleveland. That’s part of the reason Posada didn’t DH on Friday.

“I can catch today and tomorrow and wake up and it’s fine,” Posada said. “I can catch the same game and something I did, I don’t know what, something kind of makes it flare up. I don’t know the reason. I catch the same way, it’s just one play or one block or one thing that happens to make it (hurt). I just have to see how it is the next day.”

The source of the problem is a cyst, which Posada said could be drained, though he’s never considered doing it. He said he might have it drained this offseason, but there’s no guarantee that it won’t come back.

“Obviously I’ve got to deal with it,” he said. “I’ve got to get it ready to play. It’s good. It’s better than it was in Cleveland for sure.”

Associated Press photo

 
 

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179 Responses to “Keeping Posada healthy vs. keeping him in the lineup”

  1. blake August 8th, 2010 at 12:03 pm

    If the Yanks can stick with that rotation and still win the division then that would be great. Hopefully the Yankees can keep a cushion to allow it so Jorge will be as close to 100% as possible come October.

  2. m August 8th, 2010 at 12:10 pm

    You know if Jorge is acquiesing, then it’s bothering him. This isn’t even about keeping him fresh. If a cyst can be drained to provide even the slighest relief, why wouldn’t you do it? Jorge can be so stubborn. :)

    A win tonight would be great, but I really want Tampa to continue their slide.

  3. Disco August 8th, 2010 at 12:10 pm

    Posada better be DH’ing tonight if he’s not going to catch. If it wasn’t for Burnett it makes sense to catch him tonight since it’s a night game after a day game so he has extra rest, and there is a day game Monday that he can sit/DH.

  4. MaineYankee August 8th, 2010 at 12:12 pm

    m

    I’d call you stubborn too.

    You still like the Lakers. :lol:

  5. Giuseppe Franco August 8th, 2010 at 12:14 pm

    They got Berkman to be their DH and he’s probably going to sit tomorrow against Lester.

    Not bloody likely that Posada will be the DH tonight.

  6. m August 8th, 2010 at 12:15 pm

    What’s not to like? :P

  7. MaineYankee August 8th, 2010 at 12:20 pm

    m

    I don’t want to tie up the blog all day. :lol :lol:

  8. Cashmoney August 8th, 2010 at 12:20 pm

    Cervelli leads the league in fist pumping !

  9. Betsy August 8th, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    So in other words, Joe doesn’t trust Jorge with AJ ….lol

    I hate this whole rotation thing; if Joe wants to sit Jorge or feels he has to, fine (although it’s a shame because too much Cervelli is hurting this team), but why have personal catchers?

    The Yankees need a good BUC next year ..someone who can play about 1/2 the time. Jorge is nearing the end of his rope as C

  10. m August 8th, 2010 at 12:23 pm

    Life’s too short to be bitter as winter in New England. ;)

  11. Betsy August 8th, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    I hope Jorge will be able to catch in the playoffs….the cyst is a real problem.

  12. Cashmoney August 8th, 2010 at 12:28 pm

    Cervelli leads the league in fist pumping.

  13. MaineYankee August 8th, 2010 at 12:31 pm

    m

    The dislike goes back farther than last year.

    I’ve been following since the days of Russell.

  14. Cashmoney August 8th, 2010 at 12:33 pm

    # Betsy August 8th, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    So in other words, Joe doesn’t trust Jorge with AJ ….lol

    I hate this whole rotation thing; if Joe wants to sit Jorge or feels he has to, fine (although it’s a shame because too much Cervelli is hurting this team), but why have personal catchers?

    The Yankees need a good BUC next year ..someone who can play about 1/2 the time. Jorge is nearing the end of his rope as C
    ————————————————————————-
    sounds like Yankees needs another catcher period.

  15. raymagnetic August 8th, 2010 at 12:33 pm

    Girardi must have known Toronto was going to hammer AJ since he never trusted Jorge to begin with last week. :(

  16. raymagnetic August 8th, 2010 at 12:35 pm

    This is shaping up to be AJ’s worst season in the major leagues with Cervelli catching the majority of his games.

    This leads me to believe the reason Cervilli is catching AJ and not Jorge is something other than the “trust” factor.

  17. Nick in SF August 8th, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    I think Jorge caught Aj often early in the season.

  18. raymagnetic August 8th, 2010 at 12:41 pm

    Jorge has caught 7 of his 24 starts this year. Cervilli has caught 14 and Moeller has caught 3.

  19. Rich in NJ August 8th, 2010 at 12:44 pm

    “This isn’t even about keeping him fresh. If a cyst can be drained to provide even the slighest relief, why wouldn’t you do it? Jorge can be so stubborn. :)

    Which suggests that the problem may not merely be a cyst that can be drained.

  20. G. Love August 8th, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    I think Jorge should only start at Catcher for the rest of this season.

    We need Berkman to settle in at DH. He’s here to hit. We traded for him and spent money on him to hit.

    Getting him acclimated to being a Yankee and DH is important since he’s the kind of bat that can make the night’s Arod and Tex struggle a non issue.

    If after 100 at bats as a Yankee he still looks cooked and isn’t producing, then he’s a bench player and you work Jorge in at DH on nights he doesn’t catch again.

    Right now though, Jorge’s too important behind the plate. I’d rather we rest him here and there and keep him on the active roster and ready for the playoffs than play him every day between C and DH unless we need to.

  21. JD August 8th, 2010 at 12:55 pm

    Think the Posada not catching AJ thing is more about how wild AJ is. Catchers have to chase balls all over the place when he pitches and get pretty beat up. Balls in the dirt ,wild pitches , tons of foul balls etc. I bet Posada has no problem not catching AJ.

  22. RMS August 8th, 2010 at 12:56 pm

    Well at least no one can complain about Posada when AJ implodes. AJ is an equal opportunity imploder no matter who is catching.

  23. estan August 8th, 2010 at 12:58 pm

    Bring up Gary Sanchez!

  24. Bret The Hitman August 8th, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    Gardner, Cervelli at the bottom of the lineup is terrible since the all-star break.

  25. leeteam August 8th, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    Just curious, does anyone know if Wang is pitching anywhere?

  26. joeman August 8th, 2010 at 1:01 pm

    raymagnetic August 8th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
    Girardi must have known Toronto was going to hammer AJ since he never trusted Jorge to begin with last week.

    ——————————————
    yep he must have known

  27. joeman August 8th, 2010 at 1:02 pm

    raymagnetic August 8th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
    Girardi must have known Toronto was going to hammer AJ since he never trusted Jorge to begin with last week.

    ———————————————–
    yep he must have known

  28. jacksquat August 8th, 2010 at 1:02 pm

    You’d think they would want the best hitting catcher catching when they need more offense, instead Joe does the complete opposite.

  29. m August 8th, 2010 at 1:08 pm

    Isn’t this the third time in his short Yankee career that AJ is facing his business partner? Iirc the teams split the first two games.

    Beckett has been terrific since coming off the DL. I hope the Yankees show patience though. That’s how they usually beat him. Get him all worked up on the mound. His last outing was his longest, too, so let’s see if the Yankees can get him out of the game.

  30. Captain Clutch August 8th, 2010 at 1:13 pm

    At this point in Posada’s career catching AJ the head case is probably too much for him. AJ is very hard to catch because he is wild and has great late breaking stuff so the ball can bounce all over the place. Cervelli is much quicker behind the plate so it’s much easier for him. Or maybe Posada pays Cervelli to catch Vazquez and AJ since he doesn’t want to deal with the nut jobs.

  31. Captain Clutch August 8th, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    Just curious, does anyone know if Wang is pitching anywhere?
    ——————-

    He is still just throwing over a mound. But the Nats said they don’t expect him back this season.

  32. Captain Clutch August 8th, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    over=off

  33. RSM August 8th, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    The Yankees are downplaying this issue. Let me give you guys a short lesson:

    What Posada has is called a “Baker’s Cyst” or popliteal cyst. It’s a collection of fluid behind the knee that can cause aching and stiffness. What causes it is INFLAMMATION IN THE KNEE ITSELF, usually from arthritis or cartilidge damage in the knee. Draining a Baker’s cyst is only therapeutic, NOT curative. Any relief is temporary and the fluid usually recollects. In other words, it comes right back. The only way to cure a Baker’s Cyst is to fix the underlying problem in the knee.

    I am not trying to be alarmist, this is to be expected with a 39 year old catcher. However, it’s not a simple cyst and the Yankees are downplaying what is likely a more serious knee problem than you think.

  34. JordanBecker August 8th, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    So who should the future every-day Yankee catcher be? Cervelli has been good as the #2 catcher, but he does not put up the consistent offensive numbers that the Yankees will want in the everyday slot. Montero (AAA) has the potential to deliver the offense, but his defense may be too weak to stay at the C position, and he has been slow to mature. Austin Romine is the next candidate in line, but he is even less mature at this point. The Yankees need to start to thinking about what to do with Posada for the 2011 season, and who is going to be the future everyday catcher.

  35. Betsy August 8th, 2010 at 1:24 pm

    Well, the idea of Cervelli having to C in any playoff game because of this cyst is scary…………

  36. Sweet Swinging Cano August 8th, 2010 at 1:27 pm

    This is off topic but does anyone know why the Yankees couldn’t just start Hughes tomorrow?

  37. Bret The Hitman August 8th, 2010 at 1:30 pm

    With this chronic cyst–the idea of an untested rookie catcher catching in 2011 is equally as scary as Cervelli and Gardner at the bottom of the lineup in 2011.

  38. Giuseppe Franco August 8th, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    Well, maybe they should just trade Gardner for Soria then.

  39. Rich in NJ August 8th, 2010 at 1:32 pm

    Montero will get games behind the plate next season, and if one is willing to look at a larger sample size, Gardner may be far less of a concern than Granderson.

  40. randy l. August 8th, 2010 at 1:32 pm

    you would think burnett would be able to get revved up against beckett enough to bring his A game, but his overly rotational mechanics are more like haley’s comet. they are in sync about every 75 years.

    the goal with posada should be having him peak when the end of the season comes and the playoffs begin. the yankees should have enough offense to carry cervelli. i think girardi has done a good job of massaging the situation with posada. the goal is to be healthy for the playoffs.

  41. Sweet Swinging Cano August 8th, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    AJ is a different animal that’s for sure.

  42. Rich in NJ August 8th, 2010 at 1:34 pm

    “i think girardi has done a good job of massaging the situation with posada. the goal is to be healthy for the playoffs.”

    That assumes that it’s even possible to have Posada “healthy” for the playoffs, and it may not be.

  43. Yogi Mantle August 8th, 2010 at 1:35 pm

    Wasn’t it last year that AJ battled Beckett matching the performance?

  44. Betsy August 8th, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    Randy, it is a difficult situation – no doubt. The offense has been very inconsistent and most are not having up to par years, so it’s been hard to carry Cervelli. The cyst seems like it just flares up whenever, so I don’t know that Jorge can necessarily be healthy for the playoffs. He could be in the lineup one moment and out the next…….no one really knows.

  45. Sweet Swinging Cano August 8th, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    Yes it was. That was the game arod hit the walkoff in like the 14th inning. I hope aj finds that magic tonight. The Yankees seem to have Becketts number.

  46. Betsy August 8th, 2010 at 1:37 pm

    Yes, about 11 months ago……

  47. Sudden Sam August 8th, 2010 at 1:37 pm

    Gardner was disappointing yesterday striking out twice with runners on third. Gardner I am afraid is a clear national league player. Great fielder speed, but not that great of a stick and no power for a corner outfielder. Now hes hitting around 300 but some of those hits are infiled hits due to his speed. Granderson has been a huge disappointment and I know its hindsight but Damon in left and Gardner in CF looks better than what the Yankees have now

  48. Betsy August 8th, 2010 at 1:38 pm

    15th inning, lol – I hope we don’t have another of those.

  49. Bret The Hitman August 8th, 2010 at 1:38 pm

    Royals aren’t taking a career .720 OPS hitter for Soria.

  50. Sweet Swinging Cano August 8th, 2010 at 1:40 pm

    Bret is in a slump. He still has done a fine job. Granderson has been a disappointment any way u shake it. Yankees still have a heck of a lineup.

  51. Jason22 August 8th, 2010 at 1:41 pm

    Jesus is 2 for 2 in the first two innings with a 2 RBI groundrule double to left in the first inning, and a single to right in the second inning against the Sox.

    Scranton is only up 8- 0 so far.

  52. Giuseppe Franco August 8th, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    # Bret The Hitman August 8th, 2010 at 1:38 pm

    Royals aren’t taking a career .720 OPS hitter for Soria.

    ——-

    That was a joke – and totally at your expense.

  53. Sudden Sam August 8th, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    agreed. It goes back to wanting an all star at every spot. I never was a big Gardner fan, as I felt relying on your speed is good but thats he has. As a corner outfielder I would like a more consistent hitter. I probably don`t like the fact that he strikes out too much for the type of player he is.

  54. blake August 8th, 2010 at 1:44 pm

    I agree that I’d like to see the Yanks give Berkman a chance to settle into that DH role as much as possible. If a fair amount of time goes by and its not working then so be it but the Yankees best playoff lineup would be Berkman swinging well and Jorge catching every game. Best way to accomplish that is to get Berkman AB’s and resting Posada as much as the race allows. This lineup could be really good if it ever clicks on all cylinders…hopefully Girardi can push the right buttons and having it peaking in October.

  55. Sweet Swinging Cano August 8th, 2010 at 1:44 pm

    Im fine with Gardner. I wish Granderson was doing better. The fact that they still lead mlb in runs scored is amazing.

  56. Giuseppe Franco August 8th, 2010 at 1:46 pm

    So people are now jumping off the Gardner bandwagon in droves because he’s slumping?

    LOL. Typical.

  57. Bret The Hitman August 8th, 2010 at 1:47 pm

    Giuseppe Franco August 8th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
    # Bret The Hitman August 8th, 2010 at 1:38 pm

    Royals aren’t taking a career .720 OPS hitter for Soria.

    ——-

    That was a joke – and totally at your expense.

    **********

    How do you figure?

  58. Sweet Swinging Cano August 8th, 2010 at 1:47 pm

    I find that hilarious too just saying. Lay off Gardner people.

  59. Giuseppe Franco August 8th, 2010 at 1:49 pm

    Because you find ways to rip or trade Gardner all the time and wouldn’t stop your Soria man crush for weeks.

  60. Joe from Long Island August 8th, 2010 at 1:51 pm

    Hi Giuseppe – lol, you’ve got that right.

    Brett will be fine. As will Fat Elvis, or Puma, or whateve they called Berkman back in Houston. I just wish he – Brett – would drop down a bunt now and then.

  61. Yogi Mantle August 8th, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    I just hope that AJ is good enough to keep the Yankees in the game. No Chernobyl meltdowns, limited damage. Maybe AJ should sit down with a nice bottle of Jack to steady his nerves. lol.

  62. Rich in NJ August 8th, 2010 at 1:53 pm

    Bret, Lighten up. It was kind of obvious.

  63. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 1:54 pm

    Laird is 1-2 with an RBI today. Montero is 2-2 with a double and 2 RBI. Golson has discovered a home run stroke lately. He’s 1-1 with a 3 run homer. Curtis is 2-2 with a double and 2 runs scored.

  64. Bret The Hitman August 8th, 2010 at 1:54 pm

    Giuseppe Franco August 8th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
    Because you find ways to rip or trade Gardner all the time and wouldn’t stop your Soria man crush for weeks.
    ***************

    I’m not ripping Gardner. Don’t be so sensitive and exaggerate. I merely stated he’s a .720 OPS hitter.

    It’s too bad the Royals would laugh if we offered him for Soria.

  65. Giuseppe Franco August 8th, 2010 at 1:55 pm

    Hey Joe,

    Yeah, dropping a bunt down more often would certainly help his game significantly. He also needs to improve on his base stealing early in counts. He’s got such ridiculous speed that he doesn’t need a perfect jump to steal a bag.

    He’s certainly got plenty of room for improvement but nobody can be disappointed with his production this season.

    Gardner is the reason why the Yanks aren’t likely to target Crawford this offseason.

  66. Yogi Mantle August 8th, 2010 at 1:56 pm

    My biggest complaint about Gardner is he has gotten away from his using his speed. It seems like ages have passed since he stole a base, and when facing the RS it should be challenging the catcher all the time rather than being a statue at first. No attempts at bunts, but weak swings that lead to ground outs. If they play him in, then swing for it, if not, where is the bunt attempt?

    It just seems like he has removed his greatest asset from his game. And the sad thing is he acknowledged it, saying he knows he has to run more.

  67. Yogi Mantle August 8th, 2010 at 1:59 pm

    What irks me is I look at yesterday’s game, Pena gets on and he steals a base. Gardner gets on and they barely throw over to him. That tells you the league knows he’s afraid to attempt a steal.

  68. Sweet Swinging Cano August 8th, 2010 at 2:00 pm

    I want to see Granderson and Gardner going at all times. Both are excellent baserunners with speed.

  69. Sweet Swinging Cano August 8th, 2010 at 2:01 pm

    Is Pena really 25? He looks like he is 13.

  70. Bret The Hitman August 8th, 2010 at 2:17 pm

    Trevor Hoffman is on pace to finish the year at 600 career saves.

    Mo is projected to have 560 after 2010.

    Does Mo catch him?

    Do you give Mo 2 years to do it?

  71. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 2:21 pm

    Jose Molina just had a straight steal of second base….standing up.

  72. kd August 8th, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    let’s be honest folks. in pena was on the red sox he would be a starter

  73. kd August 8th, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    meant to say, if pena was on the red sox

  74. tom tresh 15 August 8th, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    GB7, you missed your #1 fan, Randy this morning

  75. Captain Clutch August 8th, 2010 at 2:26 pm

    Gardner said about 3 weeks ago that the reason he stopped running was because his legs got really worn down and were bothering him. But you would assume he is ok now and should be back to himself. He needs to start bunting, running when on base and get pesky. He doesn’t bother pitchers when he is on base like he should. He also needs to get more aggressive at the plate and swing the bat at the fastballs that the and pitchers are throwing right down the middle. Pitchers have adjusted to his patience at the plate and he hasn’t made an adjustment back.

  76. Fran the original August 8th, 2010 at 2:30 pm

    Jose Molina just had a straight steal of second base
    *********************
    Hi GB,

    Wow, Posada yesterday. Molina today. Where are they getting all of this base stealing ability from ;)

  77. Pat M. August 8th, 2010 at 2:30 pm

    GB, I guess there was a Tin Cup sighting earlier today…..He must have just played the back 9 this morning……

  78. Yogi Mantle August 8th, 2010 at 2:32 pm

    Captain Clutch, do you really buy that? I’m sorry, but I don’t buy it that Gardner’s legs were worn down to a point where he couldn’t steal a base.

    Also, there hasn’t been any noteworthy decrease in the speed he uses when running to first or chasing down balls. I think its that he has become afraid of getting picked off more than his legs are tired. He’s too young for that.

  79. Cashmoney August 8th, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    # kd August 8th, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    let’s be honest folks. if pena was on the red sox he would be a starter
    —————————————————————-
    starting where, in the bullpen or in Pawtucket?

  80. Yogi Mantle August 8th, 2010 at 2:38 pm

    One thing I have noticed is that Jeter isn’t swinging at the first pitch as much as he was before. Meanwhile Gardner still looks at the first pitch no matter how good a batters pitch it is. Right down the middle, let it go by, second pitch down the middle, let it go by, then see if you can do something.

    I appreciate that it can help increase pitch count, but it wastes pitches he could put in play and get some hits on.

  81. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 2:40 pm

    tom tresh 15 August 8th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
    GB7, you missed your #1 fan, Randy this morning

    ———————————————————————————————————————-

    Nah… I didn’t miss that old dog. I was avoiding him. LMAO.

    sorry that I missed him. I had some nasty things to say to him. How’s he doing? Did he say? I assume that he’s been dogging out the Red sox fans.

  82. Cashmoney August 8th, 2010 at 2:41 pm

    Sox backup infielders

    Eric Patterson 211 average 270 obp 435 slug 705 ops
    Jed Lowrie 286 average.400 obp 381 slug 781 ops

  83. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    Pat M. August 8th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
    GB, I guess there was a Tin Cup sighting earlier today…..He must have just played the back 9 this morning……

    ———————————————————————————————————————-

    I wonder if he used some of my best golfing tips?

    That would screw him up for a month, at least.

  84. BIG AL August 8th, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    Not being a doctor, I admit I don’t understand the problem Jorge is having with the cyst, but, if it can be drained on game day, and that allows him to catch, there should not be a problem come playoffs.

  85. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 2:44 pm

    Fran the original August 8th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
    Jose Molina just had a straight steal of second base
    *********************
    Hi GB,

    Wow, Posada yesterday. Molina today. Where are they getting all of this base stealing ability from

    ———————————————————————————————————————

    afternoon, Fran. Hope all is well with you.

    Not sure who’s wheels Posada and Molina stole, but, they need to give gardner soon base running tips.

  86. kd August 8th, 2010 at 2:44 pm

    cashmoney,

    those two are no where near pena in terms of the glove

    and he’d probably hit a lot better if he played everyday

  87. tampayank August 8th, 2010 at 2:45 pm

    I was never on the Gardner bandwagon. Still loyal to Team Melky :)

  88. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    Tampa might have some pitching issues. Both Jeff Neimann and Wade Davis are having their pitching shoulders checked out today.

  89. Captain Clutch August 8th, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    “Captain Clutch, do you really buy that? I’m sorry, but I don’t buy it that Gardner’s legs were worn down to a point where he couldn’t steal a base.”
    ————-

    It would make sense if his legs were tired at some point since he uses them so much. But now he should be fine. He definitely needs to get back to what he was doing. His speed is a big part of his game and he isn’t a good enough hitter to just swing away and not use it. Maybe he is just really having trouble reading pitchers so he doesn’t know when to steal. Hopefully in spring training the Yanks can find a good base stealer to work with him on reading pitchers because he definitely has trouble with that.

  90. Fran the original August 8th, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    Not sure who’s wheels Posada and Molina stole, but, they need to give gardner soon base running tips.
    ************************
    GB,

    LOL. I think that if you showed Gardner a picture of Nurse Karloff that would get him running.

  91. tampayank August 8th, 2010 at 2:50 pm

    Nieman would be a big loss for Tampa but they could just bring Hellickson back up who is big league ready

  92. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 2:53 pm

    Ouch. Verson Wells is out for a few days at least. Dislocated big toe. He got it caught under the outfield fense, making a great catch.

    Bradon Morrow with a 7 innings of no hit ball. 1 walk, 14 strikeouts, 1 error by Overbay, against Tampa. 102 pitches, 75 strikes.

  93. Captain Clutch August 8th, 2010 at 2:53 pm

    Montero is now 3-4 with a double and 2 rbis. It would be nice if the Yanks would show a Scranton game on YES every once in a while so we can watch him play.

  94. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 2:55 pm

    Fran the original August 8th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
    Not sure who’s wheels Posada and Molina stole, but, they need to give gardner soon base running tips.
    ************************
    GB,

    LOL. I think that if you showed Gardner a picture of Nurse Karloff that would get him running.

    ———————————————————————————————————————-

    we can’t afford to have him drop dead of fright, Fran. Maybe I could fax a picture to the Devil rays, Rangers and Red sox. Just need to find a shock proof camera.

  95. BIG AL August 8th, 2010 at 2:58 pm

    Captain Clutch August 8th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
    Montero is now 3-4 with a double and 2 rbis. It would be nice if the Yanks would show a Scranton game on YES every once in a while so we can watch him play.

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Go to the SWB web site, from there you can watch the team play on your computer. Listen for free, to watch there is a small fee.

  96. Ace August 8th, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    Cervelli isn’t good enough to play this much

  97. BIG AL August 8th, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    No longer the Devil Rays.

  98. Bill D August 8th, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    “let’s be honest folks. in pena was on the red sox he would be a starter”

    Only if the Red Sox in question are the Pawtucket Red Sox.

  99. Joe from Long Island August 8th, 2010 at 3:00 pm

    GB – Wow. Tampa really has hitting issues. To be no-hit and almost no-hit as often as they are really says something. Truly, if not for the great success their starting pitching has had, they would be back in the middle of the pack. Wonder what’s going on with Niemann and Davis. Might be karma coming back to bite them.

    I would love for YES to show some Scranton games. They must figure they’d get lower viewership than umpteen showings of Yankees On Deck (which is pretty decent kiddie show).

  100. Fran the original August 8th, 2010 at 3:00 pm

    we can’t afford to have him drop dead of fright, Fran. Maybe I could fax a picture to the Devil rays, Rangers and Red sox. Just need to find a shock proof camera.
    ********************************
    GB,

    That’s funny. Think it could work.

    Interesting news about Neimann and Davis. Tampa’s strength has been that their starters were all healthy and they only needed those 5.

  101. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 3:02 pm

    Joe from Long Island August 8th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
    GB – Wow. Tampa really has hitting issues. To be no-hit and almost no-hit as often as they are really says something. Truly, if not for the great success their starting pitching has had, they would be back in the middle of the pack. Wonder what’s going on with Niemann and Davis. Might be karma coming back to bite them.

    I would love for YES to show some Scranton games. They must figure they’d get lower viewership than umpteen showings of Yankees On Deck (which is pretty decent kiddie show).

    ———————————————————————————————————————-

    If Morrow gets his no hitter today, Tampa will be the first team to ever be no hit 3 times in one season.

  102. Bill D August 8th, 2010 at 3:03 pm

    “Bradon Morrow with a 7 innings of no hit ball. 1 walk, 14 strikeouts, 1 error by Overbay, against Tampa. 102 pitches, 75 strikes”

    Bout 15 pitches per inning to this point. May need to go 130 to go the distance. Little bit of Burnett in this guy insomuch as he can alternate between dominating and disasterous.

  103. Cashmoney August 8th, 2010 at 3:03 pm

    # kd August 8th, 2010 at 2:44 pm

    cashmoney,

    those two are no where near pena in terms of the glove

    and he’d probably hit a lot better if he played everyday
    ———————————————————–
    Pena’s defense is rank average measure by UZR, go look at fangraph or baseball reference.
    Pena sports a CAREER 635 ops in the minor , 637 in AAA, can you support your assertion that he will hit better if given play time?

    but go ahead, keep on drinking that kool aid if you think Pena can start in any MLB team period. The guy will be lucky to start in AAA.

  104. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 3:04 pm

    BIG AL August 8th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
    No longer the Devil Rays.

    ———————————————————————————————————————-

    They’ll always be the Devil Rays. Just like the Braves third baseman will always be Larry Jones. Correct somebody else.

  105. BIG AL August 8th, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
    BIG AL August 8th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
    No longer the Devil Rays.

    ———————————————————————————————————————-

    They’ll always be the Devil Rays. Just like the Braves third baseman will always be Larry Jones. Correct somebody else.
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Oh great God of the LoHud blog, you never have been shy in correcting others, but, you get upset like a little kid when someone corrects you. If you didn’t like my saying they are no longer the Devil Rays, just ignore it like a grownup.

  106. Yogi Mantle August 8th, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    Ever notice that ho-hitters or near no- hitters seem to be both teams having trouble scoring runs? Its rare when you have a blow out game where the other team is being shut out.

    After yesterday’s onslaught of runs, it seems ironic to see the Tampon Bay and Toronto Juicers having such a low scoring game.

  107. Cashmoney August 8th, 2010 at 3:13 pm

    it would make me feel better if Jays can score another run or two against the Rays, never mind the no hitter, just beat them.

  108. Yogi Mantle August 8th, 2010 at 3:13 pm

    They may have taken Devil out of their name but they are still the Satanic Rays to me. ;)

  109. GhettoBlaster August 8th, 2010 at 3:13 pm

    Gardner looks like the 08-09 version of himself. Watching pitches go down the middle. Not protecting the plate with 2 strikes.

    The worst is when he gets on 1b, and doesn’t run because Jeter is up and needs that hole open.

  110. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 3:14 pm

    8 innings, still a no hitter, 1 walk, 16 strikeouts

  111. Pat M. August 8th, 2010 at 3:16 pm

    Isiah Thomas is a weasel…….

  112. Yogi Mantle August 8th, 2010 at 3:16 pm

    At 113 pitches, and 2 outs in the 8th, I don’t really see Morrow completing this game. Not all teams would have any pitcher go 140 pitches in a game.

    Oops, make that 115 pitches and 3 outs in the 8th.

    Still it makes it a tough decision for Cito. Do you go for the no-no or bring in the closer?

  113. Rich in NJ August 8th, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    Remember Gardner had a thumb injury on June 8th?

    June 9th, Gardner’s splits are .239/.360/.326/.686

    Though June 8th his splits were .314/.395/.423/.817

  114. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 3:18 pm

    He’ll stay until the devil rays get a hit.

  115. Rich in NJ August 8th, 2010 at 3:18 pm

    “Isiah Thomas is a weasel…….”

    That’s far too kind, Pat.

  116. Asd August 8th, 2010 at 3:18 pm

    Man, yogi. I’ve been saying that for so long and was just thinking again. It’s amazing how rare no hitters and near no hitters come on blowouts. I think the whole team gets nervous that they don’t jinx it and it ruins production.

  117. Cashmoney August 8th, 2010 at 3:18 pm

    # Yogi Mantle August 8th, 2010 at 3:16 pm

    At 113 pitches, and 2 outs in the 8th, I don’t really see Morrow completing this game. Not all teams would have any pitcher go 140 pitches in a game.

    Oops, make that 115 pitches and 3 outs in the 8th.

    Still it makes it a tough decision for Cito. Do you go for the no-no or bring in the closer?
    ————————————————
    Yogi, Morrow is coming out, we can bet whatever amount you choose.

  118. BIG AL August 8th, 2010 at 3:19 pm

    If he can get through the 9th on less than 15 pitches, I’d let him go for it.

  119. Bill D August 8th, 2010 at 3:19 pm

    “Still it makes it a tough decision for Cito. Do you go for the no-no or bring in the closer?”

    He’s not likely to come out until he allows a hit………..if he allows a hit.

  120. Captain Clutch August 8th, 2010 at 3:20 pm

    The Jays have some good pitchers. Obviously they aren’t consistent but they all have good stuff. It seems like they all have 4 pitches and do a good job keeping you off balance. Their bullpen is good also.

  121. Cashmoney August 8th, 2010 at 3:20 pm

    coming back out

  122. Pat M. August 8th, 2010 at 3:21 pm

    Rich in NJ…….It’s Sunday, so I’ll leave the harshness on an individual basis…….

  123. Cashmoney August 8th, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    # Captain Clutch August 8th, 2010 at 3:20 pm

    The Jays have some good pitchers. Obviously they aren’t consistent but they all have good stuff. It seems like they all have 4 pitches and do a good job keeping you off balance. Their bullpen is good also.
    ———————————-
    Clutch, Morrow prolly has the best stuff on that pitching staff, the other guys are change up specialists, Morrow can blow you away.

  124. jpb173 August 8th, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    Are the Rays going to be no hit again? They have been no hit 3 times in the last two years. Brandon Morrow is 3 outs awya from a no-no. He nearly no hit the Yanks two years ago but Wilson Betemit (how’s that for a blast from the past) doubled against him in Seattle.

  125. BIG AL August 8th, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    Time to see if Jays can continue doing to Tampa what they did to the Yanks last series.

  126. Dj August 8th, 2010 at 3:25 pm

    MLB Network is going to break into their regular coverage to show the top of the 9th, Rays vs Blue Jays…

  127. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 3:25 pm

    Hold on to your shorts, boys and girls. 1-0. 9th inning coming up.

  128. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    It’ll be well earned if Morrow gets these three. Bartlett, Zobrist and Crawford.

  129. Captain Clutch August 8th, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    Who cares about the no hitter just win this game.

  130. Joe from Long Island August 8th, 2010 at 3:29 pm

    Pat M – you’re right about Isiah. My stepson was in sports management at St. John’s, in Queens, and they used to have an exensive internship program at MSG. Used to, until Isiah took over. After he took more of an interest in teenage coeds, than running the Knicks, St. John’s ended their long affiliation with the Garden.

  131. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 3:30 pm

    Tough decision for Crawford. They need runners . Will he bunt?

  132. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 3:31 pm

    Does Zobrist dare run with 2 strikes?

  133. Asd August 8th, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    Captain clutch, I think Morrow gives a good damn.

  134. Joe from Long Island August 8th, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    This is clutch – Morrow against Longoria.

  135. Yogi Mantle August 8th, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    Yogi, Morrow is coming out, we can bet whatever amount you choose.
    ________________

    I never bet, even in virtual reality, but it seems that Morrow is in till he gives up a hit or closes this game.

    One more to go.

    Not a crazy amount of pitches, but I think Girardi would have pulled him by now.

  136. Dj August 8th, 2010 at 3:34 pm

    Ouch, so close!

  137. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 3:34 pm

    Oh no. Just that close. a great game pitched and a great effort by Hill.

  138. Joe from Long Island August 8th, 2010 at 3:34 pm

    I’m not a Cito Gaston fan, but I congratulate him on having the guts to let Morrow try to finish it.

  139. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 3:35 pm

    Hill is one of the best defensive 2nd basemen in baseball. If he doesn’t get it, it’s doubtful that anyone could.

  140. Cashmoney August 8th, 2010 at 3:36 pm

    # Joe from Long Island August 8th, 2010 at 3:34 pm

    I’m not a Cito Gaston fan, but I congratulate him on having the guts to let Morrow try to finish it.
    ———————————-
    agree, let him finish what he started.

  141. Captain Clutch August 8th, 2010 at 3:38 pm

    Good job Jays!!!

  142. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 3:39 pm

    Oustanding game by brandon Morrow. That was one of the more dominant games you’ll ever see pitched that wasn’t a perfect game.

  143. BIG AL August 8th, 2010 at 3:39 pm

    Great game by Morrow beating the Tampa Bay Rays. Yankees up by 2.

  144. Cashmoney August 8th, 2010 at 3:42 pm

    looks like Jack Z of the Ms made a mistake by trading Morrow for League, though League has pitched well in relief.

  145. Joe from Long Island August 8th, 2010 at 3:42 pm

    2 1/2 later tonight.

  146. Yogi Mantle August 8th, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    Figures that Eva Longoria gets the the hit to ruin the no-hitter though. Still the Rays lost, so its all good.

  147. Yogi Mantle August 8th, 2010 at 3:44 pm

    2 walks , the first hit in with one out to go? Yeah, the Rays were dominated.

  148. Fran the original August 8th, 2010 at 3:44 pm

    Great pitching performance by Morrow. Nice to see the Rays loose.

  149. Cashmoney August 8th, 2010 at 3:45 pm

    i am hoping Arod can play tonight, or else a lineup with Cerv, Pena, Gardner, Granderson at the bottom simply won’t inspire fear in anyone.

  150. trisha - true pinstriped blue August 8th, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    Randy, no “eduardo” is just another one of CR9′s imposters. Study his rhythms enough and his chicanery really jumps right out at you. I would say that most if not all posters here are on to him, though I’m sure not many have been lucky enough to be stalked by him the way I was.

  151. Giuseppe Franco August 8th, 2010 at 3:48 pm

    Lance Pendleton has been promoted to Scranton. I know GB expected this move a couple of days back.

  152. Cashmoney August 8th, 2010 at 3:49 pm

    good sunday to ya, Trisha

  153. trisha - true pinstriped blue August 8th, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    Hi Cashmoney! :) Looking forward to another Yankee win today.

    I got home in time to see the end of the Rays game. I heard on the radio that Morrow was potentially on his way to a no hitter. I saw a replay to the ball that got by Hill. Don’t you think that could have been scored an error?

  154. Cashmoney August 8th, 2010 at 3:56 pm

    # trisha – true pinstriped blue August 8th, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    Hi Cashmoney! :) Looking forward to another Yankee win today.

    I got home in time to see the end of the Rays game. I heard on the radio that Morrow was potentially on his way to a no hitter. I saw a replay to the ball that got by Hill. Don’t you think that could have been scored an error?
    ——————————————————
    I wasn’t paying attention to it til the last couple innings . No, I don’t think Longoria’s single can be rule as an error. Hill made a diving attempt, is a known defensive guy, one can ‘reasonably’ assume it would be hit under most circumstance. so i think it’s fair. As a Yankee Fan, all i care about is Jays beating the Rays. But, would have been nice to see another no hitter, which has become quite pedestrian this year.

  155. RhapsodyInBlue August 8th, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    Twins win.

  156. Fran the original August 8th, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    Don’t you think that could have been scored an error?
    ********************************
    Hi Trisha,

    The game was in Toronto and the official scorer scored it a base hit. Morrow didn’t get the “home” call. FWIW I thought it was a hit.

  157. RhapsodyInBlue August 8th, 2010 at 3:58 pm

    That was a tough play on turf for Hill.

  158. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    Travis Wood of Cincinnati has a 5 inning no hitter going after 5 innings against the Cubs.

  159. tampayank August 8th, 2010 at 4:00 pm

    why do the Jays even play of turf when their roof is retractable?

  160. tampayank August 8th, 2010 at 4:01 pm

    on not of

  161. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 4:04 pm

    Trisha, that was a single all of the way. To be honest, I was surprised that Hill even got that close. He was playing Longoria more towards the middle and the ball was hit between hill and Overbay. Had Hill been able to hold the ball when he hit the ground, I’m not sure that he could have thrown Longoria out. He runs too well.

  162. trisha - true pinstriped blue August 8th, 2010 at 4:04 pm

    You know I love what’s going on the game of baseball right now. The Jays are once again on a roll, Baltimore won its first 3 games under Showalter and also beat league-leading Chicago today, all of a sudden San Fran has emerged as a force to be reckoned with and is only one game behind the Pads in the west. And Brandon Morrow, a most unlikely candidate, takes a no hitter into the 9th and strikes out 17 Rays in the process.

    I love the uncertainty of the game and watching things develop that you just never count on – including watching the Nats win games despite losing their closer, hence their one security blanket. Well Adam Dunn is certainly a security blanket, but you know what I mean.

    The only certainty is that the Yankees will emerge triumphant when all is said and done. That’s one certainty that I don’t mind.

    :)

  163. BIG AL August 8th, 2010 at 4:05 pm

    O’s 5-1 under Showalter, beat CWS 4-3. Can a manager make that much of a difference this soon, or is it just a fluke?

  164. Bret The Hitman August 8th, 2010 at 4:06 pm

    I don’t know, but Buck Showalter is a dangerous man.

  165. trisha - true pinstriped blue August 8th, 2010 at 4:06 pm

    Thanks all. I only had the benefit of watching a quick replay.

    That was the equivalent, then, of what happened to Mike Mussina in beantown. You can’t get any closer than that.

  166. BIG AL August 8th, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    Loved Buck when he managed the Yankees, too bad he had that falling out over his coaches being let go. The Boss always loved him, and wanted him back.

  167. GreenBeret7 August 8th, 2010 at 4:10 pm

    With Tampa needing base runners, I was really surprised that, first of all, Zobrist wasn’t running and secondly, Crawford wasn’t bunting for a hit…even with the no hitter. That’s right up Maddon’s alley.

  168. Cashmoney August 8th, 2010 at 4:12 pm

    ugh, Mets lost again. Just one time I like to see Reyes and Wright come through in a big series and in a big spot. I can’t remember a single one since those two became the focus of mets franchise.

  169. trisha - true pinstriped blue August 8th, 2010 at 4:13 pm

    Big Al, I have to believe a manager can make a difference. Now is it psychological (players feel better with a Showlater) or is it real, I don’t know. But to watch someone like Matusz get only his first win since April and Jeremy Guthrie finally pick up a well-deserved win, allowing only one ER over 8 innings, I have to think the manager has something to do with it. Matusz and Guthrie should have been winning games all season long because both have great stuff.

    I couldn’t be happier for the Orioles. They fielded a team this year that I really believed would be competitive. They definitely have the pieces. Whatever it is, may it continue for them.

  170. Sweet Swinging Cano August 8th, 2010 at 4:13 pm

    Morrow is just nasty. The Mariners made a big mistake.

  171. Sweet Swinging Cano August 8th, 2010 at 4:15 pm

    If the Orioles ever become solid, this division will be out of control more then it is now.

  172. BIG AL August 8th, 2010 at 4:15 pm

    If the O’s play up to their potential next season, and the Jays continue to improve, the AL East is going to be crazy!

  173. Sweet Swinging Cano August 8th, 2010 at 4:16 pm

    Torontos rotation is very very solid right now. Wait till they mature more.

  174. BIG AL August 8th, 2010 at 4:18 pm

    Next season, with Tampa Bay cutting salary, and then relying on AAA players coming up, Boston healthy etc., I can see Tampa falling to 4th in the division.

  175. Sweet Swinging Cano August 8th, 2010 at 4:20 pm

    This is tb’s last hurrah. Losing Pena and Crawford will be huge. I doubt anyone from the minors can replace those two players who besides longo basically are their offense.

  176. Sweet Swinging Cano August 8th, 2010 at 4:22 pm

    Their pitching will keep them in it. But I doubt they can be any better then third in 2011.

  177. trisha - true pinstriped blue August 8th, 2010 at 4:24 pm

    Big Al, I always feel really torn on this stuff because I love to see the constant have not succeed. It makes me so happy to see both the O’s and the Jays have good fortune.

    Sweet Swinging, Toronto has a very good rotation. Cecil, Morrow, Romero, Marcum, even Litsch and Tallet. And McGowan. I’ll tell you what, if these kids continue to be developed in the right way, they could end up with one of the best rotations in baseball. They all have great stuff. It’s the consistency factor that sometimes eludes them. But they definitely have the goods.

  178. BIG AL August 8th, 2010 at 4:37 pm

    trisha -

    I agree, and that’s why, IMO, Cash needs to sign Cliff Lee. The AL East may be won next season by as little as 95 games, with those within the division knocking each other off.

    There was some talk of re-alignment, but, I don’t think it will happen.

    Whatever happens next year, it should be very interesting, and nerve racking.

    Right now, I’m happy to watch this season come to a winning end with #28.

  179. BIG AL August 8th, 2010 at 4:45 pm

    Later -

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