Pitching matchups vs. Boston
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Sep 24, 2010 
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Let’s just hope that Andy continues his march towards 100% and has another good outing.
Yeah if anyone is not in a bad enough mood because of the recent Yankees play. I got something to cheer everyone up. McCarver and Buck tomorrow. Diseased. Hopefully Buck is gone in some NFL city somewhere.
CR9, re: Edwards – aHgreed.
ohhh nooooo…not McCarver and Buck….I am sorry for all the bad things I have said about kay
Win tonight and the Sox will pack it in Saturday and Sunday. Lose tonight and you will stoke their never say die mentality.
Shame – You really agree with me? Or are you just ******* with me?! I cant believe anyone agrees with me
repost re: Edwards
What purpose does suspending Edwards serve? It doesn’t serve any purpose. Is it going to deter Edwards from drinking and driving next time? No, he is just as likely to drive drunk again, because his faculties will be altered by the alcohol like the last time.
If you guys really want the Jets to send a message to Edwards, they would have Edwards appear at Mothers Against Drunk Driving meetings and other meetings involving drunk driving, while still allowing him to play.
Does anyone really think that the message sent by the Jets is that it’s okay to drink and drive? The message sent by the Jets is “let the law do its job and we will continue to attempt to better our business and win football games”
In the week leading up to Super Bowl XLII, Randy Moss had a restraining order filed against him by a woman claiming he assaulted her. By the Patriots allowing Randy Moss to play in the Super Bowl, did the Patriots implicitly condone violence against women? If you believe that the Jets are implicitly condoning drunk driving by allowing Edwards to play, then you must also believe that the Patriots condone violence against women by allowing Moss to play in that Super Bowl. And in the case of Moss, the Patriots had a stronger case to suspend Moss, because his actions fell under the NFL Personal Conduct Policy.
CR9
FYI, Edwards still has some legal issues to deal with in Cleveland. It has to do with some assault charges due to an altercation with someone in LeBron’s inner circle. The Jets should cut their loses and cut the bum loose. He is nothing but trouble.
I say Yanks win tonight and Sunday and leave the weekend still in first place
Chambliss-
Who better to do that with than AP.
Blake-
If the Yanks play up to their capabilities that shouldn’t be a problem.
The only rough game should be Lester.
Phil – He’ll get off for the DUI and the charges for punching that dude with a slap on the wrist. Hopefully. I respectfully disagree. Edwards may not be an elite wide receiver, but he is the Jets’ Number 1 wide receiver, and a team cant just cut its number 1 receiver and expect to win, especially when they have a sophomore quarterback. Anybody who watched this past Sunday’s Jets game saw how important to the team Edwards is.
And espn Sunday night with Joe Morgan. Smh
Actually, I’m surprised that Fox didn’t substitute a different game. This matchup isn’t exactly what they’d anticipated earlier in the season.
My daughter’s going to tomorrow’s game. She’s very psyched.
CR9-
I think the Jets would be fine without Edwards. Holmes is coming back in a month and I personally just think Edwards is atrocious even if he’s the number 1. Brad Smith could probably do what he does.
If the Yanks take 2 of 3 from the Sux won’t that clinch a WC spot ?
a few more outings like Tuesday’s and Ring will def be on the roster as a 2nd lefty option
Tyler – Well, that’s opinion. I respect your opinion. But iirc, you played football….You should understand just how difficult it is to do what these guys do. Sure, Holmes is coming back, but to say that Brad Smith could take the place of Edwards is an enormous exaggeration.
Doreen-
It’s just not the same without Youk and the elf to hate on.
I guess there’s always Beckett though.
I’m not worried about Andy, I’m worried about the offense
The key thing about this Red Sox series is to make sure we get out of town without any injuries.
We cant allow Beckett to hit any of our guys. We have to be totally prepared to be hit, and avoid it.
I can’t see Ring on the post-season roster. It wouldn’t be a typical Yankee move. They didn’t call up Ring all year, he has hardly pitched, and they are going to take him to the ALDS?
Especially if the Yanks only carry 11 pitchers on the roster. Girardi is going to be nervous about that (I still think there’s a decent chance when push comes to shove they carry 12). Is he really to use one of those roster slots to carry a pitcher he’s not familiar with?
I understand the advantages of the second lefty – particularly vs Minnesota – but I’m dubious.
I think the Yankee brass will take a hard look at Ring to see if they think he could be used in the post season. An additional lefty in the pen is not a bad thing.
Poor Nova. This young man has really been thrown into the fire.
If the Yanks take 2 of 3 from the Sux won’t that clinch a WC spot ?
————–
Yup
CR9
Just wait until his stone hands drop a couple of easy throws and they cost the Jets a game or two. Plus he is a Wolverine. Maybe Mr. Mangold needs to give him a little “Buckeye” beat down.
BloggingBombers When the Felix Cy Young debate got hot, I asked a pitcher if he would rather lead the league in wins or WHIP. His answer? “What’s WHIP?”
It’s a different game between the lines than in the stands.
This Edwards thing is unbelievable. The jets are a pathetic mess management-wise and this takes the cake. They are playing him because they want to win the game; they are putting winning a football game ahead of doing the right thing. This IMO is not even debatable. Since when did legal standing dictate workplace tolerance or bad behavior?
This is the message the NFL sends to young people. Winning is everything, don’t worry, if you are a talented athlete we’ll let you play the game. It doesn’t matter if you murder someone, drive drunk or abuse and kill innocent animals.
“His answer? “What’s WHIP?”
Must have been talking to Burnett.
“They are playing him because they want to win the game; they are putting winning a football game ahead of doing the right thing”
You’re right, but if I thought for a second the Jets were alone in putting winning ahead of what is probably the right thing, I’d probably be a little more indignant about it.
But they aren’t.
lol Phil! We’ve seen Edwards’ butterhands often already!
WCYF – That’s not the message the NFL is sending. The message they are sending is to let the law do its job.
Suspending him doesn’t serve any purpose. It’s not going to make him less likely to drive drunk again. What is Edwards going to learn from sitting out one game? Nothing. If you are so intent upon having Edwards learn something, then have him meet with living victims of drunk driving or family members of deceased drunk driving victims.
Stallworth and Vick both served appropriate punishments and were rightfully allowed back into the NFL. Truthfully, Im SHOCKED that Roger Goodell had the courage to do the right thing.
This series has me a bit spooked.
I hate that 6 of the last 9 are against the Sox, even though I know I shouldn’t.
CR9,
What makes you think he’ll get off on the DUI? He was 2x the legal limit. The judge in Ohio already said that once the DUI case is done they will reopen his assault case because he clearly violated the terms of his probation. He can get anywhere from 6 months to a year in jail.
In case anyone forgot, he assaulted a man weighing 130lbs.
“Stallworth and Vick both served appropriate punishments and were rightfully allowed back into the NFL”
I assume you mean “NFL” punishment. In terms of real world punishment, Stallworth’s didn’t come anywhere close to appropriate.
Where I live we get the scintillating Rangers vs. A’s game, with, of course, a blackout of the Yankee game. The only positive note is I won’t be subjected to Tim McCarver. Was it McCarver or LaRussa that actually invented all apsects of baseball strategy?
pat -
I love that!!!
“I hate that 6 of the last 9 are against the Sox, even though I know I shouldn’t.”
You really shouldn’t. Red Sox have known for at least three weeks that they are cooked and have generally fielded lineups consistent with that. No spoiler factor here, as the Yankees aren’t missing the playoffs, and Boston couldn’t care less whether they go as AL East champs or the Wild Card. Yankees will win at least two this weekend.
CC-
Thanks. That’s what I thought. Just wasn’t sure.
I have seen CC’s stuff, particularly velocity, being a bit down lately. I think, once a playoff spot is attained, he needs to back off on innings in his next couple of starts.
MikeBoston – I dont know or think that he’ll get off. I hope, thus the “Hopefully”
Yes, I was referring to NFL punishment.
What’s the plan with Sabathia? I assume he throws on his regular turn Tuesday. What then? Makes no sense to use him Sunday with the playoffs starting Tuesday or Wednesday.
“This young man has really been thrown into the fire.”
And handled it remarkably well IMO.
Maybe we’ll hear some “Yankees Suck” chants tonight from the always delightful Fenway Field crowd
If Royce Ring pitches well vs. Ortiz and Drew it could make a case of putting him on the playoff roster. Not a difficult move. He replaces Marte on the originally submitted roster
Bill-
If they clinch a playoff spot this weekend they can do whatever is best for CC.
It might mean dialing back his innings, or it might mean skipping a start altogether.
I think they should leave that up to him. He knows what he needs better than anybody.
Game’s at Yankee Stadium tonight.
Bill D
September 24th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
“They are playing him because they want to win the game; they are putting winning a football game ahead of doing the right thing”
You’re right, but if I thought for a second the Jets were alone in putting winning ahead of what is probably the right thing, I’d probably be a little more indignant about it. But they aren’t.
******************************
Since when did a preponderance of poor decision making become the guiding hand for one’s own ethical standards?
The guy was twice the legal limit, he had teammates in the car, it was luck that there were no deaths to them or innocent kids in a car driving by. But hey, what the heck, go put your uniform on and let’s play some ball. No big deal.
From WikkiEdwards has oft been in trouble with the law as he has been pulled over several times over the last eight years for speeding violations.[11] The most recent of which was in October 2008 when he was pulled over for driving 120 mph in a 65 mph zone.[12]
Two days before being traded to the New York Jets, on October 5, 2009, Edwards reportedly punched Edward Givens, a local party promoter, in the face at 2:30 A.M. outside of the View Ultralounge & Nightclub.[13] Givens, who is an acquaintance of LeBron James, alleged that Edwards was jealous of James’ success thus prompting Edwards’ attack. This prompted James to call the incident “childish.”[13] On October 26, 2009, Edwards was charged with misdemeanor assault[13] and later plead no contest to the charge of aggrevated assault on January 12, 2010.[14] Edwards was given a suspended 180-day jail sentence, was fined $1,000 and placed on inactive probation.[14] Though Edwards offered no explanation or apology for his actions, he reportedly regretted the entire ordeal according to his lawyer.[14] The NFL would not suspend Edwards for his actions.[15]
On September 21, 2010, Edwards was arrested on a drunken driving charge in New York early in the morning.[12] He was originally pulled over for having excessively tinted windows on his Range Rover.[12] Police smelled alcohol on Edwards who blew 0.16 — twice the legal limit.[12] He was arrested on a DWI charge.[12] He is still on probation for the altercation that occured in October 2009.[
MTU:
Wonder what is best. Obviously makes no sense to pitch him twice. Maybe bump him up to Thursday, so that he starts the ALDS on Tuesday or Wednesday with regular, or slightly more than regular rest?
Where’s my buddy Erin?
t
Nova gives us 5 innings, then our PEN closes it out and the SWEEP is preserved, games 1 and 3 are LOCKS, BABY !…..Joshy and Dice-W are TOAST !
Bill-
I thought that someone posted something from CC that if he had his choice he would rather have a complete start skipped before the PS.
Not sure if there was a link on it.
If that is how he feels most comfortable then that would be the way to go assuming it’s possible.
Oopsie! I saw Pettitte versus Beckett at the top of the screen and usually the bottom team is the home team!
“The most recent of which was in October 2008 when he was pulled over for driving 120 mph in a 65 mph zone.” Sounds like my kinda guy
“go put your uniform on and let’s play some ball. No big deal.” Yeppers!
austinmac:
“Was it McCarver or LaRussa that actually invented all apsects of baseball strategy?”
Oooh. Sorry. Bob Costas invented baseball strategy
Austin-
I think Al Gore invented baseball strategy along with the Internet.
“Since when did a preponderance of poor decision making become the guiding hand for one’s own ethical standards?”
You talking about my ehthical standards? Or the Jets?
FWIW, I think he should suffer some form of suspension, whether imposed by the Jets or the league. The guy is pure scum. However, it appears as though it will not happen. As 29 other organizations have demonstrated over the course of time, winning with bad characters trumps losing with some dignity. I don’t see the Jets being any different in that regard. Doesn’t make it right. But it seems to be the way it is.
Bill D – I meant that for whoever would make an ethical decision based on what others are doing. “Dad, why am I grounded? All the kids are doing cocaine”.
WCYF – When all the teams are doing it, and only some fans – such as yourself – disagree with it, maybe it’s not the teams/organizations that are wrong. Maybe it’s the fans that are wrong!
“I think Al Gore invented baseball strategy along with the Internet.”
I stand corrected.
I don’t get the Edwards thing at all. Murderers, Rapists and Dog-fighting cretins populate the game of professional football and people are frothing at the mouth about Edwards? This is a sport that once boasted The Greatest Game Ever Played and featured guys like Vince Lombardi. I was a football fan once. I won’t even watch the game anymore.
“Bill D – I meant that for whoever would make an ethical decision based on what others are doing. “Dad, why am I grounded? All the kids are doing cocaine”.”
I hear you, but I think we’re talking about two different sets of realities. When big money and competition are involved, a different set of standards seem to apply. Nobody’s holding a parade for an 8-8 team that takes appropriate action with its deviants. Further, 8-8 doesn’t necessarily lock a coach, GM, etc. into a job for the following season. Again, doesn’t make it right.
CR9:
The fans aren’t wrong. The temas are.
*teams
I think CC said he rather nor
Mtu,
I think CC said he rather not be skipped* might be wrong though.
MTU – You are mistaken, Al Gore invented global warming!
Al-
I’m sorry for the oversight.
Things just get lost in his long list of accomplishments. After all, we all know he is a modern day DaVinci.
Kelvin-
It wouldn’t be the first time I got my wires crossed. You might be right.
I think CC has only one more start. He could start Oct 3 on 4 days rest, but the postseason begins on Oct 6 so that’s not going to happen.
Hi all –
Well, disappointing last night, but they’re no worse in the standings than when they started.
There’s only one thing to do. Go out and wallop Boston. Take at least two of three, and since I’m going Saturday I want to see one of those Ws then. I know it’s Nova and Lester, but I’ll wear my signed Ivan Nova cap from Scranton (won it last year at the LoHud outing) for good luck. Besides, they’ve beaten Lester before.
And, I get to miss the dynamic duo of FOX. I’m so distressed….
CR9
September 24th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
WCYF – When all the teams are doing it, and only some fans – such as yourself – disagree with it, maybe it’s not the teams/organizations that are wrong. Maybe it’s the fans that are wrong!
*****************************
Speechless. Maybe they should take a hard look and re-evaluate what their moral and ethical standards are. And you too if you believe what you just wrote.
Joe-
I’d be heartbroken too if I missed the Fox team.
Joe from LI
as you know, you just can’t predict baseball
Who would have thought Nova’s start would end w/ a W, and CC’s w/ an L?!
Have fun at the game and bring Nova some good luck.
MTU,
I’m at Dollywood right now…I know you’re jeolous
Kate-
Sat. and Sun. I am doing my Hughes 18 tribute hike, and the official clinch tribute.
They better not let me down travelling 300 miles.
Blake-
that’s definitely cool.
Actually, who would really, really be jealous is GB. It’s a good thing your not visiting Ann Margaret or there could be real trouble.
MTU,
We should actually inform him that Dolly will be here next week.
Blake-
If you’ve got the nerve. You do it.
Gotta hit the bricks. Catch you all later.
MTU
looking forward to seeing the pix…have a great time
Blake, just saw your B-day wishes now; thank you!
Craw – from before, no we’re not often on the same page. It all has to do with our expectations for Phil. I’m in a wait and see mode, so for me I want a decent veteran as the #5 if Andy retires.
We need two long men on this team………Nova and someone else. Then again, I think we could use 2 LOOGYs. I think I’d rather 2 long men. We can get by without the 2nd lefty, but if both Phil and AJ struggle (a good possibility), we will need the two long men.
Sounds like on 1050 ESPN that the Nets are close to trading for Anthony…….lol, nothing ever goes right for the Knicks. Still, obviously Anthony didn’t want to play for the Knicks that badly if he’s going to agree to go to NJ
The team owes Andy for the no decision last week in Baltimore when the team fell apart after his good 1st appearance since returning. He was on track for win no. 12.
http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb.....id=5608355
A good read for some of the doomsayers on this blog.
comet September 24th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Where?s my buddy Erin?
*************
I checked up on her.
She is good. She is just taking a little blogcation.
I really miss her!
Happy, happy birthday Betsy!!!!!!!
Thanks,Erica!!!
any special plans Betsy?
Erica
isn’t there something we can do to bring her back? You know, like when everyone had to believe in Tinkerbelle?
Betsy
September 24th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
We need two long men on this team………Nova and someone else. Then again, I think we could use 2 LOOGYs. I think I’d rather 2 long men. We can get by without the 2nd lefty, but if both Phil and AJ struggle (a good possibility), we will need the two long men.
*******************
IMO it’s the exact opposite. In the post-season you don’t need two long men. If they are pitching at all, you are in trouble. On the other hand, having two lefties is very important, especially against a team like Minnesota. What happens if you use Logan in the 6th in a critical situation? You have no lefties the last three innings? Makes no sense.
1. Betsy – is today your B-day? Well, have a happy one. Hope the Yanks can add to it, but nonetheless, have a happy one.
2. Re: the ESPN Insider story on MLB momentum – momentum is totally dependent on the starting pitcher for that day. Always has been, always will be.
upstate kate September 24th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Erica
isn?t there something we can do to bring her back? You know, like when everyone had to believe in Tinkerbelle?
*****************
Hahahaha. We can try Muppet talk, but I will e-mail her and tell her that people are asking about her.
Maybe if she feels the love she will reconsider!
Kate, I’m going to a steakhouse in the City tonight with my parents and one of my sisters………..I always go out for steak on my birthday. Steak and potatoes from a good steakhouse – my favorite meal on earth (followed by ice cream,lol).
West Coast, then what do you do if AJ or Phil struggle, which is a very good possibility? You use your long man for one of them – he’s then toast for the rest of the series. If the other SP struggles early, you still have to try and win the game; what are you going to do, burn out the bullpen?
I mean AJ AND Phil……..
yes Joe, today’s my birthday; thanks! I’ll have a good day even if the Yankees don’t win!
Ruby and jetergrounds guy must still be hung over from last nights celebration in the Yankee’s loss. Haven’t seen them post yet. I’m sure they will be around tonight for our entertainment.
Look for a sweep this weekend against Boston. Tomorrow will be difficult against Lester but the Yankees will win 5-4.
sounds like fun Betsy…enjoy
Kate, thanks!
Happy Birthday Betsy! I hope the Yankees win for you tonight. The Yankees play the Rays in Tampa on my birthday next season. I’m going to get seats right by the Yankees dugout hopefully they will win for me then.
tyanksfan, thanks!
I’m saving my birthday wish for something else, so the Yanks are on their own tonight!
Later!
Betsy
September 24th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
West Coast, then what do you do if AJ or Phil struggle, which is a very good possibility? You use your long man for one of them – he’s then toast for the rest of the series. If the other SP struggles early, you still have to try and win the game; what are you going to do, burn out the bullpen?
*****************
Betsy – You have a limited number of arms available in the pen and I would rather have a lefty available when Mauer is up with the bases loaded in the 6th. If AJ and Hughes struggle we are probably not going to go very far in the post-season – and I don’t think the caliber of long men we currently have will shut a team down.
You will have one long man and he won’t be available for a couple of games after he pitches. That’s not a problem.
That having been said, anyone who has watched YES broadcasts the last three weeks knows that the Yankees have pretty much said the are only going with one lefty. I just don’t agree. Perhaps Vazquez’s performance last night will change that mindset.
Did Suzyn Waldman stop doing Benihana restaurant ads after Hideki’s at-bats because he is no longer on the team?
WCYF-
But who is Royce Ring? No one knows. Right now he is a 29 year old pitcher with a grand total of 67.1 innings in the majors, only 1.2 innings since 2008, who had a good year in the minors. He’s an empty vessel into which fans are pouring their hopes and dreams.
I wasn’t overly impressed with Ring in the brief appearance that I saw him….not sure he can throw strikes consistently.
I realize this is off topic, but is anyone hearing the rumors that the Nets are close to acquiring Carmelo Anthony? Guess I’ll believe it when I see it.
01:52 PM ET 09.24 | The New Jersey Nets are working diligently to acquire Carmelo Anthony and are constructing a multi-team trade to land the All-Star forward, according to Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski. A deal isn’t expected to be in place within the next 24 hours, but the Nuggets and Nets are in talks over No. 3 overall draft pick Derrick Favors and future first-round picks going to Denver. The teams are bringing a third, and possibly a fourth, team into the mix in what has been described as a “very complicated” deal. The Nets want to get a deal done before Anthony heads to training camp in Denver next week because league officials think the Nuggets will start working to convince him to stay.
Yahoo! Sports
JM ha the Knicks lose again
Think about it though. Yankees up 5-3, bases loaded, one out, sixth inning, Joe Mauer coming up. Does anyone really want to bring in Royce Ring? Aren’t your chances better using Logan now, and using Wood against Mauer in the eighth if the game is still close?
Well, the Yankees have indicated that they will probably go with one lefty specialist. I just think that’s a mistake against Minnesota a very good, predominantly left-handed hitting ball club. I am not seeing Ring as a savior. It’s unfortunate that Cashman didn’t address this earlier, everyone knew Marte was not coming back.
I have to admit I am not much of a basketball fan, but since he went to SU, I am a Melo fan
# tampayank September 24th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
JM ha the Knicks lose again
___________________
If that happens that would definitely be true.
Melo is fun to watch but is one dimensional, not much defense from him
I hate to say it but unless this team gets on a hot streak, we’re not winning anything this year. These guys are nothing like the 09 team. There is no fight in them.. last year when we were down it felt like we were still going to win.. This year it feels like we already lost.
Supposedly there is still a chance Marte could come back. I wouldn’t hold your breath though.
Can the Knicks do anything right in terms of good player acquisitions?
Ring was throwing mid-80s? Not sure I’d want the tough lefties facing him.
Sounds like you enjoyed saying it.
yeah, I thought I heard Marte might be back as well…altho I wouldn’t expect much if he hasn’t been pitching
Upstate Kate & Comet-
I passed your wishes on to Erin.
Kate, I told her what you said about Tinkerbelle. She said she burst out lughing and got very strange looks at work
Thanks Erica
Looks like there’s a 4-team deal in the works. It would not sadden me one bit to see Melo in the east.
It must’ve gotten to the point where Denver didn’t want to give him a max contract. It must be sign & trade. But the team he leaves was very good with him.
So what dies this mean for Chris Paul? Neither of the Nets or Knicks would be attractive with the right supplementary moves.
“These guys are nothing like the 09 team. There is no fight in them.. last year when we were down it felt like we were still going to win.. This year it feels like we already lost.”
A lot of people seem to think that, probably because of the number of walk-off wins in ’09. However, this year’s team has 46 comeback wins and last year’s team ended with 51–both lead the majors.
Thats does and either.
thanks for pointing that out tk
I am not sure how people “know” how the team is feeling…I imagine that they all want to go/return to the WS…it seems as if many of the players are banged up a bit, but still trying
“These guys are nothing like the 09 team. There is no fight in them.. last year when we were down it felt like we were still going to win.. This year it feels like we already lost.”
That is a pessimistic and loser fan mentality. I’m confident no Yankee player feels that way. These guys are World Champs. They know how to execute and win.
“Melo is fun to watch but is one dimensional, not much defense from him”
Exactly. That’s what would have made him a perfect Knick.
Kate it’s not a matter of the players not trying, nor is it necessary to know what they are feeling. It’s a valid point that moring42 makes. Anyone who has played a team sport understands the importance of chemistry and the many intangibles that make a winner. I don’t get a feeling that this team has the magic they had last year. Not too beat a dead horse, but you just can’t replace players like Damon and Matsui that easily. And even Melky, limited talent or not.
Joe Girardi doesn’t seem to exhibit the same fire and enthusiasm in the dugout as he did in 2009.
Good pitching wins baseball games. Good chemistry wins high school science fairs.
Damon and Matsui’s chemistry didn’t get either of their teams to a 163rd game this year.
I am not buying that…I have watched plenty of HS and college games, where the players change all the time, but the tradition of winning continues…and I miss those guys too
oh Pat, classic line, I will have to remember that
Pat – That proves my point. It’s not stats it’s the intangibles. Damon and Matsui were ingredients in the recipe. You don’t taste a single spice you taste the complete dish. On this team they added something that we don’t have this year. Call it experience, personality, the ability to slow the game down, whatever.
Game four and game six. I’ll leave it at that.
“However, this year’s team has 46 comeback wins and last year’s team ended with 51–both lead the majors”
Late innings hasn’t necessarily been there thing this year though. Last year, they really thrived in the late innings (.295, .379/.511/.890, 87 homers, 324 runs in innings 7-9 in 2009 – .256, .348/.396/.744, 45 homers, 231 runs in 2010) and high leverage spots (.290, .870 OPS in 2009 – .254, .776 OPS in 2010.
Late and Close? 2009 = .316 with a .945 OPS 2010 = .241 with a .727 OPS
Still winning plenty of games. Not so much with the flare for the dramatic this year though.
*their thing
I don’t think the issue is really chemistry or anything like that. Judging from the outside, the Yankees seem to have really solid leadership and a much better culture than in years past. The difference between this year’s team and last year’s team is better competition, an aging offense, and poor performance & health from AJ/Javy. This is a really good team. They very well may not win the WS again, but I wouldn’t attribute that to intagibles, it would more likely be a result of Tex playing like it’s April and AJ pitching like it’s 2010.
Andy needs to plug the 1st Boston Batter with a fastball in the thigh…..get things started on the right foot, protect our batters from Joshy’s wildness….because if we don’t strike first, I’ll bet a million dollars, THEY WILL !
Damon and Matsui were around, together, for 4 years. They won ONE World Series. The missed a post-season, too.
Last year has nothing to do with this year at all.
I don’t understand why people assume if they were here it would be any different.
How do you know it wasn’t MELKY who added the spice?? Or Coke???
Not to take away from “Game 2″ and “Game 6″ – but you didn’t know that was going to happen. Damon wasn’t hot during the off-season. Matsui was lucky to face Pedro at HOME, because he wasn’t going to be playing in Phily.
All this to say, a lot of things have to happen; a lot of htings have to break your way.
And you have no idea if there is someone on this team that could have their “Game 2″ or “Game 6″ THIS year.
Doreen. Have you played a team sport? Last year is when the elements all came together. The team had a magical element to it I don’t see this year. That’s my opinion. It’s not the only reason we are struggling but I believe it’s a big part of it. Stats are relative.