Wrapping up another division series workout
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes on Oct 08, 2010 
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Not a lot of news came out of this afternoon’s workout at Yankee Stadium, just a recurring theme of taking nothing for granted with a two-games-to-none lead in a best-of-five series.
“Our situation, the way we look at it is, tomorrow’s a must-win,” Derek Jere* said. “If you have that approach every game that you play, then nothing changes.”
* Who? Pretty sure that should say Derek Jeter. Worth keeping in because it’s one of my most absurd typos ever.
It’s not hard to make a connection between this and the 2001 division series. The Yankees have seen first-hand that a team can go on the road and still come back from a two-game deficit. The Yankees did it nine year ago.
The 2001 Oakland Athletics were a lot like these Yankees. They had two of the most productive corner infielders in the game. They had a 21-game winner and an 18-game winner in the rotation. This was back when Jason Isringhausen was a pretty reliable closer. That A’s team had the second-best record in the league, but settled for the wild card because it had the misfortune of playing in the same division as the 116-win Mariners.
The biggest difference between that Oakland team and this Yankees team might be experience. The A’s were very good, but also very young. Oakland had been to the playoffs once in the previous eight years. Their best players were in their late 20s.
“We have a lot of experience in here,” Joe Girardi said. “Guys that have accomplished a lot in their careers, and they’ve been through winning series (and) losing series. They understand that when you play in New York, the expectations here, and I think they’ve been through it so many times that they understand what it’s about. There’s nothing that necessarily surprises them when you go on the road. Tickets. Rooms. They understand it. And they understand the magnitude of the games.”
• Girardi said the rotation has not changed. If the Yankees lose tomorrow, CC Sabathia will start Game 4.
• Speaking of the rotation, Phil Hughes gets the ball tomorrow. “Last year (in the playoffs) I kind of viewed it as me struggling in the wrong time,” Hughes said. “I really didn’t think that the playoff sort of atmosphere or anything like that factored in. I just wasn’t making good pitches. I feel like I’m in a good spot now coming into the playoffs. I had a couple of good starts leading into this. I don’t think about that at all.”
• Hughes has better numbers at home than on the road this season, but Girardi said he lined up his rotation so that his two lefty starters would face the Twins twice apiece. Home-road splits took a back seat. “I don’t pay too much attention to that at all,” pitching coach Dave Eiland said. “If you make pitches you’re going to get hitters out. You’re going to get them out here or any ballpark. I think sometimes that gets to be more of a mental thing. Let’s face it, a lot of routine fly balls leave this ballpark.”
• Hughes has thrown one inning since September 26. “He’s thrown a couple of extra side sessions,” Eiland said. “That’s all you really can do.”
• Andy Pettitte feels good the day after his Game 2 win. “Normal soreness in all the right places the day after a start,” Eiland said. “All systems go with him.”
• Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he’s considering a lineup change for tomorrow. “I’ve been running a lot of thoughts through, whether we go with speed. Maybe Alexi Cassila in the lineup against a right-hander. Who knows? I’m going to look at it tomorrow, see some numbers and see if we need to move somebody around or not.”
• Girardi did not comment on his lineup. Twins starter Brian Duensing is a lefty, which at least leaves open the option of starting Austin Kearns, though Girardi chose not to use Kearns against lefty Francisco Liriano in Game 1.
• Playing in the AL Central with the Tigers, Marcus Thames and Curtis Granderson have the most regular-season at-bats against Duensing. It’s not much of a scouting report, but here’s what Thames said about him: “Fastball, changeup, slider. Typical guy. Pretty good stuff.”
• The West Point Glee Club will sing the national anthem tomorrow.
• Girardi on whether he felt the need to talk to Hughes to make sure he’s not too anxious or nervous about tomorrow’s start: “It’s not something I’ve had to do the whole year,” Girardi said. “And I think about the experience that he gained last year pitching in important games. You can look at the game where we moved him up to pitch against Boston. He seemed relaxed and he seemed to be himself. I have not been given any indications I’m going to have to talk to him. I’ll look at him tomorrow.”
Associated Press photos of Girardi and Hughes
I just finished watching a video of Phil’s presser and he seems very relaxed. I’m glad he made the point of emphasizing his change- he’s got confidence in it now, which has made all the difference in the world.
Orel Herschiser is a smart guy and I thought this was an interesting comment as to why Phil struggled this year:
“Phil Hughes grew as a pitcher when he went from a laid-back guy who really didn’t have aggressiveness in the strike zone, who really didn’t see an urgency to going after the hitters,” said Hershiser, now an ESPN analyst. “They moved him to the bullpen and developed that adrenaline that, ‘I’m only going to be out here one inning and I’m going to let it all hang out.’ I think he found he had a gear that he didn’t know existed almost.”
While Hughes shot out of the gates this season to return home as an All-Star, Hershiser thought Hughes’ midseason struggles could have been related to the Yankees’ innings’ restrictions, which may have stripped Hughes of some of his newfound aggressiveness.
“I think this playoff structure and the adrenaline will remind him of his reliever days and remind him of the importance of every pitch and not worrying about saving stuff, but actually coming in and getting every out he could and not worrying about endurance,” Hershiser said.”The playoffs could be a good balance for him.”
http://sports.espn.go.com/new-.....id=5662748
I tend to agree with Eiland and that’s why I’m not worried about Phil pitching at home. He has to make good pitches and if he does, he’ll be fine.
This series is not over as it can turn on a dime. Until we win that 3rd game, the Twins are still breathing. I hope we can stomp on them tomorrow.
Remember when everyone wanted to FIRE Girardi – those were the days.
I remember when HFA was the most important thing in the universe (to some commenters).
Meanwhile, the title of this thread is too similar to the title of the previous thread. It’s quite vexing.
Robin,
Too soon to speak, we haven’t lost yet.
*Haven’t lost a game yet.
I will admit that I was too hard on Girardi. I just didn’t like some of the moves he made during the end of the season. But I will be a man and admit that I was wrong.
“Remember when everyone wanted to FIRE Girardi – those were the days.”
I don’t know. Last week kinda sucked, didn’t it?
No matter what happens, I expect Phil to be fine. He may win, he may not, but I don’t think it will come down to “nerves” or whatever. He’s ready for this.
****
Nice to see Cincy ahead here.
Next Post: Wrapping up the wrap ups?
Nick, now vexing is an underused word…………as is flummoxed. I, too, was vexed and flummoxed by the thread title.
Derek Jere?
All the wrinkles around the eyes.
How old is Phil Hughes ?
42 ?
I refuse to use the word flummoxed, as Michael Kay thinks he sounds smart by always using it.
I knew once the postseason rolled around, Girardi’s managing would be simplified.
I was never vexed by Girardi’s managerial decisions.
He’s smiling, Ruby. Not too many of those in your sad little world, huh?
Ruby Tuesday
Grow up !
I love the word “flummoxed.” It sounds like what it means.
Go Reds!!!!
I really think the Yanks were fortunate to draw Minnesota in round 1. None of their starters are aces. Texas will be anything but a cakewalk, but the Yanks have a better chance in a Best of 7 against Texas than in a Best of 5. if it comes to pass, that will be one tight series.
If that is the best you can come up with then you should just leave.
I thought that Ruby made a pretty clever post.
For a 10 year old.
I wasn’t calling for Girardi to be fired. I’m still not. But count me in as one who thinks he made some fairly stupid decisions over the last month of the season. Winning Games 1 and 2 doesn’t change that. It just makes it less bothersome for now.
Darn it. Reds have a huge opportunity here with the first 2 batters reaching and the heart of the order up. Gotta get something out of this. Id love to know what Oswalt’s pitch count is. Too bad TBS doesnt have the intelligence to put that up!
Ruby — How’s that Minnesota sweep working out for you, you pathetic pile of smoldering horse droppings? Besides being an idiot, you’re a frightened idiot, who has no true conviction behind what he says. I’ve chewed pieces of gum with a higher IQ than you.
Cliff Lee is the one who scares me. But the Yankees have a better shot in a 7 game series against Texas.
Meanwhile, I’m wondering the real reason Ruby has the #42 on his mind.
Doreen, and of course there’s “whilst”…………..
Oswalt is at 59 pitches.
I am hoping the Reds can really get to. That inning was not encouraging.
Hello all,
What is the weather supposed to be like tomorrow night?
Cliff Lee is good, but, CC this year has an ERA of 1.50, a WHIP of .50 and a BBA of .150 against Texas.
I like our chances, Lee or no Lee.
Honorificabilitudinitatibus
Weather tomorrow will be 64 and clear at game time.
m,
The Yankees manage to win and leave a ton of runners on base.
Big Al,
Sounds good. How are you today?
Baa … Not BBA dah
Later folks OK SAS Just going to dinner, catch you later.
SAS,
True. But prior to tonight’s scoring, the Reds had a terrible shutout streak in Philly.
Anyway, I just don’t like Roy O. He’s a little uppity for a country boy.
m,
Oswalt comment is funny. I didn’t realize they had such a bad streak against the Phillies in Philadelphia.
Booooooom! Bruce makes it 3-0!!!
Nice HR by Bruce.
Bruce almighty
That was a bomb. Oswalt doesn’t look so sharp.
Interesting rant today from Mike Fatcesa about how great Pettitte has been but when pressed from fans does not think he should be in the HOF! My take is if Whitey Ford is in and they both have very similar stats, why not Pettitte? Pettitte has by far the most wins in Post Season history 19. Has a liftetime ERA of 3.88 and 240 career wins. Whitey of course pitched in a time without the DH, much larger ballparks, Yankee stadium was like the Grand Canyon when he pitched. He only had 236 career wins. I feel that Pettitte should be in. Thoughts?
# GreenBeret7 October 8th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
GF, Nova and DJ Mitchell are possibly the two most logical trade commodities for minor league pitchers. Both have talent, and Mitchell would hurt, but, NYY really doesn’t need outfield help this next year. I’m for waiting to see if Gardner makes that next big step up and if Granderson carries his last 45 games over to next year. Even with bringing Pettitte back and bringing Lee in, I don’t want to see another year of scrambling to patch the emergency #5 spot with Mitre/Mosely/Nova again.
————
Can’t disagree with any of that. I understand your point about Gardner (and Granderson for that matter) but I’ve always been a fan of his game and he’s certainly improved quite a bit since last year.
I’m with you. I don’t want to see this team scrambling for #5 starters with the Moseleys, Gaudins, and Ponsons of the world next September.
SAS,
Here’s a link:
http://www.phillybuster.com/20.....lies.html/
I think both Mussina and Pettitte should be in the HOF. Time will tell. As I have said many times here, I want Andy to pitch another year.
m.
Thanks. We can put an end to that now.
I just thought about the Philly Phitin…lol
I always loved Mike when he was here, but ever since I found out how arrogant he was, I began disliking him. Then, with my superstitions, you think about how we never won with him – years 2001-2008, the length of his contract – it makes me wonder about the curse of the Moose!
Also, I never liked that he wouldnt defend teammates and hit batters intentionally because of being injured doing so earlier in his career iirc.
GO CINCY!!! I see that my prediction on the Phils series appears that is should last at least one more day.
Brother and sister-in-law in from Houston so my day was spent in Newport. I just walked in and was thrilled to turn television on and be back to baseball!
Hope everyone is doing well and is excited for tomorrow night, especially Ruby Red Dress!!!
Mussina is a jinx! So was Giambi! That is why Pete Abe liked them.
BTX – lol, Pete Abe wasnt too smart at hiding his bias. The pig actually wanted Alex off the team, and “thought” Cody Ransom could take his place. I really dont think he believed that. He was more likely trying to sway fan opinion against Alex, so the fans might run him out of town, and then we’d never have won the 2009 WS.
Huge double play from Rollins! Big!
see, Phillies is not that scary.
Bronson shutting down the annointed 2010 world series champions..
I must say, Eckersely is a great listen on the TBS postgame. So is Wells.
Also, Ernie Johnson is the worst pbp man available. Stockston is almost as bad.
“Eckersely is a great listen on the TBS postgame”
LOL, really?! He sucks.
These Reds can hit….
“LOL, really?! He sucks.”
Absolutely with you. If he could find a way to stick pins in images of the Yankees so they wouldn’t win, he’d do it. So he does second best – puts them down every chance he gets.
What’s the matter Eck, jealous that you can’t be on the duck boats with the rest of your quack team?
Go Reds!
“These Reds can hit….”
First in the NL in hits, runs scored, homers, and average.
trisha – true pinstriped blue October 8th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Yes! I love it! Eck is a Red Sox homer extraordinaire. I hate his obsession with the 2 words: bomb and cheese. I despise that guy.
yeah, trisha. He cried about that Berkman pitch all night long last night.
oh my, Wells should have just punched him on the face.
Mussina wasn’t a jinx anymore than Mattingly was a jinx. I forget just exactly how many wins he has, and I don’t feel like looking it up, but he was a terrific pitcher both in Baltimore and NY.
Melky hitting 5th for Braves tonight….Bobby just doesn’t have a while lot to work with offensively.
SAS – Moose won 270 games. I dont doubt he was an extraordinary pitcher. But Mattingly played on a bunch of bad Yankees teams. We had 2 of the worst losses in franchise history with Moose (2001 and 2004) and a terribly unlucky loss in 2003 (one in which we outpitched and outhit the Marlins but still lost). Also given that we won in the years 2000 and 2009 – the years prior to Mike’s arrival and following his retirement – you can see where my superstition would blame the Moosie!
Oh my God, I hope Ruby Red Dress is lurking. RUBY – CHECK OUT WHO’S BEATING THE PHILS TONIGHT? ANOTHER SUX CAST-OFF!!!!
What a backward back-water team you root for Ruby Red Dress/Red Sux.
*I dont dispute he was an…
trisha,
I thought about you last night, while watching 30 Rock.
Queen Latifah was playing a senator from Rhode Island. She was demanding more ethnic diversity from NBC. She was pointing out all the diversity of RI and she finished with “the thriving Italian community” of Providence. I thought of you and giggled.
You are wrong on this on CR9. There were 24 other players on those teams. Don’t blame Mussina for everything that went wrong.
By the way, these announcers are rooting for the Phillies. Does that bother you too? It bothers me.
Regarding Girardi, it seems like he may finally be coming around to embracing a common sense approach to managing. Game two is a perfect example. Pettitte for 7, Wood in the 8th, Mo in the 9th. One defensive substitution Golson for Swisher. No mixing and matching, no leaving pitchers in too long or taking them out too late, no over managing, no crazy subs and pinch hitters based on match ups and the book. Example of not over managing? Leaving Posada in to run. Good job Joey G. Keep it up.
“I hate his obsession with the 2 words: bomb and cheese. I despise that guy.”
The one I’ve heard him use, and it makes me cringe, is cheese. What a stupid ass.
“He cried about that Berkman pitch all night long last night.”
What a freak. I’m telling you they seethe with envy over the Yanks. Well think about what that thumb-head booming-voiced screamer said after the last out of the game Sunday night. “The (Red Sox) win and keeo the Yankees from winning the division.”
We’re in their heads badly – as it should be!
Anyone else really dislike this new Google crap that searches as you type! :screams: And then when you use the down arrow, it doesnt scroll down the screen. Rather, it moves an arrow from one link to the next!
Mussina was a HOF curmudgeon.
Should the fact that Mussina was a quiet intellect be held against him?
omg, Reds defense…..
Good words
Huzzah
And then Jetsam, Flotsam and Ligan.
Jetsam is jettisoned to lighten the shipload, flotsam drifted off, ligan tied to bouy for future reclamation.
At various points of this season I’ve wanted to do all of the above to the highly talented Teixeira.
Now that he’s listening to Long – Huzzah.
Wuh-woh.
It helps when your players execute the way you hope they will.
SAS – I didnt say I was right or wrong. It’s just my superstition.
Re: the broadcasters, I have the game on mute. But it would bother me if I heard it.
Francesca is undoubtedly on cloud 9 as he adores Arroyo
If I’m Arroyo, I’m none too pleased with this ump.
Gekko strikes again?
People really believe in jinxes ?
“She was pointing out all the diversity of RI and she finished with “the thriving Italian community” of Providence. I thought of you and giggled.”
Luckily I don’t live in Providence proper. Providence is not a well-kept secret and as such is probably recognized as the black eye of the nation!!! And what I’m going to say next is pretty much a truism wherever I go. If you live anywhere around Providence and are of Italian descent, the automatic assumption is that you are related to someone in the mafia!!!
I know I am not believed when I say I have never met anyone in the mafia, have never rubbed shoulders, wouldn’t know one if I fell over him, have no relatives in the mafia or with any connection to the mafia, and have no relatives who know people in the mafia.
When that protest is met with looks of skepticism, I resort to the heavy hitter. “My family comes from Northern Italy. The furthest south I have relatives is Rome!” To show you how much I know about the mafia, I think that the link is Sicily. But even if I have that wrong, the same ones who are dumb enough to assume that Italian means mafia become more reverential about my heritage when I disclaim Sicily. So they buy it. (No offense intended to anyone with ties to Sicily.)
geez, basically Arroyo has to get 5 outs this inning
Arroyo pitched 2 innings in one, somehow.
SAS – I have a question for you. Do you or do you not want to join the other forum? I still don’t have your membership application. It’s okay if you don’t. But whenever you say you couldn’t get in, I have to remind you it’s because you haven’t applied!
I was watching an NHL game earlier. Game is in Sweden, opening game of the regular season between San Jose versus Columbus. Andy Brickley – a Boston Bruins commentator – was doing the game. And he spent nearly 10 minutes discussing the Bruins. Couldnt put aside his bias for a game not involving his team.
__
There is a goalie in the Caps/Thrashers game that collapsed with nobody near him and has looked lifeless for the last 5 minutes.
“Should the fact that Mussina was a quiet intellect be held against him?”
No. Girardi is a quiet intellect and I like him.
“People really believe in jinxes ?”
Yes, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Just as you have the right to view things in a negative fashion, and there’s nothing wrong with that either.
Isn’t everyone here a quiet intellect? Tee-hee.
No. Girardi is a quiet intellect and I like him.
————————————————–
Ditto
Graduates of the Shoelace Academy take note. The quiet intellectual. He normally reviews scenarios that you don’t have the capability or knowledge to comprehend.
Whoa! Who shrunk more? Charlie Manuel or Drew Carey?
I like Jeter’s approach to tomorrow’s game. Treat it as a must game. Also, it could be treated as the deciding game of the ALDS.
I never said that Mussina was a quite intellect or that being one should be held against him. I dont know where that came from???
*quiet
both Mussina and Pettitte should be in the HOF, BUT I’m not sure if Andy will get in because the media hates the Yankees so much. Mussina will get in, even though he played for the yanks in large part because he had such friendly relations with the media and because he didn’t play on any world series teams, which really burns up the press.
Bottom line, the media has a high school mentality and they play favorites and hold grudges. In the context of baseball, most members of the media hate the Yankees because of the payroll, and love Boston because they have successfully portrayed themselves as David battling Goliath.
Been watching Dallas Braden on MLB Network off and on.
He’s got a Ron Burgundy voice.
Gross. I’ve never seen a manager wipe his snot rockets go signal from the bench.
Werth’s facial pellet will fit right in in Boston.
Big spot for Arroyo here.
Bronson Arroyo has a decent singing career going for those interested…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjhrMWhB6Uo
High strike for the short Rollins.
Notice no pitch-trac graphic today?
That was funny. Rollins definitely didn’t hear the call.
GO ARTHUR RHODES!!!!!!
I would love to see this guy succeed. He really has been pilloried, much more than I think has been warranted. Now he is finally in a position to make a difference. I am asking the baseball gods to let him do a good job. Everyone deserves to be validated (unless they play for the Suxers)
M your right about Werth, lol.
Fits right in with youkilis ugly mug.
Lol, it’s pelt, not pellet. I’m groggy. Played tennis this a.m. And it’s about 90 degrees here.
Smart move to pull for Rhodes…we definitely want to see him in the series against the Yankees in a big spot.
# m October 8th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
High strike for the short Rollins.
Notice no pitch-trac graphic today?
——————————————————-
I bet MLB told them not to do pitch trac to avoid anymore controversy about close strikes.
Bronson Arroyo has a decent singing career going for those interested…
——————————————————————————————-
Sounds like Scott Strapp….Looks like Kid Rock.
Absolutely revolting.
I’m very sorry I opened that link.
Ruiz is one tough hombre. Right on the kneecap.
I didn’t say he was good…just putting out a lot of music covers.
The Yankees have been interested in Arroyo a few times over the last couple of years, so you know he is a decent pitcher (I trust the Yankee scouts). Makes you wonder if he should have pitched game 1 instead.
Meaning that he should be matched against Halladay in 2 games
Jeesus. What is going on?
I think I see Mike Sweeney in the Phillies’ dugout. What’s he doing there!
Jesus. Right in the helmet. One more out, guys.
Does not look good for Reds….
And if there are times when you want to absolutely murder the umpire for bad calls and forcing extra outs, it’s a time like this. If Arroyo isn’t called on for extra outs, maybe he’s still in the game etc. etc. etc.
Would be nice to face them in series and give them payback for 76
“Does not look good for Reds….”
I never make that assumption until forced to.
This bum didnt throw a single strike in the plate appearance.
Cincinnati making all kinds of mistakes this game.
If they can get out of this with just one run, that will be a very good thing.
Trisha–
Probably wise approach to life in general
And Im really sorry I turned this game off mute. This dirtpile that keeps whistling is killing me.
Lol. They’re only allowed to show pitch-trax when it confirms the ump’s call? What a joke. What happened to freedom of speech. Boo!
“Trisha–
Probably wise approach to life in general”
Bojo, absolutely.
total BS ! the umps are on the take from the Phillies ! Reds are getting squeeze the entire game!
And there you have it. Don’t worry, be happy.
Who is this announcer that’s obviously pulling for the Phillies?
That’s a big out. Offense needs some more runs.
m October 8th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
+100000
Trisha–
Did you use to post on the NYT Yankee discussion board about 9 years ago? If so, we know each other.
Why don’t you start using scientific notation for my posts?
Let’s all say a fast prayer for this kid.
http://www.google.com/hostedne.....=D9INREBO0
“Trisha–
Did you use to post on the NYT Yankee discussion board about 9 years ago? If so, we know each other.”
I hope we get to see Chapman…
Trisha,
Sorry it took so long to get back to you. We just received an email that one of our dearest friends, who has been extremely ill, is dying. There is another life beside LoHud for all of us.
Yes, I would like to register.
Ahh–tell Chad to give you my address and e-mail me. You and I were good friends. I’ll tell you about it offline. You’ll recognize the e-mail address if you keep your e-mails from that long ago.
Just outta curiosity, why is the room seemingly rooting for the Reds?
Is it why I think it is?
“Ahh–tell Chad to give you my address and e-mail me. You and I were good friends. I’ll tell you about it offline. You’ll recognize the e-mail address if you keep your e-mails from that long ago.”
Huh. Absolutely will do!
“Sorry it took so long to get back to you. We just received an email that one of our dearest friends, who has been extremely ill, is dying. There is another life beside LoHud for all of us”
SAS, I am so sorry. That’s terrible news.
I’m rooting for the Reds so the Yankees can get revenge for 76.
SAS
Sorry to hear about your friend. I will say a prayer for your friend.
stuckey, other than the fact that I like to root for the underdog, it is certainly better for the health of the Yankees!!!
YES!!!
They say he is fantastic!
Trisha,
I have known for a long time that this would happen, but he is one of the good guys who has had truly rotten luck healthwise. My stomach is churning.
SAS,
So sorry to hear about your friend. I had a similar situation in the summer. It’s very tough.
stuckey,
SAS has roots. The rest of us would rather NOT face Halladay. Oswalt wasn’t as dominant as I thought he would be.
But the Reds have been a nice story after years of futility. Just because we’re Yankees fans, doesn’t mean we don’t like underdogs.
“Is it why I think it is?”
Yes. We all like skyline chili..
Trisha, surprised that’s coming from you.
Figured you be for one for winning it all by going through the best.
Rob Dibble is an American icon and a hero. One of the best manly man and role model around When his erudite argument can’t sway you , he will strike you the eff out!
I just assume everyone likes the Reds for that reason.
“I have known for a long time that this would happen, but he is one of the good guys who has had truly rotten luck healthwise. My stomach is churning.”
SAS, I will pray for your friend and for you. At times like this I think the only thing that helps us through is the grace of God. It makes me very sad just reading about it.
SAS – Sorry to hear about your friend.
Great.
Still not seeing it.
Not an optimal start for Chapman.
not sure that hit him
Did you hear that?
Derek Jeter model?
Chapman just buzzed the tower but Utley pulled a jeter and got the HBP.
I want Lee.
I want Halladay.
Claim the title of the best by beating the best.
How could anyone want it any other way..?
Also, the Yankees already beat the Phillies…been there, done that.
“Trisha, surprised that’s coming from you.
Figured you be for one for winning it all by going through the best.”
If the AL had HFA I probably wouldn’t have a rooting interest. I feel the need to be pragmatic here!
***********
How about this? “99 Joe. Took a little off…”
3 fastballs down the middle and Howard has no chance.
Phillies replaced Lee with Halladay…Martinez with Oswalt….same old, same old
Why didn’t the Yankees sign Chapman?
Made Howard look silly there.
“Also, the Yankees already beat the Phillies…been there, done that.”
Yeah. That’s the ticket!
And well if Cincy beat the Phils we WILL be playing the best since the reality is that the hottest hand is the one that comes out on top in the postseason. Forget where everyone has been.
I can’t say I’ve seen many pitchers eat and chew while pitching.
Oh boy, the Phillies definitely is going to win this game .
Congratulations to the Phillies on leading the series two-to-nothing .
Rolen should throw to the 1st?
Why didn’t the Yankees sign Chapman?
———————
He is too gay , Yanks usually prefer the quiet intellectual type like Francisco Cervelli.
Looked safe from the 3B view.
Well look what the cat dragged in. Ruby Red Dress.
KPB,
thanks…………….telephone
The Bad News Reds
Awful. Just Awful.
Nice catch.
The Reds………………..never mind.
Oh my—can’t anyone on that team catch the ball?
oh my, Reds are just horrible, just horrible.
That’s why I don’t have respect on NL.
they all suck
Wow. Worse than a little-league defense.
“Looked safe from the 3B view.”
And if he was mel, that’s the kind of thing that kills the soul of a team.
Baa! Jay Bruce!
The Reds have played the ugliest baseball for the last couple of innings.
Well, I am rooting for the Reds in this series (mostly because several people at work are Phillies fans and rather obnoxious about it) but it seems pretty obvious the Phillies are the better team. Oh well.
Looked like Utley ran out of the basepath.
Chapman looks a little like Alfonso Soriano.
out ran the basepath and he missed the bag.
Not to mention he was out at 2nd.
Reds are embarrassing.
Six errors in this game. Ugly baseball.
Is that all he throws fastballs?
He needs to come up with some kind of offspeed pitch. Could be devastating.
This game is a con job. A fraud. I think we all know what the game of baseball and the umpires want moving forward.
m October 8th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
9999 x 10^32
Happy?
Reds gave this game away. Phillies have nothing to do with getting the lead. All Cincy mistakes.
He touched the first base corner of the bag.
You hear it all the time – you can’t give a team like the Phillies extra outs – it will bite you.
Also – you can throw 99 mph, but that’s no guarantee you’ll get outs.
Nice to see Mike Sweeney get a shot at the play-offs. A good guy.
(from my droid) whos watching this phillies game? reds scored 4 runs on 4 errors!! ugh
This fielding performance is proudly sponsored by Butterfinger.
Chapman looks overrated, by a mile.
Chapman is a work in progress, obviously.
Close. You need a decimal after the first 9. What a disappointing turn this game has taken.
I wonder what Chapman’s stamina would be like as a starter?
“Anyone else really dislike this new Google crap that searches as you type! :screams: And then when you use the down arrow, it doesnt scroll down the screen. Rather, it moves an arrow from one link to the next!”
Thank you! I hate that new feature
On second thought, the Yankees may have made the right decision to not sign.
Well you know what they say…big leaguers can time a bullet if they know its coming.
*gave up
“This game is a con job. A fraud. I think we all know what the game of baseball and the umpires want moving forward.”
Yankees/Phillies WS
SF/PHI, NYY/TEX league champ. series.
Reds still have a chance. Lidge is still the closer, no?
Chapman clearly doesn’t look like someone ready for prime time in the big leagues.
I wish I had $1 for every post on here last year calling for him to be in the Yankees rotation in 2010. It’s the same perspective that cries, ‘Darvish’ for 2011. The Yankees are far better served signing Cliff Lee at whatever price and years he wants and continuing to develop their own talent internally.
oh well, maybe the reds will fight back. i dont think the phils bullpen is any good. is lidge even still the closer.
Betsy,
If you’re still around, will you tell me where I can see the video of Phil’s presser? Thanks!
Need more than just “nasty stuff” this late in the season….
# blake October 8th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Well you know what they say…big leaguers can time a bullet if they know its coming.
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yup. Krazy Karl farnsworth used to regularly hit 100 on the radar gun and players would hit it out.
m,
Yes, but he actually doesn’t suck this year like he did last year… only 3 ERs allowed since August. Converted 17/18 since then
But he’s still Brad Lidge LOL
Chapman threw a ridiculous slider to Utley…then when guys got on base he just quit throwing it and every hitter was sitting dead red. Didn’t help that the Reds can’t catch the ball.
Rolen, hit one out.
CR9
Actually the Phillies bullpen has bee much better. And Lidge has been really good since Aug.
# MG October 8th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Chapman clearly doesn’t look like someone ready for prime time in the big leagues.
I wish I had $1 for every post on here last year calling for him to be in the Yankees rotation in 2010. It’s the same perspective that cries, ‘Darvish’ for 2011. The Yankees are far better served signing Cliff Lee at whatever price and years he wants and continuing to develop their own talent internally.
———
Fair point, although I was not one of those people.
However, Chapman was considerably cheaper than what Darvish will get if he does get posted.
Plus, Chapman throws some pretty ferocious heat with his left hand. Pretty rare.
Not a big fan of Darvish but I was quite mesmerized with the idea of Chapman throwing smoke against some of the tough AL East foes.
Much rather them have taken a chance on Chapman than Darvish if they were going down that road.
I just want my team to win. I dont know anybody that doesnt just want their team to win. In the end, the only thing that matters is victory. It doesnt matter one bit if you didnt beat the best teams in the process. Anyone who claims they want their team to beat the best is just blowing hot air out their …
blake, you’re right about that slider but his fastball seems to be hittable, the Phillies got some really good swings in. I just don’t see a guy there who can start and maintain that velocity for 6 or 7 innings, his delivery isn’t free and easy and he doesn’t seem to pitch within himself. I could be wrong, of course…
So Lidge is good again! LOL! Ramon Hernandez has some nice pop, used to club some homers off of us. Ht one now, Ramon!
I’d love to face this Reds team in the WS
I think Lidge will choke
I wouldn’t have had a problem with Yankees signing Chapman but the thought of him going directly from nothing to the starting rotation was really far fetched. El Duque was a unique guy, he was a real pitcher who knew what he was doing on the mound.
Chapman clearly doesn’t look like someone ready for prime time in the big leagues.
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geez, let’s evaluate the kid who has done nothing but impressed and is in his first MLB season base on 1 innings of dinkers and donkers.
Chapman is much cheaper than Darvish will ever be. Robinson Cano hasn’t impressed anyone in the playoffs in previous seasons , should we get rid of him too?
MG,
His fastball is hittable when guys know its coming as the Phillies did in that last inning. You could see every guy cheating and starting their bat early. I don’t know about him as a starter either….he wouldn’t need to throw 100 MPH for 6 or 7 innings, if he could settle in at 95-98 with better command and get comfortable with that slider then he could still be really really good. I’m sure the questions you have are the same ones the Yankees did though and ultimately why they passed on him.
I think this game is a cautionary tale for the other teams. You cannot make errors in the playoffs.
Thank goodness, the Yankees are pretty good in that dept. No doubt nerves are getting to these Reds, who are playoff novices.
Chapman is 22 ! El Duque is 440 years old by the time he got the states.
Only 1 ER for Philly. Jeez.
The Yankees are very solid defensively and its something rarely mentioned in the analysis of their team.
I never thought Id say these words…..Poor Brandon Arroyo. He deserved a better fate tonight.
The Reds lose tonight and they are getting swept…they had their chance to make a series of this and they literally have booted it away.
But lidge tends to choke sometimes in big games.
They do it every time they show defensive alignment in the first inning of a game, but you never read about it in written analysis.
Tex, Cano, LF, CF all very good defenders.
Jeter and Alex having pretty good years for two old timers.
I don’t want to talk about our catchers.
Reds were tied for the league lead in fielding percentage… and (likely) lost a game solely due to defense.
Reds led the NL in most offensive categories… and lost a game because they got no-hit
Ouch
luscious grande cojones bones papelbon October 8th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Chapman is 22 ! El Duque is 440 years old by the time he got the states.
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I said he wasn’t ready to pitch in the big leagues yet. That’s an opinion I’m sure many of the scouts shared at the time he signed or he would have gotten a lot more money.
If he’s really 22 he has plenty of time, maybe he’ll live up to your expectations sometime.
MLB ripping Maddon over strategy.
he’s no longer a “genius”
Lidge has a career post season of 2.52 , thought it would have been higher. I guess he was lights out in 2008.
Curious use of an ellipsis when you make it a habit of promoting violence in these forms.
Yeah, “ass” is offensive…:-)
You’re almost right about one thing. You don’t know anybody that doesn’t want their team to win. Whom you apparently don’t know is anyone who doesn’t FEAR their team losing.
Yes, I agree with you somewhere along the line fandom had largely become about unease and seeking temporary relief, rather than anticipation and celebration, and something HAS been lost.
But if you think it’s impossible there ARE fans who look forward to a challenge and enjoy what that offers, I think it’s quite obvious that says more about you than the “other” fans I assure you do exist.
That is a big run. Probably will do it. Reds can’t expect to win the way the played.
the Phillies will be a tough team to beat in the World Series with Doc and Oswalt in the rotation, hopefully the Yankees get there and do the job…
Actually the Rays are perfect example of a team that racks up a lot of wins because they leverage their 3rd, 4th, and 5th starters, but then can’t use that advantage in a short series.
You guys are right. These broadcasters cant even remotely hide their bias. They are horrible. It’s not the former Braves guy that I hear. It’s mainly the other weasel.
“I guess he was lights out in 2008.”
7-7 with an 0.96 ERA.
Indeed.
If he’s really 22 he has plenty of time, maybe he’ll live up to your expectations sometime.
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I don’t really know what my expectation for him is. I do know I wanted the Yanks to take that calculated risk given his stuff and age. 2/28/1988 is listed as his birthday.
“But if you think it’s impossible there ARE fans who look forward to a challenge and enjoy what that offers, I think it’s quite obvious that says more about you than the “other” fans I assure you do exist.”
There is not a real Yankees fan in the world that would feel the least bit bad if the Yankees had to beat the PawSox, the PawSox, and the PawSox in the playoffs en route to a World Series.
Keep blowing hot air!
Lidge is also tied with Eck for 2nd in saves in postseason history with 16
Also tied with Papelbon for 2nd on the list for most 4-out saves…. at 3
luscious grande cojones bones papelbon October 8th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
If he’s really 22 he has plenty of time, maybe he’ll live up to your expectations sometime.
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I don’t really know what my expectation for him is. I do know I wanted the Yanks to take that calculated risk given his stuff and age. 2/28/1988 is listed as his birthday.
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the Yankees obviously disagreed, that’s why he signed with the Reds. They wouldn’t have let $30M over 6 years get in the way if they really thought he was worth the money, they have paid bonuses for other international players like Gary Sanchez in the same time period.
did Brad Lidge go to the same school of bad pitch selection as Joba Chamberlain? 3 run lead, no one on and he throws consecutive sliders out of the zone to walk the 1st guy.
# MG October 8th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
the Phillies will be a tough team to beat in the World Series with Doc and Oswalt in the rotation, hopefully the Yankees get there and do the job…
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kinda unfair how the astros are picking up half of OSwalt’s salary, while Philly is a big market team with the 4th largest payroll in all of baseball.
no one would give the Yanks that kind of a discount, and if they did, the media would be going crazy screaming “salary cap”.
The guy walks the leadoff hitter, and the next 2 schnucks go up there hacking away.
“There is not a real Yankees fan…”
And here we have it, the “you’re not a real fan” gambit.
You go right on and build your clubhouse, black out the windows, lock the door and only let those in who know your password.
Just understand the number of people who use sports and fandom merely as an excuse to indulge in their true passion, which is to spew hate and bile, aren’t as many as you imagine.
I just hope there is some self-awareness in your about that.
SAS-
Just came back on. Sorry to hear about your friend. That’s really sad news.
“no one would give the Yanks that kind of a discount, and if they did, the media would be going crazy screaming “salary cap”.”
Texas Rangers say hey!
go Braves!
The phillies are a good team but the way they are being described in the media is getting blown out of proportion.
Their pitching is good. However, it’s not unbeatable by any means. Doc is obviously great but while Oswalt is a very good pitcher he’s not a great one. Hamels is very beatable. The whole notion of the “big three” is misleading because it seems to suggest that Oswalt and Hamels can somehow be grouped on the same level as Doc. That’s simply not the case.
The Phillies are a good team but they have significant flaws. I don’t see the argument for them being some prohibitive favorite.
stuckey99 – You think you’re smart. In reality, you’re not. I just hope there is some self-awareness in you about that.
I know your kind. You couldn’t care less about the Yankees. You’re like Michael Kay, a guy who cares only about his own huge ego and nothing else. You pretend to be a Yankees fan when your only real desire is to start controversy and think that you’re smart while doing so.
I look to Giants to come out of the other series. Who pitched a more outstanding game…Halladay with a 1 walk no-hitter, or Lincecum with a 1 walk, 2 hit, 14 K shutout?
Lincecum and Cain are too much fro Braves IMO.
Man the mlb is a joke right now. A joke.
Melky!
Conan will fail miserably on TBS