Yankees soggy wrapup
Posted by: Brian Heyman - Posted in Misc on Apr 06, 2011 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
The Yankees and Twins will have to find a mutual open date to make up this rainout since MLB usually wants the whole 162-game schedule played. This is Minnesota’s first and last scheduled trip in, and today is the series finale. The teams will stay on turn with their pitchers, so it will be A.J. Burnett and Francisco Liriano pitching.
Freddy Garcia, who was going to finally make his debut as the fifth starter Wednesday night, won’t be starting for a while longer. Joe Girardi was talking about a week from this Friday. That would be April 15 here in the opener of the Texas series. That would be 16 days between starts, since Garcia last pitched in the exhibition finale March 29. Garcia said he would be available out of the bullpen today and may pitch a simulated game early next week.
“Disappointed, but that’s the way it goes,” Garcia said. “They make a decision to put me in the bullpen tomorrow. If I don’t pitch, I’ll have to wait. The good thing is I’m feeling good. The time will come. Hopefully it’s good.”
Brian Cashman, the man who said he wasn’t in favor of signing Rafael Soriano and that Pedro Feliciano was “abused” by the Mets, had a serious and lighthearted view on the Soriano mini-firestorm over not meeting with the media in the wake of Tuesday night’s eighth-inning meltdown.
Both Cashman and team president Randy Levine called Soriano’s agent, Scott Boras, to tell him what was going on, and that the Yankees would be speaking to Soriano. Cashman said they wanted to be proactive. Boras told Soriano has to meet with reporters not matter what happens in the games, and Soriano apologized the media.
“Listen, there’s a whole laundry list of people having to be accountable,” Cashman said. “They don’t have to be accountable all the time. It’s also OK not to talk to people if they’re not in the best frame of mind. It just can’t be that way most of the time. … Dealing with the press is important, and it’s an aspect that’s important also on behalf of teammates. A lot of little things can add up to be a big thing down the line that nobody needs, especially him.”
Cashman also said: ”It’s hard not to make a mistake. I make them. I’ve learned some days it’s best not to talk, believe me. So I should pull an exit. I guess Soriano needs to be more available and I need to be less available. Right? Maybe I’ve ‘abused’ my platform, talking to the press too much.”
Soriano must learn The Yankee Way.
Greatest lefty free agent signing this offseason for the Yankees may be Dennys Reyes.
How is it that Reyes is just plunking guys left & right with impunity? The announcers just implied that the first of the two Indians HBP in that inning was retaliation for Pedroia getting hit, but that it started with Orlando Cabrera. Let me guess, when the Indians answer back, their guy will get tossed. Doesn’t it always go that way with Boston?
lol, love that Red Sox bullpen, esp. Reyes and Jenks.
Pinch me I am dreaming. milb-tv is actually televising the Charleston RiverDogs game??? Woot! But looks like no SWB game TV coverage…
Safe at home plate. lol.
Lincecum – 13 K’s in 7 innings
Classic. LOL.
Cheating never pays, Youk. #moreinsorrowthaninanger
4-2 Native Americans
No, Orsillo, when he pointed at Youk he was making the ugly call.
comedy of errors for the suxers
LOL Varitek.
gone goodbye
Cabrera – yard!!!!! 7-2
haha…..go tribe
suxers on there way to yet another loss
Asdruuuuuuuuuuuubal!
Sad that Dice-K’s outing is going to be the positive from this game for our mighty foes from Boston.
SEE YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Niooooce!
Misery made beautiful right before my eyes.
Yankfem, were you prowling these parts today? That’s fascinatin news about the R-Dogs. I’ll have to cue ‘em up. I’ll get to see Gary Sanchez, won’t I?
Just hope the S-x don’t break out vs. us
Boy, what a beautiful night this has turned out to be!!
Sox are going to be an angry and desperate club when they open up Fenway this weekend….
Shame that the Sux have that rookie Varitek behind the plate. Didn’t know he had to tag the runner, probably came from a bad college program.
They’ll break out into a sweat facing ARod & Tex, that’s about it.
This has really become delightful, almost guiltily so.
Reyes looks like he’s sweating beans.
Greatest righty free agent signing this offseason for the Yankees may be Dan Wheeler.
I thought everyone went to bed. Didn’t see the new thread.
0-5 wafting in and about.
I don’t particularly care if the Sux got back to beantown 0-6 and the Yankees face them when they’re 0-6. Do you really think that it’s going to be a big whoop to Sux fans if they take one game from the Yanks? Think of it in reverse. If the Yanks were 0-6 and the Sux came to the Stadium and the Yanks took a game from them, would everyone be high fiving? No, people would be accusing the Yanks of only being able to get up for the Sux.
J. Alfred Prufrock April 6th, 2011 at 9:46 pm
Misery made beautiful right before my eyes.
Yankfem, were you prowling these parts today? That’s fascinatin news about the R-Dogs. I’ll have to cue ‘em up. I’ll get to see Gary Sanchez, won’t I?
______
Yep. And an outfield of at least 3 of DeLeon, Sosa, Heathcott, Flores. (JR is actually getting some OF starts too.)I hope Shane Greene is starting and that Kahnle comes out of the pen.
Spoil sport
YF – “Yep” you were prowling these parts or “Yep” I’ll see the precocious Mr. Sanchez?
Sox losing, Knicks won… not a bad off-day at all.
Bad news for Big Al…….Irving is bolting to The NBA as expected….
Karl Krawfid – Rem Dawg
“Sox are going to be an angry and desperate club when they open up Fenway this weekend…”
And?
It’s 9:52 and the Yanks finally emailed me that the game was postponed. Gee, good thing I haven’t been sitting in the Bronx this whole time, waiting for the game to be played.
# Pat M. April 6th, 2011 at 9:48 pm
Sox are going to be an angry and desperate club when they open up Fenway this weekend….
————————————-
Yankees have to step on them when they get the chance
Huge win for the Knicks tonight…………
“Yankees have to step on them when they get the chance”
I guess I don’t know what this means.
Thanks Puke and Varitek. Double thanks to Cabrera for that bomb. Wheres Ruby / ER ? LOL !
Cash got that right when he referred to talking to the press too much
Choo this
Question: What do Yohudders do when they unexpectedly have unscheduled time on their hands due to a rainout?
Answer: Talk about the Sox.
Looks like Pete Abe’s prediction of guaranteeing a win won’t happen.
“Question: What do Yohudders do when they unexpectedly have unscheduled time on their hands due to a rainout?
Answer: Talk about the Sox”
At least you didn’t say “worry about the Sux” though I think you would hit it right with some of the posters here…
I’m not one.
Yankees have to step on them when they get the chance
///
Evenin’ Odds. We’ll kick their ass. Fenway’s like a home away from home
.
# Betsy April 6th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Huge win for the Knicks tonight…………
———————————————
Knicks are rolling Betsy
Start Jumping Sux fans!
#
# J. Alfred Prufrock April 6th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
Yankees have to step on them when they get the chance
///
Evenin’ Odds. We’ll kick their ass. Fenway’s like a home away from home
.
—————————————
Evenin Jap. Yes the Yankees will make Fenway their playpen
J. Alfred Prufrock April 6th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
YF – “Yep” you were prowling these parts or “Yep” I’ll see the precocious Mr. Sanchez?
_______
Yep on both counts.
Spray Chart.
The Showalter’s can’t go 162-0 anymore.
I kind of feel bad for Crawford because he said the Sux were the only team who courted him. He didn’t really have any choices of where to end up. I would think he isn’t thanking his lucky stars quite yet.
yankeefeminista April 6th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
It’s 9:52 and the Yanks finally emailed me that the game was postponed. Gee, good thing I haven’t been sitting in the Bronx this whole time, waiting for the game to be played.
///
That would be the Yankees, alright. Skimming posts, I saw the Randy Levine wannabes insisting all the tickets are already sold. Yea, a look at my inbox tells another story. It’s not enough I have season tickets in Main, they got to try & sell me more “tickets between the bases!” I have tickets between the bases, boys, thanks.
Odds, I read that Billups got hurt again, though – this poor guy can’t stay healthy.
Well I just read that D’Antoni said Billups will be fine, so that’s good. They blew a big lead, but deserve credit for coming back and holding on.
J. Alfred Prufrock April 6th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
yankeefeminista April 6th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
It’s 9:52 and the Yanks finally emailed me that the game was postponed. Gee, good thing I haven’t been sitting in the Bronx this whole time, waiting for the game to be played.
///
That would be the Yankees, alright. Skimming posts, I saw the Randy Levine wannabes insisting all the tickets are already sold. Yea, a look at my inbox tells another story. It’s not enough I have season tickets in Main, they got to try & sell me more “tickets between the bases!” I have tickets between the bases, boys,
__________________
Not to mention e-savers so that you can at the same time as you sit in main, sit in both Mohegan Sun or Audi Club and all the other seats they haven’t sold.
And lets hope we are not their get well tonic starting on Friday.
yankeefeminista April 6th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
J. Alfred Prufrock April 6th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
YF – “Yep” you were prowling these parts or “Yep” I’ll see the precocious Mr. Sanchez?
_______
Yep on both counts.
///
Timmy, the garbage man, is in.
# Betsy April 6th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
Odds, I read that Billups got hurt again, though – this poor guy can’t stay healthy.
—————————–
His health is an issue that’s why I’m against extending him beyond next yr. I have no problem with them picking up the option but anything more and it’s not a smart move.
Yankeefem
I am going to try to make it to the TY game in lakeland tomorrow night. I need to just think of an excuse to get out of my class. If I can’t think of one, I saw that the Charleston game will be on milb.tv so I might end up watching that in class instead.
Not to mention e-savers so that you can at the same time as you sit in main, sit in both Mohegan Sun or Audi Club and all the other seats they haven’t sold.
///
LOL. Or not. They’re a pain in the ass.
“And lets hope we are not their get well tonic starting on Friday.”
They have to win at some point.
Time for the Sux to break out the Jack Daniels before each game again. lol
“His health is an issue that’s why I’m against extending him beyond next yr. I have no problem with them picking up the option but anything more and it’s not a smart move.”
He has always been a stop gap. His contract is a huge, valuable expiring as well next year.
They just need to make sure everyone is 100% for the playoffs at this point. They’ve righted the ship in a big way. Now give guys who need rest, some time off.
How appropriate. The “wake” man is in.
tyanksfan36 April 6th, 2011 at 10:06 pm
Yankeefem
I am going to try to make it to the TY game in lakeland tomorrow night. I need to just think of an excuse to get out of my class. If I can’t think of one, I saw that the Charleston game will be on milb.tv so I might end up watching that in class instead.
_______
Tell your teacher that your blog audience is awaiting your Tampa game report with bated breath and you cannot let them down.
Not that $400 is chump change, but I saw tickets for the Texas Rangers series in the 3rd row behind the Yankees dugout for $400. For those seats, that IS chump change.
BIG POPUP.
I can’t feel bad for a guy making $142 million ,try as I might ..LOL
Carlos Santana is a good lookin hitter. I hear he can really play the guitar, too.
I see your point.
Not a bad looking pen.
J. Alfred Prufrock April 6th, 2011 at 10:14 pm
Carlos Santana is a good lookin hitter. I hear he can really play the guitar, too.
______
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NsJ84YV1oA
BIG SLOPPY….I hear he rubs barbecue sauce on his bat instead of pine tar….
Still waiting for that can’t miss prospect Jed Lowrie to become a real superstar…..any year now….
Aside from that Hermann guy, the Indians pen has done well
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you your 2011 world class flops. The vaunted Sux.
You have to read the following. It was actually on the official Sux site.
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/n.....8;c_id=bos
yankeefeminista April 6th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
J. Alfred Prufrock April 6th, 2011 at 10:14 pm
Carlos Santana is a good lookin hitter. I hear he can really play the guitar, too.
______
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NsJ84YV1oA
///
. Great song. Yea, that’s one talented kiddo.
3 more outs and I get to watch my DVRd Survivor. What a great night this has been,
Have to admit, that HR by A-Gon was just an effortless swing. The ball just takes off when he hits it. No getting around that he is the real deal. Easily their best hitter, not even close. Time for the Tribe to put this baby out of reach.
Progressive Field looks even more empty than a Marlins game.
And the Red Sox are in town. When the Royals come to town, I guess it will look like an open practice?
Lester will get the sox back on track tomorrow, but the damage has been done. If the Yankees can win the first few games at fenway it will be all out panic time in Boston.
trisha,
Who do you like in Survivor?
I was a big Russell fan and thought it was pretty ridiculous when his tribe threw the challenge just to get him out. Now I’m rooting for Rob, he’s TV gold
I’m not so sure Lester gets them on track tomorrow. I think the Tribe will sweep.
And believe me, it is already all out panic time in beantown. Tonight’s game is going to be the crowning glory.
‘They have to win at some point’
==============
After we sweep and kick them to the curb.
*cappuccino*
Sox are a different team in their little league ballpark.
trisha – true pinstriped blue April 6th, 2011 at 10:26 pm
I’m not so sure Lester gets them on track tomorrow. I think the Tribe will sweep.
And believe me, it is already all out panic time in beantown. Tonight’s game is going to be the crowning glory
_____
lol, wish I was up there to partake in all the fun.
Patrick, before I answer that I have to say that your fantasy team is plain out sick. Even with Billingsly blowing it you are almost at 500 points!!! Just sick.
I am rooting for Matt. I didn’t see tonight yet so don’t know if he’s still on Redemption Island. I was happy to see Russell go, just because he has such a big mouth and is so devious. Rob annoys me because he’s good at the game and brags about it.
But beyond that. There is no way we can go for BOSTON Rob!!!
Crawford nice almost-hit. Tribe wins
.
HARDEE HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
0-5 for the “EXPERTS PICK” for the 2011 World Series win.
GOOD JOB TRIBE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Schadenfreude!!!
yankeefeminista April 6th, 2011 at 10:28 pm
J. Alfred Prufrock April 6th, 2011 at 10:21 pm//
. Great song. Yea, that’s one talented kiddo.
_____
Very talented and on my fantasy team. Va Carlos va! One of my favorites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weoGpyvIqP8
Princeton food today: Small World cappuccino, the, of course, red snapper fish cakes, asian cole slaw, killer apple walnut cake from Whole Earth.
(reposted b/c previous one was awaiting moderation b/c of double youtube links)
Lester – fail
Lackey – fail
Chucky doll – fail
Beckett – fail
DiceK – fail
I TOLD YOU THEY WEREN’T THE BOMB.
Thank you, thank you.
# Jerzz April 6th, 2011 at 10:29 pm
Sox are a different team in their little league ballpark.
————————————-
then you’ll hear the sox are back watch out AL East
And so they potentially end up with a 1-8 record by Monday.
Who cares.
“then you’ll hear the sox are back watch out AL East”
Hopefully you won’t hear it here.
trisha,
At first Matt bothered me because he was just all about the religion. I can appreciate that but seriously dude I don’t think God is guiding you while you are solving puzzles on a reality show. HOWEVER, he’s shown me something while on Redemption Island, he’s dominant. I really like him now and hope he goes far.
I was rooting for Rob and Russell equally because I wanted to see them go head to head at some point. Also I guess I like the type of person that talks a big game then backs it up
I get so much crap from my friends for this but I really do love Survivor
i don’t feel too good that they’re gonna go winless against the yankees. especially for hughes. cuz they’re gonna be due.
If you didn’t read what I linked to before, it will do your hearts good to read it, especially if you’re still secretly (or not secretly) buying the Sux hype.
It’s called Panic is a Specialty in Red Sox Nation
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/n.....8;c_id=bos
Good night all.
trisha – true pinstriped blue April 6th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
Lester – fail
Lackey – fail
Chucky doll – fail
Beckett – fail
DiceK – fail
I TOLD YOU THEY WEREN’T THE BOMB.
Thank you, thank you.
**************
LOL, Sux cheer me up!
“i don’t feel too good that they’re gonna go winless against the yankees. especially for hughes. cuz they’re gonna be due.”
And if they take a game it’s no big deal! It’s craziness to get in a lather about it.
Man this fantasy baseball thing is even more annoying than real baseballl. I was so excited to see that Chris Coghlan got me 10 points for going 4/5 and then I saw that Alex Avila who is sitting on my bench would have gotten me 14! grr. and those youkilis and pedroia got me -3 points today. Im benching them.
Oh and trisha, thanks for the compliment on my fantasy team although I must admit, I’m not the one doing it, it’s my players
I also have Grady Sizemore, Johnny Cueto and (soon to be) Josh Beckett on my bench with Brad Lidge on the DL. My pitching staff, if they can stay healthy, is ridiculous. I’m not sure what I’m going to do when Cueto and Lidge come back.
I also really love my position players. I really lucked out that Prado is classified as a 2B. I’m also banking on Desmond and Smoak to take a big step this year, we’ll see if it turns out well for them.
yankeefeminista April 6th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
yankeefeminista April 6th, 2011 at 10:28 pm
J. Alfred Prufrock April 6th, 2011 at 10:21 pm//
. Great song. Yea, that’s one talented kiddo.
_____
Very talented and on my fantasy team. Va Carlos va! One of my favorites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weoGpyvIqP8
Princeton food today: Small World cappuccino, the, of course, red snapper fish cakes, asian cole slaw, killer apple walnut cake from Whole Earth.
(reposted b/c previous one was awaiting moderation b/c of double youtube links)
///
HA! Nassau SF has a great fresh wild yellowfin tuna salad. Onions and red peppers. Very, very good. Yea always liked Europa. Haunting. Has a Beethoven Pathetique-like yearning. Got my daily Small World fix this mornin’. Maybe we passed, like two ships in the night
.
Whelp, time to put my hedron back in the tetra. Night, all.
Patrick (and tyanks) – my best pitcher just went on the DL.
Tulo finally took off. I just about turned my entire team over today. I dropped and added 7 new players. I would have done more but for some reason we are held to 7 during competition week.
However, I am known for adding and dropping, so this is nothing new for me. Having 14 team owners makes it a lot harder to find good FA, of course.
Only team with a run differential worse than Boston right now is Houston ….ouch.
To be fair though, they are much better than they are playing….they aren’t the juggernaut that the Red Sox broadcasting network (ESPN) has been making them out to be….they never were going to be that, but they are a really good team and will start to play better I’m guessing soon.
Agree of disagree: This song feels… “right” for the Sox nation right now? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if-UzXIQ5vw
Patrick, Prado was on my list of players to get this year. I love Ryan Zimmerman. Had him last year.
You have some kick ass players.
Hi all
FYI
if you receive an email in my name, it is not from me. Someone has hacked into my account and is sending out things in my name.
trisha
I actually like all my players except the sux that I cant get rid of. I wanted to add a new 2nd baseman but I couldnt think of who to get rid of, I like them all. I moved Montero to the bench for next week and bumped up peter bourjos who has been doing well. Logan Morrison has actually been my best point contributor so I am really happy I got him. I dropped the one pitcher I had who went to the DL and picked up someone decent so all was not lost. It definitely is difficult to find good replacements with so many people gobbling them up.
Doreen, that is absolutely horrible. Please make sure you let Chad and Sam know about this as soon as you get a chance.
Doreen…….It can’t be what I’m thinking….I hope I’m wrong
Sorry to hear that, Doreen. Scary stuff.
The Yankees will be facing Liriano tomorrow.
Pavano was pushed back to Friday.
lol, Prufrock. I will have to try that tuna. I am in Princeton most every Thursday. I probably will make a pit stop on the way to Trenton during next weekend’s Trenton homestand before seeing Dealin’ Dellin and Manny Banny.
*Wednesday, that is.
Twins/Yanks have 3 mutual off-days in September
While the Yankees didn’t give me a Birthday gift win, at least the RS were kind enough to give me a nice gift.
Yes, its early, but the only thing sweeter than a Yankee win is a RS loss. The sweetness grows exponentially when its multiple losses in a row. Sweeter still is seeing it to start the season.
Happy Birthday Yogi!
I had planned to see Liriano-AJ but b/c of work won’t be able to get there in time. Should be a good one. Although Liriano threw 90 pitches in 4.1 innings last game, so wonder how long he will pitch tomorrow. Also his velocity and control were pretty subpar last game as he is still coming back from the shoulder tendinitis.
Thanks Trisha!
doreen-
are they using it to spam people in your address book with phony pharmaceuticals?
i’ve known two people who that has happened to.
if it’s that,what they do is run the dictionary at your password until they get it.
both times the people i know changed their password to a non word with numbers and upper and lower case letters in the password and had no further problems.
Funny how Pavano is actually disappointed that he didn’t get a chance to pitch tonight. He was never disappointed that he didn’t get a chance to pitch in NY before. Hate that Guy.
Lake Show loses to lowly Golden State???
Does not compute.
Randy l
Thanks for the tip.
I did not open the links so I don’t know what they are. I have had those sent to me with someone else’s email. This is the first time it has turned around so to speak
Fortunately I have some good friends who brought it to my attention, and some of the mail bounced back.
I don’t understand how or why this happened. I am sick over it.
Doreen,
I heard what happened. Really sorry.
Thanks Fran
I need to try and sleep
We are walking around the magic kingdom tomorrow
Doreen,
Try and enjoy. You have to have fun in the Magic Kingdom.
Have a good night.
Hey, I was just looking at the league leaders in some things and I noticed that all of Adrian Gonzalez’s numbers right now and how he’s played, which everyone in Boston is raving about, are very similar to Russell Martin’s up to this point.
G AB R H 2B 3 HR RBI TB BB SO SB OB SLG AVG
AG 5 20 3 7 2 0 1 5 12 1 3 1 .381 .600 .350
RM 5 17 3 6 1 0 1 3 10 1 3 2 .389 .588 .353
Martin has been doing absolutely everything perfectly, he’s been getting the pitchers strikes with his framework and swinging a nice bat. He has really impressed me so far and I think he’s going to continue.
the “Best Team Ever” is 0-5 with Lester going tomorrow hoping not to be winless going into Fenway against the Yankees.
It’s been a great week of baseball, everyone!!
G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG AVG
5 20 3 7 2 0 1 5 12 1 3 1 0 .381 .600 .350
5 17 3 6 1 0 1 3 10 1 3 2 0 .389 .588 .353
Chase,
And good catchers are worth their weight in gold.
I checked out the Extra Bases postgame.
Youkilis taking responsibility about his struggles. Pete described a situation where Youkilis considered dropping the ball for a double play, changed his mind, and ended up dropping the ball anyway, but failed to make the double play!
They won’t struggle forever, but you know they’re pressing.
And Pete wrote this: “I wrote yesterday that it’s silly to talk about 0-4 teams not going to the World Series because most 0-4 teams were lousy to begin with.” Not any sillier than talking about going to the World Series with the first week they had! And not as silly as ignoring the fact that your team has some glaring holes!
Found this on ESPN…. schaudenfreude!!
“The Red Sox, Rays and Houston Astros are the 86th, 87th and 88th teams in the modern era of baseball (since 1900) to start a season 0-5. Only two of those previous 85 teams managed to make the postseason: The 1974 Pittsburgh Pirates and the 1995 Cincinnati Reds. In fact, those two squads actually started 0-6 before getting their first win. Using that piece of history at this point, 0-5 Boston, Tampa Bay and Houston have a 2.4% chance to make the postseason.”
Bwahhahahaha!!!
haha I saw that too Arjay. What was funnier was the opening comments from Stan Verette talking about how the sox had won the hot stove season, but had yet to win a game in the real season…I can’t recall his exact words, but it made me laugh.
They’re talking more and more about how the Sox weren’t really getting their act together during ST. Instead, they were just doing their best to avoid injuries. They believed, as many of the “experts” did, that they could simply “flip the switch” when the season started. Uh…no. It doesn’t work that way.
Girardi thought the same thing at the end of last season and we saw how that worked out.
They flipped the switch and swept the Twins…..the ALCS was more about Texas being on fire offensively and basically just playing better than the Yanks did.
The Sox are underperforming but that team does have questions as has been pointed out here for months (bullpen, back end of rotation, and bottom of their lineup)
Rays have scored 7 runs this year.
Rays fans didn’t go to the Trop last year when they were winning…..its.going to be a ghost town in that ugly stadium if they continue to not score runs at all.
Red Sox will come around eventually. But I sure am enjoying this while it lasts.
The Sox will get it together eventually but they have a bit of a pressure game today…..can you imagine if they went home to face the Yanks at 0-6? They have Lester on the hill today against the Indians so Im expecting them to get their first W today.
Uhh, Rays weren’t hitting last season, when they had Crawford. Nothing’s changed but the faces.
I’ll say it again. Last year, they rode an unreal 32-12 start all the way to a first place finish. They’re not that good. I think Baltimore’s a better team than they are. Tampa may be competing with Tampa for fourth place.
Oops … s/b Tampa competing with TORONTO for fourth place.
Where’s my coffeeeeeeee???
The Rays had an incredible pen last year as well….which they let pretty much all of them walk. Longoria basically is their offense now and he’s hurt…..I said before the season that I thought they battle the Jays for 3rd and as of now it looks like they may be a 4th place team…..still think their pitching allows them to win more games than the 0s this year.
Over the last 3 seasons the Sox are 1 game under .500 on the road. 121-122
They’re just a bad road team.
Blake, you think the O’s are not for real? I’m not sure what to make of them, but at some point, their winning has to stop being dismissed as a streak.
Showalter is NOT one of my favorite baseball guys, but it’s soon going to become undeniable the impact that he’s had on their young talent.
I think the Os future might be for real. I don’t think their present is……I think theyll be better this year but probably still finish last in the east this year. They are on the rise though.
“Bronx Jeers April 7th, 2011 at 7:50 am
Over the last 3 seasons the Sox are 1 game under .500 on the road. 121-122
They’re just a bad road team.”
–
Now think about that for a minute. When they play on baseball fields that are built LIKE A BASEBALL FIELD, and not some stupid configuration where a pop fly is a home run or an extra base hit….where they are NOT playing on such a field that only THEY get to practice OVER and OVER how to defend and hit ….they are simply “average”. I wonder what their home record would be over the last 3 years if they actually played on a “normal” field where they didn’t have this silly advantage?
the Rays and the Jays have some good young pitching…I am not ready to write either off
Just got to read this link that trisha posted last night. Thanks trisha
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/n.....8;c_id=bos
The 1978 Red Sox had a 14-game lead over the Yankees in July, but in October, two words: Bucky Dent.
Three more words: Aaron @#XT^ Boone.
There also was the Curse of the Bambino, and years later, there were two other words: Bill Buckner
Morning!
Kate, I have always believed the Jays were going to be good and the O’s better than people think. This division has no calkewalk games at all, esp. since even teams most people consider to be weaker have good pitching
The Jays have good young pitching and can score also.
Blake, they’re a very good team – it’s like people are just used to saying how bad they are. They’re not – get used to it, Yankee fans; they are very dangerous and will be for awhile now that AA is their GM
Come Friday afternoon, the Red Sox at home against the Yankees, in front of their fans, will be tough, make no mistake.
No matter how poorly the RS are playing, now or in the past, they always come up big against the Yankees. We simply bring out the best in them.
Yes, I’d love to sweep them in Fenway, but, I’ll settle for 2 out of 3.
Last year, the Rays regularly fielded a lineup that featured 4 to 6 guys hitting in the .230s or below. They came within a whisker of becoming the first team in baseball history (iirc) of being no-hit three times in one season. And I’m not seeing any reason to think their hitting’s gotten any better in 2011.
I think they’re in for a tough season.
It may be early but 5 games out in the loss column means Boston has to have a 5-game win streak just to reach .500 ball.
Their pitching and catching is a weakness contrary to the overhype handed to them by so-called anaylysts.
Blake-
Getting rid of that Albatross contract for Wells really helped them.
That was a near miracle.
Getting Morrow and Drabek are great moves.
Couple them with Romero and Cecil and you might really have something.
They could use an ace to anchor the top of their rotation.
I gotta think Bautista has found a way around the testing but he’s doin’ it for now.
It’s not just early, it’s extremely early – 5 games is not much to make up when you have over 150 games left
The Jays have kids that could turn into aces – with some time.
Betsy,
I don’t think they are quite good enough to.challenge for the division but they certainly could hang around for awhile and give a lot of teams fits like they did the Yanks last year. I think their upside this year may ride on how ready Drabek is….if he is ready to be a legit #2 then they could make some noise…..they are tough to get out at Rogers center.
One thing that can’t be ignored is that with 5 solid teams in the division its no lock that the WC comes out of the east. I think the Yanks and Sox are probably the best two teams in baseball on paper but the east is likely to beat up on itself a fair amount over the summer. With that and the rough 2nd half schedule…..the Yanks need to win as many as possible early in the season.
Morning Al-
Que pasa ?
Good morning Mike, how’s everything by you.
Mike -
Things are OK, got your pictures, have to make time to enjoy in a bit, thanks.
Blake, I agree about the WC likely not coming out of the East.
As to the Jays, I’m not sure why they wouldn’t be good enough to challenge for the division – they have pitching and they can hit.
blake -
Your Tar Heels keep their kids, Duke loses a future star.
Al-
Recovering from yesterday’s hike. 11 miles with 2,300 ft. of elevation gain.
It was magnificent though. Worth the effort.
Mrs. MTU on the mend slowly but surely.
Weather out this way still extremely weird.
Al else stable. That about sums it up.
You ?
edit: All. sorry Al.
MTU,
Morrow has ace upside I think……they are a dangerous team to play
Blake-
Might be. That jack Z is a real dork. not only does he miss out on Jesus. He trades away Morrow to boot.
Toronto also got Taylor from the Phils in the Doc trade.
He has the potential to be a stud.
Blake-
And I forgot to comment on Drabek.
Front end potential. Better than Hellickson. Excellent family pedigree.
Morrow is one of my young pitchers on my fantasy team.
MTU- you will be happy to know I also have Garza and John Buck
Mike -
It’s getting hot again here, the grass is growing too fast, and not much else has changed. Glad to hear Mrs. is feeling better.
I’d love to come out and see these magnificent places in person, that I’ve seen in your pictures. Only problem is my back will not allow me to do what you do, so unless I could ATV the hike, I’ll have to settle for viewing your pics.
Kate-
That’s another puzzler to me.
Why TB traded off Garza instead of “small-game” Shields ?
Stupid move if you aske me. Garza is way better.
Morrow has great stuff just needs to put it all together.
Mishandled by Seattle IMO.
AL,
I don’t think Barnes has announced yet….that could be the key. I think Irving almost had to make the decision he did. He’s probably going to be the #1 pick and he’s already been hurt once.
Betsy,
I think the WC could come out of the east….again I think Boston and the Yanks have the most talent in the AL but its not going to be easy.
Al-
Not all places require significant hikes.
For example, just driving thru Zion can be terriffic.
More water there than I have ever seen.
It has turned the Virgin into a real raging river when it usually resembles more of a stream.
Never seen so many waterfalls there either.
Spectacular, and awe-inspiring.
MTU -
You are correct, Jack Z is a giant A -hole of a GM. He is the main reason that team went from contender to pretender.
We may be seeing a Rangers team on the verge of becoming an every year threat to win the AL. Ryan will be the main reason their pitching, on all levels, continues to improve.
while I am not much of a Ranger fan, I am happy to see how well they have started out, despite no Cliffy
blake -
I’m not sure he’ll be the #1 pick, I’d say in the top 5 though.
I would love to have Morrow on the Yankees the kid has nasty stuff
MTU,
The Rays got a pretty good return for Garza….Im guessing they traded him because they needed to clear room for Hellickson and they could get the most back for Garza……that’s great and all, but I think short term they are a worse team because of the trade…….the Rays ownership basically telling their fan base that they are punting this season…..
Off the walk the pups, later.
Al-
Yes sir. Agree 100% about the Ranger’s potential and Ryan’s influence.
They have some really good arms in the minors I think.
Shelby Miller being just one.
I don’t see a guy with an arm like Feliz remaining in the pen either.
Only problem is them digging out of the financial hole they’re in.
That will take some time.
Philly already getting on Hamels for his first outing…..I think he’s putts there when he becomes a free agent personally.
Let’s stir up a little controversy.
Let’s say the Yankees clock Hughes at 88-89 in his bullpen. Still the same reduced velo.
Would you rather start Hughes or Garcia on Friday at Fenway?
Blake-
I doubt the Rays have all the parts necessary to be at the top of the class.
Niemann also need to bounce back and prove he can stay healthy.
Price is their real diamond. I would love to steal him away someday.
Hughes
Good morning all.
Betsy,
You doing ok?
*******************
Blake,
Hamels has been up and down. Remember when he basically quit on his team in the WS vs. the Yankees. I think that he and Blanton are ? in the Phillies rotation.
Today isn’t a must win for Lester and the Sox but its certainly a need to win game after the expectations put on them preseason…..its a very long season and its really early but at some point giving the Yanks and other good teams in the division a head start is harmful to their chances.
LGY-
I’m stickin’ with Phil.
Rays aren’t punting this season or they wouldn’t have signed Damon and Manny, and (gulp) Farnsworth. They are acclimating a bunch of new younger players, plus Longoria getting hurt hasn’t helped. Their O has to improve by default and their pitchers can pitch. Hellboy and McGee are looking good out of SP and pen, respectively. They will be fine if their guys like Joyce, Johnson, Brigmac who now are regulars swing the bats. I also think Zobrist will have a bounce-back year. I doubt this showing is the sum of what the Rays will be. I still say, they will be in the race throughout the ’11 season.
Since there is no radar gun being used on side work and bullpens, it’s a non-issue. Hughes is starting in Boston.
No reason for him not to.
Fran,
Hamels and Utley’s health are the big questions for the Phillies. Their rotation is much less impressive if he doesn’t pitch like he did in the 2nd half last year. If he does then they’ll be tough despite their offense and bullpen…..if he doesn’t then there are several teams that could pitch right with them.
You have to start Hughes. If you don’t than you have to wonder in the negative how they perceive his velocity decline. Liriano started last game with an average 90.7 velocity. I am curious to see what his velocity with be today, one game later into the season.
YF-
I disagree with you on the Rays. But hey, it’s only speculation anyway.
Shields sucks, and Niemann has to prove he’s healthy.
Their pen is sub-par, and their offense lacks enough punch.
We’ll see at the end of the season I guess.
The Rays are punting the season.
They signed Manny and JD for gate purposes. Both of their contracts contain attendance clauses.
Not necessary if you are trying to win.
They didn’t even attempt to sign one of their known entities in the bullpen.
They remade the entire pen and it’s awful. Only McGee has any real upside.
This is a transition year for them.
At best, they are on the fringes in the race.
They have a better chance to finish fourth this year than first or second.
It’s not a good team, even with Longoria in the lineup.
The biggest negative about the rainout last night is that the media has another day to perseverate/pontificate on the Soriano’s performance Tuesday night.
I bet they’d be the first ones to yelp if their boss didn’t have their back when they made a mistake.
SJ-
They look more like Swiss cheese than a brick wall.
pretty cynical take on the Rays, SJ.
Not saying you’re wrong. They likely realized a long time ago they weren’t going to compete, and just want to be somewhat relevant.
Damon’s already missed a game with calf soreness, I read.
MTU April 7th, 2011 at 8:47 am
Kate-
That’s another puzzler to me.
Why TB traded off Garza instead of “small-game” Shields ?
Stupid move if you aske me. Garza is way better.
Morrow has great stuff just needs to put it all together.
Mishandled by Seattle IMO.
_____
Shields is younger and has a team friendly salary and will only make 4.25 in 2011 w/club options thereafter. Garza was in arb 2 and now makes over 5 mil.
Blake,
Utley’s health is a big concern for Philadelphia. I actually like the Braves to win the NL East.
wow, just checked out the flags in front of the town hall across the street from my business on cape cod.
they are at half mast and they are blowing like crazy straight north towards boston.
it appears there is a giant sucking phenomenon coming from that direction.
It appears that being the underdog has its advantages. The mighty red sox don’t seem to be handling the weght of the pressure of being the favorite too well.
Not that things won’t return to equilibrium at some point, but enjoy it Yankee fans.
“Since there is no radar gun being used on side work and bullpens, it’s a non-issue. Hughes is starting in Boston.”
It is a hypothetical
“No reason for him not to.”
Well that’s the question. Both him and Garcia are available. So the reason for not starting Hughes would be that you feel Freddy gives you a better chance at a W.
Joe,
When a team goes completely away from their blueprint, as the Rays have, they are punting the season.
Would they love to catch lightening in a bottle and compete? Sure.
Realistically however, they are too smart to know it’s unlikely to happen.
So, they re-group this year, bring in younger players as the year goes along, and think more about next year than this year.
The “name” players give the illusion of being competitive this season. Fact is, the talent up and down the roster is really lacking and they aren’t spending any money this year to upgrade it.
YF-
So what ? Garza is way better.
Guess I shouldn’t be surprised with that pathetic excuse for a fanbase.
They don’t deserve to have any team. Much less a good one.
hi all. ive been very tied up taking care of my dad in the hospital the past week, i had to cancel my trip to see the mets in phily today but its all good.
i watched the greatest collection of hitters ever assembled again last night and its creepy how they just dont hit. hope we can keep that going because you know at some time they are gonna bust a 20 spot on somebody.
Maybe punting is a stronger word than the reality but that’s the general concept…..every team tries to win…..but when you let half you team go and trade away probably your 2nd best starting pitcher from 2010 then you aren’t exactly going all out for 2011. Signing Manny and Damon as stop gaps and hopeful attendance draws doesn’t change that fact.
I agree with SJ about the Rays. They are going to have trouble this year, but know that their farm system is the way back to contention. Teams like that know they have to ride cycles.
And of course, Manny is off to a terrible start…can’t help attendance much. Erica can only buy so many tickets to see Damon too.
SJ44 April 7th, 2011 at 9:07 am
The Rays are punting the season.
They signed Manny and JD for gate purposes. Both of their contracts contain attendance clauses.
Not necessary if you are trying to win.
They didn’t even attempt to sign one of their known entities in the bullpen.
They remade the entire pen and it’s awful. Only McGee has any real upside.
This is a transition year for them.
At best, they are on the fringes in the race.
They have a better chance to finish fourth this year than first or second.
It’s not a good team, even with Longoria in the lineup.
__________
It is a transition year undoubtedly, but they could have let Jennings play LF and gone with the Matt Joyces and Dan Johnson’s of the world. Obviously, Manny’s salary is team-friendly but they did sign him in order to compete.
They did also try to re-sign some of their pen, but at below market value and years. They can have a good pen regardless with the talent they have in the minors and they will draw on their pitching prospects such as Archer, Matt Moore and Torres for that pen late if they are still in it. So, while I agree these things are unknowns, Rays still have the ability to compete. Losing Soriano and Benoit hurts al lotm, but they can possibly come up with another Benoit in McGee who could be closing for them at some point. Yanks especially and RS have the O advantage clearly, but Rays “O” was awful last year even with Pena and Crawford, and they still competed. So, I don’t think the expectations are high but I still believe Rays could be in the race depending on a bunch of variables.
Y’s-
Hope it’s nothing too serious, and that your Father gets well real soon.
*a lot (typo)
I’m still wondering how much rope does Francona have this year if Sox tank. He did win 2 titles, so they may let him ride a few seasons just based on that. But Boston is a tough town with little owner loyalty.
Bojo-
The Sux are lucky to have a guy like Tito.
MTU–
I agree. I like Tito a lot as a person. A class act.
But then look at how Boston gets rid of its former heroes…not good.
And FWIS way too much is being made of the Suxers bad start.
It’s enjoyable to watch them struggle but they’re gonna compete
sooner or later.
Make no mistake about that.
Just my 2 cents.
MTU April 7th, 2011 at 9:17 am
YF-
So what ? Garza is way better.
Guess I shouldn’t be surprised with that pathetic excuse for a fanbase.
They don’t deserve to have any team. Much less a good one.
_____
I am a big Garza fan but he is erratic and he is making too much money for that market. Plus Archer and Hak-Ju Lee especially among the 5 players they got in return may turn out to be a great deal. Hellickson should do fine and Shields has made some mechanical adjustments, which seem to be working so far. So, he may return to previous form. Although agree that Garza is the better pitcher of the two.
Francona is safe. It’s Epstein who might have his head on the guillotine
thanks mtu, he’s on the rebound!
Bojo-
I don’t expect much from the likes of Henry and Lucchino but getting rid of Tito would be dumb even by their standards.
He’s a terrific Manager.
YsGuy April 7th, 2011 at 9:18 am
Best wishes to your dad.
I have to go to work; however, Rays are not going *away* from their blueprint. They are following it. Dump players once they make too much, lock up the ones you want to keep long-term to a team-friendly contract, and re-infuse what you get rid of with the talent in the minors. How is that not following the blueprint?
YF-
Have a great day. Looking forward to your Trenton reports.
Ys Guy,
Glad your dad is doing better. Here’s to a speedy recovery.
thanks yf, he’s a tough old bird we’ll be bringing him home next week im sure.
YsGuy
also happy to hear your Dad is recovering
Signing Ramirez and Damon, and not putting Jennings in the lineup everyday is going away from their blueprint.
So is completely overhauling their roster.
They didn’t have to go to that extreme. Especially since they made over 20 million in profits last year.
They decided to blow up a playoff team, add two vets for cosmetic purposes, pocket they luxury tax check, and think 2012.
MTU April 7th, 2011 at 9:30 am
Bojo-
I don’t expect much from the likes of Henry and Lucchino but getting rid of Tito would be dumb even by their standards.
He’s a terrific Manager.
_____________
He certainly wouldn’t be out of work long. I agree it would be dumb…and maybe it is Theo who would be fired. I hope we get to see heads roll. That would be amazing after all the build up.
I can add guys like Farnsworth and Peralta to the list.
It’s a cosmetic makeover to have their fans believe they want to compete this year.
Realistically, the organization knows that’s highly unlikely.
They can finish in last place and Francona is going nowhere.
He’s not going to be in any trouble and the Red Sox aren’t going to fire him anytime soon.
MTU -
You might think Tito is a good manager, but, you have to think of the fact that team had a horrible ST, I think they lost their last 10 games, and yes I know its only ST, but, it’s looking as if they were not prepared to start the season, and that is on the manager and his coaches. I just wonder how much their new pitching coach has contributed to the pitchers slow start.
Al-
Perhaps some of it is. But IMO it would be extremely foolish and short-sighted for them to fire Francona.
Good point on the PC. I think Farrell was good for them.
They are not gonna stay down all season.
Except I think Damon and Ramirez on short term contracts make sure that the kids are unblocked. Jennings will be up sometime this year. And Peralta and Farnsworth are fill-ins that allow for players like McGee to rise to the top as a closer. Those signings to me are short term signings that still allow the kids to become acclimated and ultimately make an impact. Plus, they are deepening the farm by trading players like Garza. And maybe Howell can come back and contribute. A lot of “if’s” but we shall see.
Thanks, MTU. I can’t wait for milb to start. Off to work to get back in time for first pitch.
PeterBotte Yanks lineup Thursday vs Twins: Jeter SS, Swisher RF, Teixeira 1B, ARod 3B, Cano 2B, Posada DH, Jones LF, Martin C, Gardner CF
MTU -
I agree Tito is a good manager, and I don’t expect he’ll be fired, even if they wind up in 3rd place. The RS fans are already calling for heads to roll. My hope is they don’t pick this week-end to break out of it, you know how they get up for the Yankees.
If anyone needs to worry, I’d think their GM could have to answer for the BP he put together. At this rate I expect to see AA get a call up in the very near future.
SJ – I didn’t think of it exactly that way – going away from their blueprint – but that’s the exact description.
It does reflect cynical thinking – blowing up the team, pocketing the money, bringing in names to give the appearance of wanting to win (and if one of those names plays well, trade him for prospects), while hoping for better circumstances in 2012. However, as we all know, the cynical thought is all too often on target.
The Red Sox have some flaws in their roster. That’s not on Francona. In fact, he’s shown he can put together a very competitive season depsite handicaps; look at 2010.
Rays are adding in farm kids in Hellickson, Brignac regularly, Matt Joyce, a second year of Jaso, McGee, and Sean Rodriguez as essentially regulars. So, they aren’t going away from their blueprint. The other signings are to bolster all these moves, which they have done in the past as well. Example, signing Burrell as a DH (Now, Manny. They have followed this pattern with the DH). So, I still think Rays are sticking with the program. Gotta go…
Jennings isn’t on the team for a reason – he’s not ready for the big leagues.
So Boston is being Manny, I mean Boston! LOL! They are a good me against the world type organization, but not so much a front runner. The O’s had a pretty good team several years ago that lost 21 games in a row so Boston has a ways to go still.
Everyone knows its Pitching that wins Championships! It isn’t clever bending of the rules or tightfistedness like waiting to sign AGone to an extension after the season, wink wink!
I just don’t think they have the SP & BP to win. Now they can still prove me wrong, but I can’t see 60% of the SP being any good really!
IIRC Lester got off to a rocky start last year and then did just fine. It is fun to laugh at the sox right now, but they aren’t going to lose forever. I just hope it continues into this weekend
Jennings wasn’t blocked this year after Crawford left.
Instead, they signed an older player, who can’t play LF anymore, to play LF.
They were a team which embraced good defense. Yet, with every off-season move, they weakened themselves defensively.
They went away from their blueprint in almost everyway.
I suspect it will only be for this season.
SJ–
I agree with you…Tito has a lot of rope…but I wonder who they would sacrifice if they continue to lose. Young was a GREAT pitching coach in Oakland…perhaps him?
I wonder if Girardi would use Freddy in long relief Sat. if Hughes runs into early trouble. It would make sense, since he’ll not pitch before next Fri.
The bottom line is its a long season and the Sox are down but by no means out of anything less than 10 games into the season.
Look for them to push to have a big weekend against us in front of their fans. I hope we can take that series though, because the longer they continue playing poorly the more it messes with their psyche.
Back later, have a good day.
Matt Joyce and Sean Rodriquez aren’t everyday ML players. They are platoon/bench guys given everyday roles.
So is Dan Johnson for that matter.
A team that made over 20 million in profits last year can find better players than that to put on their roster if they really wanted to try and win this year. Especially since it was a division winning team last year.
Every team would have bullpen issues if the whole SP staff only went 5 innings or less in every start! A domino effect could result. At this point the whole team could start pressing & even if a SP goes 7 innings, the BP is depleted already and they could give up runs to lose the game & you know they are holding their breath if it came down to Papelbon closing a game to get their 1st win.
If somehow the Indians beat Lester today, & the Yanks sweep 3 you literally could see a riot in Beantown with everyone pointing fingers and throwing each other under the bus!
SJ
I heard MLB Commish talking on the radio yesterday that several MLB teams were in real financial trouble and not making profits. He mentioned the Pirates & I think TB as teams losing money. Is this true? Or is this a case of him misremembering?
Is Tampa trying to suck so they can get out of their lease? Are we watching the real life version of ‘Major League’?
New Link –>
The Pirates have made over 20 million in profits each of the past 3 years.
How can it put it delicately? Selig is full of it.