Postgame notes: Bartolo’s last stand?
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes, Podcast on Sep 27, 2011 
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There’s a chance Bartolo Colon has thrown his last pitch in pinstripes.
In a spring training clubhouse that had quite a few unknowns, Colon was perhaps the greatest wild card. For a while, he was the Yankees most unexpected surprise.
“In spring training he was phenomenal,” catcher Russell Martin said. “In his bullpens — he’s always been known as a strike thrower — but his command was unbelievable. He doesn’t have the best offspeed in the world, but when his sinker’s working really well, it doesn’t really matter.
“… He did a great job for us, especially early in the season when he really had control of the sinker. He was pretty much untouchable for a while there. As we went along, he kind of wasn’t as consistent as the year went along, but he still kept us in a lot of games. I definitely take my cap off to that guy. He did a great job for us this year.”
Joe Girardi wouldn’t commit to any sort of role for Colon in the postseason. He said he’s still considering Colon for a spot in the rotation, and it’s possible the Yankees will carry him in the bullpen. Girardi also acknowledged that Colon’s velocity was once again lower than the Yankees saw in the first half, and he hasn’t won a game since July 30. He’ll finish the season with a 4.00 ERA.
“Bart was great for us this year,” Girardi said. “He picked us up at a time where we were struggling and weren’t sure what we were going to do with our starters. Bart was big for us.”
That’s hard to argue. In the first half, when Phil Hughes was on the disabled list and Ivan Nova had yet to emerge as a reliable big league starter, Colon was the Yankees second-best starter. He gave the Yankees more than they could have expected. Question is whether he will give them any more.
Here’s Girardi.
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• The first of two big blows against the Yankees came in the sixth inning, when Martin grounded into a triple play with the bases loaded. “I just hit it in the wrong spot,” Martin said. “It was the pitch I was looking for, I kind of had an idea he was going to start me with the changeup. It was really a good pitch to hit. It was changeup middle. I just got out in front and rolled over, and really just hit it in the wrong spot. He made a nice play, though.”
• The triple play was the third in Rays history. It was the first the Yankees hit into since 2000. They’ve hit into 25 in franchise history. “As soon as I hit it, I just put my head down,” Martin said. “I knew what was happening… I was trying to get down the line as fast as I could, and just not fast enough. It sucked.”
• The second big blow against the Yankees came in the seventh, when Rafael Soriano gave up the game-winning, three-run home run to Matt Joyce. “It was the walks that killed him tonight,” Girardi said. “If you’re going to have it happen, get it out of the way tonight. He’s been so good for us, I don’t make much of it. Robby comes in and throws well, Mo comes in and throws well, so we move on.”
• Girardi said he’ll try to get Boone Logan and Luis Ayala some work tomorrow night (which seemed to suggest Ayala has a spot on the postseason roster). “I feel good about our bullpen,” Girardi said.
• The Yankees still have not chosen a starter for tomorrow’s game. “I can’t start A.J., I can’t start Freddy, I can’t start Bart, I can’t start CC,” Girardi said. “We’re going to talk about it. That’s all we can do and well figure it out. I will have a starter by 7:10.”
• Alex Rodriguez was pulled from the game strictly to let him rest. He’s not hurt.
• Girardi said he’s still planning to have his regulars — including Rodriguez — in the lineup tomorrow. He’s not sure how long they’ll play.
• Girardi on the Rays decision to intentionally walk Robinson Cano to face Rodriguez with two on in the third inning: “Robbie’s swinging a great bat. We’re just trying to make it as difficult on teams as possible. When you’re swinging that great, they’re going to do that.”
• Johnny Damon passed Lou Gehrig for 57th place on baseball’s all-time hits list with 2,722. He’s two shy of tying Roberto Alomar for 56th.
• Colon is the first Yankees pitcher to go winless in 10 or more consecutive starts since Ian Kennedy from Sept. 7, 2007 to Aug. 8, 2008. So, obviously Colon will be in the Cy Young mix in the National League in three years.
• The last Yankees starter to go at least 10 starts without a win in a single season was Dvaid Cone in 2000. Cone with 15 straight.
• The Joyce home run was the first Soriano had allowed on the road this season.
• Martin has 18 homers in 417 at-bats this season. He had 12 homers in 836 at-bats from 2009 through 2010. Tonight he hit his first home run since going deep twice on August 25.
Associated Press photos
If it weren’t for Colon, the Yankees would have been up **** creek without a paddle because, early on, the SP was awful except for CC. Unfortunately, the innings took a toll and the Yankees did not give him sufficient rest. I can’t see him on the post-season roster at this point………even as a long man.
Yankeesfem, yeah, that makes no sense about Joe complaining and then not resting his players.
He probably won’t be resigned but Colon deserves a lot of credit for helping the Yanks make the playoffs. If he didn’t step up early in the year with Hughes gone, they could have been in pretty big trouble.
Ledger_Yankees RT @TBritton_Projo: Asked if he could feel his heart beating out there, Aceves said, “Yes. I am human.”
Colon was filthy early in the year; his 2-seamer was ludicrously good. He’s been a good part of our success. It’s too bad he ran out of gas. Having the pre-All Star Colon in the playoffs would have been a nice weapon in the SP.
Can people please stop posting stuff about Aceves. The only reason the RS are still alive is because we gifted him to Boston.
Girardi is complaining about not having two days off for his players, and then he is playing the regular lineup? OK, got it.
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He’s lost it. I thought clinching meant getting the regulars rested and ready for October.
The Yankees have had a brutal September schedule. Joe is hurting his own team because he probably feels like he has some silly obligation to the league.
Hey Scioscia you might want to actually make your guys show up to work tomorrow for the last game. Your getting embarrassed right now at your own place. It’s pretty ridiculous.
I don’t see anything wrong with starting the regulars, and then start pulling guys. Treat it like a ST game.
Jorge to manage?
Can’t wait until the postseason starts.
The Angels and whichever of TB/Boston doesn’t make the postseason, can’t complain or point fingers at other teams. They had plenty of chances with those 3 teams stumbling down the stretch. The Braves, too! Lowe has an ERA of 8 or 10 or something in the month of September.
It took a miracle for Boston to win today. 2 homeruns from Laverneandshirley. Tomorrow is going to be wild.
lgy dude. in case you don’t know this the yankees have to show up and play this series you knitwit. if this was a non important set of games then giradi could give his dudes more time out. go hang with betsy chic and watch bad news bears. that’s more your speed dummy.
Aceves is a valueless human being.
Girardi can’t appear to be tanking the games. Not going all out to win in the 14 inning game versus the Red Sox insulates him somewhat from not pushing that hard versus the Rays. For reference, both Jeter and A-Rod have on base percentages over .400 against Papelbon. So under any normal circumstance, they would have hit for Romine with the bases loaded. Heck, under normal circumstances, Nova would not have started the 7th inning up 3-1, and we would have seen SoRoMo.
However, he can’t start one of his regular guys – Hughes would be possible, but I think Girardi wants him to acclimate to warming up in the middle of the game. Therefore we are likely to see one of the kids. In order to make up for that, Girardi will probably start most of his regulars, perhaps minus Martin and play it like a spring training game. By the end, we’ll have an IF with Laird, Pena, Nunez and Chavez, and OF with Golson, Dickerson and Jones, and Romine behind the plate with Montero at DH.
nyyfana September 27th, 2011 at 11:48 pm
Aceves is a valueless human being.
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He was a good member of the Yanks and a good guy when here. The Yanks let him go because of concerns about his back. He’s rebounded well. Good for him…. no need to take shots like that at him.
Except we thought Joe would pull players early tonight and he didn’t w/the exception of Alex who actually needs the AB’s. I am still exhausted from sitting through two doubleheaders, one was essentially a triple header in 5 days. We’ve had a ridiculously long September, why aren’t we resting some of these players?
The plan was to treat today like a regular game. Not a ST game.
Half day tomorrow. Rest day on Thursday. Play Friday, win Friday.
And why pull guys in a game you are losing 5-3? Besides bad baseball, that’s too obvious.
If the lineup looks like they are sleep walking during the play offs Girardi/Cashman will have some explaining to do. Most of them played 14 innings, went to sleep at 5 am and then played the next 2 days and will play tomorrow. Did I miss something? Joey binder said the whole reason to clinch early was to rest guys and September was brutal for them and now he doesn’t rest them?!?!?! I think we have a new clueless Joe.
The suckitudleness of Bard continues to amaze me!
m September 27th, 2011 at 11:58 pm
And why pull guys in a game you are losing 5-3? Besides bad baseball, that’s too obvious.
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Obvious? Who cares? We’ve been up front that our priority is to rest/prepare our players. No one’s trying to deceive anyone as far as I know. We aren’t obligated to pretend to approach these games as if they have any relevance for us.
Detroit has 94 wins and Texas has 95 wins. The Angels are pitching guys from their bullpen tomorrow against Texas so that is most likely a Texas win. So it looks like the Yanks opponent will be Detroit.
It could still be Detroit if they win and Texas loses though, so nothing is in stone yet.
The theory I’ve heard and like best about why Joe isn’t resting the regulars is that he has asked them if they feel like they need rest and most are saying that they want to play. Perhaps this last game, Girardi makes the call regardless of them wanting to stay out there. There needs to be a patchwork bullpen and a makeshift lineup. We’re playing a playoff game Friday so it’s coming up quick. Girardi already said how he wants to rest the key members of the bullpen on Wednesday vs. the Rays. This is where the need to rest players really helps the Yankees and has the effect of damaging the Red Sox playoffs hopes.
Captain – what do you think you are, a frickin psychic? The Texas game isn’t even over yet.
m,
Now I understand your comments from the other night about Weeds. I just watched the season (series?) finale. Awful.
There has to be an 8th season, right? Can’t end it like that.
what do you think you are, a frickin psychic
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Texas is winning 10-3 against a dead Angels team. I would think Texas has that game in hand and will win it.
LGY,
They’re better off leaving it if that’s the ending. But then you want to find out who got…?
Maybe not the best start ever, but Colon left the game in position to win tonight. His ERA is still more than a full run better than AJ’s. He might be of some use to them in the playoffs, though it doesn’t look like starting is the right role at this point.
Last time we got past the first round of the playoffs and the opponent was not the Twins it was 2001 against Brad Pitt’s (Billy Beane’s) A’s.
I think 10 years later it’s finally time to knock someone else off in the ALDS.
• Colon is the first Yankees pitcher to go winless in 10 or more consecutive starts since Ian Kennedy from Sept. 7, 2007 to Aug. 8, 2008. So, obviously Colon will be in the Cy Young mix in the National League in three years.
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Good one, Chad!
Yankeesfem, yeah, that makes no sense about Joe complaining and then not resting his players.
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Joe does that a lot in managing during the game and in post-game pressers: makes no sense.
Let’s remember that Ian Kennedy only got 12 starts with the Yankees that was spread over two seasons.
So Girardi should have rested their regulars and then had their bats ice cold in the postseason?
Yeah, that would have worked just fine.
The players have to play. This isn’t a video game where you can sit down guys for days and then expect to turn on your Wii and they start swinging the bat like Dimaggio in his prime.
I always said Kennedy was going to be a good pitcher. Too many Yankee fans wanted to run the guy out of town because of some silly comments he made as a rookie. SMH
When all the other teams will be on a rhythm, with their players going every day, do you really want a situation where your team has been sitting on the bench with their feet up for 4 days?
I’m not sure what you’re all asking Girardi to do? Play the AAA guys every day? He’s resting guys intermittently and has been doing so for over a week.
I’ll bet if you took a poll of the players, you’d find they’d rather play and be sharp. How many times during the course of the season do you hear players talking about how they don’t like to miss games? And that when they do miss games it takes a couple of games to get their feel at the plate back?
Most of the players will have had some rest and all of the players will be rested after the game tonight, tomorrow and Friday during the day. Girardi has managed his bullpen in such a way that no one has been overworked and everyone will be available beginning Friday.
And I believe Girardi talking about wishing there were two days rest before the PS was more to do with getting his pitching set up.
The last thing I would want is for my team to end up being at a disadvantage because they haven’t played while everyone else has been playing full out.
Someone earlier mentioned the Phillies and their 8 game losing streak. yes, they had the 8-game losing streak, but they appear to be winning out the end of the season, having won 3 in a row, and the possibility of winning today against a lackluster Atlanta team.
I would prefer the Yankees go into the PS on the wings of a win. I don’t much like ending the season on a 4-game losing streak. But neither do I think that that will have anything to do with what they do starting Friday. All along, we’ve been saying once the post-season starts it’s a new season, and I believe that. It’s true for all the teams. The best thing Girardi can do is line up his starters and bullpen as best he can, and I believe he’s done that. Then the team has to go out and play good mistake-free baseball. And then we all hope for the best results.
raymagnetic -
Looks like you and I had the same thoughts. You’re a lot more succinct, though.
Villa Nova,
Great minds…
I thought Colon pitched a pretty good game last night.
Basically he made only one mistake.
I’d trust him over Burnett any day and twice on Sunday especially if it’s comin’ out of the pen.
Burnett has earned nothing. I hope they add Bartolo to the playoff roster and leave Burnett off.
Go with a 3 man rotation for the ALDS with lot’s of long man backup in
Colon, Hughes, and/or Noesi.
I also hate to say it but A-Rod looks useless at the plate right now.
Hope he comes around.
MTU -
Maybe ARod is saving all his hits for the PS.
That’s what I’m going with.
Boston with Lestah on short rest.
I thought I’d heard he’s never done it ?
Tampa basically facing our scrub pitching staff.
Should be advantage Tampa w. Price on the mound.
Best result would be they both lose and have to play a 1 game sudden death in Tampa w. the Sux losing a crushing defeat.
Hope Detroit wins today and the Antlers and Claws lose.
VN-
Sure freakin’ hope so. His injuries have derailed a good portion of his season.
Sorry to say it but right now he just looks terrible up there.
Granderson appears to be in a mini-slump too.
Hope they come around in time.
Playoff performance is such a crapshoot.
If the lineup looks like they are sleep walking during the play offs Girardi/Cashman will have some explaining to do. Most of them played 14 innings, went to sleep at 5 am and then played the next 2 days and will play tomorrow. Did I miss something?
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I don’t get it either. Unless NYY prefers Boston to make the playoffs.
that said, let Tex play EVERY DAY. EVERY AT-BAT. That way when he resumes his annual no-show role in the playoffs, there won’t be any excuses
I thought Soriano was getting into a groove ?
He absolutely sucked out there last night.
I kinda hope they find a way to move him and Burnett in a package deal this OS.
Both too unreliable. Eat some money and make ‘em disappear.
there is a big difference between playing a game like it’s spring training (as the Yankees have done the last couple of days) and with the intensity of a playoff game.
there is no point to having the regulars sit for a few days, all it will do is get them stale before the playoffs.
it isn’t like they are china dolls, these are professional athletes who stay in great shape and need the daily work-playing without any stress on them is much better than taking BP and infield practice.
I’m sure Girardi hasn’t twisted any arms to get them out on the field, if anyone was dinged up or tired they would get a chance to recharge their batteries. Besides, they get Thursday off and don’t play again until Friday night plus have a bunch of off days during the playoffs, no one is going to be playing 6 games in 6 days for the rest of the season and postseason.
MG-
I’m with you. They’ve had plenty enough rest. Get into a groove and stay there.
MTU, that’s because we’re old, we must have missed the memo on the correlation between days of rest before the playoffs and success in winning the WS, I think it’s a buried message in ‘Moneyball’.
MG-
The modern game does seem a bit too “mechanized”, and “specialized” for my taste.
Sometimes seems more like a nintendo game than baseball these days.
You’re right. I am old. I grew up watching Westerns and guys like Bob Gibson.
Not guys like Rafael Soriano who tell the Mgr who they’d like to pitch against and when.
Morning, I went on the blog last night. Unbelievable, so called fans openly routing against Yanks so that TB would win and Sox would not make playoffs. Their defense is that all these games are meaningless so that makes it OK for them to rout that the Yanks get beat. Other stupid attacks against Girardi, for playing regulars and so on. Several of us tried to defend the Yanks, like who cares who wins, Yanks ready to face anyone and you need to focus on your team entering the playoffs with players sharp and on a positive note. Falling on dead ears. It will be worst today, they will all be there again routing against the Yanks.
Noted this morning that Texas has passed Detriot for best record. Had been traveling so it may have happened a few days ago. Yuck Verlander right off the bat, oh well like I said we will play anyone and we will be ready.
The Yankees plan. Force a playoff duel between Boston and The Rays. Girardi will be watching the scoreboard and pulling and placing hitters and pitchers accordingly.
Gary-
Sharpening up the tip of your spear when preparing for battle does not seem meaningless to me.
It seems necessary and smart.
Gary -
Detroit and Texas can still end up tied. What happens in that event? Is the tie-breaker the head-to-head between them? And the Yankees play the one with the who did worse against the other?
I have enough faith in Girardi to think if players needed a day off, they would get it.
I agree w/ MG, these are non pressure games for the Yankees.
The Rays are set up to have a good chance to win today. it is up to them to take advantage of the situation.
Even tho it was against the Yankees, it was cool to see the triple play.
BS. Girardi could care less who gets into the playoffs.
His role is to worry about his team and how they are performing.
Nothing more.
The stuff about the offense last night is a bit overstated. They had guys all over the bases and smoked a few balls right at people……Grandersoj hits into a big double play and Martin hit into a triple play or they probably open that thing up.
One reason Im in favor of the additional WC is because of what’s happening this year……the Yankees have the best record…..and home field advantage and if the season ended today their reward is facing Verlander in game 1….while Texas draws the beaten up Red Sox or Rays.
With the additional WC…..the divisional winners and the team with the best record is guaranteed to be rewarded for what they did in the regular season.
Kate-
IMO it wasn’t cool. It killed a rally.
If Detroit and Texas tie…..then the Yanks play Texas as Detroit holds the tie breaker.
oh come on MTU, how often do you get to witness a triple play?
Yes. Detroit won the season series with Texas
MTU September 28th, 2011 at 7:32 am
Gary-
Sharpening up the tip of your spear when preparing for battle does not seem meaningless to me.
It seems necessary and smart.
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History is filled in many sports of when a team coasted into the playoffs and then got bounced. I agree keeping the guys out there playing and staying sharp is necessary. Joe is doing the right thing. I expect most of the regulars to play today since contray to the thoughts of many this is a very meaningful game for baseball. Listening to some of these folks they think regulars need a weeks vacation.
Blake-
I understand your point but I’m against extending the length of the season any more than it already is. Too much rough weather as is.
If you really want to reward the best teams just go back to the old format.
Get rid of the WC altogether. Ain’t happening though.
Thanks for the info on Detroit/Texas.
Kate-
They are rare I grant you that. I’d be fine with it if we were the ones making the play.
Isn’t there a Rays blog somewhere that all the Girardi micro-managers here could spend a little time on today helping Maddon win the game tonight with their expertise.
these are essentially spring training games for the Yankees regulars, does anyone remember what the offense did in the last couple of games before the regular season started or does anyone care?
it doesn’t mean they aren’t trying out there, it just means they aren’t playing with the same focus and concentration-the difference isn’t obvious but anyone who’s played competitive sports understands the difference between a practice game (at any level) and the real thing.
blake September 28th, 2011 at 7:35 am
The stuff about the offense last night is a bit overstated. They had guys all over the bases and smoked a few balls right at people……Grandersoj hits into a big double play and Martin hit into a triple play or they probably open that thing up.
One reason Im in favor of the additional WC is because of what’s happening this year……the Yankees have the best record…..and home field advantage and if the season ended today their reward is facing Verlander in game 1….while Texas draws the beaten up Red Sox or Rays.
With the additional WC…..the divisional winners and the team with the best record is guaranteed to be rewarded for what they did in the regular season.
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The Tex play on the double was a big mistake, I was watching the Rays broadcast here in Fl and they kept remarking how big of a play it was and how Tex made a bonehead play not playing it halfway.
I heard some talk about another WC with a winner take all 1 game WC playoff between the two teams. If that is what they plan on doing it’s pretty stupid in my opinion.
MTU,
I think they are talking about a 1 game WC round……that wouldn’t really extend the playoffs much if at all
Sux destroyed.
Detroit wins Texas loses.
We blow Tampa out.
1 game sudden death heart-breaking loss for the Sux.
That’s the ticket.
As I understand it, that is what they plan on doing Gary. 2 wild card teams w/ a one game play off. The idea is it keeps more teams involved.
MTU September 28th, 2011 at 7:44 am
Sux destroyed.
Detroit wins Texas loses.
We blow Tampa out.
1 game sudden death heart-breaking loss for the Sux.
That’s the ticket.
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Wonder who thinks there is more to play for today, Texas or Detriot?
I don’t mind it being one game……if they could work it so that a 3 game series os quick then fine. But I want the divisions to mean something again……and I want the division winners to have a real advantage on the postseason.
Blake-
Maybe.
Too much BS IMO. The playoffs are already enough of a crapshoot.
Want to be included ? Play like a champ all season. Come out on top in your league.
upstate kate September 28th, 2011 at 7:46 am
As I understand it, that is what they plan on doing Gary. 2 wild card teams w/ a one game play off. The idea is it keeps more teams involved.
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Too much advantage to the home team. Now if they played at a neutral site it would be fairer.
MTU,
Yea but what Im suggesting makes it less of a crapshoot because the best teams have an advantage. JmO
MTU,
Yea the best case scenario is that the Orioles and Yanks both win today. Then the Sox send up TBD against Matt Moore tomorrow at the Trop
Gary-
I think they both should want to win. That’s all.
Chips will fall where they may.
The Tex play was bad, but I’m not sure they win anyway. Don’t know how the game would have unfolded.
The long and the short of it is that adding an extra wild card is all about $. No more, no less.
Its always about money……that’s a given …..but Its coming so Im trying to focus on the good things it’ll bring
Blake-
I understand that. I just think the WC has made the whole process overly complicated in an effort to be more inclusive.
it is always about the money, isn’t it Kev?
pat -
I like your suggestion.
Who wants to go hiking with me today ?
me!!!
Kate-
I knew I could count on you.
Villa Nova-Ya September 28th, 2011 at 7:50 am
The Tex play was bad, but I’m not sure they win anyway. Don’t know how the game would have unfolded.
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It was more than the Tex run I think. It would have setup a different situation on the basepaths and the defense which possibly could have lead to another Yankee run.
MTU September 28th, 2011 at 8:00 am
Who wants to go hiking with me today ?
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91 here today I’ll be hiking to the pool.
Good morning all.
Care to guess on your predictions?
The Phillies who have had it wrapped up for weeks have played their regulars most of the game against the Braves. With Hudson vs Blanton tonight, I’m picking the Braves to finally win one, and play the Cardinals tomorrow, with the Cardinals winning and giving the Phillies a run in the NLDS.
The Rangers are facing Garrett Richards who hasn’t started a game in 5 weeks. They’ll probably win, have home field against the Rays/Red Sox, who I think are going to a playoff tomorrow.
After we beat the Tigers, it’s a rematch with the Rangers with the Yankees going to the WS .
Phillies will play the Cardinals and Brewers will play the Diamondbacks. Going with an upset with the Cardinals playing and losing to the Brewers in the NLCS.
Yankees who swept the Brewers in interleague play win #28
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it…..for now.
Gary-
Wouldn’t you rather be fishing ? Going for a swim that way ? Maybe catchin’ dinner ?
YT
I am going for a Yankees/Brewers WS w/ the Yankees winning #28 of course
YT-
Wow. That’s convoluted. Did you stay up all night ? And here I though I was a dreamer.
Gary -
Yeah, probably. I was having trouble resetting the situation in my mind. Walking it through, if Tex scores, runner is on second only. But next guy walked, no? So you still have a TP situation, with force at 3rd base. Of course, with a run in already, maybe the defense sets up differently, maybe a different pitch selection. But if the only difference is Tex scores on the double, I’m not sure they get any more runs that inning anyway.
It’s interesting to think about though. I had switched channels to the Boston game during the pitching change, and the inning was done when I changed back just a minute later. That was just dumbfounding!
MTU,
I do! Don’t know if I can get there before dark though
I like Kate’s Yankees/Brewers WS .
MG, I mostly agree with your points, but I don’t about real/”practice” games – not in baseball anyway. I only believe that about sports where emotion is central to the game – like football or basketball. You don’t need to have this amazing sense of urgency to throw a baseball well or to hit a baseball hard.
I don’t like losing 4 in a row…..and I think people are underestimating the Rays by hoping they get in the playoffs. If we end up facing them, a big if, their pitching makes them very dangerous.
Basically I want the Yankees or anybody besides the Sox or Phillies to win.r
Kate-
You and I are going to hike to the only Redwood in Southern Utah.
It’s not native of course. It was planted by the Pioneers in the 1800′s.
It has managed to survive in our climate. Sound like fun ?
Parody song about Red Sox struggles on Mike and Mike to the tune of Sweet Caroline.
Really mean but funny.
Yea the best case scenario is that the Orioles and Yanks both win today. Then the Sox send up TBD against Matt Moore tomorrow at the Trop
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The Rays can use Moore, Niemann, and Wade against Lackey and an overabused bullpen.
MTU September 28th, 2011 at 8:09 am
Gary-
Wouldn’t you rather be fishing ? Going for a swim that way ? Maybe catchin’ dinner
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I will fish sometime today. I fish everyday so it’s more routine then something you really get geared up for. I only eat Saltwater native fish like Grouper and Flounder. Freshwater like here in the development is catch and release. Heading out 40 miles into the gulf week after next to get some big grouper. At $15/lb you get two or three and the freezer is full and you saved a bunch of money.
MTU, I don’t trust Colon at this point so if I’m going to start either him or AJ, I have to go with the guy who at least has stuff. Colon has nothing – he’s toast. With AJ, you have to have a pitcher basically warming up as soon as the game starts. That’s all – the minute he even sniffs getting into trouble, he’s out…….and if he throws a hissy fit, that’s on him.
Blake-
We’ll make it a late afternoon jaunt. I’ll send the jet for ya’.
Just leave the stewardess alone. Drinks are free.
“You don’t need to have this amazing sense of urgency to throw a baseball well or to hit a baseball hard.”
This isn’t true….adrenaline and urgency affects concentration just like any other sport……and especially with relief pitchers …..who feed off that.
sounds great MTU…hope “we” take lots of pix!
You’re the best MTU……will you pick me up at the airport in your aston Martin?
MTU September 28th, 2011 at 8:16 am
Kate-
You and I are going to hike to the only Redwood in Southern Utah.
It’s not native of course. It was planted by the Pioneers in the 1800?s.
It has managed to survive in our climate. Sound like fun ?
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There is great hiking in AZ near where my father lives. Sedona, Tuscon most other AZ places have great trails.
Wow. That’s convoluted. Did you stay up all night ? And here I though I was a dreamer.
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MTU-
No, I thought that all up in 5 minutes this morning, while in the john! Is that TMI??
Every playoff team is good. Each one is going to be a challenge to face. It doesn’t much matter who it is. I’m no more “fearful” of the Rays than any other team. Yankees just need to TC of their own B.
Anyone here watch Breaking Bad? The last 5 minutes of Sunday’s episode was the best I’ve ever seen on TV
Betsy-
I think AJ is toast mentally. Which would you rather take a chance on ?
P.S. I don’t think Bartolo is toast for a few innings at a time.
Gary-
My neighbor goes trout fishing almost every day and has promised to give me some. He feeds the whole freakin’ neighborhood.
Betsy September 28th, 2011 at 8:18 am
MTU, I don’t trust Colon at this point so if I’m going to start either him or AJ, I have to go with the guy who at least has stuff. Colon has nothing – he’s toast. With AJ, you have to have a pitcher basically warming up as soon as the game starts. That’s all – the minute he even sniffs getting into trouble, he’s out…….and if he throws a hissy fit, that’s on him.
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Betsy I’d agree, I think his arm is just worn out. AJ does need to be on a short leash.
Blake, I don’t agree. You don’t go out there and just lollygag a throw up there because you aren’t playing a must win – you throw the best pitch you can. Relievers are always pitching with a sense of urgency – even in non-meaningful games, they don’t want to blow it. Hitters just want to get a hit………..no matter the game. I’ve always believed this.
The Yankees are playing hard, but losing 4 in a row isn’t very appealing.
Also, I’m not worried about Alex per se, I just don’t expect much from him – the injuries have taken their toll on him. He’s one of my favorite players, so I feel bad for him……
Blake-
Nothing but the best for you. We’ll slum. I’ll meet ya’ in the Ferrari if that’s OK ?
Kate-
Yes. Of course WE will.
Gary-
There are many great places down that way. I have a hiking acquaintance who lives in Tucson. I went down there last year for a series of hikes.
Great stuff. He will get me out to Sedona sooner or later. I find that area a bit too touristy although the hiking is great. Too many “crystal people”.
Gary, I call the leash with AJ more of a chokehold. He doesn’t get a chance to work out of things because he has shown he can’t do that. Now I don’t think the Yankees will go that far because obviously they have this obsession with him and for some reason believe in him. I suspect the Yankees will leave him in until it’s too late.
MG-great post @ 7:02
Hughes was not very impressive on Monday with his location and velocity, as well as most outs being long fly balls.
Colon pitched okay. From what I saw last night his velocity was down and the movement on his fastball wasn’t there.
Hughes gets a chance tonight to gain a position as the long reliever. If Hughes again is soso, which one makes the ALDS?
The Yankees are talking about a 10 man rotation also, which I don’t believe will happen, but if it does is it Ayala, Logan,Ward, Soriano, DRob, Mo in the bullpen with CC, Nova, Burnett as #3 and Garcia as the long man?
I think AJ gets the start, w/ a very short leash. Girardi has not been afraid to yank him early this year. The problem is sometimes he unravels so quickly.
Sedona is a great place to hike MTU, altho Zion is more impressive IMO.
Betsy,
I disagree…..the importance if the game matters in baseball just like any other game. Players aren’t perfect……they know the stakes and while they don’t give awaytheir at bats or throw balls down the middle on purpose…….the concentration level isn’t always the same for all players.
My bet is that Hughes gets the start tonight for 2 innings and then is followed by Logan, Ayala, Valdez, Laffey, Betances and Brackman for 1 inning each. If there is a bottom of the ninth then Proctor will get the call and stay on the mound until the game is over.
YT, it probably doesn’t even matter; I think Hughes would only pitch as a long man and, at this point, probably Colon. If I thought Colon had anything left, I’d go with Colon, but I really don’t think he does.
Blake, I get your point, but I don’t agree.
MTU,
I guess the Ferari will so
Maybe Montero will actually start a game tonight
Kate-
I agree. Sedona gets the play but it falls short compared with our area IMO.
Another place that I find similar to Sedona is Santa Fe NM.
Nice scenery but way too damn touristy for my taste.
Taos is the same.
I prefer the wild places like where I’ll be next week.
Yea Montero will play tonight…..I wish he would have last night as well.
Betsy September 28th, 2011 at 8:16 am
MG, I mostly agree with your points, but I don’t about real/”practice” games – not in baseball anyway. I only believe that about sports where emotion is central to the game – like football or basketball. You don’t need to have this amazing sense of urgency to throw a baseball well or to hit a baseball hard.
I don’t like losing 4 in a row…..and I think people are underestimating the Rays by hoping they get in the playoffs. If we end up facing them, a big if, their pitching makes them very dangerous.
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Betsy, it’s OK to disagree but have you played sports competitively? If you have, at any level, you understand the difference.
Blake-
I’m glad. I was worried it might not meet with your approval.
Now I can just go back to concentrating on stocking the bar and arranging for the evening’s entertainment.
I don’t underestimate the Rays……Im just not afraid of them and if the Yankees met them on the ALCS Id be very confident because the Yankees are significantly better than them. They can hit Price…..they can hit Hellickson…..and they can hit Davis and Riemann…..Shields gives them issues but they can hit him also. The Yanks are mu h better offensively and have a much better bullpen. Ill worry about the ALCS when they get there.
Blake-
Us “old money” folks have to stick together.
Don’t want to mix with the “Nouveau” riche.
N’est pas ?
Randy Levine is an evil genius.
What a performance by Sori last night.
Anyone else feeling sick about playing the Tigers in the first round? Please, someone make me feel better.
LGY
I have been saying all along that Girardi is an evil genius, now I guess he has company
Wow-there are a lot of evil geniuses on the Yankees. First Girardi, now Levine?
I expect tonight’s game to be a good all around Yankee win with a final tuneup heading into the ALDS.
Lester on short rest and an overused bullpen will lose to the Orioles and fly to Tampa for a one-game playoff on Thursday.
Showalter’s Orioles are not beat up and will want to finish their season on a high note.
LGY-
The way Soriano pitched last night you’d think he missed his manicure the day before.
Soriano probably felt this game was like a ST game and you know how he feels about being called on to face AL East opponents in ST! LOL
YT-
I think he needs a night at the Holiday Inn Express.
His tu tu must have been out of alignment.
Gary-
There are many great places down that way. I have a hiking acquaintance who lives in Tucson. I went down there last year for a series of hikes.
Great stuff. He will get me out to Sedona sooner or later. I find that area a bit too touristy although the hiking is great. Too many “crystal people”.
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I don’t know if you went to Sabrina Canyon in Tuscon, but there are many trailheads there offering different challenges and distances. Also lots hike around the Saguaro monument heading down towards Old Tuscon.
108 stitches-
Who wins the playoff game and likely faces the Rangers in Arlington on Friday?
gary-
yup. Also Romero pools, seven falls and aravaipa canyon.
fantastic stuff.
MTU,
True!
Leland has already said that Verlander wont pitch on three says rest……so if they play the Tigers and win game 1 then they are sitting very pretty. They can beat Verlander……the Tigers have to face Sabathia who I feel will step it up
If the Braves can’t win with Hudson against Blanton then they don’t deserve it anyway.
New Post: Cano takes his spot as the Yankees best hitter
GoldGlove9486 September 28th, 2011 at 8:53 am
Anyone else feeling sick about playing the Tigers in the first round? Please, someone make me feel better.
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It’s not the best matchup, but our SP and offense is going to hold up or it’s not. Got to find out sometime. I wish A Rod were hitting better, it keeps taking me back to the year when we played Detroit in the first round and ARod and the team did nothing. That might have been the year also that Soriano was all world and then did nothing but strikeout in the playoffs. The Kennry Rogers sandpaper game also comes to mind.
His tu tu must have been out of alignment.
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Probably his “life force” his Chi, was not facing the right direction in his old stomping grounds.
Do the all the evil geniuses live in Evilgeniusville? Or are they also residing in Cheapshotsville?
Blake-
Whoever we play we must play well to beat. If we do it doesn’t matter who it is. If we don’t it’s still doesn’t matter cause we’ll lose.
You don’t worry about what the other team may do. You worry about your own play.
YT-
bad “Fung shui” ? or is that only for furniture ?
im sorry i had to come on here during the game post but i have to say this:
betsy you are an idiot.
there i feel better now
c you guys later.