Game 21: C-Rod comes through in the clutch

April 22, 2008 by Benjamin Kabak 301 Comments

For baseball fans in Chicago, today is one of those rare days with the chance to grab a fantastic double-header. The Cubs are currently wrapping up a North Side win over the Mets, and at 7:11 p.m. Central time — yes, that’s intentional — the Yankees and the White Sox will square off on the Chicago’s South Side.

The Yankees today are without their All Star third baseman. The reigning MVP would have missed the game with a slightly strained quad, but he’s not with the team because his wife Cynthia gave birth to the couple’s second child. Anyone believing in conspiracy theories would posit that C-Rod’s labor was induced to conveniently keep A-Rod away from the stadium while his strained muscle heals.

On the field, Jorge Posada makes his triumphant return behind the dish. Posada hasn’t been the starting catcher since April 8, and he’s caught just 33 innings this season. The Yanks couldn’t have picked a better team against which to test Posada’s shoulder. The White Sox have attempted just five stolen bases this year and were successful three times. I think the Sox may test Posada’s arm, but the team just doesn’t run that much anyway.

Chien-Ming Wang, 3-0 with a 3.81, takes the mound today. He’ll look to avenge himself after failing to make it out of the fifth against the Red Sox last week. It’s been a long week for the Yankee bullpen, eh?

Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Giambi 1B
Ensberg 3B
Cabrera CF

Wang P

Notes: Joe will be accepting submissions for guest column consideration until tomorrow morning. Details are in the linked post.

Ivan

Is it me or that lineup just seems weak without A-Rod?

Seriously, without A-rod, the lineup went from big time, to just slightly above average.
- RichYF
  
  Bro, Giambi is in that lineup. It’s a beast. He’s good for so much runs.
- Mike P
  
  That would be why Arod is the reigning MVP?
- Chip
  
  I’d be more comfortable with Shelley at first to tell you the truth
  - Chip
    
    Way to make me look stupid Giambi
matt k

Hank demaned that cynthia go into labor yesterday.
- http://riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  No no, it’s Melky’s fault.
  - Mike P
    
    I don’t get that? Has Melky been fooling around with A-Rod wife?
    
    The headline should have been ‘delivers in the clutch’, still pretty good though.
matt k

Anyone ever been to a game in cleveland? Iam making the trip this saturday from buffalo. Ive heard the fans can be pretty bad.
- Manimal
  
  They can’t be that bad if you knock them out first.
- http://footballstu.blogs.sportsline.com/ Stu H
  
  Watch out for the bugs, I hear they’re pretty bad in Cleveland…
- http://www.magicball.net LBA Prequel
  
  Whoa, a fellow Buffalonian who is a Yankee fan. Ugh. UB is unfortunately the center of Red Sox Nation in New York State though…
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Fucking Rodriguezes, only delivering in April.
- Ivan
  
  I like that one lol
Manimal

I just looked up that 9 months ago yesturday, was the day The vizz had 2 wins in one day, Arod had a homerun that day and Shelly hit his first hr of his career. After a double header arod still had the energy to.. well you know.

LOL thats an assumption though, when was the baby due?
Tripp

Does Arod go to the 3 day bereavement list?
- matt k
  
  I asked that question last week. and the response i got was “he would have to be pretty upset about the birth of his daughter to go on that list”
  
  and he is only supposed to miss two days should be back thursday
- Mike P
  
  He may not be too pleased with another kid. If the tabloids are right, who knowds how many he’s got already.
Joey

hip hip jorge
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Josh Beckett to miss tonight’s game due to stiff neck.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080422&content_id=2568648&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Funny, I would have thought Gammons would be the one complaining of a stiff neck…
  - Joey
    
    nah, Gammons is having trouble remembering where he is and crapping his pants in public
    - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
      
      I believe Mike was referencing to the unbelievable amount of fellatio Peter Gammons gives to Josh Beckett and Co.
      - Joey
        
        oh I know, and I was adding the reference of how old he is :-D
Yankee1010

Olney discussed the trend of umpires calling more check swings as strikes. I would say that the Abreu 2nd strike was definitely more evidence of that.
http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

I kinda miss Contreras. lol.
http://www.magicball.net LBA Prequel

A-Rod makes that play at third. Ensberg looked lost. “Which way did it go, George?” :p

J/k, lol.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Wang owns.
Joey

I already miss A-Rod’s “defensive prowess”! Dammit Ensberg
- Joey
  
  I take it back, nice job Ensberg!
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

CMW is throwing some gas, sitting 95-96 MPH on every sinker thus far.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

I’ve been thinking, instead of that slider that breaks off the plate, why don’t they (CMW & JoPo) try a back door slider? Knowing how his sinker stays straight then breaks in on RH, the fact that the slider would stay straight and break onto the plate instead of off the plate like the sinker, that would have hitters completely fooled.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

OWNED!

And to LCF…
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  And people actually wanted to DFA Giambi. Shows what they know!
  
  ;)
  - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
    
    Yes, I am always right.
    
    *Does not wink*
    
    Lmao, can’t get too excited over one AB though even though I wish I could. :)
http://www.riveraveblues.com Ben K.

Giambi finally got a hit off of not-Mike Timlin!
- http://www.magicball.net LBA Prequel
  
  This just in: Jose Contreras is the bastard son of Mike Timlin. It runs in the gene pool. No way Giambi can hit off a non-Timlinite.
Joey

wow… just wow
E-ROC

Wow, Giambi actually hit a baseball.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

What interesting note on Giambi, every one of his HRs have been in the LCF-CF range.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Does the MLB allow this?

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/2008/04/22/2008-04-22_jake_long_signs_with_dolphins_will_be_to.html

If they don’t I think it should be considered, give some more time to these organizations picking early to sign guys like Rick Porcello and Erick Hosmer (please Scott Boras, you SOB demand a crazy contract, please!)
- Joey
  
  don’t think so, seeing as how they don’t allow you to trade picks to begin with. Then again, I don’t know why I’m responding, I have no freakin idea
Chip

Yeah it’s nice to see him hit the other way
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Paul O’ Neill is really sounding like a douche.

Michael Kay: Did you know that your teammates talked LaTroy hawkins out of wearing the number?

Paul O’Neill: No, thanks guys.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Elevated sinkers suck.
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  Ok, sliders backed up to the middle of the plate suck.
Newman

Wang looks awful
- Pedro
  
  Again. That slider really looks bad.
- Joey
  
  especially after that 1 (un)checked swing and then the horrible swing, he elevates it… not a pretty pitch on 0-2
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  No he doesn’t, he hung one slider and thus far he just can’t get the hitters to chase with two strikes.
Newman

Looks like it could be an Ohlie night…again
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Only one changeup thus far for CMW. Strike 1 to Swisher in this PA.
Newman

Wow, I’ve never seen that before
Pedro

Once again, 0-2 and can’t put the guy away. Let it get to a full count, horrible.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Jesus, why can’t anyone hold a lead against Boston.
- Newman
  
  Too early to be concerned about Boston. Let’s worry about getting our own ship straightened out
- Pedro
  
  Why can’t WE hold our lead?
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Lmao, didn’t even realize that was a K.
Joey

wow, what a swing!
Ivan

Thatt’s something you don’t see everyday.
Newman

Another terrible pitch to O-Cab, middle up, got away with that one. Wanger needs to start throwing better 2 strike pitches
- Yankee1010
  
  I’m as big a Wang fan as anyone, but throwing an 0-2 pitch down the middle, to Uribe of all people, is indefensible.
  
  We can calm down though because it’s not like that’s a pattern of Wang’s.
  
  I’m feeling confident about the Yanks in this game.
E-ROC

Is Wang “too strong” today? Looks like it to me.
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  I don’t think it’s the sinker that’s the issue. He’s getting ahead of hitters, he’s throwing strikes, just can’t finish off the AB. The slider just looks inconsistent today. It either breaks too much where the hitters need not chase or it hangs over the middle a la Juan Uribe and Orlando Cabrera.
Pedro

That was a good play. I thought he was going to miss it.
Yankee1010

Montero just hit a HR. He’s 2-3 tonight. Who isn’t excited about that kid wearing pinstripes in 3-4 years?
- Newman
  
  Don’t fuck with the Jesus
  - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
    
    I am rooting so hard for Ryan Pope to make it to the Bronx during the time Jesus Montero is on the squad.
    
    That AVIS commercial literally is a classic, there’s no denying it.
http://www.magicball.net LBA Prequel

Matsui! Thank God he’s still on our team.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Hideki Matsui for Johnathan Sanchez eh?
Newman

Quick inning here from Mr. Wang, come on now
Ivan

You know, I knew the ChiSox broadcast guys are homers but just listening to them is agonizing. They are by far the biggest homers in sports.
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  It’s Chicago, although its a bigger market than most they take pride in their homerism.
  
  Plus, is there any better HR call than “YOU CAN PUT IT ON THE BOAAAAARRRRRRD….YESSSSSSSSS!”?
  - Guiseppe Franco
    
    I don’t mind homer announcers, but Hawk Harrelson is the worst broadcaster in MLB. It’s not even close.
- Newman
  
  Come on Pauly, come on…get up, get up get up…you can put it on the boooooooooooooooooooooooaaard, YYYYYYYYYEEESS!!!!
  - Yankee1010
    
    God, Ivan, I’m so sorry you have to listen to them. It’s hard to explain to people who haven’t heard them before. It’s completely unbelievable. I have friends who are White Sox fans and they just can’t stand them. It’s completley ridiculous.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

That pitched broke like three different times, nasty.
Ivan

Nah, to me one of personal favs was when Bonds hits a hr and the guys say

Bonds hits it Hiiigh……..Deeeep…….and outta here.
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  Yeah, I love that call. Definitely tops in my book. What is that guy’s name?
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    Duane Kuiper. He and Mike Krukow are the best announcing tandem in the game. That was one of the best parts of the 2+ years I lived in northern CA.
    
    Bonds hits is high … heeeee hiiiiiits it deeeep … he hits it ….OUUUUTTTTAA HEEERE!!!
    
    Ah, memories.
Pedro

Wang’s pitches on gameday are all waist high or higher
- Yankee1010
  
  It’s certainly not a vintage Wang outing. He is still showing flashes of that dominant sinker. I just wonder if they’re trying to mix things up too much.
Ivan

Now when I heard vin Scully did his games on Tv, I was amaze yo. I mean I knew he was good but just listening to him is just phenonmenal. Especially when you listen to guys like Kay and Sterling.
Pedro

Chien Ming Double, gotta love those pitches down the middle.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Changeup has looked good thus far.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

That hit was just nasty. LCF 2B, swet.
Ivan

Cano doing his thing
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

That hit was just nasty. LCF 2B, sweet.
Joey

wow Robbie and Giambi get hits in the same game? Well at least we know Robbie would break out of his slump eventually
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

He nearly got jammed on that swing and he still almost got it to the warning track, that’s some power.
http://www.magicball.net LBA Prequel

Giambi: “Aww, batting outside makes me a sad panda!”

Seriously, wtf?
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  Some players prefer different things. For instance, I myself can’t stand live BP. My best friend on my team is the exact opposite.
  - http://www.magicball.net LBA Prequel
    
    I’m just surprised that he prefers to BP inside…considering the vast majority of stadiums are outdoors…
Joey

can you guys tell I’m watching on MLB.tv? I’m calling everything 5 minutes after you guys. lol
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Didn’t Michael Kay tell this story the very last game?
http://www.baseballdigestdaily.com Eric SanInocencio

Come on Leche. Big two out hit here!
Yankee1010

Yes, Giambi finally went the other way and hit a HR in his first at-bat. But it figures that when the situation called for at the very least a ground ball to the right side to advance Cano, this would be the time he didn’t do it.
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  You have got to be kidding me. The very next plate appearance, are you serious?
  
  Why do some of you hate Jason Giambi? It’s like it pleasures you when he fails, he still is a Yankee. Aren’t we supposed to be rooting for him?
  - http://www.magicball.net LBA Prequel
    
    It’s not that I want him to fail; rather, I simply expect him to. When he does well, I am pleasantly surprised.
    
    I just wish we could take the “surprise” out of the equation, and make it happen more often.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

No hit there but yet again Melky works another full count. You have got to be amazed at his improved plate discipline and vision.
Pedro

Come on Melky! This is getting old, it’s always the same pitch. Hold your bat, at least once.
- Yankee1010
  
  Um, Pedro, he definitely held his swing. Do you really think he went? Then you and the 3B umpired can have a grand old time as the only 2 people who think he did.
  - Pedro
    
    No, I don’t think he did, I only think he shouldn’t be fooled at that pitch yet again. He’s been fooled by that pitch his whole career.
Yankee1010

Fucking absurd call on Melky’s check swing. If the rule is, “if he moves his arms, it’s a swing”, fine, that was a swing. Good work, MLB umpires. Paging Sandy Alderson …
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

That quick inning was so needed.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Looks like CC is righting the ship. Jon Heyman is a tool.
Yankee1010

Coney, I love you, but citing Vazquez as a “veteran” with respect to Chicago’s 2005 World Series run shows that maybe you should brush up a little. Vazquez was a D-Back in 2005.
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  David Cone said Ian Kennedy got “jerked off in the bullpen”. I can not get on him for anything ever because of that.
http://www.baseballdigestdaily.com Eric SanInocencio

I know this a bit off topic, but man, what a night to watch TV. You have the Yanks on, Suns-Spurs (game 2), and all the coverage you can take on the Pennsylvania primary.

I won’t get a clean sweep tonight (Hillary won) but hopefully the Yanks and Suns can close it out in the “W” column.
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  Steve Nash deserved a W on his record just for making that 3. I mean damn, what a shot.
  - Yankee1010
    
    Game 7 of Caps-Flyers is also in OT. It’s a moot point because we all know that the Rangers are ready to win the Cup again.
  - Joey
    
    fuck basketball, you have the Caps vs. Flyers game 7 in OT, and Deadliest Catch new season
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

After that GB by Swisher, Wang has a 3:2 GB:FB ratio, so it looks like he’s improving.
http://www.baseballdigestdaily.com Eric SanInocencio

Cabrera smoked that ball…got to be careful to Thome here.
http://www.baseballdigestdaily.com Eric SanInocencio

I mean seriously, could you expect Tim Duncan to hit that 3 again anytime in his life?
http://www.baseballdigestdaily.com Eric SanInocencio

Dammit. Konerko, of all people (he of the under .200 batting average), is killing the Yanks today.
Pedro

Here we go, another double. This is just horrible.
- http://www.baseballdigestdaily.com Eric SanInocencio
  
  Nice job keeping the score manageable there. That could have gotten out of hand.
- Yankee1010
  
  Pedro, I’ll admit that this isn’t classic Wang, but 3 runs through 5 innings isn’t horrible, right?
  - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
    
    It isn’t, especially after what we’ve seen from our starters in general and Wang’s last start.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Bruce Bowen fails.
- http://www.baseballdigestdaily.com Eric SanInocencio
  
  Shaq and Amare off to good starts, good news for Suns fans.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Shaq and Duncan going all Clemens and Schilling circa November 2001.
- http://www.baseballdigestdaily.com Eric SanInocencio
  
  Without the blogging and shitty attitudes.
http://www.baseballdigestdaily.com Eric SanInocencio

Man, the Yanks really lack power right now. I mean other than Arod and Matsui, is there anyone with 30 home run potential in this lineup?
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  A healthy Jason Giambi and a continually improving Robinson Cano (myabe, just maybe)
  - http://www.baseballdigestdaily.com Eric SanInocencio
    
    Big ifs. I know Sheffield has broken down somewhat, but you can’t deny he was a bigtime power threat then. Much different look now with Abreu. Not saying good or bad, just different.
    - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
      
      I’ll take the speed, OBP skills and better range of Abreu along with Humberto Sanchez and Kevin Whelan over Gary Sheffield. :)
http://www.magicball.net LBA Prequel

Matsui gets hit in a sensitive area. 3 game suspension for Contreras!
- Mike R.
  
  It’s only a 3 game suspension if he means to hit him, but misses. Thems the rules!
  - http://www.magicball.net LBA Prequel
    
    Well, he nearly had two balls, low and inside. That seems pretty intentional to me. :-p
    - Mike R.
      
      Yes, but he didn’t miss. :)
      
      PS I hope you realize my original comment was sarcastic.
BigBlueAL

early panic statement, this could be a very LONG week.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Sorry for all the BBall comments but Amare just owned Duncan down low.
Pedro

Jose Contreras pitching right? Can’t be. The guy pitching just looks so dominant
Yankee1010

The biggest problem right now is obviously the offense. Once it starts clkicking like it should, I think a lot of people will settle down. It will also benefit Hughes and Kennedy. It would be nice for them to pitch with a little run support.
Joey

Flyers win in OT, what a freakin game. Excellent excellent game (and I strongly dislike Philly)
- BigBlueAL
  
  so who do the Rangers play i next round??? Canadians???
  - Yankee1010
    
    Penguins. And Sid the Kid flopping and diving like a bitch.
    - BigBlueAL
      
      sorry, not a hockey fan at all, but will follow Rangers as long as they r in (i do know that Crosby is a beast though)
  - Joey
    
    Penguins. I say Pens in 6
    - Yankee1010
      
      The Rangers took care of the season series with the refs giving the Pens their pussy penalties. If you assume it will tighten up just a little in the playoffs, the good guys should take it.
      - Joey
        
        I can’t root for the Rangers anymore because, well, Dolan is a moron, and they screwed my Jets (yes, I’m a Yanks-Jets fan) out of getting the stadium in Manhattan. I am a huge hockey fan, and well, the Pens are just the better team. Chris Drury has been my favorite player since he was on the Avs, all guts, but I don’t see the Rangers beating them unless they play physically all game, which I don’t see.
        
        The refs have been great all playoffs for all series, and Crosby doesn’t flop that much, actually hasn’t since he got blasted by vets in the beginning of the season. He is the future of the league along with Ovie and Malkin, and he won’t be doing any of the shit when it projects on the league. I just plain like the Pens over the Rangers, but if the Rangers won it wouldn’t be the first time a lesser team beat the better in the playoffs
http://www.baseballdigestdaily.com Eric SanInocencio

What channel is hockey on? I can’t find it for anything. Not that I’m looking that hard though. Need Wang to get us back in the dugout quickly.
- Yankee1010
  
  It was on Versus.
  - Joey
    
    If you don’t get Versus channelsurfing.net is great (not a proxy, don’t worry Mike). Pretty clear picture for over the internet. I’m stuck in a dormroom that doesn’t get Versus, so it’s my best option
    - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
      
      Thanks for the tip man. I’m not going to use it for hockey but I will to follow some of the top college baseball prospects for this upcoming draft.
      - Joey
        
        yea, good site
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

CMW really mixing up the pitches this time through the order, only one sinker to Carlos Quentin.
http://www.baseballdigestdaily.com Eric SanInocencio

Geez, Ensberg. What the hell was that? Put the baby down and fly back Alex.
http://www.baseballdigestdaily.com Eric SanInocencio

Gotta run fellas. Nice chatting with you.
E-ROC

I take it that Ensberg has been a butcher at 3rd base tonight.
- http://www.magicball.net LBA Prequel
  
  At this rate, he could be working at Satriale’s.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Still sitting 94-96 after 100+ pitches, damn CMW is a horse.
Joey

wtf is with these white sox announcers? 1st guy: “And Wang can’t get it!” Other guy: “hahaha, yes!”
nmc

Sorry if someone said this already, but jesus.. People say John Sterling is a homer, but listening to these fucking WS tv announcers is intolerable. They actually laughed when Wang missed that grounder, a giddy little laugh like they got lucky. THey also say things like “we need some hits here,” etc. i fucking hate them.

sorry for language. :(
E-ROC

Isn’t Joe Morgan callig the game tomorrow?
Manimal

Another single robbed from the shift. Seriously, I give him credit for hitting one out to the left side but Jesus, open up a little and practice getting the ball on the bat without extending your arms like Inspector Gadget.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Buck Showalter made a list of “true” Ace starters and he put John lackey on that list but left out CMW.
- Manimal
  
  Can’t blame him, CMW has the stats but not the charisma or presence of an Ace. That goes to Andy.
  - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
    
    I’ll take his career *ERA+ of 118 over charisma or presence.
- http://www.magicball.net LBA Prequel
  
  Buck Showalter is even relevant?
  - r.w.g.
    
    How many games have you managed at the big league level? Buck never got anybody over the hump, but you cannot discount the hand he had in getting the ball rolling in two different places (AZ and NYY). Also, Texas is even worse since he’s left.
Manimal

God I love Ozzie but somehow I couldn’t see him wearing a yankee uniform, lets just say he wouldn’t cooperate with Hank.
- Joey
  
  he’s a loudmouth asshole, no love here
- E-ROC
  
  “lets just say he wouldn’t cooperate with Hank.” That’s an understatement.
  - Manimal
    
    lol agreed.
E-ROC

I will never name my child “Boone” as a first name.
Manimal

Come on Captain Clutch!
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Come on, CMW deserves a W here.
Manimal

Papelbon just hit 100 on the gun… since when!??!
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  Gameday had him 98-100 and I tend to trust them more than anything.
  
  *FUCK YES BOBBY ABREU!
http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

ex-Yankee pitcher convention.
- Manimal
  
  Seriously, its like Chicago has all these ex-yanks. Don’t forget about Lilly on the Cubs.
http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

Captain Clutch!
Manimal

Damn the yanks have beastly numbers with bases loaded.
- nmc
  
  unless you’re ARod.
  - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
    
    .350/.407/.732 with 16 Grand Slams.
http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

Bobby!!!!!!
Manimal

BOBBY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Grand salami!
Casper

Good work, Candy-Eater.
Smitt Dog

BOBBY!
http://www.magicball.net LBA Prequel

Holy sh*t! Bobby F’n Abreu! Tear up those deportation documents, our favorite son has come home! :D
nmc

That’s the Dotel we love! Welcome to Chicago!
Mike R.

Thank God for Bobby!!!!!!!!!!!
http://myspace.com/lincolnsworld Link

Melky and Abreu need to give Giambi some lessons about the merits of going to the opposite field.
Manimal

The other pitcher’s reaction was freaking priceless.
Jon

For those watching mlb.tv how beautiful was the silence of the announcers on that homer?
- Casper
  
  Ugh, I lived in Chicago from 02-05… The TV announcers for the Sox are putrid.
- Casper
  
  Put it on the boarrrrrrrrrrrd, YES.
- Joey
  
  the greatest thing I’ve heard since the silence of the mute button on Joe Morgan the last ESPN game
  - Casper
    
    Dude… Ok it’s a little old to be picking on Joe at this point… But seriously… You cannot mute Joe Morgan. He’s from another planet, it’s priceless.
    - Joey
      
      I know, Mike compared it to morbid curiosity after a car crash. You know it’s bad but you have to look. But if I ever saw him on the street I don’t think I’d be able to be accountable for my actions (and I’m pretty sure anyone that knows baseball can back me up)
      - Casper
        
        Morgan does much more to hurt his cause than he does to help it… He’s the figurehead clown. I say we enjoy the Morgan while we have the Morgan. Someday you’ll tell your grandkids about listening to him.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

I don’t like it how announcers are always making little snide remarks about Latino managers speaking Spanish to their Latino players on the mound or in the dugout.
- http://sw-balcony.blogspot.com Back Bay Yankee
  
  Is that true? That’s fuckin’ ridiculous.
- Manimal
  
  I dont mind it but it is american baseball. I hate how they speak spanish and then cover their mouths with the gloves when they speak. Do one or the other.
  - http://sw-balcony.blogspot.com Back Bay Yankee
    
    I mean, whatever. Double encryption is fine by me. Snide remarks are not.
  - Casper
    
    Why should they “do one or the other?”
  - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
    
    American baseball when Latinos make up 30% of the Majors (and that was reported in April of 2007) and we are the fastest growing minority and largest minority in the country?
  - http://sw-balcony.blogspot.com Back Bay Yankee
    
    Also, American baseball? As opposed to what? Cricket?
Joey

Girardi better give Bobby a candy bar for that
http://sw-balcony.blogspot.com Back Bay Yankee

Dear Bobbie,

I am glad we picked up your option. Please enjoy this fine bottle of champagne and complementary Baby Ruth bar.

Kind Regards,
-Brian
- Casper
  
  /uncorks some Abreu’s Finest (http://www.charitywines.com/abreu.html)
http://sw-balcony.blogspot.com Back Bay Yankee

Man, every time I see Jorge Posada I’m reminded of how much he looks like the sloth from Ice Age.
- Manimal
  
  Posada? not so much. Karstens on the other hand…
  - Joey
    
    not as much a resemblence there as Chris Bosh looks like Timon from the Lion King
E-ROC

Traber, Traber, Traber!
Ivan

The Yankees haven’t had a good lefty since Mike Stanton, and that was 7 years ago.
- Manimal
  
  reliever*
  
  You can’t honestly think Pettitte is a bad pitcher.
- BigBlueAL
  
  it really is amazing how we cant get a decent lefty out of the pen, its freakin ridiculous. teams all over baseball pick up scrub lefties and get good seasons out of them, and we just cant seem to do so. i like what ive seen from Traber, but LH so far r 5 for 15, and tonight with a 3-run lead and nobody on he freakin walks Thome.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Why is it that people in the media ALWAYS disregard the farm system when taking about Joba’s replacement in the bullpen?

And no Paul O’Neill, he has not been a two pitch pitcher out of the bullpen. He has frequented his plus curveball in his appearances this year.
- Manimal
  
  not really, he pulled it out once last year(vs. lowell I believe it was) a little bit more this year but he was just emphasizing how he has only needed his fast ball and slider to get most of his outs.
  - pete
    
    not true he did throw one to lowell but he also threw one that froze pedroia in the same game
BigBlueAL

cant stand the fucking walks from the bullpen
- Casper
  
  Konerko really worked that walk, hard to fault Bruney too much there.
- Dave P.
  
  My wife knows not to ask how the game is going when the phrase “are you fucking kidding me” comes out of my mouth.
  - BigBlueAL
    
    lmfao
E-ROC

Here come the walks.
Newman

Gotta make that play
Manimal

How the fuck did bruney just fall.
Newman

JOBAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Manimal

Great move by Joe Girardi, I think he finally has a feeling for this team.
- Dave P.
  
  The question is why the fuck did he not start the inning?
  - Manimal
    
    He pitched in Baltimore, why pitch Joba for 2 innings in a 3 run game when Bruney has been pretty reliable.
  - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
    
    Because like it or not, Joba is going to the rotation so therefore guys have to be tested in these situations. Right now Bruney is the leading candidate.
  - Mike R.
    
    and the fact that we had a three run lead and it was the seventh inning. Why stretch Joba for two if it isn’t necessary? If he only pitched the eighth he would have been available tomorrow.
BigBlueAL

great way of showing faith in Bruney. now dont get me wrong, id bring in Joba now too…..
Manimal

Why is it so slow today? Fasterfox, a firefox extension, has it loading at 16.672 seconds…
E-ROC

Let’s not play with fire. Go Joba!
Manimal

WOAH, Joe blowing some steam.
Manimal

Watch joba give up a sac fly just to get even with bruney.
Manimal

Joba is nastier than ever.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

YES’ gun is really slow. They had Joba’s heat at 95 in the Carlos Quentin AB when Gameday had it at 99.
- Manimal
  
  DUDE! we think alike.
Manimal

Gameday has him at 99, YES has him at 94… 3-2 bases juiced.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Joba hit 99 on all but three of his heaters (97, 98 and 100). Nasty.
Manimal

That run goes to Traber? Poor Billy. Bruney and Joba’s era remain filthy at 1.59 and 1.29 respectively.
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  He issued the BB to Thome and that’s who crossed the plate when Joba issued a BB with the bases loaded.
  - Manimal
    
    Yeah I know it just seemed like forever ago that I thought it was Bruney’s.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Chris Paul is the 2008 NBA MVP……if not for LeBron James.
- http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno
  
  Paul hands down.
  - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
    
    You give David West, Tyson Chandler and Peja Stojakovic to LeBron James and you have the best team in the NBA.
    - http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno
      
      LeBron is in a class by himself, no doubt. In the playoffs he’s got that killer instinct that Jordan had. However, MVP is a regular season award. Cavs 4 in the East? LeBron should’ve had them battling Boston. Paul took NO from nowhere to 2nd, almost 1st, by himself.
      - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
        
        How in GOD’s name can LeBron contend with the Big 3 in Boston with that shit they have in Cleveland?
  - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
    
    Granted, I would not say it’s hands downs LeBron but I still say it’s LBJ for MVP.
    
    Anyone who says Kobe is like saying Joba should stay in the bullpen…for his career.
- E-ROC
  
  I think it’s Kobe.
  - http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno
    
    Kobe? No. Wrong. Lakers were crap with Kobe and no big man. They weren’t “contenders” until they stole Gasol.
    - E-ROC
      
      The Lakers have been contending all season. They were in first place when before Bynum went down. When you lose your second best player, good things don’t happen. So the gm got a big man to compliment Kobe. If the Hornets finished first, then I would give the MVP to Paul, but they didn’t. They had a chance to make that happen but didn’t.
  - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
    
    How can it be Kobe when LeBron takes a 10th plcae Cavs team (if not for him) to the 4th seed in the playoffs? LeBron also beats out Kobe in PPG, APG, RPG, FG%, Efficiency, STLPG (tied with Kobe for steals) and BLKPG.
    
    No contest. The argument is for LeBron James vs. Chris Paul.
    - Ivan
      
      It’s Kobe in my opinion. Hey Kobe played with guys like smush parker and kwame brown and still took his team to the playoffs.
    - Ivan
      
      Plus, Kobe carried his team with all the injuries to Bynum and Gasol and had the top record in the west when it was considered by many the toughest confrence of all time.
      
      Plus, the lakers one of the tougher teams without gasol or before he got there.
      
      Lebron had a great year, but if they didn’t give the MVP to kobe two years ago, they shouldn’t give it to Lebron
      
      If Paul get it, I can live with it.
      
      but as a kobe fan, give the guy a break, they gave it too dirk and gave it to nash, please give to kobe or at least paul.
    - E-ROC
      
      Kobe’s team finished first in the Bestern Conference.
http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno

OMG Cano walked
Manimal

Michael Kay actually said something smart. About Joba being an Ace and Wang being a good pitcher with Good numbers.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Paul O’Neill followed that up by saying a set-up man was as important as a starter. Only the best analysts for your New York Yankees, ladies and gentlemen.
- Casper
  
  I guess Kay’s not trying to get a U.S. distributor for his book about Wang. Refreshing.
Manimal

You guys got it all wrong, KG for MVP, He brought the Celtics from nobody’s to somebody’s.
- http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno
  
  KG I actually can’t argue with, but Pierce and Allen helped. I think KG got his nod with DPY, meaning the MVP will go elsewhere.
BigBlueAL

WTF!!! Damon goin boom off a hard-throwing lefty!!!!! i wander if Giambi was watching…….
Mike R.

That’s a huge HR! That saves Joba for tomorrow.
- Mike R.
  
  Guess not.
- Manimal
  
  Not quite…
Mike R.

It’s funny. Michael Kay was giving Damon and Giambi shit all show for not showing up at a voluntary early BP the Yanks had and both come out and hit homers.
Manimal

someone explain to me why he left joba in there. Is it a good move, sure. But it isn’t necessary.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Agreed. Counting today, he’s pitched in 3 of the last 4 days after tending to is critically ill father. How about giving the kid a chance to catch his breath.
Joey

anybody else see that fat sleeping whitesox fan on camera for like 10 seconds? wtf? is that necessary?
- Manimal
  
  Anyone see the guy with the popcorn, or the black cat. Stupid Yes channel.
http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno

JOBA gets the save now right?
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  Yessir.
  - http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno
    
    Fantasy surprise!
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    No he doesn’t. He’d have to finish the game to get the save, which I doubt he’ll do.
    - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
      
      Shit, I had a mental lapse, I could’ve sworn the Bottom of the 8th was the Bottom of the 9th.
    - http://knickerbockerchatter.blogspot.com/ Bruno
      
      Thought it was the 9th LOL
  - Mike R.
    
    Doesn’t he have to pitch the 9th to get the save?
E-ROC

The weather is heating up as are the Yanks bats. Means the rest of the league is in trouble.
RustyJohn

McDougal looks like a meth addict.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Farnsworth!
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

BTW, my post must have gotten magically erased or some shit because I don’t see how someone reading that can make the case for Kobe. So here it is again:

“How can it be Kobe when LeBron takes a 10th plcae Cavs team (if not for him) to the 4th seed in the playoffs? LeBron also beats out Kobe in PPG, APG, RPG, FG%, Efficiency, STLPG (tied with Kobe for steals) and BLKPG.”

LeBron’s two leading scorers were Zydrunus Illgauskas (14.1) and Daniel Gibson (10.4). Read that shit again, his two leading scorers over the regular season were Illgauskas and Gibson. Give me a break man, Kobe in no way earned the MVP over LeBron James or Chris Paul.
- Mike R.
  
  Remember these are Sports Writers that vote for MVP. Kobe leads the league in gusto and giddyup and all that other BS those guys love.
  - Ivan
    
    Hey I like LeBron, but I am giving it to kobe for a couple reasons.
    
    I would give it to lebron if kobe won it two years ago when he had his sick year and had one of the better years since jordan in the western conference.
    
    now look it’s funny how everybody say how kobe had gasol but gasol didn’t have a better year than david west.
    
    Plus, Kobe was doing his thang with his team without gasol and with all the injuries to the team, he carried them Plus, he’s a better defender than both paul and james. To me kobe is my mvp, shit they gave it to dirk, and nash, please it give it to kobe or even paul who I wouldn’t mind if he won. Just don’t give it to Garnett.
RustyJohn

Do you think Billy Crystal would hit for a higher average than Giambi? Oh shit, Farnsworth
http://sw-balcony.blogspot.com Back Bay Yankee

Why, Girardi? Are you testing the Farnsworth Horizon? That way madness lies.
RustyJohn

Is there a line in Vegas on the odds that Farnsworth has a 1-2-3 inning?
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

What asshole sits slider down 9-4 in the 9th?

I hate AJ Pierzynski.
RustyJohn

Lol…unreal
Dylan

Farnsworth you are a horrible person.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Wow, what a huge turnaround in the PHX/SA Game 2. SA now up 16 with 8:16 left in the 4th.
RustyJohn

Can someone teach Farnsworth how to take a little off and throw strikes?
BigBlueAL

You can put it on the board, YYYYYYYESSSSSSS!!!! Fuck U “Hawk” Harrelson!!!!!!
Pedro

Well, it’s safe to say Farnsworth is out of tomorrow’s game, so yeah, this was a good outing.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Bobby Abreu’s post game interviews have become must see TV.

“Go-ahead grand slam sounds good, right Bobby?”

“It is sound good.”

Awesome. Almost as good as the time he said “they have some good pitching, they have Halladay, the guy from yesterday, the guy from today.”
- http://sw-balcony.blogspot.com Back Bay Yankee
  
  You should collect them and dispense them through a life-coaching business. Either that or have them rotate daily on the site.
  - Casper
    
    Agreed… New sidebar: “The Candy Eater’s Post-Game Interviews with Kim Jones”
    - BigBlueAL
      
      Cano’s post-game interviews with Kim Jones r almost as hilarious as Abreu’s.
- Manimal
  
  I love when they make melky speak english, there was one last year where it was cano and Cabrera, Cano was talking about the game Melky comes out of nowhere and says “Me ang Cano are good friends” Funnyest thing ever.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

CMW had ZERO Wins in April 2007 and still finished with 19, he now has a chance for Win #5 on Sunday @ Cleveland in his final April start of the season.
- Chip
  
  He’s going for the 30 win mark this year
http://sw-balcony.blogspot.com Back Bay Yankee

Dear Kyle,

We hate you.

Signed,
-Everyone.
- Casper
  
  Lighten up, Francis, Yanks won.
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  But mua.