Game 38: Scoring late in the game

May 10, 2008 by Joe Pawlikowski 130 Comments

I heard Paul O’Neill say this, I think, back in 2005. The Yanks were getting blown out by the Sox in Fenway. They scored a few runs in the ninth, though, including an A-Rod bomb, and the score ended up 9-4 or something like that. O’Neill noted that it was a good sign for the next day when a team scored late in a blowout. Something about them showing signs of life.

Not being one for weak anecdotal evidence, I wrote off Paul pretty quickly. But sure enough, they won the next day. So I started taking note of such situations. Every time the Yanks scored in the 9th inning when they were down big, they won the next day. Of course, this is only in the times that I actually made the observation. Clearly, I might have missed a few instances. But in any case, it gives me high hopes for today.

Darrell Rasner takes the mound again. The Tigers are no Mariners, though, so he’ll need to be a bit more on his game to get through this lineup. Jeremy Bonderman is on the other side. He shut us down last time out, even though we had him on the ropes early on, but let him off the hook.

The lineup:

1. Johnny Damon, LF
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Bobby Abreu, RF
4. Hideki Matsui, DH
5. Jason Giambi, 1B
6. Melky Cabrera, CF
7. Robinson Cano, 2B
8. Wilson Betemit, 3B
9. Chad Moeller, C

And on the mound, Darrell Rasner.

Manimal

Pete Abe says that Shelly says the starting line up and it is funny. Just a heads up if you were planning on ignoring the pregame show.
- Manimal
  
  hahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahah wow that was pretty funny
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  “A legend in every state, the Big G, Jason Giambi.”
  
  Classic.
  - Manimal
    
    The razzamatazz?
    - Manimal
      
      cant say Ive heard that before. And bobby Abreu being a good dancer?
      - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
        
        He’s Latino, LoL, it’s what we’re know for.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Johan Santana has thrown 110+ pitches in a six inning outing for the second straight start. He is really acting like Al Leiter 2.0 with the Metropolitans. For a guy who’s elbow hurt so bad last year he couldn’t throw a slider this can not bode well for the end of the season.

BTW, he did give up his 8th HR in today’s start versus Cincy.
- Ivan
  
  Yea but alot of hr’s are solo and rarely walks people. That said I still liked the fact the yankees didn’t make that trade.
RichYF

Yeah, so much for the drought.
Manimal

HAHAHHA the fox people jinxed his drought.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Ok, I am never trusting FOX’s radar gun again. 103 MPH from Jeremy Bonderman?
- Manimal
  
  haha dang you always beat me too what I’m about to see.
  - Manimal
    
    say*
Manimal

Yeah OK fox. Matsui’s single was definately off a 103 mph pitch
- A.D.
  
  Guns can get messed up if someone hits the pitch
Manimal

Giambi is clearly a pinch hitter. 7 hr’s and 4 singles??
Manimal

LECHE!!!!!!!!
A.D.

is it just me or do the Tigers always have Seay up?
- Manimal
  
  He is the Proctor of the Tigers.
zzzzz

yeah melk!
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

God Damn Melky Cabrera has looked great. That plate discipline was just beautiful there.
- Manimal
  
  I agree, fouling off the tough pitches, laying off the close ones, and driving the good ones(even some of the bad ones) Plus where did all this power come from?
Manimal

Leave it to Cano to kill a rally.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Did Robinson Cano curse Jesus or something? What is up with his luck?
A.D.

Tough on Cano
Ivan

To be fair, that ball was hit pretty well.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

He crushed that ball. Too bad it was right at someone.
A.D.

Well if you’re going to loose a ball, might as well go for a HR where there is nothing he can do
Manimal

Someone caught it. Wasnt abreu.
A.D.

hopefully Rasner’s signature will be giving up a HR in the 1st and then shutting a team down
Ivan

D’Antoni is going to coach the Knicks. Persoanlly I don’t know what to make of this. D’Antoni is a good coach but he reminds me Don Nelson who I wasn’t fond of. Plus, the Knick team isn’t that great is gonna take a while. Hopefully the knicks get Darren Rose but if they don’t, I would persoanlly draft OJ Mayo. I think he has the best upside of any guard in this draft. He will do well in D’Antoni system.

That said D’Antoni doesn’t preach Defense, and a Knick team that doesn’t play D, I can see the knicks being fun to watch and suck at the same time.

This gonna be interesting
- yanks99
  
  either way, it’s a huuuuuuge upgrade over isiah thomas….he has to be one of the worst people/gms/coaches in the history of basketball….i would take zack randolph being a plyer coach over isiah thomas.
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  If we become they become the Eastern version of the Phoenix Suns, would that really be a bad deal? The Pistons and Celtics are obviously top D teams but the Pistons are aging and in about three seasons or so they’re window will be closed shut. The Celtics aren’t young either but if D’Antoni can build the Knicks like he did the Suns they would be a perennial Eastern Conference Championship contender.
  - A.D.
    
    Knicks can’t get much worse….I hope, big factor will be the lottery pick, and if they can get a true point guard, if only they could bend the card again like the Ewing draft
  - Newman
    
    Of course it’s a bad deal Jamal. Don’t you watch basketball? What the hell have the Phoenix Suns ever won? If you’re content with winning 50 plus games and then getting bounced in the 2nd round, then yes, you’re probably thrilled at the hiring of D’Antoni. It isn’t a secret – DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS, as well as PLAYOFF GAMES, yet people continued to be enamored with run and gun play that in the end wins nothing. The man that should’ve gotten the job was JVG disciple Tom Thibideau, but of course scumbag and waste of life James Dolan needed to make a big name splash.
    - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
      
      Is the Eastern Conference anywhere near as good as its Western counterpart? Don’t you think the Phoenix Suns would get much further in the Eastern Conf.? If they are luky and get Derrick Rose from Memphis then that’s their building block. They start from there and already have nice role players in David Lee, Jamal Crawford and Nate Robinson. A focused and disciplined Zach Randolph can give you a 20/10 year but you’re most likely going to get 18/9. Obviously with Rose they are nowhere near the talent level of the Suns but that is a starting point. Outside of the Celtics, Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers, who really plays defense in the East?
      
      Also, in the East they won’t win 50+ games and be a bottom seed having to face the Celtics or Pistons in the first round.
      - Newman
        
        This is one year, how about the previous 3 when they won nothing? The bottom line is DEFENSE wins. And if you actually think this roster is going to compete for anything but more lottery picks, then you are completely delusional. The object of the next 3 years should be to CLEAR CAP SPACE and nothing more. Who cares if they lose 70 games every year
  - Ivan
    
    Yeah sure D’Antoni can help this Knick team be a elite in the eastern conference if he has the talent. Hey the knicks have some talent but not alot of it. Plus, this team is rebuiling, When he had the suns, they were under the cap, they had Marion, Amare, Joe Johnson and sign Steve Nash. When you have that type of talent like he had on Phoenix, you can get away from playing D.
    
    With this knick team, the situation is different. They are over the cap, they have players who think they are that nice but they aren’t. Plus, do the Knicks have players to play in D’Antoni system? to me they don’t.
    
    Plus, you bring up teams like the pistons and celts how there window is closing and rightfully so, but don’t forget about the upcomming teams, like Orlando (which the Knicks jump stan vanguny who to me is better coach than his brother in my opinion), or Toronto or even the Cavs, if they can build a championship team with LeBron.
    
    To me this NBA draft is big for the knicks. Hopefully the knicks get a top 3 pick ( I know be shocked if they don’t even get a top 5 pick)
- ceciguante
  
  i advise you all to boycott the knickerbockers. i do. feels great — dolan’s don’t deserve my $$ or my attention. when those used car salesmen sell the knicks, i’ll start paying attention again.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

The Seattle Mariners are dumb for not signing Barry Bonds. Then again, it seems like some GM and owners are under the impression that boggeymanness >>> OBP.

http://www.firejoemorgan.com/2008/05/boogeymanness-obp.html
pete

remember last time we faced bonderman we made him throw like 30 pitches in the first but he got out of it with 2 runs, then shut us down for the rest of the night?
I’d really hate it if that happened again. It looks like the only pitch he can throw consistently for strikes today (except against damon) is the slider. If the yanks can lay off of it we should be good.
Manimal

Note to yankees: Get Bonderman early.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

What is that, 3 straight games with an XBH for Betemit?
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Wilson Betemit has been absolutely raking the ball since coming back. Not always for a hit but he’s been killing the ball.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

What is it with all the damn injuries.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

God Damn, he was hot too. So I guess Alberto Gonzalez is back. Come on Betemit, no DL.
Manimal

Wasnt this conditional training supposed to help? Look at what has happened.

Giambi is batting 180
Arod strained his quad
Same with Jeter
Molina hurt his leg(forgot what)
Betemit leaves with hammy problem
- Manimal
  
  Can David Ortiz not pronounce “M”, wtf is Every gayne?
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  1. Jason Giambi’s slump should not be attributed to any sort of conditioning program. He was healthy, and just not hitting.
  
  2. If you are blaming injuries on the conditional program I don’t get why. Injuries happen, they happened last year when they weren’t as in shape as they were last year. Just so happens that the injury bug bit us in our ass two years in a row to start the season.
  
  3. In the long run, I believe it will greatly help. Hell it has even paid off thus far. Look at Johnny Damon and Bobby Abreu. Those two were admittedly out of shape last year and look how they started. Now look at their seasons to start.
  - Manimal
    
    1. I just threw that in there because I don’t like Giambi lol.
    2. Tendinitis in the arm happens(Posada) All these Lower body injury’s shouldn’t happen as often as they are.
    3. I will agree that Abreu, Damon, and Melky look better than last year at this stage. Same with Mariano but I don’t know if thats related.
    - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
      
      You have to relate the Johnny Damon and Bobby Abreu cases because they admitted this year they were out of shape and you saw how they started. This year they weren’t, and look how they started. Mariano Rivera habe enn getting regular work so I attribute that to his stellar start, and just because he’s Mariano fucking Rivera.
      
      You’re right, all these lower body injuries are puzzling but shit does happen. I can not say for sure that they are in relation to the Spring Training conditioning program but neither can you say they are.
A.D.

Betemit was smoking the ball, and was going to get to play into next week, chance is its either fairly bad and he goes on the DL or he comes back right away, they aren’t going to do what they did with Jeter and keep him active.

At least he got hurt on an RBI, and shown some ability
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Lmao, isn’t that Chris Britton? Not every big guy is the same, so wrong.
- A.D.
  
  It was Britton, classic FOX making mistakes.
  
  The best was how Ken Rosenthal ripped the Tigers for signing Cabrera to a long extension before they “realized he couldn’t play 3rd”, which isn’t even true, but then they come back 2 innings later and discuss how he can be such a great 1B after he made a good play
Ivan

rasner is dealing right now
Manimal

I am impressed by Rasner. IPK and Phil Phranchise better take notes.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

You know if Darrell Rasner can be a consistent, average innings eater we are in great shape in terms of our pitching staff. The middle relief has proven to be just wonderful and the back-end of the bullpen is what it is. If I am not mistaken the Yankees bullpen has allowed just 10 ER in their last 50+ innings. We know what we have in our top two starters and Mike Mussina sans Boston has been a damn good #3 starter. Things are looking good.
- A.D.
  
  Very true, Rasner is showing we have better depth than we thought, if he can keep this going & if Kennedy/Hughes can come back then we’ll have lots of depth, especially looking at the minors, give them a chance to after a 1B or 1B prospect (if there were a way to get Morales that would be amazing)
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    Morales? As in Kendry? Lord no, that boy makes David Ortiz look like Doug Meintkiewicz defensively.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Hit and runs, aggressive base-running? Got to love it.
- A.D.
  
  Thats why we brought in Girardi
  
  Wow if Giambi & Cano can get out of it & A-Rod comes back they can go on a tear
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Well, Rasner’s not some hack. He was the 46th overall pick in 2002 (Micah Owings, David Bush, Jon Lester, Jonathan Broxton, and Brian McCann were drafted after him that round) but hurt his shoulder after signing and never got his old velocity back.

This isn’t 8th round pick Brad Halsey or 19th round pick Jeff Karstens, Rasner’s got game.
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  What was his velocity before the injuries?
  
  BTW, was Jonathan Broxton always a reliever or did he just not have enough secondary pitches?
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    Rasner was 92-94, 96 on a good day when he was drafted.
    
    Broxton was a starter until about halfway through 2005. He basically just lost the feel for his changeup, plus he had some injury issues, which is why they stuck him in the pen.
    - A.D.
      
      Starts to make sense that he developed slower, maybe he’s finally pulling it together to pitch without the plus velocity
- http://yankeesfuture.wordpress.com Pablo Zevallos
  
  Speaking of which what’s happened with Halsey? I thought he could be pretty decent, and definitely better than some of the names team are throwing out there.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

LoL Jason, what you doing there man?
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Dammit Giambi. You need to homer to make up for that.
- A.D.
  
  They waved him in at first, should have let him go and collision
Newman

I thought steroids were supposed to make your eyesight stronger? That was a STOP sign Giambi
Chip

Well at least he hit Abreu in first. He’s definitely not in there for his baserunning abilities
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Wasn’t Albert Pujols drafted in the 16th round or something like that? Damn, drafts are funny. Tom Brady in the second-to-last round of the NFL draft, Ryan Howard a 5th Rounder, and the aforementioned Pujols. Crazy.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Pujols was a 13th rounder out of some JuCo in Kansas City.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Per PeteAbe:

The official word from the Yankees on Betemit is that he has a strained right hamstring.
Manimal

Holy crap! 60 pitches, 43 strikes
Chip

I’m starting to be very impressed by this Rasner kid
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

It takes time man, these guys don’t figure it out overnight. Rasner’s paid his dues and seems to have figured out this whole pitching thing. Hughes and IPK will be fine. Eventually.
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  Every time someone says something negative about Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy I will now bring up Edinson Volquez. Just look how bad he was in his 2005-2006 seasons and his iffy 2007. Now look at him in 2008, give the kids time.
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    Yankee fans and patience don’t mix, you know that.
    - claybeez
      
      That being said, would the FO be better off moving guys up more slowly rather than aggressively? Would the extra experience and polish give the pitchers a greater chance of more immediate success? I’m not advocating it, just wondering.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Eric Karros is really showing some emotion in the botth today. What a douche, he is so showing up Dick Ebersol.
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  *booth
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

He looked safe on that high tag, but it was real close so no biggy.
Manimal

Can someone find his age? If he can challenge this “great” tigers offense and shut them down to 1 run over 5 IP he is definitely an option for long relief or the back end of the rotation.
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  27.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Raz also owns the U of Nevada record books, for pitching anyway. Most wins in a year/career, most K in a game/year/career, most IP in a year/career, the list goes on.
  - http://ibleedblueandwhite.blogspot.com Jamie
    
    His curve is still filthy in the bottom of the 6th with 2 outs.. excellent thing to see
  - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
    
    Jose Veras and Kyle Farnsworth to finish up after Chris Britton in the seventh?
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
      
      Britton? Ha. He’s the definition of “last man out of the pen.”
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

LoL, this must be the first time in Interleague history that the Yankees and Mets won’t be on FOX Saturday’s baseball schedule.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

LoL, isn’t the strike zone supposed to be letters to knees? That was belt-high DJ, then again the K zone has shrunk over the years.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Fuck, Vernon Wells was my sleeper pick for this fantasy season.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Vernon Wells out 6-8 weeks? Maybe Adam Lind will actually get to, you know, play.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Matsui’s a black belt in Judo? Between him and Farns we got the bench clearing brawls covered.
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  Then we get JoPo to pee on them afterwards for good measure. Damn Posada, that’s just gross. On your own hands man!?
  - http://yankeesfuture.wordpress.com Pablo Zevallos
    
    i don’t think it’s pee…
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

LoL, Hideki Matsui is a black belt in Judo? I guess people better stop making fun of him and his love for porn.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

The blonde chick in that Taco Bell commercial where the girl’s got the chalupa in her purse has to be the hottest chick in the history of man. Great googely moogely.
- http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
  
  Stacey Dash FTW. Her looks at her age has to give her a big plus. 28 in Clueless, 40 in Playboy pics and 42 in the recent KING magazine cover. WoW!
  - Ivan
    
    I saw the cover too. Stacey Dash was lookin sexy. I am little surprise she is that old but damn.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Way to go Farnsworth! One more guy to go!!!
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Ivan Rodriguez swung at two Ball Fours. Come on Farnsworth, just one more out
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Kyle Farnsworth owns.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Kyle Farnsworth just pitched out of a second and third, no outs situation.
Ivan

You know Farnsworth has really done a solid job for the yanks.
Alan

Who is this guy thats on the mound and what have they done with Krazy Kyle, I demand answers. First they kidnap Melky, now Kyle!? Whos next? Robbie?
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Lmao, those Burger King Steakhouse commercials are too funny.

BTW, I am going to see Iron Man tonight, any good reviews from you guys?
- avi404
  
  one of the better super hero movies in recent times. Has a decent storyline instead of mindless violence and over the top graphics!
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

David Murphy was AL Rookie of the Month? Ha, that Gagne trade just keeps getting better and better.
- avi404
  
  Yeah – it bought a smile to my face too.
  
  Gabbard: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7821
  
  David Murphy: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7862
  
  Anyone know what Engel Beltre is upto? I hope be comes a all-star CF for rangers and helps them defeat BoSux in 2012 ALCS!
- avi404
  
  gabbard is not doing bad either: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7821
  (although he got hurt in the SexSon brawl up in Seattle a few days back)
  
  What is up with Engel Beltre? I hope he goes on to become a CF all-star for the Rangers and help them defeat the BoSux in 2012 ALCS! (ofcourse we win the WS in 2012 when Phil Hughes will have a 5-0 record and 1.38ERA in the postseason)
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    .273-.304-.402 with 5 doubles, 3 triples, 2 homers and 12 RBI in 30 games. As good as it gets for an 18-yr old in the pitcher friendly Low-A Midwest League.
    - avi404
      
      Nice. Thank you.
xkevinx

Farns has been surprisingly good thus far. Anyone have any idea what kind of numbers he would have to put up this year to be a type B free agent at the end of the year? He was obviously terrible last year, but so was vizcaino and we got the compensation pick from his signing with the rockies. What stats do they use for RP?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  No idea what stats they use, Elias doesn’t disclose the formula they use, which is why the system is a joke and has zero credibility. Anywho, Farns just needs to have a decent year to get Type-B status I bet. He’s got the K’s, just need to keep the ERA around 4.00-4.20 probably.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

You know what’s funny, I almost sense that some Yankee fans are almost angry that Kyle Farnsworth is succeeding. It’s like they don’t want to be wrong at all, even if them being wrong means something good for the Yankees.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

LoL, seriously, what the hell has Robinson Cano done to deserve this?
xkevinx

I’m happy to be wrong, if it means a good season from him and compensation. At least something good will come out of it. I almost want to see him pick up a couple of saves when Mo is unavailable to bolster the type B case.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

The Orlando Magic leads the Detroit Pistons 55-44 at halftime on ESPN. DET Guard Chauncey Billiups is out.
- Ivan
  
  I agree with the move there. If the Pistons were down 2-1 rather than up, then maybe Billiups plays but they feel that the extra rest will do and be ready by game 5.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

LoL, Mike Francesa must be pulling his hair out listening to reasonable arguments in Joba Chamberlain’s favor.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

If the hitters don’t like the fist pump, then don’t strikeout.
Ivan

I am still mad when Francesa and Russo got on Kennedy saying he didn’t have the stuff to get major league guys out.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Cruceta just fist pumped. I’m offended.
- avi404
  
  and Steve Philips thinks the Tigers should trade Cruceta and Todd Jones to Yankees for Phil Hughes. Then Chamberlain and Cruceta can become the fist pump combo and M&MD will have enough fodder for the entire year.
  - Joe
    
    Steve’s logic is that you could now move chamberlin into the roations allowing fist pumping to occur through the whole game, infuriating the hitters
    - Joe
      
      The only flaw in steve’s plan is that you could easily teach other pitchers to fist pump allowing you to retain Hughes, and create a fist pumping nation. The fist pump in and of itself is not exclusive to Joba!
    - avi404
      
      If this happens, Steve Philips would like Kei Igawa to pitch every 5 days because the infuriated hitters will be sooo mad that they will swing wildly at all 89 mph straight fastball offerings from Kei and help him achieve 15K/9 and become a Cy Young contender.
      
      That is Steve Philips plan to fix Kei Igawa – a collection of pist pumping pitchers in the Yankee rotation to drive hitters mad and throw in Igawa so that no one will notice as they will all be blinded by anger.
      - http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.
        
        This has to have been one of the best tag-team comedies on a blog ever. Lmmfao.
http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

Mariano Rivera in the 9th. Owned.