Game 41: A run or eight would be nice

by 144 Comments

Open Thread: An offensive solution to the offense
Q: Where did Charleston's offense go?

By now, you know the drill: The pitching’s been good, but the hitting has not. Yadda, yadda, yadda. We’ve rehashed this all day; there’s no need to get into again.

The Yanks’ bats though will be facing quite the challenge this evening. James Shields, who threw a one-hitter in his last start, takes the mound for the Rays. There’s nothing like trying to break out of a slump against a legitimately good pitcher.

For the Yanks, Mike Mussina will attempt to continue his career resurgence. Moose has won his last four starts, throwing 22 innings to the tune of a 3.27 ERA. He strikes out only a few batters these days but walks even fewer. Moose will have to be on his game to give the lethargic Yankee offense any chance against Shields.

Joe Girardi mixes the batting order up today. Again.

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

Mussina P

Open Thread: An offensive solution to the offense
Q: Where did Charleston's offense go?
  • Manimal

    hmmm Im curious as to why jeter and abreu switched…

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    So anybody with a 1B glove is better than the Big defensively eh? ;)

    • Newman

      Good patient at-bat he just took there though

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    Jay Bruce had a 2B, 3B, HR and 3 BBs versus Scranton earlier today. Why is Corey Patterson ahead of him in Cincy’s depth chart?

    • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

      *2 BBs, sorry. He had 3 RBIs.

    • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

      Bruce is over-rated. Longoria is better.

      • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

        You really feel so? I know people said Colby Rasmus had a higher-ceiling (who has struggled mightily this year but I agree he has a higher ceiling) but is it his power you feel is over-rated or his overall ceiling?

        • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

          Little of both. Lefties give him too much trouble for me to consider him the top prospect in the game (yes, I know he has good numbers vs LHP this year). He’s very good, don’t me wrong, but I like Longoria better and Rasmus just as much.

          • r.w.g.

            He’s a little young for you to be concerned with his lefty numbers isn’t he? Bruce has stupid power potential and plus defense with a plus arm. The kid is scary good.

          • A.D.

            Dusty Baker is the reason Patterson is ahead of him. But it means the Reds will be motivated to move Griffy or Dunn at the break instead of demand top notch prostpects

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    The Tampa Bay Rays have inked Scott Kazmir to a 4-year pact worth nearly $40M.

    http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080514&content_id=2700177&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

    So Robinson Cano, Troy Tulowitzki, James Shields and Evan Longoria have all signed long-term deals before they hit Free Agency. I guess a new trend is beginning to form. Is there anyone I’m forgetting from this past off-season till now?

    • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

      That’s bad news for the Yankees. Andrew Freidman has to be one of the 5 best GM’s in the game at this point, don’t he?

      • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

        Yes, that entire front office has to be tops in baseball. They constantly get rave reviews from sabermaticians and just in general. That’s a dangerous group right there. Fuckers.

    • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

      If they pick up the option and the deal ends up being worth the full $39.5M over 4-yrs, that’s basically what Pavano got. Sheesh.

      • A.D.

        Predict Wang definitly this off season, then maybe Joba & Melk

    • mustang

      Sign him with that money they got from the Yankees.
      Have to love that luxury tax.

  • Carl

    nice arm! and without a doubt he is…that team is not looking back

  • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

    Shields’ changeup is just sick.

    Brett Myers gave up 3 jacks tonight, pushing his season total up to 15.

  • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

    Wow, the Dodgers were going to call-up Kershaw to start Saturday, but he struggled his last outing and they decided not too.

    • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

      Joe Torre. LoL, odd decision.

  • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

    It’s May 14th, and as of this very moment, Chipper Jones is batting .424. Wow.

    • yanks99

      I love Chipper. He has a kid with a Hooter’s waitress. He’s a man among men.

    • r.w.g.

      Chipper, Pujols, and Ichiro are probably the only players in the game today who legitimately could threaten .400 over a season.

  • Newman

    Another offensive clinic being put on by the Yanks tonight

  • Newman

    Robby Cano, don’t do it to us

  • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

    What was that, consecutive hits to score a run? Wow. It’s … it’s … beautiful.

  • Casper

    It feels like an eternity since the Yanks got a hit like that.

  • yanks99

    A hit with a runner in scoring position! I’m shocked…

  • http://www.riveraveblues.com Ben K.

    Wait. I’m really confused. What just happened? Someone on the Yanks just went around the bases and touched home plate. What does that mean?

    • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

      It means they’re being too emotional and should tame it down a bit.

  • Mark B

    Don’t look know but our savour while A Rod and Posada are out just might be Moose! Amazing to think this is the same pitcher that couldn’t hit a side of a barn last August.

  • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

    Wait, you’re allowed to score more than one run? No shit.

  • yanks99

    Holy Crap moly! who are these guys and what have they done with the yankees. 2 hits with runners in scoring position…

    • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

      Holy crap moly? That’s gold. Haha.

      • A.D.

        Pretty much the greatest offense to ever take the field tonight

      • yanks99

        take it easy on me…i’ve been drinking since i got off of work at 5

  • Charles

    Mussina’s dealing!

  • A.D.

    In case anyone didn’t see Steve Phillips segment on sportscenter today he ripped into Hank Steinbrenner about how when he opens his mouth people just wonder what he is doing, and why Cashman works there….seems like the pot calling the kettle black on this one whenever Phillips says something he sounds like a moron and we wonder why ESPN pays him

  • Casper

    Dude… Did some kid wearing a Yankees t-shirt spit on Phillips’ lunch when he was a kid or something? What the F is that guy’s deal? His obsession with the Yankees is pathetic.

    • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

      I’m still grossed out I saw his bare foot on TV in that BBTN ad with the “Bloody Sock”. My stomach still hurts.

      • yanks99

        I don’t understand how people hate Hank…maybe I’m biased, but it seems to me like he has the old school fire that George had combined with a little bit more baseball smarts…I think his comments were more about lighting into those who are making 20 mil plus and not holding up their end of the contract as opposed to those who are rookies coming up….He made comments before about understanding how you have to wait to develop great pitching like with Hughes, Kennedy and Chamberlain. I don’t think George would’ve waited for this..

    • Mark B

      The fact he couldn’t do jack s%$& against us while he was guiding the ship over in Flushing I guess gives him a reason to stick it to us now!

      • yanks99

        You can be a well spoken person and have no bleeping clue about what you are talking about….I think that’s exactly what Phillips is and that is why ESPN has hired him. They aren’t stupid.

        • Mark B

          If Phillips was GM anywhere other than NY, he would be selling real estate right now and not on ESPN. It is amazing how far he can milk that one NL title back in 1999…..

        • A.D.

          Yeah but he gets paid for insight, and ESPN does employ Joe Morgan, allowed Michael Irving on tv, so they don’t always pick the best & the brightest

  • http://www.riveraveblues.com Ben K.

    Wow. Give that man a Gold Glove.

  • A.D.

    Giambi playing like a gold glover tonight

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    Jason Giambi, the Big G is LOOSE!

  • mustang

    How good has Mussina been ?
    Money.
    I don’t even have the words anymore.

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    Manny Ramirez is the fucking man, LoL.

    Dale Cano!

    • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

      Manny jumps into the stands to high five a fan and that’s okay, but Joba fist pumping? No no no, not allowed.

      • mustang

        Totally agree.
        But there always one set of rules for the Yankees and then another set for everyone else.
        That’s what comes with 26 championships.
        So be it.
        LOL

      • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

        I’ve always felt some, if not most, people use that “it’s just Manny being Manny” thing in a disrespectful way. Like they’re saying “don’t sweat it, he’s a fucking idiot, what do you expect?”

        I don’t know, maybe I’m just over thinking a bit but I’ve always felt that was the case with that term more than anything.

  • inyk

    According to gameday, Cano is now hitting .200

  • Kelvin

    Cano is at .200! wow..3for3 today..

  • Mike P

    People calling Mussina washed up may feel a bit silly, hopefully. He had 3 bad months last year, after being awesome in 2006. Sure he’s old, but maybe he’s finally won the right to the benefit of the doubt by now?

    • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

      I defended him and cited his good stretches in 2007 and I was called delusional.

      • Mike P

        Yes I remember that. I defended him too and we can mutually pat each other on the back. Virtually.

        • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

          Indeed.

          LoL, I’m sorry, I couldn’t come up with a decent response.

          • Mark B

            Makes you wonder whether Moose will be back for a few more after this year…..if he keeps this up, hard to wonder why Cashman wouldn’t re-sign him.

            • A.D.

              Moose will probably go somewhere, maybe the NL, I think the Yanks had their run with him, they want space for the young guys, and to take their draft pick.

  • Kelvin

    7 innings from the Moose? or do we go to the pen already? (I know he is only at 70+ pitches, but, in his past starts he was removed after 80+ pitches, right?)

    • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

      Joba Chamberlain might be the closer tonight and Kyle Farnsworth, if he’s available which I doubt, will be the set-up man so I don’t think Joe Girardi wants to thrust Ross Ohlendorf into a 2-0 game in the 7th after a two game slide. So you could see Mike Mussina for the 7th and Farnsworth/Joba to close it out. If Farnsworth is not available then Ohlendorf might get the next 6 outs.

      • Kelvin

        agreed. Maybe have someone up in the pen, and remove Moose if someone gets on base?

        • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

          Yes, that will probably be Ohlendorf even if Farnsworth is available tonight or not.

          • A.D.

            Ohlendorf to Joba, Farns would be up right now if they wanted to use him

          • Kelvin

            C’mon Ross!

  • A.D.

    finally production from Molina

  • Mike P

    Next month’s headline:

    Jason Giambi leads the Yankees in HR, walks and XBH.

    Would the haters admit a mistake if the over the hill veteran villain to hero happens twice?

    • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

      I think some Yankees fans will choke on all that pride they would have to swallow when it comes to the success of Mike Mussina, Kyle Farnsworth AND Jason Giambi.

      • Mike P

        I have to say, even I have little faith in Farnsworth. Enough to prefer him as the setup man and Joba as the ace. Just.

        • A.D.

          I’d Prefer Farns in the 7th and then slotting Ohlendorf into the 8th, or giving Cox/Robertson a shot. Something about Farns in the 8th still scares me, just that little added pressure

          • Mike P

            Or the increased damage when he eventually inevitably fucks up?

            • A.D.

              Plus the classic farnsworth inning of getting the 1st 2 out no problem, then just falling apart one way or another

          • A.D.

            And I take that back about Ohledorf thus far, coulda just left Moose in

  • Kelvin

    The Yanks must be thinking that they’re in the NL with Molina as their pitcher. Heh!

  • Mike P

    Question: Will the Yankees finally win a game?

    • Kelvin

      aahh…ahm…..can i have a clue? lol.
      seriously though, I would want the yanks win this one, and the game tommorow, and get a split for the series.

  • Mike P

    Moose: Strikeout machine.

  • mustang

    MOOOOOOOOOSE !!!!!!!!

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    CLE leads BOS 46-43 at the half. Come on dammit, knock ’em out LBJ.

  • Mark B

    Moose is da man

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    When was the last time Ohlendorf pitched?

    • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

      Six days ago.

    • A.D.

      Apparently Cleveland, which is too long ago

  • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

    Well, Ohlie’s come in and gotten two groundballs…

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    LoL, groundball pitchers must hate themselves some times. They do their job, get what they want and it’s still a hit.

  • Newman

    Premature hook by Joe? I’m not trying to second guess, just a legit question

    • Newman

      Aaaaand nevermind, haha

  • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

    Niiiiiiiiiiiice.

  • A.D.

    WOW, hell of a play

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    Luck be a Yankee tonight.

  • Mike P

    What happened?!? Can’t see it… Gameday argh!

    • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

      Hard hit liner to Derek Jeter and he flips to Robbie Cano to double off the runner at 2B.

    • A.D.

      pretty hard line drive to jeter flipped to Cano to double off floyd at 2nd

  • Mike R.

    HUGE DP!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE Rock n’ Rohlendorf!

  • Kelvin

    There you go! Double Play! whew!

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    Joba Chamberlain warming up means either 1. He’s going to go two innings after pitching one sketchy inning last night, 2. Kyle Farnsworth is not available and unlikely 3. Mariano Rivera is available.

    I’m going with #1. Or it could be that he’s going to go one batter at a time with Ohlendorf but the way his 7th went I doubt he’ll be back out there.

  • dan

    Groudball= hit
    Bullet up the middle= double play

    • http://www.riveraveblues.com Ben K.

      Them’s the breaks.

  • Newman

    Mo is in the dugout, I’m assuming he’s not available

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    Aaron Heilman is going through a real rough time in his career. In the 7th tonight he allows his only inherited runner to score and promptly gives up three more runs all on two outs.

    Mets fans also booed Willie Randolph.

  • Kelvin

    Joba in! What do you guys think, will he go for 2 innings tonight? Looks like to me he would.

    • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

      That’s my thought as well.

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    Looking back at some old stats, Mariano Rivera had better than a 6-to-1 strikeout-walk ratio when he went 74:12 last season. God Damn.

    • Kelvin

      I went to look for Mo’s k-bb ratio for this season, only to discover that he has 13ks to 0bb in 16ip. Just plain amazing. and oh yeah, his era is 0.56, and his whip? 0.56 too! yeah…i guess i am too happy here..haha..

  • A.D.

    anyone find it odd that a defensive replacement is warming up as the yankees play the field?

  • Kelvin

    Strike Out!!! Ooops..i guess i am being too emotional.lol

  • Newman

    No fist pump?!?!?!? What is wrong with that kid, he doesn’t even care

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    Anybody see Jose Molina there?!?!?!!? BUSH!!!! BUSH I SAY, BUSH!!!11!!11!!

    • Kelvin

      what did Jose do? I am just following the game on gameday, so, i just get..numbers..and letters..

      • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

        He pumped his fist after the BJ Upton K.

        • Kelvin

          What??? over reacting he is, isn’t he? Time to put the big red X over jose’s picture! ha! haha..

  • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

    Joba like it’s hot.

    • Kelvin

      Robby like it’s hot!

  • http://www.riveraveblues.com Ben K.

    Joba’s going to strip down in his underwear and do a jig now in order to celebrate.

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    Wow, so Rivera is coming in. A bit surprising seeing as how we have four games in as many days coming up.

    • A.D.

      gotta win them when you can, who knows when the offense will score this many runs again

  • A.D.

    Wow, would be great if this actually signaled Cano waking up

    • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

      He’s been awake for a couple weeks now.

      • A.D.

        I’ve thought of it more as a tease, hadn’t really gotten any big hits. He’d have singles with no one on then get out with RISP

  • Kelvin

    There is something in striking out the side, but there is something ‘else’ in making them all go down swinging. It is just so much exciting for me to watch, err, read it.

  • Mike R.

    Am I the only one that thinks hank is going to pull a muscle patting himself on the back for “Firing the team up” with the stuff he told the press?

    • Casper

      Hate to be a kill-joy… But this isn’t exactly an offensive explosion (and the game’s not over).

    • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

      Nope, you’re not alone.

  • Newman

    Melky, welcome back to Earth

    • http://www.riveraveblues.com Ben K.

      Back to Earth? Melky fell passed the Earth. He’s hitting around .200 this month.

      • Joey

        better than Giambi who, as of this moment, is hitting .188 this season

        • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

          Giambi’s hitting .280-.457-640 this month.

          • Joey

            we should have traded him for Santana then :-)

          • A.D.

            Giambi also has a respectable OBP despite the average

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    If Mariano Rivera can close this out, Mike Mussina will have 6 wins and a sub-4.00 ERA in the middle of May.

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    Tie him up on this inside, paint the outside. Owned.

  • A.D.

    nice win, the quest for .500 continues tomorrow!

  • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

    Thaaaaaaaa Yankees win.

  • http://www.riveraveblues.com Ben K.

    This Mariano chap is pretty good.

  • Kelvin

    oh yeah!! yanks won won won!!

  • barry

    Holy shit we won on 2 runs and we’re still left wondering how to fix that problem.

  • http://www.myspace.com/j_panama Jamal G.

    Florida Marlins scored sx in the 9th to tie it at 6-6 at Cincy.

  • Kelvin

    So now Moose is one of the AL leaders in win? interesting..

  • ceciguante

    red sox and mets lose, too…..just 3 GB of boston now…i could barely be happier with the outcome tonite.

    *exhale*

    IPK v. kazmir tomorrow. come on, yanks! scratch out a win to pull to .500….get us another day closer to A-rod…

  • A.D.

    Wonder if the Yanks still look to trade Farnsworth despite his resurgence

    • http://yankeesfuture.wordpress.com Pablo Zevallos

      i don’t think you’d get a supplemental 1st in return for him (he might snag Type B if he keeps doing this next year)

      • ceciguante

        how is it determined whether a free agent who signs elsewhere nets a supplemental pick for his former club?