May
27

Game 52: Pitching for his spot in the rotation

By Joseph Pawlikowski

As we discussed earlier today, Kennedy could be pitching for his spot in the rotation tonight. Then again, with his horrible start to the season, he’s basically doing that every time out. He helped himself last time out, but as Ben noted, he still had his flaws.

The lineup gets a slightly different look tonight with Melky sitting. The kid needs a damn day off. He’s hitting .195/.241/.268 on the month, after a .299/.370/.494 April. It’s like he and Cano can’t hit at the same time. Robbie hit .151/.211/.236 in April, and has surged to .325/.369/.494 in May. Wait…I thought his low BABIP was just a low BABIP…

In Melky’s place is Johnny Damon, who I really don’t want to see playing center tonight. His play in left has been shaky at best of late. Abreu and Matsui will round out what is undoubtedly the worst defensive outfield in the game.

Betemit gets the start at first against a lefty. As if there weren’t enough signs of Morgan Ensberg’s impending release. The only question is of whether the Yanks will wait until May 31 to replace him with Jason Lane, or if the move will come sooner.

Your lineup:

1. Johnny Damon, CF
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. MBGPIBH, RF
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Hideki Matsui, LF
6. Dirty ‘Stache, DH
7. Hey Mr. Wilson! 1B
8. Low BABIP is a Low BABIP, 2B
9. Hava Molina, C

And on the mound, No. 31, Ian Patrick Kennedy

Posted on Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 at 6:19 pm in Game Threads.

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352 Comments »

Ivan says:

I betcha Kennedy is saying to himself, could Cabrera play one extra day.

 
Joey says:

that outfield is scary (in a bad way). And why hasn’t good ole’ George make Giambi shave that thing resting on his top lip?

AlexCT says:

hmmmm… haven’t been a yankee fan very long.?.. i seem to remember a fairly prominent yankee captain and first baseman who also wore a stache, though not quite as dirty as giambi’s.

the yankee rule on facial hair only bans hair below the upper lip. meaning only normal mustaches, no fu man chus, goatees or beards. though sometimes andy pettites stubble seems to border on breaking the rules.

A.D. says:

Yeah you can go sideburns & stache

 
 
 
AlexCT says:

insteresting jeterating article… its somewhat true… especially when people consider jeter a “clutch player” when his numbers with RISP and in the postseason are pretty consistent with his career numbers. not that this is a bad thing, it’s better to be great all the time rather than just in clutch situations. oh well.. we’ll see what happens this winter when the yankees choose to take or pass on texiera.

 
xkevinx says:

If Kennedy gets Bombed again tonight by th anemic O’s, he should be replaced. They do not have a single hitter in the starting lineup that is hitting even .260. Markakis is the only player with an OPS above 800. May be the worst offense in baseball. (Moeler would have the third highest OPS on the team- ouch!)

 
Jamal G. says:

http://canadianpress.google.co.....hIW6rMT7QQ

“New York RHP Humberto Sanchez (elbow surgery) had a bullpen session and might be ready for minor league games in mid-June.”

You won’t believe who that article as rehabbing notes on.

Jamal G. says:

As for Alan Horne’s start, the four hits he allowed were all singles, two infield jobs and a couple grounders according to his father, Bill. Nice to see that 7:0 K:BB as well in 3.2 IP.

 
A.D. says:

Man I’ve been looking over for my fav pavano’s rehab

 
 
Joey says:

alright, OF defense already scaring me (Matsui almost misplayed that)

 
Joey says:

nice first by IPK

 
Joey says:

Alright… he can keep the ’stach

 
Link says:
 
E-ROC says:

Did Betemit bat left or right against Burres?

 
Andy in Sunny Daytona says:

Is it me or does Betemit look about 15 lbs. lighter than he did to start the year?

 
Mike A. says:

Oh no they di’int. 4 run lead in the first?

Joey says:

2nd, but whos really keepin track? IPK is probably overjoyed

 
 
Joey says:

Damon! Who woulda thought?

 
E-ROC says:

Johnny Damon’s ugly swing produced a homer. 4-0 Yanks!

 
Kelvin says:
 
Mike A. says:

The burgers with the really thick bacon at Chili’s look … tasty. I’m hungry now.

 
Captain Wiley says:

Anyone else notice Melancon threw 5 innings earlier (2 hits, 0 ER)….seems odd.

Mike A. says:

I betcha it’s a mistake in the box score.

 
 
Mike A. says:

Oh no, Kennedy allowed a bleeder back up the middle!!111! Here we go again!!1one!!1

Jon says:

Way to jinx him.

Mike A. says:

Heh, yeah I did a helluva job, didn’t I?

 
 
 
mustang says:

It’s the HR Derby !!!!!

 
BigBlueAL says:

There goes the “dilemna” on who to drop from the rotation when Joba goes into the rotation.

 
Mike W. says:

I am seriously getting sick of watching IPK this year. I am really sorry. I don’t want to feel that way, but I just do.

 
Newman says:

Kennedy is making quite a claim for himself to lose his rotation spot

 
Mike A. says:

Bah, the throw beat him there, it was just wide. Kennedy will get blamed for that by the haters.

Newman says:

Kennedy has done nothing this inning to shake off the “haters.”

Jamal G. says:

So now we’re making conclusions and assessments of him on individual innings?

mustang says:

No.
On his season so far and that inning.

 
Newman says:

? Why do you get so defensive when anything other than a glowing evaluation of the young pitchers is made? Kennedy did a terrible job that inning, period. You can spin it however you want, as I know you like to do. His team gave him a 4 run cushion and he blew it promptly within the same inning. I’m not saying he sucks or that he’s a bad pitcher but that was a terrible inning. He’s in the big leagues now, he should be expected to be able to protect a 4 run lead, whether he’s inexperienced or not

Jamal G. says:

I get defensive because a lot of the things said negatively about the young pitchers are way too reactionary. I get defensive because every little thing they do is commented on endlessly and it gets comical at times. He had a bad inning, he threw get-me-over Fastballs to Kevin Millar and Ramon Hernandez who were aggressive in their ABs which seem to be the Orioles’ gameplan on IPK.

My beef is why does everything they do have to be scrutinized ad nauseam?

Newman says:

He’s had 1-2 good outings all year, I think it’s fair of fans to have expected more than that especially from the hype that he’s been getting from the Yankee organization

 
mustang says:

Because the Big Three have been pumped up to nauseam.
You want the spot light your going to get scrutinized.
It’s NY not KC.

 
 
mustang says:

Totally agree.
But in the defense of some people here the spin, as been a lot less lately.

 
 
 
 
 
ansky says:

guess the Yanks should look for a 6 or more run lead to be safe in a game

 
Yankees=warriors says:

What an ugly inning…
Well, at least Kennedy is not making the decision of sending him down hard.
I won’t feel sorry for him at all when that happens. It’s not so much for his poor performance but his cockiness. He’s next to Farnsworth on my Yankee hate list (and they’re the only two).

 
BigBlueAL says:

Dont want to hear after the game about IPK not getting run support. When u get spotted 4 runs in the 2nd inning, and then promptly give it right back by giving up 2 homers that havent freakin landed yet, dont wanna hear any complaining about how he couldnt settle in and pitch with a lead.

 
mustang says:

We got off easy.

 
Mike A. says:

Jay Bruce walked in his first plate appearance.

 
inyk says:

um, kind of off topic, but what is going on with Trenton? Milb.com is telling me Melancon has thrown 6 innings ….?

Mike A. says:

There’s no way that’s right. The box score is effed up, it happens from time to time.

 
 
RustyJohn says:

WTF- I leave my desk for five minutes and a 4-0 lead becomes 4-4?

My IPK expectations are based upon the 32 someodd innings he has thrown so far this year which have resulted in 58 walks and hits. I know it is a small sample size, but if he were to last more than 4 innings a start I might have a larger sample size. I suppose Joe G should just keep running him out there every five days blocking a spot for Joba and getting a bigger sample size (like another 20 innings over the next six weeks/six losses).

 
RustyJohn says:

But, to quote Major League, at least the pitches he gave up homers on were strikes.

 
Mike A. says:

The chick next to the guy with the Darth Vader get-up is pretty cute.

BigBlueAL says:

yeah what is up with that guy??? and its a red Vader suit, weird.

Mike A. says:

“Luke (Scott), I am your father.”

I think…

BigBlueAL says:

Thats right, shouldve realized it since the Orioles broadcast showed the Vader guy during Luke Scott’s ab. Horrible Vader costume i still say.

 
 
 
 
Realist says:

This is painful! The kid had a nice cushion, too bad he couldn’t hold it :-(

I really root for him and Hughes but they really haven’t shown shit this year, they are AAA pitchers as of now…they need to make the crossover to the bigs soon!

 
RustyJohn says:

Also, if Joe G keeps running Shelly out there against lefties I will slit my wrists- was looking at the comments on Pete Abe’s site and 1/2 the people there were bitching about Shelly not being in the line-up. Apparently they think the .143 average Duncan with one homer and 30 guys left on base in the month of May far surpasses what Giambi can do against lefties. Thank you, Jason, for making your case.

Mike A. says:

Those are the same people that booed LaTroy Hawkins for wearing #21 and chanted “we want Bernie” on Opening Day 2007.

RustyJohn says:

Lol..ain’t that the truth. Maybe they’ll start demanding the return of Mike Stanton, Ramiro Mendoza and Jeff Nelson to replace Joba and LaTroy-

 
 
 
Mike A. says:

Look at that, nice clean inning minus the error.

Mike, what would you think if they move Rasner to the 8th inning role?

Mike A. says:

Why would you do that? He’s pitching too well as a starter to even think about moving him.

 
RustyJohn says:
 
 
 
Yankee1010 says:

http://thunderbaseball.wordpre.....e-trenton/

Unfortunately, it looks like Melancon did in fact pitch 6 innings tonight. There will be NO reason that makes this a logical decision. WTF????

Jamal G. says:

Melancon out after FOUR innings, Steven Jackson now in.

http://thunderbaseball.wordpre.....e-trenton/

 
Yankee1010 says:

My bad. He supposedly came out after 4 innings. That’s still inexcusable in my opinion.

Jamal G. says:

He’s pitched three innings a couple times before has he not?

Mike A. says:

At least once, and 2.2 IP a few times. It’s no big deal, nothing wrong with stretching a guy out.

Yankee1010 says:

Do you really think that a reliever coming off of Tommy John should be pitching 4 innings? We can agree to disagree here, but I don’t think there’s any reason for it. He’s not going to be pitching 4 innings in the Majors. I know they started Whelan last year for a bit, but that was to get his control straightened out and he was on a starter’s schedule. It just doesn’t make sense to me to stretch Melancon out like this.

A.D. says:

I’m sure Nardi Contreras and co know what they’re doing, Dusty Baker wasn’t managing the club, maybe it was real low pitch counts

 
 
 
 
 
Mike A. says:

Huh? It says he pitched 4 innings them Steven Jackson came in.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

God Dammit, what’s wrong with IPK? Hope this is nothing serious.

Nice hitting Capt’n.

 
RustyJohn says:

Nice- look at the fucking Captain

 
Realist says:

Hey, IPK gets a second chance! Thanks to Jetes!

 
 
Realist says:

Abreu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kid, you got to pick up your team! They just picked you up :-) !!!!

Go Yanks!

 
Mike A. says:

Jay Bruce singled in his first official at-bat. Then he stole second.

Jamal G. says:

Seriously, whadafuxup with Colby Rasmus?

Not for nothing, the NL is getting stronger and stronger every year. I would not be surprised to see the Arizona Diamondbacks as the best team in baseball in about four years. With Jarrod Parker and Max Scherzer joining a top heavy staff of Brandon Webb and Dan Haren, that will be nasty. With Justin Upton, Chris Young and Stephen Drew growing into their own, yikes.

 
 
Ivan says:

you know summer is approaching when balls flying out of camden yards like it’s going outta style.

 
BigBlueAL says:

This is incredible. Last week Yanks killed Olson couldnt hit Burress. This week EXACT opposite. I think its curious because to me they both basically pitch the same way. Thats baseball i guess.

Jamal G. says:

“That’s baseball I guess.”

Yes it is, that’s kind of the main reason I love this game so much. No matter what something unexpected will assuredly happen.

Question, if you expect something unexpected to happen, does that mean that said something is no longer “unexpected”?

 
 
Realist says:

WOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

This is what I call rape.

 
Joey says:

I can hear Chris Berman now: Back back back back back back back— A-BOMB FOR A-ROD!!!!

 
Jamal G. says:

A-Rod HR with a three-run Yankees lead, surprised the umps didn’t find a way to take that HR off the board.

LoL, Max Kellerman was killing the umps for that non-HR call on A-Rod. He was saying that it’s gotten so bad with A-Rod now that when he hits a HR when the Yankees have a big cushion, the umps don’t wait for the NY media to render it meaningless, they just discount it as a run altogether. Lmao.

Joey says:

lol, thats awesome

 
BigBlueAL says:

hey Jamal, u posted once about playing GTA4 right??? I CANT fly the stupid helicopter to save my life!!!! That mission where i have to chase another helicopter and shoot it down, i cant even get close enuff to the copter because i always lose the target!!!! And i mean almost immediately!!!! Anyway, sorry about that, back to the Yankee game………

Jamal G. says:

LoL, I barely play single-player so I can’t help you. I just finished those missions with that dumb ass Manny after you move into your second apartment. Besides, I hate flying the ‘copter, it annoys me to great end.

BigBlueAL says:

Well you will be getting to that mission soon where you have to fly the helicopter first across the freakin city just to land it, then later you have to fly it again with Jacob to blow up another helicopter while in the air. Of course as i mentioned, im so bad at flying the stupid helicopter i cant catch up to the other helicopter.

 
 
 
 
Yankees=warriors says:

A-Rod has us waiting long enough!
Is there any possibility Joba could go today instead of tomorrow?
Will it be harmful to him (not enough rest)?

 
E-ROC says:

Talk about homerun derby. We could be in for a football score.

ansky says:

as long as Plax makes the prediction.

 
 
Ivan says:

You know, I am really starting to love this A-Rod guy

 
Mike W. says:

If he gives this lead up I am going to throw my tv off my balcony.

Joey says:

and I’ll fly to NY with my TV to join you

 
 
giselle says:

whaaaa? what happened to kennedy?

 
BigBlueAL says:

Could IPK’s injury be a bad case of whiplash??????? sorry, to easy a joke to let pass up…..

 
Mike A. says:

wtf? Is Kennedy hurt?

 
Will says:

why did they pull him, what gives? im not watching, just gameday. i think a 4 run lead is enough for another inning or so

 

why did Kennedy get taken out?

 

another error. come on, A-Ror (get it, error…)

 
ansky says:

ugh. more E’s?

 
giselle says:

he went back to the clubhouse with a trainer? thats what the orioles announcers said (i’m watching on mlb.tv)

i hope he’s okay.

 
E-ROC says:

A-Rod just not having a good day in the field. What’s up with Kennedy?

 
BigBlueAL says:

MASN said Kennedy left with the trainer to the clubhouse so its obviously some kind of injury.

 
mustang says:

Why is IPK not pitching ?

 
E-ROC says:

A pitcher’s best friend: a double play.

 
Kelvin says:

woohooo…nice..

 
E-ROC says:

1-2-3 inning for Ohlie.

 
Jamal G. says:

You see, this is where the blogosphere flexes its muscle. We won’t have to wait for YES to get word on IPK. PeteAbe better get his ass in gear.

 
mustang says:

Same as Hughes. LOL
Classic.
You just can’t make this stuff up.

 
Ivan says:

Well Kennedy is probably hurt or something. I seriously doubt that Giradi would just take him out because he couldn’t get the job done. Besides I thought he bounce back very well in the third inning even despite the error and through those 3 IP he didn’t walk a batter which is good. I think he’s improving slightly. Will be intriguing to see his next start if he can make it.

 
Jamal G. says:

You know how you know Jason Giambi is a great hitter, his OBP is pushing .400 while his BA is under .250. That also shows you how worthless a stat like BA is.

it also shows his old player skills.

 
Ivan says:

I didn’t give up on the guy either. I learn my lesson in 05 when I though he was shot.

To me Giambi is one of those guys that when he slumps I don’t worry as much because he’s gonna work counts and get his walks. Sooner or later with that approach he’s gonna hit something.

Ivan says:

Gee I wonder how Steve Lombardi feels after he declare Giambi shot and should be let go.

 
 
 
giselle says:

this strike zone stretches from dugout to dugout, i guess…. giambi def walked!

Joey says:

It looked like a borderline pitch, but MASN’s strikezone had it pretty low. I can’t complain about that one with so many others that are so much worse

 
 
Mike W. says:

Jamal,

I really appreciate/enjoy most of what you say, but did you seriously just say “You know how you know Jason Giambi is a GREAT hitter”?

He has a GREAT eye, but I hardly think he is close to being a great hitter…

Mike A. says:

Having a great eye is part of being a great hitter.

Mike W. says:

A proper swing and the ability to hit to all fields are parts as well.

 
 
 
Newman says:

Anyone else notice Singleton’s propensity for saying “Look Out!” anytime a ball is within a foot of hitting a player?

 
Jamal G. says:

Hanley Ramirez just dove, got up and gunned down Luis Castillo on a one-hopper to 1B. I know Luis Castillo is not the Castillo of old but he still is no slouch on the basepaths.

 
Manimal says:

slight lat strain. Unfortunately Im glad hes hurt. Bring some one up or give Joba a chance to start.

 
Mike A. says:

Nothing like hot summer games in Baltimore, eh?

Ivan says:

tell me about it.

 
 
BigBlueAL says:

Jesus Christ, this is ridiculous.

 
A.D. says:

Good lord Ohlendorf

 
Kelvin says:
 
Joey says:

Per Pete Abe:

UPDATE, 8:39 p.m.: Ah, it turns out Ian Kennedy is injured. Slight strain in his right lat muscle.

No word on how long he’ll be out. But “slight” with the Yankees usually means “disabled list.”

Ladies and gentlemen, Joba Chamberlain.

 
BigBlueAL says:

MASN broadcasters did say earlier i believe that the Yankee bullpen has given up 2nd most HR of any bullpen in the AL.

 
E-ROC says:
 
E-ROC says:
 
Joey says:

Any chance the Yankees “stretch” Joba out fully in the majors now? Have him start after his appearance tomorrow and bring up a long reliever to throw anything after Joba hits his pitch count until he can go without one (well you know, the usual 100-110 one or whatever). He can do it in IPK’s spot now and if IPK goes to the DL then we can bring up someone in the long relief role.

 
Mike A. says:

Hah. This is kinda funny.

 
A.D. says:
 
Jamal G. says:

What in God’s name is going on here? Seriously, WTF.

 
Ivan says:

Naw this is just stupid.

 
r.w.g. says:

lol alright, now it’s just nintendo.

 
Mike W. says:

This is freaking ridiculous. Add Ohlie to the damn disabled list as well.
This team seriously makes me ill.

 
 
Joey says:

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

 
BigBlueAL says:
 
Jamal G. says:

Rofl, the pitchers must be saying to the hitters “See how that shit feels when we don’t do our job?”

 
mustang says:

The youth movement is not having a good night.
LOL

 
Kelvin says:

what the?!?? it’s tied again??!?

 
Hybrid Moments says:

Why is Ohlendorf still with the team while Britton continues to be effective at AAA? He doesn’t deserve the roster spots. Is there something I am missing?

I don’t think Ohlendorf is in the right role though. he should be in the middle innings, but they’re not giving him a shot. it’s stupid. he’s not long-man material–that’s steven white or jeff karstens.

 
 
Ivan says:

Well if they wanna slug it out with us then fine.

giselle says:

HAHAH! bring it, baltimore.

 
 
E-ROC says:

Ohlie needs some time in AAA.

Mike A. says:

Nah, they just need to get him out of the long reliever role. He’s a one inning guy.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Mike W. you’re right, great is a bit of a stretch when speaking of Jason Giambi’s hitting. However I do feel plate discipline is a very underrated tool.

Mike W. says:

Agree 100 percent.

 
 
Joey says:

what is that, like 9 HR total now?

 
Jamal G. says:

Lmao, Baseball Tonight should make this game their entire “Touch ‘Em All” segment.

 
Ivan says:

I wanna saw it’s bad pitching which some of it it is, but when Baltimore becomes hot like this, any ball in the air that’s hit solid is most likey going out.

 
BigBlueAL says:

They HAVE to stop using Ohlie in the long relief role, how many times have we seen this, easy first inning, then gets ripped in the 2nd or 3rd inning of work.

 
E-ROC says:

lol, gameday has froze. I guess it couldn’t keep up with the action. How sad is that?

 
Ivan says:

Ollie would be great if he was taken out of this long relief role. The guy is a two pitch pitcher. Use Jeff Karstens. Ollie if he was use better might be a solid if not a very good reliever.

 
r.w.g. says:

Here’s what’s wrong with Ohlendorf:

He’s a one inning guy and they are using him as a long man.
He’s not really that good.

 
A.D. says:

Ross trying to make veras & hawkins look good

 
Mike A. says:

High-A Tampa laid a nice little beatin’ on Mr. Porcello tonight.

Jamal G. says:

Dave Dombrowski is Satan.

Mike A. says:

Dave Dombrowski is finding out what it’s like to have zero flexibility with his roster.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Jesus Montero had a bout of hallucination, thinking he was in Baltimore he jacked his sixth HR of the season.

 
A.D. says:

Garcia outpitched him for Tampa

 
 
Joseph M says:

Ohlendorf is a joke. Remember the organization Cashman was brought up in, remember too that George was always impressed when his GM was able to steal
a player from another team, this explains Ohlendorf. It explains Bubby Crosby and alot of other players that seem to have received more than their fair share of opportunities.

 
A.D. says:

Note on Melancon’s 4 innings, he faced 1 over the min. so chances are he may have had a low pitch count and the let him go with it being the make-up of the suspended game

 
Newman says:

Come on Rodriguez

 
Mike A. says:

Dan Giese allowed the same number of runs in the 4th inning tonight that he did in his previous 53.1 IP combined.

 
Mike A. says:

Inexcusable Jete.

 
Babe's Ghost says:

WTF… this is the second time I’ve stepped away and they coughed up a 4 run lead. I’m listening on radio… Is Ohlie thowing flat fastballs or hanging breaking balls?

I think it’d be interesting to look at PITCH/FX for IPK last year vs this year. Is he doing something different or is it just improved scouting.

I like Joey’s idea of stretching Joba outyas a starter… Who can we bring up as a longman to back Joba up? Melancon? He’s proven he can throw four.

At least we’re hitting.

 
Jamal G. says:

When did Jose Reyes start playing for the Yankees?

Babe's Ghost says:

Reyes is younger, faster, has better defense and more power… and you can keep him.

Jamal G. says:

There is no doubt I would take Jose Reyes over Derek Jeter right now. But I was making a joke on Reyes’ recent mishaps on the basepaths during the Mets’ recent losing streak.

Mike A. says:

Jose Reyes is the most over-rated player in the game. I will never compliment that man’s game after the way he singlehandedly sabotaged by fantasy team down the stretch last year. It’s personal.

 
Babe's Ghost says:

I got the joke… and I’d take JR over DJ for my rotisserie team too. But I’m one of those sentimental guys who likes watching the classic Yanks.

 
 
 
 
Newman says:

Can’t play much sloppier than this

 
A.D. says:

Figure they can empty the pen today with Pettite to Joba tomorrow & a potential roster move

 
A.D. says:

Was that a slider from Edwar??

Jamal G. says:

He has one, just a show-me pitch I’ve heard but yeah, he has one.

 
 
Realist says:

The scary part is it’s only the 6th………..

 
Jamal G. says:

Mets fans are going to crucify Jose Reyes very soon, another Error on him leads to a Florida run, Mets lead 4-3 with a runner on 1st and 1 out in the Florida 7th.

Mike A. says:

It’s Willie’s fault.

 
Babe's Ghost says:

Cash should wait til the mob is at it’s peak then offer AG and IPK plus arm from minors… (While I’m fantasizing we might as well take Willie back for the bench)

 
 
Mike A. says:

This has to be the dumbest comment in the history of the internet. From Lohud:

Kennedy seems like the new Pavano. Can’t handle the pressure and these weird injuries keep coming up. He is a disgrace anyway. Can’t say that anyone isn’t happy that he is hurt. He clearly wasn’t ready and the great Cashman rushed him because he was too cheap to get a real pitcher. Also I love how other teams AAA pitchers can get the Yanks out but Olendorf can’t get the pathetic AAA Orioles out. I laugh when people say the word play offs and this team…3 AAA pitchers in the bullpen and this rotation is not happening.

Jamal G. says:

I find it weird that ignorance put forth by Mike and the Mad Dog entertains me but ignorance from everyday fans anger me to no end.

 
A.D. says:

I hate all those strange IPK injuries we’ve seen so far….

 
Babe's Ghost says:

Sockpuppet
Was it signed L EVETS?

 
 
A.D. says:

Edwar’s scoreless streak may be coming to an end

A.D. says:

I take it back, now if a-rod can crush that hr he was going to last inning

 
 

he got lucky there.

Ivan says:

Two his credit, he gave two hits that he made good pitches and the one pitch he made a mistake on he got an out.

 
 
giselle says:

there’s gonna be a school bus full of bullpen arms coming up from AAA tomorrow, i’m sure. how the hell do you blow two 4-run leads? crazy.

A.D. says:

Prob IPK to the dl & maybe we see Ross sent down Britton and Robertson up

 
 
Mike A. says:

Jay Bruce is rocking a 2.000 OPS.

 
Mike A. says:

The problem now is that everyone’s trying to hit a homer.

 

i hate how a-rod always goes for the hard pitch up that he can never hit

 
Babe's Ghost says:

IT IS HIGH, IT IS FAR, IT IS…. caught… dipshit!

 
Mike A. says:

I wonder if it’s any coincidence that the night we score 8 runs is the same night that the offensive black hole known as Melky Cabera rode the pine. ;)

 
Jamal G. says:

Jay Bruce is up with the bases loaded and nobody out, he’s up against Damaso Marte.

Jamal G. says:

Gameday is acting weird but it seems that he hit a RBI single.

 
 
Newman says:

Wow, I don’t know about this move…why not leave Eddy in?

 

and everyone holds their breath…

 
Babe's Ghost says:

Giardi just screwed Edwar… so much for the 0 ERA

 
Newman says:

WHEWWWWWWWWW, el come dulce

 
Jamal G. says:

Dale Abreu, good shit man.

 
zzzzz says:

YES! gunned him down!

 
Mike A. says:

Abreu threw Millar out at the plate just so he wouldn’t have to listen to anyone bark about Joba being moved to the rotation.

 
Babe's Ghost says:

Edwar owes Abreu a beer

 

damn–I’m watching on gameday, how’d that happen?

 
giselle says:

OMG this game has got to be the craziest shit I’ve ever seen in my life….

 
giselle says:

So many momemtum changes in this game, it’s ridiculous.

 
Newman says:

Ugh another inning of Farnsworth

 
Mike A. says:

They can out-manhandle people? Lordy lordy lordy Michael Kay…

 

We need another inning of Farns (lol)…we only have Veras, Hawkins, and Mo left…

 

This move will backfire–I just smell the double-steal coming…

Realist says:

I thought that was the odor of 2 games under .500?

Realist says:

Whew…………….double play sniffed that out ;-)

 
 
 
Mike A. says:

And you people were worried about Farnsworth.

 
Jamal G. says:

Just like how some media members are mad that Jason Giambi is succeding and proving them wrong I’m sure it’s the same case now that Kyle Farnsowrth just shut them the fuck up for one night.

 
Newman says:

Can we score some damn runs this inning!!!

 
Mike A. says:

Former indy baller George Sherrill.

don’t hate on them…scott patterson and edwar ramirez are pretty good

 
 
Mike A. says:

Josh Hamilton now has 58 RBI. He’s got an outside chance of having 100 by the break.

he’s on my fantasy team–picked him up on waivers after the 1st week :)

 
 
Newman says:

Do you bunt here?

I would. jeter’s in a slump.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Slow motion replay has to be the coolest invention in TV.

 
Jamal G. says:

Derek Jeter has had a rough night fundamentally.

 
A.D. says:

Is it just me or do ups wait a lot longer to delay games this season

 

why can’t a-rod pull a miguel cabrera–swing at it!!

A.D. says:

left handed pitcher doesn’t leave it close like a right hander would in that situation.

Moeller did the same thing on a pitch out earlier this year

 
 

At that point it would have been better if A-Rod didn’t steal second, ’cause then that could’ve been a hit

 
Jamal G. says:

Jay Bruce is 3-for-3 with 3RBI, 2BB, 2R and a 2B.

Mike A. says:

And he stole a base, just to show off.

A.D. says:

With that debut, reds fan have to wonder why patterson has been playing so long

 
 
 
Joe says:

This Bruce fella’s pretty good.

another guy on my fantasy team :)

 
A.D. says:

Which is why the Yanks should go after LaPorta…

Mike A. says:

Except that the Brewers aren’t trading LaPorta. And what does LaPorta have to do with Bruce anyway?

A.D. says:

Yeah i didn’t mean to post that

 
 
 
 
Manimal says:

WHAT TEH HELL, im so mad right now you have no idea. Derek Jeter is not what he used to be. He killed 2 innings that would have put them ahead and the freaking crew chief likes to be a douchebag. Only If I was Joe Girardi, he would be wishing he was never an umpire.

 
Joey says:

what a weird (but entertaining) game

 
A.D. says:

Broussard 3-3 for AAA

 
BigBlueAL says:

any word on when game will re-start??? those of us watching on the package have no clue on whats going on.

Joey says:

Pete says the rain is starting to let up a bit now, so hopefully soon

 
 
Joey says:

Pete:

UPDATE, 10:39 p.m.: They’re pulling the tarp. I’ll let you know when the game is scheduled to start.

Mike A. says:

They’re putting the tarp back on now.

 
A.D. says:

10:50, tarp back on but may be off again shortly

 
 
Mike A. says:

Peter Gammons just said on BBTN that Arizona LHP Danny Schlereth will be picked in the middle of the first round of the draft. He’s nuts. Schlereth will be lucky to go in the middle of Day 1.

Joey says:

Is the kid from Boston? That could explain it…

 
Jamal G. says:

I was wondering why I never heard his name or seen him in any mock drafts. I’m really starting to doubt these “scouts” and “baseball” people Gammons keeps referencing. I’m really starting to think he’s just a boldfaced liar or is somewhat senile.

 
 
Joey says:

ugh, raining again

 
eddyb says:

i’m sorry if i’m repeating — who has a lat problem? IPK or Joba?

Jamal G. says:

IPK, DL trip unknown as of yet.

 
Joey says:

IPK has a slight right lat strain, Joba’s good to go for tomorrow

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Just wondering, how do you think Robinson Cano’s range would play at SS? We all know he has the arm for the position but do you think he can actually stick there?

Joey says:

I doubt it would be that bad, but his lackadaisical (awesome word) attitude at 2nd has me worried sometimes, wouldn’t want him at short

Jamal G. says:

The move would be too risky now mid-season but I was thinking they could move Robinson Cano to SS and in a corresponding move shift Derek Jeter to the OF. This would maybe allow a potential trade for Johnny Damon, who would be on the last year of his 4-year pact (Hideki Mastui would also be able to be dealt but I want it to be Damon). The problem is I don’t know of any potential 2B/OF viable options in the 2008 Free Agent market. Nor do I know of any 2b/OF trade targets the Yankees can go after.

Is Alberto Gonzalez worthy of a shot as a Major League starting middle infielder?

Joey says:

If he can prove at AAA that his bat actually exists for the rest of this season than maybe I’ll be willing to give him a shot next year (but preferably in 2 or 3 more years). But I rely on Mike for all my minor league info, so if he says Robbie can’t play SS then I doubt he should. But Gonzo and his defense can’t get a place on the Yanks if he has no offense

 
 
 
Mike A. says:

He played short in the minors up until about A-ball. There’s a reason he’s at second. I’ll leave it at that.

 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

Marv Albert just said of Vladimir Radmonovic “He’s the Rainbow Champion of the league”. He was talking about his extraordinarily high arcing jump-shot but the little laugh from his broadcast partner made me realize that his partner picked up on what the hell he just said, LoL.

BigBlueAL says:

thats not just his partner, thats Doug Collins baby!!!

Jamal G. says:

That’s who I thought it was but couldn’t verify that. Thanks.

 
 
 
Joey says:

Games on, 11:15pm. Thank Mariano!

 
BigBlueAL says:

just read apparent re-start time is 11:15

 
Jamal G. says:

Austin Jackson with yet another 2B tonight, he drove in two with said double.

Mike you were right, his power has come on quick and furiously.

 
Jamal G. says:

It’s amazing how Mariano Rivera at this age is constantly at 93-94MPH, just wow.

 
A.D. says:

At this rate if they need to use Joba tonight it will be Wed, so they’ll still be on target

 
Jamal G. says:

With 14 pitches in that inning hopefully MO can go one more inning.

 
BigBlueAL says:

Honestly, Mo is a freaking GOD.

 
Joey says:
Chip says:

If his ERA stays below 1 all season, he’d have a good argument. He’s also striking out more guys than I remember him doing in the past

Jamal G. says:

He had a great argument in 2005, fucking writers.

 
 
 
Mike A. says:

Hey hey hey, it’s Fat Albers!

 
Jamal G. says:

Wilson Betemit has continued his nice swing since going on the DL, two hits tonight and a sharp line out to Melvin Mora at 3B.

Come on Cano!

 
Chip says:

It’s doulbe time Cano!

 
Chip says:

Pinch hit Melky for Molina if Cano gets on?

Joey says:

not Melk man, he’s been, well… bad, this month

Chip says:

I remember earlier this season when Cano couldn’t hit and they brought him in to pinch hit and he hit the first pitch he saw outta the park

 
 
 
Chip says:

I’m sorry ump but that was ball four!

 
A.D. says:

Hmm gotta get some runs soon, were running out of arms

 
Joey says:

phew…. never worry when Mo’s out there!

 
A.D. says:

Jeter may have just made up for some of his issues today

That ball was going foul and hit a clump of dirt

A.D. says:
 
 
Joey says:

picking your poison boys?

 
Mike A. says:

Jesus fucking christ.

 
Joey says:

fuck fuck fuckity fuck fuck… come on Godzilla

 
A.D. says:

Ahhh THANK YOU Matsui

 
Mike A. says:

A-Rod owes Matsui a steak dinner. And a Bentley.

NYFan50 says:

Eh, A-Rod hit that ball pretty hard. It was just right at Roberts, who made a good play. Bad luck.

 
 
Joey says:

I love me some Japan destroying giant lizard monster

 
Joey says:

who pitches the bottom? (Please say Joba, please say Joba)

A.D. says:

The Hawk, should be interesting

 
 
Will says:
Joey says:

I’m not at all religious in any sense of the word, but I’ll pray with ya now (especially facing Markakis)

Will says:

Nor am I a betting man, but I’m willing to bet that your prayers just kept that ball in the park. DAMN.

 
 
 
Joey says:

okay, feel a little bit better with Melky roaming center

 
NYFan50 says:

I should go to sleep now so I don’t have to witness this.

 
Chip says:

Work that sinker Hawkins!

 
Jamal G. says:

If that wasn’t divine intervention (or cooler temperatures) that kept the ball inside the park, I don’t know what is.

 
jim says:

we should just put joba in. i know hes supposed to pitch tomorrow, but hawkins is awful

YankeeJosh says:

I’d honestly have considered it. One inning from Joba tonight as a throw day would have worked with pushing back his extended outing to Friday. That could have worked.

Tonight is the first game not having Joba in the bullpen hurt. However, if he started, maybe we win 8-0.

 
 
Joey says:

oh shit just had a mini heart attack

 
Jamal G. says:

Not for nothing, but Derek Jeter has really cost us one too many fucking times this game.

Ben K. says:

Yup. I just said the same thing to Mike. He didn’t get a bunt down, he got picked off second, and he shouldn’t have been throwing that ball. It allowed the winning run to get to third base with less than two outs.

 
 
Ben K. says:

I’d love to hear what the LaTroy Hawkins apologists have to say about this one.

Mike A. says:

I don’t think there are any LaTroy Hawkins apologists.

 
NYFan50 says:

I knew I should have gone to sleep.

When is he getting DFA’d? Cox and Melancon can’t get here soon enough.

 
 
Mike A. says:

Man, I am NOT looking forward to what the “Joba should be a reliever!!!” crowd is going to have to say tomorrow.

 
Chip says:

Game over, we’re screwed again, thanks Hawkins

 
Joey says:

Whoever the fuck made Joba unavailable, this game is on them if the birds win