Game 62: Treading water

June 7, 2008 by Benjamin Kabak 210 Comments

On Wednesday, April 16, the Yankees had just beaten the Red Sox in a marathon game in the Bronx. They won 15-9, and that victory moved them into a first-place tie, a season-high two games over .500. Since then, the Yanks haven’t reached that peak yet. They’ve gone 21-24 and have spent the last six weeks flirting with .500.

At some point, then, something in the Bronx must give. The Yankees must either shape up or we have to come to terms with the fact that the Yankees are simply some crappy .500 team that’s overpaid and underperforming our expectations.

The Yanks this afternoon face Brian Bannister. The righthander, once on the Mets and later traded for Ambiorix Burgos (oops), has put up some decent numbers this year. In April, he beat the Yanks, allowing just two runs in five innings while giving up five hits and four walks. Hopefully, the Yanks can do a bit better than that this time around. Andy Pettitte goes for the Yanks, and Hideki Matsui sits so that Jason Giambi can get some ABs at DH.

The game starts at 1:05 p.m. on this hot and humid day in the city.

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

Pettitte P

Game Notes: Just so this doesn’t fly under the radar: The Yanks and Brian Cashman did not talk contract in Tampa this week, contrary to earlier reports from Thursday.

E-ROC

Does Matsui have a minor injury or something? I wonder why he isn’t in the lineup.

Bannister is really good in day games; doesn’t bode well for the Yanks.

Why didn’t the RedSox let Manny be Manny and whoop Youk’s arse?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Per PeteAbe:

The plot thickens. Game 2 of the Regional is tonight and Fullerton will be throwing Cory Arbiso, another Yankees draft pick (22nd round). That game is going to be on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. (EDT).
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  12-3, 4.21 ERA. Uninspiring peripherals.
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
    
    Eh, I’m just noting it because he’s a draft pick, I know nothing of him nor has anyone said something since his pick so I am assuming there is nothing to say.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

I can’t wait for Joe Posnanski’s 7,000 word recap of Brian Bannister’s start after the game.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Look at that .281 OBP Guillen’s sporting. Sheesh.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Jim Callis said he will answer this following question in Monday’s upcoming Ask BA:

Greg from San Francisco asks:
Which players drafted yesterday take over as their organization’s #1 prospect? Looks like David Price clearly beats Beckham, but what about Alvarez with the Pirates? Posey over Villalona? Hosmer over Moustakas?

Sweet, that is indeed a great question. Any of you guys want to chime in?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Well, the obvious ones that would become their team’s top prospect are Crow, Posey, Yonder, Hosmer, Smoak, Hicks, Castro, and G. Beckham.
  
  T. Beckham would be Tampa’s 4th best prospect behind Price, Davis & McGee (scary), and I still like McCutchen over Alvarez. Wieters over Matusz is an easy call.
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
    
    LoL, should Andrew Friedman be getting votes as the AL MVP this year?
E-ROC

Well, that sucks.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

I’m always of the belief that the best play is the play that gives you the best chance of scoring. Fuck the time of the game. I like the play because he was trying to bunt for a hit it seems, not a true sacrifice.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Ben K.
  
  I completely disagree. We’re talking about Derek Jeter – the Yankee with the third most career hits in team history – bunting with no outs in the bottom of the first. That’s just not good baseball.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

What spot in the order is Gordon Beckahm hitting? I for some reason keep missing his Plate Appearances.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Should be 3rd.
E-ROC

Can’t even manufacture a hit. Sad.
- E-ROC
  
  I meant a run.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

So that’s how you beat the shift!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

If Michael Kay says fortuitous…
E-ROC

Giambino!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Check the NoMass Draft Blog for some signing info on the Yankees’ day 1 picks and their subsequent 8-17 picks. Tried posting the link but the post didn’t go through (which is weird because it went through before).

http://www.nomaas.org/draft/
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Once in a while it’ll get caught in moderation.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Runelvys Hernandez, huh? Don’t work off memory Michael Kay, you’ll look like an idiot.
E-ROC

Well, that was an unproductive inning for the Yanks. Sheesh…
E-ROC

What’s the delay for?
- Joey
  
  ump got hit with a foul tip right in the bottom of the mask, looks like concussion type symptoms. stumbling around, can’t see straight, dizzy
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    Umps leaving the day, gonna take some time for one of the other umps to suit up.
  - E-ROC
    
    Thanx homie.
Joey

that ump coulda hurt Posada’s shoulder! j/k btw, hope he’s okay
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  I thought the same thing.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

TV Land is showing Bull Durham right now, I love that flick. It started an hour ago though.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Has Johnny Damon’s arm always been inaccurate?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Dunno. I’ve never seen any of his throws go more than like, 30 feet.
greg

Scott Hatteberg got released today. His righty bat would fit better in the lineup than Shelley Duncans, anyone else think so?
- BigBlueAL
  
  Hatteberg hits lefty.
  - greg
    
    Never mind that comment then. Thought he was a righty for some reason
- E-ROC
  
  Scott Hatteberg bats right handed.
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    Lefty.
    - E-ROC
      
      Yeah, I was going to correct myself.
BigBlueAL

Thank God i cant watch this game today since it isnt on the package, all i have to say is pathetic.
E-ROC

Luckily, we have Dan Giese.
- Chip
  
  I too am predicting a Dan Giese grand slam at some point in this game
Chip

Is not grounding into a double play an intangible? If so, Jeter’s intangible numbers are falling fast
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

We deserve a comeback for such a shitty weather day.
Chip

Hip-Hip Jorge!! I’ve missed typing that
E-ROC

If only Giambi was a little faster.
Chip

I hope A-Rod is yelling out of the dugout at Cano for swinging at the first pitch
E-ROC

The Yanks are actually hitting with runners in scoring position.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

John Sterling is bitching about Jose Guillen playing “5 steps from the warning track”, is he really that deep or is Mr. Sterling exaggerating?

Damn Sterling, thought that Sac Fly from Betemit was a 2B by the way you sounded.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  He was very deep.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

So is that what a mutli-run inning looks like? Wow.
Chip

I love these kind of innings, why can’t we have more of them?
Chip

Look at Melky, he just watched three straight pitches, they grow up so fast
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Melky Cabrera contributing to the offense. Good for him.
joba

who do u think are the top 5 prospects the yankees took in the draft other than cole and bleich?
- Scott Biddle
  
  It’s gotta be me right?
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
    
    Since you don’t exist, I assume not.
    
    It’s Scott Bittle.
    - Scott Bittle
      
      Sorry, I’m just so excited about getting drafted by the best sports organization of all time! :)
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
      
      You know, that’s why I had such a hard time finding a picture of him. I kept searcing for “Biddle.”
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  I’d say Bittle, Chris Smith, Kyle Higashioka, Brett Marshall and Corban Joseph. Not sure on the order though.
  - joba
    
    all right thanks
E-ROC

A brand new ball game.
Chip

And we knock out the start after 3.1 IP, when’s the last time we did that (without a line drive to the face anyway)?
Chip

Wow, Damon running 3-0?
E-ROC

LOL, Jeter still manages to hit into a double play. Intangibles.
- Chip
  
  I can’t even be upset by that, what a throw by Guillen
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Jeremy Bonderman to miss the rest of the season due to a “blood cot of the axillary vein due to thoracic outlet compression syndrome”. From what I understand thoracic outlet comression syndrome to be (TOS) is a collection of neurological and vascular (brain, spinal cord and blood vessels) symptons in the nerves that run from the arms to the neck. It is said that more than 50% have a full recovery so let’s hope Bonderman will become part of that.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/articl.....8;c_id=mlb
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  25 years old, but he’s already got 163 career starts and 994.2 IP. Crazy.
- E-ROC
  
  Ouch.
Chip

Pettite calming down nicely and just pounding the corners
Chip

GIAMBINO!!!
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Bomb.
E-ROC

Giambino!!! I really like contract years.
E-ROC

Yes, Brett Tomko!
Chip

And once again Cano swings at the first pitch
E-ROC

First pitch swinging is to be expected.
Chip

Finally get Guillen out, on a cutter down the middle too
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

No running on Guillen. You should have learned that in 2001.
Chip

Wonderful, who do we bring in here? Edwar pitched last night, maybe Giese?
Newman

Another terrible outing by Andy, that’s 2 in a row where he can’t protect leads – especially today in a game where he didn’t even deserve to win but the offense got him runs
http://www.myspace.com/urnyctransformed Brad

Well, Dan Giese is shadowing Joba tomorrow.

I think Jeter is becoming dead weight. And I like Jeter. Just sayin’ no field + plus OK hit + 20 mil or so a year= wack player.
- Chip
  
  I’d say his large body of work grants him some patience. He’s still giving league average offense from his position while hitting well below his career norms
- Newman
  
  Hahahahahha dead weight? OK hitter?! What kind of hallucinogenics are you on? He’s going to have the most hits in Yankee history. “Wack” player – if you don’t like Derek Jeter, maybe you should find another team to root for
Chip

If we can get out of this, we’re inperfectly fine shape, I just don’t want to see another 2 runs come across
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

So why did Girardi leave Pettitte in again? Oh that’s right, he’s a proven veteran.
- Chip
  
  Better than bringing in Farns, IMO. I wish Britton would get a shot in these situations
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    He gave up a grand slam, Farnsworth couldn’t possibly do any worse. At least Farns gives you a shot for a strikeout.
    - pete
      
      plus britton is on the dl…
      - Chip
        
        Good call, I’m slow. Saying nothing could be worse is convenient with hindsight. Farns has a better show giving up a homer than Pettite, it just happened that Pettite gave one up this time. I agree he should have been pulled though
  - Newman
    
    Britton’s on the DL
Chip

I hate Jose Guillen
Joe

Wow
Newman

This is a pathetic performance by this Yankee team. I really thought that game Thursday could set us off, but to lose 2 straight (if they lose today) to the hapless Royals at home is just embarrassing. It’s no wonder at all that we are a .500 team right now
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  The team? The offense came back after down 5-1 and gave Pettitte a 6-5 lead that he coughed up. This on Pettitte, again, for the second straight start.
  - Newman
    
    Yes it is Jamal, but what about last night? That one was certainly on the lineup, that’s what I was referring to when I said the 2 games
E-ROC

LOL, Guillen 7, Yankees 6. Good job General Joe.
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  You have point, I don’t know what the fuck was the wisdom in leaving in Andy Pettitte. Jose Veras has had one bad outing and the same for Edwar Ramirez. They both give you K opprotunities like Mike said, I really want to know what the fuck his deal was.
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    Jose Guillen:
    
    .311-.344-.541 vs LHP
    .233-.258-.390 vs RHP
    
    This information is readily available to Girardi.
NYFan50

This is a pretty frustrating team to watch right now.
Zack

That was some inexcusable managing by Girardi there. THis team is bad enough without their manger making boneheaded decisions like that. There really is no excuse for Pettitte to be pitching to Guillen, let alone a few batters earlier.

This is not a case of hindsight, I don’t see how anyone could justify keeping Andy in there. What the hell is Girardi doing??

This team is really unwatchable. When your hitting, defense, pitching, AND managing is screwing the pooch and doing infuriating things, AND getting beaten by the Royals, then there is just no reason to watch anymore…
Joe

Suzy Waldaman just blamed this season on Hughes and Kennedy, saying that Wang and Pettite carried the team for the first part of the season. It seems her logic is that Hughes and Kennedy should be pitching well now so that Wang and Pettitee can suck.
- Zack
  
  She’s an idiot. Wang and Pettitte are SUPPOSED to be carrying the team all season. besides, Rasner and Moose are carrying them now, yet Wang and Pettitte still suck.
  
  But thats besides the point. Girardi sucks just as bad…
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

10 runs to the freakin’ Royals. I can’t believe this.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

These mother fuckers don’t want to lose, eh?
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Ok, there’s still time to make this interesting.
Newman

Wow left field bleachers for A-Rawd – that was an absolute monster shot
pete

oh.my.god.
wow even tomko was smiling at that one. Jesus.
E-ROC

That is why I like Brett Tomko.
Chip

Very interesting, keep in mind Matsui is still on the bench too. Hopefully we can keep them from scoring anymore. At least they were kind enough to pull Guillen out even when it’s debatable whether that helped their defense much
pete

i wonder when they will stop giving managing jobs to former baseball players only. honestly i think there are more than a few guys here alone who could do a better job
Chip

Well at least A-Rod comes up with 2 outs in the ninth if anybody can get on
mustang

I know we are all Yankees fans, but I would like to take a poll. Who thinks that Giambi might be back on the juice?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  No juice, all ‘stache.
  - mustang
    
    I don’t know Giambi has gone from hitting these lower deck HR’s to hitting these shots into the upper deck. He also looks a lot bigger even from spring training.
    We all know they can beat the testing with HGH.
    I don’t know?
    Hope not just asking.
    - mustang
      
      You know what at this point the whole juice thing is a joke anyway God know how many are on it.
- Chip
  
  If he is, he should start giving some to Shelley Duncan and I’d argue he’s putting it in Betemit too. I’m alright with that as long as only the Yankees are doing it :D
- E-ROC
  
  I think Giambi is all natural. It helps to have the thong and pornstar ‘stache.
E-ROC

Is Jose Cruz Jr an upgrade over Shelley Duncan?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Is he still even in baseball? I’d rather give Lane a shot anyway. At least he could play all 3 outfield spots.
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
    
    Still with HOU. Not only does he have a .426 OPS, but he has a .143 SLG%!!!
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
    
    No, he was DFA’d.
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  He has a .426 OPS.
  - E-ROC
    
    I guess that’s a ‘no.’
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
      
      Emphatically.
- Chip
  
  I’m an upgrade over Shelley Duncan right now. I could poke them over the infielder’s heads all day and end up with a higher batting average than Shelley
charlie

I hope he’s juicin.
charlie

Brett Gardner should be up, he gives us a pinch runner and a defensive replacment in the outfield for Damon late in games.
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  Replacement and Damon should not be in the same sentence with the way he is playing. He also has the second best Zone Rating (ESPN) in the American League behind Carl Crawford. Also you do not want to stunt the development of Brett Gardner by regulating him to that type of role on the Major League roster.
  - Chip
    
    He’s 25, it’s getting close to now or never time
- Chip
  
  The only problem exists Betemit were to get hurt while starting in place of somebody who’s DHing in which case you’d be forced to give up the DH but I don’t think it’s that big of a deal to continually have Duncan wasting a spot on the bench. In a pinch, Damon, Posada or Matsui could cover first and that would be a VERY speedy outfield if you rested Bobby, moved Melky over and had Gardner in center
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

TJ for Westbrook.
- Newman
  
  Bonderman’s out for the year too with some blood clot. As poorly and inconsistent as the Yanks have played thus far, the wild card will most certainly be there for the taking.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Que pasa con Leo Nunez?
http://www.myspace.com/urnyctransformed Brad

Okay, Newman, I said that I liked Jeter. I mean, I could understand why you wouldn’t believe that, with confusing wording such as, “And I like Jeter.” Either way, that shouldn’t affirm or deny my love of Pinstripes.

Also, can’t say I’m a big hallucinogen fan. But if you wanted to learn about their effects, just listen to Chris Russo.

And yes, I think Jeter’s prime value is from his offense. He was an amazing hitter throughout his Yankee career. But he seems to (from my admittedly untrained eye… I’m no scout, just a sophomore) be lacking plate discipline and bat speed. As a 34 year old, if he can’t hit the way he used to, the Yankees have a serious problem at short.
Chris is right though, he does deserve the benefit of the doubt. I’m just holding in chucking my sneaker or cat towards my TV, so I made a rash and premature judgment about his value towards the Yankees.

Yo, the Yanks may be sloppy, but they are really fighting this perennial last-place franchise. Good going guys!
- Newman
  
  I’m not big on slang, but I’m fairly certain you called him a “wack player”, which would contradict your liking of Jeter.
http://www.myspace.com/urnyctransformed Brad

Wow, that’s a shame. Jose Cruz used to destroy mistake pitches. .143???
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Melky Cabrera has certainly gotten his wood back (hehe), good to see after that horrid May.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Squeeze!!!!!
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  Never mind, thought we had 9 runs.
Chip

Way to go Melky, 5 for 5 now Damon, let’s go!
Chip

Uh oh, we’re one pitch from double play Jeter
http://www.riveraveblues.com Ben K.

We really should have traded Johnny Damon a few months ago. He’s terrible.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Win or lose, I am fucking pissed, royally pissed, at Joe Girardi for leaving in Andy Pettitte.
Chip

HAIL DAMON!!!! HAIL DAMON!!!
E-ROC

Tie game again. C’mon Captain.
Newman

Positively Damonic
http://www.myspace.com/urnyctransformed Brad

Damon is beasting it out there. I really wrote him off…but I think we can thank Girardi for getting him in playing shape at the beginning of the year.
mustang

5 for 5
Who the hell is this?
and Where is the real Damon?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Ben K.
  
  This is the real Damon. He’s hitting .320 on the year. Today is no fluke!
  - mustang
    
    I so hope your right because Damon bats .217 in Yankees loses and .307 in Yankees wins.
    So I would like to keep this Damon please.
- Chip
  
  This is the real Damon, the other one was an imposter until this Damon could get a ride from Boston, it just took him this long because he looked like a homeless guy with that beard so nobody would pick him up
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Johnny Damon will be smiling for one more reason…

http://farm1.static.flickr.com.....fd19d4.jpg
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Now on the mound, Mike A. Prospect Crush Hall of Famer, Jimmy Gobble.
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  What happened to him? What was his reports coming into pro ball?
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    Same as it is right now, high-80’s and a sharp breaking ball. Battles himself with his command.
Newman

Boy, that Jeter is wack
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

With Joey Gathright’s arm and his route to the ball, surprised that Bobby Meachem didn’t wave Damon to third.
Chip

I’m not even going to be upset if Bobby flies out or strikes out here. I just want to see Cluch-Rod get a shot with men on
E-ROC

Doesn’t Jeter have a hit streak going?
http://www.riveraveblues.com Ben K.

It wouldn’t kill the Yanks to, you know, try to steal third in that situation with Damon on second.
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  Still scratching my head on why Damon didn’t go first to third on Joey Gathright’s arm and route to the Jeter 1B.
- Newman
  
  Joe G. is so aggressive
Chip

Here we go, he’s gonna get it all the way to the bleachers this time
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

I would’ve issued the IBB to A-Rod and make Jimmy Gobble go after the Giambino.
- Chip
  
  Not in a tie game you don’t. You look really dumb when you get a passed ball to score the runner
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Yabuta not fuck with A-Rod!
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  Oh…
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Armando Benitez was DFA’ed. There’s the solution to our 8th inning problem!!!
- E-ROC
  
  lol, he was a former closer and is a veteran presence.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

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

What the fuck was that? Did Mo just give up a homer?
- Newman
  
  Ugh, yes
http://www.riveraveblues.com Ben K.

Well, that sucks.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

“If you want to feel what shock hears like…”

Nice one Kay.
- Joe
  
  The way you guys bash him is almost as old as listening to him.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

You want to know what idiot “hears” like? Listen to Yankee games on TV.
mustang

WOW
I though wasn’t human.
- mustang
  
  he
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Hip hip!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

VAYA JORGE!
http://www.riveraveblues.com Ben K.

HIP HIP
Chip

HIP-HIP JORGE!!!!!
E-ROC

HIP HIP JORGE!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1383090075 Brad

Well keep in mind he’s 1/4 on the day and his triple slash before the game is:
.281/.335/.389
OPS+ 98
That aint goin’ up much.

Now, he’s 7th out of 11 AL shortstops in Zone Rating, so you know, not as bad as usual, but mediocre still.

Then his WARP 3 is 3.4, which would be his worst ever (and not that great a number period) A bad sign when you’re in your age 34 year.

But you know, continue to use my slang as proof of my wrongness.

Also, unrelated to this debate, but I’d really like to meet anyone (because they sadly do exist) that says that Posada being out for so long was not a big reason the Yankees scuffled.
- Chip
  
  I’m sure that Cano is putting up his worst ever WARP this year too, doesn’t mean he’s done playing baseball. Some guys just have bad years, it happens. Keep in mind that it’s a long season
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  We all know Derek Jeter is not The Derek Jeter anymore, but we don’t make a big deal out of it due to respect for the man.
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
    
    You know what, I take that back. He had a MVP season in 2006 and still put up a great offensive year (for a SS of course) last season with a bad knee. It is not even the All-Star break yet, give him some more time. He did just go through a recent slump.
mustang

They don’t care what the fuck its going to take they are going to win this fucking game.
YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!.
Chip

Talk about a different offense with him in there
http://www.riveraveblues.com Ben K.

Cano just saw four pitches in that at bat and swung at every single one of them.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1383090075 Brad

I was going to say how Pena made a nice play to grab that single from him, but yeah Ben K. is right. You swing at EVERY SINGLE pitch and you deserve that crap to happen to you.
Chip

Yes, Damon up with a chance to walk off with his sixth hit!
mustang

here we go is this sit up or what
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP!
Chip

DAMON IS THE MAN!!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1383090075 Brad

6 is the number of ~~demon~~ DAMONS!
Newman

Yonny is absolutely en fuego
smitt dogg

Holy poop! What a game! This team can look like one of those young underpaid come from behind scrappy teams every now and again….
Chip

What a game, maybe there’s a little magic left in that stadium
mustang

WOW…is the only word.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Joe Girardi is still an asshole.
E-ROC

General Joe can thank Damon for saving some criticism.
mustang

Guys enjoy the rest of the day….. Go Big Brown
- E-ROC
  
  Go Kelly Pavlik.
Chip

Mo should go give them both a hug too
Baseballnation

What a great hit, to get jammed up inside and still hook it fair is really a testament of how good Damon was locked in
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Johnny Damon has a .900 OPS from the lead-off spot. Owned.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

JOBA!

LoL sorry, just saw him in the highlight. Can’t wait for tomorrow.
- mustang
  
  Had tickets for tomorrow had to give them up because of a family function.
  OOOOOCH!!!!
  Joba will probably pitch a no-hitter with my luck.
Chip

You know what’s great for tomorrow? Their bullpen was really drained. Can’t wait for Joba tomorrow!
Scott

Just got home from the game. It was a special day in the Bronx, definately had that feeling that we would never lose that game. Despite being down 5-1, 10-6, 11-10…Instant Yankee Classic