Game 63: Bringin’ the Heat

June 8, 2008 by Mike Axisa 236 Comments

Man, it sure is a scorcher today. The little weather thing on my desktop says it’s currently 104-degrees in the city, meaning it’s about 120 out in the sun glazed tier seats, where Ben finds himself today. Lucky for him, he gets to see a primo pitching matchup.

Zack Greinke is just the kind of pitcher than can shut the Yanks down, a guy that changes speeds like a veteran and can hump it up to 96 if he needs it. Hopefully Joba is over his first start jitters, and can command his fastball enough to economize those 75-80 pitches he’ll be limited to. The Royals come into the game sporting a .312 team OBP, so hopefully they help get themselves out here and there.

Are you ready for some fist pumps?

1. Mr. 6 for 6, DH
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Bobby Abreu, RF
4. A-Rod, 3B
5. Matsui, LF
6. Giambi, 1B
7. Posada, C – two consecutive games in this heat coming back from an injury? What is Girardi thinking? What’s the point of carrying three catchers then?
8. Cano, 2B
9. Cabrera, CF

And on the mound, the Winnebago Wonder, Joba Chamberlain.

E-ROC

Mike, you asked in another game thread about making a Cano for Greinke trade. Would u still make that trade after the Yanks kick Greinke’s arse today?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  I would. One bad start wouldn’t deter me.
JCinDC

We have our own Greinke now!
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

2 pitches, 1 out. It’s … it’s … beautiful.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

This ump definitely has a better zone.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Bah. Broken bat blooper. What can you do.
Joey

I love this first pitch swinging. They get lessons from Robbie?
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

A starter that can throw a fastball by a hitter. What a concept.
- E-ROC
  
  No, we need to save that fastball for the 8th inning because that inning is very important to the outcome of tha game.
  - Manimal
    
    The first six or so innings sets the tone for the eighth inning. Joba definitely sets the tone when he pitches.
Manimal

I like how joba paces himself today, 96 mph to get the first 2 strikes then 98 to blow them away. I think Jorge has alot to do with it, he knows how to work talent.
Manimal

DONT BREAK THAT BAT Johnny.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Check the NY Times’ “Bats” blog, it has a Q&A with Austin Jackson, a look at the Yankees’ Minor League games on Friday night, a profile on the Tampa Bay Rays’ recent 1st RD. picks from Rice University, a look back at Jason Giambi’s walk-off HR on Thursday afternoon and Jack Curry’s take on Manny Ramirez’s bitch-slap.
- Manimal
  
  Can you link us please? Watching the game while making lunch lol I really dont have time to look.
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
    
    Link isn’t going through. Mike said it gets caught in moderation sometimes. All the stuff I mentioned are right at the top of the list so you need not search for it.
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
      
      I have to look into it, it seems that comments with links are going into moderation way too much these days.
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    Right sidebar, top link under Beat Writer Blogs.
    - Manimal
      
      Thanks.
- Manimal
  
  The Q&A was interesting, he said that he thinks he made the right decision chosing Baseball over Basketball then he says that he thinks he would be in the NBA. You got to love devotion and playing for the love of the game.
Piquay

Mike, gotta disagree with you there. The strength of this organization is our pitching. There is no way I would trade our ONLY young all-star caliber position player.

I know he doesn’t have the greatest start to the season, but let’s not forget, this is a VERY good player so far in his career.
E-ROC

Damn, Greinke got Damon on three pitches.
mehmattski

I’m a fan of the first-pitch curveball Joba threw to Guillen. Outside the box, me like.
Joey

Damon 0’fer 6 today?
- E-ROC
  
  That might be a Tim Kurk-gem for BBTN.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

I’m sitting in the RF upper deck next time I go to Yankee Stadium, that’s the third time in four games.
- Manimal
  
  I like sitting in the deck under it, since it
  - Manimal
    
    doesnt get wet there, sorry pressed enter by accident
Manimal

10$ says that Joba knocks a royal off their feet.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Mike, I’m one of the biggest Zack Greinke fans there are and I agree in principle you always try to acquire front-line pitchers 25 and under but I am very, very hesitant to trade slugging players 25 and under who play an up-the-middle position (C, SS, 2B, CF).
- Piquay
  
  Especially one who has shown to have a high ceiling, and could potentially bat in the middle of the order in a couple of years. That type of 2B is very very hard to find.
  
  Let’s not forget that Cano plays a VERY good 2B. He’s not one of those “second basemen” that should really be in the outfield somewhere, like Sori.
- Manimal
  
  A-Gonz would be a good fit in kansas city, he would easily take up that SS position over Pena jr. with just as good defense and much better hitting ability and would mix in well with all the speed on that team.
  - Piquay
    
    I see Gonzo as our future utility man. Betemit is a bench bat, but can’t play 2B or SS worth crap.
doty

el coma du cei!
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Ho-Chaver. Not Ho-Shaver or Ho-Cuh-Var. It’s not that hard Michael Kay.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

How in the world did Gload hit that pitch into right? It was practically in the other batter’s box!
Casper

Aviles’ stance is hysterical. He looks like a player in that old Nintendo game “Bases Loaded.”
Chip

Come on Posada, he was almost out of it!
Joey

its been almost 48 hours and Giambi still hasn’t swung at that pitch
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

This Chamberlain kid has a chance.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Is there anything on TV more annoying than those Mohegan Sun commercials?
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  Emmit Smith.
mehmattski

Gordon’s hit was really the only good contact against Joba so far, and he’s missing a ton of bats. Great stuff.
MD

for those of you who appreciate Yankee history….Chamberlain = Allie Reynolds……
- mehmattski
  
  I think Joba’s going to have a much better K/9 IP than Reynolds (1423 Ks in 2492 innings)…
  - MD
    
    different era….back in early fifties, successful pitchers could walk as many as they struck out…..remember this is the time of Dimag and Berra…..check out their K rates……most sluggers put the wood on the ball….consequently, K rates far down in that time, aside from the early Bob Feller……..
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Joey Gathright is some kind of athlete, I’ll tell ya.
- Joey
  
  damn what a nice catch
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Melky is slugging .295 in his last 29 games.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/gl.cgi?share=1&n1=cabreme01&year=2008&t=b#318:346:sum
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  LoL, Melky and slugging in the same sentence.
http://deleted Randy

i understand why its happening, but the constant updates of joba’s pitch count is a little annoying.
Chip

I hate Jose Guillen
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

That was a hanger and a half.
mehmattski

Joba never would have thrown that slider in the 8th inning….
E-ROC

Since when did Jose Guillen start hitting righties?!
pete

shut UP jose guillen. douche
mehmattski

That fastball has lost a lot of velocity this inning.

One more inning, with a short leash. Progress, at least.
- Piquay
  
  Huh?
  
  The last few fastballs he threw in this inning registered as:
  
  99
  100
  97
  96
  96
  95
  96
  
  That’s losing velocity?
- JT
  
  Gameday says he’s still in upper 90s with his fastball. That as just a dead hanger. I think he was scared to walk guillen so threw a slider that was a strike.
- Chip
  
  He’s fine, he just hung one, it happens. I’d say he lasts another inning and a third
batty

Is anyone listening on the radio? All of a sudden can’t get 880 or 1430. Related is there a good AM receiver out there so I don’t have to keep fucking with the antennae every time a truck goes by?
E-ROC

Greinke may have found his groove.
- Chip
  
  Yeah I’m finding that the Royals actually have some decent pitching. Thank goodness they’ll never keep it all together
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

They say his brother Luke is a great athlete as well.
Chip

Well if we can keep it close, we own their pen :)
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Giambi flashing some range. ;)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Good job getting that 1-pitch out.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Yeah, he belongs in the bullpen.
Chip

There we go! 9 pitch inning and he should be able to go 5 now
Chip

Man Greinke has it working today, he’s just nailing the corners with all of his pitches
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Greinke’s dealin’
Piquay

I wonder if they’ll let Joba go past 80..
- Chip
  
  If he’s still got the stuff, I’d let him at least close the 5th but it won’t happen and that’s why I’m not a MLB manager
- Joey
  
  it doesn’t look like he’s tiring but I doubt Girardi will let him go past 75ish if he scheduled to throw 65-70
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Chipper Jones to “miss a couple games” due to a slight tear in his right quad. Jones is currently at a .420 Batting Average.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080608&content_id=2868907&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
Manimal

Since when was Guillen a yankee killer.
Chip

Come on David, make a quick out
LiveFromNewYork

David Cone (thinking): Michael Kay shut the F up about the pitch count.
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  LoL, that was running through my mind as well.
Chip

Wow, that’s about the 4th time I’ve seen him throw the curve for strike one. And back to back changes? You know he wants to stay in
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

LoL, Jorge Posada doesn’t back down. He calls for the Slider, Joba shakes him off and he calls for the Slider two more times.
- Piquay
  
  How can you tell what Posada was calling?
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
    
    I love those CURE Auto Insurance commercials.His fingers, not too hard to tell when a runner is not on second. 1-finger is the Fastball, 2-fingers is the Curveball, 3-fingers is the Slider, 4-fingers that wiggle is the Changeup, 1-finger that you move in a circular motion is the Sinker, Cut-Fastball. It is universal, we use that in High School baseball as well.
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
    
    The Big Cat is loose!
    
    Dan Giese has some serious movement on that Two-Seamer.
- Joey
  
  waiting for Jorge to get pissed off enough to go out there and tell Joba “if you shake me off one more time I’m gonna slap you”
- Joey
  
  earlier in the game Joba kept shaking him off and he went out to the mound and had a talk
Manimal

Is that some winnebago necklace, Its cooler than the redsox and they gay beads.
Chip

Well that’s not that way he wanted to end his day
JT

The media makes so much out of this pitch count bs, that I’m sure it affects how Joba is attacking the hitters.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Too bad he couldn’t get through the 5th. Can’t complain about this outing at all, made one bad pitch.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

I love thos CURE Auto Insurance commercials.
bostonsucks@life

Pitch count be damned he could have finished that inning
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

“Some companies think education and credit score have something to do with car insurance. (Bleep) them. What, I can say (bleep)?”

That is my new favorite commercial.
- Manimal
  
  for the people that missed it,
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgc_HyHOITA
Manimal

HAHA the first base coach for Kansas city has the last name “Kuntz”
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Yeah, it’s Rusty Kuntz.
  
  http://www.santamariaindians.com/images/indians_pros/RustyKuntz.jpg
  - Manimal
    
    hahahaha wow. Rusty Kuntz.
  - E-ROC
    
    That’s hilarious. I wonder if he was teased in his youth. I bet he pronounces it Koontz.
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
      
      It is pronounced Koontz. And I can almost guarantee you he was teased as a child, and as an adult. Heh.
      - Manimal
        
        Rusty wasn’t his birthname though, was it?
        
        Manimal
        
        It was Russell, nevermind.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

There’s two outs, worry about the hitter.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Fall down range. Love it.
- Manimal
  
  seriously. You can’t complain though, he save a run.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Bold prediction: Dan Giese will become the new Scott Proctor.
- Piquay
  
  Son. Of. A. Bitch.
- b/c
  
  Yah but Proc had much more stuff
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Hey! Hey! Johnny Be Good!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Saaaahhhhwiiiiiiiiing and a miss.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Wow. 68 mph bender after a 96 mph heater? Not fair.
E-ROC

Wow, a 68 mph curveball after seeing all those pitches.
b/c

Wow has Grienke got a bender or what
Manimal

Im pissed jeter didnt even run to first, is he that old?
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  He didn’t know the ball hit the dirt. He looked back like he was surprised when Miguel Olivo tagged him on the back.
- Joey
  
  he thought it was a clean strikeout, no big deal
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Did YES or anybody else give a measurement on A-Rod’s shot yesterday?
- Manimal
  
  I was wondering the same thing. I also want to know abreu’s today, and Giambi’s 2 up in the upper deck
Manimal

Gathright has got some skill in center field.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Too bad he can’t hit.
  - Manimal
    
    That seems to be a reoccurring theme on the royals.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Who the fuck does he think he is? Andruw Jones…circa 2000?

CURE Auto Insurance owns.
Joey

damn Gathright is sick
Joey

shoulder popped out… ouch
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Great pitching duel in Fenway Park, Erik Bedard against Justin Masterson. Masterson’s Sinker seems to be a bit slow today, topping out at 90-91MPH. I thought he can run it up to 92-93MPH.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Kam Mickolio, one of the guys sent to the O’s in the Bedard deal, has the exact same scouting report as Masterson: 92-94 sinker, good slider but needs improvement, funky borderline sidearm delivery. Mickolio’s about 3 inches taller, and he’s a year older, but it goes to show how two extremely similar pitchers get hyped differently because of their markets.
E-ROC

LMAO, Hanley Ramirez is abusing the Reds right now. Just hit his second 2-run homerun.
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  He is the fucking man.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

David Cone is the man. He knows damn well he likes the Latinas.
JT

posada needs to be skewered for that…
- Joey
  
  agreed, just takin his time jogging back there, but at least the next AB was an easy popup in fould territory (okay, well with A-Rod no popup is easy…)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

I want pain inflicted on that man. I’m so serious.
E-ROC

Dan Giese just throws strikes and mixes his pitches really well. Me like.
JT

I wouldnt mind melky’s lack of production if he played cf like gathwright…
- Joey
  
  there aren’t many who can play CF like Gathright though…
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Some dude just bust his ass so bad, I need a replay.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Thank you Giambi, one for the Bleacher Creatures!
E-ROC

We need to exercise Giambi’s option as he just hit another homerun.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Uh, no.
  - E-ROC
    
    Sarcasm, my brotha.
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
      
      That’s what I figured, but I wasn’t taking any chances.
      - E-ROC
        
        lol.
Joey

Giambi is the fuckin man right now
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Fuck my Justin Morneau pick for AL All-Star 1B. The Giambino!
- Chip
  
  He keeps hitting like this and he’s gonna get it
LiveFromNewYork

I think the Chamberlain / Giese combo is a good one. Is Giese willing to be a 7th/8th inning guy? Joba/Deeg/Mo sounds good to me.

I don’t know why the Snoop Dogg / Willie Nelson friendship is “unlikely.” It’s all about the weed.
- Piquay
  
  Given Geise’s career so far, I’d bet he’d be willing to play catcher if it meant he could stay in the bigs.
  - Chip
    
    Make that bullpen catcher
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Robbie Cano has sure been real patiently lately.
- LiveFromNewYork
  
  someone said something to him. Like “do it again and I’ll f you up.”
- Chip
  
  Yeah I don’t remember the last time he waited 5 pitches to swing. I’m not even upset about him grounding into a double play if he watches 8 pitches
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Ken Griffey Jr. will be up in the Top of the 8th inning, so keep an eye on that. MLB.com has the free, live look-in.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Is Jose Veras getting ready for some 8th inning work?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

I’m assuming Kyle farsworth has been knocked a peg or two down the bullpen order, ah wells.
- LiveFromNewYork
  
  couldn’t happen to a nicer lunatic
Chip

I’m convined, let’s just let Giese pitch out the rest of this game and give the pen a rest
- LiveFromNewYork
  
  Agreed.
Joey

Buster Posey with his 2nd HR of the day. 1 word: beast
- JT
  
  do they use metal bats in college baseball ?
  - Joey
    
    aluminum or something
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
      
      Yeah, aluminum. Supposedly they’re designed so that they simulate wood, but I don’t believe it for a second.
      - Chip
        
        Wood bats break, aluminum bats dont which is the difference. Rivera would be as effective in a metal bat league because they can hit the pitch coming in on them
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  San Fran should be thanking all kinds of Gods that he fell to them.
  - Joey
    
    definitely. Anyone heard if Bleisch (spelling?) will be pitching game 1 for Stanford next Saturday in Omaha? If so I gotta clear my calender… I don’t see why he wouldn’t be though
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
      
      Depends who they play. If they face a lefty heavy lineup (say Az State or Miami), then I imagine he starts. But if it’s a righty heavy team, they might hold him back to Game 2. College coaches are cool like that.
JT

that was close. ok let’s stay away from him. he has no opposite field power.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Whew…

Isn’t that the second HR David DeJesus has just missed in this series?
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Dan Giese in the hizzy.
Chip

I really hope they don’t pull him for the 8th, the guy hasn’t allowed a runner yet other than via strikeout
Manimal

I was there in 99′ also!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Johnny Damon does have a shot to have a 20/20 season.
Manimal

It seems like all they hype about Hughes and IPK have been over shadowed by these other pitchers called up that weren’t as expected.
- Chip
  
  I agree, Veras, Edwar, Giese and Rasner have been huge! Maybe that’s a good thing though, it does take the pressure off
  - Manimal
    
    Then again, now theres nowhere to put Hughes and IPK when they become healthy again.
    - Joey
      
      IPK to AAA Phil stays, send Britton down, he serves no purpose. Who should leave the rotation once Phil gets back? I have no clue
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Josh Hamilton in the HR Derby at Yankee Stadium? Oh boy!
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

No one’s going to hit one out of the Stadium during the Derby. How many guys could realistically do that? Dunn, Howard, that’s it really.

Maybe someone clanks one off the video screen or something, but not out of the Stadium.
- Chip
  
  Giambi
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  I don’t know man, Dunn and Howard have hit some majestic beauties in their respective careers. They could yank one out in RF, hopefully.
- Manimal
  
  No one will even get close, Mantle was the closest but I don’t think it will ever happen. Maybe in the new yankee stadium but I dont remember what the stands look like beyond the outfield
  - Chip
    
    I don’t think it’ll ever happen during a batting practice or home run derby. You need either a good fastball or a lot of spin (like a curve) to get that distance. You don’t get that extra energy you need when a guy is just lobbing them into you
LiveFromNewYork

When did Johnny start with the high socks? Maybe that’s helping him. Channeling the Babe.
- Manimal
  
  Hes wearing a thong.
  - LiveFromNewYork
    
    Well I’m not intimate with him so I did not know that. But I can see the high socks.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Kay is turning into Sterling with the almost HR calls.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Two things, how in the fuck did that not get out and I can’t blame A-Rod for being tagged out, everyone thought that was out of here.
- LiveFromNewYork
  
  It should have been gone. It missed by about an inch. I don’t blame him for being tagged out. He got 2 runs in.
Chip

A-Rod is the man. Maybe now we can let Giese pitch for at least another inning with a 3 run lead
Joey

if Girardi does leave Giese in now I don’t know if he ever will…
JT

Michelle Kay needs to shut the f up. Good job by cone putting him into place.
Im sure Kay wants the yankees to lose by a run so he can come back and say i told you so.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

LoL, the baseball Gods took that HR away from A-rod because the Yankees were already ahead so they rendered it meaningless before the NY media could by not even making it a HR.
doty

woh michael gay?
JT

That’s a good point. When in doubt, you can always turn to the baseball gods for an answer.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

You know what’s really cool, playing the ’27 Yankees and the ’98 Yankees head-to-head on whatifsports.com.
Casper

I’ve never cared about All-Star voting… But is it time to start a campaign to get Damon/Giambi/others elected, since the game is in the Bronx this season? Other cities get their guys elected all the time (for example – ChiSox fans had campaigns to elect Podsednik and Pierzynski).
- LiveFromNewYork
  
  I was just thinking the same thing…some base posts to this effect please. Thank you.
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  At this point I’d say only Giambi, Damon, Matsu and Posada deserve to go. Posada because no Catcher in the AL is having any kind of good year. Mike Napoli has 10 HRs but can’t make contact consistently (what’s new?) and Jason Varitek has 6HRs, but fuck him.
  
  A-Rod, Jeter and Rivera will get in no doubt. I want Mussina to get in but he might get embarrassed pitching against the NL lineup, it might get real ugly.
  - Casper
    
    It’s a big “if,” but if Giambi stays healthy and keeps hitting, he should go to the ASG over Youk. I don’t know where the voting stands, but Yankees fans have to start filling the ballot boxes for Giambi.
LiveFromNewYork

I don’t know how Cone tolerates Kay. He’s so good-humored in that mid Western way. He never gets snarky but lets Kay know he’s an idiot. But Kay is too much of an idiot to pick up on the subtlety.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

“Pretty much nothing except three strikeouts…” I didn’t realize strikeouts were a negative on a pitcher’s line Mr. Cone. :)
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Good to see Girardi was compelled to remove Giese from the game. That’s what you want your manager to do, remove pitchers that are pitching effectively because they have to follow the cookbook.
Brian

If Giese is taking Karstens’ opportunity to shadow Joba here, and even if Joba is up around 90 next outing, safe to say Giese is easing in at this point into the “long man” role for the short term? with Ohlendorf re-re-converting to a 1-2 IP per?
I’d hate to see Giese have a semi-bad outing and Karstens get plugged in there.

And with the third catcher, anybody have an idea how it’ll play?
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  I don’t think they will keep a third Catcher on this roster past this week.
  - JT
    
    Can we also send shelly duncan down while we’re at it? I pretty much think the whole league has figured out this one trick pony.
- Chip
  
  Once Posada proves he’s healthy, aka throws out a few runners, they’ll DFA Moehler who I think has proved enough to get picked up by another team. If Giese gets sent down, they’ll be an uproar the way he’s pitched. Unfortunately, I think we may see another Brittongate moment
JT

I would of liked to see Giese back out there for another inning, but apart of me wants to see what Veras can do on back to back days. I wonder if Veras is going to be the next new temporary 8th inning guy.
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.
  
  I think it is head-to-head between Veras and Edwar Ramirez.
  - Chip
    
    Veras is making a strong case for himself. Plus he’s got typical 8th inning stuff
    - JT
      
      I like how we alternated pitching styles today with Joba, Giese, and then Veras.
      
      Must be extremely hard for the KC players to get into a good groove.
  - JT
    
    Hmm….I think Veras just gained the upper hand.
Joey

Buster just missing his third homer to warning track straight out center field
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

A streamer of milk?
RustyJohn

Girardi is turning into Joe T. Is Veras his Proctor?
- Chip
  
  No, he’s giving Veras a chance to prove he can be the set-up man. I have absolutely no problem with that
  - RustyJohn
    
    I’m being facetious
    - LiveFromNewYork
      
      he’s so much better than Farnsworthless
    - Chip
      
      Lol, sarcasm is so difficult to pick out sometimes, my bad
Joey

wtf, since when has nancy drew hit for boston?
RustyJohn

2009 Yankee rotation- Wang, Joba, Hughes, Rasner, Giese? lol
- Chip
  
  Where’s CC? O yeah we decided the 8th was more important and made him out set-up guy :)
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    No no, CC’s the LOOGY.
  - RustyJohn
    
    That’s my bargain basement rotation- only $5 1/2 million.
    - Chip
      
      If I’m the Yankees, I sign Joba for 5-7 years right now
      - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
        
        Bad idea. As awesome as he is, he’s still a pitcher and they have a tendency to blow out shoulders and elbows, or just start sucking for no reason in particular. They have the money to pay him a $10M arbitration award if need by.
        
        That “lock up the young players” stuff is for small market teams.
RustyJohn

When has Nancy Drew hit, per, other than at Florida State?
- RustyJohn
  
  *period
LiveFromNewYork

Again Cone quietly makes Michael Kay seem like a complete and utter idiot.
- JT
  
  Now if we only could get someone to put Sterling in check…
Joey

why is kay so dumb?
- RustyJohn
  
  Left temporal dysfunction- his father was right handed and always smacked him on the left side of the head.
  - Piquay
    
    Fantastic post.
Chip

It’s so comforting to see Rivera come out of the pen. Can you imagine if we hadn’t resigned him? Hopefully he can prevent Melancon from taking his job for the next 4 years
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Mo’s ERA+ went from 1185 to 619 yesterday. Cut him.
- Chip
  
  Yeah he’ll have to pitch twice as many innings without allowing another run to get that back. He’s obviously done
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594331910 Jamal G.

Bullpen success sans-Joba?!?!?!?! Shenanigans!!!11!!!11!
LiveFromNewYork

I hope they keep Giese around. They’d be crazy not to but they do a lot of crazy things I can’t fathom.
Joey

its nice having Posada back
LiveFromNewYork

Profantasybaseball preview of closers said about Mo “The veteran has lost a lot of his magic.”

To which Mo says, “Magic this.”

pwned.