Game 107: Breakin’ the slump

by 310 Comments

A case of perception vs. reality with Jeter
Farnsworth out, Pudge in

So since the Yanks have now lost with both Mike and Joe writing up the game post, it’s my turn. We’ll try something new.

Today, Joba Chamberlain looks to continue his incredible run of pitching success as he draws the start against the Orioles. The Yanks could really use a win before they must face the prospects of a tough four-game set against Mark Teixeira and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Lots going on in the Yankee Universe today. So let’s jump in. Don’t read too much into Brian Cashman‘s saying he hates this game. After last night’s loss, I too was hating baseball. That was one frustrating game.

Johnny Damon is, yet again, playing hurt. His shoulder, he feels, will bother him for the rest of the season. With Melky Cabrera epically struggling and Damon’s playing hurt, Xavier Nady should be in the lineup every day. Within that same NJ.com piece comes word that Chien-Ming Wang probably won’t pitch again this season.

Dennis Sarfate is making his first career start today. The game starts at 1:05 p.m. Let’s bring home a win.

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

Chamberlain P

A case of perception vs. reality with Jeter
Farnsworth out, Pudge in
  • E-ROC

    Can Xavier Nady play passable defense in CF?

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

      No. But Damon can.

      • Joe

        I was going to ask this earlier, would we lose that much to put Damon in center and Nady in left? With what we would pick up in offense it would have to be worth it.

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

          Totally. It’s not like Melky’s Mike Cameron out there either.

        • Chris

          What would we pick up in offense if we did that? Who would be in the lineup in place of Melky?

          Moving Giambi to DH and Sexson or Betemit to 1B wouldn’t really be much of an upgrade over Melky (they all have OPS < 700). If Matsui comes back, then you can have an upgrade by pulling Melky, but right now there aren’t any better options.

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

            I think Betemit would be a better hitter if he got regular at-bats. I’m not advocating him being in the lineup everyday, just my 2 cents.

  • Manimal

    300-something comments to yesturdays game, and today’s 1 pm game is gonna be deaddddddddddddddddddddd. Ill be here.

    • Manimal

      scratch that, 400 comments.

    • TurnTwo

      its tough to comment on a play that happens when its in delay on a computer screen.

      i hate day games; i tried to get around it with mlbtv, but obviously the blackout screws me cause i work in NJ.

      • radnom

        You can still listen to the audio from mlb.com

  • Adam

    how will the yankees get by with a weak-armed johnny damon?!?

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

      Eh, Pittsburgh media trying to make the trade look good.

    • Chris

      I find it funny that McCutchen was described only as a “pitching prospect”, while Karstens is a starter and Ohlendorf is a starter or reliever.

    • A.D.

      Would Cashman say publically that he totally screwed over Pittsburgh????

      Doubtful, going to make it seem like Pitt got a good deal, gotta keep up relations

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

    Kay: “Kevin Millar & Aubrey Huff are killing the Yankees this series, how would you pitch them Paul?”

    O’Neill: “Well, I’d pitch them different than they have been, Michael.”

    Top notch analysis right there.

    • http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

      Paulie said that?

      Unretire that fuckers’ number RIGHT NOW!

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

      Who is this fucking guy Zoro, I love the blue Z filling in like there’s something amazing waiting for you as soon as it fills

    • Stewman23

      Just came across that on MLBTR…that Gregg Zaun, he’s so hot right now

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

        Yeah, that’s where I found it. How about JP’s response to Zaun saying he’d welcome a trade: “someone has to want you first.” Yikes.

    • Manimal

      sickest player website ever.

      • Jake

        +12

  • jsbrendog

    great, an error already. way to go cano

    • Chris

      DFA him!

      • jsbrendog

        lol yeah! and arod and moose!

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

    Sarfate throws gas. Hopefully he loses a mph or twelve as a starter.

    • Manimal

      hes never pitched more than 3.1 innings. after the first time around the order hes F***ed.

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

        He’s their Joba, they’re stretching out to be a starter.

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

    Another unclutch at-bat by A-Rod. They’re paying $27M for this?

    • Manimal

      Seriously, his at bats are SOOO un important.

    • Joe

      It’s the first inning, wake me when he puts them ahead late in the game

      • TurnTwo

        gotta score runs early to be in games late, too.

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

        It doesn’t matter if he puts them ahead in the first or ninth, the runs count the same. If this game ends 2-0, what’s the difference when he gets the hit?

        • Joe

          I was joking, clearly your sarcasm meters are not working correctly

          • Manimal

            Your sarcasm is pathetic.

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

            My apologies. Someone was bitching about A-Rod’s late inning unclutchness last night.

            I’m sick, so the sarcasm radar is a little off kilter.

            • Joe

              Actually you were supposed to say “are you kidding me, this babies through the roof.” Come on you all watch the Simpsons.

              • Anthony

                A sarcasm meter? That’s a great invention…

    • mustang

      Good job we should have that debate more often every time we have it he comes through.
      LOL

  • Manimal

    I havent seen that before, argue with the ump when he called you safe.

  • Manimal

    I swear to god YES is a group of child molesters, whats with their fetish for little boys at baseball games?

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

    Another unclutch run scored by A-Rod. Too bad it doesn’t count because it’s the first inning.

    • TurnTwo

      here Joe… lesson in sarcasm 101.

      • Joe

        Noted

    • A.D.

      And if they were to loose, and in the 9th A-Rod makes an out in the inning, it would be all his fault

  • Manimal

    WE GET THE POINT, JETERS GOT A F***ING EDGE.

  • jsbrendog

    thios gamecast is boring, apparently its mroe than just pitches and hits…who knew!

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

    Another unclutch catch of a pop up in foul territory by A-Rod.

  • A.D.

    Yankee killer is up

  • Thurman

    Injury Delay on Gameday????
    What’s going on?

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

      Luke Scott fouled a pitch off his shin.

    • Manimal

      Scott fouled off his leg, limped a little but went back.

      • Thurman

        O thank god.
        I hate how gameday doesn’t initially say who is injured.

        • Manimal

          I know.

    • Joe

      Joba’s arm fell off, shame, damn shame

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

        Thankfully he was able to continue by throwing with his left arm. Only 94-95 though.

        • Joe

          That’s where the shame comes in another once promising career interupted by spontaneousarmdisconectionitis

        • http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

          – Why are you smiling?
          – Because I know something you don’t know. I am not lefthanded!

  • Manimal

    Michael Kay. Professional Cry baby.

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

    Did Kay seriously just ask O’Neill if he ever wanted to cry after fouling a pitch off his leg?

    Hysterical.

    • Casper

      I’d cry if Paul O’Neill fouled a pitch off my leg… Tears of joy for being tangentially connected with the greatest warrior to ever be adorned with the interlocking NY.

      I’m always this guy during day-games when I’m at work… But the first inning Cano error, what happened? Just a random error? Tough play at all?

      • Manimal

        went to his left, tried to grab it and just hit the heel of his glove.

        • Casper

          gracias.

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

        Kinda. Hard grounder to his right, reached down but the ball bounced off his glove. The play took him out to the outfield grass.

        • Manimal

          his left, our right.

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

          And by “his right” I mean “his left.”

          • Manimal

            hahah of course.

        • Casper

          and gracias again.

  • alex

    did ross ohlendorf make a start for the pirates yet? i heard he was going to start

  • A.D.

    I basically consider Kay like sitting next to someone who has no idea about the game and wants to ask a lot of questions, like that 9 year old that askes redic questions that have no answers or obvious answers about the game.

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

    Well, at least Melky saw 3 pitches that at-bat.

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

    Another Pirates OF might be making his way to the vaunted A.L. East division:

    http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080730&content_id=3224195&vkey=trade2008&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

    • Casper

      Yikes.

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

      Crawford, Upton, Longoria, Bay, Pena, Dioner, Hinske, Iwamura, Bartlett.

      Kazmir, Shields, Garza, Jackson, Sonnanstine, and eventually Price.

      Yikes.

    • A.D.

      Bout time TB did something, I think they really should be going after Street

    • http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

      Street scares me, and not in a good way. His mechanics seem to be breaking down already, and he’s been hittable this year. I’d stay away.

      Something tells me the Bay rumors won’t come to anything… after dealing Nady, I don’t think they move Bay, at least not now. I think the plan has always been a Bay-McLouth-McCutchen outfield.

      Until Tabata is closer, methinks Bay sticks around.

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

    Come on Robbie, got turn those into outs.

  • Ivan

    Where the yanks rank in BB and OBP% this year?

  • Manimal

    papa ginos large cheesy breadsticks just arrived, im out!

  • A.D.

    Adam Jone’s picture on gamecast looks like he’s asleep

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

    Question for any techies here, does your IP address change if you are using an internet card?

  • Thurman

    That was big…
    Slider outside corner, 6-4-3 DP right here.

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

    Hey, they just flashed my train stop.

  • A.D.

    not what we needed with huff on deck

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

    According to MLBTR, that Jason Bay-to-the-Rays deal is imminent. It seems the Pirates are just doing their due diligence of searching around for another team who is willing to top the Rays’ current offer.

    I know ESPN would never report it, but real Red Sox fans (not that dumb ass “TEH NATION!!1!!11! bullshit) are more than displeased with how Theo Epstein is handling things this season. Can’t imagine the backlash if two of the Red Sox’ top competitors add Xavier Nady, Damaso Marte, and Jason Bay while Boston comes up empty-handed, or even worse, sans Manny Ramirez come Thursday at 4PM-EST.

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

      But Theo’s a GENIUS!

      Better get the gorilla suit ready…

  • Thurman

    Joba needs a quick inning, 52 after 3 isn’t ideal..

  • A.D.

    Jeter too the advice to strike-out more instead of GIDP

  • Samsonov KGB

    strange looking homer

    • Thurman

      Where’d it go. Gameday showed him golfing it.

      • Samsonov KGB

        hit off the screen in the short porch in RF

        • Thurman

          And who said that would never come into play.

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

    That hit-and-run worked well.

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

    Coming into today’s game, Bobby Abreu has OPS’d 1.055 in the last two weeks. Hopefully we are seeing his second half surge from last season once again.

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

    LoL, imagine you’re ordering an italian sausage and all of a sudden some ball just comes rolling down the walkway.

  • A.D.

    Maddon said “very interesting” on whats on the table, think they included Hellickson?

    • Thurman

      I don’t know but ESPN is reporting that in response to the Yanks and Rays making deals, the Red Sox have offered the Brewers Jon Lester and Lars Anderson for Eric Gagne

      • Samsonov KGB

        that sounds like complete crap, no offense to you. but i hope the sox do aquire gagne like last year and have him be shit in the 8th inning. if the brewers aquire lester then thats it! they are set

        • Thurman

          haha I was kidding

          • Samsonov KGB

            we can only dream

      • http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

        Unfortunately, it looks like that deal is off.

        The Red Sox are contractually, legally, and morally barred from trading Lars Anderson. Since he is already the best hitter in all of baseball, (demonstrated by his Cape Cod league performance where he chopped down a tree with his bare hands, chewed it into a bat with his teeth, honed it to a smooth finish with the rage steaming from his eyes, and then used it to bat 1.000 with 35 come-from-behind, game winning, 9th inning homers in 34 games), MLB commisioner Bud Selig, President George Bush, and Pope Benedict XVI have all decreed that such a great hitter, nice guy, and family man should only play for the Red Sox, the greatest team in the history of sports.

        For Diamond Cutters, I’m Peter Gammons, ESPN.

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

      One of Hellickson, Niemann and Davis has to be involved. Maybe Jaso too.

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

        I’d bet of Jeff Niemann, closer to the Majors and better stuff, no? Although Jeremy Hellickson is still showing great control at Double-A, he has been bombed in his six debut starts at the level. 9-HR, 11.61-H9 in 33.1-IP. Obviously these numbers mean nothing as he’s a 21-year-old in his first stint at Double-A but maybe Pirates’ GM, Neil Hunnington, might want someone closer to the big leagues.

        • A.D.

          Hellickson has more upside, I’d think if anything they’d want a prospect with more potential

          couple weeks ago Rays were saying Davis, Price, Hellickson were all not available

          I feel like they should be getting street to close now and the future

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

          Sounds like Brignac and Hellickson.

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

            Wow, that’s a great haul. Maybe now they can move Jack Wilson for even more prospects, but Frank McCourt is just weird when it comes to trades.

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

              Yeah, I saw a Wilson for LaRoche rumor somewhere. That’s one where Huntington says yes, then immediately yells “NO TRADES BACKSIES!!!”

              • Thurman

                I agree about Street…I don’t understand why there haven’t been more talks about that. Aside from it making sense personell wise, Street seems like he would fit in perfectly inteh frathouse Maddon is running down there.

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

    In the fourth inning the Blue Jays had a runner on third, nobody out and failed to score. In the fifth they had runners on second and third, nobody out (also loaded the bases with two out) and failed to score against Edwin Jackson.

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

      Second and third and no outs? Yikes. All you have to do is hit the ball on the ground, preferably to the right side.

  • A.D.

    Joba knock millar down?

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

      Wayward breaking ball.

  • Ivan

    It some ways, if you think about it, Lou Gehrig is underrated.

  • Samsonov KGB

    Nady changed his number?

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

    Wow, who knew the Yanks only had two hits?

    • Samsonov KGB

      walk,walk,walk

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

    Brandon Fahey is one skinny mofo.

  • Ivan

    98 on the black. Not fair.

  • AlexCT

    this PC richards whistle has got to go. its obnoxious, even on TV

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

    Michael Kay, Miguel Tejada has the third lowest OBP and fourth lowest OPS amongst N.L. Short Stops, in what world is that a “good year”? Remember, those numbers aren’t compared to the league, but Short Stops! Yet he still ranks so low.

    • Ivan

      Where the hell he got that Tejada was having a good year.

      • A.D.

        He started off hot, like the very beginning of the year, and the news hasn’t reported since…probably from there

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

      And he plays in a Little League field.

  • Thurman

    Is this a shitload of curveballs or is that just me.
    And on a side note, Adam Jones’ gameday picture looks like T.I.

  • Hank Winkler

    I would just like to point out that, as of the completion of that 5th inning, Joba now has a lower ERA as a starter that as a reliever this year. I hope you’re reading this, Goose.

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

    Evan Longoria this season is the John McDonald of last season, every game is his personal web-gem highlight reel.

  • A.D.

    I though Burres was suppost to start todays games?

  • Ivan

    Come Toronto score some motherfucking runs. This is ridiculous.

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

      They’ve had a runner on second base, at least, with one out or less in three straight innings and failed to score.

  • Ivan

    UPDATE, 1:49 p.m.: Cano can be a frustrating player to watch. Just catch the ball, you don’t need to be cool. Just catch the ball.

    Hey Pete maybe you should watch the absolute grit of Pedroia.

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

      Seriously, PeteAbe has become an absolute dick. I just started reading him around the off-season so I don’t know when he changed, but damn, he’s annoying.

      Did you notice how he blamed Joe Girrardi for starting Wilson Betemit last night but then in the same fucking paragraph noted how Girardi needed to give A-Rod some rest at the DH? How the fuck do you critique someone and realize their point within two sentences? Then he goes on to blame Girardi for bringing in Richie Sexson in the final AB. I never thought I would see the day when a Major League manager is criticized for NOT bringing in Richie Sexson in a meaningful AB.

      His agenda is so obvious, he hates Joe Girardi, he still loves Joe Torre, and his fat head is as big as it is literally and figuratively.

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

    Nick Markakis and Matt Wieters are going to make a scary 3-4 combo. This A.L. East is not looking very pleasant in the future, like seriously. Thank God our strength in the farm is pitching.

    • Ivan

      Matt Wieters is a monster. The AL East is gonna be crazy.

      I hope Montero develop well, Catcher or not the guy could be Miguel Cabrera.

      • Jack

        Just keep him away from the buffet table.

      • A.D.

        Good thing we’ll have Brack/Joba/Wang/Hughes on the top of the rotation

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

    I have to admit, Joba’s transition to the rotation has gone better than I ever could have imagined.

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

      You know what I love about him, he’s one of those pitchers, stuff notwithstanding, that you just can’t fathom him ever being tattooed.

  • Manimal

    Balk…. wtf seriously.

    • Manimal

      Did anyone else not see anything?

  • A.D.

    balk?

  • Ivan

    Good 6IP by Joba.

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

    2007 Second half Bobby Abreu, welcome back.

  • Manimal

    With that Double Abreu is tied for the most doubles by a Venezuelan player (444)

    • Ivan

      Montero will break that record.

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

        But not the one Miggy eventually sets.

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

          You think? I think Bobby Abreu’s speed contributed t more than a few of those. Then again, Miggy is so, so young.

  • Ivan

    You know I,ve always liked Abreu, and he gets too much grief by fans. In a big spot, I take Abreu over alot of hitters in this lineup.

  • A.D.

    Side note Yanks actually got runs off a guys they haven’t really seen

  • Manimal

    Imagine fans surrounding the doctor on the operating table chanting HIP HIP JORGE!

    • Ivan

      Yo that sportcenter commercial was funny. One of fav was the one with LeBron, and Scott Vanpelt took his chair and the one with Roger Federer.

      • Manimal

        The one with Jorge and Ortiz is the best. Ortiz puts on a yankees hat and the green monster walks by. Classic.

        • Ivan

          What made it funny is how Ortiz said “It’s not what you think”.

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

    Life hates Alex Rodriuez.

  • Jack

    Anyone know Joba’s pitch count? Is he coming back for the seventh?

    • Manimal

      98, no way jose.

      • Thurman

        agreed, especially now that they are tacking a few more on.

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

      98.

  • E-ROC

    Why can’t the Yanks have four other Joba’s in the rotation?

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

      You mean Phil Hughes, Gerrit Cole, Andrew Brackman, and Dellin Betances?

      • Manimal

        Seriously. If there is one person that I want to see develop nicely, its Gerrit Cole. You gotta love that hes a diehard yankees fan.

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

          Screw that, give me Brackman. Eight days a week and twice on Sundays.

      • E-ROC

        :( I can’t wait that long.

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

      Because he’s just a fat guy that throws hard and should be in the bullpen.

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

    X. Nady in the hizzy.

  • Ivan

    Gee, where was this team the last two nights.

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

    Fernando Cabrera, ex-Indians closer of the future.

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

      Whadafuxup with Chris Ray, TJS?

      • A.D.

        yup

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

        Yeah, he had it late last August, so he’s probably going to miss the entire season. He’s just filthy.

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

    Did they really just IBB Melky?

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

    Melky Cabrera IBB? Damn, this is how I felt when I played Pokemon and ran into MewTwo.

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

      I don’t even know what that means, but it sounded funny.

    • Manimal

      hahahahha i actually know what your talking about.

    • Jack

      That takes me back a few years.

  • Joe

    The only time Melky Cabrera ever gets intentionally walked

  • Ivan

    Melky getting intentionally walked, is like Beyonce wanting to fuck Youkilis.

    • Jack

      Am I the only one that would pay to see his reaction after he gets turned down?

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

        No, I would pay to see the cops reaction as they beat his dumb ass for trying to “persuade” her.

    • Dave P.

      I just shit myself with laughter. Man it smells.

  • Jack

    Melky IBB? That’s got to be a first.

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

      Actually, that’s his FIFTH IBB of the season. Only A-Rod has more. How the hell did that happen?!?!

      • Ivan

        Youknow Cabrera is showing that off.

        • Thurman

          Nails a base onto the wall of his bedroom for every IBB then casually invites Robbie over to chill at his house.

      • Jack

        Must be getting cold down there.

      • E-ROC

        Maybe he’s channelling Barry Bonds.

      • A.D.

        The beauty of having a real weak hitter behind you in the catcher this year

  • Manimal

    Alright its killing me, wtf happened yesturday that everyone was cheering? Did anyone ever find out?

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

    If the Yanks sign C.C. Sabathia, Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes are developing nicely, do you think the Yanks will listen to offers on Chien-Ming Wang for a young positional player, or top prospects in general? What if the previous scenario still rings true and guys like Brackman, Cole, and McCallister are developing well?

    What if the Yanks sign CMW to an extension and buy out his final arbitration year (2010) and one year of free agency, then deal him during the off-season after the 2009 season? If the Yanks don’t sign CMW to an extension, would the 2010 season be enough time to evaluate how guys like Cole, Brackman, Betances, and McCallister are developing?

    I would definitely entertain offers for Wang after the 2009 season, but that’s only if the Yanks sign Sabathia this off-season or the pitching prospects already here are developing at an alarming rate.

    • A.D.

      There was a lot of Whats in there

      I’d say if Z-Mac Cruises in AA next year, Brack goes through the system like IPK & Joba, Cole and Betances have good season(or as long as Cole does) then they’ll look into it. In theory they’ll have IPK, Bliech, Hacker, Coke, Aceves as less upside starters that can hold down a spot if Cole or Z-mac took a year or so longer to develop.

      Really comes down to if there is a glaring need a Wang trade can fill.

      But they may just hold onto him util someone else forces their way into the rotation

    • Ed

      Wang has 3 arbitration years remaining. He was a super 2, so he gets 4 arbitration years instead of 3. So he’s under team control through ’11.

      I’d say the earliest they consider trading Wang is after 2010. Might not be a bad idea though, considering we know he has rotator cuff damage which will probably catch up to him eventually. (See Pedro Martinez as a Met for reference)

  • Thurman

    And the wheels come off the bus

  • E-ROC

    Ouch….three K’s for Jeter.

  • Jack

    That was clutch.

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

    This is not Yanks/Sawkz, these umps need to hold that trigger finger.

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

    MLB should be embarrassed by it’s officiating. This is ridiculous.

    • Manimal

      seriously.

  • Ivan

    Yeah Edwar, show you gangsta.

  • E-ROC

    Did Edwar throw at Millar?

  • BigBlueAL

    C’mon guys, that was so obviously intentional its not even funny.

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

      Yeah. That was about as intentional as it gets.

    • Joe

      Edwar didn’t even argue about it, kind of like he was expecting it

    • Manimal

      It was a change up grip. If your gonna hit someone throw heat.

      • jsbrendog

        edwar kicks ass. he just keeps impressing me more lol…old school hockey haha now its old school baseball….don’t mess with the yankees or even hit well against the yanks or edwar’s gonna get ya

  • Ivan

    Yo we got some pussy ass umps.

  • jsbrendog

    what happened? all it says on gamecast is edwar ejhected?!!!!?!1111!1/1!?

    • Joe

      Edwar launched one in the general direction of Millars head

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

    Not for nothing, but A-Rod is fucking ripped. He is literally about to rip through his jersey.

  • A.D.

    Its like the cabrera pitch last night, no intent

  • BigBlueAL

    Great. Tough-guy Girardi is trying to make the Yankees bad asses. Id rather be in 1st place and soft than in 3rd place and “tough”….

    • steve (different one)

      no, it was better to have our guys hit without retribution for the last 8 years.

      • BigBlueAL

        Yeah really great, bring in Edwar to get ejected and most likely suspended a game or two just to show the last-place Orioles who have kicked our ass the first 2 games that we are “tough”.

      • Ivan

        Thank You, those championship teams you didn’t dare to throw at em. Cuz you knew that Cone, or Clemens were gonna beam ya, and Girardi, Strawberry, Curtis and Raines were gonna kick ya azz if you hit them. Go ask Benitez what happen when he did that.

        • BigBlueAL

          That was different cause you had pitchers who actually intimidated hitters, like Joba. Its one thing when Joba does it cause it adds to his intimidation factor. For Edwar “Mr Changeup” to come in and do what he did in a blowout win was stupid and meaningless. Benitez got his ass whooped cause he had just given up the lead on a HR by Bernie and then promptly hit Tino and showed up the Yankees dugout.

    • Joe

      You whine a lot.

  • Ivan

    It’s always the good pitchers that are considered head-hunters.

  • jsbrendog

    does this mean millar is their “star”?

    • Thurman

      Hahah
      Retaliation for what by the way, I was out of town and just got back. Did someone get hit last night?

      • A.D.

        Arod got hit last night, on a pitch that clearly wasn’t intentional, but he had already hit a hr

        • Thurman

          Ahh, gracias

      • Manimal

        arod.

    • ceciguante

      millar is their star against us, at least. last nite they said he leads mlb against the yanks w/ 6 HR this year. that’s just unnecessary.

      btw, john sterling just gave his “it’s an A-bomb…for A-Rod…and the yankees go back to back, and a belly to belly….”

      so ridiculous, yet i enjoy it all the same.

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

    Rays beat the Jays 3-2.

    • Joe

      The rays going after bay suggests they mean to go for it this year, seems a little early to give up good prospects. Couldn’t that team use another year together? I don’t think they have any pieces that will become that much more expensive or that they will lose. Their youth is going to show in the post season

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

        Their youth is going to show in the post season

        How so? Will they have to stay up past their bed times because of the 8pm starts for FOX?

  • Chris

    How do the umps (or anyone else) decide if a HBP is intentional? I hate that anytime a pitch is up and in, someone gets ejected. You’re basically telling the pitchers that they can’t use that part of the strike zone, because if they miss they’ll get ejected.

  • Jack

    I have to say, this Robertson kis is really growing on me.

  • A.D.

    Robertson bouncing back from Monday with K-ing the side

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

    That chick in the green shirt was totally pissed at her boyfriend. Hah.

    • Jack

      What was he doing?

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

        No idea, but every time he tried to talk to her she turned away from him and crossed her arms.

  • E-ROC

    D-Rob strikes out the side. Take That, Take That.

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

    Retaliate that, bitches.

  • E-ROC

    En Fuego!

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

    A-Rod homered late in the game, so that means it’s clutch, right?

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

      It was late in the game, that’s what everyone wants, right?

      • Joe

        Nope he needs to be doing this kind of stuff earlier, so the Yankees can get a lead and let the pitcher relax

    • http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

      It seems like there’s a lot of confusion. Allow me to help.

      I’ve developed this handy “ARod Scenario/Use of Clutch/Coefficient of Homer Situation” (or ARod S.U.C.C.H.S) Analyzer to determine exactly how “clutch” or “non-clutch” ARod’s homers really are. The Analyzer works like this:

      (1st inning homers + 2nd inning homers + 3rd inning homers + 4th inning homers + 5th inning homers + 6th inning homers + 7th inning homers + 8th inning homers + 9th inning homers + extra inning homers) / 0 = “clutchiness”

      ARod’s clutch homer zone rating factor is still zero, I’m afraid.

      For Diamond Cutters, I’m Peter Gammons, ESPN.

  • Smitt Dog

    Robertson and Edwar both showing us something , I like the way boht are going after hitters, even with Robertson’s Monday performance

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

    Bobby Abreu, Type-A designation for sure. Again, for me the Nady/Marte deal hinges on the draft compensation we receive.

    *Typical A-Rod.

    • ceciguante

      nothing against nady, but he can’t make up for the loss of abreu’s production in right. do you think the yanks will let bobby walk to get the 2 picks, and give the spot to nady? also…doesn’t the team need to offer bobby arbitration before they qualify for compensation picks? is it a sure thing that he would turn down arbitration (b/c of his age and the typical desire for a multiyear deal)?

      • radnom

        Yes they would need to offer him arbitration.

        I would guess he would turn it down and go for the multi-year deal. You nailed it, as his age he doesn’t want to play 1 year contracts and have his value (and paychecks) go down each year.

        Anyway, if he does accept, the Yankees can just trade him (or Nady I guess, but probably him) ala Gary Sheffield.

  • Thurman

    I know it is premature with Mo having such an amazing year, but is Robertson our next closer?
    Barring Melancon having a Joba-esque debut

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

      No.

      • Thurman

        Ok. Any reasons for me, or just a dismissal lol

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

          He’s good, but not THAT good. Wait ’til you see Melancon, he puts Robertson to shame.

          • Thurman

            That why I added in the Melancon part. I saw him pitch two scoreless against Portland the day before the 4th of July and he was filthy. Just wondering because aside from one inning Robertson is showing that he can shut guys down in the majors. I agree that Melanson is much better though.

  • Manimal

    Ho-ly-shit. Watch out Angels.

  • Joe

    Jose Molina was just drinking a red bull, clearly this guy has the wrong performance enhancer.

  • E-ROC

    A-Rod said this to the O’s: “My bad..”

  • Jack

    For all the crap that we give Abreu, just remember this: all we gave up for him was CJ freaking Henry.

    • TurnTwo

      and then we got him back anyway.

  • Ivan

    As a fan, he’s my Mickey Mantle but people just don’t gives this guya break. Appreciate him, and capture these moments.

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

      No, they won’t. For some reason people evaluate a player based on his championships. I don’t understand that. That’s like evaluating a pitcher based on his W-L record, it is so team oriented.

      • BigBlueAL

        I think its cause the fans are fans of the team, not the individual players on the team. To be honest I could care less if ARod hits 10 HR or 50 HR, if he breaks Bonds’ record or not, all I care about is the Yankees winning championships like they have done throughout their entire history. I always say Im a fan of the name in the front of the uniform not the back (even though granted the Yankees only have numbers on their backs not names).

        Now that doesnt mean people should stay stupid comments like they do about ARod. It is pretty ridiculous the stuff Yankees fans say about him. Like I said last night someone said he would rather have Nettles or Brosious at 3b instead of ARod, that was absolutely ridiculous and I as everyone here should know by now am the biggest Torre Yankees title teams there is since they occured durin my high-school and college years but I wouldnt compare Brosious to ARod because it would be an absolute insult to ARod to do so.

        I agree we should all appreciate ARod, hell last night I said in a comment that ARod will probbaly be the greatest player to wear the Yankees uniform in probably all of our lives (at least the people who didnt see Mantle play, I assume people who saw Joe D, Gehrig and Ruth are not commenting on this blog). But I do understand a bit why people bring up the championships won when evaluating a player no matter how wrong it may be to do so….

  • Manimal

    Really Yankees, Dropkick Murphy’s in yankee stadium.

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

      Yeah, I quivered.

    • Smitt Dog

      That really is pretty stupid. Who do I have to write to complain about that?

  • E-ROC

    Even Sexson got a single.

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

    A-Rod has 541-HR with two months to go in 2008, am I crazy for predicting career Home Run #600 in 2009? He would have to put up 2005, 2007 numbers but with the way he’s swinging the bat this year it seems that odd year/even year thing has gone by the wayside with him.

    • Clayton

      14 at least the rest of this year with 45 next year seems very reasonable. Chasing 600 would be fun to see in the new stadium.

      • A.D.

        Well he will chase 600 in the new stadium

  • Thurman

    Quite a line for Edwar.

    0 inn, 0 h, 0 r, 0 er, 0k, 0 bb

    That’ll lead to some head scratching tomorrow morning

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

    The only thing X. Nady knows how to do is get XBH’s.

    • E-ROC

      Glad to see he is getting comfortable.

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

        Every one of his hits as a Yank has driven in a run.

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

      X(BH) Nady. There we go. ;)

      • TurnTwo

        i was just going to say, we’re going to have to figure out a general way to refer to him in type, bc Xavier Nady is too cool a name to to type out… nickname needed.

        and if he can get his bat going a little bit, i love what he can add to the bottom of the lineup.

        just need Abreu to stay hot in the 3-hole.

  • A.D.

    can we bring this offense to the aneheim series?

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

    So Joe’s theory rings true once again. Yesterday did not count because the O’s scored again after Damon hit that three-run shot.

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

    Justin Christian is proving to be quite a useful player.

    • TurnTwo

      agreed. nice 4/5 OF, can play all 3 positions, and can come off the bench to run the bases.

  • Thurman

    J Christ!!!

    • E-ROC

      LOL!

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

    Why does Betemit grimace every time he swings?

    • Steve

      Don’t we all?

      • TurnTwo

        oh snap.

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

        Well played.

    • Manimal

      lol I guess you didnt see when I called him Wilson “I grimace when I swing” Betemit.

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

    Heh, Michael Kay was audibly shocked when Wilson Betemit ranged to field that ball.

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

    Wow, another homer given up by D-Rob? What’s the world coming to…

    • KW

      I guess it’s a big welcome to the bigs?

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

    Lmao, that little dude tackled the big kid for the ball. Classic.

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

    Man, those kids just destroyed the flowers in Monument Park. Lil’ bastards…

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

    Bobby popped out to left? Glad to see his hot streak is over…

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

    Uh, is Chad Moeller really going to play third?

    • A.D.

      or SS, move Betemit over

  • jsbrendog

    chad moeller playing 3rd base?!?!11111?!1?!!!

  • A.D.

    they should have melk pitch, save giese

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

    Look at that, a RFer not petrified of the wall. Amaz-za-zing.

    • Jack

      He’s an ath-a-lete.

  • Manimal

    WTF, MLBTR reports Yankees got Pudge Rodriguez.

    • Manimal

      FUCK, they traded Farnsworth(never thought I’d say that)

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

        AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

        FOR KYLE FARNSWORTH, AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

        Dude, not only did we trade away a Type-B free agent for a Type-A, but we upgraded the Catcher’s position this year and potentially have two Type-A free agents (Bobby Abreu and Rodriguez). Also, Brian Bruney takes Farnsworth’s spot in the bullpen so no loss there. This is a fucking great move.

        Manimal, trust me, there is no reason to be anything but ecstatic about this move.

    • cult of basebaal

      IROD for FARNSWORTH!

  • bklynJT

    Yankees traded for Pudge? So says ESPN and Buster Onley.

    • Manimal

      beat ya to it. :)

      • bklynJT

        damn you your quick with that… what by a couple seconds or so

  • A.D.

    Pudge for Farns

  • bklynJT

    for farney!

  • Mike

    For Kyle Farnsworth. I guess Cashman decided to sell high on him

  • Smitt Dog

    I couldnt be happier with this deal. Farns was working with smoke and mirrors these past couple of weeks.

  • bklynJT

    Dude, farnsworth looked really sad when he was talking to the media. Baseball is a tough game, for someone to have to pick everything up and go in a minutes notice. Especially when you develop a bond with your team mates.

    And us fans sitting here just call for trades to happen like we are trading inanimate objects with no feelings.

    With that said, we get a type A free agent catcher who fills up a whole in our lineup.
    I still feel bad for farny.