Aug
07

Game 115: Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing

By Mike Axisa

Bravo to Joe Girardi for the lineup the past few days. Melky’s been a drain on the offense, and I’ve said on more than one occasion that I think Wilson Betemit can be a productive (i.e. at least average) player if given regular at-bats. Last week I proposed a lineup scenario to Joe in which Betemit, A-Rod, Jeter and Cano played every day, taking turns at DH to keep everyone fresh, and it looks this may be the case, even temporarily.

This is the A-lineup right now, the best they can trot out there as long as Matsui’s hurt.

1. Damon, CF
2. Jeter, DH
3. Abreu, RF
4. A-Rod, 3B
5. Giambi, 1B
6. Nady, LF 
7. Cano, 2B
8. Betemit, SS
9. Molina, C

And on the mound, the man with the third most wins in baseball, Mike Mussina.

Notes: Andy Pettitte might miss his start Sunday … Phil Hughes is scheduled to throw 60-65 pitches for Triple-A Scranton tonight … Bobby wants to come back next year … blogging HOFer Matt Cerrone at MetsBlog interviewed Giuseppe Franco

Posted on Thursday, August 7th, 2008 at 7:20 pm in Game Threads.

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422 Comments »

Manimal says:

Hahahahah I was reading the Notes wicked seriously to catch up on something I missed and then I see an Interview with Giuseppe “I dun no anything about it” Franco. I think I memorized that commercial.

 
TheLastClown says:

Hughes induces the double play, then the flyout

 
Jamal G. says:

Four pitch walk by Hughes to lead off the inning but he got the following hitter to GIDP (no, Derek Jeter was not in a Pawtucket uniform). The next batter he started off with a Fastball at the knees, a Curveball at the knees (that thing is gorgeous) and got him to fly-out to Matt Carson in center field for the final out.

A lot of first pitch strikes from Hughes, good velocity, and good command of the hook.

 
Ivan says:

So far on the radio, he’s pitching good. Nice pop on the FB and commanding it well and good secondary pitches. like the groundball outs as well.

Joey H says:

where do u listen to this on the radio ivan?

Mike A. says:

milb.com has the audio

 
 
 
kunaldo says:

what is hughes’ velocity at? can’t see it on gameday….

here’s a good question, who goes down if/when matsui comes back….i gotta say, i like christian here….bye bye melky?

Jamal G. says:

According to Chad Jennings, the velocity of the heater has been sitting 93-95MPH (Yes, he is sitting 93-95, not just hitting it).

 
steve (different one) says:

i don’t think matsui will be back by 9/1, so it’s probably a non-issue

kunaldo says:

good point…although in todays lineup, put jeter back at short, and matsui as DH…i think we’ll score a lot of runs…then again, we should be scoring a lot as it is….

Joey H says:

couldnt of said the last line better myself.

 
 
 
 
yanks99 says:

Does it seem like a legitimate 95? That’d be awsome…or is it 95 the way he was hitting triple digits in charleston?

Ivan says:

seems legit hopefully.

 
Chip says:

The Yankees organization was saying 93-95 after his last start so I assume it’s legit. I don’t care about the difference between 90 and 95 as long as he gets his natural movement back on it

TheLastClown says:

And location…even 91=92 located on the corners is filthy mixed with his breaking balls

 
 
Steve H says:

If it’s like Charleston, wouldn’t we be concerned that he has lost 5 mph from his last start? Topping out at 95 makes sense, I would guess consistently around 93.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Hughes is really jamming up these RHB, I wonder if he is using that Two-Seamer more.

TheLastClown says:

Last batter grounded out to 3rd, right…so the 2seamer could be moving away from lefties as well

 
 
yanks99 says:

1 hit through three….nice

Jamal G. says:

Also, that one hit was an infield single due to defensive positioning. The Third Baseman was rightly playing way off the line with two out and nobody on, ball rolled down the LF line, and Eric Duncan fired over to first to no avail.

 
 
steve says:

what is this? i have mlb.tv but i don’t get milb.tv for free …….. weak sauce.

 
Batty says:

Betemit at short eh? And everyone’s down on Jeter for defense – this should be very interesting…

 
yanks99 says:

American Idle’s allowed one hit through 2 in Trenton…is this rotation gonna be Moose, Hughes, Ponson, Kennedy, Pavano…

Joey H says:

i can live with that cause clearly, rasner and giese arent in your plans, maybe add joba? subtract one by minus-merit?

 
 
Batty says:

Question – are you guys watching Milb.tv? It said it was blacked out for anyone in NY…Their black out shit is so fustrating – just simulcast the commercials and open it up.

 
Joey H says:

props on the title, totally appropriate. and im really liking betemit. im not so impressed with his fielding. i think he just has alot of pressure on him, but i cant complain about his production at the plate. nice to have that switch hitting threat to balance out our lineups

 
Chip says:

Maybe I’ll just turn into a Scranton fan, their pitchers don’t ever get hurt….

kunaldo says:

and they’re just awesome in general…arent they in first?

 
barry says:

the seats are nice and cheap too, beer is still sorta pricey but the stadium makes a mean bloomin’ onion.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Strong start but a shaky finish to Hughes’ fourth inning. He got a ground-out and a broken bat pop-out to start the inning but issued a five pitch walk and a RBI-2B. He ended the inning on another ground-out.

Don’t worry about the two walks through four innings, both times he just lost his control, it wasn’t like he was nibbling.

Ivan says:

How his stuff so far as the game progress?

Jamal G. says:

Good, Curveball is OUTSTANDING. He’s sprinkling in a Changeup here and there but mainly heaters.

 
 
 
Nady Nation says:

And the Jeter haters are hushed

 
Mike A. says:

Too bad that homer is worth only 0.5 runs because it came in the first inning. If only it was the 9th inning, it would have been worth 3 runs. Stupid “unclutch homer” rule.

 
 
Link says:

Karstens takes perfect game into 8th against D-Backs and RJ, Jeter launches a HR….apocalypse soon to commence….

 
Jamal G. says:

Yay Cap’n!

Heh, talk about multi-tasking. Watching the Giants’ pre-season opener on T.V. and the two baseball games (Yanks and SWB Yanks) on the laptop.

Link says:

good grief lol…it’s hard enough for me to watch the one game on tv and comment here….

Mike A. says:

Heh, seriously. I usually abandon commenting and lose track of the game when I’m writing up DotF. I can’t tell you how many times this year I’ve finished DotF, then looked up at the game and said “wtf, how the hell did the score go from 2-0 to 6-5?”

 
 
Nady Nation says:

Man, are preseason football games the biggest cocktease in sports or what?

 
Joey says:

and the Little League World Series stuff is starting also, game on ESPN2 tonight. See the next Jeter or Moose (or Brett Marshall!!)

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Wow, talk about a nugget of information. According the SWB announcers, Phil Hughes is the first Yankee pitcher drafted in the first round of the MLB draft to pitch at the big league level for the Yanks since 1965.

Ivan says:

In alot ways, Phil hughes change the culture of the Yankee farmsystem.

 
Chip says:

I have a feeling it won’t be another 40 years between Hughes in the next one though. You have to think that Cole/Brackman will at least make a bullpen

Joey says:

Future aces! (I know, I know, prospects rarely pan out, but I’ll stay optimistic about those 2)

 
Jamal G. says:

It wasn’t even a full year between Hughes and the next one, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy made their debuts in 2007.

 
kunaldo says:

don’t forget marshall….sounds like he has sick stuff

Joey says:

Not 1st rounder (!!)

 
 
 
Link says:

first one to pitch FOR the Yankees…Milton was a first rounder but debuted with the Twins…

 
 
Link says:

Hey Mike, do you honestly see Pavano getting a chance to start and audition for a contract with another team for next year?

Mike A. says:

Man, I have NO idea. My opinion changes by the day. One day I think they’ll actually let him pitch in a game, others I think they’ll just DFA him after Sept 1st (so he won’t be eligible for anyone’s postseason roster) for the 40-man spot.

Link says:

I hear you, taking all things into consideration…if they still have injury issues by the time he’s ready I think not pitching him if he’s good to go and pitching well in the minors it would be a situation of cutting off your nose to spite your face somewhat…I def hate Pavano but hey we’ve had worse flops…I’m just old enough to remember Mike Witt (traded for Winfield straight up!) and Pascual Perez lol who made maybe 15 starts between the 2 of them over 3-4 seasons…

 
 
 
Chip says:

I’m amused watching Moose on Gameday. It can’t distinguish between the fastball/changeup/slider so it just randomly goes between the three.

 
Jamal G. says:

Phil Hughes is out, ground-ball single was the result of the last batter he faced. He struck-out the previous hitter before the two out knock.

Jamal G. says:

Phil Coke is relieving the “Phranchise”.

 
Nady Nation says:

Any sliders tonight?

Jamal G. says:

Yes, he struck-out Catcher George Kattaras on a nice 88-MPH Slider in the first inning.

Nady Nation says:
 
 
 
Chip says:

All in all it looks like a terrific outing!

 
Ivan says:

What he struck out the last batter with? And how was the FB .

Jamal G. says:

Fastball was great, seemed to have some good movement on it (due to the nature of the GB rate against RHB). I have no idea what the last K came on, when I walked back into my room I heard the announcer say the batter went down swinging, but the announcer did not elaborate.

 
 
 
Steve H says:

Andy Pettitte contradicted a Daily News report by telling the New York Post that he’ll be fine to make his next start.
A source told the Daily News that Pettitte has arm stiffness. “I am fine. [Missing a start] is news to me,” he said. “I feel great. No one has ever discussed missing a start with me. I am pitching. I have not discussed missing a start with anybody.”

 
Chip says:

The Moose is loose! OK so it’s just a double play but at least we have their power hitters leading off next inning

 
Nady Nation says:
 
Jamal G. says:

BTW, just as a little bonus, Phil Coke K’ed a LHB to get out of a two on, two out jam.

 
Mike A. says:

That’s a classic Phil Hughes start right there. Strikeouts and grounders.

Jamal G. says:

Yeah, three balls were hit into the air. A medium fly-out to Matt Carson in center, a broken bat pop-fly to Chris Basak at second base, and a ringing double into the right-center gap.

 
Ivan says:

Yea like the good ol days. I got a question

were you the guys that started the blog In George We Trust?

Mike A. says:

That was me, solo act. Joe’s old blog is here:

http://sportingbrews.blogspot.com/

Ben was at Off the Facade, which morphed into The Bronx Block after he left.

weren’t you at TBB at one point too?

 
 
 
 
Kevin says:

Phil Hughes’ line (according to gameday):
4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 9-3 GB/FB
*68 pitches (40 strikes)

Kevin says:

Pavano’s line:
3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 4-3 GB/FB

 
 
Ivan says:

Hey Jamal was the velocity on his secondary pitches?

Jamal G. says:

One Slider was at 88-MPH, everything else, I have no idea.

Ivan says:
 
 
 
steve says:

random question for all you seinfeld fans out there …. the rangers pitchers last name was bothering me … feldman … feldman, where have i heard that from ? …. remember the bizarro episode of seinfeld, was the bizarro newman’s last name feldman ? ha

 
Nady Nation says:

Yes, it was bizarro Kramer’s name. Fantastic episode btw

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

Yeah… I don’t think there was a “bizarro Newman,” was there?

Nady Nation says:

There was, I can’t remember his name though. I remember him coming into bizarro Jerry’s apartment and they all greeted him warmly, then bizarro Jerry asked him to catch a ballgame

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:
Steve H says:

A little late, but the bizarro Newman was Fargas.

 
 
 
 
Realist says:

Doh, your right it was Kramers’ “double”……the actor also did some NBA commercials….

 
 
Joey says:
steve says:

ahhh bizarro kramer …. that was it .

Vargas was bizarro newman.

 
Joey says:

Kevin (Jerry), Gene (George), Feldman (Kramer) and Vargas (Newman)

Nady Nation says:

Good call. Best show of all-time IMO

Joey says:
 
Jamal G. says:

No, it’s The Wire.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Xavier says:

Who would bring back next year Moose or Pettite?,…at the beginning of the year the answer was hands down pettite,…but now i really don’t know

Joe B. says:

I think Pettitte is definitely back on a one-year deal. If they can get Moose on a one-year deal with a team option, I’d do that too.

Can never have enough pitching depth.

 
 
Chip says:
 
Jamal G. says:

Oh my God, Lucky Number Slevin. Trust me, if you loved The Usual Suspects or Momento, you’ll go crazy for Lucky Number Slevin.

Mike A. says:

Memento was the bomb. Never saw LHS.

Jamal G. says:

The guy who played Lenny was also in another favorite of mine, L.A. Confidential.

 
 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

I disagree, it’s a very good game, but i think Donkey Kong is the best game ever.

I thought Slevin was entertaining, but many rungs below films like Usual Suspects and Memento.

steve says:
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

You know something? You suck!

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Yeah, you’re right, I was talking more about the plot. If you like those action flicks with great story twists then you’ll get into Lucky Number Slevin.

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:
 
 
 
 
Xavier says:

you would give him a two year contract?,..i think that is what it would take

 
Ivan says:

Man A-Rod really need to step his game if the yanks have any chance of coming back.

 
Jamal G. says:

That was A-Rod’s fourth GIDP of this series, he had four for the entire season coming into this series.

Nady Nation says:

Crazy how his slump comes in this ballpark, of all places

Jamal G. says:

Not even a slump, that last one was a rocket, just happened to be right at Michael Young.

Nady Nation says:

If 0-12 isn’t considered a slump, I have no idea what is

mustang says:

Didn’t you 0-12 is not a slump for the best player ever.

mustang says:

Did’t you know….

 
 
 
 
 
Xavier says:

i know he hit a hr but i’m more worried about Jeter

mustang says:

No need to worry about Jeter he is a proven winner.

 
 
Chip says:

Yeah he must be taking lessons from Jeter

 
 
mustang says:

He will get better you guys expect too much out of the guy.

Realist says:
 
 
Joey says:

For anyone who is interested in the LLWS, Richmond, TX and Lake Charles, LA are playing on ESPN2 now (SW Regional Final)

Mike A. says:

They’re using instant replay in the LLWS this year.

Joey says:

They don’t test on animals before little kids?

 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

I wonder, does baseball have the dumbest scribes in all of America? I watch the NFL pre-season and you never hear of anyone (not even on ESPN) making anything out of the numbers or the W-L record during pre-season. In baseball however, you always have a couple dumb asses making some note of how this starter had an ERA north of 7.00, this power hitter failed to get one Homer Run, and on and on.

So really, does our sort house the dumbest writers and broadcasters in all of American sports?

Realist says:

Baseball is the only sport which each field of play is different, outfield ofcourse and foul territory….where the strike zone differs from ump to ump and where being 3 out of 10 is very good……

 
 
Mike A. says:

Heh, you know that Mohegan Sun commercial where the couple walks in the door and starts singing? At the end of the commercial, when they’re on the table singing and shit, check out their drinks. They should be splashing around and shit based on how they’re moving, but nope, they’re fake. Ah Hollywood.

Jamal G. says:

Someone is having a very fulfilling night… :P

 
 
Mike Pop says:

ok guys dont worry im here now

 
Ivan says:

Does Murphy have makeup on?

Mike A. says:

What do you expect? He grew up in the Red Sox system.

Joey H says:

maybe now arod can lend him his lipstick

 
 
steve says:

not that theres anything wrong with that

 
 
Mike Pop says:

We need more runs / I cant trust Moose tonight

 
Joey H says:

so boys, how long till we see hughes and pavano. i know hughes before pavano, but they are both pitching well, im sure better than expected. so 2 weeks? EH? maybe 1 or 2 more starts? for hughes that is

 
Mike Pop says:

I dont like this series coming up against the angels

 
Manimal says:

Did you guys know that the emergency catcher now-a-days is Justin Christian? Kid can do everything. It used to be Shelly, Correct?

 
Ivan says:

Moosehas been alright so far.

 
Mike Pop says:

I hope Hughes can be as dominant as Joba. That means we will really have a staff to be reckoned with

 
Mike Pop says:

King Felix on the hill tonight against Tampa ?? Can we pick a game up

Jamal G. says:

With that offense…

Mike A. says:

Maybe Felix can hit a grand slam like he did off Johan Santana.

Mike Pop says:

I dont know Felix is a top 5 pitcher in baseball.. He can shut the rays down and maybe putz can hold it

 
 
 
 
Manimal says:

Did they fire Meachem!?!?!?!? Finally!?!?!?

Batty says:

No, PA says his daughter is getting married.

 
Jamal G. says:

No, his daughter, Ally, is getting married tonight.

Manimal says:

Eh, who cares. A day without Meachem is a good day.

 
 
 
Mike A. says:
 
Manimal says:

Look at Betemit showing complete lack of hustling and then 2 minutes later hustling.

Mike A. says:

Conserving energey.

 
Nady Nation says:

Lack of hustle? He clearly fouled the ball off his foot

 
 
Mike Pop says:
 
Ivan says:

Damon putting in work.

Batty says:

Damon wants his old job back ;)

 
 
Mike A. says:

Dammit! That Brackman kid on the Oneonta Tigers got me again!

Jamal G. says:
Manimal says:

Do you know the story behind that and what happened recently? Its pretty funny. A Zune fanboy that got a Zune tattoo and just recently announced that he hates the Zune now and hes stuck with the damn tattoo.

 
 
 
Ivan says:

I got one. who would ya take King Felix or J. Upton?

The most talented position player Vs. the pitcher with the best stuff in my opinion.

Me, in a 162 game season gotta go J-Up, but in a short series I’ll take King Felix in a heartbeat.

Jamal G. says:

I’ll take Justin Upton. I will never take a huge pitching prospect over a huge positional prospect, just not worth as much.

 
Mike A. says:

You know what’s messed up? Felix Hernandez just turned 22 this season.

Jamal G. says:

He’s going to be in his age 25 season in his final year of arbitration. I don’t give a fuck who we have in our rotation, I want him.

Joey says:

Joba, Felix, Brackman, Cole, Hughes. Yea sounds good to me :-D

Ivan says:
 
steve says:

i thought kennedy is suppose to be a #3 starter ?

radnom says:

Yeah well Wang is a solid #1 starter and he didn’t even make that rotation apparently.

 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

with already 4 seasons under his belt.

 
 
Manimal says:

I pick Joba over both.

 
 
Mike Pop says:
 
Mike Pop says:

Id have to take Felix because its cliche but pitching wins and him hes real real young still and he does have amazing stuff

 
Mike Pop says:

Who would you rather have on the yankees Tim Lincecum or Jay Bruce

Joey says:

Timmy!!!! One of my favorite players to watch

 
Charles says:
 
Ivan says:

Gotta go lincecum.

 
Manimal says:

Average pitcher has a stride of 80% of their height. His stride is 150% of his height. CRAZY.

Manimal says:

by his I mean Lincecum.

 
 
 
Ivan says:

iight how about Matt Cain Vs. Chad Billingsley.

I’ll pick Matt Cain.

Mike A. says:

Good one. Over the long haul I’ll take Billingsley, but peak years gimme Cain.

 
 
Mike Pop says:

Billingsley no question

 
Mike Pop says:

Votto or Chris Davis lol i can go all day with this

Mike A. says:

Davis, rather easily. And I’m a huge Votto fan. CD can just flat rake.

 
 
Chip says:

Geez, a 17 year old just pitched 5 shutout innings with 9 k’s for the GCL team. I’m impressed

Mike A. says:

If only GCL stats meant something.

Chip says:

Isn’t just being in the GCL at 17 say something?

 
 
Manimal says:
 
 
Charles says:

How bout this one, Clayton Kershaw or David Price?

Manimal says:

Price, he can bring the heat AND the hook. Kershaw is just hook.

Jamal G. says:

Kershaw sits at 94-95MPH.

Manimal says:

Price is upper 90’s , right?

 
 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

David Price, he’s the Justin Upton of pitching prospects.

 
Ivan says:

I was gotta type that, I will pick Price.

 
Mike A. says:

That’s tough. I’ll go Kershaw, simply because he’s almost 3 years younger.

 
Joey says:

Damn. Whoever you don’t pick I’ll take and be very very very very happy…

 
 
Mike Pop says:

Would you trade A rod/kennedy/Kontos for Votto Volquez Cueto Bruce Encarnacion

 
 
Manimal says:
Ivan says:
 
The Fallen Phoenix says:

That’s a tough one. I love Jay Bruce, absolutely love him, but if he moves to a corner, Longoria will probably be more valuable defensively, while putting up similar offensive numbers.

So Longoria.

 
Jamal G. says:

Longoria, in a landslide.

 
Mike A. says:

Longoria, no question.

 
Joey says:
 

this season, Longoria. career, Bruce.

 
 
Mike Pop says:

Kershaw i like alot

 
Link says:

ive been away…who’s in the yes booth as a guest?

Mike A. says:

Some guy Singleton played with. Never heard of him. Sounds like he was O’s closer back in Singy’s day.

Link says:

oh ok thanks…im just happy no Kay lol

 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

Fifth inning, only resulted in one out, that defensive gem was meaningless.

 
Mike Pop says:
 
mustang says:
Manimal says:

I love seeing more than one of Arod’s 5 tools in one play.

mustang says:

Tell him he needs to use the hitting tool it’s getting rusty.

 
 
 
Ivan says:

Here’s another one, Johnny Cueto or Phil Hughes?

 
Joey says:

If healthy, Hughes

 
Mike Pop says:
 
Ivan says:

Cueto’s nice no doubt, but I’ll pick Hughes.

 
The Fallen Phoenix says:

I take Hughes over just about everyone not named Lincecum, Price, Joba, or Gallardo.

 
Manimal says:
 
 
Jamal G. says:

You know you’re the shit when you have Michael Young off balance and lounging at an 89-MPH Fastball.

Babe's Ghost says:

That is a wiley veteran at work!

 
 
Jamal G. says:

How about this, out of High School, Phil Hughes or Gerrit Cole?

Mike A. says:
 
The Fallen Phoenix says:

Hughes. High school pitchers that polished just don’t come around every year.

 
 
Mike A. says:

For you old school mofos out there: Prior then or Mauer now?

Jamal G. says:

Joe Mauer, that offensive value he brings at Catcher is way too rare.

What was your take back then?

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

The prevailing opinion at the time was that the Twins made a huge mistake by taking Mauer over Prior, and that they did it because they didn’t want to meet Prior’s contract demands. Funny how things turn out, though.

 
Mike A. says:

Prior, he was the perfect pitcher. That collision on the bases with Marcus Giles was the beginning of the end.

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

Dude, I lived in Chicago from ‘02-’05, Prior was really something to behold. I freaking hated the Cubs while I was living out there (their fans are like warmer, fuzzier BoSox fans), but I loved Prior. Ugh and I remember one time when he came back and started a season healthy, must have been Spring 2005, and I was watching on tv in a bar while having lunch when he got hurt again. Felt sick watching it. What a run of shitty luck for that guy.

 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

Oh and does anyone else remember mumbling to themselves under their breath every time Prior had a good start in 2003 that “the Yankees fucking drafted that guy, goddamit?” lol God that used to frustrate the hell out of me.

 
 
 
 
The Fallen Phoenix says:

This is tough. Prior then was really, REALLY good. Like, Brien Taylor good, but out of college.

Actually…Prior was pretty much what Joba Chamberlain has been for the last year, just without the injury risk.

 

Call me a sucker, but Prior then. The dude was gonna be the shit every year, and for a few years, he was. Then this flying animal from space named Dusty Baker happened…

Mauer as a catcher, with all this power or not, was never going to fully reach his offensive potential due to the wear and tear of backstops, meaning his career as would likely effectively be older at ~36. A pitcher who isn’t injury prone and has “perfect” mechanics could easily pitch at that age at a high level.

 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

You mean Prior circa 2003? I’m surprised at myself for saying this, since I usually side with the position player… But I’d go Prior. Mauer is very good, and he plays a premium defensive position well, but Prior really did look like one of those “once in a generation” talents in 2003. Hindsight is 20/20, Twins still made the wrong call (at the time).

 
 
Ivan says:

Now it gets interesting last one:

Clay buchholz or Phil Hughes?

Mike A. says:

Buchholz. He comes a free laptop!

Joey says:
 
 
Mike Pop says:

i love hughes potential.. i really have to say hughes even tho clay is a stud

 
Charles says:

Hughes hands down.

 
The Fallen Phoenix says:

Hughes. Further along than Buccholz was at his age with similar stuff but more polish.

 
 
Charles says:

Hey this Mike Mussina kid is pretty good huh?

 
Joey says:

I haven’t really seen any meaningful video on Cole, but from what I’ve heard here, Cole seems slightly better out of HS

Joey says:

sorry, meant to post that to Jamal’s Q, but I may have read this shit in some whacked out newspaper article also, I’ll just say IDK

 
Mike A. says:

Better stuff, but Hughes was more polished and a better pitcher.

Ivan says:

Hughes, because I think he has the better FB with Vel and movement and commands it better. Buchholz has the advantage with the array of secondary pitches.

 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

A-Rod is going to rake in Anaheim, “You can put it on the BOOAARRRRRRDDDDD…”

Manimal says:
 
mustang says:

One thing I can say you are a true fan I have to give you credit for standing by your man.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Based on your Cole/Hughes pick, I want to know, what do you value most for a pitching prospect (like the top three things), Mike?

Manimal says:

Speed differencial in his pitches, mental toughness, accuracy. Those are mine.

Jamal G. says:

Mine are movement, location, location, location, location…

Manimal says:

is location and accuracy the same thing?

Jamal G. says:

Yeah, location, accuracy, command, all the same ish.

Mike A. says:

Location (aka control) and command are different. Control is the ability to throw strikes. Command is the ability to put the ball where you want it, and to get there how you want it (break of the pitch).

 
 
 
 
 
Mike A. says:

1.Command
2. Life (fancy term for explosiveness & movement)
3. Velocity

In that order.

Ivan says:

That’s why you love Phil Hughes uh?

Mike A. says:

In a word, fuck yes.

 
 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

I might be crazy but id take lester over buchholz

 
Joey says:

Joba or King Felix? (or are we all too biased?)

Jamal G. says:

King Felix, easily for me.

Mike Pop says:

why is it king felix so easily ???

Jamal G. says:

Better stuff, less health concerns.

Ivan says:

Well Felix has been on the DL a couple times in his career. Not to mention scouts say that felix mechanics aren’t great.

 
 
 
 
The Fallen Phoenix says:

I mildly fear the innings that are already on Felix’s arm. I think that makes the injury-risk a wash. I just don’t think I can pick between the two when it comes to stuff, though…

 
Ivan says:

Felix, has the type of stuff to put of pedroesque seasons.

 
Mike A. says:

Joba, but it’s close.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Fried Ice Cream Blast? What the fuck is Sonic selling these days?

Manimal says:

Sounds better than tha Baconator Frosty I heard about from here, mightve been mike’s cousin or something.

Mike A. says:

My brother. And he misread the box, it was Baconator / Shake. He overlooked the /.

Manimal says:

oh lol. Atleast I remembered it was you.

 
 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

byrd is starting to piss me off

 
Jamal G. says:

Marlon Byrd is a piece of shit.

 
Link says:

Marlon Byrd wtf???

 
Manimal says:

Bases loaded, 2 outs, bottom 9. Woul dyou rather have Melky or Veritek batting

Joey says:

Melky, no question

 
Jamal G. says:

Melky Cabrera, Varitek has some semblance of plate discipline.

 
 
Mike A. says:

Usually double plays like that happen to the Yankees. Nice change.

 
Ivan says:

That’s why moose has 6 Gold Gloves.

 
Manimal says:

1-5-6-4 double play.

 
Link says:

hey the Rangers ran the bases like the Yankees there lol…

 
Jamal G. says:

Stupid hick bastards. Since when did Emil Brown start teaching the Rangers how to run the bases (if we lose out to the Red Sox by a game, I’m going to wish horrible things upon Emil Brown)?

 
Mike Pop says:

Will Melky ever be good

Mike A. says:

But he’s teh awesome!

 
 
Charles says:

Here’s another one. Brackman or Cole?

Mike A. says:
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

You’re going to have to get a graphic of Brack from Space Ghost and use it instead of a picture of Brackman if/when you do the Brackman Watch.

 
 
Manimal says:

Cole is young but Brackman’s coming off of injury. Tough to tell.

 
Ivan says:

that’s tough, I’ll go Brackman.

 
 
Manimal says:
Mike A. says:

Both! Not at the same time, of course. ;)

 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

Manny homered again haha

 
Jamal G. says:

The Rangers’ sideline reporter was interviewing two sets of Ian Kinsler fanatics. One was a group of three dudes in body and face paint, the other was three chics in pink bras, mini-short pants, and body paint on their yummy tummies.

The reporter’s inner thoughts: “…” No, no witty joke, he was thinking he wants to bang each and every one of those girls.

 
Mike Pop says:
 
 
Mike A. says:

Nick play by Davis.

 
Manimal says:

Whats up with the fox music at random times. Its pissing me off.

 
Ivan says:
 
Ivan says:

You think the rangers are saying hey lets walk Damon and bring DPJ up?

 
Mike Pop says:

thats kinda disgusting

 
Jake H says:
 
Ivan says:

Jeter: I could of done that Damon.

 
Jamal G. says:

Danny Almonte is currently playing at a JuCo, any chance he gets drafted in the future? Does he have a real ceiling as a pitcher?

Mike A. says:
Link says:

LOL. But remember what hand he throws with…

 
 
 
Link says:

Everyday Eddie warming in the bullpen…

 
Manimal says:

Anyone else notice moose has stretched out his outings more and more as the season goes on.

 
dkidd says:

nice game by betemit

 
Charles says:

The Moose continues to impress.

 
Ivan says:
 
mustang says:

3500 innings and pitching 7 innings of shut out ball in that Texas heat going for his 15th win when his team needs it the most.

NO WORDS

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

little dramatic, no? not like the guy pitched on a bloody, stapled-together ankle.

mustang says:

Now that’s funny good one.

 
 
mustang says:

Oh he is 39…someone needs to take notes.

 
 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

I think Scott Feldman’s got a real shot at winning the YES Network’s Chevy Player of the Game tonight.

 
Mike A. says:

Yusi Petit threw 46 pitches in the first inning today, but is only down 1-0.

 
Jamal G. says:
Mike A. says:

I bought a Fremulon Insurance shirt. Can’t wait for it to come.

Jamal G. says:

Ha! Those things are awesome.

 
 
Joey says:

LOL, awesome, they do an awesome job over there

 
Chip says:

I laughed so hard while reading that

 
Link says:

thanks Jamal that was hilarious…

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Infield in on A-Rod? After the rockets he’s hit tonight? Scary.

Chip says:

It’d be scary had he put it in play

 
mustang says:

I can’t I just can’t it’s way too easy.
LOL

 
 
Nady Nation says:

Still not a slump Jamal?

Jamal G. says:

Horrible series, he was raking the ball in the Angels series, hit into some hard outs in this series as well. I’m calling it a bad series, for now.

Nady Nation says:

I’m not anti A-Rod at all, but come on man, he’s 0-14! That’s a slump, you don’t have to defend him til his death on everything

Jamal G. says:

Again, I’m saying he’s had a terrible series. He’s 0-for-14 in this series. I’m not calling it a full blown slump because sometimes guys just have a bad series, if it continues in LA then that’s something totally different.

 
 
mustang says:

No. Stick to your guns Jamal would of been a great Yankees fan in the 80’s when they sucked.
The man is loyal and that’s fucking cool.

 
 
 
 
fresh says:

hes terrible! lol sarcasm….sorta!

 
Jamal G. says:

God Damn, let’s just get our boy out of Texas. Just one of those series.

 
mustang says:

I guess he forgot his pen and paper no worries he hit in Anaheim.

 
Nady Nation says:

Anyone else not exactly 100% confident with Bruney on here? Has Girardi lost faith in Marte already?

 
Mike A. says:

Ugh, Girardi’s turning into Tony LaRussa right before our eyes…

Nady Nation says:

Is he really gonna use 3 pitchers for one inning?

 
 
CJ says:

The obsessive lefty/righty matchup thing really bugs.

 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

Anyone else think this saffron risotto/’99 Bourdeaux guy from the Continental Airlines commercial is hysterical?

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

Silence. Whatever, he’s funny, you’re all wrong.

 
 
Mike Pop says:

that was a big run that we left on base befor

 
Ivan says:

The Rangers’ telecast said that Arod is 13 for 35 with men on 3rd and less than 2 ou ts. WTF?? That is the kind of little things that people have to do to win!! this is where they miss Matsui. He’s a 75% guy in this category I think.

 
dkidd says:

prediction: a-rod will slump for another week and then go CRAZY for the rest of season…

Ivan says:

We need him to snap out of it this weekend. If we don’t score we’re screwed.

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

Ummmm… You know… Kinda, like, always screwed if we don’t score, right?

Ivan says:

Are you the ind of person that needs everything spelled out for you? I of course meant that we need to score in bunches. The rotation is going to be weak this weekend.

 
 
 
 
Jake H says:

In big situations a rod wants it so bad he swings at things he shouldn’t

 
Mike Pop says:

cano bout to go deep

Chip says:

Deep in the count that is

 
 
Mike Pop says:

i love it my dad pulling in 80k a year is driving an edge and im suppose to beleive jeter a 17 mill a year guy is driving an edge

Link says:

and he prob has 50 mil liquid in the bank right now lol…

Mike Pop says:
 
 
 
Mike A. says:

Ball girl’s kinda cute.

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

Was waiting for the ball girl remarks to start lol