Aug
10

Game 117: Escape from LAnaheim

By Mike Axisa

The Angels have lefty Joe Saunders on the mound, so you know what that means: No Giambi. I’ve long been a Saunders fan, but this isn’t exactly Randy Johnson in his prime. Giambi’s got a 1.457 OPS on the road trip, and the team needs as many wins as possible. He should be in the lineup, no doubt about it.

Billy Traber’s in the house, even though he provides as little relief as a relief pitcher possibly could. Not sure what the corresponding roster move is yet, but we’ll let you know. Ian Kennedy was optioned to Triple-A Scranton to make room. PeteAbe says he apologized for his comments the other day, and was given specific instructions on what to work on.

1. Damon, DH
2. Jeter, SS
3. Abreu, RF
4. A-Rod, 3B
5. Nady, LF – .346-.426-.755 as a Yank … if he keeps hitting like this & the Yanks make the playoffs, his performance will be very reminiscant of this guy’s
6. Cano, 2B
7. Dick Lock Sexy, 1B
8. Christian, CF
9. Molina, C

And on the mound, a guy who’s really gotta step it up the rest of the year, Andy Pettitte.

Posted on Sunday, August 10th, 2008 at 2:50 pm in Game Threads.

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379 Comments »

Andy In Sunny Daytona Beach says:

Dave Justice. Nice memories. Seeing that arm brace made me think, did you see the little leaguer the other night wearing the elbow protection? He was a 4′ 11″ scrapper, weighed about 74 lbs., but he had the brace on just incase he had to throw that arm up to get hit. Great coaches in Little League, they all believe that the pro ball will come calling if they do well.

Mike A. says:

I saw that, I thought they said the kid was nursing an injury and the brace was to keep him from overextending the elbow.

 
 
Link says:

I have a faded ‘28-Justice’ Yankees T-shirt hanging in my closet right now…only numbered player apparel I have lol…that’s how excited I was when we got him…

Mike A. says:

Those were the days, huh?

 
 
E-ROC says:

The promotion of Billy Traber is a bit of a head scratcher. Anybody but him would have sufficed.

I see that Sexson has earned his nickname back, lol.

Mike A. says:

The granny bought him some time.

 
 
Jon G says:

It’s IPK got sent down with instructions to work on his2 seamer and curve…

Why they called up Traber instead of somebody who is a real stopper – like Strickland or Melancon – is beyond me… Probably because it will only be Traber for a few days.

Mike A. says:

Thanks, I updated the post. Traber won’t be around very long I imagine, which is why he’s up. Strickland’s nursing a minor injury, but I still don’t think Melancon’s the answer right now.

TheLastClown says:

Is it that you’re worried he’ll have a poor start to his career and get howled at by fans?

Mike A. says:

Partly, but he’s thrown a ton of innings this year, and I’m not sure coming up to the bigs to pitch in high pressure situations is the right thing for him right now. The bullpen as constructed can do the job, they showed that earlier in the year. They just need to get their act together.

TheLastClown says:

Gotcha. Where are his innings currently…versus what is his cap? He throws 2 or 3 innings consistently in the minors I think, so usage wise, maybe you just use him for an inning @ a time with restrictions a la Joba from last year. Start him in low pressure situations, and if he dominates *or just does well* then give him the higher leverage.

Im just not sure if this bullpen does have what it takes, over all. I don’t know what kind of stats to go after to back me up on that, but maybe BABIP? I don’t know where to check it, but it did seem to me like they were pitching over their head a bit, when they were a dead-stop bullpen on the whole.

Mike A. says:

I have no idea was his cap is, but he’s at 82.2 IP already. I can’t see him going much more than 90 IP on the year, 100 tops.

You can get BABIP on fangraphs, but FIP is better.

Edwar: 3.71 FIP vs 3.89 actual ERA
Veras: 4.34 vs 2.93 (so he’s been getting lucky)

 
Old Ranger says:

Why blow him out and up this year. Next year he will have had a full year under his belt, working on good command of all his pitches (Two).
I think IPK found out the difference between control and command…it sent him packing again but, have faith… he will return! 27/08??

 
 
 
 
 
 
xkevinx says:

I doubt we see Kennedy again until rosters expand. Pretty embarrassing for him given some combination of Geise/Ponson/Rasner in the rotation.

 
Mike A. says:

Check out Clay Buchholz keeping the Yanks in the WC race. He’s better than teh JoBA!!!11!

Steve H says:

IPK might have some company on his trip back to the minors!!

 
 
E-ROC says:

Mike, your opinion on Kennedy’s demotion?

Mike A. says:

Not surprised. Hopefully he does what he’s supposed to do and work on what they told him. I thought the comments were overblown (what 23-yr old hasn’t said something stupid?), but I understand the uproar.

E-ROC says:
 
 
 
Old Ranger says:

Other then his glove work, what is so good about Sexson? I know, if he gets ahold of one it’s gone…the key word is, IF. There haven’t been that many IFs this year…ok, one granny the other day.
For sure, that Robertson got sent down? 27/08??

A.D. says:

His glove work isn’t actually good, its yankee fan false perception that anyone is better defensively then Giambi. His zone rating is worse that Giambi and Betemit

 
 
Matt says:

We can really use a win today, like really badly!

Happy to see Christian get a start….

http://whentheunderdogwins.wordpress.com/

Old Ranger says:

I hope to see that a lot this year.
Spring training, let Matt, Brett, and Justin fight it out for the job…maybe even A-Jax, but he is a long shot. The supposition being, we don’t sign a real good CF. 27/08??

TheLastClown says:
Mike A. says:
TheLastClown says:
 
Old Ranger says:

Yup!
I only saw him play once, so I am going buy what I saw. He is not as flashy as Justin/Brett but, seems to hit with more power/avg. and is a better corner fielder. Just my take on him (once) but, I think he could move into the mix…I also think he is older (24/26). 27/08??

Mike A. says:

He’s got an absolute cannon too, a true 80 arm.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Mike A. says:

Livan Hernandez gave up 4 runs in his first inning as a Rockie. Ouch.

 
 
Mike A. says:

Question: Any hockey fans here? Anyone got an opinion on NHL 09?

I used to be a big hockey fan back in the day (I jumped right on the bandwagon when the Rangers won, but I gave up on the sport after the lockout), and I want to get back into this year.

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

I don’t play video games, but yeah, there are still a few hockey fans out here. Seems like there aren’t many, judging from the lack of response to your comment.

The Rangers suck.

 
Nady Nation says:

Got into hockey about 6-7 years after I got into the other major 3 sports. I started following the Rangers during the beginning of the Knicks demise out of desperation for a sport to bridge baseball seasons and occupy weeknights during football season. It really is hard to follow hockey given the complete lack of coverage. Not a huge fan of all the moves the Rangers made this offseason

 
Manimal says:

Hockey is one of those sports that are unlicensed by video game companies(EA and 2K) so there is a NHL 09 and a NHL 2K9. Try playing the demos when the come out or look out for the reviews on IGN.com.

Mike A. says:

That is a damn good idea. EA’s site says their demo comes out later this month.

I need something to bridge the gap during the winter, so I figured this was a good time to get back into hockey. I’m really lost touch with the game, so I have no clue who half the players are.

Nady Nation says:

Are you a Knick fan Mike? I know it’s a hard time to be one right now, but I was (still am) die-hard growing up with those early 90’s teams. I’m still holding out hope for Donnie Walsh to successfully execute the rebuilding plan b/c after all, there is nothing greater than hearing the Garden rock during playoff basketball.

Mike A. says:

Eh, somewhat. I’ve never been a big basketball fan. The Isiah Thomas Era was as bad as it gets. Worse than Bavasi or Littlefield.

Nady Nation says:

Isiah jolted up into my top 5 most hated sports-associated people with his tenure here.

 
 
 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

hockey is a godsend during the offseason, especially with the knicks being in the toilet the last few years. i don’t play fantasy hockey but i used to… probably a really good way to get back into the game if you haven’t been following it for a few years.

 
 
 
 
Mike A. says:

Needed a start like this.

 
E-ROC says:

Very good start to the game for Saunders.

 
Accent Shallow says:

Joe Saunders is pretty good, but do we really think that he’s as good as he’s performed this year? According to Fangraphs, he’s dropped his LD% from 20% last year to 13% this year, and he’s not exactly striking tons of guys out. Seems like he may be due for a correction, no?

I haven’t had a chance to watch him pitch this year until now, so maybe I’m off base. Still, seems like he may be more lucky than good at this point.

Well, if he’s due for a correction, Abreu’s put it off to a good start. :)

 
Mike A. says:

Another unclutch hit for A-Rod.

 
Relaunch says:

Can’t wait to see how awesome IPSuk does in Triple A and then hear how he still will be awesome. Can’t wait to see how comes up again and them gets pelted.

Steve H says:

So you’re rooting for a Yankee player to fail? What a fan.

A.D. says:

Especially a player with no real hype to him, and makes no money, wanting to see Igawa fail is pretty common at this point, but IPK seems a bit misguided

 
Relaunch says:

Yeah, I’m rooting for him to fail. Its great that what you got out of that. Exactly what I want is a cocky/dellusional player that is overrated and then see posts on how great he is at AAA and how he is part of the Yanks future. He can give up 15 runs in 2 innings and people here will believe IPSuk still deserves another start.

Steve H says:

“Can’t wait to see how comes up again and them gets pelted.”

Gee, where did I “get that” out of your comments, hmmm.

 
 
 
 
Manimal says:

In a 7 game series, we were out in 6 games(4-2 Angels so far). Vs a team with 74 wins at the beginning of August thats pretty good. Especially the timing of our bullpen collapse and injuries.

Mike A. says:

Considering that Hughes, Wang, Kennedy, Matsui, Damon, A-Rod, Jeter, Posada have all spent significant time on the DL while Cano and Melky have been blackholes, it’s impressive that the Yanks are only 4 GB of a wildcard spot.

 
 
Davi says:

wow rex hudler is a douche. i’d take suzyn and john over him anyday. why can’t mlb tv offer yes telecasts on away games too

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

i always thought rex hudler and scott brosius were secretly, like, the same person. do they still look alike?

Steve H says:

After that Flinstones conversation, I think I’d rather have Rex Hudler

 
 
 
Mike A. says:

Wow, did Cone just call him Tony Saunders? Wow, blast from the past.

Poor Tony.

A.D. says:

Tony had some real bad luck

Mike A. says:

That he did. Great arm, just a little wild.

 
 
 
A.D. says:

Kevin Whealn providing some relief at AA today

Mike A. says:

God does Steven White suck.

A.D. says:

White pretty much fell of a cliff, he had a great start to the season, and it all came apart

 
Accent Shallow says:

Speaking of, I remember reading early in the season that he’d be the 2nd/3rd option in the minors for the Yankees since he’s already on the 40 man. Thankfully that didn’t happen.

Seems like he fell apart right after I’d read that. Even so, it’s tough to imagine him being worse than say, Igawa against Detroit. Ick.

 
 
 
A.D. says:

Anderson seems to wear us out

 
Ivan says:

man Buchholz is getting smacked.

Mike A. says:

Hopefully the ChiSox pen holds it.

 
 
Nady Nation says:
 
A.D. says:

Hobbling Vlad vs Molina’s arm….victory Molina

 
 
Ivan says:

just dumb baseball by the angels but hey to most people the angels are being agressive and playing Angels baseball.

A.D. says:

thats how they live and die

 
 
Ivan says:

nice pitching matchup at SF, Billingsley Vs. Cain.

Mike A. says:

You see Barry on the field yesterday during SF’s ceremony for their best OFers ever?

Ivan says:

Saw clips of it. Talk about a surprise visit, almost everybody thought he wasn’t gonna be there but he showed up. Man he gets louder cheers than Donnie baseball in NY.

 
 
 
Ivan says:

What plans do the yankees have for Kevin Whelan Mike A?

He’s currently at AA, his control has gotten a little bit better and he always had a great arm. Think he can contribute next season?

Mike A. says:

I imagine he’ll start next year in Triple-A, and figures to be one of the first called up. He’s going to have to be added to the 40-man this offseason to avoid being eligible for the Rule V draft, where he’d certainly get picked.

 
 
Nady Nation says:

Varitek just willed home a run by striking out on a wild pitch, letting Bay score from third. He’s not the Captain for no reason, folks

Steve H says:

And he’s willed Bucholz to a 6+ ERA. Just think, were it simply a mere mortal back there Bucholz’ era would be at least 15. But when he bares down, and sees that C poking out from behind the chest protecter, it shaves multiple runs off the era.

 
 
A.D. says:

When Joba comes back maybe he sould wear a couple extra Phitens

Mike A. says:

Those things are like, $40.

A.D. says:

Oh the power of overpriced magnets

 
 
Accent Shallow says:

Joba commercials are depressing now that he’s out.

I can’t help but laugh at the face he makes when the kids recognize him, though.

Mike A. says:

Heh, it looks like he didn’t realize the camera was on.

 
 
 
E-ROC says:

Man, that artificial turf did a number on Vlad’s legs. It won’t be long before he needs a cane or walker.

Mike A. says:

Yeah, he’s barely mobile out there. He’s so big and moves so awkwardly, he looks like a giraffe running.

 
Ivan says:

I,ve always said he might not age well as a player or hitter.

 
 
Ivan says:

Come on Chisox hold the lead.

 
Mike A. says:

Come on Andy, big spot.

 
A.D. says:

Would have been pretty awesome if Pettite snagged that

 
 
Mike A. says:

Crap. Settle down Andy, deep breaths.

 
 
Ivan says:
 
Accent Shallow says:

How many ridiculous Texas leaguers are we going to see in this series? Sheesh.

 
Nady Nation says:

Andy’s velocity seems down a bit. His arm definitely looks fatigued. Fitting

 
Ivan says:

I really hate getting swept, but against the angels that ticks me off.

 
E-ROC says:

What is up with these sucky hitters getting singles and doubles off of Yankees pitching?

Gary Matthews getting paid $50 million to be a fourth outfielder. Yikes!

A.D. says:

glad we don’t have that terrible contract

 
 
A.D. says:

see if the bats get back to it

 
Joe says:

Nice recovery by Andy

 
Mike Pop says:

im really worried bout this team now.. but than again if the red sox struggle hard all we need is one big push

A.D. says:

a similar result as last time we faced the Twins would be real nice

 
 
E-ROC says:

Well, it could’ve been worse.

 
Mike A. says:

An unclutch lead-off walk by A-Rod. Scott Brosius would have doubled in two runs in that situation.

A.D. says:

thats what grit does for you

A-Rod stealing something out of the Angles book, going to 3rd on a base hit to lf

 
 
Joe says:

Did anyone else see that stat about how many homeruns Aaron and Bonds had at age 33? They had close to two hundred less than Alex, Damn!

 
greg says:

A-rod Sucks!!!!11!!1! .240 with RISP1!!11

 
E-ROC says:

X-man just continues to produce.

 
Mike Pop says:

was it the wrong move to deal for ivan now ?

A.D. says:

no, farns has been bad for detroit pudge is a type A player, Farns a type B, bought themselves a draft pick

 
Accent Shallow says:

Don’t think so. Farnsworth was and remains a ticking time bomb, and they need at least passable offense from C, especially if CF remains a black hole.

 
 
A.D. says:

awesome takeout slide by X

 
Mike A. says:

That was one hell of a talk-out slide by Nady.

 
Accent Shallow says:

So that’s two ground balls in the same spot for Robbie.

A.D. says:
 
 
Mike Pop says:

a 10 game win streak would do what for us pick up 3 games

 
A.D. says:

At-least we got a big PH bat for later today

 
Ivan says:

Good Sexson walks. At least he has a solid eye at the plate.

 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

cone just can’t say “joe saunders,” he has a mental block. pretty funny.

Mike A. says:

He even stops to think about it, but still can’t get it right.

“That was a good pitch right there from … Tony Saunders.”

 
 
A.D. says:

yeah Sexson, JC, and Molina aren’t going to produce the most runs at the bottom of the lineup

 
Ivan says:

two pitches two outs.

 
E-ROC says:

Mike, do you think Nady’s season is fluky or has he finally turned the corner?

Mike A. says:

I think this is his career year. He’ll be a solid player, but not this good.

 
 
Ivan says:

Man, making up 4G on the WC is gonna be tough and at times get fed up with this team but I still feel have one more hot streak in em.

 
A.D. says:
 
 
Accent Shallow says:

Bobby Meacham is coaching 3rd for the Angels? I’m certainly not going to complain.

 
Mike Pop says:

but farns held the bullpen togerther with his vetrean presence……hehehe

 
Ivan says:

there was no way Matthews was gonna score.

By the way can we stop giving up hits to Napoli who’s hitting barely .210

Especially throwing him breaking balls, he can’t handle a good FB.

Nady Nation says:

Do you have any basis for that statement? Usually, players like him with low BA’s but lots of power can only hit fastballs.

Ivan says:

All of Napoli hits have been on breaking balls. Plus, he doesn’t work counts. He shouldn’t be killing the yanks like that.

Accent Shallow says:

I dunno, he’s consistently posted an OBP significantly higher than his batting average during the few seasons he has been in the majors.

 
 
 
 
A.D. says:

akward slide by Matthews

 
Mike A. says:

Great to see Rocco back in the bigs.

Ivan says:

word. Talk about going through alot.

Mike A. says:

Heh, he’s batting cleanup in his first game back too.

 
 
 
A.D. says:
A.D. says:

well theres a way to avoid it

 
 
Ivan says:

Nice Damon.

Of all the Sox players I hate, Damon was the one player on the Sox I liked.

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

anyone else feel like johnny damon is ridiculously underappreciated/underrated? i feel like people (both yankees fans and haters) have convinced themselves the damon signing was a mistake and an example of the yankees signing a past-his-prime player for too many years. he’s, like, the example people will point to and be like “no more damon signings, enough with signing older players.” but 2006 was a great year out of damon, 2007 was an off-year, and this year is shaping up to be a pretty damned good season for him, too (offensively, at least). i don’t intend, in the least, to advocate signing guys in their mid-30s to 4-year contracts by posting this comment. it just bothers me that people seem so blind to what damon has actually done during his yankees career. assuming he finishes up on his current pace, 2 out of his 3 seasons so far in pinstripes will be very good offensive seasons. the perception just doesn’t match the reality.

Mike A. says:

I agree. His presence atop the lineup complete transforms the lineup.

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

i hate to do this and feed into the boston pre-occupation that’s become so pervasive amongst yankees fans, but i think a lot of it has to do with the boston PR hit-job they did on damon when he left boston. “he’s over the hill, we’re better off with coco crisp, the yankees will regret that deal after the first year, yadda yadda.” i understand not wanting to pay the man, but it’s dishonest to look back at the last 3 years and not see the value in damon’s performance (and, how he has outperformed his replacements in boston). but that’s all anyone heard about the damon signing – he’s going to fall apart and won’t be valuable for the course of the contract.

honestly, now that we’re just about 3 years into this deal… i think damon learned his lesson last year about keeping in shape during the offseason and will come into camp in 2009 in decent shape and have a decent season, even if he misses some time due to injury. when looking back on his 4 years with the yankees, i think that signing is going to look pretty good. at the very least, you got 2 very good seasons out of him (and if he does well next season, it’ll be 3 good seasons out of 4).

Mike A. says:

It’s typical Red Sox bullshit. Whenever a big name player leaves, they break out the hack jobs. They did it to Damon, Pedro, Nomar, Manny, the list keeps going.

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

whoever’s fault it is (and i agree those perceptions started in boston), it’s unfortunate. it’s unfortunate personally for damon and you can tell it actually bothers him, like when he got absolutely no all-star love and he was kinda like “hey… you know, i’m having a pretty good first-half over here.”

 
Whitey14 says:

Quotes please??

The Red Sox do not talk about anybody when they leave, or get shipped out.

To say it’s typical Red Sox bullshit, is irresponsible. If you want to blame the media in Boston, or New England, for saying those types of things that’s one thing, but to blame the Red Sox, is just plain wrong.

The Yankees are the ones who have cornered the market on talking about their players in the press over the years, not the Red Sox.

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

Relax. I don’t know of any evidence of the Sox themselves talking about their players when they’re on their way out, but it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility, nor is it “irresponsible”, to think that maybe some of that information that gets out into the press after guys leave the Sox originates from somewhere inside the bowels of Fenway Park. The players themselves certainly seem to think so. And expressing an opinion on a RiverAveBlues game-thread isn’t responsible, this isn’t the New York Times here.

Actually… just to cite a recent example where it was likely that information was leaked to the press about a Sox player after that player left Boston… Who told the Boston Globe that Scott Boras called the Sox F.O. and said that Manny would play hard if the Sox would just decline Manny’s options? It’s possible that the Globe got bad information from someone outside the F.O. (although I believe he cited someone within the organization, anonymously, but I may be wrong), or that Edes (or whoever it was) just made up the story… And it’s also possible that someone in the Sox F.O. gave that information to the press as a P.R. play in the wake of the Manny trade.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

(That should have read “isn’t irresponsible” at the end of the first paragraph above, my bad.)

 
 
Steve H says:

The Sox (Larry Lucchino) leaks the crap to Shaugnessy. It comes from the Sox. How about the report that Manny asked the Sox to not trade him. The media reported it, but where did they get that (probably false) info? The TEAM

(Comments wont nest below this level)
 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

And you can’t attack the veracity of a person’s opinion or statement by accusing that person of making baseless statements and then offer up your own baseless statements as a rebuttal. That’s not “irresponsible,” but it’s hypocritical. (I’m not addressing your conclusions, I’m just taking issue with your methods.)

(Comments wont nest below this level)
Whitey14 says:

I don’t mean to attack anybody, hopefully Mike realizes that.

I still haven’t seen an actual quote that anybody can attribute to the Red Sox front office so it is an assumption (that cannot be proven at this time) that they’re leaking info.

I have no proof, but my best guess is that most info coming out of Boston regarding the Manny situation came from Scott Boras and Manny Ramirez.

Larry Lucchino learned his lesson when his loose lips caused Theo to walk out because he refused to work in a situation where the team president was undemining it’s General Manager.

Brian Cashman is a saint for putting up with what he’s had to put up with over the years. He should have walked when he was forced to sign Gary Sheffield when he wanted to sign Vladimir Guerrero.

 
Mike A. says:

I think I came off the wrong way. I don’t mean that the Sox FO said something about the guys after they left, I was more or less referring to the writers at the Globe and guys like Gammons. They always seems to bash former Sox players right after they leave, it’s pretty classless.

 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

I didn’t mean to use the word “attack” to mean you were going after anyone or anything, meant it as in you “disagreed” with a statement and questioned its worth.

And, if you can say “my best guess is that it’s Manny and Boras,” there’s nothing wrong with someone else saying “my best is guess is it’s someone in the Sox F.O.,” right? That’s the beauty of opinions, everyone can have one. You’re free to disagree with them.

Anyways… Immaterial either way, really, we’re not arguing over anything substantive at this point. Take it easy.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

In 07 when he was healthy he did produce especially in the playoffs.

 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

we need like 5 runs

 
Ivan says:

When somebody’s on 1st, with DJ at the plate, either hit and run or steal a base.

Nice job by DJ to move the runner to third.

 
A.D. says:

Yankees playing like the angels on the basepaths

 
Nady Nation says:
 
A.D. says:

Wow infield in actually worked

 
Ivan says:
 
Mike Pop says:

i have a bad feelijng

 
A.D. says:

guess Saunders thinks A-Rod is unclutch

 
Accent Shallow says:
 
A.D. says:

De La Rosa, nice 3 innings at Tampa

Ivan says:

At least he will be something to watch at Tampa.

 
 
Mike A. says:

Great, now Kay will blab endlessly about IPK’s comments.

 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

michael kay misquoting ian kennedy. very nice, doucheface.

 
Ivan says:

Kennedy’s comments getting blown out of proportion.

Mike A. says:

Yep. He could have stood there and said “I stunk, I made bad pitches” and poeple would be saying “see, even he knows he’s not ready and not good enough!” No win situation.

Joe says:

Wasn’t the whole bitch about IPK in the beginning of the year that he cared too much, and fell apart after giving up a few hits or a run?

 
 
A.D. says:

thats true, and I don’t look too much into them, but with a few things IPK has said this year, he really comes across as a douche.

I’m an IPK fan, but he needs to think before he speaks

Ivan says:

Yeah he really didn’t really had to say that ut people are making too much of big deal of it.

Is it as bad like what Manny said it’s not the end of the world if we lose when his team was down 3-1 in the ALCS?

 
 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

kay also misquoted him! he didn’t say “i haven’t pitched badly since spring training.” kay made kennedy’s comments sound worse than they were (and they were pretty bad to begin with, kay didn’t need to embellish).

 
 
Ivan says:

How do you pitch to a guy like Vlad?

 
Mike Pop says:

i know he prob wasnt much but i wish we still had mccutchen

 
Jamie says:

This umpire is blind

 
Nady Nation says:

Sawx lose, let’s get this damn W

 
Ivan says:

You know that Hunter’s career OBP% is less than .330

Mike A. says:
Ivan says:

who’s overrated?

 
Ivan says:

my bad didn’t look at it completely.

 
 
E-ROC says:

$90 million contract? I don’t think he will age well either.

 
 
Ivan says:
 
Mike A. says:

Minny’s going to extras. It would be nice if they lose, keep them close in the WC.

Davi says:

mauer overrated? i don’t think he’s that great. he just had a couple good years, and he catches indoors so less wear and tear catching everyday,

Mike A. says:

I don’t think so, he might even be underappreciated. He’s only 25, so once he hits his prime he’ll be a .320-20-100 catcher with Gold Glove defense. That’s as good as it gets.

 
 
 
Davi says:

maybe IPK just can’t take the pressure of ny. karstens is doing well so far in pitt, maybe he needs a small market team.

Accent Shallow says:

I’d imagine given the choice between Kennedy and Karstens for the next few years, just about any GM would take Kennedy.

He’s called the Scary Flyball Guy for a reason.

 
A.D. says:

Karstens im convinced is an NL vs AL situation, and a small sample size. Karstens was never some big prospect, so there wouldnt have been big pressure

Mike A. says:

Karstens isn’t nearly as good as he has been for Pitt. That statistical correction will be ugly.

 
Ivan says:
 
 
 
Accent Shallow says:

Here’s hoping Sexson can reach base somehow, because Christian and then Molina leading off the 7th? Ick.

 
Ivan says:

What future does De La Rosa has with the Yanks Mike A?

Mike A. says:

He’s got a chance to be something special. Big live arm without many miles on it. Only downside is that he’s already 23, but better late than never.

Ivan says:

True. I can certainly see him rise through the minors fast.

 
 
 
Accent Shallow says:

That’s just Andy being Manny?

 
Mike A. says:

What a play on both ends, Andy and Sexson.

 
mustang says:

“and was given specific instructions on what to work on.”

Yeah, don’t let the guys with the bats hit the white ball while you try putting the ball cross the white plate.

LOL

Mike A. says:

Heh, easier said than done my friend.

mustang says:

Any idea about who they are going to use for IPK’s Twins start ?
I thought why not let Hughes or Pravano throw 80 pitches up in MLB.

Mike A. says:

Probably Rasner. I can’t see them rushing Hughes back like that, even if they keep him on a pitch count.

 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

Who would ya guys take Howie Kendrink or Robinson Cano?

Mike A. says:

That’s a good one, but I’ll go Cano. He’s a year older, but hits for more power and is better defensively. Neither has much plate discipline.

Steve H says:
 
 
A.D. says:

Cano, mainly because Kendrick always gets hurt

 
Accent Shallow says:

Robbie. Kendrick makes Cano look like a walk machine.

 
 
Ivan says:

what a hit by Christian.

 
Mike A. says:

J-Chrizzle in the house. What does Melky give you that Christian doesn’t?

Accent Shallow says:

Better arm, more potential.

I have no objections to CF being Melky/Christian/Damon, unless Melky starts hitting.

LiveFromNewYork says:

I like J-Christ in the center.

 
 
 
Davi says:

thank you justin for not being melky

 
gxpanos says:

Saunders reminds me a lot of Leiter.

 
Ivan says:
 
Mike A. says:

Come on Cap’n, big spot.

 
Ivan says:

I got one more: David Wright or Ryan Braun?

Fuck damon!!!!

A.D. says:

Wright, good defender, has the speed giving you that 30/30 ability. Can’t go wrong, Braun can rake

Ivan says:

Wright is not a good defender. He’s a heck of a hitter. I wanna take Braun but I trust Wright more better as a hitter.

A.D. says:

I meant more compared to Braun, should have written better defensively

 
 
 
Mike A. says:

Wright, easily. Plays a more premium position and is a way better OBP guy. Everything else is just about the same.

 
 
gxpanos says:
 
Davi says:

christians so fast why not try a squeeze

Davi says:

^^^ when damon was up

 
 
mustang says:
Davi says:

what’s your address?

 
 
A.D. says:
 
Ivan says:

Andy has bounce back nicely.

 
A.D. says:

finally they retire Napoli

 
Ivan says:

Yo Scott Shields pitches everyday.

 
Ivan says:

Gotta get Aybar out to complete this inning.

 
Ivan says:

Well at least he was out.

 
Accent Shallow says:

It’s refreshing to see the Angels’ aggressiveness actually resulting in out for once.

 
mustang says:

I know A-Rod has a double today, but here comes one of those chances to shut poeple up.

Mike A. says:

Ask and thee shall receive.

mustang says:

And then he takes it away !!!!!!

 
 
Accent Shallow says:

Clearly he’s not clutch, or he’d have hit that ball a little higher.

 
 
Mike A. says:

Jose Arredondo is Mike Scioscia’s Scott Proctor.

Ivan says:

It’s an amazing how he uses relievers like he does and yet everybody kills Torre.

 
 
Nady Nation says:

So unclutch, he can’t even hit it over the wall. Pathetic

 
Ivan says:

Damn I thought he had it. oh well he got a double.

 
mustang says:

Not what I had in mind, but I will take it.
Thank you Mr. A-Rod.

 
Mike A. says:

Okay, now that was bad.

 
Ivan says:
Mike A. says:

It’s okay, it’s not like the hottest hitter on the team was up or anything.

 
 
Stryker says:

love girardi for sticking up for his team. it would have to be raining scott proctors for torre to get up and say something.

 
Nady Nation says:

Ugh, way to kill an inning

 
Ivan says:

You know it’s a bad move when even if you are safe, it’s still a bad move.

 
Mike A. says:

Wow, that last angle made it look like he was safe.

 
E-ROC says:

Why try to steal third with Nady at the plate? Was it close at third?

 
Joe says:

Yes, but he was safe

 
 
Ivan says:

The inning that could of.

 
Mike A. says:

I will say this though, Napoli got a good pitch to throw. If it was down-and-away instead of up-and-in on Nady, A-Rod’s in there.

mustang says:

Mike A, I’m sorry but there is NO EXCUSING that play I don’t care you it is.

Mike A. says:

I agree, it was a terrible play. He’s already in scoring position, with Nady at the plate and presumably Giambi behind him ready to PH.

Mike A. says:

Nevermind, Cano was up after Nady.

 
 
Ivan says:

If that were the angels, it would be considered agressive. Leave that stuff to the Angels.

 
 
 
mustang says:

That’s FUCKING Nady who was batting only the hottest fucking batter on the Yanks.
This what I mean about A_ROD !!!!!

Joop says:

I’m sorry but you really come off as an idiot sometimes.

Mike A. says:

Hey! No name calling.

Joop says:

Wasn’t saying he was one…

 
mustang says:

No it’s fine Mike A anyone who didn’t see that as bad play is a lot bigger idiot then I could ever be.

 
 
mustang says:

Excuse me do you know anything about baseball READ ABOVE at Mike A comment. After that tell me who is the IDIOT.

 
 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

I take it you’re not voting for A-Rod as YES Network Chevy Player of the Game.

 
Joe says:

About Nady or the part where he stole the base and was safe, and would have scored on a sac. fly but was ruled out incorectly, you mean that part about Arod?

mustang says:

You just can’t try not with a bat like Nady up I’m sorry.

 
 
 
Ivan says:

Now who pitches the 8th?

Ivan says:
 
 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

Mike A. – Just a heads-up… Don’t know if you care to respond, but that guy Whitey14 responded to our conversation above re: Johnny Damon.

Mike A. says:

Nah, I’m going to leave it along. Whitey’s a cool guy. For a Sox fan. ;)

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

I wasn’t as mature as you lol. Should have just left it alone, whatever.

Whitey14 says:

I wasn’t offended and I didn’t take it as immature, just a disagreement. No big deal. I wasn’t trying to be a dick to Mike, sorry if it came off that way.

 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

I wouldn’t take out Pettitte here.

 
RustyJohn says:

How much faith do I have in my bullpen, asks Joe G. So little that I’ll send Andy back out there with 100 pitches in the 8th.

 
A.D. says:

Yeah I mean I get what A-Rod is trying to do, but with Nady, Cano, and a PH Giambi up, figure let the bats give it a shot

 
Mike A. says:

Yikes. If Vlad hit that ball is was landing in Encino.

 
A.D. says:

Nice A+ debut for De La Rosa

 
Ivan says:

Well Vlad does something better than DJ, that is GIDP’s

 
Mike A. says:

Let’s go Dama-so!

 
Mike A. says:

This at-bat will not end well. I’ve got a bad feeling.

Mike A. says:

For Vlad, I meant. Clearly.

 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:
 
 
Ivan says:
 
Ivan says:

You gotta get Hunter out.

 
Ivan says:
 
Ivan says:

One strike away. Lets Go.

 
Nady Nation says:
 
Mike A. says:

What a job by Marte. Now get the Hammer of god in there, for 2 if need be.

Accent Shallow says:

If only we could get that nickname to catch on.

 
Joe says:

So you really want to give him the ball without the lead?

Mike A. says:

Do you really feel comfortable sending anyone else in the ‘pen out there instead?

Joe says:

Trumped again, if only we had a solid 8th inning guy, who we could hand the ball to

 
 
 
 
A.D. says:

Thats why we traded for Marte

 
gxpanos says:

Does it seem like Marte throws A LOT of breaking balls? I know he pitched well right there. but in the few weeks I’ve watched him it seems he might not have enough faith in his fastball.

 
A.D. says:
 
Mike A. says:

K-Rod developing a changeup is just not fair.

 
Ivan says:
 
Ivan says:

Don’t Swing Christian.

 
Ivan says:

That’s Bullshit.

 
Mike A. says:

Nice strategy Girardi. Save Giambi’s OBP skills for when there’s 2 outs in the inning instead of sending him out there to lead off.

Nady Nation says:

Mike, in fairness to Girardi, he was probably saving Giambi to pinch run for Christian if he got on, and then pinch hit Melky for Molina.

 
 
Ivan says:

Maybe Bobby T. wasn’t that good.

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

lol, just saying the same thing to my tv.

 
Mike A. says:

He had a stretch in the late-80’s where he was as good as anyone in the game. Kay conveniently neglected to mention that he had back issues later in his career.

 
 
Ivan says:

Stop with the pussy ass Changeups.

Nady Nation says:

If by “pussy ass” you mean nasty

 
 
Ivan says:

Well who pitches the 9th?

 
dkidd says:

i hate k-rod

stop pointing at the sky!

LiveFromNewYork says:

what’s in the sky?

 
 
CJ says:

K-Rod drives me nuts. How in the world did Joba get criticized for celebrating every now and again with a fist-pump in a big situation, and this punk goes crazy with all the lame pointing and flailing every SINGLE time he pitches but gets no heat at all?

 
Kyle D. says:

You know whats lost in all the Melky-regression talk? The Cano regression. He is getting pretty unbearable for me to watch.

Nady Nation says:

He’s gotta be hitting close to .300 for the last month. Comparing Melky to Cano is pretty assinine.

Kyle D. says:

Not comparing the two, comparing the way they are evaluated. Just making a note that Cano doesn’t get the flak he probably should for coming into the season completely unprepared and not making strides in his plate discipline in his third full professional season. He still swings far too much and doesn’t walk at all, so when he doesn’t hit, hes essentially useless as hes not on base.

Thats my point. Not that Cano is as bad as Melky.

Nady Nation says:

Completely unprepared? He was scorching hot in Spring Training and he even told reporters how he wanted to make sure he got off to a good start this year. That’s a baseless statement on your part

Kyle D. says:

Baseless how? He hit .220 for the first sixty games of the season. Thats not bad luck. He didn’t hit .250 until July. A quote about how hes prepared doesn’t make him so.

Remember the great spring training LaTroy Hawkins had and how much that mattered?

Nady Nation says:

Since you’re clearly the expert in this situation, please explain how you would’ve liked Cano to prepare better coming into the season – I’d love to hear it. Of course Spring Training stats don’t matter, but the fact that he was mashing indicates he was PREPARED for the season. Boo hoo for you if he’s becoming “unbearable” for YOU to watch. Poor baby. Not everything goes as planned in baseball, sometimes guys have slumps. You’d be a fool to not want Robinson Cano on your team.

Kyle D. says:

Wow, defend Robinson Cano much? I want him to do as well as anybody else, but the fact is hes played lackadaisically all year (tell me he doesn’t look lazy on defense?).

And I don’t need to give ideas for Robinson Cano to come in better prepared for the season, thats a insipid comment if there ever was one. Its along the same vein as “Well, you can’t play major league baseball so who are YOU to criticize?” A player as good as Robinson Cano doesn’t “slump” for half the season without a reason, so I’m chalking it up to preparation and a little bad luck. Yes, his BABIP was lower earlier in the season, but that wasn’t all that was going on.

If you want to keep your eyes shut and pretend hes playing well go ahead, I’m just no so damned blind.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ivan says:
 
Mike A. says:

Oh good, another 40+ pitch outing for Marte? Excellent. Recipe for success.

Ivan says:
Mike A. says:

This is driving me nuts though. Marte in his second inning of work is like, the 4th best option right now.

 
 
 
Ivan says:

55 Million dollar Bench player.

 
gxpanos says:

Whew. Marte’s a monster when it comes to pickoff moves.

 
Joe says:

Is Marte’s pitch limit 42?

 
A.D. says:

I figured the K-Rod sky pointing was only after saves/game over

LiveFromNewYork says:

what is he pointing at?

A.D. says:
 
 
 
Ivan says:
 
CJ says:

Rex Hudler is ridiculous, btw.

Ivan says:
CJ says:

He’s just such a blatant, lame homer for the Angels. When Tex exchanged gloves w/ Giambi up, he made a series of comments about what a smart move it was to change his glove if something was loose. When A-Rod was clearly safe and he knew it, he just kept saying how if the ball beats you, you’re out, without saying that he was indeed out, b/c the replay proved he was clearly safe like three times.

Davi says:

thank you I totally agree. conceited arrogant and awful.

Whitey14 says:

Having met Rex Hudler in Boston when he was playing for Anaheim in the mid-nineties, he just doesn’t come across on T.V. very well. He’s as nice a guy as you’d ever want to meet, polite, accomodating and a guy who lives and loves baseball.

He is an Angels homer, no doubt, but conceited and arrogant he’s not.

That’s just my opinion though :-)

 
 
 
 
 
Ivan says:
 
Ivan says:
 
 
CJ says:

At least Girardi pulled him before it was over this time.

 
Ivan says:

Girardi you could of done that earlier.

Mike A. says:

Preferably before the winning run reached scoring position.

 
 
gxpanos says:

The Messiah should have just started this inning.

 
Ivan says:

Mo’s #’s trumps every # except sv’s compare to K-Rod.

 
 
Ivan says:
 
Nady Nation says:

What the fuck was that??????????????? How is that ball not fielded!

CJ says:

How did he not at least dive for that ball? I know he got a bad jump or something, but at the end, he just watched it go right by him. What kind of freaking effort is that?

 
 
Davi says:

not a save situation though. bit nervous. and fuck the rally monkey

 
CJ says:

What the #@$@#$@%#!@#$!@#$!@#$???????? CANOOOOOOOOO?????????

 
gxpanos says:

If Mo starts this inning, we’re in the 10th right now.

 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:
 
Ivan says:
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

Unfortunately it doesn’t matter if K-Rod’s change-ups were bitch ass, or if their hits were bitch ass. They count.

Who else is psyched to sulk around on a Sunday night? Fantastic.

Ivan says:

no, no, no. That was a lucky hit.

 
 
 
E-ROC says:

LOL, that’s just bad luck. That just makes u want to off yourself. Sucks.

CJ says:

Sure seemed to me like Cano just flat-out gave up on that ball.

 
 
GoYankees says:

Damn, we just can’t keep those monkeys from rallying

 
Ivan says:
 
Ivan says:

CAno needs to be benched for the next two games for that play. How does he not try to keep the ball in the infield???

 
Mike A. says:

Another loss wrestled from the jaws of victory. Nice job by Girardi leaving Marte in too long. Again.

 
doty says:

season is officially over the yankees are pathetic never thought I would say this. so many opportunities with a runner on 3rd less than 2 out and cannot score even once! SO PATHETIC!

Ivan says:

THAT is the story of the year more so than injuries and pitching. They are a horrible situational team and they deserve every 1-run loss they’ve had.