Sep
18

Game 153: Do or die for Moose’s quest

By Benjamin Kabak

If Mike Mussina wants to win 20 games this year, he has but one choice tonight. He must win. He will make three starts, counting this evening’s, before the season runs out. If he wins them all, 20 wins will be his.

Unfortunately for Mussina, he has done little winning lately. While the Yanks are 5-2 over his last seven starts, Moose has nailed down just two W’s in that period, and his ERA over that stretch of 43 innings is 4.81. Mussina will also attempt to keep his walk total lower than his number of games started. He has allowed 27 base-on-balls in 31 starts.

This could also be Moose’s last career start in Yankee Stadium for the Yankees. In his Yankee career, Moose is 69-38 with a 3.66 ERA in 125 starts.

Facing Mussina will be old friend Javier Vazquez. The former Yankee is 12-13 with a 4.13 ERA. In his only 2008 outing against the Yanks, Vazquez allowed 10 hits and six earned runs in 5.1 innings of work. Meanwhile, on the year, Javy’s allowed a hit per inning and has just a hair under a strike per inning. If you want to talk about the Yanks’ selling low, Vazquez should enter the conversation.

In other news, Juan Miranda makes his Major League debut tonight. He kills right-handed pitching.

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

Mussina P

Posted on Thursday, September 18th, 2008 at 6:15 pm in Game Threads.

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367 Comments »

Mike Pop says:

Hope Miranda goes deep

Mike Pop says:
 
 
1996 Yankee Alumni Society says:

Good luck Mike! If nothing else 20 wins might make Steve Phillips think of Mussina
as a HOF pitcher (like the way Phillips’ feels about his broadcast partner
Orel Hershiser. Good God in heaven). Is anti-Yankee bias the only reason Phillips has a job at ESPN?

Peace!

 
pat says:

im actually pretty pumped to see miranda

Chip says:

He could be there next season if they don’t sign Tex or Giambi (or Dunn)

 
 
Manimal says:

God damn it! Just when I get ready to do homework and ignore the useless and pitiful games, Juan miranda is starting and now i need to watch the game. Thanks Yankees. Gardner is also up to leadoff again. That melky guy didnt really work out.

 
Manimal says:

OH YEAH mike, I JUST got promoted to the NHL, I shot 3 pucks off the crossbar in my first game. some luck.

Mike A. says:

Nice. My record in my Dynasty is 4-6-0-5 or so. I was having serious trouble scoring with the manual aiming, but I’m starting to get the hang of it.

Heh, it’s funny. At first I was shooting way wide, then I was shooting just a little wide, then I was hitting the iron, and now they’re starting to go in.

My record would be way worse without Holmqvist, he’s a man amongst boys in net.

Manimal says:

Haha I’m still getting used to it to, It seems like in the AHL I got the hang of it then in the NHL the Defense is just that much tighter that you miss barely.

 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

Hoorah !!! for home homegrown talent

Manimal says:

Look at the list the past two years of home grown talent that was called up. Pretty impressive. Probably better than the redsox in that span.

 
 
Ivan says:

Man I knew having a job was rough but damn it can be just draining on the body.

Manimal says:

lol where do you work? I work at a supermarket and the constant right-left motion at the register really takes a toll on my back. The only reason I don’t play sports anymore is because I have a really bad back and that just makes it worse.

Ivan says:

I work at an afterschool program. Try working with loud, obnoxious and annoying kids for a couple hours at a time. It’s my first job ever too.

Manimal says:

HAHAHA I HAVE dude. My first job was at Pump it up, a local birthday party place for kids. It has inflatable bouncing stuff. I supervised the birthday parties and made sure no one go hurt. Did you have to clean pee poop from inflatable rides?

If you think I’m joking I’m not, http://www.pumpitup.com. The only reason I worked there is because they hired at 15 and no one else does in MA. Once I turned 16 I quit and now I work at price chopper.

Manimal says:
Ivan says:

Nah you help kids with they HW and etc.

Manimal says:

yeah dude you get the polite side of the kids, I got the rotten side of them in my old job.

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Ivan says:

That’s what you think. It ain’t like that trust me.

 
 
 
 
 
E-ROC says:

try raising them. do u want mine?

Manimal says:

Haha I’m good thanks.

Mike A. says:

That’s the best part about other people’s kid. You can play with them and stuff when they’re fun and cute, but once they start crying you can give them back.

 
 
Ivan says:

surprise you got kids.

 
 
 
 
 
E-ROC says:

I will actually get to watch this game on WGN-Chicago. Lucky me!

Baldelli/Miranda platoon at DH next year? Sounds like a plan to me.

 
Mike Pop says:

i wanna see a brett gard home run

 
Mike Pop says:

Try being a busboy man shit is rough

 
Mike Pop says:

Is Tex gonna top that 140 mill deal that Texas offered him ?

 
Mike Pop says:

102 yrs old god bless him

 
Mike Pop says:

Ill say no too mussina shut him down so type A dont go away

Mike A. says:

He’s pretty locked into that. Nothing he does in his last few starts should change that now.

Mike Pop says:

You agree tho right… Hes been much different lately. I love what hes done but i could not give him a 2 yr deal after what ive seen in the second half… My dad is the best hes like he throws garbage up there idk how he gets ppl out

 
 
 
Manimal says:

Damon was granted a day off to spend time with his wife, Michelle, who just had a baby girl, Danica.

Mike A. says:
Manimal says:

Danica Damon. Girardi asked if she was going to be a racecar driver and he said “she can be whatever she wants”

Mike Pop says:

Well Danica Patrick and Michelle are great friends i read somewhere

 
Mike A. says:

You know, it would be pretty badass to have Johnny Damon as your old man.

Manimal says:

then again, I’d hate to get his jaw.

 
 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

I don’t know about you guys but I wanna see players that interest me. Like Miranda, Hughes, Joba, Robertson and etc.

Mike A. says:

It would be nice if Humberto pitched tonight. He was up the pen the other day, but nothing.

Mike Pop says:

ya id really like to see him pitch

 
Ivan says:

Yea love to see him. Guys like Giambi and even Jeter and A-Rod don’t really get me all hype and stuff. Well except Mariano cuz hey that dude is fun to watch all the time. Yea it’s a inning but it’s a damn fun inning pitch.

Mike Pop says:

Whaaaaaaaaaaattt ! Arod and Jeter you dont like watching ???? lol i guess i know what ya mean but i like watching those 2 cano and gardner as of right now i liekd watching melky alot when he gave some great at bats

Ivan says:

Im not dissing A-Rod or DJ, it’s that the season is basically over and you know, you wanna see the new talent/the younger guys.

Mike Pop says:
 
 
 
 
 
 
giselle says:

it seems odd to see pitchers blowing on their hands. although it was kinda cold out today.

 
Mike Pop says:

I really hope we deal Damon tho sell high ya know

 
E-ROC says:

Mussina ain’t missing many bats.

 
Manimal says:

Where is sexson’s 6 foot 8 reach when you need it

 
Mike Pop says:

I cant beleive Bedard thats wild lets give him a 3 yr deal worth 12 mill

Manimal says:

except he signed last year.

Mike Pop says:

they were talking bout non tendering him tho

 
 
Mike A. says:

I’m fairly certain he could get more than that on the open market, shoulder issues or not.

Mike Pop says:

if he gets non tendered i see toronto giving him a contract but idk how much he will make a year not much more than 5 6 mill i would think

 
 
 
giselle says:

i bet 50 cents that javy vazquez has a 10-pitch inning.

 
Jamal G. says:

Did Al Leiter just say Javier Vazquez is second in the Major Leagues in K’s since 2000 (Randy Johnson)?

Ivan says:

surprising, Javier Vazquez has always been a very good pitcher. Put it this way, if Hughes could be Vazquez, you take that right now in a heartbeat.

Chip says:

He doesn’t quite have as much movement or speed as Hughes though. Kinda sad to say that isn’t it? Hughes could DEFINITELY be Vazquez and still not be at his full potential

 
 
Mike A. says:

Holy shit he is. Comfortable lead over Pedro at #3 too.

http://tinyurl.com/52cyp4

 
 
Mike Pop says:

Lol @ Michael Kay talking bout Pavano

 
Mike Pop says:
 
E-ROC says:
 
giselle says:

damn that ball was smoked! yea bobby!

 
 
Mike Pop says:

Vazquez dont give up HR’s eh

 
giselle says:

who is this team and what have they done with the 2008 yankees?

Steve H says:

I don’t know who this team is, but I know what happened to the 2008 Yankees. Remember, they quit on Girardi

Mike Pop says:
 
Ivan says:

Yea Girardi has lost this team.

 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

Random thought—Mark Prior ??? Has he done anything since he signed with the Padres ?? does he have any gas left in the tank

Chip says:
 
Jamal G. says:

Got injured, is rehabbing now if they did not shut him down earlier in the year (I think they did, in late May or early June).

 
 
E-ROC says:

‘He gone!’ LOL, that has to be one of the coolest phrases in broadcasting.

 
Mike Pop says:

Could Tino be the next GM ?

Chip says:

After next season’s WS championship, Girardi will probably be around for awhile :)

Mike Pop says:

Lol but hes the manager my dude

Chip says:

My bad, I’m dumb. What qualifications does Tino have to be a GM? I don’t think being a former player has as much to do with being GM rather than the skipper

Mike Pop says:

Idk im just saying isnt he like a special assistant or something

 
Steve says:

He would be the handsomest GM in Baseball, and all the other GM’s would follow him around just hoping to get some of his sloppy seconds.

So he could negotiating a deal with Billy Beane like this

TM-”I really want that top prospect you have”
BB-”Sorry, but I can’t. We really need him and he’s going to be great”
TM-”I’ll let you hang out with me at the Mall”
BB-”Deal!!”

 
 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

I still wouldn’t trade Cano.

Mike Pop says:

me either man me either

 
 
Illustrious says:

Asking here because some might have baseball experience… after a bad first inning, is it possible for a pitcher to go back in the clubhouse and kind of mentally fix his “stuff” for the night? Or is what he has what he has, generally speaking?

Chip says:

“Stuff” changes from pitch to pitch for me. I would sometimes hang a curve one pitch and then throw a filthy one right at the spot I was going for the next. The part you get back on the bench is more about control, you have a chance to calm down a bit

Illustrious says:

Interesting. I’ve almost always heard MLB pitchers refer to their “stuff” as being pretty much the same all night, e.g. “I had good stuff today,” “I didn’t have my best stuff today.” Good and bad “stuff” is an interesting phenomenon to me, as someone who’s never thrown a pitch off a mound.

Chip says:

Well yeah, there were definitely nights I could feel like I was going to dominate and other nights that I couldn’t get a ball to break if my life depended on it. I still say that “stuff” changes all the time though. You can go through pretty much any start and see a pitcher just nailed a corner with a curveball or something. When you’re on, that just happens more often

 
 
 
Steve says:

Generally speaking, a pitcher is trying to figure out two things in the first inning.

1-Whats working for him that night

2-What the ump is calling for strikes

Once he has those two things nailed down, he’s in business. Thats why you don’t go nuts over guys who have shaky 1st innings. Lots a great, veteran pitchers do. Its all about making the adjustments.

 
 
Ivan says:

I remember when Girardi hit that Triple in the 96 WS, I was so hyped and watching that crowed going insane was one of those moments that made me a yankee fan.

 
E-ROC says:
 
Jamal G. says:

I can really see why people hate Derek Jeter, the way people talk about him is nauseating at times.

mascot says:

Epic ball-washing from Kay.

“He doesn’t treat people poorly.” Wow!

Illustrious says:

And “doesn’t treat anyone as if they’re beneath him.” Meanwhile, I know FOR A FACT Kay does.

Mike Pop says:

kay didnt tip me when he ate at my restaraunt once that prick

Illustrious says:
 
 
 
 
 
Chip says:

Good ole AA Scranton

 
Chip says:

Well that was anti-climatic

 
Mike A. says:

Miranda must be a Mario Lemeuix fan.

 
Samsonov KGB says:

well he has an obp………

 
Illustrious says:

Bunting with Gardner up next? Okay…

 
Samsonov KGB says:

miranda slid real early

Steve H says:

Saving his face. Especially with Molina running. Not gonna be a close play no matter what.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

God Damn, George King is a fucking idiot. He actually mentioned Jake Peavy is a trade candidate for the Yankees this off-season. Yes, I’m sure Kevin Towers will be chomping at the bit to trade Peavy. You know, Jake Peavy, the guy who is under contract for the next five seasons at a total of $78M (2009 club option for $8M, 2013 club option for $22M) and the guy who is the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner.

Mike A. says:

They are looking to shed payroll. They could clean house if they trade Peavy, at least 3 quality young players. Cano, Hughes and Jackson would be a starting point.

Mike Pop says:

Would you give up Cano Hughes and Jackson for him I dont think I could

Chip says:

Probably not but that’s where they’ll start. I bet they could get Cano, Hughes and Coke for him. That could be pretty decent from what we’ve seen from Coke thus far. You figure at least you get a young starting 2B who could be great, at least a number 3 starter with serious upside and a lefty reliever who could be a pretty good starter

Mike Pop says:

I couldnt do it man lol I just couldnt .. Peavy is the real deal and all I know but Phil could be great and I would rather take the risk

 
Jamal G. says:

Nah, we’re talking about two up-the-middle position players that are 25-and-under and a 22-year-old starter with a #1 starter’s ceiling.

Ivan says:

especially pitching in that park.

 
 
 
mascot says:

Absolutely. He’s terrific and only 27. Feels like he’s been around forever.

 
 
Ivan says:

Persoanlly I wouldn’t trade those guys for Peavy. His #’s are not as great considering he plays in the best pitcher’s ballpark and pitch in a weaker league specifically a weaker division. He’s a very good pitcher though.

 
Jamal G. says:

According to MLBTR, via Buster Olney, the Padres want to cut their 2009 payroll to around $50M. At $73M now, the loss of Brian Giles and Trevor Hoffman would be about half that $23M drop.

I don’t know, I just can’t see why they would entertains erious offers for Peavy when they are in that division. A couple savvy moves and they could be right back where they were in 2008, on the cusp of October baseball.

Mike Pop says:

Bobby !!! Hot Damn but i dont think they will trade him for at least 2 years because if he stays decent they could still get a good haul when he nears FA

 
 
 
Ivan says:

There not trading Peavy period, even if they are shedding payroll.

 
 
Illustrious says:

I feel like the Yanks should be hammering Vazquez a lot harder than they are. All I know is that I want like 6+ER given up by him tonight. Thanks for 2004, Javy.

 
E-ROC says:

Bobby Abreu bringing out the power stroke tonight.

 
Samsonov KGB says:

zack hample almost caught anotgher hr ball it was pretty close to him

 
Samsonov KGB says:
giselle says:

crazy. i cant believe he can ask for a ball in 27 different languages or whatever… he said it perfectly in spanish and italian.

he does come off as a bit of a fraud carrying around gear from both teams, though.

Mike A. says:

I’ve caught one ball in my life. Actually, it was more like I was the first to grab it off the ground. Darryl Strawberry in BP, about 20 years ago, RF seats in Shea.

 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

Bobby Abreu is really making me fight myself on whether he should be allowed to walk or not. I know the Yanks need to get younger and better defensively (and the extra couple of draft picks wouldn’t hurt), but damn, this guy is pretty fucking important to the 2009 and 2010 Yankees.

Mike Pop says:

I agree Bobby is a solid hitter and despite his troubles defensively i think hes got at least one more good year of baseball left him him for the yankeees

 
mascot says:

Everyone would want him back if he were the DH.

 
Ivan says:

I think Abreu gets underrated by yanks fans. He’s been one of the better hitters in big spots and he still has a good eye at the plate and can hit very well.

 
Chip says:

Problem is, who do you start? You could play Damon in center, Matsui/Nady in left and then Damon in center. I think the Yankees would like an outfield of Matsui/Damon in left, Gardner in center (with A-Jax on the way) and Nady in right. Besides, Bobby isn’t coming back for one year, he’ll have much better offers

 
 
Mike Pop says:

Id give em 50 mill and some B prospects hah

 
Ivan says:

I have a feeling that AJ Burnett is gonna be a yankee next season. CC is far from a lock to sign with Yanks and While I like Sheets, the yanks might avoid him especially with the “stiff forearm”.

Mike Pop says:

As most of you know I am OK with that

 
 
Mike Pop says:

If we dont land any of the FA guys would you make a deal for Duke in Oakland

Jamal G. says:

Nah, played over his head this year and Billy Beane wont deal him for what he’s worth.

Mike Pop says:

So what would u do go in with what we had this year ?

Jamal G. says:

To be frank, what I really want o do is kind of just go through a rebuilding year next season. Offer arbitration to Mike Mussina and Bobby Abreu (hopefully Mussina declines), try our best to find the fairest value for Johnny Damon and anything significant for Hideki Matsui, and decline the option on Damarso Marte and try to coup another Type A compensation.

Realistically, that shit ain’t happening. So I think I would do my best homework on Ben Sheets and if I’m confident in his long-term health, I’d sign him and Derek Lowe instead of Ben Sheets to three and four-year deals at the most, respectively. I also would take a look at Mike Cameron, see if I can get him on a two-year deal to be a stopgap for Austin Jackson and insurance for Rocco Baldelli if he makes sense, financially. For First Base I would go with a platoon of Juan Miranda and Xavier Nady and not risk offering arbitration to Jason Giambi.

Mike Pop says:

Cmon man Lowe ? and i think u mean burnett

Jamal G. says:

Derek Lowe is a Type-B guy and he can be had for less years. To be honest, if he can’t be had on a two-year pact, just move on and hope Andy Pettitte just needed some rest.

Mike A. says:

Lowe is a Type-A. The Tigers Thoughts guy made a mistake and posted an update.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

Sorry, in that second paragraph where it read:

“I’d sign him and Derek Lowe instead of Ben Sheets to three and four-year deals at the most, respectively.”

was supposed to say that I would sign Sheets and Lowe to four and three-year deals at the most, respectively. If that can’t be done, go for broke on C.C. Sabathia.

Mike Pop says:

I like sheets but i couldnt sign Lowe for us hes gonna be in the nl

Jamal G. says:

Don’t put too much thought in what I said. I hate having these type of discussions, playing armchair GM. I find it idiotic. I was just trying to answer your question.

…I feel dirty now.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

Michael Kay is such a douche.

 
Mike Pop says:
 
E-ROC says:

LMAO, this dude is stealing paint chips off the left field foul pole and keeping them as souvenirs.

 
Jamal G. says:

Saw “Burn After Reading” this afternoon, I really liked it. It’s a nice movie, to put it simply. Something you go to see if you just want to see a movie, not nothing you should really care about missing out on or anything like that.

The story makes you say: “Are you fucking kidding me?” in a lighthearted sort of way.

Brad Pitt and John Malkovich were really good in this one.

Steve says:

You seem to be a big movie buff. I don’t know why, but for whatever reason when people sit around talking about movies, those conversations just seem to go nowhere.

There was a local radio show all about movies (with a critic I liked) a few years back and it was the most boring show I’ve ever heard. Every call would go like this-
“I saw that ‘blah blah’ movie last night. I really liked it. ”
“Yeah, I saw that too. It was pretty good.”
“Yeah . . . . uh-huh . . . . ”
“OK, thanks for the call”

Mike and the Mad Dog would mix in movie talk occasionally and it was the same thing. I don’t understand why that is.

 
 
Mike Pop says:
 
Mike Pop says:

MY dad is a hughe Mantle fan was his favorite player. Still thinks he could of been better than Willie Mays.. I know everything there is too know bout Mantle cuz of him lol… Mantle was awesome tho such a cool name too

 
Mike Pop says:

The Giants have decided to keep Tim Lincecum on four days’ rest next week to give him two more starts after tonight.

Getting a Cy Young Award apparently trumps the hopes of the Giants’ franchise going forward. Lincecum should have pitched only once more because of the Giants’ off day Monday, but he’ll go Tuesday and Sunday. Jonathan Sanchez loses a start as a result. This likely means that Lincecum will finish with the year at 225-230 innings pitched. The Giants shut him down after 177 1/3 innings in 2007. Courtesy of Rotoworld

Man they are working him huh

Jamal G. says:

Not to mention that pitch-count wise, he is the most abused pitcher in the Major Leagues. Matt Cain is fifth. Bruce Bochy, ladies and gentlemen, Bruce Bochy.

Mike Pop says:

And look at Matt Cain struggling hard this year

BklynJt says:

Let’s see how this affects Lincecum next year. If Lincecum doesnt suffer any ill effects from the high innings/pitch counts this year, the debate on pitch counts will have some new light. Lincecum supposedly has a very solid delivery and people will try to argue that it’s not the increase in pitch counts that causes the injury but faults in pitchers mechanics.

 
 
 
 
Chip says:
 
Mike A. says:

Holy shit I think Ben just caught that Cano near homer. Either that or the dude looks just like him.

Mike Pop says:
giselle says:

yea, or text. duh, mike.

Mike A. says:

hi ben. u r the best. u catch canos hr? kthanxbye

 
 
 
 
 
Chip says:

That was strike three on Molina

 
giselle says:

what about getting a hole in one in golf? i bet thats harder than hitting a baseball, michael kay.

Mike Pop says:

Or scoring 100 points in a basketball game that could be harder

Chip says:

Yeah but shooting a basket isn’t as hard or hitting a golf ball. I really think that there’s no other more difficult thing than hitting a major league pitch

Mike A. says:

There’s no way I could make contact with a ML pitch. And if I did, I wouldn’t hit it past the pitcher’s mound.

Mike Pop says:

I think you could gotta have aluminum bat tho … I could hit Mussina’s fastball with my bat..haha

BklynJt says:

For once Michael has made a valid statement. People just hate him so much that they’re argue for arguing sake. I hate him too so I’m not complaining.

 
 
 
 
 
Mike A. says:

The golf ball isn’t coming at you at 95mph with 55,000 screaming fans surrounding you.

giselle says:

pshh, maybe not where you play.

 
Jamal G. says:

No, instead they have disrespectful fans who keep their cell-phone ringers on as the guy is in their back-swing.

Those bastards…

 
 
E-ROC says:

Driving over 200 mph is probably harder than hitting a baseball.

Jamal G. says:

I never really thought about that, that is a good one.

BklynJt says:

Unless your just making left turns….

 
 
 
 
Chip says:

How is Gardner supposed to steal second now?

Steve says:

I thought everyone said “You can’t steal first” about him.

Now he’s supposed to steal SECOND as well?

Where does it end with you people?

 
 
 
E-ROC says:
 
Mike Pop says:

Bobby hits this than hits a 3 run homer next time up and gets the hr cycle

Mike A. says:

That would be nuts. Remember when A-Rod almost did it a few years ago? I think he just needed a solo shot.

Mike Pop says:

Was it against the Angels ?

Mike A. says:

Yep, Bartolo Colon. The 3 HR 10 RBI game.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Intead he got a RBI-1B. Un-clutch.

 
 
 
E-ROC says:

Here is my homework; what do ya think?:

Post your response to the following discussion question by clicking on Reply. Your response should be between 200-300 words.

Discuss recent reform efforts at the intercollegiate level to emphasize the term student in the student-athlete identity. College sport reform is discussed on pp. 77-79 of the text.

* Do you think college athletes should be compensated for their athletic prowess either through paychecks or other rewards?
* Speculate how paying and rewarding athletes could both positively and negatively affect intercollegiate athletics.

Mike Pop says:
E-ROC says:

Sports Management; I want to be the GM of an NFL or NBA franchise. LOL, the MLB is too complicated for my taste.

Mike Pop says:

Mlb is the best you have so much to deal with with no caps !!!

 
 
 
Mike A. says:

* Fuck no.
* They would just become spoiled brats that much sooner. God forbid someone out there still plays for the love of the game. There’s a reason why the CWS is so great while the WS sucks ass.

steve (different one) says:

aren’t “scholarships” like getting paid?

isn’t college like $30-40K/year these days?

 
 
Jamal G. says:

1. Yes, college athletes should be compensated in a monetary form. One way would be to set up a trust fund that can only be accessed if the student-athlete graduates or reaches some combination of athletic and academic achievements.

2. One way that would have both a positive and negative aspect is recruiting. Having financial benefits for the student-athletes (SA) would allow for cross-country schools to recruit SA’s more effectively from across the country. For example, USC would have a greater chance to sign a player from Florida because they can recruit a player from outside of their normal talent pool.

The addition of monetary benefits could affect recruiting negatively because now schools like Rutgers, who has limited reach as is (sorry Joe), will basically have zero chance to recruit any top-level talents because now they will be outbid by the top schools on both a field level and financial level.

It can also positively affect intercollegiate athletics because now SA’s will see getting their college education is of greater benefit than it was in the past. No longer are they forfeiting every single cent they would earn in the next three or four years just to attend school, they would be getting money and the added bonus of a college education.

*That’s just off the top of my head, so sorry for the rough thesis and all.

Ivan says:

I totally disagree with ya there. I don’t think college athletes shouldn’t get paid.

BklynJt says:

They are getting an education!!! People would kill for a free ride to college and they should be grateful for that opportunity. No way in hell should they get paid.

 
 
 
 
Mike A. says:

Where the fuck has this team been all year?

giselle says:

um, thats what i said. who is this team?!

27 this year says:

The pressure is off so now they learned how to hit. Many of the guys just have contracts to play for now.

 
 
 
giselle says:

damn that bobby’s on fire!

 
Chip says:
 
Samsonov KGB says:

right through the legs

 
Mike A. says:

All I ask is that they go into Fenway that last series with a chance to knock the Sox out of the playoffs. That’s the Yanks’ postseason right there.

giselle says:

thats basically the only reason i look at the standings anymore. to see if that possibility still exists. its not looking to good, though.

 
mustang says:

Mike A. you just gave me a reason to watch Yankees baseball. You’re a genius it would actually give meaning to this waste of a month I’m asking right with you.

 
mustang says:

I just saw the standings.
LOL
Good luck with that back to the Heroes premiere.

 
 
Samsonov KGB says:

pleaseeeee let miranda get up there

 
Mike A. says:

Hey, the more runs they score, the more likely Humberto pitches.

 
Mike A. says:

Kay: “John did you ever go 0 for 2 in one inning?”

Flaherty: “Oh yeah.”

Kay: “Isn’t that like the worst feeling in the world?”

Flaherty: … fuck you Michael.

Mike A. says:

Didn’t someone make all 3 outs in the same inning a few years ago, in the mid-to-late 90s or something? I want to say it was Dante Bichette, but I dunno…

Mike A. says:
Mike Pop says:

Lol Yo mike you say some funny shit man

 
Steve says:

Somebody said the other day that a 1B had an unassisted triple play for the Red Sox in the 40s or something. They explained it, and I still have no idea how it happened.

Man on 1st and 2nd. Caught the ball, stepped on the bag . . then chased . . . Nope, that doesn’t work.

Mike A. says:

Huh, interesting.

I remember that Showalter explained a triple play on BBTN where no one ever caught the ball:

Runners on first and second, no outs, 3-2 count. Showalter was the 3B coach (in the minors) and sends the runners. Hitter pops the ball up on the IF, so the umps call the IF Fly rule, 1 out. The batter that was on first wasn’t paying attention and passed the runner that was on second on the basepaths, 2 outs. The popped up ball then hit the runner that was on second in the helmet on the fly, 3 outs.

Steve says:

Wow.

That goes into the “watch Baseball long enough and you’ll see something you’ve never seen before” file.

steve (different one) says:

here’s something i’ve never seen but would think should have happened by now:

runner steals second, catcher throws down and nails the pitcher who is ducking down.

i’m surprised i’ve never seen that.

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

Heh, I remember Ken Harvey getting hit in the back while ducking down on the IF during the throw home. Ah Royals’ baseball.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

Talk about bad luck.

 
 
Steve says:

Flaherty:”I dunno. What does it feel like having a head the size of parade float?”

 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

Ya i wanna see Humberto

 
Mike A. says:

Ben just replied to my text. He’s sitting in LF, so no, he didn’t catch Cano’s near homer.

steve (different one) says:

how was his grammar? awful?

 
 
 
Illustrious says:

Gardner’s routes to the ball are pretty terrible.

Mike Pop says:

yaa damon is betteer……………. too bad he drops the balls or makes them go over the cf wall ..David Wright

Illustrious says:

Where did I imply that Damon was better?

Mike Pop says:
 
 
 
steve (different one) says:

really? not saying you are wrong, but to me he’s looked pretty awesome the last week.

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Kudos to Yankee Stadium playing “Disturbia” by Rihanna. I love that video.

 
Samsonov KGB says:

cano looks funny with his legs closed, but hey its working

 
Mike Pop says:
 
steve (different one) says:

i’d like to see miranda smoke one here

 
Jamal G. says:

Who the hell said Juan Miranda was slim last night? Dude his brolic as hell.

 
Mike Pop says:

When Kay gets going he dont stop

 
Steve says:

Its really a culture shock to watch a CF cover so much ground. Its something I haven’t seen in years, if at all.

Damon is an average CF, Bernie had good speed but usually got a bad jump. Ricky Henderson might have been the last really good, fast CF we’ve had. I don’t remember how good Roberto Kelly, Claudell Washington or Mickey Rivers were.

Actually, come to think of it Bubba Crosby had really good speed as well.

 
E-ROC says:

Molina damn near had a hernia trying to hit that first pitch.

 
Samsonov KGB says:

whats the record for most consecutive walks to start a career?

 
 
E-ROC says:

RBI single for Brett Gardner.

 
Ivan says:

Clay Buchholz is going to the AZL.

Mike A. says:

Yeah I saw that. That league is stacked this year. Wieters, Snider, Hanson, Marson, G-Becks, Wallace, Ajax, Cardenas, Hughes, Buchholz, Hodges, Beau Mills … that’s insane.

 
Steve says:

You might add Joba to that list as well.

 
 
Steve says:

Wasn’t he supposed to be the ace of BOS staff by now? I seem to remember hearing he was better than Joba from some BA types.

 
 
Illustrious says:

Can Kay stop treating the broadcast as an interview?

Steve says:

MK-”Al, do you think Jeter just blocks all those cameras out? Being such a big star, do you think he’s used to it?”

AL-”Oh yeah. You have to block that stuff out. Comes with the territory.”

MK-”Oh please, Al. Like you have any idea what its like to be Derek Jeter. Who the fuck do you think you’re kidding?”

Illustrious says:

I especially liked when he kept asking question after question and Flaherty was just like “… yes.”

 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

No offense to Derek Jeter, but Steve Spagnuolo is still the “King of New York” in my mind.

 
Joey says:

Mike, I’ve been trying to see the updated BA Tops Prospects by league, but this page hasn’t been updated: http://www.baseballamerica.com.....66854.html

I haven’t looked around the site yet to see if it’s just that page though

Mike A. says:

That’s it:

http://www.baseballamerica.com.....ects/2008/

Lop of the random numbers at the end of the URL.

Joey says:

Thanks, appreciate it

Mike A. says:
 
 
 
 
E-ROC says:

Damn, it’s STILL the 5th inning!

Mike A. says:

Seriously. I want to get some quality NHL 09 time in after the game, but at this rate…

 
 
Mike A. says:

So … do we want to starting taking bets on how the Mets’ pen is going to blow this one?

 
giselle says:

why is alex rodriguez blonde? why?

Mike A. says:

Man, now Kay’s giving it to him.

 
 
Steve says:

You see that color all the time in Chelsea bars.

Samsonov KGB says:
Steve says:

Don’t ask me how I know that.

 
 
 
 
Samsonov KGB says:

lol hahaha funniest shit kay ever said.

 
Ivan says:

Hey Mike you see Buchholz breaking out alla Lester? And overall who ya breakout players in 09?

Mike A. says:

If he figures out how to pitch out of the stretch, then yeah, I can see him breaking out. As far as breakout players in 09, I’ll say … Alex Gordon, Felix Hernandez, Lastings Milledge and The Justin Upton.

Ivan says:

Buchholz control also left him as well.

 
giselle says:

and hughes? or does hughes spend a big chunk of 2009 at AAA?

Mike A. says:

I kept Hughes off for fear of looking like a homer. He’s certainly on the short list though.

 
 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

I can’t wait for the day when someone (preferably Kim Jones) makes a fat joke about Kay.

Seriously though, Kay has gained a significant amount of weight. I think it was 2007 when he just blew up.

 
Chip says:
 
Ivan says:
Jamal G. says:

My favorite moment (outside of the “Can’t Touch This” dance, but for some reason YouTube users aren’t allowed to upload that scene): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yMKEv6Hvr0

Ivan says:

I love that one as well.

I like the one where they diss the shit out of Will Smith.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul6IHXklym8

Jamal G. says:

OMG, I’ve never seen that. That is instantly a classic for me.

 
 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

Anybody check out Gym Class Heroes’ latest album, The Quilt? Fucking sick. My favorites are:

Peace Sign/Index Down
Cookie Jar
Live Forever (Fly With Me)
Home (Madden 2009 song)

Hip-hop fan or not, this album is nasty.

Greg C. says:
Jamal G. says:

Mainly, they incorporate some punk rock elements, but they are mainly hip-hop.

Greg C. says:

I was kidding, kinda. I know a lot of hip-hop fans who consider them some emo-alternative band or something, but that’s mostly people who have pretty narrow tastes.

Jamal G. says:

Those are probably rap fans. Now, I may like a rap song here or there just for the fun of it, but I probably will not like you as a living entity if you are a fan of the rap genre.

 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

Wow Rolling Stones gave it only 2 and half stars.

Jamal G. says:

I kinda over-exaggerated with the “Fucking sick” comment, but I really do like it. “Fucking sick” is reserved for The Cool or maybe Graduation.

 
 
 
E-ROC says:

Just missed that pitch. Dammit! Next time, maybe next time.

 
Pedro says:

Are they going to unleash Humberto tonight?

 
Tripp says:

Is it me or has Pete Abe turned into a complete d-bag? Does he even enjoy covering the Yanks?

 
Mike A. says:

I just realized that that might have been the final home game in Mike Mussina’s Yankee career. Wow.

***stands and applauds***

Steve says:

Next stop, Cooperstown?

I think so, but it will take him a few years.

 
Ivan says:

It truly might be his last start in yankee start.

Mike A. says:

That was pretty amazing man. Goosebumps.

 
 
 
 
Samsonov KGB says:

moooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooose!

 
Steve says:

I think thats the last time we’ll see him pitch as a Yankee. Glad to see him get a win tonight.

Thanks for the memories, Mike.

 
Samsonov KGB says:

i was at his july 23rd start this year, probably the best of his year

 
E-ROC says:

I didn’t know France produced big league players.

Steve says:

They grow up playing in the Bordeaux region playing with balls made of old, stinky cheese.

 
 
E-ROC says:

C’mon Veras, people gots things to do.

steve (different one) says:

i think the ump agreed with you

 
 
Jamal G. says:

Not for nothing, but with the way Chien-Ming Wang bounced back before his injury, the way the Mike Mussina v2008 was pitching and the way Joba Chamberlain was pitching as a starter, I would’ve had no qualms matching those three up against any rotation in baseball.

Steve says:

I think even if we were totally healthy this year, we were still a bit short in the rotation. IPK and Hughes just weren’t ready, Joba had innings limits even without getting hurt and Moose is shaky at his age. He had a few games this year where he barely got out of the 1st inning. Although if the season was a month longer, we could have had a great rotation if Hughes is for real.

But even then we get back to the lineup, which hasn’t scored runs all year. Just not our year, and I’m glad were finally going to address some things that have been a LONG time coming.

Ivan says:

I think they need to add one pitcher and then maybe that can be pretty serious in that department.

 
 
Ivan says:

Wang, Joba, Hughes, FA pitcher, Pettitte/Moose.

That is a pretty good rotation.

 
Manimal says:

makes this offseason just that much more interesting.

 
 
Mike A. says:

Humbertooooooooooooooo!!!

 
steve (different one) says:

hungry hungry humberto is warming!!

E-ROC says:

lol, i had one of those toys in my younger days. they were the shit!

 
 
Steve says:

Yes! The big man coming in.

Anyone that big (6′6″ 230 lbs) should seriously have a nickname by now.

Ivan says:
Steve says:

Maybe back when he showed up in spring training (06?) but the first thing I noticed is that he’s slimmed down considerably.

Good for him, for a guy who’s been injured as much as he has, looks like he’s taking his conditioning more seriously.

 
 
Jack says:

I believe it’s “Hummer”.

 
 
Steve says:

Lee Mazzilli

Biggest douche who ever lived?

Ivan says:
 
Mike A. says:

No way, not even close. There’s a long list ahead of him.

Ivan says:

Like Pete Abe and Kay.

 
 
 
Ivan says:
 
Samsonov KGB says:

cervelli….any good? all i know is that he is probably the reason the rays are competing this year

 
Jamal G. says:

Nasty looking hook by Humberto.

Steve says:

Seriously. You could see the hitters knees buckle on a few of them. He throws and extra slow curve, and a good hard fastball. His size should make him harder to pick up as well.

I heard when we got him he was a 2-seamer ground ball guy like Wang, but what I saw looked like 4 seamers and curves to me.

 
 
steve says:

Random question:

What would it take to get one of the 3 catchers from Texas (Salty/Ramirez/Teagarden) and Chris Davis? I assume Hughes would have to be the centerpiece – which I would be very willing to do for those guys.

Mike A. says:

They need all sorts of pitching. Hughes, Kennedy and Robertson for Teagarden and Davis?

Ivan says:
Jamal G. says:

I’m not sure of Taylor Teagarden’s tools or skill-set. Can you fill me in? What type of ceiling/floor he has, probability of reaching said ceiling, all that good stuff.

Mike A. says:

All-around guy, not an all-star, but a solid everyday catcher in the bigs. High probability. That kind of player has a ton of value, especially with 6 cost controlled years ahead of him.

JB Cox’s catcher in college, not that it means anything.

Ivan says:

Mike you make that deal though?

 
Jerry says:

I think that is an undersell of his skills especially defensively. If you saw his throw down to second at the futures games in Yankee St this year, you know that his arm is plus plus and in general his defensive skills are very good to exceptional.

 
 
 
 
 
steve (different one) says:

is catching really a big enough need to move Hughes for? i know you included Davis, who is interesting. just saying, the yankees are pretty deep organizationally at catcher.

Mike A. says:

I agree. I’d rather move Hughes for an up-the-middle guy that can really defend, not a guy already relegated to first because he sucks defensively, no matter how good the bat is.

My new kick is defense, so important yet so under-rated.

Steve says:

And so tough to gauge statistically.

Have you softened on Brett Gardner at all? His bat is a work in progress, but he’s saved about 3 doubles and a few singles in the past week. If he can suppress a few runs a week, then he could be a valuable guy and more productive than his hitting stats would show.

 
 
 
 
Mike A. says:

ZOMG HE’S ONLY THROWING TEH 94!!1!!!11

 
E-ROC says: