Apr
19

Game 13: Yanks hope to turn the tables

By Joseph Pawlikowski

Carl Pavano hasn’t been quite as bad as Chien-Ming Wang this season, but he hasn’t exactly helped the Indians in his two starts. After allowing nine runs in one inning on April 9, he came back on Tuesday with a six-inning, four-run performance, lowering his ERA from 81.00 to 16.71. The Yanks hope to do to Pavano what the Indians did to Wang yesterday and send his ERA over the 30.00 mark. They’ll have A.J. Burnett, by far their best pitcher to this point (though it’s just two starts), hopefully keeping them in the game.

The last time Carl Pavano faced the Yankees was with the Expos in 2000. He allowed five runs on seven hits over 4.1 innings. That means next to nothing right now — not only was it nine years ago, but there are only two current Yankees who were in that lineup. Jeter went 1 for 5 and Posada went 1 for 2 with two walks and two RBI — though the two RBI came on a home run hit off reliever Mike Johnson; the runner on base was Pavano’s. Pavano also pitched for the Expos against the Yankees in 1998, allowing four runs (three earned) in five innings. Luis Sojo played short that game and Joe Girardi caught, so zero current Yankees were in that lineup.

A.J. Burnett has started five games against the Indians in his career, pitching 30 innings to a 7.20 ERA. That’s about the last thing the Yanks need. Worst of all, Burnett struck out only 22 in 30 innings, far off his career mark. He also walked 18, never a good number with 30 innings pitched. His last outing against them came in the first game of a double header last May 12, wherein he pitched 7.2 innings, allowing three runs and striking out seven to three walks. That’s not a stellar start, but the Yanks would certainly take it today, especially the 7.2 innings part.

To ensure there are enough arms in the pen, the Yanks have called up Steven Jackson to replace Anthony Claggett. It looks like Edwar Ramirez (58 pitches) and Jose Veras (just 43 in 3 IP) won’t be available today, and Damaso Marte (23 pitches) will only be used in a dire circumstance. That means Jackson, Coke, Albaladejo, Bruney, and of course Mo should be available for an inning or more. Again, all we can do is hope that it doesn’t come to that.

Girardi has shuffled the order again today, though I still don’t get the Gardner leading off thing. He has speed, but he’s having a hard time getting on base this year. Matsui returns to DH, giving Jorge a full day off.

Lineup:

1. Brett Gardner, CF
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Johnny Damon, LF
4. Mark Teixeira, 1B
5. Nick Swisher, RF
6. Robinson Cano, 2B
7. Hideki Matsui, DH
8. Cody Ransom, 3B
9. Jose Molina, C

And on the mound, number thirty-four, A.J. Burnett

Posted on Sunday, April 19th, 2009 at 12:42 pm in Game Threads.

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401 Comments

donttradecano says:

whats the point of suspendng beckett if hes not going to miss a start?

Steve H says:

That’s always how it works when they suspend starters.

Craig says:

I always wanted baseball to grow a pair and either make it you could not appeal the suspention or if you do and lose the appeal it would double the amount of games you were originally suspended for.

 
 
 
Lily says:

girardi drives me crazy with his inconsistent line-ups!!! gardner leadoff? he can run but problem with that is he isn’t getting on base to do that. posada somewhat had the day off yesterday and i know their being cautious but right now we’re having problems scoring runs and molina defends great just doesn’t hit.

anyways not confident in todays game burnett’s numbers against the indians are REALLY BAD! and i wouldn’t be surprised if pavano pitches well against us, why not everything has gone bad for the yankees these days.

hope we get clutch pitching and hitting , we’re going to need it!

steve (different one) says:

Girardi’s lineups have been fine.

Posada is going to be rested aggressively. sorry, that’s just the way it’s going to be early on.

they need to see what Matsui can give them. if Matsui can’t do anything early, expect to see Posada take over today at DH.

 
 
 
steve (different one) says:

he pitched 7.2 innings, allowing three runs and striking out seven to three walks. That’s not a stellar start, but the Yanks would certainly take it today, especially the 7.2 innings part.

that’s a pretty tough standard for “stellar”, no?

As it should be. 7.2 IP, 3 ER is a solid start, even a good start. Not stellar, though.

 
 
E-ROC says:

Brett Gardner being at the top of the order may have something to do with who’s pitching. Carl Pavano isn’t a power pitcher so maybe, just maybe, Gardner can get some things done against. That is the best idea I could come up with.

I would rather see Ramiro Pena instead of Cody Ransom.

 
Manimal says:

Interesting Line up.

 
Jamal G says:

Thought you guys would like to know that Carl Pavano was roundly booed during pre-game intros and his trek from the visitor’s bullpen to the visitor’s dugout.

 
southernyankeefan says:

i saw a picture online that had a shot of the stadium on opening day and when Pavano was introduced. There was a caption under his name that said “crowd boos”. Is this true?

 
Tripp says:

Why do I keep reading that the Yankees are being cautious with Posada?

Did he give them something to worry about, or is Girardi still concerned with his shoulder?

steve (different one) says:

no, there is nothing new. but they should absolutely be easing him into catching everyday after his surgery.

WANG has been the problem with this team. not the batting order. not giving Posada a little more rest. it’s Wang.

 
 
southernyankeefan says:

a ball hit to right in the air that didn’t go out?

 
cult of basebaal says:

Carl Pavano has a backpfeifengesicht.

 
Brooklyn Ed says:
27 this year says:

that is so creepy

 
 
cult of basebaal says:

man, that’s a sad commentary, Mr. Grittner.

punched out by Pavano.

 
Brazilian Yankee says:

Carl Pavano might be another in the long line of mediocre pitchers who dominate the yankees offense. I hope not, but I wouldn’t be surprised.

 
Joe D, says:

Wang is not the only problem with the Yankees. The lack of ingenuity in solving the third base hole was/is one (Dallas McPherson or Mike Lamb would have been clearly superior options over Cody Frickin’ Ransom.) Jose Molina is another — awful, awful player who somehow remains employed by the Yankees after his 2008 disaster. No inventiveness in solving this problem in the offseason, either. Both represent the Yankees’ chronic allergy to adequately addressing “small stuff” problems that continue to bite them in the ass.

I’m not one of the “sky is falling” people, but Wang is certainly not the only problem needing to be solved.

Sweet Dick Willie says:

Jose Molina is perhaps the best back up catcher in MLB. In addition, he is the perfect compliment to Posada. He is not part of the problem.

Joe D. says:

Sharply disagree here. Posada is one of the Yankees’ most important hitters, and is not guaranteed to be healthy all season. If Posada is to miss any stretch of time, Molina is horribly inadequate at the plate. Last season, he hit .216/.263/.313…that’s sub-sub-Rey Ordonez territory.

Molina as a pure one game a week backup catcher to a very healthy and dependable starter wouldn’t be as much of a problem.

Molina as backup to Posada is a massive problem. Evidence: last season.

Steve H says:

Last season Molina was the starter. He’s a phenomenal backup. He’s the best defensive catcher in baseball. If he has to start 100 games, it’s a problem, but to question why he remains employed is utter nonsense. He remains employed because he is a great backup.

Joe D. says:

With Posada as the starter, the Yanks need a backup who won’t kill them if pressed into regular duty. His defense comes nowhere near making up for his awful, awful bat.

It’s not just 100 games…if he has to start 30-40 games, it’s a problem.

 
 
Doug says:

De-fense?

Dudes don’t contest Molina’s arm, period. A near-50% CS rate will do that.

 
 
 
 
Drew says:

Just got the game on, why the heck is Gardner leading off?

 
mko says:

Can we please tear down this home run derby exhibition place? I wanna see baseball, not a slugfest.

 
Drew says:

Good thing YES has the wrong amount of outs on the TV! wtf

 
cult of basebaal says:

aaargh.

None of the MLB.tv audio feeds is synched with the video.

grrr.

 
Joe D, says:

Drew, Gardner is leading off because he led the league in Scrappiness Quotient last season. And scouts say his sticktoitiveness is off the charts.

cult of basebaal says:

don’t forget, he’s got more grit than sandpaper.

 
Drew says:

Ahh, see that’s what I thought.

 
 
yankeeswisdom says:

the way things have gone i wont b surprised if Pavano pitches a 1 hit shutout

Brazilian Yankee says:

I kinda expect Pavano to pitch great, that’s just the way our offense rolls

 
27 this year says:

I see a perfect game.

 
 
27 this year says:

looks like the Yankees are going to lose to a mediocre pitcher, what’s new. In the regular season they can’t hit these guys but do decent against good pitchers and come teh playoffs, the opposite is true but the problem is, everyone is a good pitcher. I hate watching this.

Steve H says:

It’s 1-0 after 2 innings, AJ vs. Pavano, and you’re writing this off as a loss. What a fan.

 
 
27 this year says:

Cano is really being selective these days. A completely different hitter.

 
BigBlueAL says:

Pavano is toying with the Yankees so far, fuckin beautiful.

 
Jake H says:

I see Pavano dominating us today.

 
27 this year says:

I just looked at the batting averages for the Indians lineup and they are all over .250. The lowest is DeRosa at .250 and he raised it 70 points in this fuckin series alone. Wow did the Yanks make the Indians look good.

 
yankeeswisdom says:

this is ridiculous, had CMW and the bullpen had their act together the first two weeks or so- the way we envisioned, we would have had a strong lead in the east. I hate looking up to bottom feeders (O’s and Jays)

 
Jersey says:

Keep the faith. Pavano could have a catastrophic injury at any given moment.

27 this year says:

yea, maybe a squirrel will attack him. That would worth the 2500 bucks for the good seats.

 
yankeeswisdom says:

burnetts slowly but steadily becomming my fav yankee

27 this year says:

honestly, at the moment, he is the only bright spot for the Yankees.

Jersey says:
 
Steve H says:

Cano? Swisher? Bruney? Mo?

Give it a rest.

Lanny says:

steve h is apparently the moral arbiter of this blog

Steve H says:
 
 
 
 
 
 
southernyankeefan says:
 
E-ROC says:

Wow! Great play by Tex.

 
Jake H says:

Wow that was an awesome stab.

BigBlueAL says:

Routine play for Giambi.

27 this year says:

yea, the stache catches anything and everything.

 
 
 
southernyankeefan says:

I hope someone gets a hit this inning. but looking at the bottom of the line up the odds are in pavano’s favor.

 
27 this year says:

at the moment, Pavano’s ERA is 13.00. Unlucky for him!!!!!!!!

 
Brazilian Yankee says:

That’s bad old matsui there, pulling that outside pitch and grounding out weakly to 2nd.

 
27 this year says:

ok, now his era went down after Matsui grounded out. Damn, I thought as superstitious as he is, something would surely happen. Someone sneak in a black cat to the game, quick!

 
southernyankeefan says:

This is fucking awful so far the hitters are making pavano look like a good pitcher. and molina just bluffed a bunt. that is funny.

27 this year says:

Molina could beat it out easy.

 
 
BigBlueAL says:

How many pitches has Pavano thrown so far thru his 3 perfect innings??? 10???

 
yankeeswisdom says:

random thought: i think im more worried about another team in the east becoming the 09 version of the Rays than boston or tampa running with the division

Joe D. says:

You really needn’t worry about the Jays or Orioles. Neither has nearly enough to hang with the Rays, Yanks, and Sox.

yankeeswisdom says:

Yea I really hope so.

 
 
CT Yankee says:

Baltimore lacks the pitching and Toronto is just not that good.

 
 
27 this year says:
 
Brazilian Yankee says:

Pavano has a PERFECT GAME going!
I feel sick.

southernyankeefan says:

yes this is heartwrenching.

 
yankeeswisdom says:

i used to love it when opposing pitchers were intimidated by our lineup and just loose their game when they came into the bronx

Lanny says:

that hasnt happened in years

 
 
 
Tony says:

Get ready for 2nd time around the lineup in 4th against pavano. This game is FAR from over

Steve H says:

Thanks for bringing some sanity to the table. I feel like I’m at Lohud so far today.

 
 
Steve H says:

Just a little tidbit to the majority of you posting above.

Baseball is a 9 inning game.

southernyankeefan says:

yes i know but after yesterday i really wanted to see pavano get smacked around.

Lanny says:

9 innings?? really??

why cant people get frustrated in the early goings? is that really a problem for u?

Steve H says:

There are comments up there declaring this game a loss after 2 innings. It’s Lohudian.

Joey H says:

I swear. What happened to RAB? The constructive criticisms and intelligent conversations. I find my self having obscene arguments with 14 year olds with horrible grammar. It’s a joke.

miketotheg says:

there’s nothing wrong with getting emotional even infantile about the game. there’s always an old maid with a bucket of cold water lurking about.

i’m waiting for a comebacker to pavano.

 
 
 
 
yankeeswisdom says:

yea i wanted a 2 inning performance with 9 ER.

 
 
BigBlueAL says:

I think everyone here still assumes the Yankees will win but was just hoping, as I was, that they would beat the crap out of Pavano early, especially after yesterday’s nightmare. Not expecting 3 perfect innings from Pavano to start the game.

 
 
Flynn says:

Matsui, Ransom, and Molina would be the most pathetic 7, 8, 9 hitters in the fucking Sally League. Matsui needs to be put on the DL, he is about as useful as a dick on a hen

Lanny says:

matsui looks finished. those are 3 automatic outs

 
Jersey says:

I’m just checking the box score sporadically as I work on a paper – was that another RF wind job?

Jersey says:

Oops, wrong reply.

 
southernyankeefan says:

no down the left feild line.

 
 
Joey H says:

Your words are a bit strong but your point is valid. It’s like a national league bottom of the order.

Joe D. says:

I *wish* we had a pitcher batting ninth today.

 
 
 
Ahinds says:

ransom has looked smoothed today.

 
southernyankeefan says:

FUCK ME RUNNING that sucks

 
Alex S says:

are you kidding me?? that was in on his hands

 
Brazilian Yankee says:

This game sucks.

 
BklynJT says:

I hate this ballpark….

 
Drew says:

Baby steps. Let see if we can break up this perfect game.

 
yankeeswisdom says:

alright. heres to the top of the order coming through.

 
Jersey says:

I’m just checking the box score sporadically as I work on a paper – was that another RF wind job?

Drew says:

nope. left field smash

 
 
Will (the other one) says:

Yikes. You’d think for all that money, those mob contractors could’ve at least done something to figure out those wind tunnel patterns…

 
JobaWockeeZ says:

Where did the Yankee fans go? The past 20 comments have been nothing but complaining…

Steve H says:
 
 
Joey H says:

Is it too late to go back next door? Maybe they can move the fences 15 feet back and then they can go back. But look, the outfield walls are short too.

 
DCR says:

I really hate watching Brett Gardner play baseball.

Joey H says:

Why? I find him absolutely exciting. He runs out ground balls hard. Plays a good center field. Don’t blame your frustrations on Brett.

keith says:

what? really? he runs hard??

Joey H says:

Yeah people are just looking to bitch about anything at this point. I’ve loved this site; the work the three amigos put in can not be topped but the commenters on here are going to drive me away. I’ve said this countless times: It’s like a Lohud spillover

keith says:

No, the “Lohud spillover” effect would be the people like yourself who commend terrible ballplayers for “running out ground balls”. Gardner is terrible.

Joey H says:

I’m quite sure I have been on this site twice as long as you junior. The kid runs out ground balls, plays a good center field and is hitting better than expected. Not everyone can be a power house. So please.

keith says:

I’ve been reading this site since ST of ‘07. Shut up. You make ridiculous arguments, backed up by absolutely nothing. Shut up.

If a 58OPS+ (with shitty defense so far) is better than expected, we’re all doomed.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
Joey H says:

Listen you nit wit. My ridiculous arguments? We are all doomed? That speaks for itself. Coming from a hitter who is our nine hitter, below average hitting and good defense is expectable. We aren’t expecting this guy to be the next Grady Sizemore. So just please. Telling me to shut of doesn’t hurt my feelings or make your argument any stronger. It just makes you look like a classless buffoon.

 
keith says:

I see you have a problem with comprehension.

You: Brett Gardner is doing what we expected. It’s ok!!

Me: He’s playing bad defense with an OPS+ of 58. 58! If that’s what’s expected of him, this team is screwed.

Now, he hasn’t been the biggest thing wrong with this team through 12 games. That doesn’t change the fact that he’s been atrocious.

 
Joey H says:

No my problem is that you can’t understand this is what he is expected to do. He isn’t Cody god damned Ransom who is hitting less than .. (I can’t even think of anything witty at this point). Brett’s job was to come in. Hit between .250-260 with 30 SB and play above average defense. But apparently you want to make this like a video game where there is an All Star at every single position and saying we are doomed. But don’t worry, it’s just my terrible comprehension.

 
 
 
 
 
 
BigBlueAL says:

Plays a good CF???? Have you not been watching him this season???? For all his speed his range is terrible.

Drew says:

He really hasn’t been Melkyesque out there. Not terribel though.

 
Joey H says:

His range is not what I would consider to be terrible. For the small sample size that we have seen of balls hit to center since they all get vacuumed to right he isn’t bad.

 
Steve H says:

Little bit of a small sample size don’t you think? Last year, in a larger sample size, his range was outstanding.

 
miketotheg says:

i like gardners at bats, but i do think his range is less than exciting. i know i’m going to get pounced on for this one, but melky would climb walls to rob manny home runs. i thought that was awesome. i don’t think gardners defense is anywhere near awesome.

 
 
 
 
Joey H says:

Kay made sure he jinxed that one.

 
cult of basebaal says:

more pushups, slappy.

 
Jersey says:

You know, they really need innings out of Burnett, and despite the score he’s only at 60 pitches through four. If he can keep it together, we’re looking at 6+, maybe 7+. That’s big for the bullpen.

 
Drew says:

Perfect game over!! woohooo!!!

 
claybeez says:

Brett Gardner’s uppercut swing is the most infuriating part of my day – every day.

Joey H says:

Uppercut? The guy is a slap hitter.

Joe D. says:

That’s the problem. :)

Joey H says:

Well what do you want me to tell you. The guy is hitting .280. That is more than we expected. I’ve heard .250-.260 would be a blessing. Leave the kid alone he is doing his job.

Drew says:

Where exactly did you find .280? Thats a few days old, he’s under .240.

Joey H says:

GameDay had him at .281 or what ever it was. They changed it.

 
 
keith says:

holy shit.

coming into today here is his line:

.244 .295 .317 .613 58OPS+

BigBlueAL says:

But he is a grinder!!!

Spaceman.Spiff says:

I really hope we expected at least a little more out of him.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Joey H says:

Yeah fuck you Sizemore. Can’t always dive and put leather on it.

 
yankeeswisdom says:

yes captn clutch breaks up the potential no-no (altho is the 4th) and savess us more potential humiliation

 
Pete says:

I am really not into this season so far. I think a lot of it has to do with this unsettling feeling that every time I turn on the game, nothing looks as it should.

Oh, and the fact that we’re getting murdered every other day doesn’t help either…

Joey H says:

Out of curiosity how long have you been a Yankee fan? Slow Aprils are something you should be accustomed to by now.

Pete says:

Since 1982. Hence my attachment to the old park.

Slow Aprils don’t bother me, but c’mon now – 22-4? 10-2? 15-5? It’s a little unsettling apart from the usual losses, no?

Joey H says:

No I get your motivation behind saying it but to basically give up which it seems to look like you are doing would be ridiculous. and PUSH THE FENCES BACK! Besides, they are going to win the WS anyway.

 
 
 
 
Joey H says:

Well Michael.. what did he say… I swear I’ve always defended Kay but I’m getting fed up with his shit

Drew says:

Lol it takes him 4 damn mimutes to give the quote.

 
CT Yankee says:

“We have six losses on the year right now and he’s got three of them,” Damon said. “And in all three of those games, we’ve been blown out and we’ve had to go to our bullpen. So maybe our bullpen’s not sharp the following days. So I don’t know what more to say, but hopefully he can figure it out because it’d be tough to keep on going like this.”

New York Rag

 
 
Jersey says:

With that, Pavano’s fragile confidence is shattered and the floodgates open…?

 
John Duci says:

AJ threw strike 3 to Choo, the empire doesnt ring him up and the next batter hits a 2-run bomb. Shit like that always happens to the yanks.

 
Drew says:

Alright! way to go tex. I wish Al was up now.

 
southernyankeefan says:

i feel better now.

 
Drew says:

So if Pavano can’t get righties out this year. Why not try to turn our switch hitters around.

mko says:

I don’t think that would work – they’re not used to facing them from the other side…

Drew says:
 
 
 
Jersey says:

Randomly: I miss the big guy. I can’t wait until we swap our worst hitter for our best at 3B.

Joey H says:

And for all these assholes who thought A-Rod’s absence was a good thing. Silence the critics. I love it.

Jersey says:

Eh. Stupid people say stupid things. Just doing their thing.

Joey H says:

Yeah such as Gardner plays “Terrible defense” and because of his sub par hitting we are “Doomed” It’s a joke. I think I’ve seen enough.

 
 
Tony says:

How does this make sense? Cody Ransom isn’t, and would never be the Yankees’ regular third baseman.

yankeeswisdom says:

i remember last year A-rod was out for about 20 games or so and as soon as he was back we went like 21-11 or something.. my info is probably all wrong but the point is he makes a difference

 
 
 
 
Tony says:

Chipping away with the run we just scored. If AJ can keep it at 3-1 we are ok

 
Drew says:

Yikes, that one scared me.

 
Drew says:

Look at all of those empty seats..

 
Tony says:

What’s AJ pitch count at??

 
Jersey says:

Approaching 80.

 
 
Tony says:

Any way he goes 7?

Drew says:

Just needs an easy inning in the 6th, then he can.

Jersey says:

If he can make it through the 6th with <20 pitches, figure he comes out for the 7th and they take it batter by batter.

 
 
 
Drew says:

I hope what Kenny just said doesn’t end up being true. I can’t stand pitcher-catcher tandems.

 
Joey H says:

I’m curious as to just what is causing this park to be a launching pad. The dimensions are the same.

BigBlueAL says:

The Indians hitters.

 
Drew says:
Joey H says:

No but it’s a jet stream out there. I don’t think the poor pitching is totally to blame for this.. I don’t even know what to call it at this point.

claybeez says:

The OF wall is straight from point to point not curved reducing the distance. The wall is also shorter in some or most places. There’s also the possibility that the open design allows for more wind aided hits.

Joey H says:

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks.

 
 
 
 
 
Jersey says:

Let’s go Carl. Your world is about to rattle to pieces and you know it! I think you’re getting The Fear!

Drew says:

We should have had Bernie sing take me out to the ball game today. Carl would’ve shat his pants.

 
Jersey says:

Carl, you’re not listening.

 
 
Drew says:

Okay, so Matsui is throwing out so many clunkers thus far! Let him get AB’s in Scranton!

 
Jake H says:

I’m loving the effort today.

 
BigBlueAL says:

Pavano is fucking cruising. 66 pitches thru 5 innings and he has allowed only 2 baserunners.

Flynn says:

Not too hard when you only have to face 5 ML quality hitters in the lineup

 
 
Joey H says:

Burnett has pitched outstanding today. There was one inning he should have been out of with that inside pitch for called strike three but it didn’t go his way, leading to the HR.

 
Ahinds says:
 
BigBlueAL says:

Nice DP turned there.

 
Doug says:

DP!!

Cano’s glove is HERE.

claybeez says:

Outstanding play!

 
 
mko says:

WOW!
What a double play…incredible by all three of them, especially Robbie.

 
tim says:

C’mon guys. Lets not waste this good start by A.J. What are we, the Mets with Santana on the mound?

 
BigBlueAL says:

Molina the rally starter!!

 
Drew says:

Woohoo! A base hit!

 
yankeeswisdom says:

i also like molina..by far the best backup

 
Ahinds says:

rally caps on bitches

 
Drew says:
 
Joey H says:

THATS RIGHT GARDY SHOW THESE LOHUD IDIOTS!

 
yankeeswisdom says:

kk time to put on the rally caps

 
BigBlueAL says:

Oh boy Jeter up. I dont want him to bunt, but GIDP keeps ringing in my head….

Jersey says:
 
 
Ahinds says:

you cant bunt jeter, right? but can u hit and run with molia at 2nd?

 
claybeez says:

Now, that’s a slap hit swing. Like to see more of it.

 
Drew says:

WHats happ’n Cap’n?

 
BigBlueAL says:
 
Doug says:

Jeter! YOU ASS!

 
Drew says:

Lol, SO that’s why Jetes isn’t in the 2 hole this year?

Joey H says:

Doesn’t matter much past the first inning.

Drew says:

Except that the guy in front of you has a high OBP with a low slugging %.

Joey H says:

What I’m saying is the lead off hitter doesn’t mean much after he LEADS OFF the first inning. After that he’s just in the mix with the rest of them.

 
 
 
 
RichYF aka sooooo tired of the "namedrop says hello" meme says:

I am shocked, SHOCKED that Jeter just gidp.

 
Joey H says:

Here we go. 3R HR TEX!

Joey H says:

Check that, Grand slam Swisher. Ohhh yeah. It’s gonna happen.

 
 
miketotheg says:

come oooooooon TEX!

 
Joey H says:

I absolutely just figured out why the Yankees have .. well sucked so far. It’s because of A-Rod. Because when he comes back, they will go in a 12 game winning streak including 2 shutouts from Sabathia and 1 from Burnett. The offense will average 7RPG and he will claim that he is the “straw that stirs the drink.”

 
Jersey says:

Just gimme a base hit.

 
Drew says:
 
Joe D. says:

We want Swisher!

 
miketotheg says:

NOOOOOOO leave him in!!!

 
yankeeswisdom says:
 
BigBlueAL says:

WOW they are leaving Pavano in there.

 
Drew says:

Don’t show me Canos career BAses loaded #’s!

Drew says:

Whoops I’m ahead of myself.

 
 
Jersey says:

I’ll take the walk too. Let’s go Swisharino!

 
Joey H says:

I mean after starting up this mess they have to let Carl give up the big blow.

 
Doug says:

I’d like to see Swish draw a walk right here.

 
BigBlueAL says:

Amazing. 3 K’s for Swisher vs Pavano. Amazing.

 
Drew says:
 
Jersey says:

NOOOOO

That’s three K’s for Swisher. Ugh.

 
Joey H says:

Carl owns Swisher. There have been a few big spots this year Swisher failed in. … Just sayin’

 
BigBlueAL says:

Pavano should walk off the field sticking his middle finger up at everybody and laughing his ass off.

 
Joe D. says:

Stick his ass back in the bullpen where it belongs.

Nah, I kid. Still love the Swish. I know K’ing against Pavano three times is all part of Swisher’s bigger plan, Mo willing.

 
mustang says:

now we can see a little of why Swisher is not a everyday player.

Jack says:

Except that he is.

mustang says:

For now, but people who are find with nady going down because they expect Swisher to continue what he has been doing are in for a rude waking.
He is a nice spark plug off the bench and a nice change a pace every once in a while, but everyday I don’t know.

Jersey says:

You have no idea who Nick Swisher is, do you?

mustang says:

How long is this guy going to live of 2006?

Steve H says:

You have it all wrong. He’s only had 1 bad year, not one good year. That and he can play 3 positions well, and can handle CF, while being a switch hitter with no drastic platoon split. Again, he’s had one bad year.

mustang says:

Ok let see how it plays out.
I hope your right.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jersey says:
 
Steve H says:

hahahahahaha. nice one. you are joking, right?

Drew says:

He’s fo real. If Swish would’ve been a part time player he’d hit .470 with 35 Hr’s and 140 RBI.

 
 
Steve H says:

Reggie Jackson had the most 4k games in MLB history. Also on the list, Sammy Sosa, Jose Canseco, Jim Thome, Andres Gallaraga, Jay Buhner. Were they everyday players?

mustang says:

Your not comparing those guys to Swisher?
Are you joking?

Drew says:

Your the one that is the joker. The man has been on base in every game.

Drew says:
 
mustang says:

12 GAMES
12 GAMES
12 GAMES

That’s 150 games left.

Steve H says:

Yet you’ll focus on his 2008 season and ignore his 2005-2007?

 
 
 
Steve H says:

You’re justification for Swisher being a part time player was based on his 3k day. If he’s not an everyday player based on that, than those guys shouldn’t have been either, right?

 
 
Drew says:

On top of that, Alex is no stranger to the Golden Sombrero. Besides, Swish can still get a hit today, the game isn’t over.

mustang says:

Guys I’m not saying I don’t like the guy but I think a lot of people are getting carry away of 12 games.
We will be seeing a lot of Swisher now lets see how things play out.

 
 
 
Steve H says:

Oh, and Swish has been in the majors for 4 years, and has been a full time player for all 4. So who decided that he’s no longer an everyday player?

mustang says:

Like I said we will let Swisher decide on the field.
Again I hope you guys are right meanwhile the Yankees are coming back.

 
 
 
southernyankeefan says:

this is fucking awful. that was the most uncluth half inning ever.

 
miketotheg says:
 
Ahinds says:

where was the 3rd pitch?

 
cuponoodles says:

Just got home and checked the score.

Touche, Carl Pavano. You lured us to sleep with your 9+ ERA, didn’t you?

 
Drew says:

If we pull him now I’ll cry.

 
Tom Zig says:

Apparently the cool thing to do for Yankee starters is to walk batters.

16 walks by Yankee starting pitchers this series

Tom Zig says:

Correction make that 17…not including the walks from the bullpen.

 
 
miketotheg says:

this is babe ruth’s revenge. joel sherman is going to have a FIELD DAY with this one.

first 2004 now this. next sheffield is going to come back with back to back grand slams or something crazy.

Memo says:

Sherman is too bust writing stupid articles about A-Rod like he did for today’s column.

 
 
Drew says:

Great!! um, so now coke or Albie comes in with the bases chucked.

 
southernyankeefan says:

AJ got hosed on that call that was strike 3

 
Joey H says:

Let’s see who Joe brings into serve up the Grand Slam. Sorry but I would keep him in there.

Drew says:

Me too, and why we have coke and Albie wamring is pointless, its the seventh with one away, why not have either Marte or Bruney or Veras up.

 
BigBlueAL says:

He has thrown over 110 pitches and has walked 3 guys in the inning, 7 overall. He shouldnt have been left in to face Sizemore if Girardi had any faith in his lefty relievers.

Joey H says:

Yeah Al thats a great idea. Bring in your taxed relievers. I’m just saying, I trust AJ to rare back for something extra to get them out opposed to the bullpen.

BigBlueAL says:

Well thats the problem, bullpen may be taxed but you cant let your starters throw this many pitches in April.

Joey H says:

It’s beating a dead horse. Everyone has thrown too many pitches in April so far.

Steve H says:

I’d rather risk a reliever’s health than AJ though.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Tony says:

So they’re going to bring in a reliever with the bases loaded and one out? Me no like.

 
BigBlueAL says:

So who the fuck does Girardi bring in now??? If its not Bruney, we are screwed.

 
cuponoodles says:

Ball 2 against Sizemore was literally right down the middle, according to Gameday.

 
BigBlueAL says:

Well Albie show us you deserve an important spot in the pen.

 
jonathan says:

So alittle fan confidence poll after we got man handled by the “POWERHOUSE” Indians at home. And took the loss against the “FANTASTIC” Carl Pavano, so where are you at?

So I am sitting at about a: 1 (about to trade in my yankee cap)

Jersey says:
Steve H says:
 
 
Pel says:

-5 (up from -10 cause ransom got the force @ home)

 
Drew says:

Been at 9 since the winter.

 
 
Drew says:
 
Joey H says:

One thing Cody does good is throwing to the plate.

 
Joe D. says:

You are all lucky to have seen Cody Ransom’s career highlight right there. Hope you were recording that sucker.

 
cuponoodles says:

Wow this umpire sucks.

Ahinds says:

me thinks he’s actually the crew chief, and he does suck

 
 
Drew says:

Joe G can thank his lucky stars on that one! And I will too!

 
Jersey says:

Gameday’s pitch visualizations get worse every year. Ball 1 = right down the plate. Strike 1 = 6 inches outside

mko says:

Gameday is probably accurate…

 
 
dkidd says:

johnny alphabet! lets get some runs!

we play today, we win today

 
BigBlueAL says:

Great job Albie!!!! Now lets win this fucking game.

 
Joe D. says:

Way to go, Aladeblahblah!

BigBlueAL says:

So thats how you spell his name!! LMFAO

 
 
Doug says:

Dear Jon Albaladejo,

You are awesome.

Sincerely, Doug

 
Jersey says:

NICE work from Albie!! Whew.

 
Tom Zig says:

When is our offense going to wake up?

 
yankeeswisdom says:

great toronto wins again, and bostons been winning too…

 
cuponoodles says:

I am viciously confident that if we tie this game this inning we will win

yankeeswisdom says:

yea ur right… cmon matsui..two run jack

 
 
Drew says:

:) I love robbie!!

Spaceman.Spiff says:

Maybe it was just Pavano we couldn’t hit today. I hope we take the lead or tie this inning. But then the bottom of our lineup would have to make something happen. Just don’t waste a man on second with no outs, please.

 
 
Drew says:
 
cuponoodles says:

Long ball from Matsui

 
Jersey says:
 
Drew says:

Yay!! Who the hell said bunt.. Idiot.

Jersey says:

I don’t know but that guy should be BANNED

(polishes pitchfork)

 
 
Kyle says:

Way to stay on that one Matsu…drive it up the middle

 
BigBlueAL says:

Pinch-hit Posada for Ransom?? Most likely have Ransom bunt and pinch-hit Posada for Molina.

 
Drew says:

Now do we pinch hit Miranda for Ransom and Jorge for Molina?

Brooklyn Ed says:

if you didn’t know, Miranda went back to AAA.

Drew says:

Oh my bad, thanks I didn’t read that.

 
 
 
Drew says:
 
BigBlueAL says:

Jesus Christ Ransom cant even freakin bunt.

 
Doug says:

God, Ransom even sucks at bunting.

Brooklyn Ed says:

not everyone could bunt. geesh.

 
Doug says:

To be fair, I have reconsidered this statement, as Ransom would have had to lay down the Platonic ideal of a bunt in order for Matsui to get to 2nd in time.

 
 
dkidd says:

no pinch runner for matsui?

BigBlueAL says:

Thats what happens when you carry 13 pitchers and only 12 players. Only position player left are Melky and Pena and you dont want either of them playing DH since you want them for their defense.

Drew says:

When you sub for a DH you forfeit your DH. Hence, your pitcher takes that slot in the order.

 
 
 
RichYF aka sooooo tired of the "namedrop says hello" meme says:

That’s not on Ransom. I mean yeah a better bunt helps, but if you want to get the runner to 2nd you pinch run. No reason to leave Matsui in there to fail at running.

 
cuponoodles says:

Worthless. Honestly, I feel that I would be more productive than Cody Ransom, in all seriousness.

 
Tony says:

They just didn’t want Matsui clogging the bases

 
Jersey says:

I REALLY miss Alex. He definitely would have gotten that bunt down!

 
Drew says:
 
miketotheg says:

POOOOOOSAAAADDDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

 
BigBlueAL says:

Jeffrey Mair is back in the RF stands!!!!

 
Brooklyn Ed says:

Posada is freaking awesome!!!

 
Doug says:

HIP HIP (DO IT!!!!!)

SUCK IT HATERS

 
Muel says:

terrible managing. if you’re not even gonna bring in melky to run, why have matsui on 2nd? he would need an xbh to score. then if you even do get the bunt down and melky/matsui to second, you’re taking the bat out of posada’s hands. good thing ransom screwed up…jorge delivers instead of being walked.

Drew says:

Because subbing for a DH means your pitcher has to hit.

Spaceman.Spiff says:

No, you can sub for the DH as long as the subbed player stays at th DH spot.

Drew says:

Really, Are you sure?

 
Muel says:
 
 
mko says:

That’s not true. Only if the DH stays in the game to play a defensive position does the pitcher have to hit.

Drew says:

True spaceman said that, my mistake.

 
 
 
 
Steve H says:
 
yankeeswisdom says:

YEAAA JORGEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

 
dkidd says:

jorge goes wind

 
Drew says:

Buy that man a beer!!

 
Jersey says:
 
dkidd says:
Doug says:

Is this going to be overturned? I have a sinking feeling it might.

 
 
BigBlueAL says:

If they reverse this call, Im going to throw up….

 
dkidd says:

home run. no doubt

 
Christopher says:

If this one comes back what happens? Double for Posada, Ransom on third?

 
yankeeswisdom says:

im watching on gameday. can ne1 tell me what theyr replaying.

Doug says:

Posada hit one into the first row of the RF stands, Trever Crowe made a great leap for it and his glove went in between the outstretched arms of a fan trying to catch the ball. The ball bounced out of the stands back onto the field.

 
manimal says:

Posada hit a questionable HR, but every camera angle is a bad angle and its hard to tell.

CT Yankee says:

Why do I think we will be seeing this happen again

 
 
 
cuponoodles says:

Girardi looks good for the first time this season…

 
manimal says:

That was a HR, hit off the arms of the fan. Great try by Crowe.

 

whats the point of replay if you cant review fair or foul as singleton just said?

Selig FTL.

mko says:

They can review fair or foul on home run calls, I think you understood it wrong.

 
 
BigBlueAL says:

That ball was clearly over the fence, cant reverse that call.

 
Tony says:

The ball never actually got out of the park

manimal says:

Hit the fan in the arms, if he caught it right it wouldn’t even be a question.

 
mko says:

It think it was on top of the wall, that’s out of the park right?

Tony says:

I might be wrong, but I don’t think hitting the top of the wall is a homer. Also, that fan interfered with Crowe and the ball never entered the stands.

In any event, I’ll take it.

mko says:

I think you’re right about the top of the wall.
But he “interfered” in the stands and not on the field, so bad luck for the Indians?

 
 
 
 
Drew says:

Replays should not be for judgement calls

 
miketotheg says:

manager fight! manager fight!!! deathmatcch!!!!

 
southernyankeefan says:

i may be biased but that was a home run.

 
Brooklyn Ed says:

home run call? certainly looks like it.

 
BigBlueAL says:

Girardi is just standing there chilling.

 
Doug says:

IT’S A HOME RUN!!!

CELEBRATION BITCHES

Doug says:

lol that RF fan is messaging his peeps

 
manimal says:
 
 
Joe D. says:

I love my Yankees, but that is an atrocious call. Cleveland fans have every reason to be royally pissed off right now.

Drew says:

What are you, a commie?!

 
mko says:

Why?
The ball would have been out (I think) and the fan touched it (without overreaching) – home run. Doesn’t matter if it bounces back on the field.

Joe D. says:

Heheheh, not a commie, I promise. And I’m plenty happy that the Yankees get a home run out of it. I thought it was clear, however, that the fan made contact with Crowe’s glove within the field of play. That is to say, the fan’s glove went past the wall and hit Crowe’s.

Mind you, I’m not complaining.

In fact, I think it’s only fair given what the Yankees got out of Pavano the last four years. That son of a bitch ain’t getting the win now.

mko says:

I think that camera angle from the side showed that the guy touched the ball in the stands, not reaching over the field. But that’s just me ;)
But no point in arguing about it anymore.

 
 
 
Doug says:

The TBS guys made a pretty convincing argument in the Indians’ favor, but my overwhelming Yankee bias outweighs my sense of fair play.

I don’t think Trevor Crowe jumped high enough to get his glove on the ball, but that fan definitely trapped his arm, keeping him from moving his glove to the left.

If that dude kept his hands to himself, my guess is that the closest Crowe gets to the ball is that it bounces off the top of his glove. Definitely went a little too high and too far for him to catch it.

Jersey says:

On the other hand, even if Crowe doesn’t catch it there’s a chance it ricochets off his glove back into play, rather than leaving the park.

 
 
 
miketotheg says:

the best part – posada HATED pavano and posada took away pavano’s W!!!

 
yankeeswisdom says:

call stands… btw i thnk deki is sort of getting his groove back. a couple of walks openning day, double yesterday, rbi single today. and good call on jorge- i thnk todays the first time girardi has impressed me this season.

 
yankeeswisdom says:

in the name of MO, whos pitching the 8th? bruney?

mko says:
 
Jersey says:

I would assume. Bruney didn’t pitch yesterday, right?

 
Doug says:

Brian Bruney, #38 RHP
Out pitch: FRICCN SHARKS WITH FRICCEN LASER BEAMS ATTACHED TO THEIR HEADS

Spaceman.Spiff says:

Everyone hates to face: FRICCN SHARKS WITH FRICCEN LASER BEAMS ATTACHED TO THEIR HEADS

…except Nick Swisher.