Game 18: In which the Yanks try to avoid being swept
By
The first two games of this series hardly went according to plan for the Yanks. Joba Chamberlain battled his control, Mariano Rivera blew the save in the ninth and the team went on to lose in extras during game one. AJ Burnett came out of the gate yesterday like his hair was on fire, but he couldn’t hold a six run lead the and Yanks suffered another loss in one the ugliest games I’ve ever seen. Today, the Yanks turn to their grizzled vet to stop the bleeding.
Andy Pettitte has surprisingly been the team’s best starter in the early going, going at least seven innings while allowing no more than three runs in all three of his starts this year. However since returning to the Yanks in 2007, Pettitte’s been far from good against the Red Sox. In nine starts (and one relief appearance) , Pettitte is 3-3 with a 5.80 ERA and a 1.81 WHIP. Vintage Pettitte would be a welcome sight tonight.
A loss is a loss is a loss, but losses to the Red Sox always get portrayed as if the world is about to end. It’s just April people, and the Yanks were right there with them in the late innings of both games, and that’s without their best player, one of their top three pitches, best non-Mo reliever, and an everyday corner outfielder. They’ll be just fine.
The lineup:
Gardner, CF – seriously, I’ve had enough … Mike Cameron please
Jeter, SS
Teixeira, 1B
Swisher, LF
Cano, 2B - twelve game hit streak
Posada, C
Matsui, DH
Melky, RF
Berroa, 3B
And on the mound, Andy Pettitte.
Notes: Johnny Damon is out with a sore everything after running into the Monstah yesterday … Boston called up Mike Bowden (their best pitching prospect) and will have him piggyback with Justin Masterson tonight because their pen is taxed … despite all the work, the Yanks’ pen is in good shape, with Mark Melancon, David Robertson, Steven Jackson, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez and Mariano Rivera all available tonight … the game is on ESPN tonight, so Joe Morgan, Jon Miller and Steve Phillips will be in the booth while Peter Gammons works the sidelines … oh joy.
Photo Credit: Charles Krupa, AP
I love the fact that the worst hitter bats first.
But Andy, he steals bases.
HE MAKES THINGS HAPPEN!!!
Caps were necessary
Cody Ransom is not leading off, Andy. Jeez.
Cody Ransom actually had a hitting streak.
Of what? One?
I think 6.
this is why injuries sucks.
Well, damn. Would you look at that? Prior to his injury, Ransom had a six-game streak of getting one hit per game. He was hitting .300/.333/.550 over that stretch.
See? I’m not a just another wise cracking, pretty face. I’ve got knowledgeness.
Would you rather have Berroa or Molina bat first?
It can be arranged, I’m sure.
Actually, yes, I would rather have Berroa or Molina bat first.
I would rather Pettite bat first and put Matsui in the outfield with no legs then have Gardner play.
I really, really love the SAP button.
Señoras y Señores, bienvenidos a Neuva York Yankees beisbol!
Hola fans, yo soy Michael Kay.
Señoras quiero mostrar mi pene, su muy grande.
*es muy grande. but IRETC.
I could play with this thing all night
http://www.spanishdict.com/translation
you’re on fire.
Hopefully Gardner has a big game to gain some confidence. His swing looks like it did last year and he isn’t using his legs like he was in spring training.
Gardner, CF – seriously, I’ve had enough … Mike Cameron please
Please! And I’m starting to think that Gardner is a glorified version of Bubba Crosby…
Bubba Crosby could swing with one arm and have more power than Gardner. At least Bubba had a little juice in his bat.
He had an upper-decker game winner a few years ago, right?
You’re 2-for-2. May be you should bat lead-off.
Maybe*
I honestly couldnt do much worse.
Oh Mike Cameron. Please be in pinstripes soon.
I also would love to see a Yankee outfielder actually make a catch and then crash into the wall or make a catch against the wall or catch a ball near a wall. I see other teams do it, so I know it can be done
Well, at least o one will ever ask if Brett Gardner juiced!
The power of positive thinking!
Jeter
Swisher
Cano
Tex
Posada
Matsui
Melky
Berroa
Gardner
That is quite the black hole at the bottom of the line up.
But I would do that, too.
Better than a black hole in the leadoff spot.
I love how Pedroia was only being classy because his earpiece told him to so…
And Dave Winfield clearly isn’t comfortable next to Pedroia.
Are you comfortable next to people half your size?
IETC
+1
I think the more appropriate question is: “Are you comfortable next to one of the most douche-y Red Sox as a former Yankees player?”
I love Dave, and I’m glad to see him back involved with the game. But this ESPN gig is a work in progress. He hasn’t looked comfortable doing anything.
Well he does smell like cabbage after all.
Ooh. Clever.
It is possible he’s just an overgrown Cabbage Patch Kid
What is the media’s obsession w/short players? Pedroia hits the ball over the fence w/power because he uses his legs in his swing. Brett Gardner: pay the fuck attention.
Gardner swings the way I used to: lunging at the pitch. Ever since I changed my swing, I’ve actually hit the ball…hey, maybe it’ll work for him.
I tell kids I work with all the time–good pitching and good hitting come from your legs, not your arms.
Lol now I have to apply that to my throwing mechanics…
Leg drive, Pablo. Success on the mound is all about leg drive.
By leg drive do you mean getting a bigger stride or something related?
I mean the drive you get with your back foot off of the rubber.
oh lol thanks for the tip.
Lol no problem.
I’m a left-fielder in softball now, so I know all about pitching.
You could do a poll: of the following, who would you rather bat leadoff?
Gardner
Ransom
Molina
Melky
Ramiro Peña
You forgot Option #6-Kill yourself now and avoid the rush.
#7: Touch yourself and go to bed.
We have a winner!
Please, keep talking aobut how well the Sox hit Pettitte when the Yankees have tagged Masterson to the tune of an .813 OPS in 5 games against him.
And about Masterson struggles against lefties, and we have 7 in the lineup. 6 if you discount Gritner, which you are free to do.
I love that picture, despite how many times Manny took us deep when he was a sock(and an ind). That must be one of the scariest sights in the game for a pitcher. Him just chillin there with the bat on the shoulder “you know i’m takin you deep right?”
Fucking Carolina
[/off topic]
Did Gammons REALLY just say that Cano could be a 35-40 homer guy?! Did I hear that right?!
Sshh, if Gammons says it, you know it’s right.
That’s why he got his own theme song:
http://www.funnyordie.com/vide.....ngton-bros
Probably thinking he is gunna hit that many dingers cause of the new stadium
Wow, Gammons just said Cano is emerging as a “.300, 35-40 homer star.” I’ll be shocked if he ever hits that many homers, but I am digging the new Robbie.
Im predicting .320-25HR-102RBI
I say .300/.340/.480, 20 HR.
Thanks for the important stats.
I’m very satisfied with the way Cano has played so far.
Can Dustin Pedroia get on rollercoasters yet?
Geez, Damon is such an idiot. Out of the lineup from running into the wall repeatedly yesterday. Hand, hip, knee and shoulder are all sore.
I wouldn’t call him an idiot; at least he tried to play defense.
Bobby Abreu, on the other hand…
I mean it in the affectionate, Red Sox-y way.
Can Kruk be anymore subjective?
He just said “let me tell you why I’m happy about this series and not because the Red Sox have won both games, but….”
I mean seriously.
Tell Kruk to eat a salad that fat piece of shit
Kruk said something actually not retarded earlier, when asked the question: “Is this a must win game for the Yankees”. I completely expected a “yes” from the Krukster, but he actually said “No” and just that obviously they want to win, will take it seriously, but banged up and such.
oh look its the 3 stooges. they are actually wearing same suits with 3 different ugly colors.
I.Hate.ESPN Baseball.
“Uhhhhh, I got a chill down my spine just thinking about it.”
failed.
Here we goooo….
Les do it up, biig babaaayy!!
Justin Masterbates is gonna shit the bed tonight.
OK, lets add that one to the list:
-Big Sloppy
-Kevin Puke-lis
-Dustin Pedophilia
-Justin Masterbates
Jacoby Dingleberry
Now that’s just childish. Kevin Puke-lis is a good solid piece of comedy, but Jacoby Dingleberry crosses the line of good taste, my friend.
OK, so the new list is:
-Big Sloppy
-Kevin Puke-lis
-Dustin Pedophilia
-Justin Masterbates
-Jacoby Dingleberry
-Jonathan Papel-bum
I like them all except pedophilia.
Hey, I didn’t make them up. Just repeating the ones I’ve heard. You have something better, go for it.
Good list. And nice DP turned.
Don’t forget my favorite: Papelfuck.
Yes, let’s.
Along with:
A-Roid
Jouiba
Burnoutte
Safathia
Sorry Steve, couldn’t resist
Jason Gay….too easy……JD Poo
Burn
Damn, you guys have been giving this more thought than I have. I’ll quit while I’m waaaaay behind.
Hahahahahaha!!
JD Poo!!! That’s a new one!
-Big Sloppy
-Kevin Puke-lis
-Dustin Pedophilia
-Justin Masterbates
-Jacoby Dingleberry
-Jonathan Papel-bum
-JD Poo
Jeter+
Damon+
Teixeira+
A-rod+
Posada+
Swisher+
Cano+
Matsui+
Cameron+
= Dream Lineup
= Dream Lineup which is possible for the Yankees to have today.
Fixed. A Dream Lineup has got to include Ruth.
Lets all agree – no responding to Axl tonight?
Hopefully he went with his plan for someone to call him when the team “cared” and wasn’t “a joke” and thus will not be around.
Holy fuck Roslton, SHOOT the puck!
[the off topic will stop, I promise]
How does Steve Phillips have a job in baseball after doing one of the worse trades in baseball history????
He got them Reyes and Wright, no?
And it was Duquette that traded Kaz.
If you’re referring to the Kazmir trade, that wasn’t him
oo i thought it was cause he was on Kellerman show about a year ago and Kellerman was trashing him……still hate him lol
Mo Vaughn hahahaha.
Gardener should bunt.
Same on Damon being out given that lefties is Masterson’s weakness.
Let’s play some ball!
Masterson should be a starter or reliever?
Well, if he can straighten out his problems vs. LHH (.760 OPS), then he should start.
Starter–I think he can add a pitch to get lefties out, and then he’d be a fringe 2/great 3, which is more valuable than a middle reliever/set-up man.
It’s also more valuable than a closer. Joe Blanton had a higher WAR than Brad Lidge last year. Fact.
Damn.
i found it funny how no one is giving the “Joba debate” to Masterson.
doesn’t have that type of ceiling at either role.
Relieve until he gets a third pitch to battle lefties.
My thoughts exactly Mike. He really needs one more pitch. I love his movement on the ball and he has great poise. Even the games he’s had trouble, he doesn’t seem to get rattled.
Speaking of this, I was watching the Phils/Marlins game on TBS today, right? Skip Cary starts talking about how he spoke to Derek Lowe who thinks that teams should experiment w/putting their SP prospects into the 8th and 9th at times so they can experience pitching w/the game on the line. I threw up in my mouth a bit.
obviously only one inning in baseball is important. the eighth.
Over/Under on Brett Gardner batted balls leaving the infield today: 1.5. I’m taking the under.
I’d like to take blame for the last 2 losses.
In the 1st game, I left after we took the 4-0 lead and we lost it.
In the 2nd game, I left after the 6-0 lead and we lost it. I came back when we were down 9-8 and as soon as I turn on the TV, we took a 10-9 lead. Then, I left to play some basketball and we lost it again.
*4-2 lead
Yankees should pay you to watch games apparently.
If any Sox fan tells you he or she wanted a Youk/Lowell combination over a Youk/Tex combination is a dirty liar.
Agreed.
That was ugly.
Gardner did a really nice job setting the table that inning.
Well. THAT was certainly promising. :snort:
Did ESPN even mention the fact that the Yankees made him a better offer? All I heard was that the Red Sox gave a very high offer and he turned it down.
promising
didnt the sox basically screw mark teixeira when he entered the draft after H.S.?
Essentially.
pretty much yeah. Boston “lied” to every team that he wasn’t going to sign with neither of them once he get drafted.
If all the teams who spread false rumors on draft day were to be excluded, then we might as well call off the draft.
To be fair to the BoSox, that was in 2000, and was a different GM (Dan Duquette) and ownership (Yawkey Trust). Henry bought the team in 2002.
No, not at all. He fell because he wanted a lot of money, and the Sox took a flier late. They made him a great offer, but he turned it down because he wanted more and ended up in school.
Please shut up about the midget’s rookie year.
so sick of it.
would you like ‘em to sing the midget’s MVP season?
how about just shut up about the midget at all? i would take that.
How do these absolute morons have jobs in broadcasting?
I get the brazilian broadcast, and amazingly it’s better than miller and morgan.
I can’t even understand Portugese, but I would rather hear that broadcast instead.
God does Pettitte have a great move.
The umpire is calling a pretty wide strike zone.
I love seeing Ortiz struggle!
That was fun.
The ghost of David Ortiz, thank goodness. Vintage Ortiz, and that’s over the wall.
The Good: inning ending DP
The Bad: Ortiz hit the ball hard
luck
He hit it ‘hard’, in the sense that Gardner can hit it ‘hard’. He didn’t hit it power slugger hard, however.
Nice play.
The announcers weren’t too excited. The Pedroia flyball was more exciting to them.
sweet DP
That’s what she said.
DP?
sigh…
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=dp
Beat to the punch, lol.
lmao
Try the urban dictionary…
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=dp
:shakes head:
:rofl:
You’re so late.
Curse you Pablo Zevallos…
….if that is your real name!
do rookie relievers gets considered for ROTY? just curious.
Yep. Street won it a few years ago.
Of course.
Why is everyone surprised that Swisher is hitting well? He’s a good hitter.
But teh Avg!!!
Good to see that Masterson throws harder than Joba….
Man Swisher is PO’d.
Is Masterson really that good?
Of course. Red Sox prospects are always good immediately.
Blegh.
Is it really only 5 batters?
He’s been hitting 96 with a lot of movement…I don’t remember him throwing that hard or with that much movement, that’s why I asked..
Good enough to retire five batters in a row? Yes, I’d hope so.
Is Masterson really that good?Are the Yankees that bad?Axl’d
IETC
its partly the Tek’ker, hes an allstar catcher
If only I could’ve had Jason Varitek as my catcher in high school, I could’ve thrown a few no-hitters in a row and gotten scouted…
holy crap, Cano with a 1000 OPS? awesome.
‘Usually’ he’s batting .150 right about now.
I guess ‘usually’ means once.
WTF just happened?
Still liked that AB by Swish though
whoaaa joba-porcello on wed night? im intrigued. i’ve yet to see porcello pitch.
Joba-Porcello? I’m very aroused.
Heh. I caught that.
Ditto.
I actually briefly spoke to a scout from the Tigers about Porcello today, and one from the Rays about the Beckhams.
And?
The Tigers scout thinks Porcello can be a Josh Beckett type pitcher and the Rays scout thinks both Beckhams may have to move off of SS.
Beckett I could see, but with more groundouts.
hahah. me too… game thread for wed night: “An Arousing Pitching Matchup”
He’s good. It’ll take him two to four years to become an ‘ace’, but he definitely comes as advertised.
He’s on one of my keeper teams
Good small discussion of Porcello here: http://www.baseballprospectus......cleid=8784
He’s good. It’ll take him two to four years to become a
n ‘ace’closer, but he definitely comes as advertised.I hope that’s a B-Jobber joke.
Noooo!!!
That ball looked like it was gonna go foul…and then it never did.
Ayayay Steve Phillips, it’s only the 2nd inning.
sick of the Joba to the bullpen talk
Ugh.
Who had a B-Jobber reference at 8:28?
Heh, I love how they bring it up. 2nd inning, the game doesn’t even call for it…AT ALL.
Salvage this series Yankees!
Wow took them 29 minutes to bring up Joba to the pen.
Hat tip to Joey H.
http://thebronxbombersblog.com.....muteus.jpg
Here’s the Joba bullshit..
Joba’s velocity is a little down but he’s keeping the difference between it and his changeup at the same level it was last year (11.5 or so) so I’m not awfully concerned about it. As the season goes, I’m sure he’ll be throwing teh gas again.
thank you drew
Que?
You’re welcome?
NIck Swisher doesn’t always drink beer, but when he does, he prefers a Dos Equis.
I C Whut U Did Thar!
He once had an awkward moment, just to see what it felt like.
stay thirsty my friends
You know what sucks? Morgan was an awesome player, fuckin’ fantastic. But he sucks as an announcer. A lot.
The ump takes forever to call a strike…
Joe Morgan is comparing Kevin Youk-I-Pis to Ernie Banks and Hank Aaron.
You know, that would have been a really good play by Berroa had he made it.
Jason Bay – Yankee killer/Red Sox Legend.
Tough play, Berroa almost had it. A-Rod wouldn’t have turned that.
when’s alex coming back?
Eh, certainly not with his hip condition, but maybe otherwise.
You know, if current players aren’t old enough to have seen you play when they were kids, then you should stop being a color man.
at least we know Berroa’s still breathing out there at 3B. way to go granny!
Jason Bay needs to go back to Canada. Prick.
Lol.
so if Melancon dominates the majors like he did in the minors, hopefully he gets considered for a ROTY award. the Yanks been long overdue for a ROTY.
He won’t dominate the majors like he did the minors. No one ever does.
Street and Soria did in their rookie year. just saying.
Don’t worry. 2010: Year of Ajax
2011: Year of Odysseus.
Clumsy catch by Tex there.
Over/under on the length of this game? 4+?
God I hope not. I have to get up at 5 am for work tomorrow, lol.
Over.
its sunday night, please no more than 4 hours…
If it’s 4 hours plus of non-stop Yankees kicking ass, I’ll enjoy. Even with these announcers.
How many more times do you think they’ll mention Friday night?
Until their arousal wears off.
Why the fuck are they talking about basektball??
I hate ESPN so much.
Honestly, I could be watching Remy and Orsillo right now and I wouldn’t notice a difference.
Not it wasn’t that (and I honestly don’t mind those two, unless the game gets close). It was the minute and a half devoted to the NBA during Yankees/Sox.
Heh.
NBA playoff minute.
Wow he just gizzeed when he said “Grand Slam”. Nice, Espn.
My Mo, just shut up. Non-stop talking from these clowns.
They have no clue on when to shut up and let the game talk for itself for a few seconds. Even Kay knows when to do that.
I’m waiting for them to talk about their plans for vacation. At least it’s not McCarver. “That’s a classic” line from yesterday just ended the game for me.
The “C” on Varitek’s jersey is detestable. How can the captain be a catcher that they gave a sympathy contract to?
I still don’t understand why he didn’t accept arbitration.
he’s an all star!!
Oh man, I thought that was trouble.
Varitek starting swinging in the first inning to catch up to that pitch.
Omg, I caught my breath on that.
do the yanks have any chance at mauer in 2010?
I’d want no part of him until I see two healthy seasons from him. His bat is useless outside of catcher.
…seriously? A .317/.399/.457 line fits just about anywhere as far as I’m concerned.
.320-.400-.450 plays lots and lots of places.
I should have rephrased that to mean that he is of no use to the Yankees if he can’t play catcher (seeing as 3rd and 1st will be occupied for a long time), and one of the vets will move to DH.
I think if they sign Holliday, than no.
They’re stacked at catcher in the minors. I don’t see it.
I’d sign him. It’s extremely unlikely anyone they have in the minors turns into Joe Mauer.
I wouldn’t touch him – back injuries at 26 screams ’stay away’ to me.
Let the Red Sox sign him to a long term deal.
Montero’s obviously got a ceiling higher than Mauer, but I won’t even go there unless he shows defensive improvements this season.
Wasn’t it a kidney issue?
Hey, Gardner actually has sacrifice-fly power.
Melky is going to hit the ball hard.
Andy just curious, where in Daytona you in? I used to live there a decade ago for 2 years. I went to Creek High.
I live at Indigo Lakes. About a 3 wood from the track. I went to Mainland. Alma mater of Vince Carter, Denzel Washington and The Lone Ranger.
ahhh so you were one of the rivals back then. lol
Spruce Creek would have to win once in a while to be considered a rival. Unless you count weightlifting as a sport.
lol burn. what weird you were in?
or…
Hey look! A base hit!
a looky, a hit.
Yea, Matsui broke up the perfect game.
The Red Sox radio broadcast has a lot more crowd noise (to make it sound louder) than the Yankees radio broadcast. Is that SOP or just sad?
I’m going with….sad.
oh look, another hit.
Berrora should bunt.
..and he listens.
Hey look Melky had a single!
Good piece of hitting?
Sac bunting to setup Brett Gardner. Wow.
Come on Brett, take one for the team!
Now we have 2 in scoring position for our slugger B. Gardner.
There you go Berroa. Nice job.
Did Morgan just connect Lowell’s hip surgery and the ball hitting the edge of the grass and staying down?
As only he can. Thanks Joe.
I have Greinke on my fantasy!
Woot – woot!
Luke?
Heh. I hope he is as good as his brother.
Ray Allen! Pierce missed the FT at the end, I couldn’t believe it maynne!
Me too… (I draft high K upside guys in middle rounds, concentrate on offense in the early rounds) but I’m not sure why this is important?
I think Joe Morgan was a great player, but how good was he really? I read some article recently that listed him as a given as one of the top players of all-time. It was like Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, Mickey mantle, Hank Aaron, Joe Morgan.. seriously.
I have a man crush on Zach Greinke and I am a woman.
I’m torn between saying:
Thats pretty impressive
or
You should get that checked out
So I’ll just throw both out there
Nope, not an offensive juggernaut. 99 runs in 17 games. 5.8 runs per game. Not good at all.
Why waste a good comment by introducing facts?
4th in average, 3rd in OBP, 4th in SLG.
tSterling just said Matsui runs “okay.” That’s pretty generous.
Brett sac fly? wow…
Gardner smashed that one!!1!
Hey, Gardner did something!
gardner gets it done.
If Gardner didn’t get the sac, everyone would be all over Girardi for the sac bunt. Since it all worked out, nothing is said. Just goes to show the 2nd guessing mentality that we all take towards criticizing Girardi’s decisions.
I don’t mind a bunt. Usually though, we can’t get them down.
I’ll take the run, obviously, but sac bunting to get to Brett Gardner is not something that’s going to work out often. An automatic out, sac bunt, is not a good thing.
GRITTY!
Gardner just said fuck you in the ear to Morgan and Miller.
(Yes, I know. He still sucks
Nice play, Lowell.
hehe, Lowell with an error?
Man, gotta make them pay for that. Drive ‘em in Tex.
Or swing at the first pitch.
Ayayay, Teixeira, the first pitch?
Dammit, that looked so much better than it was.
I actually thought it was over the fence.
Teixeira…bust.
Sabathia…bust.
Burnett….bust.
Marte……bust.
Swisher….we will see.
Sanchez….bust.
Fire Cash!!! Hire Krivsky!!!
/
Lombardi’d
Would’ve been nice for Tex to see a pitch there. Least we drew first blood. I can’t wait till he picks it up, we need him to start hitting. The walks are always nice, of course, but it would be great if he could start hitting with RISP. He’ll pick it up.
We’ve drawn first blood each game…that’s not necessarily a good thing.
“the fans here love their sausages”
fans at fenway park love 9 inch sausages. so many jokes, so little time.
I kind of like the way you say that giselle.
but you didn’t hear me say it, andy.
A Rod hurry up.
Pena should be playing everyday.
Eh, Tex = first pitch doesn’t worry me at all. He’s a patient hitter who saw something he thought he could drive, and just missed it.
Balls are taking weird hopes over at third tonight.
Ya, cause that’s a fair comparison, Philips.
Julio Lugo = ARod, right?
Yep.
I’ve got a 9 inch sausage….
In my pants.
Okay, Todd.
I had like 10 rows of spaces in there, but it didn’t work.
Oh, wow, Pedroia’s up, and we just happen to have this Pedroia = God montage ready.
Think we’ll see one of those puppies for a Yankee tonight?
Anytime I see Pettitte fielding comebackers/bunts, I always think back to the 6th inning of Game 5 of the 1996 WS.
the pedroia love just doesnt stop ..
He’s the new Babe.
Damn Ellsbury got NO jump and still stole the base easily.
Hmm, so they didn’t look for tools, yet they ended up with the biggest tool evah.
Could we get a new thread? this is really slow.
Can this myth that Pettitte = great at holding runners end already?
He’s got a great pickoff move, but he’s slow enough to the plate, that it doesn’t matter when you have a GOOD basestealer.
Man, we need ARod back…
Can’t Arod just rehab in NY?
Is the 3rd inning too early for a defensive replacement????