May
08

Game 29: He’s Baaaaaaaack

By Mike Axisa

A-Rod swinging

Jeter, SS
Damon, LF
Teixeira, 1B
A-Rod, 3B
Matsui, DH
Swisher, RF
Cano, 2B
Melky, CF
Cervelli, C

And on the mound, CC Sabathia.

Notes: Ian Kennedy has an aneurysm … Steven Jackson was DFA’ed to make room on the 40-man for Kevin Cash

Posted on Friday, May 8th, 2009 at 6:45 pm in Game Threads.

RSS feed | Trackback URI

283 Comments

Drew says:

Lineup make a me smile

A, SHUT UP A YOU FACE!

Drew says:

I smack a ya face

 
 
 
MyNameIsNed says:

Not that I am expecting the world from A-Rod tonight, but I am counting on him hitting 5 long balls tonight.

Or, I will just take seeing “the 3rd baseman” out on the field again.

4 AB’s, 4 homers… 20 RBI.

MyNameIsNed says:

I was going to put something down along those lines too, but I wanted to avoid the backlash…then i remembered Im not on lohud anymore.

 
 
 
Infamous says:

Why isnt Berroa DFA’d and Juan Miranda up here? I dont get it

Hmm… ARod insurance? The team wants Berroa around for a while longer until they’re sure ARod is good to go at 3B day in and day out?

That’s all I got.

Infamous says:

I didn’t say I agreed with it. I’m with you, I’d roll the dice on Peña being the only UTI, I don’t think we need both him and Berroa.

Just trying to guess inside the mind of the Yankees.

Eh, I can understand keeping Berroa around for another week or so, just to have him as A-Rod insurance.

It’s not the worst idea in the world.

I’d still have given Berroa the dead fish in newspaper today, though. I’m bold and daring.

 
Infamous says:

Our bench is extremely weak though, we used Gardner as a pinch hitter.

I say we need Miranda right now alot more then Berroa. Tex looks like he needs a day off and Berroa is behind Pena on the depth chart anyway.

 
 
 
 
 
 
FL Yank says:

I have a good feeling about this game and I haven’t had one in a long time. Don’t get me wrong I am not a pessimistic fan in any way. I just think something special is about to happen.

…although it might just be thread title giving me the tingles in my bathing suit area…

…although it might just be thread title giving me the tingles in my bathing suit area…

No, that’s the balm you applied. Give it time, the tingle means it’s working.

FL Yank says:

Crap. I knew IcyHot was a bad idea.

FL Yank = Roger Clemens

FL Yank says:

I would throw a bat at Piazza.

You’d bang Mindy McCready.

FL Yank says:

What you meant was that I’d have an affair with her while she was underage. And I’d have to agree with that.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mr. Rodriguez says:

Can we get any production out of the Catcher position in the next two weeks or no?

whozat says:

Probably only by accident.

 
Chris says:

I’m sure the catchers will produce a lot of outs.

 
 

Hey! I don’t actually have a paper to write tonight! (Well, I have an entire thesis, but it’s not due tomorrow!) I can enjoy baseball!

You’re a glutton for punishment.
You like it rough.

 
FL Yank says:

Pssshhh. Lanny told me everyone who says they have a paper to write is a liar…

(I keed, I keed)

OH SHIT YOU SAID THE NAME WE WERENT GONNA SAY

FL Yank says:

I’m pretty sure if you paint lamb’s blood on the outsides of your computer screen it’ll keep him at bay.

 
 
 
 
Chip says:

This is by far and away the best lineup I’ve seen all season. Even tho Posada is out and Cervelli is getting the start, it’s like getting both Tex and A-Rod back as Tex will now actually be thrown a fastball or two

 
Nigel Incubator-Jones says:

Funny that with this losing streak A-rods return is treated with optimism. If they were on a winning streak I think he would be seen as a harbinger of doom.. or oaktag.

I must hear the story of your name. Please, tell me.

Nigel Incubator-Jones says:

Monty Python – Twit of the year contest

Nigel Incubator-Jones says:

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah. Now I’m pissed at myself for not recognizing it.

True story: I have a running joke with some friends about starting a glossy, Cigar Aficionado-style magazine called “Upperclass Twit Monthly”.

Nigel Incubator-Jones says:
 
 
 
 
 
FL Yank says:

“And a dragon with seven heads and 10 horns would rise and lay waste to all that was!” (paraphrasing)

In case you didn’t know, the Book of Revelations is actually about A-Rod’s return to the Yankees; not the end of the world.

Accent Shallow says:

“Who can open the doors of his face? . . . Out of his mouth go burning lamps . . .”

I prefer this Biblical quote, personally.

 
 
MyNameIsNed says:

What are the odds that A-Rod’s return will coincide with a gem being spun by CC?

Hopefully better than the odds of me getting laid tonight.

 
 
 
Drew says:

The only position we would need to pinch hit for is the 9 slot. I’m not too worried about Miranda not being here.

Remember you said that when the game is tied and we have one out and a runner on second and Frankie “Mr. Weak Hack” Cervelli comes up to bat against Brian Bass, and Bass strikes him out on three balls.

Nigel Incubator-Jones says:

C’mon, he can’t be that bad, he played in the WBC!!

/sacrcasm

Nigel Incubator-Jones says:

sacrasm is like sarcasm.. only different. and I do enjoy replying to my own posts. 2 for 2.

FL Yank says:

I like how you misspelled a word you misspelled hehe.

Nigel Incubator-Jones says:

Yeah, hoped no one would notice.. thanks for that.

FL Yank says:

I do it because I love.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
 
 
 
 
 
Drew says:

Well lets not make Miranda out to be something he’s not. He’s only had 10 AB’s. He’s not the great one, Shelley Duncan.

Drew says:

*Major league AB’s

 
 
 
Infamous says:

You should be

Drew says:

I see optimism isn’t your forte?

 
 
 
Drew says:

Are we going to hear and see signs about TEH juice? I think the fans are too preoccupied by Teix.

 

“O’s acquire minor lg. OF Joey Gathright in exchange for INF/OF Ryan Freel” via @mlbcoz on Twitter

It’s amazing to me that teams continue to want Joey Gathright.

Why are all the comments showing up as unread? =(

It acts up once in a while, give it a few minutes and it’ll right itself.

 
 
Matt ACTY says:

+67

I actually once saw him make an absolutely disgusting catch on Sheff in ‘06. Highlight of his career.

 
 
Mr. Rodriguez says:

Joey Gathright – the black Brett Gardner lol

Sadly, Joey Gathright >>>>>>>>>> Brett Gardner

 
 
 
Matt ACTY says:

Way to start the game off right, Jeet.

A-Rod’s first AB won’t be nearly as exciting via Gameday. :(

EvoLuTioN says:

MLBNetwork will tune in for his first at bat if you have it.

 
 
BigBlueAL says:

OK so the roster moves were Molina to DL, Melancon down with Arod and Cash up right?? Well they finally are down to carrying just 12 pitchers, but quite how I wanted it. Although I understand the need to keep both backup IFers for a bit til Arod is truly known to be 100% back.

 
EvoLuTioN says:

why is jeter still leading off i really dont get it…

 

A-rod in the on deck circle.

Never thought I’d enjoy saying that as much as I do right now.

DON’T GUTTER THAT.

 
Accent Shallow says:

Gameday has Guthrie sitting 97. Jesus Christ.

 
 
Drew says:

How exciting!!!

 
EvoLuTioN says:

2 on 1 out for Alex!

 
VO says:
 

Well, the Yankees fans still like him!

 
Drew says:

Awesome reception

 
Matt ACTY says:

A-Rod! (CLAP-CLAP) A-Rod! (CLAP-CLAP)

 
Infamous says:

GONEEEEEEEEEEEE

 
EvoLuTioN says:

OH FUCK AROD IS BACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKk

 
 
Accent Shallow says:

I knew why I missed this guy.

 
Drew says:

LMFAO!!!!!!!!!

 
UWS says:

Welcome back, ARod.

 
Eric says:

WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

 
Alex S says:

HE IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FUCK YEA!!!!

 
VO says:
 
 

Pitch tipping, obviously.

 
Christopher says:

Haha you can’t write this.

 
pc69 says:

Fuck Me!!!!!!!! Arod won’t have an impact :)

 
Chip says:

First pitch, love it

 
Christian says:

Watch out AL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He’s Baaaaaack!!!!!!!

 
Matt ACTY says:

Wooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!

 
FL Yank says:

This team is worse w/ A-Rod on it…

/Rick-Trolled

 
JobaWockeeZ says:

Unclutch stat adder. A-Rod sucks.
Man A-Rod is GOD.

whozat says:

I was gonna say that. Crap.

whozat says:

Clearly, I was oaktagged

 
 
 
 
Chip says:

Gotta say that I’ve missed having that in the middle of the lineup. Guarantee the next time someone goes 3-1 on Tex he gets one right down the middle

 
BigBlueAL says:

He’s baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 
Infamous says:

It’s the first inning though, so it doesnt count as much right?

whozat says:
 
 
 
Chip says:

And do I even need to mention that it was a meaningless homerun as it was hit in the first inning?

 
Jose says:

I wish ARod would actually get those types of home runs in clutch situations. CC is gonna let up more than 3 runs and when we need that homer, Arod won’t be there.

Infamous says:

I hope this is sarcasm

It’s gotta be. It’s too perfect not to be.

Well done, Jose.

 
 
JobaWockeeZ says:

LOL. Even with a 3 run home run, someone has to be a pessimist. What a fan.bandwagoner.

Jose says:

Wait until you see our bullpen.

JobaWockeeZ says:

Yeah they’re going to pitch lights out because A-Rod’s back.

Jose says:

How do position players effect pitchers?

Iowa Yank says:

You gotta be kidding …

 
JobaWockeeZ says:

Nice try on making me look like an idiot.

Jose says:

The problem hasn’t been groundballs to third. It has been homers and walks. Can Arod fix those? He must be able to with that huge contract.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
 
 
 

Because CC Sabathia went to the mound with a 3-0 run lead that he wouldn’t have had if he pitched yesterday.

 
 
 
 
 
whozat says:

+1 for effort, but pretty obvious trolling right here.

Nigel Incubator-Jones says:
 
 
pc69 says:

two steps back. Just enjoy a great moment. There have been few and 16 minutes into a game is no time to leap.

 
Drew says:

This is what we have to deal with? ugh..

 
Matt ACTY says:

Before A-Rod’s homer, the Yankees had exactly a 50% chance of winning the game. Afterwards, they had a 69.7% chance.

 
 
pc69 says:

Ok, here is an observation, his leg kick is lower this year. When ARod is going bad, his leg kick is higher than it was on that swing. Fucking beautiful. After a shitty day, I so needed that.

 
VO says:

Love the Let’s Go Yankees chant

 
Mike HC says:

The only negative thing about A-Rod’s homer was Michael Kaye’s call … “you can’t write this” … um, I think that is exactly how every Yankee fan would write it

 

Hey guys… What’d I miss?

 
Infamous says:

Nothing but an unclutch homerun by Arod in the first inning, so unclutch

I keed, I saw it… Fucking. Awesome. So sorry, American League.

Have fun tonight, all. I’m out.

 
 
 
EvoLuTioN says:

that was fucking amazing

 
EvoLuTioN says:

first pitch 3 run BOMB

 
Andrew says:

Wow… talk about a meaningful swing. I know this is often overplayed, but that could be the turning point in this season. Sends a message.

 
Iowa Yank says:

Arod’s bats are now made from solid oaktag… its how he gets his batspeed

Okay, let’s not break it the first day we make it…

 
 
Chip says:

WHOA, not even close on that one to Cano

 
FL Yank says:

Is it gameday or was that last pitch to Cano a weee bit outside.

 
 
Accent Shallow says:

Oh, Robbie . . . that sure looked like ball four.

 
John says:

Man I love ma boy A-rod!

 
Accent Shallow says:

I am positively terrified of Nick Markakis. Terrified.

I think Eric Davis II scares me even more, quite frankly.

 
 
FL Yank says:

Let’s Go Carsten Charles!

 
Mike HC says:

Things have gotten so bad with Yankee fans that even when something good happens, everyone’s reaction is mocking sarcasm. I hope that will change to true hope and cheering shortly

 
UWS says:

I haven’t been around much – what’s this oaktag business?

Peruse this thread, particularly jsb’s comment at 5:06 pm.

http://riveraveblues.com/2009/.....nny-11420/

UWS says:
 
 
 
pc69 says:

Is it me or does it seem that CC starts too many batters off with a fast ball.

 

I don’t know about you guys, but I’m very disappointed by by A-Rod’s pitches per plate appearance rate.

Drew says:

Yeah dude, I wish he would consider his team. We need to get Guthrie’s pc up.

Matt ACTY says:

What a selfish 3 R HR.

 
 

Homers are rally killers. Tits-Rod should have taken a few pitches and looked for something he could line into shallow rightfield for a solid single to keep the baserunners on and keep the inning going.

What a fucktard.

 
JobaWockeeZ says:

We don’t have enough grit like the Red Sox.

 
 
Drew says:

That first pitch was a strike. He called a strike on robbie that was out off the plate 4 inches more. Damn ump already..

 
Accent Shallow says:

It seems like Brian Roberts absolutely kills the Yankees. Baseball Reference doesn’t seem to support this.

FL Yank says:

I’d like to say I wasn’t researching the exact same thing but in all honesty I cannot.

 
 

Dude, CC, your team spotted you a three run lead. For the love of all things holy, can you get these guys out?!

 

ZOMG AROD SUCKS IN TEH FIELD BRING BACK CODY RANSOM!!!!!!!!!!!1!!!!!!

 
Jose says:

I always loved “past a diving Jeter”, I fear I may have to get used to “past a diving Arod”.

UWS says:

Are you the new Lanny/GrantSalBo?

Jose says:

I do not know what that means?

Mike HC says:

that means, are you being comically negative just for the sake of getting a reaction??

Jose says:

I am not being negative. Just a Yankee fan saying what I seeing.

Mike HC says:

fair enough, but I dont know if anybody told you, this is the undyingly optimistic/rational Yankee blog … you know what they say, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Frankly, I don’t even think we’re undyingly optimistic. It just looks that way because we are arguing against hopelessly pessimistic, fatalistically negative intractable redasses.

Compared to Dick Cheney, Joe Biden looks like a ray of sunshine.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
Mike HC says:

very true, but the world has a way of making people pick sides, especially when you only have a couple of sentences to express your opinion

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mike HC says:

I have never been more happy to hear Michael Kaye say “past a diving A-Rod” than I am right now … Thank the baseball gods that he is back

 
Matt ACTY says:

Nick Markakis looks like a serial killer in his Gameday picture.

 
FL Yank says:

I would love to see a double play ball here.

 
Jamal G. says:

CC is dealing – he was 96-97 that whole Ab to Nick M.

 
 
JobaWockeeZ says:

Wow Cervelli shut me up. WONDERFUL surprise.

 

Cervelli has a cannon?

Who knew?

Matt ACTY says:

Nick Swisher knew.

 
 

And, I’ll state the obvious: I don’t know if Frankie Cervelli could POSSIBLY be more Italian.

I’m getting wistful memories of Sal Fasano. If Frankie grows a handlebar mustache, my head may explode.

 
A.D. says:

The ~25% of baserunners he threw out last year

A.D. says:

or the 41% in 2007

 
 
 

Yikes, that was hella close.

 

Dude, awesome! We make it to the second with a lead!

 
A.D. says:

Shame for SteJax, still think they should DFA Berroa even if A-Rod can’t play everyday.

 
Nady Nation says:

That first inning put me in a great mood, not gonna lie.

Mike HC says:

I agree … I too am in a noticeably better mood

 
 
 
pc69 says:

I don’t want to get superstitious but, ARod hits the first pitch out. Yankees actually have a lead and then a call goes our way.

Is it a full moon tonight? Not complaining, in fact, welcome some good luck.

Now everyone take a shot of Ouzo and say Ya Sou! Greek luck hopefully.

 
Eric says:

Is there something to SP getting off to a slow start in the 1st inning? Should they throw more in the bullpen before the game?

Nigel Incubator-Jones says:
 
 
Drew says:

How about this Melky cat

 

The newer, more disciplined Melky is actually a pretty solid player.

Drew says:

Would you be interested in joining my Melky fan club?

 
 
 
A.D. says:

Melky doing his best Swisher impression

 
A.D. says:

Does Cervelli pee on his hands too?

 
Drew says:
 
Brooklyn Ed says:

wow, Cervelli could run.

 

Between Cervelli, Posada and Molina, Cervelli wins the footrace and it’s not even close.

 

That’s the most productive thing we should expect out of Cervelli.

 
Joey H says:

That was gorgeous. Silence the critics Alex.

 
FL Yank says:

Holy. Crap. Someone on the Yankees can lay down an effective sac bunt. A-Rod is a miracle worker. In the same vein as Jesus or Optimist Prime.

I work miracles?

Do explain.

FL Yank says:

Oh man. And this is when I figure out I spend way too much time on this site. Confusing Autobot leader Optimus Prime with frequent commenter Optimist Prime.

Cartoon reference fail.

*giggles*

See, I was never a huge Transformers fan, but the opportunity for the pun…

 
 
 

Yeah, and look how much good that sac bunt did.

FL Yank says:

True but its better than a GIDP or K. At this point I’ll take whatever the 3rd/4th string catcher will give the Yankees as long as he advances the runner.

 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

Heh, anyone hear Phillies GM Tony Amaro Jr. saying that he doesn’t put much stock into defensive metrics outside of fielding percentage? That guy totally gives us Hispanics a bad name.

A.D. says:

J-Roll should only look to field balls right at him perfectly and then ask for a raise.

 

Why does it give Hispanics a bad name, as opposed to Philadelphians or just plain old idiots?

Was he drinking a Jarritos and eating some Pernil while blasting Reggaeton while saying it?

A.D. says:

Cheesesteak went straight to the brain

 
 
Matt ACTY says:

What’s ironic is that his middle infielders, third baseman, centerfielder, and rightfielder all have awesome UZR numbers for their careers.

 
 
Accent Shallow says:

“Italians, bad at war, are well-suited for milder competitions.”

Matt ACTY says:

When in war, don’t do as the Romans.

 

Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line.

 
 
Matt ACTY says:

Oh and it’s still not nearly as bad as Franco’s OBP gaffe.

That was classic.

Matt ACTY says:

The worst part of that comment is that I guarantee a ton of players think that way.

 
 
 
 
KP says:

Selena Roberts can suck A-Rod’s high hard one…

 
Drew says:
 
Jose says:

ARod only has an OPS of 5.000? He needs more time in the minors.

See? Jose’s not Salbogrant, he’s just snarky and sarcastic (albeit slightly pessimistically).

You’re good with me, bro.

Jose says:

I thought I would lighten up a little on ARod and the team now the we are winning.

Jose says:

We’re still good though, right? Most of my gang are lazy Dominicans and don’t bring much to the table.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alex S says:

should have scored there

 
A.D. says:

This is the new opening day, CC against the O’s A-Rod in the lineup

Mike HC says:

I like that. This is our second chance at opening day.

 
 
Joey H says:

What happened with A-Rod in the dugout? I heard he jokingly pretended that he hurt his hip picking something up.

 
 
Eric says:

23 starts without giving up an XBH to a left-hander by CC…pretty impressive

 
Joey H says:

That HR was like being constipated for 3 months and finally letting it out. You saw the look on his face? He was like there you go Mf’ers. Sorry for the poor analogy but you catch my drift.

Please. don’t use that analogy with someone that has digestive issues.

Trust me on this.

Joey H says:

It was absolutely not meant to offend anyone whatsoever. If you were offended. Sorry. But I suppose the point was well taken.

Haha amused, not offended ;)

If I’m offended you’ll know it. Trust me.

Joey H says:

Oh good. I just would hope people don’t get offended by a silly remark that has no ill intent behind it. Besides it wasn’t directed toward anyone except A-Rod and his hating sons of bitches.

 
 
 
 
 
A.D. says:

Sorry for the poor shitty analogy but you catch my drift.

Cornier that way, but that one definitely felt good for Alex.

Joey H says:
 
 
 

Strong inning from CC.

Joey H says:

Nothing like pitching with a lead. It worked wonders for Joba in the Motor city.

 
 
Drew says:

That changeup was 55 mph!! wow! fucking radar gun.

 
Matt ACTY says:

CC’s velocity to Montanez:

96
94
95
96
86 (changeup)

Love it.

Joey H says:

I said this before. He needs to use that change up. I was at his last start and he had hitters FAR out in front.

 
 
 

Baltimore’s ball girl =

FUGLY

Joey H says:

Total savage.

 
 

Nice grab by the ball … eek …. girl.

Accent Shallow says:

Yeah, I thought ball girls were supposed to be cute?

 
 
Matt ACTY says:

Tommie, Mike…don’t talk about Pop’s mother that way.

 
 
Drew says:

Okay so we’re going to talk about steroids during every alex AB?

 
Joey H says:

Before Kay just let the cat out of the bag, I can’t remember YES personalities using the word “steroids.” In recent memory.

Drew says:

True.. Kay said it in the first AB but didn’t have enough time to elaborate. He’s an ass.

 
 
Will says:

I hate how gameday doesnt show video anymore.

Nigel Incubator-Jones says:
 
Matt ACTY says:

If you have an MLB.tv account, you can watch the highlights. I just found that out.

Nigel Incubator-Jones says:

Yeah, but they teased for free the first week or so of the season.

 
 
 

A-Rod swung at about three balls there

/Oaktag

 
Matt ACTY says:

Bust. Back to EST, please.

 
Infamous says:

2009 Season:

Arod: AB:2 HR:1
Ortiz: AB:105 HR:0

Idk why, I just felt like bringing that up

Matt ACTY says:

Because it’s awesome in like….400 different ways.

 
Joey H says:

Oh please do.

 
FL Yank says:
 

I threw this in the livechat, but Mike didn’t post it:

Who do you think hits a homer first, David Ortiz or David Segui? Before you answer, remember that David Segui has been retired since 2004.

Nigel Incubator-Jones says:

Using rate stas I’d say it’s a wash.

 
 
Infamous says:

David Ortiz or David Eckstein?

 
 
Nady Nation says:

Thank you for doing that. It was fantastic to read.

 
Jose says:

2009 Season:
Clutch RBIs

Arod: 0
Ortiz: 14

 
 
Joey H says:

Mad fantasy stats. Hamels is dealing. CC is settling in nicely.
A-Rod 3r HR. Hooray for me.

Drew says:

Damn the phillies are pretty good. Howard double, Werth HR. 6-0

 
 

Nick Swisher >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Bobby Abreu

Melky Cabrera in CF >>>>>>>>>>>> Johnny Damon in CF

Drew says:

Melky>>>>>>>>>>>>>Melvin Croussett

 
 
 
 

RIP Dom Dimaggio

Matt ACTY says:

Word. A friend of mine is distantly related to the DiMaggio family.

 
 
Jose says:

Carl Crawford tripled in Boston. Maddon had his number three hitter bunt (the fool). Right now Carl is on pace to steal 113 bases during the year. I need him to run around in left field next year for the Yankees.

 
Drew says:

Puhleaseeee can we get a gun that works!?

 
Joey H says:

When is YES going to invest in fixing these guns? It’s an absolute joke.

Infamous says:

Just keep gameday open and take a glance at that

 
 

Joe DiMaggio and Micke Mantle on the same team.

I can’t imagine it.

Drew says:

Gotta figure like A rod and Manny or something along those lines.

 
 

“I’ll never believe Brian Roberts again”

I LOL’d

 

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.