Game 38: Going for the sweep
ByTonight the Yankees find them in a position many fans would have thought impossible just two weeks ago: to sweep a four-game series. There’s no need to chronicle how the Yanks got to this point. Suffice it to say that I hope they can find another way to win tonight. Walk-offs are great, but the emotional burden leading up to it is sometimes too much.
The matchup this evening feature a pair of lefties, Andy Pettitte and Glen Perkins. The Twins’ lefty has made three starts against the Yankees in his career, all of which came last year. He threw 18 innings total, allowing 10 runs and 22 hits while walking six. These numbers might come as a surprise to those who tend to remember only the latest performance. On August 11 Perkins fired eight scoreless frames in a 4-0 Twins victory. Yet most people forget that the Yanks bombed him for five runs in six innings on July 23, and rocked him for 10 hits and five runs in four innings on May 30. For what it’s worth, Perkins hasn’t allowed fewer than four earned runs in an appearance since April 19.
There are a few pregame notes to cover before the lineups. First, the Pirates have raided the Yanks farm system again, this time claiming Steven Jackson off waivers. That gives the Pirates five former Yankee farmhands on their 40-man roster: Jackson, Eric Hacker, Ross Ohlendorf, Jeff Karstens, and Jose Tabata. They also have Dan McCutchen floating around in their system.
The good news is that Brian Bruney will come off the disabled list tomorrow and retake his 8th inning role. Hopefully he can jump right back into it, as the Yanks could use the bullpen help. Mike thinks they’ll DFA Angel Berroa as a corresponding move, but that would bring the team back to the ridiculous 13-man staff. With the starters pitching well and with Aceves in the bullpen, this seems horribly unnecessary. My hope is that they’ll option Edwar so he can get some regular innings in Scranton.
Also, Brett Gardner is day to day as a result of, what else, his dive into home — and into Joe Mauer. Gardner woke up a bit sore this morning, and an MRI revealed a contusion on his right rotator cuff. Presumably he’s still available to pinch run this evening.
Lineup:
1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Johnny Damon, LF
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, DH
5. Nick Swisher, RF
6. Robinson Cano, 2B
7. Melky Cabrera, CF
8. Ramiro Pena, 3B
9. Francisco Cervelli, C
And on the mound, number forty-six, Andy Pettitte.
If live-blogging’s your bag, you can check out regular commenter Bryan V’s blog. If it’s not, well, there’s always the game thread right here. I hear it’s pretty good.
308 Comments
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The Mason Williams Watch
I’m feeling the sweep.
“They said sweep together not sleep together you idiots!”
I’m too superstitious for the S-word.
In other MLB news, Rickie Weeks is out for the season with a wrist injury and Delgado’s getting surgery for a bone spur and torn hip labrum a la A-Rod.
Aaaaaand this is why Ray Durham and Grudz would have wanted to avoid signing with the Yankees. One of them gets a 4.5 month starting gig, now.
Indeed.
That’s too bad; Weeks was putting together a nice season.
Interesting strategy for the Yanks — going with two 2B’s tonight — but I guess it worked for the Rays yesterday.
2 2b? ohhhh i hope we dont have a rays moment
Heh, anyone just see this – Monday Night Raw and Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals are both scheduled for the same time, same day at the Pepsi Center.
Pretty funny stuff.
It kinda sucks that we lost steven jackson, he never even got a chance in our bullpen
Yeah, that kinda bit, I will admit. Like…I’d much rather have DFA’d Veras and tried to trade him and given Jackson more of a shot. We KNOW what Veras’ shtick is…Jackson could maybe throw some strikes.
I’m hoping for the sweep and domination!
Do the Yankees get anything in return for Jackson?
Not that I saw.
Nope, we pretty much just gave him away
$50,000. The standard waiver fee.
the yankees definitely need that $
Yes, Hal needs it for a down payment on his new Condo now that he’s married.
Hal like to live simply, so others can simply live.
No Michael Kay tonight on YES.
Loving it.
No Peter Abraham either. Mandatory week off due to Newspaper cutbacks.
I heard Pete on WFAN this weekend, he sounded really good on the air. Much better than his earlier appearances where he sounded more uncomfortable. He could either host a show or be half of a team if the newspaper folds.
Looks like Chris Berman will be in the booth with Orel Hershiser. That. Sucks.
Wow.
Anyway, looks like I got what I wanted:
http://riveraveblues.com/2009/.....ent-379438
There are not many reasons to love living in the Bronx (though they’re more numerous than you think)
Getting to watch YES is one of them.
Jason Kubel looks like The Departed era Leo Dicaprio.
think maybe cashman is leaving edwar/veras/tomko on the roster to see if they could have a couple good outings and up their trade value?
Have a couple good innings and increase their value to the team.
Jason Giambi does not make that play.
In other news, the sky is blue and the grass is green.
Tex with the streeeeeeeeeetch.
Lucky, Gomez wasn’t running.
that’s not a good start when joe mauer is up next
Come on Andy, you’re better than this.
Not much better.
Melky’s throws have been terrible lately.
He hasn’t had many from centerfield as of late.
Damn man.
shit that’s a quick lead for the twinkies
Melky’s gun was a tad askew. Damnit Andy
Was Delmon Young traded or injured?
Family emerency
Thanx.
I feel a strong outing from Andy. He throws a 3-hit 8 inning game. He gets pulled for the 9th only because we score 11 runs in the bottom of the 8th.
And then I turned on the TV….
I’d be okay with Andy not giving up another hit all game.
Don’t know if Tex should’ve cut that one off. The throw was off the mark but it might’ve gotten Harris.
Would you rather have Melky hit and not field well or field well and not hit?
He fielded it fine, the throw was just offline.
As for your question, I’d choose both.
easy question – hit and not field well
M&M Melter is right.
Four batters, four hard hit balls off Pettitte.
To the pen when Wang comes back.
He would be useless in the pen
lol
LOOGY.
we think he’s not that great now, by the second half of the year he’ll be worse
he looks a little wild today, and that’s never a good sign with a 36 year old Andy Petitte
Sweet Andy, hell of a 1st inning.
gotta pin this down and get to Perkins. Maybe Andy needs a Joba-esque pregame routine
Heh, that guy stole the ball from the little kid.
Haha ESPN just said Kubel had an OBP of .927….
That just happened.
Next thing they’ll be saying Jeter has -2 errors
At least Pettitte is throwing strikes.
Eh, a bloop double and a couple hard-hit singles by two of the best hitters in the AL at their respective positions, I ain’t bitchin’.
That was a pretty sharp double, no? He seemed to hit it pretty hard.
He did? I thought it was a bit loopy. My bad, then.
The way it looked when it fell it looked pretty hard, IMO.
Jeter going to hit .300 this year?
Yes, barely. I say .301. He’ll finish .301/.364/.440
yes
I think the Yankees are a little too in love with the walk off.
You complaining???
jeter’s hitting to the left now and ranges to his left, what’s up with him?
Alright. I like it.
Do it up, Teix.
I love this team!
niiice
we gotta get a run here
Good call by Singleton on the balk.
Mike Pelfrey, is that you?
IETC.
runners best friend
NIce
It’s great having a broadcaster that actually pays attention
This team has haht.
Que?
NO TEAM HAS MOAH HAHT THAN THE BAWSTON RED SAWX!! YANKEES SUCK! CACK! NO ONE DENIES THIS!!
I like Mark.
Bamxeira
Was anyone watching last night’s games between the Mets and Giants? I heard Mike Pelfrey had like three frickin’ balks.
MARK TEI-XEI-RA!!!
http://riveraveblues.com/2009/.....ent-388889
I was there. It was absurd.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
seeeeeeeeeeeee yaaa
Wow. Tex message to left!
BACK BACK BACK
Mark “Yellow Rose of” Teixeira?
Teix did not like that nickname and took it out on Perkins.
Tex baby!
This team is so silly!
Hell yea
Back! Back! Back! Gone! -Chris Berman
Tex is officially back folks.
boom city
ALEX MOTHER FUCKING RODRIGUEZ.
you called it…back to back and a belly to belly!
That’s my shit
:0)
First of many. First of many.
Hell Yea
Dude I could so get used to this.
What a BOOOOMB!
This is fun to watch.
its good to know that whenever tex, arod or damon hit a ball somewhat in the air its a home run at the new stadium
A-Rod for MVP!!!!
I was so going to call back to back homeruns, but i didnt want to jinx it.
Why didn’t he bunt? Selfish prick.
OH baby, im liking this tex-arod 1-2 punch!!1
Too. Easy.
back to back! i love it!
i love this.
Take the M&M bitches
*that
But…A ROD IS TEH TEAM CANCER!111!!!1
http://riveraveblues.com/2009/.....ent-388532
heh
He used steroids. -1.
Alex Rodriguez David Ortiz
3 0
Gardner Ortiz
2 0
This makes me so ridiculously happy.
+1
Not as happy if Gardner has more HRs then Ortiz come June
me = fail
ARod-3
Ortiz-0
ok im gonna stop now A-rod=4***
we’re rocking this guy
Damnit Swish!
Swish just got jammed.
Daaaaaaammit. Swish needed that.
Holy fuck that was nearly three in a row
Come on Swisher, join the party
Nick Swisher sucks. Boooo!
/jones’n for back-to-back-to-back dingers
4 in a row would’ve been nice. Chase Wright would be thankful.
Fun fact: Chase Wright’s real first name is “Sebern”.
Jeter and ARod talking? But… but… they hate each other!11!
keep your friends close but your enemies closer
Heh, you’re back.
great inning
And the melk man delivers!!!!
Melky is doing his thang rite now.
Perkins was pitching pretty well for me. I started him because I start all my starters all the time. And to think, I just claimed first place in the RAB Fantasy League!
How the heck did this guy shut us out last year?
We played like the team had swine flu ?
HOLY SHIT WE’RE FUCKIN ON FIRE!!!!!!!!!11
Don’t jinx it.
Lanny, Im happy.
First time I seen you cheering for the team.
Was that Melky Cabrera going with a pitch? Be still my heart.
WOW! We’re hitting in RISP, hitting them HR’s, I don’t care if Pettitte pitches bad we have a great offense today.
You know what I like about this inning? You know damn well that Ron Gardenhire gave his team the ‘rah-rah’ speech, and they got all fired up after scoring a couple early runs. This multiple-run response by the Yankees just crushes their God damn spirits and I fucking love it.
Definitely. They really have to be dejected now.
R.A. Dickey!!
The KNUCKLEBALLA is warming up!
Mr. Wild pitch.
Heads-up play by Leche.
I have no problem with what Gardner did yesterday because it took a great play from Mauer to get him out, it’s not like he was out by a lot.
I thought it was an unnecessary risk. I appreciate the aggressive play, but you have to pick your spots a little more carefully.
I see what you mean and I agree with it 99% of the time.
You’d be singin a different tune if we lost that game..
Yeah, you’re right. I usually go against the stupid risk move.
but dont you like the odds of getting him in from third with one out and Robbie coming up??? I don’t think it matters what we think, b/c it appeared not to be a coach’s call, but rather Gardner’s decision made in the heat of extra innings.
Yeah, I do like that more.
I have a problem with it, because Brett Gardner can score on a pop up into the shallow OF. The play just wasn’t smart baseball. If Cash was up next, sure. But it was Cano and Jeter coming up next…you gotta believe that Robbie can slap it into left deep enough that Span can’t throw you out…that guy’s arm sucks. And, if not, then Jeter can take a shot.
All it required was for Mauer to look towards third, see Gardner coming around, and not throw. Hell, he didn’t even do that…he thought about throwing, then chose not to, and THEN saw Gardner coming around and tagged him out.
slap it into left deep enough that Span can’t throw you out…that guy’s arm sucks
Well, if he throws Frankie out instead, it’s still 2 outs, man on third. Cano would’ve needed a hit to score BG.
Ya, but Frankie wasn’t getting thrown out. That is why Mauer turned back, he knew he wasn’t getting Cisco.
I don’t mind the risk at all though.
Yeah…but he got to the ball too late to try to throw Cervelli out.
If you’re suggesting that Gardner decided he was going for home without knowing where the ball was, that’s worse. If he’s going to ignore the signs from the 3B coach, he’d better know where the ball is.
I’m with Matt on this one… Playing aggressive by definition means you backfire sometimes.
He did “pick his spot”… And it didn’t work out. I’m fine with it.
I’d like to see the 20 something runs the Yankees need to have more runs for than runs against
Okay, take out Perkins. My fantasy team can take 5 runs in 0.1 innings, but I don’t know about double digits.
cervelli is licking his lips looking at that 88 mph “fastball”
What’s awesome also is that the Yankees get to start at the top of the lineup again next inning.
Bizzaro hit
OMG that was like a fucking pinball machine.
Ramiro PEÑA!
YES! HORNBERGER!
…Hornberger???
I thought “bangwagon” was obscure…
Heh, on fire.
Wow. Just wow.
Glen Perkins: “Fuck my life.”
LOLOL!!!
If I’m a Twins fan, my keyboard is in pieces…
Look at Perkins. Just play the sad Charlie Brown music over that scene of him walking back to the dugout, Arrested Development-style.
Can’t wait for the AD movie
It’s been a while since we’ve seen A-Rod hit two homers in one inning. We’re due.
I was at Shea when he had the 10 RBI game vs. the Angels. One of my friends I was with (also a Yankee fan) were more intent on watching the scoreboard for what A-Rod was doing than the Pedro/Smoltz matchup on the field.
Is this what stat heads call a progression to mean?
RA dickey;stepping into the path of a runaway freight train.
Fun fact: RA Dickey doesn’t had a UCL in his elbow.
Freaks of nature FTW.
He also has thrown 4 wild pitches in one inning.
Who does he think he is, Rick Ankiel?!
ietc
pour it on!
I like this two-hits-in-one-inning thing.
Damon coming up to “Handlebars” by the Flobots. Money song.
Agreed. Love that whole album.
I’m with ya.
Yes….by all means bring in a knuckleballer! This is so cool.
“We’ve replaced the starting pitcher with a RA Dickey, a knuckleball specialist. Let’s see if Joe Mauer notices.”
IETC
it really bothers me that on gameday when you click on the pitcher’s name it shows opponents batting stats rather than innings pitched and k’s
I’ve always wondering this.. I just don’t get it
wow, that was an enjoyable half inning
IETHI? IET(1/2)?
IETI
2
Can we play the Twins at home for the rest of the year?
They should be renamed “The Washington Generals” when they play us.
Extra points to anyone who gets that reference.
I get it, though I’ve never actually been to a Globetrotters game.
Somebody throw a bucket of confetti in Gardenhire’s face.
You’re not setting the bar real high there, Steve.
When can we expect the bucket full of confetti?
Hey, there’s a lot of things I think are easy that people don’t get, so I try to double check here and there. I thought it was a bit of a dated reference.
BTW-I bet there’s 20 people on this board right now who didn’t know the answer, or had to Google it.
Damn kids, with their music, and their twittering.
GET OFF MY LAWN!
Heh, how can you not get that reference.
Nice range, Robbie.
Love it.
You can’t hit carlos gomez… he can’t hit the ball and he’s fast as hell
Goddamn Punto
Heh, Gardenhire is going to try and smallball his way back from a four-run deficit.
It’s the right way!
But its the Twins way, just like Cuddyer taking his pre-calc test while getting drafted!!!!!
Hey, I actually found that story pretty cool.
Cano! He’s with leather!
IETCVERYVERYVERYVERYMUCH.
http://www.yourethemannowdog.com
Nice backhand flip
Cano diving??? I like it
Is Andy trying to pitch to the score? Like good pitchers do….
IETC.
Someone on BBTN was saying that Santana had a good start vs. the Giants the other night because he was pitching to the score.
Wouldn’t put it past Kruk. A pitcher not named Joba Chamberlain has a game like that and it’s solid. Joba pitches to the score of a 1 run game into the 6th inning and it’s “he gave em nothing”.
It was either Eduardo Perez or Orestes Destrada.
Delmon Young, Kenny, Delmon Young.
lol, at least he corrected himself…
Ahh ’07 defensive Robbie
Cervelli looks like he wants to fight carlos gomez.
He was basically in a three point stance waiting for the other team to hike the ball there.
I love how he now accentuates the “Harris” now. Kenny is the man.
one too many nows
This is where Andy misses Jorge. He’d like to have Po put the signs down and just cruise.
I agree with this statement.
But, wait!!!! Jorge calls a terrible game!!!
I fucking love that Robinson Cano is always smiling.
Jorge Posada takes offense to that. This is serious business.
Having fun in baseball does not make any sense.
http://www.everyjoe.com/knuckl.....ury_nc.jpg
Baseball is srs bizness.
Those Dominicans. They’re always so pleased with themselves.
That’s why met fans want Jose Reyes traded.
has one of those smiles that tells ya he gets laid everyday. Magic Johnson had them smiles too.
Heh, kinda the wrong dude to pick, no?
Yea I know.
Mike, I don’t think they’ll DFA Angel Berroa for situations just like today: when ARod DH’s, they want to be able to PH for Ramiro Pena.
Oh look at that young Mo!! He needs to be enshrined with a statue in front of the stadium.
No, he just needs to have a cathedral built to him in every major city in America.
Man stupid knuckleballer.
I miss Perkins =P
Heh, I’m loving that .200 IsoD from ARod.
Swisher, too. Just wish he’d break out. Come on, Nick!
Man, YES loves Mauer & Morneau being the M&M boys.
They LOVE nicknames way too much.
Generation Tre, and they had a nickname for Cano & Cabrera but I forget what it was.
Swish has a .174 BABIP in May.
ouch.
Think we’ll ever break “Cy” Dickey? lol
It’s been TWO whole innings!!! Unacceptable! For $200 million, they should be able to score at will on any pitcher not named Johan Santana…him, they should have traded for no matter what it took.
Precisely! Now we’re talkin’!
McMahon’s statement is great.
http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_.....or_game_4/
Hahah Vince is the man.
The Denver Nuggets don’t have the GRAPEFRUITS to schedule Game 4 at the Pepsi Center!!
*does Mr. McMahon strut*
Ha ha ha ha
Then his theme song comes on, “No Chance……….No chance in Hell”
That is good..
Mauer have a better chance joining the Red Sox or Yankees do you think? Or maybe re-signing?
60% – re-signing
25% – Red Sox
15% – Yankees
I’ll think he resign with the Twins if not, then I can certainly see him going to the Sox.
Higher chance he’ll stay with the Twins.
If not more chance on the Red Sox because they’ll full out get him though it isn’t a scret.
Unless they prevail in getting Victor Martinez from the Indians and right now they are talking about it. Very unlikely it happens however.
Really? Victor Martinez? For who? More David Murphy’s and Kason Gabbards?
Kansas City.
I’m hoping he stays with the Twins.
*61 was an awesome movie. Does anyone have any baseball movie recommendations? Preferably Yankees related?
Pride of The Yankees?
The Scout……..
Only bad thing about Pride of the Yankees is Gary Cooper is like 40+ yrs old and they show him in college with all these other 40+ yr olds…it’s kind of ridiculous…but oh well
“Pride of the Yankees”…very old but very good…so old Babe Ruth is actually in it as himself
Bang the Drum Slowly (kind of)
What’s the one where that guy is an old pitcher for the Detroit Tigers and he ends up throwing a perfect game (or close to it)?
For the Love of the Game?
I will be happy for Morneau to get out of here.
Agreed. Mauer too.
So I guess Rickie Weeks will neva have that breakout year that fans like us thought he might have uh.
It’s a shame. He was really going, too
I’m a little late on this, but here’s my contribution to the Jorge “Baseball = SERIOUS BUSINESS” theme.
I give you: http://i40.tinypic.com/ra41fs.jpg
HEre comes Matt ACTY/BB linking his comment…..
Very, very nice.
PS I made it myself.
Mauer has never hit more than 13 HR’s in a season, only more than 10 once… and they just compared him to Mantle/Maris. Come on Kenny, you aren’t Kay.
Doesn’t matter, he’ll join the Red Sox and hit 50+…just what happens…
True – when is he elgible for FA, will Minn. ever let him go? I’d pay all I have if I were them.
After 2010, I think.
lol. Except the minor detail in which Kenny said they aren’t quite the M&M boys. An understatement, but what do you want him to say? These two ain’t got shit on Mick and Rog!
What a game so far
A 6-2 lead after the first, and we get to watch a knuckleballer on national television.
Today is a special day.
Shit, I forgot 24 is showing it’s 2-hour season finale. Should I wait ’till tomorrow to watch it on Hulu, or watch it tonight even though I missed 1/8 of it?
Read a book instead…
Does anyone know who the people they keep showing over the left field wall are?
Royalty
[...] in the game thread when I mentioned that the Yanks needed something like their first two games facing Perkins last [...]