Game 132: No, not that David Hernandez

September 1, 2009 by Joe Pawlikowski

The Yankees will face Orioles rookie RHP David Hernandez for the second time tonight. The first time around I mentioned that he “looks like the prototype of the kind of pitcher the Yanks struggle with.” Wordiness aside, that proved true. Hernandez pitched six innings of one-run ball. Andy Pettitte pitched even better, though, allowing just one run over 7.1 innings. Hideki Matsui ended the affair with a one-out walk-off home run.

Hernandez pitched even better his next time out against Boston, pitching seven innings of one-run ball. He picked up a win this time, though he struck out just two during the game. That closed out his July, and it was a memorable one for the rookie. He threw at least six innings in each of his four starts, adn allowed no more than three runs in a single start. His ERA went from 4.19 entering the month to 3.20 exiting it. Orioles fans had a reason to be excited.

August, though, has not been as kind. He’s tossed 29.1 innings and has allowed 19 runs for a 5.83 ERA. His 20:17 K/BB ratio is nothing special, and his 10 home runs allowed has really hurt the team. Unsurprisingly, the Orioles were 1-5 in his August starts, and he reached six innings only twice. Worst of all, opponents had a 1.048 OPS against him. He essentially turned all the hitters he faced into Joe Mauer.

In case you were wondering, no, it’s not that David Hernandez.

A.J. Burnett takes the bump for the Bombers. Minus an Ian Kinsler three-run bomb, Burnett was pretty damn good last time out. It all came apart when he walked a guy, which is disheartening, but I have faith that A.J. can pick it up tonight against the Orioles.

We know that the Yankees called up four players today. Jon Alabaladejo should follow soon. He was hit in the eye (ouch) and is day to day. We could see more call-ups once Scranton finishes its playoff run. Also, Chad Gaudin will start on Thursday in place of Sergio Mitre.

Note to A.J.: Keep the ball on the ground tonight. Please.

Lineup:

1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Johnny Damon, DH
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Jorge Posada, C
6. Robinson Cano, 2B
7. Nick Swisher, LF
8. Eric Hinske, RF
9. Melky Cabrera, CF

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

http://z.about.com/d/tvcomedies/1/0/F/-/-/-/judge310_72.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi

Wow. So, Joe… Pretty big American Idol fan, huh. I mean, I’m sure tons of people were like ‘hold on, the guy who came in 12th place in the seventh season of American Idol is pitching against the Yankees tonight!?!?’ Way to set ’em straight.
http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside

Worst of all, opponents had a 1.048 OPS against him. He essentially turned all the hitters he faced into Joe Mauer.

Mauer’s actually OPSing ABOVE 1.048 right now. 1.051.

If the Triple Crown was based on BA/OBP/SLG, he’d be winning it.

:: head explodes ::
- http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
  
  The Twins HAVE TO keep him around.
  
  The fans will revolt.
  - http://www.puristbleedspinstripes.com Rebecca-Optimist Prime
    
    +42
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
    
    I bet he signs a hefty extension this offseason.
  - Salty Buggah
    
    +7
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
    
    The Twins HAVE TO keep him around. The fans will revolt.
    
    Well, at least they still have Ricky Rubio…
    
    AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW, TOO SOOOOOOOOOOON????
    - http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
      
      Does Brett Favre make the pain go away?
      - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
        
        It probably will for September and October.
        
        I’m sure you can figure out the rest…
  - http://www.teamnerdrage.com leokitty
    
    They sold building the new stadium around signing him so…yeah.
Salty Buggah

Damn, just thinking about getting hit by a baseball hurts.

What would hurt more: A baseball to the crotch or to the eye?

I’d say to the crotch.
- Salty Buggah
  
  *getting hit by a baseball in the eye hurts
- Lanny
  
  You get over the crotch shot after the initial loss of breath. The eye could stay with you forever.
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
    
    Meh, I got another eye. I don’t want anything messing up my junk, though.
    
    Sincerely,
    Glenn Quagmire
- VO
  
  Hit in the crotch much worse.
  
  /Beltre’d
  - Salty Buggah
    
    Well, lets assume you dont get any type of tear.
    - VO
      
      Eh, it’s still hurts more.
      - Salty Buggah
        
        Probably
- http://www.theyankeeuniverse.com/ The Artist
  
  You know what REALLY sucks? Having an axe split your skull right in half. Ugh, I hate when that happens.
  
  Although I must say that just as it happens, before you feel any pain, there’s this cool sensation you get right in the middle of your brain, which is kind of neat.
Lanny

Would have thought we’d see Hairston tonight at some position to get back on the horse and get over last night.
- Salty Buggah
  
  Meh, Hinske hasn’t played a lot while Hairston has played several times. Also, I think Girardi probably wants him to clear his head and forget about the incident. He got booed yesterday and might today so I guess it makes sense to sit him.
- http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
  
  Meh, Hairston’s a vet, he’ll be fine.
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

I’ll take 7 innings of 2 run ball tonight from A.J.
- VO
  
  To low. 9 perfect innings. Nothing less.
- http://www.theyankeeuniverse.com/ The Artist
  
  I’ll take 2 innings of 7 run ball from David Hernandez
Bugsy

30 more games…I’m getting pretty sick of the regular season for filling me with way too much hope. As a diehard Knicks fan, I’ve learned to distrust hope.
- http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
  
  Yanks got the squad this year, while nothing is guaranteed, I’m much more confident in the Yankees this year than I’ve been in recent years.
  - Bugsy
    
    i’m thinking about the 2001 Mariners and 2001 A’s (actually a pretty good memory)
    - JGS
      
      that catch Jeter made in game 5 against Oakland might be the best non-The Flip-play he has ever made. Way better than the “dives into the stands” one
- http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
  
  As a diehard Knicks fan, I’ve learned to distrust hope.
  
  Don’t worry, buddy, our long nightmare is almost over.
  - GG
    
    I don’t really think so, no first round draft pick + shrinking cap = bad team for foreseeable future….I’m a pretty big fan of them as well, I feel the pain
    - http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
      
      You’re going to get him started.
    - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
      
      Best case scenario, this is our last year of cap hell and we add King James and other stuff.
      
      Worst case scenario, we have one more year of cap hell after that and then we’ve still wiped the slate clean and can throw gobs of money at Chris Paul or Kevin Durant or whatevs.
      
      Either way, within 3 years, I guaranfrickintee the Knicks are a title contender again.
- http://z.about.com/d/tvcomedies/1/0/F/-/-/-/judge310_72.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi
  
  Say what?
  
  “As a diehard Knicks fan, I’ve learned to ~~distrust~~ live without hope.”
  
  Fixed.
http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside

We know that the Yankees called up four players today. Jon Alabaladejo should follow soon.

I thought it was five? Cervelli, Peña, Melancon, Edwar, and Dunn?
- Salty Buggah
  
  Edwar and Pena equal half?
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
    
    http://www.instantrimshot.com
  - VO
    
    No, Dunn is left handed, and Edwar is right handed together they create 1 person.
    - VO
      
      I’ll save TSJC the trouble.
      
      http://www.instantrimshot.com
      - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
        
        Nah, I wasn’t feeling that one as much.
        
        -1
        
        VO
        
        Below.
    - Salty Buggah
      
      I was talking about their size.
      - VO
        
        I realized that afterwards, totally over my head.
        
        http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
        
        You have shamed us all.
        
        VO
        
        http://www.fotosearch.com/bthumb/PSK/PSK107/1574R-0781.jpg
http://www.puristbleedspinstripes.com Rebecca-Optimist Prime

Here’s hoping AJ throws a good one tonight.
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

http://tinyurl.com/lw879e

I lol’d.
- pat
  
  I saw that, ridiculous.
- http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
  
  I’d say that that franchised is cursed, but they’re not, they’re just dumb.
Little Bill

AJ is guaranteed to throw a good one tonight. He’s been a workhorse all season long when many thought he would break down after 10 starts. AJ was the Yankees best FA addition ever and I knew it all along.

/Little Bill’d
- VO
  
  ICWUDT
- http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
  
  I don’t know how to respond to that.
- Salty Buggah
  
  Heh IETC
- Bugsy
  
  that’s some postmodern shit right there
Salty Buggah

How many walks do we see tonight with AJ and Hernandez going?
- JGS
  
  im going with a combined 6
- VO
  
  Over 1
Salty Buggah

Oh no, he has a perfect going…

I say A-rod breaks it
- http://www.puristbleedspinstripes.com Rebecca-Optimist Prime
  
  You say wrong.
- JGS
  
  nope–still has a no-hitter though
- Salty Buggah
  
  I guess Tex did…I say A-rod breaks the no-no
  - Salty Buggah
    
    I say I’ll stop there for now
    - http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
      
      You shutup you.
pat

Walking Tex to face A-rod.. delightful
- pat
  
  poop
http://www.puristbleedspinstripes.com Rebecca-Optimist Prime

Worse division: AL Central or NL East?
- http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
  
  AL Central.
- VO
  
  NL East
  - VO
    
    On second look, AL Central is pretty bad.
- JGS
  
  AL Central–the Tigers would be 7 back in the wild card
- Little Bill
  
  AL Central is by far the worst division in baseball.
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
    
    That.
    
    The NL East doesn’t suck. Just the Mets. Only the Mets suck.
    
    In case I wasn’t clear enough before, this is the key takeaway from this comment: The Mets suck.
    - JGS
      
      I mean, the Nats are pretty bad too
      
      but yes. the Mets suck
      - Johan Iz My Brohan
        
        I actually think the Nationals could be really good if everything falls into place within the next few years.
        
        http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
        
        Let’s not get too wild here.
        
        http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
        
        I would not be shocked at all to see the Nats finish 4th next year.
    - Joey
      
      What was that you were saying?
      
      a. http://www.thefightins.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/lolmets.jpg
      
      or
      
      b. http://payoffpitch.mlblogs.com/MetsSuck.jpg
- ShuutoHeat
  
  AL central…
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
    
    Although, the NL Central isn’t great shakes either.
    
    Cards: Solid
    Cubs: That team is the living embodiment of the word “meh”
    Brewers: Nope
    Astros: Bad, but lucky enough to stupidly convince themselves they’re not bad
    Reds: They’re keeping Dusty Baker… nuff said
    Pirates: They have more quality material on the lower levels of the farm than the Royals. I said something nice.
JGS

fuck
pat

Motherfuck this bullshit.
Salty Buggah

Damn, Pie has been on fuckin fire lately
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

Only the Yankees home park is a bandbox.
Johan Iz My Brohan

Felix Pie really likes to screw around with the Yankees and Sox…
http://www.theyankeeuniverse.com/ The Artist

There’s some Felix ‘Pie’ in AJ’s face.
pat

HAHAHAHA did Burnett mouth “This Motherfucker?”
- http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
  
  That’s my boy.
- acb
  
  yeah haha
- VO
  
  Alright then yes he did.
VO

Was it me or did it look like he said “That motherf*****”
Brazilian Yankee

AJ looking great so far.
BigBlueAL

Burnett getting ripped this inning. Must be Posada’s fault….
- pat
  
  posada needs to stop calling for the “up and over the plate” pitch
Salty Buggah

On 2nd look, that Pie HR didn’t look like a HR at all.

Camden Yards = Bandbox!!!!
Johan Iz My Brohan

Are his curveballs hanging too much?
- http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
  
  Not gonna touch that one.
  - Salty Buggah
    
    TWSS?
Bugsy

goddamnit, get a fucking out, asshole.
Salty Buggah

Here’s hoping AJ settles down from here on.
acb

i cant wait to see burnett face pie again.
JGS

that could have been worse. John Sterling certainly scared me there a couple of times–I guess I deserve it for taking him seriously
- Brazilian Yankee
  
  You should be scared, they hit some rockets off AJ.
Johan Iz My Brohan

AJ will come around don’t worry.
- http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
  
  Yeah.
  
  Felix was just excited because we were talking about pie charts earlier.
baravelli

Was “So easy a caveman could do it” actually Geico’s slogan for any amount of time before they introduced the cavemen-who-are-offended-by-it campaign? Or did they both show up at the same time?
- http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
  
  Yes.
  
  BTW, Gieco’s ad agency is top-notch. They’ve created the Cavemen, the gecko, the stack of money with the eyes on it. That’s three solid and interchangeable ad mascots.
  
  Warren Buffett FTW.
  - Dirt
    
    Yeah but that Geico commercial where the gecko takes his bosses money drives me crazy, so he’s going to take my money and spend it without asking me? I realize it’s an ad, but it still bothers me for some reason.
    - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
      
      (thinks of a way to respond to that)
      
      … Umm, fancy a crisp?
      - Dirt
        
        No I motherfucking don’t!
        
        Just kidding, I’m not that bitter about a Geico commercial…
      - ShuutoHeat
        
        lol…
    - Salty Buggah
      
      You remember it so it worked
      - Dirt
        
        I deny this logic
  - BigBlueAL
    
    The stack of money with eyes on it is stupid. LOVE the Gecko and Cavemen ads though.
    - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
      
      In the world of advertising:
      
      Being memorable >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> not being stupid
      - http://twitter.com/Jacksoneem Jackson
        
        Cooo-StanZa
JGS

Dont cha know!
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

A lazy jack by Cano.
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

Robbie!!!
pat

Booya
Salty Buggah

I heart Robbie Cano! FIRE!
Brazilian Yankee

Robbie!!
Johan Iz My Brohan

Canooo!
Bugsy

ho ho, robinson. its like he just discovered how fun RBIs can be.
VO

CANO CAN DO!
pat

They just showed robbie goin down to the lockerroom, most likely for a siesta or something
- http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
  
  Hah. Ietc
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
    
    Heh. ¡Cabron, all this moving is making me tired!
JGS

Carlos Pena comes through

1-0 Tampa
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

Yankees, best infield in all of baseball?
- Bugsy
  
  i vote yea
- http://twitter.com/Jacksoneem Jackson
  
  I don’t think theres any doubt about that.
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
    
    Youk >>>> Tex (better snaggle-beard)
    Pedroia >>>>>>> Cano (whiter)
    Alex Gonzalez >>>>>>> Jeter (less distracted by punani)
    Lowell >>>>>> ARod (better human-interest story, smaller tits)
    
    It’s the Sox by a landslide
    - pat
      
      Don’t forget, Lowell has salt and pepper hair.
      - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
        
        He needs Just for Men gel, so he can keep his edge.
        
        Sincerely,
        Emmitt Smith
        
        pat
        
        If he wants an Edge, I can get him one in Blazing Copper.
        
        Yours Truly,
        Derek jeter
        
        Bugsy
        
        I concur
        
        -Walt “Clyde” Frazier
- zs190
  
  Rays infield is pretty darn good too. Longoria, Bartlett, Pena, and Zobrist.
  
  I’m not sure who’s better, but I actually lean slightly towards the Rays here.
  - Salty Buggah
    
    I think ours is better.
    
    Tex>>>>>>>Pena
    
    Zobrist>>>Cano
    
    Jeter>>Bartlett
    
    A-rod=Longoria (only because of defense)
    - Salty Buggah
      
      This is from top of my head. I didnt look at the stats at all so its probably my opinion.
    - zs190
      
      going by WAR, our infield is behind by about 2.5. Most of it is because they are significantly better defensively. Longoria is way better than ARod on defense, same for Zobrist over Cano.
Johan Iz My Brohan

Carlos Pena puts the Rays on board

1-0 Rays
pat

WTF? why didn’t he wanna sit next to Burnett?
- acb
  
  because burnett is probably a racist
  - pat
    
    Hah, that’s possible. Not likely, but it’s certainly possible.
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
    
    because burnett is probably a racist
    
    A.J. Burnett stabbed a guy.
Joey

Random thought: anyone heard any updates on Mr. Sheppard lately? Hope he’s doing alright, haven’t read anything since the beginning of the season
- JGS
  
  I haven’t heard anything either, and he will be 99 in a month
  
  I would be surprised if he ever came back at this point
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

That was your pitch Johnny.
Brazilian Yankee

Terrible AB by Damon.
Bugsy

45 pitches already for this schmohawk.
Salty Buggah

OK AJ, the offense got you a lead again so now settle down and cruise.
- Brazilian Yankee
  
  I think this is the first lead he’s had this game.
  - Salty Buggah
    
    Yea yea…my point stands though (just take the again out)
  - putt
    
    even at 0 -0, the Yankees are winning.
Little Bill

My only complaint so far- these commercials mlb.tv has started showing. I preferred the silence in between innings.
- baravelli
  
  Oh man, I totally agree. The silence is so nice. Also, it’s the same commercials after every half inning, which I’m convinced should actually be undesirable to advertisers, because it gets the audience annoyed about them.
Johan Iz My Brohan

Yikes
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

A.J., you’re making Pop get upset. Shape up!
- http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
  
  Burnett will be dominate in the postseason. Book it.
  - http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
    
    Booked.
http://twitter.com/Jacksoneem Jackson

The second base umpires name is Barksdale? In Baltimore? That sounds like trouble.
Andy In Sunny Daytona

(Lance) Barksdale in Baltimore. I wonder if he is still slinging?
pat

What the fuck AJ
Johan Iz My Brohan

AJ is having a lot of trouble locating his curve today…
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

A.J. is lucky that Izturis isn’t a power hitter.

And are they seriously playing Poison right now? Wow.
- http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
  
  Played it last night too, so awesome.
  - http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
    
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q–qvrZOrdA
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a Ridiculous Upside
    
    You can’t complain about Poison by BBD, it’s the greatest song in the history of the world.
    
    Yes, I’m serious.
    - Andy In Sunny Daytona
      
      Low pro ho should be but like an afro…
      - http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
        
        Mistadobalina is up there too.
        
        putt
        
        U Del fan?
        
        http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
        
        Definitely.
        
        He’s the man.
        
        putt
        
        me too. I partook in some illicit activities once with him after a show in Boston. he’s quite a character.
        
        http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
        
        Ha, pretty awesome.
      - putt
        
        “Never trust a bit butt and a smile.” That Ricky Bell is a prophet.
        
        putt
        
        *big
Salty Buggah

Can I get a DP?
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

Earl Weaver would slap Joe Girardi in his face if Weaver saw how much Girardi was bunting this year.
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

I like it.
Johan Iz My Brohan

There we go AJ!
Salty Buggah

Tex wishes this was YSIII
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

That moronic employee will soon feel the wrath of the Ken Singleton.
JGS

Jorge juiced one!
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

Take that, David!

/Kenny’d
pat

BANDBOXXXXXX
Johan Iz My Brohan

Jorge!
Salty Buggah

JOPO!!!!

Jorge to haters: How you like me now bitches?
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

Nice Jorge, two more till 20.
Salty Buggah

Cano = LAZY!

First he jogs around the bases and now he walks to 1st.
Johan Iz My Brohan

Close one swish
JGS

Boston ties it up and Sonnanstine already has 3 walks in 2 innings
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

Let’s see some of those vintage outs via the K, Allan.
Andy In Sunny Daytona

Melky Cabrera would be the leading home run hitter on the Mets. hahahhahahahahahaaha hahahahahahaha hahahahahaha
EB

Dusty Pedroia has an OPS+122 last year in his MVP season, Robbie had an OPS+123 entering this game…
- http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
  
  Sadly for everyone, Joe Mauer is filthy at baseball.
- Johan Iz My Brohan
  
  So?
- acb
  
  only reason he won it was because no one had a really good season last year
  - JGS
    
    Carlos Quentin, but you can’t win the MVP if you miss September
- Andy In Sunny Daytona
  
  But he lead the league in stains….Robbie never slides, hustles, runs, dives, or jumps. His uniform is always squeaky clean.
JGS

way to go Suzyn Waldman: while mentioning Adam Jones being in a slump, adding in that it was Jones who broke up Pettitte’s perfect game last night
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

Peace, Adam.
pat

Jones had the ol jelly body on that K.
Johan Iz My Brohan

K! now AJ goes on a tear here!
Salty Buggah

Why is Camden Yards so empty? If I was an O’s fan (thank Mo Im not), I’d still go to the game if I could just to see Tillman, Matusz, Wieters, Markakis, Reimold, and Adam Jones and because the park is beautiful.
- http://z.about.com/d/tvcomedies/1/0/F/-/-/-/judge310_72.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi
  
  How many Yankees games have you gone to this year?
  - Salty Buggah
    
    Being in Colorado, none. However, Im going to NY on Oct. 2 so hopefully I can see one then.
    - http://z.about.com/d/tvcomedies/1/0/F/-/-/-/judge310_72.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi
      
      Ok… Well, I think the point I was going to make still applies… Plenty of fans don’t go to many games. Some people just aren’t so into going, some people don’t want to spend the money, some people have young kids… There are any number of reasons. I’m sure there are plenty of people here who live within a reasonable distance to YS3 and have gone to maybe 0-5 games this season (probably most of the people here, I’d bet). And the Yankees rule. The Orioles are awful. I don’t find it surprising at all that they draw low attendance figures, nor do I really think it reflects badly on their fanbase.
      - http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
        
        I love Mondesi.
        
        No homo.
        
        http://z.about.com/d/tvcomedies/1/0/F/-/-/-/judge310_72.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi
        
        I died a little on the inside when I saw your second sentence.
        
        http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
        
        Hah.
      - Salty Buggah
        
        Makes sense.
- baravelli
  
  The park really is beautiful. I was there when the Yankees clinched the pennant in 1996, and it was one of the best baseball experiences I’ve ever had.
- http://twitter.com/Jacksoneem Jackson
  
  People in Baltimore don’t really care about baseball, and they especially don’t care once Ravens training camp starts
Salty Buggah

K him AJ
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

Dammit, Markakis.
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

Nice stop Swish.
acb

wtf just happened
Salty Buggah

They put rocks in there. Thats why it took such an odd hop.
Johan Iz My Brohan

The ump for the sox-rays game has a terrible strike zone
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

I made a play like that in softball this year, only I threw the runner out at second while falling down. Me = Swisher.
- http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
  
  You have no plate discipline though.
  - http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
    
    I haven’t walked in two seasons of softball.
    - http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
      
      Delmon Young of softball.
      - http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
        
        Yeah, but I don’t strike out, haha. More like the…Placido Polanco of softball.
        
        pat
        
        On the other hand, if you strike out in softball you should just quit.
        
        http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
        
        We play with a mat, so if the pitcher’s doing well there are one or two backwards K’s. We also have (had?) a kid who is just fast but can’t do shit otherwise and swings and misses routinely.
        
        pat
        
        A mat? No Umps?
        
        http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
        
        No, there was an ump. Calling balls and strikes was just ridiculously easy if they had a map.
    - pat
      
      If you’re walking in softball you’re a pussy and should be playing in a higher league. SWING THE DAMN BATT ASSHOLE.
      - http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
        
        This.
        
        http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
        
        I could see Matt being that guy who’s like ‘Yes, I have a .480 OBP in my league this year. .524 in my last 4 games.
        
        http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
        
        Haha, I’m studying the book, trying to figure out everyone’s WPA and wOBA.
        
        http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
        
        People just get pissed cause you take it too far.
        
        http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
        
        Haha, my team and I hated when we played teams that took it too seriously. We wanted to win but we never got way into it.
        
        http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
        
        Of course, you don’t want to be like “Sack” from Wedding Crashers.
        
        Salty Buggah
        
        “We wanted to win but we never got way into it”
        
        Oh, you mean like Robbie Cano?
        
        /Haters’d
Brazilian Yankee

AJ is garbage tonight.
Johan Iz My Brohan

AJ has no control tonight…
- http://twitter.com/Jacksoneem Jackson
  
  It’s obviously Posada’s fault
Salty Buggah

He was out. I guess it makes up for the Robbie bobble.
Salty Buggah

cmon AJ
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

Alright A.J. let’s calm down. Get these outs.
Dela G

jesus christ! i come back from class to see the bases loaded!
Bugsy

i want to puke
Johan Iz My Brohan

Damn it JD Drew
Salty Buggah

I can has a DP?
cjc

great just great
JGS

shit
danny

burnett can be annoying as hell, but dont worry only 4 more years!
- http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
  
  It’s exactly who he is. Just need to deal with it.
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

Damn you, Melvin.
Johan Iz My Brohan

Ugh…..
Dela G

man this aint good :(
- Johan Iz My Brohan
  
  I’m not worried at all.
  - Dela G
    
    yeah good point, its not like we dont have an excellent offense
Salty Buggah

Swisha cannon
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

Good throw, Swish.

And, A-Rod was playing crazy shallow on that GB.
- Salty Buggah
  
  I think it was to possibly to throw a runner at home.
- Johan Iz My Brohan
  
  He’ll be fine, he was 4-0 before this bad stretch. He’ll become dominant AJ soon, don’t worry.
Bugsy

playoff rotation:

1. CC
2. Andy
3. Mitre
Dela G

alright, it looks like we are going to need a boatload of offense for AJ

Thanks for getting out of it AJ!

ON TO TEH 4th!
Salty Buggah

I’ll take only 2 runs considering he was imploding.
Brazilian Yankee

Fuck AJ. Time to go to the ‘pen.
- http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
  
  Ummmmm no.
  - http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
    
    WE. WANT. DUNN.
    WE. WANT. DUNN.
- Bugsy
  
  yeah, i want to see edwar pitch. that should be fun.
- Salty Buggah
  
  Knee-jerkoff
Joba or Hughes to the pen

Hey Joba’s older self is on the mound AJ>
- Accent Shallow
  
  Please change “or” to “and”.
  
  Thanks.
- Tom Zig
  
  There always has be someone who is “that guy”
- Johan Iz My Brohan
  
  Do you have ANYTHING positive to say, ever?
- Salty Buggah
  
  Thanks Mr. Terriost
- http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
  
  If it wasn’t in the guidelines, I’d call you a douche.
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

Clay Buchholz.
- Tom Zig
  
  awesome picture.
  - http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
    
    Hell yeah, Zig.
    
    He was giving a bush league fist pump but I’m all for them.
Accent Shallow

More bombs, please.
Dela G

i just noticed that hinske is playing today. How come?
- http://www.teamnerdrage.com leokitty
  
  damon is the dh, pitcher is right handed
  - Dela G
    
    oh ok, thanks
Accent Shallow

Jesus Christ, Melky. Swing and miss at the same pitch three times?
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

High fastball > Melky.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Three fucking times in a row Melky swings at a pitch at his eyes. Three times in a row.
Bugsy

o Gardy, Gardy, wherefore art thou Gardy?
Dela G

man hernandez looks crazy silly with his pitching at times
Dela G

good eye el capitain
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

I don’t think Hernandez has threw one ball in the strike zone to Jeter or Melky.
Johan Iz My Brohan

C’mon AJ shut’em down nowww!
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

Buchholz is filthy.
- Accent Shallow
  
  Seriously, meth is bad news.
  
  (That curve to end the no-hitter — sheesh)
  - http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
    
    Looked like the dirty “drop” I threw in wiffleball today.
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

Peace, Brian.
Dela G

how the hell did felix pie hit a homerun???

yikes that must’ve sucked
- http://z.about.com/d/tvcomedies/1/0/F/-/-/-/judge310_72.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi
  
  It was Pie’s 5th HR in his last 8 games.
  - Dela G
    
    holy cow!!!
    
    He’s on fucking fiya!!
Accent Shallow

Felix Pie: takes Burnett out of the park, promptly tries to bunt later in the game. Right.
- http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
  
  But he’s playing the game the right way!
LivefromNewYork

Pie gets revenge on Burnett.
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

Nice work A.J. I’ll take 2 more like that, please?
Accent Shallow

Jones grounds out to Cano — it’s the circle of laziness
Salty Buggah

1-2-3 for AJ, woohoo
Johan Iz My Brohan

Sweet inning AJ!
baravelli

“Rated M for Matcheuwah.”
Tank the Frank

I totally forgot I had this bookmarked.

http://riveraveblues.com/2008/12/fun-with-bill-james-projections-the-starters-6309/

AJ Burnett, RHP
Projection: 14-11, 3.62 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 32 GS, 224 IP, 199 H, 88 BB, 218 K, 21 HR

I always thought this one was hilarious, simply because I never thought there was any way AJ would make 32 starts based on his injury history. But I also thought it was very generous. I know projections are just for fun…so it’s also fun to look back at them. He actually may have a chance to get close to the W-L and ERA mark if gets on a little hot streak after this. You never know…
- http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
  
  I hope that little hot streak comes in the playoffs.
- Accent Shallow
  
  I don’t buy the Bill James projections for a second.
  - Tank the Frank
    
    Have a look at his Phil Hughes projection. Holy overachievement!
    - Accent Shallow
      
      That’s the thing: I really doubt that he takes the projections seriously now that he’s employed by the Red Sox.
      
      IIRC, the pitcher/hitter projections are in different run environments!
Salty Buggah

no DP A-rod
Dela G

great eye by tex tonight
Dela G

damn a-rod, lets look at some pitches please?
- Brazilian Yankee
  
  He got some pitches right down the pipe, he just swung through them.
Tank the Frank

Goodness I hate saying this but Alex looks totally overmatched by this kid’s fastball. I mean those are right down the middle.
- putt
  
  I’m relegated to Gamecast tonight. What kind of stuff does this kid have?
  - Tank the Frank
    
    He’s “effectively wild” all over the place. He’s got good stuff but it’s not the kind of fastball he should be pumping past A-Rod. I think his delivery makes his fastball look harder than it is.
    - putt
      
      I think I remember seeing that delivery on one of the highlights from a previous game. Thanks for the info!
Accent Shallow

WTF-Rod
Bugsy

on the plus side, his pitch count is up to 90
Johan Iz My Brohan

So how did the Rays make the playoffs last year? Oh yeah, we had Ponson and Rasner on this team…
- http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
  
  ….and their starting pitching was very, very impressive. No injuries to their rotation was huge. They probably regret that Edwin Jackson trade.
  - http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
    
    Man, I really thought that was gonna be a good trade for TB. That and the Swisher trade were easily the two best non-FA moves of the off season.
    - http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
      
      Javy Vazquez coming in @ 3.
      - http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
        
        Oh, wow, I totally forgot about that. He’s been nice this year.
- http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
  
  No, they just had good pitching and defense and stayed relatively injury free.
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

Smooth, Jorge.
- http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
  
  I don’t think this is funny. No smiling allowed.
pat

Jorge wtf?
http://twitter.com/Jacksoneem Jackson

Does Posada have a concussion or something? Why can’t he remember the count tonight.
Salty Buggah

ummm, WTF! That was strike 2 to Jorge fuckin outside

Angel Hernandez stinks
Dela G

lol at posada
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

Jorge!!!!
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

Jorge goes oppo! Woo!
Accent Shallow

‘Sado!
Dela G

JORGE TAKES ADVANTAGE!!!

2HRS!!

5-3!!!
Salty Buggah

JORGE!!!!!

HIP HIP
pat

Well u fuckin knew that was coming.
baravelli

I knew he was gonna hit a homerun after he came back up to bat after not knowing the count. Free swing!
Bugsy

smooth, indeed
zs190

By all means, let’s play Jose Molina more.
- Little Bill
  
  Yeah, Posada is no good to AJ. The runs Molina would prevent are so much more than the runs Posada produces. These were the arguments people were making last week!
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

Wooooo
Dela G

cano!

2-2!
Accent Shallow

Robbie Cano: good hitter
David Hernandez: not a good pitcher
Orioles pen: full of soft, delicious underbelly
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

So is 30 HRs a legit possibility for Robbie? This year is making me think he could do it.
- Bugsy
  
  i dont think he could do it this year, but next year, maybe.
  - http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
    
    Yeah, I don’t think he’ll do it this year unless he goes nuts in September. When Robbie gets older, I think he’ll pull a Damon: his average will go down but his power will skyrocket.
- Tank the Frank
  
  No question.
- http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
  
  Definitely.
  
  Just about to enter his prime, I see it happening.
  - http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
    
    Not trying to be a homer, but Cano is that good IMO.
    
    Only if he didn’t “take games off”….
    - Bugsy
      
      if only he became selective with his pitches. he could turn into chase utley…whoa, wait. I should stop right there.
      - http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
        
        And if he got ridiculous on defense.
      - Accent Shallow
        
        if only he became selective with his pitches. he could turn into ~~chase utley~~ his double play partner, but with more power.
        
        Yeah. Not sure if we can expect that.
    - Tank the Frank
      
      That’s not being a homer. Cano’s a line drive hitter at the new Yankee Stadium and he’s really begun to start pulling breaking pitches into the seats with regularity.
Lanny

Posada just kills the pitching staff when hes behind the dish huh??
- http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
  
  Destroys ’em. He adds nothing to this team. Get his old ass as far away from the Bronx as humanly possible.
- aldskfj;
  
  lanny here when the Yankees are winning????
pat

SMELL THE WOOD, SMELL IT
- baravelli
  
  I bet he sniffed glue when he was a kid.
- http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hukvxlx6LlM
http://twitter.com/Hopjake Jake H

What the F AJ?
Salty Buggah

WTF AJ? What was that
Dela G

damn, aj you gotta go and at least run over there
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

A.J….wtf.
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

I hate those hits!
http://twitter.com/Hopjake Jake H

They are getting little dunk hits off AJ.
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

A.J.’s curveball is not terribly effective tonight.
zs190

With all those extra relievers that we added today, you have to think we pull AJ after this inning?
Salty Buggah

AJ, settle down man
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

Strikes! Strikes!
Bugsy

burnett should get the old yeller treament after this game
Dela G

alright, lets calm down my brotha
http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD

Wow. That pitch was destroyed.
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

Man, just sick.
Dela G

oh god

that was a fair ball?????!!!???

UGH!!!

you’ve got to be kidding me
- Dela G
  
  wow that was fair
Salty Buggah

wow bad AJ today
Tank the Frank

Nothing bothers me more than a pitcher who can’t at least settle down once in a game and maintain a lead.

Thanks for coming AJ.
Brazilian Yankee

Seriously, why not bring in Melancon now? AJ has nothing, Melancon can eat some innings and not embarrass himself (hopefully)
Johan Iz My Brohan

shit…
http://twitter.com/Jacksoneem Jackson

That was waaaaaay out onto Eutaw St.
pat

Melancon fuck yea.
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop

Can’t wait to hear how Yankees could blow the AL East lead now if they’re not careful because of their inconsistent pitching from some people.
Dela G

boy AJ does not have it today
Salty Buggah

AJ getting crushed
Reggie C.

Sideburns > Burnett
- http://bronxbaseballdaily.com Matt ACTY/BBD
  
  You love that, don’t you? I’m blaming that home run on you. Jerk.
  - Reggie C.
    
    Burnett’s just been plain shit tonight. Otherwise , Burnett should pwn Sideburns and the young Os.
Johan Iz My Brohan

Girardi take him out please!
Bugsy

gotta be fucking….ugh….at least we have 4 innings of baltimore “relief” pitching to look forward to
http://twitter.com/Hopjake Jake H

No control for AJ.
Brazilian Yankee

Somebody wake up Girardi.
- http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/10/alg_aj-burnett.jpg Mike Pop
  
  Relax. The Yankees offense is the best in the league.
Dela G

we HAVE to win this game today fellas

boston is on fire
- Salty Buggah
  
  meh, they will cool down
Nels

No 2 out runs allowed, please.