Game 12: Derek out with a cold
By
From my couch, it looks to be a beautiful day for baseball in the Bronx, but the weather is a bit deceptive. It’s 52 degrees out with a light wind. While the players on the field should be fine, the fans in the stands might get a little chilly as the day goes on.
Despite the weather, though, the Yanks are hot. They’re sitting pretty at 8-3, their best start since 2003, and they’ve won four series to open the season for the first time since 1926. A win today would give the team a sweep of the Texas Rangers. The Bombers are sharing first place with the Tampa Bay Rays – who beat the Red Sox twice yesterday – and will hit the road after their 1:05 p.m. contest wraps this afternoon.
For the Yankees, Andy Pettitte takes the bump this afternoon. After tossing six shut-out innings against the Angels in the home opener, the lefty is 1-0 with a 0.75 ERA in 12 innings. He’ll try to put a bow on this homestand as he goes up against Rich Harden. The Rangers’ right-hander is 0-0 with a 2.79 ERA, and while he has struck out 10 in 9.2 innings this year, he has also issued eight free passes. The patient Yankees will test him.
Offensively, the Yanks are giving Derek Jeter, suffering from a slight cold, the day off. Brett Gardner, he of the three infield hits yesterday, will man the leadoff spot, and Ramiro Pena will slot in ninth. This afternoon delight will be on the YES Network.
B. Gardner LF
N. Johnson DH
M. Teixeira 1B
A. Rodriguez 3B
R. Cano 2B
J. Posada C
C. Granderson CF
N. Swisher RF
R. Pena SS
A. Pettitte LHP
Game Notes: With the win yesterday, Joe Girardi became the 11th manager in Yankee history to win 200 games with the team…This is the last matchup between the Yanks and Rangers at Yankee Stadium this year. The Bombers make two trips to Texas later this summer.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Kathy Willens
632 Comments»
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Imagine Swish leading off. Pitchers have to go through hell facing him and NJ right after him.
I’m pretty sure he led off for a while with the White Sox. He didn’t feel very comfortable with it if I remember correctly.
Let us see how Grit does in the lead off spot
Chances Harden makes it through 5 innings? Even when he’s on he uses 20 pitches an inning to strike everyone out
I will call it maybe 1 in 5 he goes 5 1 in 50 he goes more than 7
i read this nine times before i actually understood it
I don’t have that kind of time. I’m lost.
I believe he means the chances of harden doing it are 1/5. If harden gives up one run in 5 innings on 50 pitches, he’ll go more than 7 innings. Which is a given. And not going to happen.
No.
There’s a 1 in 5 chance he goes 5 Innings
There’s a 1 in 50 chance he goes 7+ innings
oooooh that makes much mroe sense. thanks.
this should be fun
i bet the yanks pound harden
Ah, a Rich Harden start! We could see a no hitter, or we could see an earlier exit than Feldman yesterday.
(I do think that even if Harden is off, he’ll at least make it to the fourth.)
right now these guys are money; one way or another they find a way to win. hope they can maintain on this road trip.
the first part i agree with, but the scary thing is that while they have plenty of dimensions that can beat you, they haven’t been “find”ing ways to win “one way or another”. They do the same thing every time, it seems like. Get a good start, run the starter’s pitch count up, score 7 or 8 runs, win. They are a machine.
For the love of God, please don’t go 20 innings, guys
My thought process last night:
I walk into a bar
“Oh, hey, the Mets are on.”
“Holy shit, it’s the 19th (!)”
Francoeur sac fly
“Ok, game over”
Leaves bar
Arrive home
Marvel that the game is still tied
Be surprised that K-Rod hadn’t pitched already
Be pissed the game isn’t on TV
Watch on Gameday and laugh as Pelfrey closes it out
Find out Pelfrey had thrown a 70 pitch side session earlier in the day
Giggle like a schoolgirl
It took the Mets 20 innings to win a game. The day before, it took the Yankees 6. Ponder that.
This gets tweeted.
Go for it.
Be pissed the game isn’t on TV
From start to finish, the game was on Fox.
I wondered that when I was on the way home yesterday and saw that the game was still on. My dad confirmed it was and I was somewhat surprised. Guess MLB has an ironclad contract with Fox.
Clearly I did not look hard enough. Whoops.
Then have your closer warm up for 11 innings
Aww, come on! We could see the return of Nick Swisher the pitcher! That would be pretty awesome, no?
Prediction: the Yankees win 2-0 on an eight inning home run by Tex.
Harden goes 7 gives up 3 hits walks 1 and strikes out 9. Pettite goes 8 gives up 5 hits walks 0 and strikes out 6. The great Mo closes it out in the 9th
I bet Pettitte is going to give up some runs. The Rangers have had some good results against Pettitte in the past.
If we’re going by past results, I’m just glad Hughes/Joba isn’t starting this series
But the no-hittah!
teh no-no, and this
hamstring injury aside, Hughes owns the Rangers. His numbers against Texas actually mean something, unlike Pettitte’s
yea he had the no hitter game, and he owned them last year in a start where the yankees wore the red hats haha
I disagree. He has two starts against them, and one was in 2007, against a different lineup.
Besides, although I worry that Andy is a ticking time bomb, I have no reason to complain about results just yet.
there is like a .03% chance that harden goes 7 against this lineup
Brett Gardner drinking the OBP kool=aid haha
Suzyn Waldman is insufferable. I need a slingbox
Yes, you do. Unfortunately they only sell the ones you have to have an extra cable box for. The one that plugs right into the coaxial cable are sadly discontinued.
Still worth it. I don’t get YES or MLBN, I’m in Brooklyn so mlb.tv is useless, and I have directv at home, so I can’t stream YES. I can’t stomach Jawn and Suzyn for the next two seasons
Great, mlbtv only has the Rangers broadcast. Looking forward to 9 innings of talk about the Rangers.
/sarcasm
Ball 1 sure looked like strike 3, and Gameday agrees.
Is anyone else only getting Rangers broadcast on mlb.tv?
Yeah it wont let me switch over to the YES broadcast. It just reloads to the Ranger’s.
Same here. That blows.
Can’t believe I’m saying this but I miss Kay. These guys are boring me to death
The YES feed is up
How come Granderson isn’t leading off?
Because, I guess technically there isn’t a lot of difference between hitting 9th and 1st when the lineup turns over, so it’s least disruptive to the normal lineup flow?
So one of the weaker hitters gets more at bats? Makes sense.?.
Not much of what Girardi does makes sense. I’m going to assume it’s just being in love with Gardner’s speed.
this i disagree with. You can always find a rational reason for a Girardi move. They just aren’t always obvious, and they are often very debatable.
I have a feeling Tex launches one today
There goes the no hitter. I’ve been saying since 2007 that Andy will get one before he retires.
/unlikely, I know
I’d die.
wow Tim McCarver called the mets/cards game yesterday? 7 hours of Tim McCarver= worst thing imaginable
He was hilarious by the end.
oh I can only imagine the nonsense he was saying lol
I was very disappointed to find out that Buck wasn’t also calling the game. I just figured that after 7 hours they would have been about ready to kill each other.
Here was one of his gems. “There are good walks and there are bad walks but this is a bad walk.”
A cold? There has to be something more here.
He’s trapped inside a WB Mason commercial?
what is up with these new WB Mason commercials??? they are so weird
They’re provocative. They’ve embraced the Lewis Black school of advertising where you’re not supposed to know exactly what the commerical is advertising. Though, I guess that’s not exactly the case here.
I think the fact that our 9-hole hitter can bat leadoff some days says a lot about our team…
But should he?
I think Granderson would be the better option, but on most other teams Gardner would bat leadoff.
Dammit Michael Kay, you missed a golden opportunity to say “parasol”.
Pettite hitting 90 with the fastball is good
Leadoff bunt?
oh thats so shitty!!!!!!!! wow i am so sad
Really too bad for Brett. Its still only a strike.
Dangit.
Ron Washington just got a sinking feeling with that 2nd pitch.
Heh, the Rangers TV guys really don’t like the peskiness of Gardner.
What do you mean? Or what did they say, if probably the better question.
Gardner should yell, “Don’t worry, Skip. It’s not gonna keep me from stealing second”. LOUDLY
i am stuck watching the texas rangers broadcast (i go to college at texas a&M) and i have to hear josh lewin talk. he has the most annoying voice ever
even kay’s is better
Kennedy can throw as hard as Harden.
This game, yeah. Typically, though, he’s been able to get above 95 consistently.
Look at this
Yeah, I know… but you heard during ST how Harden’s velocity was right around where it is now, although he didn’t show that velocity until this start.
Flaherty just said that Nolan Ryan didn’t like guys bunting off him. Obviously Harden has embraces Ryan’s “philosophies.”
lol gardner >>>>>>>> the texas rangers
gotta love what Gardner brings to the team
Dang. Strike 2 count on Teix. Probably gonna see a curveball here.
Wow. Second HBP of the inning. Nice rbi set-up for Alex.
Poor Mr. Misty May.
His wife could have spiked the ball down to second better.
Is Harden playing bean ball instead of baseball?
Yankees are taking this gettin on base thing seriously
Harden figures “Instead of using 8 pitches to walk these guys, I’ll do it in 2 or 3.”
Economical.
tcwa
how many pitches for harden? it seems like he’s at 20 already
That foul was 15
wow that’s crazy
A-Rod still hasn’t hit a HR with men on
(not that I mind for now, trying to get him to so something)
the yankees are geniuses, making harden throw 3 straight strikes
Steal Home!
anyone watching mlb tv and not getting the YES feed?
solid sac fly…ill take it
hey cano got the runner home anyways!
Thattaway Robbieeeee
Brilliant start by Harden!
Does it seem like Harden’s fastball is a little slow?
Yes. Yes it does. It is still early in the year though.
Don’t you just love your hitless rallies?
no they don’t count. it’s all luck and has nothing to do with patience/batting eyes/fouling off skills.
/dalelama’d
What is this meme? WHat the hell does the Dale Lama have to do with anything?
there’s a commenter by the name of dalelama who seems to think that Nick Johnson is a lousy DH because he walks too much
Never said he walks too much just said he hits too little…I just think having a designated hitter who can’t hit an unique concept…I see our DH had another ofer today and stranded 4 more base runners…
Sorry I stand corrected…NJ stranded 5 baserunners today while striking 3 times…but hey he got his walk so I guess it was a great day!!!!! Yippee
I still think it’s weird to label a guy with a 124 career OPS+ (130 career wRC+) as someone who “can’t hit”. He very much can, and has throughout his career. Are you saying this based off of his not hitting through twelve freaking games this year?
I guess what I am asking is why do you think a guy who has outhit both Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui throughout his career can’t hit. I’m not saying he’s bonds, but he’s certainly a well-above-average offensive player.
Time will tell…I just think NJ replacing Matsui move will prove to be a bust…said so at the time and still think so…I am old school and like hitters who relish hitting and driving the ball…to me NJ seems to look for a walk rather than looking to hit…in my mind his approach to hitting is like passing the buck and making someone else do the dirty work…he leaves too many ducks on the pond for my taste
but time has already told that he is a well-above average offensive contributor. He has been more productive than Matsui his whole career, and Matsui is 35 and has no knees anymore, so he’s a good bet to decline soon. And NJ is a MUCH better producer throughout his career than Damon.
If it ends up that Matsui has a better year than NJ, that’s fine, but it doesn’t make it the wrong choice. All decisions have to be evaluated based on the knowledge available at the time of the decision. Which was that Johnson was a better, younger hitter who had the upside of being able to provide defensive value.
It really doesn’t matter how much you like his style of hitting if he is putting up a 130 wRC+. His career and age suggest that he is a pretty solid bet to maintain that level of production. Matsui’s age and health and career trajectory suggest that he isn’t very likely to maintain his slightly lower level of production. Damon’s age and career outside of Yankee stadium suggest that he’s in line for another 111 wRC+ season.
I guess my main point is that the entirety of Nick Johnson’s career speaks much, MUCH louder than your irrational dislike of or lack of faith in him.
Nick Johnson has not just walked, but also hit at a very high level throughout his career. The fact that “in [your] mind” he isn’t is nothing more than a testament to your own lack of perceptiveness if unbacked by substantial empirical evidence. That’s why your unsubstantiated opinions have become a running joke here. If you want that to change, start using facts to back up your opinions.
other things dalelama hates: A-Rod, Posada
In other words, he’s just not very good at talking baseball.
Albert Pujols has also stranded five today. You need to come back when NJ is actually struggling and not getting on base at least. Oh wait that’s not going to happen and you’ll still be here crying about Matsui. I do notice that unsurprisingly you’ve mostly stopped whining about Damon because he’s off to a slow start.
anytime we can score without a hit in an inning I am happy
damn it joe po
From today’s Boston Globe:
Ricky Romero, LHP, Toronto — A scout who saw him take a no-hit bid into the eighth inning said this: “He pitched like a legit No. 1. He’s got No. 1 stuff, and you can tell Roy Halladay has rubbed off on him. He’s a bulldog.’’
So when does Romero go to the pen, he’s got that mentality, right?
I’ve been hearing that Lackey was a bulldog for years too, though I guess that’s just because he physically looks like one
he looks like a bulldog… a retarded bulldog.
hey, harden is at 23 pitches already, so it’s good news for swisher, who will enjoy bein patient
hmm that was a weird pitch sequence
i guess pettitte wanted to get the GIDP
/didn’t want to get burned by the hottest hitter in baseball in a lineup that doesn’t feature that many great hitters
haha just like that, he gets the GIDP
My answer to the poll: Absolutely
Wouldn’t it depend on the quality of the game? I mean, the Mets? I dunno if I’d stick it out. They had one hit through 10 innings and it’s not like the pitching was that good.
I wouldn’t be at a Mets game. I suppose you are right, if it was the Pirates and Astros I probably wouldn’t stay. Good point.
well I stayed for a 15 inning game, so I guess I would stay for a 20 inning game too
In answer to the YES poll: a hundred times yes.
Imagine the Yankees in a 20 inning game…Think of the amount of pitches that would be thrown, and the length of the game…If only Joe West was the ump, he would off himself
I would stay. Last night La Russa and Manuel made every wrong move and it was embarrassing for both of them. And hilarious for me.
That game was the definition of fail. Also, well done, Jerry
That’s really unacceptable.
i read your link, that is hilarious
Did that article intentionally spell Rodriguez’s name with two R’s? I hate when so many sports sites can’t spell players’ names.
Doubtful. It’s embarrassing, but not as embarrassing as the contents of the article
K-Rod only pitches 1 inning? WTF?
Maybe I should read the links….
He was warming up for 11.
wtf was that?
Guy with rabbit.. FAIL
good job andy
For me, it would depend on the weather conditions.
wow
guy with dancing rabbit = fail
not into this swisher jumping at the first pitch…that is derek’s job
I thought Andrus was a SS prospect in his days with the Braves org.
He played one game in the minors at second base, when he was 16. Everything else was SS
he was. who said what to the contrary?
Ergh. My mistake. I just realized that the Andrus simply drifted out to Murphy’s LF position. I thought the fly ball had been hit deeper than it was. Either that or it was hit deep and Andrus still got out to LF.
The way it looked, i thought Andrus was in the OF. My bad.
anyone having problems connecting to the game on mlb.tv basic package??? Any ideas on how to get around it and make the game “available?”
My yes feed wouldn’t connect so I’m watching it on the ranger’s station. I don’t know if you can do that with basic though
Wow, YES’ pitch count is off by 1. ESPN’s box score has Harden at 31 while YES shows 30.
It is correct right now.
No, ESPN still has +1 over YES
ESPN is wrong. I just checked Gameday and that confirmed the YES pitch count.
grit gutner is murdering the rangers
Gardner has to be the Rangers least fave player of all time
Harden wishing he was taller right now.
Like Ziggy?
Stop giving those BS calls to Harden, especially when Andy didn’t get the same one.
Th Rangers must hate Gardner now.
Ha, just thinking.. We could probably get through a 20 inning game with like 5 pitchers. Starter for 7 or 8, D-rob, Joba, Ace, Mitre. That’s assuming it’s low scoring game like yesterday.
We’d have Nick Swisher pitch just to toy with the other team.
But they have the luxury of a DH, in the NL you’re going to be PH
I wasn’t comparing it to the Mets, just saying, the way our staff is built we wouldn’t even really burn through the pen.
Ok
I’m glad to be a Yankee fan when I see videos like this. A lot going on, a fat man’s peanuts are stolen. Guys pretending to be tough after the fight is over and the classic man being taken with his shirt off towards the end. Besides the girl with the huge rack in the last seconds, this is embarrassing for the entire Marlins fan base. I blame the orange seats.
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/.....1#36437951
The Marlins have a fan base?
Idiots.
I am old enough to remember when these things happened reguarly at Yankee Stadium, too, but it’s been years.
UGH!!!!
damn nick johnson, swing at that
Johnson struck out looking?
Was it a bad call?
Nah, it was fine. Too close to take.
Looked right down Broadway
I was out for a little and listening to Waldman/Sterling and good lord. “Pavano told me he loves Target Center (ed. note: not Target Field). Or he would have if I talked to him.”
welcome to my life. I can’t stand them
Would anyone agree that batting average is important too because taking a walk rarely knocks in runs?
I would but I am crucified because I expect a designated hitter to be able to hit rather than to rely on the picher’s inability to find the strike zone and the umpire getting the call right. So far this season I have been in the minority but I anticipate that I will be vindicated as NJ continues to strand baserunners in his continuing quest to draw a walk rather than drive the ball into the gap or over the wall, ala our previous designated hitter who many were happy to see get discarded for the “Delicate One.”
You really need to stop calling him “The Delicate One.” It’s like you think it’s really cute when it’s not. Also delicate: Hideki Matsui and his knees made entirely of powder at this point.
Come on, Nick. Protect.
oh lord heres that creepy ass six flags commercial
When the crazy old guy was scared, I thought it was Six Flags is in bankruptcy.
That Six Flags guy is on my list of pop culture figures that need to be put into extinction.
I love you NJ, but please swing the bat a little more okay?
You know, if he doesn’t swing, it’s probably a ball. The umpire obviously needs to learn this.
Rays Sox about to start on TBS for any of you channel flippers like me.
rain delay I think
last time i looked the tarp was off the field.
yeah, they just said it’ll start at 2:05. My bad. It had been delayed I think.
LMAO @ the Six Flags commercial music. Remember when they gave out something during the parade and “We like to Party” By VengaBoys was playing in the background? I need to find that video.
haha i remember those commercials
they were terrible
Wow that flyover was crazy.
I know it was like a huge bomber like 100 feet above the stadium lol
I like the Andy curveball
damn that sucked
Should A-Rod have had that? Hmmm
uh oh things are getting dicey
I hope none of you guys have Gavin Floyd on your fantasy teams. ONE Inning with 7 earned runs and four walks. Against the mighty Indians.
or Jason Marquis. Four runs without an out. At least.
Make it 6 runs charged to him – again, AT LEAST – without recording an out.
Must be the downside of playing in a super deep league. Otherwise I can’t see a reason for picking Marquis.
Floyd just ruined my team.
ERA and WHIP are now 1 pointers.
Sick.
I hate you Floyd.
Bad play Swish, gotta keep the DP in order.
lol swisher why did you throw home
He pulled a League of their Own throw to home.
oh dear. C’mon Andy.
Swish’s arm has stuck out like a sore thumb early on in the year. Eiland has to work with him again.
why would you throw home there swish?
Why throw Young a pitch in the exact same place where he got a hit in his first AB?
Andy does not like facing the Rangers. So this is nothing new. Wearing down Harden ftw!
Andy thinks Houston > Arlington obviously
Teixayyy
Big Tex!
Teh Defense!!!!
holy shit tex is incredible
what a glove
Fun Fact: Pettitte has pitched against 28 teams in his career. His worst ERA is against the Texas Rangers. 5.41 ERA in 138.0 IP. (Not including today)
lighting him up for 7 runs in 2.2 in 1995 and 10 runs in 2.2 in 1996 doesn’t have much bearing on today
I never said it did.
more like a depressing fact
hahahahahahah
craig counsell with a grand slam
10-0 brewers, with only 1 out
wow
7 of those runs were charged to Jason Marquis. He did not record a single out. His ERA is now 20.52
And he turned down the Mets?
He’d fit right in.
Time for Tex to get a HR. Or A-Rod. Either one works
Nice call on that, mate.
Boom.
*tips cap to Salty Buggah*
Well Done!
Wow, just, wow.
TEX is back
About friggin time!!
TEXY!!!!
fuck yeah!
Teh slump is over!!!!!!!!!!!
Yay Tex.
Tex!
Slump Buster.
yeah, that’s right.
Teixeira comes alive!
Sounds like a No Maas photoshop opportunity.
Tex message sent
you’re on the Mark, Teixeira
There you go Mark.
BOOM!
Tailor made ESPN highlight: great defensive play followed up by big hit.
Now everyone will say “CALLED IT!!!!1!!”
I actually did think it could happen, just because of that ESPN cliché I already mentioned.
It’s a Teix Message Oh You’re on the Mark Teixeira!
That lazy A-rod, not even bothering to swing.
Why is Cano’s avg higher than his obp?
Because he hit his second sacrifice fly of the season and he only has one walk.
Maybe I’m stupid, but how is it that sac flies take away from OBP if they don’t take away from BA? What have I missed?
They aren’t at bats but they are plate appearances in which the batter doesn’t reach first. It’s just another reason why AVG is silly
OK, so sac flies and hits take away from OBP because it’s a PA and the guy doesn’t reach first. Then why does reaching on an error also take away from OBP? They reached base!
Sacrifice hits. And 1 walk.
the rest of the league should be scared. VERY scared
So, I’m sorta rooting for the sox today! It feels weird, but I need the rays out of first,
You can do what I do and root for the stadium to suddenly explode.
Maybe the sox win, but in a bench fight, lester, youk, and v-mart are all injured for the durainder of their contracts.
durainderremainderspelling’d
Actually, I just took it as a funny combination of “duration” and “remainder.” Sounds like something that should be a word.
I’d be content with Youk, Brett Pedroia’s brother, Ortiz, Beckett and Papelbum getting maimed.
Ortiz? Why? That just makes things easy for Terry.
He’s already not DHing
Ortiz? Because I haven’t forgotten 2004. And I just can’t stand him and his whining about ball/strike calls and his public comments where he said he deserves all the calls to go his way.
i loved this
My fantasy team desperately needs a W from Matt Garza.
Yankees(>^infiniti) fantasy team.
True, but standings don’t mean much right now.
Aww, I was hoping he’d go for it there. Was that last pitch a borderline strike? (sorry, gamecast)
VEERY far from it. In the dirt.
Alright, I’m not disappointed he didn’t go for it on 3-1 then. Haha.
is cano crazy? harden can’t throw three consecutive strikes. why swing at anything?
Cano hasn’t had too many bad at-bats like that, to this point. Let’s hope it stays that way.
TBS fawning over TEH NO HITTER1111 of Lester…haha
wow that wasn’t a strike…
I thought so too but gameday liked it.
strike 1 for posada = wtf
dude it was Tom Seaver. He was a pretty good pitcher.
Luck ftw.
Lucky Jorge.
wow that was a crazy fair ball
haha it unfair when we get hits like that
yay babip
granderson has hit into 1 double play in his last 190 games?
that’s what the texas rangers broadcast said
if that is true, that is incredible beyond belief
agreed
Yup. It was a weird one too, 1B-SS.
Posada probably wasn’t even running that out
Tons of high strikes being called via gameday…
great AB by grandy
Harden is living in dangerous territory this game
he somehow keeps on escaping these jams
Let’s go, Swish. No first pitch pop ups, here.
Venga Bus… really…?
Let’s go Swisha!!!
Love Granderson padding his OBP today.
Mike Maddux: “My brother would throw strikes. What’s your problem?”
and….scene.
Did Suzyn just say “froficient”?
that high strike is annoying the shit out of me
yeah. that high breaking pitch, he loves it.
potentially great matchup on TBS. Garza vs. Lester – arguably the best young righty in the AL against almost certainly the best young lefty in the AL
Lester off to a good start
Matusz against Anderson out in Oakland also for even younger potential stud lefties
Yeah, I’ve got some stuff to do but I’m hoping to watch that later. Except Matusz is going to pitch a great game and then the bullpen is going to completely blow it.
Felix Hernandez says hi.
oh right durr.
Since the Rockies got a nono yesterday, that leaves 3 teams without them (mets, rays, padres).
I think Garza will get one for the Rays, and hopefully some unknown pitcher will get one for the Padres, leaving the Mets as the only no nono’d team.
or some random guy will do it. no-hitters are very luck-dependent (Hideo Nomo has two) and it’s just amusing that the Mets haven’t done it yet
oh wow I thought it was gone
me too ;_;
another high strike
I was about to go nuts if Swish hit a granny. Too bad he whiffed.
Fuck, is it to early to pinch hit Dereck?
/pessimism’d
No, not really. At the time, the chances Jeter gets a hit were exponentially greater than the chances Pena gets a hit.
I know. I keed, I keed.
Maybe nick needs that heavier bat
Damn. Harden throws his hardest FB of the day at exactly the right moment.
Pinch hi Jeter!!!!
OH BABY!!!!
RAMIRO DELIVERS!
Teh bench!!!!!!!
Look at the little guy come through!
Who ever called for a Pena grand slam: Here it comes.
Kay is so ridiculously gossipy.
PENA!
Hey, Ramiro Pena does something useful!
Woot! RamPen ftw
Hey, nice job kid!
Ramiro’s Jeterian impression! Not half bad kid. Not half bad.
I love it when pena hits
Yay Ramiro.
Harden is living up in the zone.
Why the all the hate for Michael Kay, I really feel like there’s something else behind it. He has a great voice, he’s smart, he knows the game, he has good stories, he’s passionate about what he does and he does great monologues. I just don’t see why people dislike him so.
Same reason they don’t like Sterling. They’re pompous.
i don’t hate Kay, but he does get annoying from time to time
I don’t dislike him, but I’m in the minority. The announcers are just filler for me anyways.
How can anyone like a man that refuses to eat condiments???
he has good stories, he’s passionate about what he does and he does great monologues.
I guess that’s where we disagree.
Familiarity breeds contempt.
For me, it’s the way that he tends to spend games with ONeill and Leiter talking about when they used to play, to the point that they’re ignoring what’s happening on the field.
Like, just now, they’re spending all this time focusing on Tanyon Sturtze, and they didn’t really talk about NJ’s entire at bat. At all. That, I find aggravating.
Some people don’t like that he sounds excited when the other team does good things, but that doesn’t bug me. He’s just avoiding being a homer, and I think that’s fine in a major media market like NY.
PENA!!
Nice job Catwoman!
Predicting the climate of the LoHud comments section:
“I want Cervelli to start over Posada, and I want Pena to start over Jeter.”
They go whichever way the wind blows.
I haven’t been there since the start of the season, really. What’s the comment section like now? Other than completely confusing due to the lack of “reply” button
The LoHud mutiny over adding nested replies encapsulated everything people need to know about the community there. That was a fun day.
remember when they had a reply button for like two days?
Can Flaherty shut up? Tell us again how everyone should swing at the first pitch, so they can be just like you.
2 games in a row we have put a starters pitch count over 70 in under 3 innings…what a baseball team
I love how Rangers starters have lasted only 9 innings and have thrown 256 pitches. This team is legendary awesome.
great inning there
i wish the gritster had got that hit, as i bet it would’ve been the end of harden
Gotta love the production from the bench.
Maybe Andy needs a neck massage or something. (creepy leer)
ha you would suggest that…
In the game at Fenway he needed a trainer to give him a neck massage between innings while he had whiplash. I read this somewhere and was terribly jealous.
Most masseuses don’t use their lips when they do that, though.
hah wow. You said it not me.
A-Rod is one of the answers to that trivia question, no?
the others are (SPOILER ALERT) Darrell Evans and Reggie Jackson.
For trivia question: I think A-rod, Vlad, and…
what’s the question?
100 HR with three different teams.
A-Rod for sure. Not Vlad though.
Vlad has only really been on the Expos and Angels, I don’t it is him.
A-Rod, yes. Not Vlad.
Vlad’s only been with 2 teams, not including Texas.
Wait, 3 games? Definitely not Vlad. My bad.
What about Thome?
Thome?
Just checked. He is 4 short. haha
Word up, Thome?
Reggie?
Yep.
Axisa you sly dog you, I saw you remove your Thome guess.
yay other pena!
tex is a god
Every time you talk about Pettitte retiring, a bexarama cries. Please, think of the bexaramas.
Wait, there’s more of you?
/kidding
What if he retired and moved in next door to you?
Mmm… this is an interesting possibility to consider
tbs’s Pitch Trax is awesome.
It’s a good thing David Adams is playing in Trenton, because the batting averages for the rest of the players is not pretty.
WTF Tanyon Sturtze!
Great job?
Hey look, Ten-Run Sturtze.
Pena power:
Carlos Pena hits a 2 run homer against Lester
Ramiro Pena hits a 2 run single.
OBP Jesus strikes again!
Damn, NJ sent that shit to the third deck.
If the Yankees were playing cricket right now, they would be pwning.
Not according to the score…
4 runs in what 15 overs? That’s nearly possible b/c it’s so bad. (I think what I said what right. Not sure)
I’m talking about where they are hitting it, all over the place. 420 feet, 100 feet right of the foul line.
Yea, I figured. Though, if they’re in the air, they’ll be caught and be called “wickets” (I think that’s what they’re called.) Now all of the groundballs, however, would be a bunch of runs.
Remember when Joe Torre ended Tanyon Sturtze’s career?
A friend of mine still refer to fungible relief pitchers who develops arm problems from overuse as being “Sturtzed.”
Tanyon Sturtze kind of looks like Mark Teixeira
That’s not Tanyon Sturtze. That’s Tanyon Sturtze Sr.
/FOX’d
A+
best comment ever
Joe Torre overused pitchers? Surely you jest.
Damn it, that hot streak Tex was supposed to have after that home run didn’t last long.
=P
He hit it hard, at least.
I heard they corrected yesterday’s trivia answer/question. I’m glad to know that someone with half a brain went to BR and looked up the right answer.
Hey guys, not able to see the game right now. How does everyone look?
AP doesn’t have his best stuff. Harden is getting yanked in the bottom of the 4th with like 95 pitches.
Thinner, the pinstripes really do wonders to Nick Johnson’s torso.
Everybody looks fine. Tex hit his first bomb, then GIDP. Ramiro Pena had a two run single, and Nick Johnson walked.
Yankees O looks good, Andy looks OK, and Harden was pretty damn good today since he only gave up 4 ER (so far at least) in 3 2/3 IP. I expected waaay worse. It helped that he keeps getting the high strike but still, well done.
Tanyon Sturtze looks the same. Just like a big lead, he just choked up a hot dog.
Ayy Robbayyy. Hit a homer!
Could… could Robbie actually… WALK??
Wait, Cano can walk?
He got so wild so fast, I wonder if he got hurt.
Robbie walks on 4 pitchers!
::head explodes::
pitcherspitches! Spelling fail today.Wow Tex comes through with a home run and then a double play, his next time up. Let’s hope he is breaking out of his slump
Harden has the control of Barack Obama.
At least he reached the plate. Apparently Ric Flair cannot.
Wooooooooo!!!
at least he didn’t bounce it like Bernie did
I can watch this all day. Mr. Ceremonial First Pitch Thrower Outer.
Who is that in that video?
Another starter knocked out early. The story of the season so far.
Wow, Looking at Nippert makes me appreciate the Yankees not allowing facial hair
Wasn’t Nippert a SP? And didn’t he look totally different?
Heehee, Nipper!
/giggles very immaturely
what the hell just happened?
A-Rod just nabbed third on a horrible throw. It’s been ruled a double steal.
What the hell was that???
A-Rod!
Double steal, bitches!
Epic steal.
Damn!
Booo. Anyway, I’m out. Go Yankees. Woo.
Thank you God
Wow, what a slide.
A-Rod just got Cano a free SB. Now he pads his teammates stats too. What a guy!
So this is the movie Derek Jeter had a small role in. looks outrageous. Cop Out part Deux?
owned
That was an awesome steal.
In two seasons we could be talking about Manny as another answer to that trivia question.He hit 236 home runs with the Indians, 274 home runs with the Red Sux, he has gotten 37 long balls with the Dodgers, so maybe by 2012 he will have 100+ with 3 different teams if he plays after this season
After striking out the side in the first, Lester is getting knocked around.,..4 -0 Tampa
Poor Melky. Just got thrown out at the plate.
Melky OPS+ going into today: 6
Not counting the Yanks’ losses, no starter has made it out of the sixth inning:
Beckett: 4.2
Lester: 5
Lackey: 6
Davis: 6
Shields: 5.1
Santana: 5.2
Kazmir: 4
Wilson: 6
Feldman: 2.1
Harden: 4
Kinda unfair to Wilson
He would have been pulled anyway. He was up to 100 pitches, I believe.
he was at 112. he would’ve been done
Wilson wasn’t gonna pitch the next inning. He was well over 100 pitches.
He wasn’t going to be in there for the 7th. He was on fumes.
Hit refresh Andy
I retract my statement
crazy
This is pretty cool, but you’d expect games they win to be games the opposing starter doesn’t have it.
Games like this are not necessarily the norm.
Jon Lester is ruining my fantasy team for 3 starts straight.
Cano made that catch in the laziest way. Pedroia would have gone straight to the ground and made his uniform all dirty and gritty.
6 pitches!
Wow AP!
He’s really hitting his stride.
Pettitte is dishing right now, it is kind of amazing because the great John Kruk said age was going to be an issue for him.
and John Kruk provides sound analysis?
Sarcasm my friend…
Pettite could go 8, he is only at 82 pitches, Pettite for 8 + Mo for 1= Victory #9
It’s not going to be a save situation.
doesn’t matter–he needs to pitch
Yeah probably. He could always just throw a bullpen session too. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t come in in a 5 or 6 run game.
It is as of now.
lol, I’m aware.
What Kay really wants to say: the Rangers need a pick-me-up.
lol
Grit saw as many pitches in that AB as the Rangers saw in the top of the 6th.
Everyone watch this.
I would pay to watch Brett Gardner race Usain Bolt.
I wonder what Gardner would do over a 100m? I bet he’d at least break 11 seconds.
#2 right now!
I wouldn’t
Even though he got out, Tex hit that ball very well.
hehe Brett went straight through his legs
Kay going on and on about Ron Washington’s drug test EVERY GAME, and implying that his job is on the line because they might be 5-7 after today, is why I don’t like Michael Kay.
this
I’m waiting for him to bring up Joe saying he would’ve pulled CC again.
Well, whenever Washington does get fired, that is going to be part of the reason.
Too soon to move Granderson to the 2-hole vs RHP?
Umm.. we have a 2 hitter.
Oh, thanks, thought we were just forfeiting that position in the order to be fair to the rest of the league…seriously, if you have nothing relevant to add why bother?
There was debate, pre-season, about Grandy or NJ in the 2-hole. I think it’s OK for someone – me – to ask whether it might be worth trying a switch.
Why on earth would you switch? NJ is and will continue to get on base at a higher rate than Curtis.
Why would we do that?
I guess I’m interested in the trade off of OBP for a guy that is more able to put the ball in play and move runners over. Is there ever a point when you’d take a lesser, but quality, OBP for a greater ability to make contact at the top of the order?
Walking moves runners over too. Even if you only put Curtis at 2 against righties, the way we go through starting pitchers would make the top of our lineup susceptible to match ups late in games. NJ is the perfect 2 hole hitter on this team. Handles the bat well vs both R’s and L’s, walks a ton, has a little power and regardless of the outcome of the AB, he’ll always work the count.
Actually, Johnson has a traditionallly higher avg than Grandy. Plus, while there might have been a #2 hole debate on Lohud, everyone here was in agreement.
Was there? Haven”t read the comment section there in a cpl years. However, I’m pretty sure it was a post here.
yes NJ is getting on base
Why are people so insistent on creating problems with this team? Nick Johnson’s is over 100 points below his career BA and his OBP is still higher than Granderson’s right now.
Even if you only look at Curtis vs righties, NJ’s obp is still better.
Give it a rest. It’s not creating problems to ask questions. Not like I said Nick sucks. What’s the purpose of a blog if not for discussion? I mean if we were sitting at a bar we watching it would be out of line to discuss and debate?
For someone who wants to debate you’re not giving any reasons on why we should switch. We’re saying it doesn’t make sense for a few reasons. You’re adding nothing to the “debate.”
You’re right, as I’ve been busy answering the Thought Police for just asking a question.
See above. Nested under William. I was thinking of Damon and his great OBP coupled with his ability to drive in runners to what Nick may provide in the two-hole. I like NJ and appreciate what he brings. But, I also appreciate someone in the two-hole that makes good contact, as well, and drives runners in.
I’m not trying to shut your opinions down or anything. I don’t agree with a change because the team is incredible as is, and the players are going to settle into what they do as the year goes on. I want as many people on base in front of Tex and ARod as possible, so I like NJ in the 2 spot. So I see dropping NJ as creating a problem that doesn’t really exist right now, and probably creating a problem down the line.
I would say the same thing to people talking about moving Tex because he’s hovering around .100 10 games into the season. They’re 8(9)-3. What am I trying to fix?
OK. Take Nick out of the equation. Do you want Dunn in the two-hole with his .400+ OBP and low AVG or Damon/Grandy with the .360+ OBP, but greater ability to move Jeter, Gardner over?
Nick Johnson isn’t going to hit .240 for the season. It is April 18.
Agreed. But, does that mean you don’t tinker now till NJ gets going? I am not advocating it, btw, just discussing.
The reason I wouldn’t want Dunn hitting 2 is because he hits 40 Hr’s per year. If he only had Damon’s power he’d make perfect sense for the top of the lineup.
Thanks for the answer. So everyone would prefer NJ in the 2-hole over Damon, then. If we still had Damon, not Granderson, where would you hit Damon and where would you hit NJ?
Personally, I think I’d put NJ 2nd. I think Joe would’ve kept JD at 2nd though.
That 400+ obp in front of Teix and Al is just too sweet for me to pass up.
Not me I would rather have Damon over NJ—more pop and more speed…plus JD is more of a proven gamer than NJ
Gardner for the Stolen base crown!!!!!!!!
Time for A-Rod to take the save chance out…
Let’s set the record for double steals in a game.
Love the walks by A-Rod but I want HRs too, though they’ll come.
Yep they’ll come. I think the multiple MVP pre-season predictions for Arod made me think that Arod would have an explosive start on his way to a 40 HR season. Meh. I think the numbers will be great soon enough.
Nippert’s got a plus FB and his change generated a swing and miss. You’d think he’d be a better reliever than what his career indicates. He’s an interesting, high-upside (on paper) reliever to watch though.
I live in Texas and catch more Rangers games than most, I will say he at times does look very good out of the pen.
I remember in MLB The Show 08, I would always pick trade/draft him, he was always ridiculously lights out for some reason.
Andy is on cruise control now.
Pettite seems to be getting sharper as the game goes along
Andy is in CC/Good AJ-mode today. Like it.
Imagine how good Pettitte would be today if we had a real catcher behind the plate!
Retire already!
This is sarcasm, right?
Why can’t he be happier? Or wear an endearingly large helmet?
Ah
Hip Hip Jorge!!!!
Does anyone else hate the new Yes graphic which shows the score and # pitches? Even on a 57 inch TV, it takes up too much real estate. Suggestions, make it smaller unless a new batter or base change (like last year), and move it more to the upper left.
I like it. I like that they show the number of pitches, but yea, it could probably be smaller.
I don’t find that the size is too big. I can see everything just fine and I have a 42″ plasma TV.
Nope. I love it.
I like it for the info, but it could stand to be position more to the left. Unfortunately, this is the nature of sending the same video feed to HD and analog sets. Everything has to work for both, so it’s kind of in the middle of the screen.
I love it. I guess they could make it transparent but I’m not sure that would change much.
JORGE!
Hip Hip
Just as Flaherty and Kay were heaping praise on Nippert, Jorge shut them the fuck up.
Thank you, Jorge. Thank you for things you will never know.
Jorgie Juiced One
Is ARod trying to steal Jete’s job as the top-step-celebrator-in-chief?
what a phony
I guess with Derek not there, he’s the captain. Sort of…
Actually, I think it would be Jorge as the captian without Jete, but since Jorge is hitting, it’s A-rod.
Makes sense.
Work the count to 3-2, then, BOOM, HR. I’m in love with this team. Seriously, this is so entertaining.
Heh when the Red Sox’s hottest hitter is Jason Varitek, you know you have problems.
but teh run prevention!
A-Rod must have stolen Gardner’s uniform because he is dirrrty.
And with Granderson’s K my fantasy team is 1 for 20 today. Sigh. With the likes of Kendry Morales, Brian McCann, Youk and Chase Utley.
Don’t feel too bad. Somehow I forgot to check my pitchers and didn’t start Ryan Dempster. Who’s pitching against the Astros. And shutting them out. And I needed pitching stats today.
They bring in Oliver to face Curtis and he strikes him out on 4 pitches, stupid finesse lefties.
Stupid guys with 2 first names.
Out of fucking nowhere– SUNLIGHT!
My eyes! MY EYES!
The Rays are running wild on the Sox today. They just did the double steal on noodle-arm Tek.
Sox don’t have any hits yet either
Could you imagine if there were back to back no hitters? Baseball would collectively explode.
June 29, 1990
Dave Stewart and Fernando Valenzuela throw no-hitters on the same day
Too bad the one last night wasn’t at Coors. Coors and then Fenway the next day.
That’s already happened before, but as far as I know, there hasn’t been two on the same day.
6/29/90
Garza has a no-hitter going.(Albeit too early to really care) I’m hoping he gets it so your prediction from earlier in the thread is right.
Garza’s no-no is gone.
Yup. It was only the 5th so no big deal. Can’t get too excited that early especially at Fenway.
Makes me wonder how Lester pitched one there. Albeit it was against the Royals, but still. Anybody can get a cheap hit off the Monster.
Jorge ruined the K on the 4th pitch by getting up before the pitch reached his glove.
He’s horrible at framing pitches.
Really good at that hitting malark though
ab-so-fuck-ing-lute-ly
And running on Tek with a lefty pitching.
He gone!!!
what a great job by pettitte to get MY
Wow, check out Andy’s grin after that K.
What an outing by Andy.
Pettitte is a cold starter but seems hot this year. Love it.
After the first 4 innings, I saw 0 chance of Andy going 8 innings. Talk about in game adjustments..
“Talk about in game adjustments..”
Talk about big balls that’s what winners do.
Wow, what a game by Pettite. He looked shaky through 3, but has since dominated.
Axisa’s worst nightmare. Eduardo Nunez ties the game with 2 outs in 9th with a home run.
Good ol’ Andy. The Wizard of Schnoz.
Garza no hitter over. But Beltre gets thrown out at second on trying to stretch the Monster hit to a double.
hahaha Beltre just got caught going to 2nd off a hit on the monster
Matt Garza is pwning the Red Sox through five. Maybe I’ve got a shot at ERA and WHIP this week after all.
=(
Not Bad for 37 year old who’s career was declared over two years ago here at RAB.
Andy !!!!!!!!!!
Who declared that?
Ben in September of 2008 after Andy pitched hurt in the second half.
Any linkage?
September of 2008 ?
I won’t even begin to know how to find it, but believe me it was written.
Is this the one? http://riveraveblues.com/2008/.....andy-4815/
Does he ever come out and say he is done? Ben says, “If the Yanks can find a way to ensure that first-half Pettitte shows up for a full year, they’ll be set. If not, I’m not sure for how much they should rely on Pettitte next year.”
Which is entirely true. I don’t think he really says anywhere that Andy is done. Just to hope the better Andy shows up in the future.
All I remember is that some of us tried to compare him to Mussina as far as coming back in 2009 and that got quickly shot down. That whole winter it was like Andy was an after thought and fans should stop being so nostalgic.
Funny I don’t hear that anymore.
Search box.
grit gutner looks like ben zobrist against the rangers
Lol Arias was not even close.
What a great 8 innings for the crafty veteran, now its Mo time, and let’s see the Sux get swept
That was sooo an error, nit a hit!
Holy shit, they may all be singles, but Gardner’s bat is on fire.
His legs are. Not a single one of those hits was well-struck. Which is ok, but I don’t know how sustainable it is. They came inside more, which made him swat the balls to 2B…and he can’t beat those out.
/Buckner’d
Seriously, that’s a hit?
GGBG forcing mistakes. Now steal second, bro.
Is it an error if the ball hits the lip of the grass and takes a roll instead of a bounce?
“I’m not trying to take a hit away from Gardner(I’m just trying to get the official scorer to take away a hit from Gardner.. Totally different)”.
Were there seriously boos to NJ?
i think that was to the strike called??
Yep. Wait, you’re surprised? He’s not a True Yankee.
man nick johnson 3 Ks looking…
Someone forgot to explain beforehand who he is to the umpire.
They were all good strikes too. I don’t think any of those strikes were bullshit calls.
Well, the 1st one with Harden was decently high.
MATSUI WOULD’VE SWUNG AT EVERY PITCH AND HIT A HR EVERY TIME!!!!!!!!!!1111111111111111111111 WHAT THE FUCK IS OBP!??!?!?!?!?!
/get-off-my-lawn’d
I think you mean /dalelama’d
But hey he got his daily walk….
You say that like it’s a bad thing.
Not a bad thing but I would rather get more from our DH than a walk especially when ducks are on the pond.
oh my God STOP!
I know it’s only the 12th game, but if Gritner continues on this pace or even hits just a bit worse as the season progresses, I don’t see why we should look into acquiring a LF.
I know it’s only the 12th game,
but if Gritner continues on this pace or even hits just a bit worse as the season progresses, I don’t see why we should look into acquiring a LF.Carl Crawford>>>>>>Brett Gardner.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been a huge supporter of getting Crawford, but if we could use that money on a pitcher, say Lee, and still have a productive Gardner, I’d be all for that.
I’m not convinced Lee will stay healthy, so I’d be reluctant to give him big $$. Same reason I was glad they didn’t sign Lackey this year.
But Lackey has been hurt for what, 3 seasons in a row before this one. And AJ has held up pretty well. Just think about it, CC, AJ, Lee, Hughes, and Joba(I will not give up yet) but you could really put anyone in the 5th spot and that rotation would still be amazing.
Brett Gardner>>>>>>Carl Crawford
/tycobb’d
Wow, I almost missed that. Well played, sir.
I don’t think that would be argued by anyone. The thought against Crawford would be $12MM+ vs $400k.
.780 OPS with great defense would be fantastic. You always look at the market though and see what is out there. Sometimes upgrades are available for relatively cheap prices.
Well, if a superior player is to be had, it would be silly not to look into it. But I see what you’re saying and agree on some levels. That said, I still don;t see Gardy hitting much above 270 which will do a number on his obp.
Release the Kraken!
Grit, picked off, crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And here we…go!
/Joker’ed
This game is over.
Non-save prediction fail by me. I thought we were going to crush the Texas pen.
I’m shocked that guy in Fenway didn’t get a pizza thrown at him
Wha’ happened?
ground rule double off of Lester. He kind of reached over to get it.
Really? I think that having a pizza thrown at him is the least of his worries.
You stay classy, Fenway.
Holy shit. Mo just threw something inside and it was called a strike.
I’m surprised this game finished before 4:00.
Mo being mo!
Thank Mo!
Sweep!
This team is something special.
Keep Gardner in the lineup. Bat him first!!!!
great sweep
I wanna know what the “C” on Cap’n America’s chest really stands for.
Do you mean Captain Tek? I could give you a couple of ideas, but I think they won’t be appreciated.
Casey Kelly was nice enough to let the Trenton Thunder get two hits in the 1st inning. He must be toying with them.