Game 160: Just a tune-up

by 478 Comments

Mailbag: Crawford, MVP, Jeter, World Series, Darvish, Infante
Yanks, Red Sox postponed due to rain
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

The Yankees are technically still alive in the AL East race, very much alive in fact, because both they and the Rays sport 94-65 records. Since Tampa won the season series and holds the tiebreaker, the Yanks need to win one more game than them this weekend, a tie is as good a a loss. Since the Rays are playing the frickin’ Royals, that’s not likely.

Either way, this weekend’s series against the Red Sox is really nothing more than a tune-up before the playoffs. The pitchers have to get some work in, the batters make sure they stay sharp at the plate, and most importantly everyone needs to stay healthy. It’s been raining all day in Boston, so the game is likely to be delayed a bit, but please, for the love of Mo, no one slip on the wet grass. Especially Andy.

Here’s the lineup, which makes me smile…

Jeter, SS
Granderson, CF
Teixeira, 1B
A-Rod, 3B
Cano, 2B
Swisher, RF
Posada, C
Berkman, DH
Gardner, LF

And on the bump, it’s Andy Pettitte.

Like I said, it’s been raining all day and the game probably won’t get underway until 8-8:30pm ET or so. Whenever it does, you’ll be able to watch on YES My9 locally or MLB Network nationally. If you’re looking for something to kill the time, the Mets are running out the clock on the Omar Minaya/Jerry Manuel era against the Nats, and there’s also some preseason hockey going on (Rangers-Senators). Enjoy.

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Mailbag: Crawford, MVP, Jeter, World Series, Darvish, Infante
Yanks, Red Sox postponed due to rain
  • Will (the other one)

    So once his reign of terror is over, will Minaya drop back down to a scouting role, or will he (blindly) hold out for another GM job? If it’s the former, I wonder how he’d get along with Billy Eppler.

  • first time long time

    isn’t it on my 9? and since we have the “A line-up” tonight, do we get the scrubs out there tomorrow?

    • larryf

      Scrubs only if we lose tonight and Tampa wins next 2 games.

  • larryf

    Joe playing for the division for as long as he can. A little nervous about outfield slippage.

  • http://ballcraft.blogspot.com Zanath

    A relaxing game against the Red Sox. Who knew that would be possible?

  • CS Yankee

    Pettitte should be pushed back to tomorrow’s game…run out superNova or Brackman.

    • Yanksontop

      I agree 100% no need to risk a slip and pull

  • Dream of Electric Sheep

    Gintober ! Where Buster Posey will smite his opponent with impunity and There will be no mutiny when Cain toes the rubber!

    Tonight is the night!

  • first time long time

    ok which would you guys rather for tonight: pettitte goes 7 ip 1 er and the yankees lose ot pettitter gives up 7 runs in like 5 inning but the yankees win?

    • first time long time

      or** not ot. sorry i really gotta proof-read

    • http://ballcraft.blogspot.com Zanath

      Hmm hard…Im gonna go with number one.

    • bonestock94

      The former bodes well for our playoff run, so definitely that.

      • first time long time

        true…of course the ideal situationwould be pettitte 7 ip 1 er with the yankees scoring 10 off dice-k lol

    • CBean

      I just want Andy to have a good outing to get him feeling good going into the postseason. I also want to win but that’s still secondary.

    • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

      # 1 eleven times out of ten (though I’d be reasonably pleased with number 2 also, not gonna lie).

    • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

      Andy feeling good.

    • Chris

      I think it would depend on how the runs were scored. If he went 5 innings, 2 runs, then melted down in the 6th and 7th, I wouldn’t be too worried and would like to get the win.

  • Jose the Satirist

    The Padres-Giants game should be fun. A do or die game for the Padres.

    • http://ballcraft.blogspot.com Zanath

      Is that game on MLB Network? I kinda wanna flip back and forth.

      • Jose the Satirist

        The guide says at 10:30 pm: San Diego Padres @ San Francisco Giants or Arizona D-backs @ Los Angeles Dodgers (subject to local blackout)

    • Carlosologist

      San Diego needs a freaking miracle if they expect to go to the postseason. The Giants have been on fire all month and they’re throwing their second best pitcher out there.

      San Diego: Done. Biggest collapse since the 2007-2008 Mets.

      • first time long time

        “San Diego’s got to be one of, if not the best team out there. I have a feeling this is San Diego’s year. I would honestly fear them the most in the post season. They just do not lose! Ever! I definitely think they’re gona walk away with the NL West, maybe even the best record in the NL.”
        – Mike Francesa LITERALLY the day before they started their 10 game losing streak and pretty much melt down.
        No joke.

        • Jose the Satirist

          If you called him up he would deny every saying that or claim that everyone believed what he was saying and everyone got it wrong.

          • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

            Heh, to be fair, I thought, before that crazy losing streak, all of that, just a little more moderated. Though I didn’t think it was “their year” or what have you .This was before Philly started never losing games, too.

      • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

        No way is San Diego’s collapse worse than the Tigers’ last year.

      • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

        In the words of fabled Mr. Green:

        They are who we thought they were.

  • bonestock94

    Cool, new commenting features. The only thing this place lacks are some formatting buttons…bold, quote, italics, strikethrough, etc. I fail at using tags, and they’re not as convenient anyways.

    • Jose the Satirist

      <b>I am the master at using tags.</b>

      • Pete

        How did you do that?

        • Jose the Satirist

          ¿ɔıƃɐɯ uı ǝʌǝılǝq noʎ op

          • Jose the Satirist

            In all seriousness, I use HTML codes that represent the parts of the tags instead of actually writing the tag out. That way the tags aren’t parsed by the website and displayed in their intended way. They are called HTML entities.

    • whozat

      I disagree. I read the comments here because the content is interesting. Colors and fonts just distract.

      • Jose the Satirist

        I need all my comments to be written in Comic Sans. That way they look more professional.

      • bonestock94

        Well no shit, but bolding and quoting is convenient.

  • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

    I’m k9ind of surprised you find this so hopeless. We only need to win one more fucking game. So they’re playing the Royals; not lke they’ve been playing well lately anyway.

    • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

      Ugh, that 9 in the middle of kind bothers me.

  • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

    Beltre is out for the weekend due to the birth of a kid.

    • first time long time

      wooooOOOoooo!!

      • Henry

        Kid will be made if you take his helmet.

  • first time long time

    does anyone know if they happened to mention how long the rain delay would most likely be? and do they still start Pettitte even though there is inclement weather? not quite sure if it would be the best for his back, you know?

    • pat

      They’ve probably known for a while it will be postponed. I bet he has adjusted his pregame preparations accordingly.

    • Ben

      Girardi said (via the lohud blog) that Pettitte will begin the game once the delay is over.

    • first time long time

      cool. thanks guys

      • Ben

        No problem. No update on a start time apparently.

        • first time long time

          yeah im sure itll be a awhile though. kinda good that its not a rain delay in the middle of like the 3rd inning, because then wed have to use the bullpen everyone would be out of a rhythym, etc.

  • Big Stein

    Is it better to win HFA and face cliff lee or to win the wild card face the twinkes, who are 2-14 versus the Yankee during the past two years?

    • first time long time

      2-14 against us…well they gotta win sometime right? kind of an advantage for them if you think about it. my vote: neither. just skip to the ALCS cus we’re that good.

      • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

        just skip to the ALCS

        Couldn’t his question have applied to the ALCS?

        • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

          If they face either in the ALCS, that means their biggest competition and worst matchup is eliminated.

          In that case, assuming the Yankees win their series, I’ll take Texas/Minnesota without a second of thought.

          • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

            Well, it’s still who would you prefer of those two. My answer: depends on Hamilton. If he’s feeling the effects of injury/time off, I’d rather face Texas. If he’s playing like himself, I’d rather face Minnesota.

      • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

        well they gotta win sometime right? kind of an advantage for them if you think about it.

        Errrr, not really.

        • Sir Not-Appearing-In-This-Blog

          Exactly. Although, IMO, the 2-14 record from the past has no bearing on this year either.

        • first time long time

          they way i was looking at it is kinda like this: if a guy vs pettitte is 0-14, then you think of it this way: 0-14? well he’s gotta get a hit sometime right? kinda like its easier to break a losing streak or break a winning streak than extend either one, you know?

          • Sir Not-Appearing-In-This-Blog

            You mean, like if you flip a coin and get heads 10 times in a row, odds are you’ll get tails the next time?

            • first time long time

              exactly

              • Sir Not-Appearing-In-This-Blog

                Please tell me this is sarcasm.

                • first time long time

                  no its not actually sorry. i mean technically the odds are exactly the same: 50/50 chance its heads. its just that it SEEMS liklier, because you had heads so many times that your like “wow, its gotta be tails soo right?”

                  • first time long time

                    soon*

    • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

      Why do people always mention Lee in regards to Texas, and not Liriano in regards to Minnesota?

      Though Liriano certainly isn’t going into the playoffs pitching at peak form.

      I think the Twins are a better overall team and home field is always a plus, especially since Texas is the worst road team in the AL playoffs, and as bad as that sweep earlier this month was, remember Ron Washington will not be able to use 15 guys in the bullpen this time around. That, and the Yankees can’t possibly match their 5-30 (or was it 6-30?) mark with RISP. If Texas pitching is as bad as it was in those first two games come the playoffs, the Yankees will ROLL the Rangers. Historically, the Yankees have done well against the Twins, but in a five game series in the playoffs where they have the HF edge, anything can happen. Even with Cliff Lee, give me Texas.

      That said, I expect a Yankees/Twins ALDS. Not the end of the world either.

      • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

        Why do people always mention Lee in regards to Texas, and not Liriano in regards to Minnesota?

        Because Lee has pitched well against the Yankees in the playoffs. That’s the only reason. Most Yankee fans only know/care about what happens in games the Yankees are involved in.

      • first time long time

        fun fact: the last time the yanks faced the twins in the ALDS they won the world series.

        • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

          and the time before that, it was… COVER YOUR EYES… 2004!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

          • first time long time

            people that still hang on to 2004 and are scared should look at it this way: THIS IS NOT 2004! the odds of that happening again are extremely slim, and best of all, im pretty sure this team is stronger than the 1004 yankees. although i could be wrong, because i never watched them in 2004. this isnt directed at you by the way just a comment in general.

            • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

              Not only was 2004 a freak thing, let’s face it: it only hurt/s so much because it was the Red Sox. That cannot possibly happen this year. \o/

              • first time long time

                hahahaha i like your thinking!!!

            • BigDavey88

              I fondly remember those gritty 1004 Yankees. One of the best teams I’ve had the honor to watch.

              • first time long time

                lol i meant 2004 my bad

                • Big Stein

                  1004 yankees led by Lefty Rubble were pretty good.

      • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

        Because Liriano doesn’t have Lee’s rep.

        • Ben

          Lee also isn’t going to give away many free bases. Liriano’s BB/9 is almost two full walks higher than Lee’s. With the Yankees’ patience, I’d much rather face the pitcher that may have some control issues.

  • Ben

    Boston just announced the Buchholz isn’t making his start tomorrow because of back issue. It’ll be Wakefield instead. Nice little break for the Yankees.

    • first time long time

      woooOOOOOOooooo!

    • http://www.or.ly JM

      That’s two breaks that we needed. Maybe the Yankees WILL win one more game than TB.

      • Jose the Satirist

        Never give up. Anything can happen.

        • http://www.twitter.com/tomzig Tom Zig

          Goonies never say die

    • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

      So they are minus their best hitter in an already heavily depleted lineup, the weather/team should make the crowd a non-factor, and they are throwing out Dice-BB, Wakefield, and Lackey.

      …..

      Are we sure Tampa has the easier matchup this weekend?

    • Sir Not-Appearing-In-This-Blog

      I don’t believe it. I think Francona just wants to try to screw up some Yankees’ swings by having them face a knuckleballer.

      /sarcasm’d

  • Dominik

    So, while we wait for this baby to start up (I live 2 miles from Fenway, and it’s only a light drizzle, so I’m optimistic), can anyone help with some fantasy advice I’ve been stressing over? I have 8.1 IP left in my league, and have about 7 SPs slated to go tomorrow for when I blow out my innings (day you go over, doesn’t matter if you go over by 1 IP or 30). I have Cain going tonight. If he goes over 8 IP, I’m toast. Would you guys risk losing the great start to have the guys available tomorrow? Basically, question boils down to what do you think odds are he goes over 8.0 IP tonight. Even if everything goes right tomorrow, it’ll be close in some categories, which is why I’m analyzing it so hard. Thanks guys.

    • Jose the Satirist

      I don’t think the Padres will go down quietly tonight. I don’t think he goes over 8.0 IP

    • Sir Not-Appearing-In-This-Blog

      Man, you couldn’t have made up a worse scenario. 2 mostly bad hitting teams, with a good pitcher. I guess the odds are with any pitcher that they won’t go more than 8. Depending on what you need to gain this late in the season, I’d roll the dice that he wont go more than 8.

  • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

    Good for AJ.

    http://espn.go.com/blog/new-yo.....um=twitter

    on his season:
    “Rubbish,” he said. “That’s how I would describe it. I’m here for a reason and I ain’t done crap to help this team this year. Yeah, Rubbish, man. That’s my own opinion and that’s how I feel but I don’t sit and dwell on it. I know the season’s not over but in my mind, I’m moving forward. every start I try to move forward.”

    and on if a 2009-WS-Game-2-esque performance in the postseason would erase that:
    No chance,” he said. “We ain’t erasing nothing. I know that.

    • http://www.twitter.com/tomzig Tom Zig

      To me, if he comes through and puts up a couple big starts in the postseason, I’ll forgive but not forget about the 2010 regular season.

    • Jose the Satirist

      He then proceeded to start wrestling Joba.

    • http://twitter.com/cephster Ross in Jersey

      He seems to be a genuinely nice guy, though with the amount of money he’s making it’d be nice if he could stop getting unraveled so easily on the mound.

      • first time long time

        i feel the same way. like if its all mental i would to meet him and get it through his head that hes not a “.500 pitcher” that when hes on hes a great pitcher and he has the potential to on 3/4 times in stead of 1/2 the time.

    • Dream of Electric Sheep

      Meh, more self deprecation from AJ.

      Just pitch a good game…

    • Henry

      Like I say, it’s all mental with this guy.

    • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

      I approve.

  • vin

    The Yankees have Robinson Cano hitting 5th. The Braves have Melky hitting 5th. Yikes. At least hit Alex Gonzalez 5th.

    • first time long time

      awww melky lol

  • Kit

    So I officially felt bad for the Padres today. Late to the pity party: me.

    • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

      I’ve felt bad for them for a while. I’ve talked to some Padres fans on Twitter though, and though they’re disappointed in the final result, obviously, they don’t feel like this season was in any way a failure. I mean, no one, themselves included, thought they’d do ANYTHING this year.

      Also, Mat Latos’ comments about the Giants made me super roll my eyes and not feel so bad for the Padres any more. Cry moar!

      • Kit

        What was the Latos comment?

        And I just felt bad because they were like 6.5 up on their division and now they’re kind of really out of it, unless a miracle happens. I don’t think their season was a disappointment, it’s just unfortunate, so I felt bad.

        • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

          Latos on the Giants:

          “Baseball works in funny ways. The only way I could honestly put it is, we could be like the Giants and go and change our whole lineup, put guys with ‘San Francisco Giants’ across their jerseys. We didn’t. We added two guys (Miguel Tejada and Ryan Ludwick). We’ve been the same team all year. We haven’t just gone and grabbed guys from other teams.”

          Like I said, cry moar.

          • Kit

            The hell is his problem?

            • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

              He’s very young so I’m just going to assume he’s a bit immature. There were “anonymous Padres” that slammed his response, too. But yeah, it’s really stupid to say.

              • Kit

                Yeah. He made himself sound like a huge douche there…

          • first time long time

            goodness how stupid can you get? i mean really lol. but seriously that sounds just so unprofessional and a but ignorant, considering thats how baseball, a business, works.

        • Carlosologist

          He essentially said the Giants were a bunch of hired guns.

          Here’s the story: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/.....#038;tsp=1

          And to make Latos look like an idiot, his closer, first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, center fielder, right fielder, and three out of his four rotation mates all came from different organizations.

    • Carlosologist

      I did not pity the Padres because to be honest I was tired of the media overhyping them in July and August.

    • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

      If this is a pity party, allow me to be the asshole everyone hates. I’m glad the Padres fell apart. Their lineup sucks, they play the most boring style of baseball possible, the thought of playoff games being played in a stadium with walls a mile deep makes me shudder, they have no exciting personalities, hell, even their uniforms bore me. There, I said it. Good riddance, dads.

      • Carlosologist

        (high fives Dirty Pena)

      • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

        Heh, I was watching a Padres game and I realized they played like the mid-2000s Angels. But because they’re new and cute and scrappy and not managed by Mike Scisocia, I can deal with it.

        • first time long time

          i dont get it. why is the media and all of baseball in love with Mike Scocia? i mean, hes not terrible but he isnt exactly casey stengal you know?

      • Kit

        I can honestly say I know squat diddly about the Padres line up (other than their uniforms being so ugly). Like I’ve said before, I have no actual allegiance to a NL team. I just thought it was unfortunate for them to have really been ahead of their division and suffer a massive collapse that has them 3 games back now.

    • Jerome S

      At the times when I begin to the Padres, I think back to the time that they had a .600 record and I was almost scared of them.

      • Jerome S

        whoops, when I pity the Padres. My bad.

    • Mariano’s Pimp Hand

      The Padres’ success in the first half kept Adrian Gonzalez from going to the Red Sawks at the trade deadline.

      That is enough for me.

  • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

    I’m rooting for the Padres to sweep the Giants this weekend, and the Phillies to take 2/3 from Atlanta. This creates a MASSIVE TIE SCENARIO!!!! and then there’s not one but TWO one-game playoffs. Awe.some.

    • Jose the Satirist

      Wouldn’t that result in only a one game playoff?

      • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

        San Diego would need to play San Fran to determine the NL West winner. The loser would then play the Braves for the Wild Card.

        • Jose the Satirist

          They wouldn’t go by head to head for the year in determining who the NL West winner is?

          • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

            Nope, that tiebreaker is only the rule when both teams are going to make the playoffs regardless.

          • Chris

            No. Tie breakers are only for seeding and because the loser of the tie breaker (or play in game) could be out of the playoffs, they make the teams play.

          • Jose the Satirist

            I’m an idiot that would only apply to seeding, not whether a team is in or out.

    • first time long time

      never root for phillie. EVER. i forbid it

    • http://www.or.ly JM

      In a perfect world…

    • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

      It almost happened in 2008. Philly, the Mets, and the Brew Crew were all within a game of each other with three to play.

    • Chris

      Too bad the Rockies fell out of it and the Phillies pulled away from the Braves. I would have loved to see a 5 way tie for NL East, NL West and NL Wild Card.

  • first time long time

    so does everyone have a national league team they like to root, just for the fun of it? for me, i like the giants and braves. anyone else?

    • Jose the Satirist

      Natinals Fever – Catch it.

      /tsjc

    • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

      For me, the Nats (having gone to college in DC), the Braves (my good friend likes them and that’s grown on me), and the Rockies have grown on me the past few years.

    • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

      Rockies. I also have a soft spot for the Astros because I love their bad ’80s uniforms and there is some leftover rooting for Pettitte.

      …ialsodontmindthephilliespleasedontkillme

      • first time long time

        lol….i just lost a little respect for you on that last line, not gona lie. lol may i just ask you why? im not trying to be rude or anything because i respect your opinions, im just honestly curious as to why you like the phillies, thats all. in case you haven’t noticed i have an irrational hatred towards them and their fans lol.

        • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

          …The hatred towards their fans is perfectly reasonable. The second most annoying fan base easily.

          • Carlosologist

            The most annoying?

            Three way tie between Yankee/Red Sox/Mets fans.

            /YeahIsaidit’d

            • first time long time

              lol cant say i disagree with you there.

            • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

              Totally DISagree. philly fans are way less classy thn Yankees fans, at least. Can’t speak for Red Sox and Mets.

              • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

                Philly fans are way less classy but they’re also less panicky and spoiled in general than Yankee fans. Mets fans are kind of hilarious, even if some are really annoying in their Yankee hate, and Red Sox fans… well, the pre-2004 ones are generally fine, if neurotic, but the post-2004 bandwagoners are pretty much the worst baseball fans out there.

                • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

                  One of my theories is all fans are the same, we just suspect them to have certain biases because of their team and we fit our view of them to our preconceived notions.

                  I’ll takes “class” over “spoiled and panicky” any day, BTW. I’d rather be an idiot than a dick.

          • first time long time

            first annoying being…? and yeah i hear there are always fights going on at their turf and stuff. kind of unclassy. they seem pretty arrogant and obnoxious too

        • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

          I don’t like their fans much (my friends who are Philly fans aside), but I went to college in PA a few hours from Philly. My friends and I took a few road trips there over the time I was there, and we went to Citizens Bank Park a few times. I just had a really fun time at all the games I went to.

          I don’t like Rollins for what he said in the WS last year, and Werth looks like he smells, but I have no real problem with the rest of that team.

          • first time long time

            “werth looks like he smells” haha thats hilarious. he is extremely disgusting though.

            and ok those are valid reasons. i respect that.

      • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

        Sorry, Bex. I didn’t give 2 shits about the Philies until Jimmy Rollins opened his mouth andstarted talking about the Yankees.

        Now I hate those arrogant NL jerkasses.

        • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

          Dammit I can’t get used to this spellcheck button.

        • Kit

          I think Rollins learned his lesson. It’s time to forgive until he says something stupid again.

          • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

            …No?

            Sorry. He never apologized to my knowledge, so why on Earth should we forgive him?

            (Not saying he even necessarily should have apologized, but I tink Yankee fans have excellent grounds for disliking Jimmy Rollins a great deal.)

            • first time long time

              though i dont know him personally, it seems to me like Jimmy Rollins is a bit cocky and should learn to keep his mouth shut.

              • Kit

                You don’t have to forgive him, I really don’t care what you want to do with that, but he hasn’t done anything this year and has mostly been injured, so I think karma has repaid him for all the douche bag.

                • first time long time

                  yeah but im one of those irrational fans that hates almost every player that doesnt play for the yankees…although there are a select few that i root for regardless of what team they play on.

                • Kit

                  And by “anything” I mean “not much”. And my apologies for sounding snippy in that first sentence, wasn’t my intention.

                  • first time long time

                    lol its no big deal, really. you were that snippy to be honest.

                    • first time long time

                      omg WEREN’T im sorry lol

                • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

                  And yet…

                  I really am still pissed at him for the Yankee comments though. Arrogant douche.

                  How’d that six games prediction work out for ya, Jimmy?

                  • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

                    He really figured out Rivera too!!!

            • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

              THINK. Not tink. Ugh.

        • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

          Hah, totally fair. I used to flat-out like the Phillies. PLEASE DON’T KILL ME. Now I’m just kind of “I don’t mind them.” What Rollins said during last year’s WS was stupid and assy, no doubt. I don’t like him much at all.

    • Carlosologist

      San Francisco mostly because of AT&T Park. The pitching is amazing out there too.

      • first time long time

        yeah thats why i like them too, their ballpark. other than that i know nothing about them. lol

    • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

      Pittsburgh. I don’t give a shit about the perpetual losing, they’re just an old, established franchise that for some reason I’ve taken a shine too. Their ballpark’s great too.

      • first time long time

        yeah i like their ballpark too. i really have a thing for ball parks near the water that have that “splash count” thing for the homeruns, you know?

    • Kit

      I don’t actually have any sort of allegiance to NL teams, but I watch any Phillies games on TV when I’m in the mood for zen baseball. Don’t want them to get to the WS at all, but they’re a generally good team.

      • first time long time

        i honestly hope they get swept the first round…thats how much i cant stand them.

        • Kit

          I doubt they’ll get swept, or not make it for that matter, but I would be extremely pleased if they don’t.

    • Jerome S

      SF, Mostly because of Willie Mays lol.

    • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

      Absolutely the Rockies for me. I don’t mind the Marlins, but given what happened in 2003, I could never consider myself a fan of theirs in any capacity.

  • Ben

    Chen retires the side in order in the first. Nice start.

    • first time long time

      wooOOOOoooo!!! K.C. is the place to be!!

  • Ben

    Wow, the Rays should have had a triple play. Instead KC leads 1-0.

    • first time long time

      lol what happened?

    • Cy Pettitte

      Rays have been so sloppy against KC

      • Ben

        Actually, the Rays did nothing wrong in this case. First and second, nobody out, for Billy Butler. Runner from second breaks on the pitch, and Butler hits a grounder back to the mound. The Rays turn the 1-6-3 DP, but the runner on second tries to come all the way around to score. Pena was ready for it, and made a good throw to the plate. Shoppach missed the tag, but the runner (Blanco) missed the plate, and was called safe even though Shoppach tagged him afterwards.

  • Kit

    So I barely ever contribute to rain-delay fun, so I thought this might be a nice fun game (I could be wrong though, don’t kill me):

    If you were a baseball player, what would you pick as an AB song /warm up song?

    My choice: Mobb Deep’s – Shock Ones Part II because I randomly enjoy gangsta rap and the lyrics, “you’re minor, we’re major you all up in the game and don’t deserve to be a player don’t make me have to call your name out your crew is featherweight” amuse me (and remind me of Tampa because I’m mean).

    • Kit

      *Shook ones

    • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

      “BOB” by Outkast. I just love the beat.

      • Kyrnan

        i’d have to agree. that song pumps me up every time i hear it.

      • Kit

        Can’t say I’ve heard it. Not really an Outkast fan, but I’ll check it out.

    • first time long time

      Beggin’ – Madcon, i just like that song. its one of those songs that just gets you pumped, you know?

      • Kit

        I love the original version better, but it is a generally good song.

        • first time long time

          who sings the original? i dont think ive ever heard it

          • Kit

            Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

            • first time long time

              that ones pretty good. i like it. the madcon one seem a little more upbeat though

              • Kit

                I just hate the unnecessary rapping in Madcon’s. I feel like it ruins the original, but I might just be smug about it.

                • first time long time

                  yeah i know what ya mean

    • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

      Wow, good question…uh…

      Beethoven’s Ode to Joy from Symphony no. Nine just to blow people’s minds.

      • Mariano’s Pimp Hand

        LOL, I was just going to say Pachelbel’s canon in d major.

        • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

          Oh, I like that one even better.

          (I feel so high class now that I’ve found classical music, like, a week ago.)

          Oooh, just thought of a great one. How about Linus and Lucy?

    • Jerome S

      Imperial March from Star Wars.

      • Pat D

        Good choice.

    • Carlosologist

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGXzlRoNtHU

      I’m (hopefully) going to make it big one day, deal with it. :P

      • Kit

        I wish you the best of luck then, kiddo. I’ll be rooting for you.

    • leo

      nice question

      for me it would be cool change – streets of the bronx (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKmgXcs-bqg), guess i’m the sentimental type

      either that or something like amon tobins proper hoodidge (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHoppKY00zc)to get me pumped up

    • leo

      i’d like to see cc come up to this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv_d4fWZpB4

  • first time long time

    any word on when the games probably gona start?

  • first time long time

    ok heres a fun game: if you could date any 3 current players in the MLB or minors, who would they be? [if theres an awkward age difference, pretend you are his age]

    • Pat D

      OMG! This board has been overrun by females who should be talking about shopping and not baseball!!!

      /Dibble’d

      • first time long time

        lol who is this dibble character that everyone talks about here?

        • Kit

          He gave us one of the best memes of the season because of this: http://voices.washingtonpost.c.....en_at.html

          • first time long time

            HAHAHAHA as a girl i should probably be offended, but thats hilarious! he sounds so dumb too lol

            • Kit

              Well, the girls (myself included) who post here were offended because we’re probably smarter, more informed, more well-read and more knowledgeable about baseball than good ol’ Rob “Shut up and pitch” Dibble who no longer has a job because he suffers from chronic diarrhea of the mouth.

            • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

              You’re a girl? Would’ve never, ever suspected that.

              • first time long time

                uhhh not sure how how i should respond to this one lol

                • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

                  It’s not a bad thing, I just (like most people :/) assume people posting here are generally dudes and you’re not running around shrieking about Pettitte or whatever like I am.

                  • first time long time

                    hahahaha no its ok im not mad at you or anything. no i agree with you on that assumption. and as for running around about pettitte…not really my type…however dont get me started on melky cabrera [2009 edition anyway, right now hes growing a beard, put on a little weight, kinda a turn off lol] hahaha

    • U Thant

      Alyssa Milano, Natalie Portman, and Blossom’s friend Six.

    • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

      Andy Pettitte (of course), Alex Rodriguez, Joe Mauer

    • Hall and Nokes

      Well age is not the part that would be awkward.

      But I’d still date Robbie.

      • first time long time

        ahahaha. cano? yeah cant disagree with you there. lol

    • first time long time

      mine:
      1. jesus montero
      2. david robertson
      3. felix hernandez idk why him though just something there, ya know?

    • UWS

      Robertson
      Swisher
      Mike Mussina (yes, I’m aware he’s not a current player)

      • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

        Oh Moose is a good choice.

        • Pat D

          A friend of mine from Notre Dame got to interview him once. Said he was very cold and unfriendly.

        • Kit

          Moose always looked so tired. When he was on TV I’d actually try to talk to him like he could hear me. “You need a nap, Moose? I have a nice comfy bed right here.”

          • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

            I have no idea if you meant it in that way or not but this made me laugh out loud. (Yeah, Moose did always look tired and annoyed.)

            • Kit

              It was meant to be amusing. A friend of mine would chime in with “That would just make him more tired. Stop your shit, dude.”

    • Kyrnan

      nick swisher, curtis granderson, derek jeter.

      • Kyrnan

        honorable mention: melky cabrera.

        • first time long time

          definitely cant disagree on that one hahaha

    • Kit

      My choices would be Robbie, Sizemore, and a younger Ichiro because at some point in my life, I thought he was secretly a ninja.

      • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

        No lie, when the Grady Sizemore sorta-nudes leaked last year, at first I thought they were talking about Grady Little and I was HORRIFIED.

        …then I realized who they were talking about and it brought some sense back to my world. Oh, Grady. I miss you being non-broken.

        • Kit

          Seriously. I always wondering how he’s doing and I remember he’s been beat up for a while. Unfortunate for him. At least he’s still pretty.

          And yeah, Grady Little semi-nudes would be horrifying.

          • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

            http://admatch-syndication.moc.....deshow.jpg

            OMG so pretty *_* (SFW, don’t worry it’s not the kinda-nudes)

            • Kit

              He’s all “Come hither…also, hold my gloves.”

            • first time long time

              yeah hes cute

  • Hall and Nokes

    Can’t the Phillies all pull their groins as they inexplicably send out the A team against Atlanta?

    • Carlosologist

      It pisses me off that the Phillies are the best team in baseball.

      • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

        The 2008-09 offseason must’ve been torture.

        At least you aren’t a Giants fan, in that case. The Eagles beating the Giants in the playoffs a few months later would’ve sent a youngin like you off a cliff.

        /overstated’d

        • Carlosologist

          Haha, I didn’t really start devoting my time to baseball until this season. But that offseason must have been hell, considering the Yankees had missed the playoffs and the controversy surrounding the New Stadium and whatnot.

          • IOI

            An offseason where your team signs the three best free agents is never “hell”

            • Carlosologist

              My favorite lines from that offseason:

              “CC wants to hit and stay on the West Coast!”
              “Teixeira is a Red Sock, no doubt about.”
              “BURNETT OVER LOWE!!!!1″(in retrospect, neither would have worked out)

              • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

                I remember being in a taxi in NYC when the radio reported the Tex to NYY news and I almost shrieked out loud. Then when I got out of the taxi I was basically like, dancing around, and I saw a person in a Yankee hat (of course I did) and I wanted to run up to him and yell “WE GOT TEX!!!!” but I did not. Haha.

    • first time long time

      is the atlanta game on tv by any chance?

      • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

        It’s on MLBN (and Extra Innings if you have that, presumably).

      • Ben

        MLB Network.

      • first time long time

        cool thanks guys

  • Carlosologist

    Apparently Dallas Braden will be providing “analysis” on MLBN during the postseason.

    …

    I can’t wait to see what he has to say about A-Rod as he pummels the best pitching in baseball.

    • Hall and Nokes

      He’s running too close to my booth!

    • first time long time

      dallas braden is so cocky. i mean could you imagine if, say, phil hughes reacted the way he did to someone running across his mound? the media would do the exact opposite: bash hughes while not making a big deal out of someone running across the mound. so dumb

      • Big Stein

        this has to do with the media’s hate of ARod.

        If Braden had done that to Youklis or Pedroia the media would have freaked out and painted Braden as a loon, instead of some sort of hero.

      • Kit

        I think the reactions were more a mixed bag than anything else. Some applauded him, some just thought it was amusing (which was the right reaction, IMO).

        • first time long time

          yeah i feel he acted like a clown, especcially when he was on letterman and what he said about arod…i mean just drop it you know? i think arod acted appropriately though, didnt really say anything kinda just “waved him off” and went about his business

  • wifi guy

    KC up 3-0 on Rays :D

    • Kyrnan

      james shields wind-up with a man on first-base irritates me.

      • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

        I HAAAAATE Shields’ wind-up

  • Big Stein

    Any word when the game starts?

  • tom

    OK, I say call the game. It’s too late already, with no guarantee it won’t be hours more; the Yankees have had nothing but bad luck on these rain-delayed nights; there’s no way the field’ll be anything but hazardous till tomorrow, putting multiple players (esp. one Andrew Pettitte) in jeopardy.

    I assume part of the reason for hesitating in cancellation is the damn Fox game tomorrow, meaning if they played a double-header, it’d run real late. (Later than this?) But why not put it off till Sunday? That way, if the Rays have mathematically clinched the division, Joe can play a SWB roster in Game 2.

    • Ben

      I think they’re waiting it out because I doubt either team wants to play a DH at this point. LIke you said, I think the DH would be Sunday, and not Saturday.

    • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

      I assume part of the reason for hesitating in cancellation is the damn Fox game tomorrow,

      Or the fact that the Red Sox don’t give a shit about the Yankees related problems you’ve presented.

  • Ben

    KC (Betancourt) really let Shields off the hook there.

    • FIPster Doofus

      Yuni Betancourt: Bad at baseball.

      • Ben

        That he is. Not the guy I wanted up for the Royals in that situation.

        • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

          He has more grand slams in 2010 than Jeter and Pete Rose have/had in their careers, combined. What the eff.

          • http://www.pileofwit.com The Doctor

            #YCPB

  • first time long time

    whos worse: tim mccarver or joe morgan? i think mccarver only because i can tolerate joe morgan going on obsessively about robinson cano lol.

    • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

      McCarver. I maintain that Miller is worse than Morgan (though both are awful).

  • Hall and Nokes

    Are they going to play this or not? I’ll be honest, I’m not too enthused about having to play a doubleheader with the Sawx right now.

    • Pete

      I am. That’s like a Brackmonster guarantee

  • Kyrnan

    people here at my job are saying the yanks are purposely trying to lose so they don’t have to play texas. do you think there’s any truth to this. i think it’s b.s. if anything the rays seem like they’re the ones trying to lose lately.

    • FIPster Doofus

      Of course there’s no truth to it. Every AL playoff team has sputtered recently. Plus, they’re the Yankees; they fear no one.

    • first time long time

      i dont think they’re “trying to lose” i just think they’re kinda relaxing that way they’re rested for the playoffs at least. a true championship should be able to defeat whomever they face in the postseason. there should be no preferences.

    • Carlosologist

      Texas is the weakest of all four AL playoff teams. They have to start on the road, where they’ve been among the worst in the AL. If the Yankees play against them, I’m banking on the Yanks winning 3-2. Lee beats them in Game 1 and 4, and the Yanks win Games 2, 3, and 5, with the do-or-die game in the Bronx.

      • Ben

        In all probability Lee is not going to be starting on three days rest. Ron Washington left the door open, but he seemed relatively certain at the same time. Based on what happened in the WS last year, and how quickly Washington changed his mind about the three man rotation, I’m guessing Lee just isn’t comfortable doing it.

      • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

        It’s been confirmed Hunter’s their Game 4 starter, not Lee on short rest

        • Carlosologist

          Good, so we beat them on their home turf and laugh like we did in 96, 98, and 99.

        • FIPster Doofus

          *Licks chops*

      • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

        Question: This isn’t directed specifically at you, so anyone can answer, but why does every potential Cliff Lee start get chalked up as a win for Texas? I mean I realize he’s excellent, but last I checked, he’ll be facing someone who’s, at worst, close to Lee.

        • Carlosologist

          I think the Game 1 of the World Series is still stuck in my mind, but then I remembered Game 5 and two of his three starts against us this season. So he’s not exactly a guaranteed win, as we’ll probably be throwing Sabathia in Game 4.

        • Kit

          Lee is generally a good pitcher. He doesn’t give up many walks or runs because he has great control. He’s not a guaranteed win all the time, but let’s face it, when he sucked it was because he was injured (and we may have been the team that injured him…) The only games we lost in the world series last year were his doing and he out-pitched CC in one game and then AJ in the other.

  • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

    4-0 KC

  • first time long time

    anyone else watching the jersey shore after hours right now? is it just me or does it look like vinny’s wearing lip gloss? lol

  • Operation Killer B’s

    Anyone else see the Chop threw 3 perfect innings tonight while striking out 6 against the marlins in relief of Dan McCutchen

  • Hall and Nokes

    Seriously, can any of you believe that Melky is hitting 5th in a playoff contender’s lineup?

    • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

      I look at some of the NL contenders’ lineups and wonder how the eff they score runs. Heck, I do that with the Rays sometimes too.

      • first time long time

        seriously how do the rays have so many runs though? they have like 3 “stars” and im pretty sure only 2 or 3 players have over 20homeruns and most of their hitters are hitting like .250 if i say those names and their stats id say it was a lineup of scrubs. but i get they have good situational hitting and thats what counts i guess

        • Jerome S

          Worst hitting Rays team in franchise history, no joke. They’ve gotten by on pitching and defense, I guess.

          • Kit

            And the suicide squeeze!

          • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

            Do you mean just BA-wise? I know most of the problem with the abysmal Rays teams was their pitching, but I can’t imagine they’ve got the worst triple slash in TBR history.

          • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

            This may be the worst offense in Rays history, but there’s absolutely no way it’s the worst offense if you include the Devil Rays. Not even close.

            http://www.baseball-reference......1998.shtml

      • Jerome S

        Haha Yankees fans are so spoiled by our elite, $200+ million lineup. I’ll admit everyone else looks like crap to me.

  • Yo Quiero Montero (formerly LarryF)

    Watching Rays game. Rays lead baseball in walks and strikeouts. Last to do that were the 2002 Yanks.

    The Royals Cf’er Jarrod Dyson might be faster than Gardy.

  • first time long time

    this waiting around is driving me nuts

    • Scooter

      Sadly, this image popped to mind:
      http://www.philben.net/images/.....icken2.jpg

      Looks like a few more showers on the radar – then clearing.

      • Kit

        Amusing picture. My favorite Robot Chicken sketch is “Black Stallion.”

  • dkidd in sunny los angeles

    big game james proving once again that nicknames are silly

    • Kit

      Especially when you haven’t earned said nickname and got it from a minor league teammate who loved the Lakers.

      • Kyrnan

        who was that?

        • Kit

          The roommate? I have no idea. I just know James Shields got his nickname from a Lakers fan.

          • Kyrnan

            interesting isn’t it…the things we remember?

            • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

              It’s from “Big Game” James Worthy.

            • Kit

              I’m not quite understanding what that has to do with anything. I just don’t think the article that mentioned where he got his nickname gave the roommate’s name.

              • Kyrnan

                relax, i’m just kidding.

                • Kit

                  There’s nothing to relax over since I was already relaxed. I just honestly didn’t get it.

  • Jerome S

    The heavy biblical rains are over now in Boston, and they’re not returning. What, you can’t play in a light drizzle?!

    • Kit

      Rain doesn’t work well with their run prevention strategy. In fact, the sun doesn’t either.

      • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

        run prevention, more like playoff prevention, amirite

        • Kit

          Haha…you’re so right.

      • Jerome S

        Literally every time I’ve been to Boston it’s poured. Seems like a miserable place. The Sox should be used to it, by now.

  • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

    Supposedly the game’s starting at 10. Uh…

    • Yo Quiero Montero (formerly LarryF)

      Not when Bill Maher is on. C’mon!

      • WaRRioR86

        really?! Hope you are just kidding Yo Montero. If not enjoy that quality, qitty and non-hateful Maher rhetoric ;-)

    • Carlosologist

      If it starts at 10, then in Yankee-Red Sox time that’s the bottom of the first with one out.

  • FIPster Doofus

    Bruce Chen: True Ace

  • Jerome S

    Bruce Chen one-hitting the Rays??

    • Carlosologist

      Everybody and their mother has one hit the Rays.

      /hyperbole’d

  • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

    The Royals are doing the Yankees an incredible service thus far in their series.

    9 outs to Soria, a variant of my favorite game within each game.

    • Carlosologist

      Soria has a career ERA of 1.95. O_O

      Fun fact: Joakim Soria has 254 IP in his whole career, spanning four seasons. King Felix has 249.2 IP, this season.

      #startersarebetterthanrelievers

    • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

      Just to play off this, how many here love to say in the later innings “x outs till Mo”?

      I know I can’t be the only one.

      • first time long time

        the way hes pitching right now…no. but in general yeah i love that =]. i remember doing that in the world series last year lol

      • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

        I do that in the playoffs, a lot. Haha.

        • tom

          After Game 5 in Oakland in 2000, Tino said he started thinking it a couple of innings ahead. He added, “You hate to do this, but..” — that was an excruciating game.

      • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

        Every single time since 1996 that the Yankees take the lead in a playoff game.

    • Hall and Nokes

      Do you think that Soria realizes that this whole time, he’s being groomed to replace Mo?

  • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

    It’s pouring again at Fenway and no one’s in the bullpen, including Andy. So… probably not 10.

    • Scooter

      There’s a final band of showers, then clearing:
      http://www.wunderground.com/ra.....ightning=0

      The big question is – how will Fenway drain? There’s no way I’d put the starters (including Pettitte) on a wet field.

  • mustang

    Does anyone have any idea if and when they will play?

    • Jose the Satirist

      10 PM

  • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

    The Rays sure are playing like shit in all facets.

    For most of the year, it looked like they were going to post their best record in franchise history. If tonight’s score holds, 2008 can take a sigh or relief, since the Rays of 2010 couldn’t possibly match their record then.

  • tom

    I just want to put in the record that, once he heard there were potential rain issues tonight, Girardi should have pushed Pettitte to tomorrow. The guy’s already dealing with a vulnerable back. Having him out there on a rain-soaked field is asking for trouble.

    If Nova’s supposed to pitch a game anyway, why not tonight?

    • Henry

      You also don’t want to re-injure that groin.

    • Scooter

      There’s a chance that Pettitte WON’T pitch tonight – can’t imagine he ever warmed up.

      In the pregame, Suzyn talked to Eiland. As of tonight, Hughes was going to pitch 1-3 innings out of the pen tomorrow – subject to change if Sunday’s game means something.

    • mustang

      I kind of agree.

  • http://www.metroflats.com Zanath

    So is 10 the official start time?

    • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

      Tarp is back on the field, almost definitely not :/

      • http://www.metroflats.com Zanath

        At this point they should just call it then :-/

      • Scooter

        Mark Feinsand just tweeted:
        http://twitter.com/BloggingBombers

        If they wait for that band on the radar to clear Boston entirely, you’re looking at around 11.

        • http://www.metroflats.com Zanath

          Ugh, 11? Just play a DH on sunday IMO.

          • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

            Why?

        • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

          Speaking of Feinsand:

          just asked a great question: What’s worse? Paying a guy $16.5M that stinks, or having a guy named Big Game James that stinks?

          Tremendous!

          • WaRRioR86

            Easy. The former El Stinko has help pitch his team to a wrold series title on 4 great performances. The latter did not keep it up in his team’s WS run in 08.

            Plus, AJ is not dumb or arrogrant enough to keep a nickname like “Big Game” as humilates himself nearly every night.

            Question- Does anyone know Shields’ numbers without his impeccable games againt the yanks? Gotta be far worse than A.J’s right ?

  • Jose the Satirist

    Rollins hit a GS against Mike Dunn.

    • Accent Shallow

      I thought there was a non-zero chance that Dunn turns into Billy Wagner. (He still might)

      I was bummed to swap him for Logan (I was wrong there. Even if Dunn eventually figures it out, Logan has been very useful)

  • Scooter

    Update from KC: 5-0 Royals, bottom of the 6th. Chen has a two-hitter

    • Little Bill

      Tampa is in bad shape. Girardi needs to go all out to sweep this series and get HFA.

      • Scooter

        All I want from this weekend:
        – no injuries
        – Andy Pettitte throws 5 solid innings
        – AJ is solid

        And it’s now 7-0 KC

        • first time long time

          aj is prone to meltdowns in Fenway. i remember: my first memory of AJ was watching that infamous start at fenway in august last year where he gave up like 8 runs and made it appear that he was yelling at jorge. oooh the memories. lol

          • Kit

            Yelling at Jorge seems like a bad idea in all way, shapes and forms, so I chose to think that AJ has some sort of self-preservation instincts and knows enough to avoid getting into a fight with our angriest player.

            • first time long time

              i never really understood that incident though. was he yelling at himself or at jorge?
              speaking of jorge being angry,, my favorite memory of last year other than the playoffs was the brawl between the blue jays lol

              • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

                He was yelling at himself but he was apparently saying “Why would you throw that pitch?!” so people took it to mean he was mad at Posada.

                • first time long time

                  i see. i still wouldnt get angry at jorge though. guy looks scary lol

                • Kit

                  I wasn’t aware of that, but I always knew AJ had self-preservation instincts. Good job, AJ.

                • Chris

                  Of course, asking Jorge why he would throw that pitch would be pretty stupid, since AJ is throwing all the pitches… Jorge is just calling them.

              • Kit

                That Blue Jays fight was so stupid. I hate bench clearing brawls where the Yankees are involved. It just leads to injuries/ejections and fines, and I’d rather not have it. That being said, the Blue Jays learned a valuable lesson there.

                About the AJ/Jorge incident, I don’t know who AJ was yelling at but it seemed to be their “falling out”. Still don’t understand what happened there, but I’m sure they resolved it.

                • first time long time

                  yeah everyone in the clubhouse seems to get along really well, or it appears that way at least.

                  anyway as for the brawl, i agree with what your saying but i found it to be very entertaining, especially because of how much i hate that stupid team with their stupid players and stupid country. lol

                • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

                  That Jays fight was so dumb. I love Posada to absolute pieces and brawls are always entertaining, but I don’t know why he did that. The Yankees all but had the division won at that point, and the Jays were TOTALLY out of it, and he basically just risked someone getting hurt.

                  • Kit

                    I can’t even remember who the Jays pitcher was that day, but I remember that huge bruise on his head and I was just thinking, “What the hell are you doing, guys? This is pointless.” Tex looked angry as hell and I was kind of “Swoon!” though, not going to lie.

                    • first time long time

                      it was some “nobody” but i remember he threw a pitch either inside at jorge, behind his back, or actually hit him and jorge was furious. kinda a pointless brawl but still entertaining. the best part was the way michael kay was doing the play by play. “and jorge scores. and now he has something to say to [insert pitcher’s name here] AND NOW THEY’RE GOING AT IT!” or something like that. still funny though

      • whozat

        I’d rather have Swisher’s knee in better shape than “go all out” and play him in the field for the next three days. I’d rather have Andy pitch 5 healthy innings tomorrow than send him out in the cold and rain after a 3 hour delay tonight.

    • tom

      As bad as our guys have been of late, Tampa almost seems to want the division less.

      All the people giving credit to the Red Sox for not completely disappearing in the standings — they’d have to have been Royals/Mariners level bad to have lost ground in the last two months. That they couldn’t get closer says they really haven’t been worth much.

  • first time long time

    story that relates to why pitcher win-loss is a bad statistic:
    i asked a friend one day why he hated brian bruney so much (i had no idea who bruney was at the time lol) and he said something along the lines of how the yanks were winning by like 2 or 3 runs, bruney comes in and gives up the lead putting the yankees down by like 1 or 2. next half inning, the yankees score some runs and end up winning. Brian Bruney ended up getting the win.

    exactly why win-loss says nothing about pitcher’s ability

  • Jerome S

    Two consecutive nights without baseball?!
    http://www.nooooooooooooooo.com/
    The offseason is going to be tough.

    • Carlosologist

      The offseason is always shorter when the Yankees win the World Series.

  • first time long time

    lol post game show should be on in 7 min and game hasnt even started ye tlol

  • http://www.metroflats.com Zanath

    7-0 Rays.

    • Carlosologist

      You mean Royals?

      • http://www.metroflats.com Zanath

        Oops, yeah. They both start with an R. That’s a good enough excuse, right?

  • blazer

    So is this game happening or what? And 7-0 KC is awesome. Game 7 ALCS here I come!

    • first time long time

      that wont be necessary…yanks are winning in 5

      • first time long time

        just kidding…i really dont wanna pull a jimmy rollins and get too cocky and jinx anything

      • blazer

        That would be cool too, but I’m somewhat biased towards it going 7 games since I have tix to game 7.

    • mustang

      Wow! Home field advantage just handed to the Yankees.

      • blazer

        As well as the ALDS and 3 of the first 6 games of the ALCS. I’m feeling optimistic.

  • first time long time

    not sure if ive asked this before but do you guys think that robertson has the potential to be a closer?

    • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

      Yes, he certainly has the potential to be a closer. For the Yankees? Unlikely, but possible. His BB rate is too high.

      • first time long time

        his walk rate for his career or this year? cus some of his stats are inflated from the dreadful start he had this year

        • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

          Career. I don’t think his walk rates ever got inflated, and even if they did, they are now right in line with his 08 and 09.

          • first time long time

            oh ok. hes still young though and can develop id like to see him as our next closer

          • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

            That being said, I see no reason he couldn’t reach Armando Benitez levels of success as a closer.

  • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

    I hope Big Game James enjoyed his final start of 2010.

  • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

    Can someone explain why they want the game called? Do people have plans at 2 AM that they don’t have at 1 AM?

    • first time long time

      ietc

    • Carlosologist

      I do need to make a few calls to certain people at 2 AM…

  • HotCarl

    Odd sidenote; Javy is 25 ks behind Moyer for the active leader (Andy is third). Javy, Andy, CC and AJ are all in the top 13.

    • Accent Shallow

      Somehow, I doubt he’s getting there this year. :)

  • Reggie C.

    AND THE HITS TO THE G-MEN KEEP ON COMING!

    Mathias Kiwanuka has been diagnosed with a bulging cervical (in the neck) disk. Recovery takes 2-3 months. Kiwanuka lead the team in sacks. I’m really disappointed and i can’t lie … this is a big blow to the pass rush.

    The JPP era will begin on Sunday. The rook better bring it.

    • Scooter

      ugh…. just keeps getting better, doesn’t it?

      JPP and Joseph both need to step it up on the line – I know Canty can play a little DE, so Joseph could slide in at DT to clog it up against the run.

      O-line looks really bad and really old, too

  • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

    Tip of the cap to Bruce Chen.

    Simply superb tonight.

    • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

      Seeeeeeeriously. Well done and thanks, Bruce.

  • Jose the Satirist

    Padres game started for anyone who cares.

    • Carlosologist

      BEAT SD!

      …that doesn’t have the same ring as BEAT LA.

    • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

      Braves getting it handed to them tonight, so the Pads can stay well alive with a win…

      • Carlosologist

        But they’ll be dead men walking if they lose. :D

        • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

          I have no sympathy for the Pads. Hate their ballpark, hate their “NL style” of play.

          NL style of play is the biggest crock in baseball. It’s just a nice way of saying the style of play is boring as shit. Who’s been the best team in the NL since 2008? The Phillies. What style do they play?

          Exactly.

  • first time long time

    anyone know if its still raining in boston? i dont think its raining that much in the tri-state area anymore

    • Carlosologist

      A link above said that the storm system should pass through Boston at 11. I still think they’ll play.

    • Jose the Satirist

      http://www.weather.com/outlook.....e/USMA0046

      That radar has a future button. Don’t know how accurate it is as a predictor.

      • Scooter

        The “Present” projects until about 2:30 AM – looks like light showers pretty late.

        Looking at the Weather Underground map, there’s rain down in Providence that could end up over Boston. The original forecast said clearing after midnight.

        I just don’t see why you bother playing tonight

        Chen is 2 outs away from…. HIS FIRST CAREER SHUTOUT

  • Scooter

    8 shutout innings from Chen – he’s at 93 pitches

    • Kyrnan

      chen is a beast!

    • first time long time

      wooOOOoo

  • http://www.twitter.com/tomzig Tom Zig

    Where the hell did the real Bruce Chen go?

    • Carlosologist

      Back to Panama?

      • Jose the Satirist

        TIL that Bruce Chen was born in Panama.

      • Kit

        Haha…when I first found out he was born in Panama I called bullshit and lost twenty bucks.

    • Kit

      Tex owned him, so he thought he only rightly deserved to take him home and put him on the mantel as a trophy.

      (In all seriousness, thanks, Bruce, and good fucking job).

  • Scooter

    Some WEEI guy just tweeted this:
    http://twitter.com/Trags

    If the Sox players have left the dugout, that sounds like the game will be called

    • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

      I enjoy that he said the game would get “banged” because I am apparently 12.

    • Jose the Satirist

      Maybe they forfeited?

    • first time long time

      could they be in the clubhouse getting ready or taking bp by anychance?

  • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

    Hah. Twinkie implosion in the 8th.

    Jays finally get their token home run, #19 for Encarnacion. 6-2 Jays.

  • byron

    i live in roxbury, just south of boston. it’s been drizzling on and off for a while now.

  • mustang

    Its Friday near Fenway Park with the number of bars around that place this delay can go on forever or at least to 2am.

    Wish I was there.

    • Scooter

      At the Cask and Flagon with your Yankee stuff on at 2 AM? Yeah that would be fun

      I almost had a drunk woman take a poke at me in a bar in Beacon Hill b/c I had a NY Rangers jersey on

      2 out for Chen

  • Jose the Satirist

    This Padres game is already insane.

    • Kit

      I’m watching “The Crazies” on DVD, so fill me in, please?

      • Jose the Satirist

        Miguel Tejeda on 1B. Adrian Gonzalez doubled. Miggy tried to score. Called out, looked like he got his hand on the plate before the tag by Posey.

        • Kit

          Thanks. And unfortunate.

  • http://www.twitter.com/tomzig Tom Zig

    Bruce Chen for Cy Young!

  • first time long time

    ugh these people need to make up their minds. if there’s no game i wana go to bed but if they’re gona play ill stay awake. i dont wana stay awake for another hour only to find out that its postponed

  • Scooter

    First complete game shutout for Chen… wow

  • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

    First fucking place!

  • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

    Game postponed. It’s gonna be part of a doubleheader tomorrow at 9:05 PM.

  • Scooter

    Postponed, guys

    DH tomorrow
    http://twitter.com/soxanddawgs

  • Jon

    jeez…2 hit shutout by Chen…anyway else think the rays might in way over their head right now?

    Why isnt this game postponed yet?

    • Chris

      It is.

  • first time long time

    dh tomorrow…god i hope they win at least one. 3 losses to the sox in 1 day=brutal

    • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

      Why are you so negative of late? You seem like a really good commenter in general. What’s up with that?

      • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

        Follow up question: How can they lose to the Sox 3 times in 1 day?

        • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

          You didn’t hear? With all their injuries, MLB decided it was unfair that the Red Sox get eliminated so early. Each win against the Yankees will actually count as 1.5 wins.

          • Stratman9652

            That sounds so crazy it might just be possible…

        • first time long time

          meant to say 2 sorry

      • first time long time

        aww thanks. but for the negativity ehhh wouldnt really classify this post as negative, just the way i feel thats all. not been the best week for me, 2 losses to the sox in 1 day + having to deal with buck and mccarver = not fun at all.

    • http://www.metroflats.com Zanath

      All I care about is that everybody comes out of the games healthy, and that Andy and AJ pitch well. I’d like to win but if we don’t it’s not the end of the world. Would it be nice to win first? Yup. But it’s more important the key players are healthy for Wednesday.

      • Sweet Dick Willie

        This.

        Going into the play-offs as the WC healthy >>>>>>>going in banged up and division winner. HFA is not worth risking injury.

        If Yanks win the division and Lee beats them in Game 1, they no longer have HFA.

        If they go in as WC and win either Game 1 or 2 in Minnesota, they then have HFA.

  • gargoyle

    God do they really have to preserve the precious 4pm Fox game and start game 2 at 9pm?

    I guess it beats playing 2 on Sunday.

  • http://twitter.com/dpatrickg Dirty Pena

    First place baby!!!!!

  • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

    So the Yankees go to bed tonight in first place.

    The Rays go to bed tonight having fallen short of even matching their 97-65 mark of 2008. I get a really strange and probably unnatural satisfaction out of that.

  • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

    So… who’s staying up for Padres/Giants? Ludwick takes a Matt Cain offering out of the park, 1-0 Fathers.

    • Ben

      Yup. Heck of a play by Ludwick in the first to rob Burrell of a two run double, and then he homers.

    • tom

      where are you watching this? I’ve got College FB on ESPN, HIgh School FB on ESPN 2, and Braves/Phillies on MLB.

      • Ben

        I’ve got MLB Extra Innings.

      • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

        MLB Extra Innings, but when the PHI/ATL game is over supposedly they’re switching it over to SDP/SFG.

        AdGon bomb, 4-0 Padres.

  • Jerome S

    What would happen if three teams tied for first place in a division w/o a wild card spot for any of the teams?

  • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

    The Yankees divisional number is 2.

    This means if they win both ends of the doubleheader, they can cap off a long, dreary day of baseball with more champagne.

    How awesome that would be.

    • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

      The magic number for the division is three, not two. The Yanks have to sweep tomorrow and the Rays have to lose for them to clinch the division.

      • Ben

        Mike, what do you think – no way they have another clubhouse celebration, right?

        • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

          Oh, they’ll celebrate. They’ll celebrate like they’ve never won anything in their lives.

          • Ben

            Hmm, I don’t know. I really don’t think the veterans would allow two clubhouses celebrations in the regular season. They celebrated qualifying for the playoffs on Tuesday, and I think they would view that as enough. If the Rays won the division they would definitely celebrate, but I don’t see the Yankees doing it.

            It’s not quite the same situation, but there was absolutely no celebration when they clinched a playoff berth last year. They waited till they clinched the division, limiting themselves to one celebration.

            However, I hope we get to find out.

            • first time long time

              thats because last year wining the division was pretty much inevitable due to the way they were playing and their lead. or at least thats what i think anyway

              • Ben

                I agree, which is why I acknowledged that the two situations are different. I still don’t think that the people making these decisions would be OK with two regular season celebrations, but who knows.

                • first time long time

                  sorry didnt see the “its not quite the same situation” my bad lol. but yeah idk im sure there would be, especially because they’ll be handed out shirts and hats and stuff

                  • Ben

                    Haha it’s no problem. I was just reiterating my point.

      • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

        Then ESPN’s standings are a crock of shit.

        It says two.

    • Ben

      The magic number for the Yankees to clinch the division is actually three (same as the Rays). Additionally, I’m pretty much positive that they would not pop champagne in the clubhouse if they win the division.

    • Bob Stone

      That would be a dramatic and very satisfying end to the regular season, especially being at Fenway.

      • Bob Stone

        Of course the Rays have to lose as well.

    • Stratman9652

      Love how now it seems everything is just miraculously falling into place. Certainly can’t complain. Would it be too much to ask for lights out AJ to show up out of nowhere and Andy to be, well, Andy?

  • bonestock94

    My only real reason for wanting the Yankees to win the division is because game one will synchronize perfectly with my last test for a long time.

  • Kit

    For anyone wanting to relieve some of the awesome from last year’s post-season, they’re giving Game 3 of the ALDS on YES right now.

    • Kit

      And of course, I meant relive

      • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

        People were relieved once the Yankees finally decided to start kicking Carl Pavano’s bruised ass.

        • Kit

          I wouldn’t know. I was stuck in a biochemistry lab until late during that week.

    • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

      (cuddles Andy’s scruffy goodness)

    • first time long time

      i wish theyd play game 2. that one was sweet. between the arod homerun, the robertson houdini act, and the walk off that one is more of a yankees classic in my opinion.

      • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

        Seriously, as much as I love Mr. Pettitte, why do they play Game 3 of last year’s ALDS instead of Game 2? (And Game 6 of the ALCS/WS instead of Game 2 of the ALCS or Game 2/3/4 of the WS?)

        • first time long time

          because they were the clinching games. my favorite games from the playoffs were alds and alcs games 2 and for the world series, in this order,:
          1. game 6
          2. game 2
          3. game 3
          4. game 4

          the only reason 3 comes before 4 is that IIRC, 4 was a close game and 3 was more of an “easy” win, and close games make me too nervous lol

          • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

            But winning them is that much sweeter.

            ARod beat three closers last October. Friggen amazing.

            • first time long time

              are you referring to the close games? yeah they are sweeter but think about it, if you lose thats a crushing defeat. thats all i can think about in those close games, “what if we lose?” but yeah i dont think my blood pressure can handle those close games. they give me heart attacks lol.

      • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

        I remember jumping so damn high off my couch when Alex hit that homer. That was absolutely amazing.

        • first time long time

          i was literally in shock…i was like omg i cant believe that just happened. lol he hit a dramatic one in the 9th inning in one of the alcs games also right?

          • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

            I don’t think it was the ninth inning, I think it was the 11th or some shit. The Angels took the lead in the top of the inning, A-Rod homered off Fuentes to tie it. I’m pretty sure it was two strikes, two outs too.

            • first time long time

              ohhh yeah.i remember. aceves gave up the lead, arod ties it, robertson gets out of another bases loaded 0out jam, angels screw up next inning and we won. that one was fun too. i remember arod being up and thinking, “wow there is no way hes doing that again” and then he swings the bat…boom tie game. unreal. guy doesnt get enough credit

            • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

              It was an 0-2 pitch and there was nobody out, but the guys behind him were some combination of Guzman, Gardner, and other assorted crap

              • first time long time

                “assorted crap” lol prob melky cabrera hahaha

            • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

              THAT one made me jump and yell OH MY GOD HE TIED IT!!!!

              For the first one, it was a better overall game but in a way I had not given up on the game because I knew A-Rod was raking, so when he hit the HR it was AWESOME but not TOTALLY unexpected.

              The Fuentes HR was different. For whatever reason that night, I’d totally given up on the game and was giving the “can’t win ‘em all” speech to my friend when A-Rod sneas the 0-2 pitch from Fuentes overall.

              Jump in the air, scream in absolute shock, and completely forget any thoughts of “being tired” and “just wanting the game to end one way or the other”.

              Thank you, A-Rod.

              • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

                Typos, man. I hate them.

            • CBean

              I was on a bus on my way to Washington DC and the bus was supposed to have wifi and it didn’t, so I wasn’t going to get to follow the game. I was bitter. My two friends texted me play by play for the entire game. It took them forever to get out the Alex tied it text and I kept shaking my phone going, COME ON TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED. It was awesome.

          • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

            11th inning against Brian Fuentes, in the pouring rain, on an 0-2 pitch.

            With Freddy Guzman and Brett Gardner up after him.

        • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

          I was in the Bronx at a family friend’s house. When Alex hit that HR (and when Tex hit the walk-off) there were just a craaaazy amount of horns going off outside. Awesome.

  • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

    Conceivably, we can clinch tomorrow.

    This end to the regular season is so motherfucking awesome in so many ways. I’m loving this shit.

    • first time long time

      if they clinch tomorrow, i will be the happiest person in the world. well maybe not, but that would be fantastic if they did though. would make me feel a lot better at least

    • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

      True, but I’m not sure much of anything can top how they clinched in 2009. Remember how much shit they clinched/accomplished by winning just that one game against the Red Sox?

      Division.
      100 wins.
      Best record in AL.
      Best record in MLB.
      Tied season series after starting 0-8.

      And they did it by sweeping the Red Sox right out of New York, after Ortiz said it would be great for the Red Sox to celebrate clinching the wild card in the visitor’s clubhouse at the new Stadium.

      They had to take that shit back to Boston instead.

      • http://youcantpredictbaseball.wordpress.com/ bexarama

        Yeah, I don’t think anything is going to top the way we clinched last year. That was freaking awesome, especially after Ortiz’s comments. Seriously, Papi, act like you’ve been there before.

      • poster on another computer who happens to be a deuce bag

        I disagree.

        This year it would be better for almost precisely the reasons you mentioned.

        This year, the division is a battle. It’s no easy win. We need to go into motherfucking Fenway Park and beat the Red Sox in their own house during the final season of the series just to have a shot at the division.

        How fucking awesome is that?

        • https://twitter.com/Carcillo_ Carcillo

          Both are/would be awesome. I guess it still amazes me just how much that one win did last year.

          Seeing the Yankees go into Fenway to finish the season and coming back to win the division at the wire certainly has its own degrees of awesomeness.

  • http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

    Adrian Gonzalez is a man, he’s 40.

  • Beantown Bombers Fan

    The Sox management should be ashamed of themselves with tonight’s debacle. It has rained hard pretty much all evening after EVERY forecast had said it would do that much. Instead of pushing back the gate opening time, knowing full well there was no way the game was gonna start at 7pm, they opened at regular time so that the fans would come in and “enjoy the atmosphere.” Fans instead got to sit around for ~4 hours, shopping, eating, spending money, etc… I understand that games get postponed, but this smacks of trying to make a quick buck off of fans. Spend, spend, spend! I’ve been to a few Yanks games where the same thing has happened. It really sucks as a fan to feel like you are getting jobbed.

  • first time long time

    this entire season everyone has been saying “just wait until they hit/pitch on all cylinders” and they haven’t done that yet. but what if they finally do and its during the post season. HOW SICK WOULD THAT BE! WE’RE TALKING GOING 11-0 FULL ON REIGN OF TERROR!

    • YankeesJunkie

      My pants would be wet!!!

    • Sunil

      I could see that happening. AJ is such an integral part of this postseason. He didnt have a stellar postseason last year, but if he could repeat, they could haul ass

  • Beantown Bombers Fan

    Just saw that the Sox flipped their starters for tomorrow’s games, so it will be Andy versus Shaky Wakey and AJ versus Dice-K. That evening game is gonna be brutal.

    • Little Bill

      But we’ve gotta play the A lineup both games to sweep the series and capture HFA. Girardi has to go for the HFA now that the Rays have allowed us to control our own destiny.