Game 63: Roster Moves

June 12, 2011 by Mike Axisa 390 Comments

freddy — Do better than last time, Freddy. (Photo Credit: Flickr user maxxum via Creative Commons license)

As expected, it was a busy morning in Yankeeland thanks to all the recent injuries. Bartolo Colon was predictably placed on the disabled list following the hamstring strain he suffered yesterday, though Joe Girardi said the MRI came back “pretty good.” I have no idea what that means, but Colon told reporters that he expects to be back after his 15 days are up. Holy cow, that would be awesome. Just please don’t rush it, the last thing the Yankees need is for him to have a setback and miss three months instead of three weeks. “I feel bad because the team needs help and I got hurt,” said Bartolo. Given all he’s done for this team already, he’s shouldn’t feel bad. Amaury Sanit was also placed on the disabled list with an elbow injury, the nature and extent of which is unknown.

Replacing those guys on the roster are Hector Noesi and Chris Dickerson. Since you can’t call a player back up for ten days after a demotion, they had to use the injuries to get these two back so quickly. There’s still no word on Thursday’s starter though. As I sit here on my perch of infinite wisdom, I think the best course of action would have been to start Noesi today. It’s his scheduled day to start for Triple-A Scranton, and it would give Freddy Garcia, A.J. Burnett, and CC Sabathia and extra day of rest while allowing Colon’s replacement to miss the Rangers next week. They’re killing the ball right now, so keeping a rookie away from them seems like a good idea. Maybe Noesi will throw multiple innings in relief today as a tuneup, then start Thursday. That’s pretty much the best case right now.

Anyway, both Russell Martin and Alex Rodriguez are in today’s lineup. Martin’s back is finally okay following his little weightlifting injury, and A-Rod‘s hip is fine after it stiffened up following that hit-by-pitch yesterday. So that’s pretty much it, hopefully they can get through today’s game healthy. Here’s the lineup…

Derek Jeter, SS
Curtis Granderson, CF
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nick Swisher, RF
Jorge Posada, DH
Russell Martin, C
Brett Gardner, LF

Freddy Garcia, SP

Today’s game can be seen on YES locally and on TBS nationally once it starts at 1pm ET. Enjoy.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Hopefully Bartolo will be back for the Citi field series. I was really looking forward to seeing him hit.
http://RAB Nuke LaDoosh

I think I have 3 options today, MLB Extra Innings, MLBTV, TBS…choices choices…
first time lawng time

15 days? That’s not bad at all.

Anyway, I’d rather Garcia didn’t start today, but Cleveland isn’t a powerhouse, so he should be able to keep his team in the game.
The Fallen Phoenix

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but get back soon, Bartolo. We’re going to miss you.
first time lawng time

You know what’s funny? Is that Colon originally wasn’t even in the rotation. Now he’s the number 2.
- CP
  
  If you buy enough lotto tickets then eventually one will pay off.
- steve (different one)
  
  David Ortiz was signed to back up Kevin Millar…
  - JohnnyC
    
    Soriano and Feliciano were signed to be our bridge to Mo. The bridge collapsed.
CP

In theory, having Noesi start today would be a good idea. In reality, though, I think it would have to depend on where he was, travel plans, etc.
Mike HC

With the full A lineup in there, this team is looking very strong offensively. When some pitchers start to come back from injury, this team has the ability to hit its stride at the perfect time I think.
Cy Pettitte

Colon taking 2 weeks off might turn out to be a good thing. I’m glad it appears to be minor though. If they can get him back in 2 weeks and then Hughes a little while after that would be huge, CC Colon Phil is a legit top 3 of a rotation if Phil comes back strong.
Pat D

Too bad we didn’t have a chance to see if Mike’s conspiracy theory was accurate.
- first time lawng time
  
  What was his conspiracy theory?
  - Pat D
    
    That Montero wasn’t playing last night in case he’d have to be called up today if Martin couldn’t play.
Tom Lin

Is Tim Norton’s shoulder injury serious ?
Anyone has any idea?
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  Supposedly season-ending.
Cy Pettitte

@pcaldera: Sounds like Bartolo Colon could be back as early as June 28 vs. Milwaukee for his next start.

this would be so perfect, it lines him up for the last game at Citi soo we get to see him hit, lol.
- Pat D
  
  That’s exactly what I want to see.
  
  Since I’m not have CMW flashbacks.
  - David, Jr.
    
    Joe will have him bunting for base hits.
    - first time lawng time
      
      Ortiz bunted for a hit against NY back in September. And got it.
      
      It was sad.
    - Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat
      
      He’ll do what Swish did in OAK: show bunt, then hit a HR.
first time lawng time

Collectible cup night? That’s actually a good promo.

Much better than potted soil night for Earth Day.
first time lawng time

I think it’s so cute when babies where jerseys.
- Pat D
  
  Unless it’s an ugly baby.
  - Mike HC
    
    then it’s funny
Pat D

Bucknor’s behind the plate? Oh, good, this could be a lot of fun.
- first time lawng time
  
  Is he bad?
  - Pat D
    
    Generally.
StanfordBen

Here’s an updated estimate of Jeter getting to 3,000 at home. He averages 4.2 AB’s per game, which would give him 21 AB’s in the remaining 5 games. The chances of him getting at least 9 hits in those 21 AB’s if his average should be .275 is 9%.
- http://RAB Nuke LaDoosh
  
  I think he’ll do it in Wrigley. I’m going to June 17 and June 18 games so I think I have a decent shot of seeing it.
  - Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat
    
    For the sake of us being subjected to FOX/ESPN, I hope it happens in this homestand or on that Friday.
- Mike HC
  
  If he faces a bunch of lefties, and/or below average pitchers, the percentage might be better. Of course, a bunch of above average righties, and it might be worse.
  - Mike HC
    
    And although he is not hitting for a higher average at home than on the road this year, he did last year, and did for his career, so playing at home also probably improves the chances.
    
    But you already gave him credit with the .275 average.
first time lawng time

So Tomlin beat the Yankees last year in his ML debut. So that means he’ll go 4IP 7ER, right?
the tenth inning stretch

11 pitches through 2 hitters? I’ll take it. And Granderslump appears to be history.
Naved

Kei Igawa got promoted to AAA for Noesi instead of Betances. Why Yankees are you torturing me??
MikeD

Today’s bat day? Did anyone here ever go to bat day? I’m wondering the quality of the bat. Is it regulation, adult sized? Regular quality? Bats are not cheap nowadays.
- Mike HC
  
  I have been to bat day years ago. Maybe a decade ago, and the bats were adult size and seemed like pretty decent quality to me. Engraved with a Yankee symbol, maybe an autograph too.
- Slu
  
  I went to two bat days in the 80s. One is a larger bat with Reggie’s name printed on it. Not a signature. I was pumped to get a Reggie. Back then they gave out a bunch of different players. Bat sponsored by Brut.
  
  The second time I went, got a smaller blue bat. No player name. Just says Yankees. Sponsored by Coke.
  
  Both good quality. I still have both bats. They are dinged up though as I used to play with them.
- Matt Montero
  
  I went to one about 7 years ago and got a full-size bat. I can’t tell you the quality of it but it seems pretty sturdy to me, I’ve used it a few times and it’s still mint condition.
Cy Pettitte

this strike zone is ridiculous
V

What the hell is this high-and-away strike Bucknor is calling? Can someone get him some glasses?
first time lawng time

I don’t think the HP ump knows that you call the strike/ball where it goes over the plate, not where the catcher frames it.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

NYY 16-3 in day games. That’s why they were in all those FOX Saturday night games!
The Fallen Phoenix

When can we bunk the myth that the Yankees are an old team?
- Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
  
  When Jorge starts using Just For Men.
- Mike HC
  
  Probably somewhere around the time our SS and 3B are not over 35.
  
  Who am I kidding. Not even then. The Yanks have been “old” my entire life.
  - MikeD
    
    The Yankees always have an older team. If I remember correctly, the Yankees, Phillies and Red Sox were the three of the oldest teams in MLB last season. That says something. “Old” teams are not bad teams, unless they are too old.
    - Mike HC
      
      Agreed. Being good matters far more than your age.
      - MikeD
        
        We like youth in our athletes (and even the older ones are young, at least from a real-world perspective), but teams that are too young don’t win. The players are still developing. On the other side, a team of 35 years olds is also going to be bad. Good teams have a tendency to trend a little older, which is why it’s funny every year when I read stories about “old teams.” Then I look at the old teams and many of them are the better teams.
        
        On the other hand, I think it was the Giants a few years ago that had just about every starter over 30, many well into their 30s. THAT is a recipee for disaster.
    - The Fallen Phoenix
      
      But they don’t, and that was false. Again, myth of the older team.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  They have two regular position players over age 31. That’s it.
  - first time lawng time
    
    But Cliff Lee said that all of their core players were old. You mean…he was wrong?!
    
    Whaaaat??!11?
    - mbonzo
      
      He would have been one of them.
V

CB Fucking Bucknor, you better give Garcia this lame-ass strike zone all game.
Pat D

I warned everyone about Bucknor…
Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

I always thought old people wake up early and the young sleep in late. So why would the Yankees – a veteran team with enlarged prostates and all – prefer night games?
- first time lawng time
  
  Old people also enjoy warm weather; that’s why Jorge, Arod, Jeter are playing better.
  
  That’s what special kid said, at least.
Cy Pettitte

this strike zone just keeps getting better, lmao. “close enough” is right.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

At least Bucknor gave that strikezone to Freddy
first time lawng time

Yeah, this ump is bad.

3rf pitch Garcia threw to LaPorta looked like it was in the batter’s box.
Official Member of the Bartolo Colon Fan Club

Wow. If that’s a hit I don’t know what isn’t. What a joke. If I were him I wouldn’t want that as my 2000th hit
- Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
  
  Would you rather your 2,000th be like that Jeter play, or a walk off grand slam in the bottom of the 9th off Papelbon against the Red Sox in game 7 of the ALCS? Think about it, bro.
  - first time lawng time
    
    If it’s in the ALCS it doesn’t count.
  - Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat
    
    Well if it was in the ALCS it wouldn’t count soooooo……
FIPster Doofus

I totally forgot about Austin Kearns until today.
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  Ditto.
first time lawng time

Austin Kearns get an RBI? Yeah right. I saw him play for NY last year; he does not invoke fear.
Slugger27

Whoa whoaa wait a minute… that 2nd pitch to kearns was called a ball???
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Austin Kearns strikes out. Just like all of last September.
Cy Pettitte

Kearns’ triple slash makes me feel better about Swish and Posada
Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

Who were Kay and Singleton talking about in regards to “not seeing eye-to-eye” with Posada?
- Cy Pettitte
  
  Ozzie Guillen and Swish when he was in Chicago
MikeD

Oh, no, Posada tries to steal and is thrown out.

/kidding, kidding…I hope.
Esteban

Posada is a tank, forged in the heat of summer.
first time lawng time

Russell Martin: one of the most underrated GIDPers ever.

He could give Jeter a run for his money.
first time lawng time

Kay is such a creeper.
mbonzo

Anyone have a list of players that are probably not their listed age?

Guerrero and Soriano (Alfonso) are all I can think of.
- Cy Pettitte
  
  the (half) brothers Hernandez
- first time lawng time
  
  Rivera, Mariano.
  - mbonzo
    
    He defies age.
    - first time lawng time
      
      I’m serious, though. I deinitely think he’s older than 41.
      - mbonzo
        
        I doubt it, Yanks would know at this point. Especially since his son was considered in the draft. This information would have probably come out then.
- MikeD
  
  Tabata.
  
  Pujols.
- Mike HC
  
  Danny Almonte
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

I will be very sad when the Yankees Explorer commercial stops playing.
V

One of the most annoying sights for me to watch in a baseball game is when Gardner flinches as a fastball is thrown down the middle. You want to swing. You should swing. Why don’t you swing??
- Guns of the Navarone (a mushroom cloud layin’ mothafucka, mothafucka)
  
  For me it’s any player that does that. Especially when it’s 86mph slop like Tomlin is throwing. It annoyed me when Robbie swung at a curveball off the plate at his ankles and then looked at a hanging nothingball right down the middle for strike three.
first time lawng time

Trivia question: who was the first Yankee to get ejected in the new stadium?
- Guns of the Navarone (a mushroom cloud layin’ mothafucka, mothafucka)
  
  I’ll say Gardner.
  - Cy Pettitte
    
    wasn’t it Gardner who got ejected and then Russo or Colin Curtis hit the HR taking over his AB? if so, then yea I’ll say Gardner too.
    - FIPster Doofus
      
      That was last season, though.
NC Saint

I think Gardner just teleported from the batters box to second base.
- Guns of the Navarone (a mushroom cloud layin’ mothafucka, mothafucka)
  
  Nightcrawler’d
  - Esteban
    
    Which mutant would be the best baseball player?
    - Guns of the Navarone (a mushroom cloud layin’ mothafucka, mothafucka)
      
      Storm.
      
      HR/FB ratio would bee 100% for your team. If you fall behind early…woops, it’s a rainout. Try again tomorrow.
      - Esteban
        
        LOL. Nightcrawler would be good too. Score a run everytime he got on base. Probably just bunt every time.
Esteban

Jeter Should of lifted more weights.
MikeD

Maybe Jeter will get his 3000th hit at home…next home stand.
- Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat
  
  Kenny wants it to happen against COL
  - MikeD
    
    He’s going to have to go into quite a slump for that to happen.
    - first time lawng time
      
      Ehh it is Jeter. I wouldn’t put it past him.
mbonzo

Watching the game yesterday, I realized how far back the left side of the infielders play Jeter. If he bunted for some base hits, which seemed pretty easy considering the 3B was on the grass, he could force them to move in. More of his groundballs would get through too.
Esteban

Small-ball! ABC fundamentals! Wooooohoooo
MikeD

As good as his arm is, there’s no way he gets Gardner, on the double, or the throw home.
Esteban

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, I’m taking Jeter the bedbug dog over Derek Jeter at this point.
first time lawng time

I think it’s funny that Arod gets so much crap from the media, but he never gets into any trouble with the law.
Esteban

They’re relaying the story of how Choo lost face and was deeply shamed in Korea because of his DUI. Ummm, why isn’t there a similar loss of face in the US over DUIs?
- Mike HC
  
  People lose face here over too. I can’t compare it to the loss of face in Korea because I have no idea how it works over there and I don’t just take the media’s word for it.
  - Esteban
    
    Good points, but I know people in other cities (not so much NY because drunk driving is sort of unnecessary with public transportation) where drunk driving is routine and nothing to avoid or to be ashamed of.
    - Mike HC
      
      LaRusso definitely lost face, just off the top of my head. Joba definitely took tons of criticism and lost plenty of face. His police tape were actually public. That is very embarrassing.
      
      And then all the people who killed or injuried others while drunk driving losing tons of face, but that is obviously a bit different. Very different really.
      - Esteban
        
        Eh, most of those stories were forgotten pretty quickly. The US media makes it sound like Choo is a persona non grata in S Korea now.
        
        Mike HC
        
        Gimme a break. Choo’s story will be forgotten too and will be back to being a hero in no time, if they ever really did stop loving him.
        
        Just my speculation/bullshit, ha.
first time lawng time

Lol Kearns still sucks.
Matt Montero

Am I the only one that just found out that TBS has a Sunday baseball game? I remember hearing about it at the beginning of the season but nothing after that and then I forgot about it.
- Pat D
  
  Fuck TBS.
  - Guns of the Navarone (a mushroom cloud layin’ mothafucka, mothafucka)
    
    Whaaat?? Dude, fuck Jeff Goldblum man!
    - Pat D
      
      I guess I should have said fuck John Smoltz and Ernie Johnson, but I said fuck TBS for employing them to call those games last year in the first place.
      
      Goldbluming?
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjZuzC7IQfY
      - Guns of the Navarone (a mushroom cloud layin’ mothafucka, mothafucka)
        
        Pineapple Exress
        
        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV3PcOSZXl0
MikeD

Ty Posada.
FIPster Doofus

The guy with the Singleton sign kind of looks like Jorge.
first time lawng time

Crappy sign. He could have put a little more effort into it. Geez.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

They held Arod and Choo made an offfline throw.
- tom
  
  And were rewarded by losing the run on a DP. Story of the season, so far.
- Esteban
  
  Hindsight and all that.
Charles

Hip Hip…
Cy Pettitte

Martin is GIDP king
MikeD

Where’s Cervelli?
- mbonzo
  
  He woulda hit a grandslam there.
  - Esteban
    
    so clutch.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Russell Martin, GIDP machine.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Martin=Jeter
Ivan

Ugh…
King George

Safe to say Martin and Derek are essentially the same players with RISP?
Cy Pettitte

Drabek is no Halladay
FIPster Doofus

Kyle Drabek sucks.
Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

Kyle Drabek is trash.
Esteban

Hey is Snacks Pontoon available to take Colon’s rotation spot?
- jerrynyg
  
  When I found out he was from a tropical country I just couldn’t understand how he could get so big in that kind of heat. I lose 5 pounds in sweat just going to Florida for a week!
  - Esteban
    
    Either way, he would be able to fir perfectly into Colon’s uniform.
Ivan

The way Martin has been hitting as of late, the Yankees best hitting catcher might in the minor leagues right?
- MikeD
  
  The Yanks best hitting catcher may be their DH.
- Esteban
  
  Yeah, but Jesus is less and less likely to be called up if Jorge is hitting.
  - jerrynyg
    
    You could almost say that Posada is denying Jesus by his hot hitting. Almost as if he made a deal with the devil…
    - Esteban
      
      Jorge= St. Peter?
    - MikeD
      
      It’s two things. While Posada is hot as blazes right now, he’s actually been decent since early May. During that exact time frame, Montero really has not been good at all. His BA at the end of April was probably around .340. It’s now in the upper .280s. That’s not a path to the majors.
- Mike HC
  
  By most accounts, he is barely considered a catcher.
- Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
  
  The Yankees best hitting catcher left after 2007. He now plays with the Brewers.
first time lawng time

Can anyone beat Boston? Geez they are not that good.
- Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
  
  Uhhhh yeah they are?
  - JohnnyC
    
    It’ll be thrilling to see them collapse in the dog days of August…as their history predicts.
  - first time lawng time
    
    I disagree.
    - JohnnyC
      
      They’re in a real hot streak right now. But their fundamental flaws will hurt them as the season progresses: back end of the rotation, bullpen, catchers, lack of prospects to reinforce roster or make major deals…
  - first time lawng time
    
    In fact, I think the Yankees are better.
    - FIPster Doofus
      
      They’re not.
      - first time lawng time
        
        Why not? What makes Boston better?
        
        Esteban
        
        Starting pitching is better. Offense is as good or better.
        
        first time lawng time
        
        Yankees BP is better.
        
        Yankees offense is better.
        
        Yankees defense is better.
        
        Boston’s SP is not that much better.
- nooooo not another double play!
  
  Boston’s not that good? Boston is looking very scary right now.
Cuso

For the life of me, I can’t figure why Girardi didn’t start the runners on the 3-2 pitch to Posada.

Vs. a non-power pitcher, a batter with a good eye and has recently been making good contact…strike em out/throw em out and a line-drive double play were unlikely and worth risking with a slim 1-0 lead.

If youhad the heart of the prder coming up, ok, yeah. hold em and play for the big inning. but you had 8,9 coming up.

C’mon Joe.
- Ivan
  
  Give me a break. If he had started the runners and Posada struck out, you would be bitchin about why would Girardi even thought starting the runners there.
  - Esteban
    
    Yeah, but he’s right because he has hindsight.
    - Cuso
      
      I’m right? Got little kids here trying to impute meaning into my posts.
      
      I started by saying “For the life of me, I CAN’t FIGURE OUT…”
      
      Let’s take our hands away from the keyboard kids, I think Power Rangers is on.
      
      /pwnstrollsforaliving
      - Esteban
        
        Seems like you have an anger issue.
  - Cuso
    
    Actually, dumbass, if you read my post you’d notice I said it was worth the risk.
    
    So, no troll, I wouldn’t have “bitched.”
Mike HC

I think I could steal off Garcia today.
first time lawng time

How about we throw runners out?
Cy Pettitte

I’m still amazed the Indians had such a good record for so long.
- Esteban
  
  Cleveland fans were pretty upset with KLaw for thinking they were playing above their head. Looks like he was right.
- Mike HC
  
  They are an up and coming team though I think. Which is not really going out on a limb considering how long they have been in the dumps. They definitely have some legitimate players to build around.
  - Mike HC
    
    I just remember they knocked us off in 2008. They have not been down that long. Fuck it. They suck, ha.
    - Esteban
      
      2007*
      - Esteban
        
        And I’ll never forget the Yankees not destroying Paul Byrd. Paul Byrd!
      - Mike HC
        
        Yea, thanks. I was just remember the most painful years, and 2008 stuck out, ha.
        
        And I should give credit to the midges too.
    - Mike HC
      
      I mean 2007
      - JohnnyC
        
        That’s 28 years for humans.
- MikeD
  
  Things even out in baseball. Jorge’s BABIP. The Indians’ record. They’re not this bad, any more than they were that good.
YankeesJunkie

Fun Fact: Gardner is fast!
- Esteban
  
  Sad fact: He’s gotten thrown out on the bases way too much for someone is so fast.
- nooooo not another double play!
  
  Maybe the fastest in baseball.
http://RAB Nuke LaDoosh

Damn Gardner is fast. Does he have like 50 stolen bases yet?
Esteban

Jetes!
first time lawng time

It’s all perspective. It’s not that 2990 to 3000 is harder than 2980 2990. It’s that no one is paying attention when you get to 2990, so no one scrutinizes every at bat.
- MikeD
  
  I think what Gwynn is saying is that because everyone is scrutinizing the hits, the player becomes overly aware of every AB and ceases to hit like he normally does, so it’s harder to hit. It’s like A-Rod at 499 or 599 HRs. Once he tries to hit HRs, he stops hitting HRs.
Esteban

9 more until Jeter can be dropped? Or he won’t be dropped at all this year?
YankeesJunkie

Unacceptable from Granderson! A single! Bah!
Cy Pettitte

finish him
Esteban

Who’s first to criticize Teix for swinging at the first pitch?
YankeesJunkie

A-Rod heating up!
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

That’s the best things Austin Kearns has ever done for the Yankees.
- JD
  
  i loled
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

The Indians are looking like the Indians
swishers fauxhawk

Centaurian.
Esteban

Very nice to see Arod starting to mash again.
MikeD

Over/under on a Yankees getting hit this inning?
- 28 this year
  
  its coming soon. Pitcher is gonna be taken out soon anyway, might as well.
Esteban

5 runs all without those evil HRs.
Cy Pettitte

thank god for no rally killing HRs
swishers fauxhawk

RISP!
Cy Pettitte

5 more runs and they can give Whelan another shot
first time lawng time

This team has been very good since that streak of suckitude back in May. (outside of the series vs Boston). In fact, if I am correct, they are 15-5 with out that series vs Boston.

If only they could figure out those guys.
Esteban

Heh, even that’s going for a hit. Awesome.
http://www.yankeeanalysts.com/ Steve S.

Yawn.

What do you guys think the Yankee record would be if they only played the A’s, Indians, Orioles and Royals all 162 games of the year?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  The Royals played the Yankees tough this year. The Twins would be the better matchup.
- MikeD
  
  You can put all teams in there and just remove the Red Sox. That’s been their problem, and it’s a big problem, since it’s their main competition and the team in front of them. They’ve lost eight straight to them, including six at home. It’s had a major impact on the record of both teams, and the standings.
  
  It won’t last anymore than it did in 2009.
Esteban

At least Coltrane can’t hit into a DP this time.

Or can he?
- http://www.yankeeanalysts.com/ Steve S.
  
  He has a love supreme for DPs.
Charles

Martin really doesn’t look comfortable at the plate, hes probably playing hurt, IMO just DL him to get him healthy and call up Montero.
Kevin

Anybody know why Montero is not playing in AAA AGAIN??
- boogie down
  
  Holy shit, really? This has to be The Rise, especially with the discomfort that Martin seems to be feeling.
- MikeD
  
  Maybe they want to see how Martin handles today’s game?
  
  Maybe they are punishing Montero for some reason we are not aware (they’ve sat him before for that very reason.)?
  
  Maye he’s become a full-time 1B coach?
Esteban

When the hell are the Indians gonna get rid of Chief Wahoo as their logo?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  They’ve actually been phasing it out over the last few years. Playing fewer and fewer games with those hats, replacing it with the big red C.
  - Esteban
    
    Now, that you mention it, yeah, they have. I guess that’s a good strategy. Don’t risk a debate on it, just phase it out slowly.
  - FIPster Doofus
    
    I love the ‘C’ hat.
- http://RAB Nuke LaDoosh
  
  That logo really started creeping me out when the midges swarmed in off the lake with our Native American son pitcher (Joba) on the mound…
  - Mike HC
    
    hahahha …. I never put that together. Nice one.
- first time lawng time
  
  What’s even worse is that Chief Wahoo isn’t even an Indian. It’s a Native American.
  
  It really annoys me when people think Native American is synonymous with Indian.
  
  It’s not.
  - Esteban
    
    Indians were a misnomer for the indigenous of the Americas yes, but I think that’s the least offensive part of it for me.
    - first time lawng time
      
      Oh definitely. Just a pet peeve.
    - boogie down
      
      I’m Indian (first-gen son of parents from India), and it doesn’t bother me that people refer to Native Americans as “Indians.” However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to momentarily make people think I’m offended.
      
      The fact that we celebrate Columbus, though, is bothersome, but that’s based more on the fact that he was a mass murderer.
      - first time lawng time
        
        You could make the argument that that’s what people did whn thy conquered land, but Columbus did nothing special. He didn’t discover the Americas; the Vikings did.
        
        MikeD
        
        The Vikings didn’t discover the Americas either. The indigenous life forms tha were resident prior disagree that either disovered a land they were living in.
        
        MikeD
        
        Hey, there’s an idea. How about if the Indians change their name to the Cleveland Indigenous Life Forms.
      - toad
        
        But isn’t the name “India” a European invention just as much as calling Native Americans “indians?”
        
        If so, then both meanings of “Indian” were created by outsiders.
  - jerrynyg
    
    Many Native American people refer to themselves as Indians when not referencing their specific tribes.
steven

martin looks like he is playing hurt
Mike HC

This lineup is ridiculously strong, and that is with maybe the best hitting prospect in baseball on the way. I doubt adding a bat is on the priority list. Pitching, pitching and more pitching at the deadline.
- Esteban
  
  Yeah the Yankees are not really lacking in impact bats. MOAR PITCHING PLS.
Mike HC

Gardner. Defense. LF in Yankee Stadium. Me like.
Greg

Look at the Red Sox: 28 runs in two games against the Blue Jays.
Cy Pettitte

Gardner should get two gold gloves this year, one for each hand
Esteban

Ken Davidoff
Posada since his 5/14 meltdown: .352/.435/.444. BA and OBP are best among #Yankees regulars in that time span.
- Greg
  
  Posada has been getting hot in the nick of time.
  - Mike HC
    
    He will be the DH for another team next year. It will be weird to see.
- MikeD
  
  I know the meltdown is always going to be used as the dividing line because it makes for the most intersting story, but even at that time, there were stories noting he had been hitting better for the prior week to ten days.
  
  Whatevs.
  - Esteban
    
    Yeah, it’s just fun with arbitrary endpoints.
BigTimeBartolo

Man, Garcia needs to be better at holding runners, because he is sooooo slow to the plate
- Esteban
  
  Up 6 in the 6th, I think it’s fine to focus on the batter.
  - BigTimeBartolo
    
    true, I’m just nitpicking haha
- Mike HC
  
  Yea, and you can basically start running the second he picks his foot up too, because his pick off move is pretty mediocre too.
  
  All in all, it is far more important to make good pitches than focus too much on keeping runners on. So it is not a big deal.
mbonzo

Anyone with MiLB.TV have luck getting the Scranton feed?
Official Member of the Bartolo Colon Fan Club

nick swisher just caught the fly ball to end the inning, and threw it in the stands to a young fan. the fan dropped it on the field. swisher, instead of running back to the dugout, ran back and gave it back to him.

little things like these are why i like swisher.
- Mike HC
  
  Count me in the Colon and Swisher fan clubs as well.
  - Official Member of the Bartolo Colon Fan Club
    
    i might have to change my handle, his injury makes me sad
Esteban

Has anyone bought Coors (or Miller Lite) because of any of their stupid gimmicks?
- Mike HC
  
  No. Sam Adams light all day for me when it comes to light beer.
- Cy Pettitte
  
  has anyone bought Heineken just because they advertise not having those stupid gimmicks?
  - Esteban
    
    Ha, maybe. That they think those gimmicks make people want to drink those beers is annoying. I mean, I can look at the label to see if the beer is cold, or I CAN FEEL IT WITH MY HAND! People that buy Coors lite, Bud Lite and Miller Lite aren’t buying them because they think they’re great beers. They’re relatively cheap and get you drunk, which is enough.
    - YankeesJunkie
      
      Much rather have Budweiser or other non light beers because they are still cheap and they don’t taste like water.
    - http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
      
      +.08
      - YankeesJunkie
        
        .08 is weak! Go bit or go home.
        
        +.2
        
        http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
        
        lol
      - Mike HC
        
        .18 is the aggravated drunk driving offense. Only real men drive with a BAC of .18. .08 is for women.
        
        YankeesJunkie
        
        Nice fun fact!
        
        Esteban
        
        It’s science.
    - Mike HC
      
      Natural Ice and Vladimir Vodka will forever be my freshman year in college (penn state) drinking memories. Cheap and effective.
      - Esteban
        
        Plastic handles of Jenkins Vodka. And +1 to the Natty Ice. I wish I was still in college for the FourLoko craze.
      - YankeesJunkie
        
        I have dreams of Black Velvet whiskey.
      - BigTimeBartolo
        
        natty-lite/ice and zelko/rikalov/burnett’s is what it’s all about here in college park
  - BigTimeBartolo
    
    Heineken is just better than Coors and Miller IMO
    - V
      
      And dog food is better than shoe leather. Doesn’t mean it’s good ;-)
- V
  
  Trappist Ales and IPAs for me. I’ll drink Guinness paired with some whiskey.
  
  I’d rather drink water than bad beer.
http://www.retire21.org Mike R. – Retire 21

Fake tweet of the day:

@Sweaty_Freddy: Go ahead and take 2nd base. You’re not going to score anyway.
- Mike HC
  
  haha
Esteban

Grandy back up to .276/.350/.605. His ‘slump’ was short-lived, thank Mo.
- http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
  
  Grandy = Yankees MVP. Although you could make a bigger case for CC. (pun intended.)
Mike HC

Thank you Joe Maddon for making the extreme shift mainstream.
- Greg
  
  It was done before that. We did it to Papi before that.
  - Mike HC
    
    Yea. I just think Maddon made it the mainstream custom. And the extremity of it too.
http://www.yankeeanalysts.com/ Steve S.

Anyone know what’s going on with Montero? We know he had the eye infection, but supposedly that cleared up and yet he’s still not playing.
Cy Pettitte

Liriano perfect through 6, 7K’s 64 pitches
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Ugh, giving up a double to Austin Kearns? Really?
- Guy Montag
  
  He’s up 6-1. Freddy had a good bounce back game today.
  - http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
    
    True. You could say that he was, PITCHING TO THE SCORE?
Esteban

Oh noooooes. The shutout is gone! :(
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

It’s Boone Logan time. SHEEEEEIT.
Esteban

I don’t think this is necessary, though it’s cool for Freddy to get the mid inning send off.
nsalem

Another bad day for the Freddy hating fools.
- Esteban
  
  It’s gotta be hard to hate on Freddy. He’s not great, especially against good offenses, but he’s given the Yankees much more than anyone would have expected.
  - nsalem
    
    Actually Freddy’s last 3 starts against the Rangers have been excellent as was his last start against the Yankee’s in 2010.
    - MikeD
      
      Freddy is not going to do well against any offense if his command is off. Unfortunately, he had an off day against the Red Sox. It would have been a tough battle regardless, but there was no chance. You could see if the very first hitter. He was behind, couldn’t get ahead with his fastball.
FIPster Doofus

It’s amazing how much Freddy and Colon have given this team.
Cy Pettitte

Boone Lolgan
- Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat
  
  BBoone Logan
Esteban

Ohh Boone you’re so not good at your job.
first time lawng time

2005 and 2006 were really random post season years for the Yankees during that decade.

2000: WS win vs Mets
2001 collapse of a dynasty
2002: Angels
2003: Aaron Boone
2004: epic fail
2005: ???
2006: ???
2007: midges
2008: non existent
2009 : Win
- Greg
  
  05: Bubba Crosby and Gary sheffield
  06: Tigers
- http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
  
  2005: Angels again
  
  2006: Tigers
  - first time lawng time
    
    I don’t think those series were memorable. You never hear about those years.
- Crime Dog
  
  2006: Arod batting 8th
BigTimeBartolo

Even though we are winning 6-1, I just have absolutely no patience for Boone Logan. Terrible
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Boone Logan doesn’t get the lefty he came in to get out, AGAIN. Can I have some Pedro Felociano?
- http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
  
  Those typos, they’ll get ya
http://www.retire21.org Mike R. – Retire 21

Logan relies on tremendous support from the Yankee fan base. Anytime he struggles they cheer him on. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOne!!!! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOne!!!!
- Esteban
  
  LOL
Greg

Bad throw
BigTimeBartolo

Are you serious…
Esteban

Yeah, did Cano think there was 1 out and try to turn a DP?
MikeD

Uggh, no divisions. I don’t think that’s a good idea at all.
- mbonzo
  
  Why? I’ve always been a fan of no divisions. It would make the leagues so much more fair.
  - MikeD
    
    I understand the fair point, but it actually threatens to reduce fan interest. It could further create a situation of have and have nots, with a much higher percentage of teams (and their paying fans) believing they are out of the race. So fairness is one thing, but under that scenario, why not go back to a single winner take all for the league?
    
    I think the regional aspect with divisions is good for fan interest.
    - mbonzo
      
      You can work that argument against divisions too though. Its almost impossible for anyone to compete with the Yankees and Red sox, and I really only see the Rays recent success as lightening striking at the right time. In a no division league, the Blue Jays and Orioles would still have a chance this year. As much as divisions help losing weak division teams, they also hurt decent strong division teams.
      - MikeD
        
        Yes, you’re right, but in your answer is also the problem I see.
        
        It’s difficult for any team (or most teams) to compete against the Yankees and Red Sox finances, which means in a 15-team league format, almost all the other teams and their fans have already written off first place before a single pitch has been thrown. Throw in that there will then be the natually stronger teams competing for the other spots, almost all teams will be trying to compete for the single fifth spot. Is it really good for a sport where teams and their fans are hoping to finish in fifth?
        
        Yet I can see worse problems developing. Right now, all teams not in the East build their teams to compete in their divisions. If all teams are competing in a single division, it will chance their approach. We may end up creating a scenario of five or six super teams, and a whole bunch of also-rans.
        
        I agree that from a pure fairness point of view, the top five records should be the winners. I’m just not sure it will be good for the game.
        
        I’m not a knee-jerk. keep-things-the-way-they-were kind of person. I just see problems here.
Esteban

Nice AB by Swish. Took some tough pitches.
mbonzo

Anyone have Scout premium subscription?
https://secure.scout.com/a.z?s=321&p=12&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fstlcardinals.scout.com%2fa.z%3fs%3d321%26p%3d9%26c%3d2%26cid%3d1079041%26nid%3d5657428%26fhn%3d1
Esteban

Posada has a higher OBP and SLG than Jeter.
- http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
  
  Not surprising at all. You know what is a little surprising though? Colon has a lower WHIP and ERA than CC.
  - Esteban
    
    Hmm, surprising based on expectations, but Colon’s been great.
    - http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
      
      Yep. I hope he continues his dominance when he gets back from the DL.
MikeD

Did I just hear Jorge curse very loudly?
Esteban

The microphones definitely picked up that “FUCK!”
Operation Slade

Martin walks up to “All of the Lights” hmm…
Esteban

I never liked to lift weights before playing baseball. Got me too sore to feel comfortable.
BigTimeBartolo

Maybe Russell needs another day or two off? He’s not looking two hot and it seems like he is still bothered by his back, better to give him more rest now than miss him for more time later. Also I had no idea his BA was .234, I thought it was better than that
Cy Pettitte

lol Gardy is awesome
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

BRETT THE JET
YankeesJunkie

Gardner is fun to watch when he hits the gap.
nsalem

and a bad day for the Brett haters too
- Greg
  
  If he can be consistent, I’ll change my tune.
  - Esteban
    
    What do you mean by consistent?
    - Greg
      
      I think he has the potential to be a .300 hitter the way he slaps the ball and his speed.
      
      If he can play like the 1st half of 2010, then I will graciously concide.
  - YankeesJunkie
    
    Brett is one of the players that if has average offense his great range on defense will make him a 3-4 WAR player.
- Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat
  
  And all the Jeter haters
Esteban

Gardner up to .276/.353/.425. With his incredible defense, people still consider that a 4th OFer?
- Greg
  
  Consistency. Once he gets that, like in the 1st half of 2010, then I will change my tune.
  - StanfordBen
    
    Is it somehow more helpful to the team if he alternates between going 1 for 3 and 1 for 4 than if he goes on cold and hot streaks? I don’t see how consistency helps teams get wins.
    
    Also, everyone goes through hot and cold streaks, as do coin when you flip them.
    - Esteban
      
      Exactly. Every single player in the history of baseball has had hot and cold streaks.
      - Greg
        
        He has the potential to be a .300 hitter. If he can hit .280-.290 consistently, then I will be satisfied. Also learn how to steal bases properly.
        
        Esteban
        
        You mean consistently as in every year or his batting average is always in the .280-.290 range? I think his current line is about Gardner’s ceiling. Maybe slightly better AVG and OBP, but either way, with his defense, he’s incredibly valuable for his contract and easily a top 10 LFer in baseball.
- http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
  
  Haters gonna hate
- MikeD
  
  Dumb people.
- nsalem
  
  I would refer to them as stupid people. As recently as twoo weeks ago when he was in the .240’s there were people suggesting he should be platooned.
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Jeterian
MikeD

You just know that Jeter is leaving for the road trip at 2,999.
Esteban

OOooh Minka looking good.
Greg

Twins batted too long and broke Liriano’s concentration
Cy Pettitte

4/5 today

Curtis is fucking awesome
- Cy Pettitte
  
  4/4*
V

That Granderslump is definitely over.
Esteban

Granderson is such a beast.

#ImissPhilCoke.
- first time lawng time
  
  Why do people ever say they liked Coke? Didn’t he suck?
  - YankeesJunkie
    
    Yeah, so did did Kennedy, but the NL West cures all ills I guess.
BigTimeBartolo

I love Grandy
Dino Velvet

Jetes need 7 hits in 4 remaining home games.

What should we do on Thursday if he doesn’t make it? Do we give him a standing ovation as he walks off the field in acknowledgment of the upcomng achieve on the road?
- Esteban
  
  Boo him for not getting 3000 at home.
  
  Kidding.
V

So, where are the #toomanyhomers haters today?
- Esteban
  
  What does that mean? I like scoring however it comes.
  - Esteban
    
    Oh, nevermind, I might have miscontued what you were saying. My bad.
YankeesJunkie

A-Rod and Granderson are the best players at their position.
- YankeesJunkie
  
  *Matt Kemp and McCutchen have been better than Granderson, though McCutchen is really close.
  - Esteban
    
    What is this based on? WAR?
    
    I’ll take Granderson because he’s in the tougher league.
    - YankeesJunkie
      
      Granderson is probably over McCutchen because of Granderson’s 0 FLD score right now, but Kemp has a .448 wOBA.
      - Esteban
        
        Yeah Kemp is just killing it this year.
    - JobaWockeeZ
      
      Based on…?
Cy Pettitte

so, who gets to come out of the lolpen for mop up in the 9th?
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

9 runs today so far without the evil home run.
Dino Velvet

The blue jays lie down like dogs when facing boston
- http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
  
  Everyone does apparently
  - Greg
    
    Except the White Sox.
    - http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
      
      Right. Also long flights.
- MikeD
  
  Apparently our team also lays down like dogs against the Red Sox, although the Jays have a recent history of sucking against the Sox. Hopefully the Yankees correct their issues later in the season.
Cy Pettitte

Whelan in, Cervelli at 3rd

perfect
- YankeesJunkie
  
  Much rather see Jones at 3B.
Greg

over under on bad throws?
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Francisco Cervelli at third? I hope this isn’t going to end up like Marcus Thames’ misadventure at third against the Indians last year.
Greg

He’s Whelan and Dealin’
- Esteban
  
  nice.
X-62

Why is PJ catching in aaa? Montero had yesterday off and Molina is down their as well so why do they have 3 catchers? Do you think Montero is on his way?
http://twitter.com/stophamm3rtime dela g

Fun Fact, Whelan went my school, Texas A&M!

Class of ’06
first time lawng time

We can use Whelan as a pinch runner, he got over to first so quickly!
- Esteban
  
  Heh yeah he definitely hustled over there.
- first time lawng time
  
  Get a new handle, please. It’s not funny. It’s annoying.
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
    
    I didn’t realize it wasn’t you. Took care of it.
    - first time lawng time
      
      Thankyou. Someone did it last night on the open thread, too. IDK if it was the same person.
      - MikeD
        
        Strangly, I have now been able to identify postings by the real first time lawng time and the fake one.
        
        http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
        
        I haven’t, how do we know which one is the real one? Maybe the one Mike “took care of” is actually the real one and the impostor is still here?! (hyperventilates)
first time lawng time

I was watching Say Yes to the Dress on TLC a few months ago and a guy on there was telling the bride, “you have to make sure you choose the perfect dress. You’re marrying Yankee royalty.”

she was marrying Chad Gaudin.
- Greg
  
  Has a ring.
- YankeesJunkie
  
  LOL!
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Ballgame
Esteban

Stars of the game:
1) Freddy
2) Curtis
3) Gardner
- MikeD
  
  Yeah, but whis the Solider and who is the Tank of the game?
  - Esteban
    
    HAHAHA
    
    Freddy is the Tank. He ripped Tomlin the soldier’s arm off.
    - http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
      
      No, Jeter was the Tank because of the warm weather.
  - jerrynyg
    
    Stars of the game:
    SOLDIER) Freddy
    TANK) Curtis
    MEGATRON) Gardner
  - first time lawng time
    
    Lol when did this soldier tank thing start?
    - MikeD
      
      Either Thursday or Friday thread.
    - Esteban
      
      special kid. A true genius.
V

Inside the parker from Longoria, heh.