Game 69: Ex-Marlins

June 18, 2011 by Mike Axisa 768 Comments

A.J. Burnett squared off with former Florida Marlins’ teammate Brad Penny in the second game of the season, and today he’ll give it a go against Ryan Dempster. The two were teammates from Burnett’s debut in 1999 until Dempster was traded to the Reds in 2002, and in that final season together they were the Opening Day (Dempster) and number two starters (Burnett). A.J. got the best of Penny back in April, so it would be nice if he could top another former teammate this afternoon. Here’s the lineup…

Brett Gardner, LF
Curtis Granderson, CF
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nick Swisher, RF
Russell Martin, C
Eduardo Nunez, SS
A.J. Burnett, SP

It’s a FOX game, so first pitch is scheduled for a little after 4pm ET. Yuck. Enjoy the game, not necessarily the broadcast.

Kevin G.

lol69
swishers fauxhawk

“Hi, I’m Joe Buck here with Tim McCarver”
CMP

With AJ on the mound, hopefully we’ll get Dr Jeckyll today rather than Mr Hyde.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

What broadcast is worse? The FOX ones and BuckCarver’s absolute stupidity or ESPN and their hate toward the Yankees?
They’re both borderline un-listenable.
- CMP
  
  Fox is worse. Listening to that smug Joe Buck is like having battery acid poured into your ears.
- FIPster Doofus
  
  ESPN is far worse, IMO. Buck doesn’t bother me.
- Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
  
  ESPN is far far far far far worse.
- Guns of the Navarone
  
  I cant’ watch ESPN anymore. They had a Sports”Nation” poll about the top 1B in baseball and Tex wasn’t up there. The anchor said he wasn’t in the same league as the others because he was hitting .250 or whatever his AVG is and that his OBP wasn’t as high either. I guess he didn’t understand OBP includes AVG.
  
  He’s leading the league in HR, 2nd in RBI and his BB% is actually higher than A-Gon. I honestly believe ESPN just took whatever opportunity they had to blow A-Gon and the season he’s having. His batting average looks nice and shiny I guess.
http://twitter.com/kschmidt2 Kiersten

I loathe Fox. You all think you do. No. Move out of the Northeast and get blacked out of Yankee games because you have the freaking Rangers and Braves (seriously???), then tell me how much you hate Fox.

(and I know some of you understand this frustration)

But on the bright side, I arrive back in the Empire State exactly one month from today. Yayyyyy no more blackouts!
- Bob Stone
  
  I empathize, as I travel a lot as well.
- Mickey Scheister
  
  I can empathize, at least there is a rain delay in the ATL, Fox had to show the NYY game.
the tenth inning stretch

Every time we have a FOX game, Joe Buck sounds worse and worse. Today he even looks bad. Is there something seriously wrong with him?
- http://www.yankeeanalysts.com/ Matt Imbrogno
  
  Sounds like he’s losing his voice. This is good because I won’t have to hear much of his disinterest, but bad because it means McCarver will be speaking more.
  - the tenth inning stretch
    
    For real. I can’t stand either of them, although I’m trying to laugh at McCarver’s senility more instead of getting mad.
  - CC’s third leg
    
    I think he is losing his voice because he was a pretty enthusiastic announcer for the NYG
- FIPster Doofus
  
  Vocal cord virus.
  
  http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2011/04/22/Media/PandP.aspx
  - the tenth inning stretch
    
    Thanks. Can’t help but notice that in the article, he was expecting to have his voice back in mid-May.
Karl Krawfid

We gon hit a lot of bombs today.
Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

How did Grandy not read that?
Toasty

McCarver: “Its a great day here at Fenway, Joe!”

Buck: “Were at Wrigley, Tim.”
- 28 this year
  
  did that really happen? I can’t get home for a little while.
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  If that really happened and I missed it, I will be SO MAD.
Karl Krawfid

I’m behind Willie Mays with 0 home runs.
Esteban

Okay. Runs now please.
the tenth inning stretch

ROBBIE.
Esteban

CONO
Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

That was awful, Cano.
- Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
  
  It wasn’t even a hard pitch to lay off.
Karl Krawfid

Great at bat
V

Robinson Cano – 2010 was awesome. 2008 was not. Why do you insist on being so fucking impatient?
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Canope
Guns of the Navarone

It’s like Cano has it in him to take that first pitch if it’s outside but after that he gets antsy and hacks at everything.

/complaining
/i’m right
Kostas

Robbie always picks the worst times to have shitty at bats. Yanks will not score and leave bases loaded.
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  I blame you.
  - Kostas
    
    Ha! Did you really expect Cano or Swish to come through in that position? That is like saying “no way Jeter hits into a DP here.”
    - Esteban
      
      Yes, I expected Cano to come through. He’s a great hitter. Swisher as a lefty, wasn’t that optimistic.
      - Kostas
        
        Yes Cano is a great hitter but this year he is not so great. He is helping pitchers out of situations that he shouldn’t. His plate discipline has regressed after making great progress last year.
    - Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat
      
      the trolls are out today…
      - Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
        
        Kostas is a tank-troll.
        
        Kostas
        
        Trolls are non fans, not real fans. Guess the rules have changed.
the tenth inning stretch

Dempster is dealing with that pitch at the knees.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Awful.
Cy Pettitte

now that is pathetic
Esteban

That sucked.
Karl Krawfid

Wooo!!!
Kostas

And on queue. Bases loaded, then fail and fail. Awesome start boys, awesome start.
FIPster Doofus

I hope this isn’t Carlos Carrasco 2.0. Same first inning.
rek4gehrig

Pathetic doesnt even describe that
Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

It angers me that the entire lineup will probably be hacking at Dempster’s mediocre splitter all game.
mike c

swisher can’t hit lefty anymore
- Kostas
  
  should say for now “can’t hit anymore”
  - Esteban
    
    .348/.448/.565 as a RHB this year.
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
      
      Irrelevant.
      - Esteban
        
        True, Swisher sucks.
        
        I’m actually surprised by his line as RHB this year. That’s a legit great triple slash. If he can remember how to hit lefty (career .245/.338/.470) he would be having a pretty good season.
    - Kostas
      
      And Jeter is a career .300 hitter – now irrelevant to Yankee nation.
      - Esteban
        
        LOL that’s his line as a RHB THIS YEAR. How is how he’s doing this year irrelevant to this year?
        
        Jetrer
        
        and overall Swish is 348/500/609 last 7 days, so clearly he doesn’t hit anymore
      - Jetrer
        
        he’s clearly not a .300 hitter anymore
        What Jeter did in the past doesn’t help this years team
    - CMP
      
      He would have been right if he said he can’t hit 70% of the time.
    - Kostas
      
      .176 with RISP…. .074 w/2outs and runner at 3rd.
      - Jetrer
        
        there’s a difference between doesn’t hit and doesn’t hit in the clutch
mike c

I got a good feeling about AJ today
- first time lawng time
  
  I always have a good feeling about AJ. Great pitcher.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Oh wait, it’s an A.J. Burnett start. Of course they aren’t going to score.
- aRX
  
  Only if this is the Good AJ start. They’ll scratch out 5 runs, but only if he’s already given up 7.
  - first time lawng time
    
    It’s sad, but it’s kinda true.
FIPster Doofus

Man, Castro is something else.
- Esteban
  
  I like that he has the same first initial and last name as me. I can pretend it’s me in the boxscores.
  - Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
    
    OMG. STEPHEN COLBERT IS THAT YOU!?!?!?!
    - Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
      
      ESTEBAN COLBERT, I GET IT NOWWWWW!!!
      - first time lawng time
        
        WHY ARE WE YELLING!?!?
      - Esteban
        
        Damn you! My cover’s been blown.
      - Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
        
        …and now I just realized you said same last name and not same initials.
        
        Esteban
        
        Yeah, if it were just same initials, well, it wouldn’t be as cool.
first time lawng time

Bastards…give my AJ some run support!!
Karl Krawfid

2 nice plays by Nunez
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Dempster’s walking a lot of guys.
first time lawng time

Guy can’t find the zone yet 2 SO
Adam

Uhh…Tools Galore. I’m thinking that was a character from James Bond-age.
- Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
  
  Pussy Galore.
  - Esteban
    
    Pussy tubing.
    - Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
      
      http://confusedgender.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/pussygalore.jpg
      
      Goldfinger is still the best Bond movie.
mbonzo

If Arod loves Nunez so much why doesn’t he marry him?
- Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
  
  One more vote and it could be a possibility in the state of New York.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

wow Nunez…
AaronGuileWithASmile

Tough luck on that, Martin would’ve been safe.

P.S. Russell Martin plays for the Yankees, McCarver.
mbonzo

Burnett with the RBI here. He’s gotta be the offense and defense today.
Cy Pettitte

here comes AJ’s 4th HR
first time lawng time

AJ looks gross.
Esteban

Why does it seem like Nunez is thought of more highly outside the Yankees organization? Mike, Is it your dislike (or disbelief in his potential) that makes me think he’s ok, but not great?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  I … guess.
  - Esteban
    
    Haha. I just get the feeling that on national broadcasts the announcers talk about what a great prospect Nunez is and I just never got that.
    - AaronGuileWithASmile
      
      The national media wants Nunez to be great, because then they have a story (should he replace Derek Jeter?)
      
      If they acknowledge him for what he is (a solid 5th infielder) then they would have to *gasp* actually talk about the action on the field.
- mbonzo
  
  Its just the media that loves him. Even in his best year in the minors he never broke an .800 OPS. He’s a backup infielder at best.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Yay strategy!
AaronGuileWithASmile

How is it that in 2011, Joe Buck still doesn’t know what “hooking up” means to anyone under the age of 40?
- Karl Krawfid
  
  Old people don’t give a shit what us young folks think, say, or do.
- AaronGuileWithASmile
  
  Though now that I think about it, at least Buck is better than Chip Caray with his “fisting”
Karl Krawfid

Great at bat AJ…

j/k
- mbonzo
  
  Saw more pitches than Swisher.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Better than a bunt
Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

Jesus.
wow

it’s gonna be one of those games again.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

3-1 pop-up. Yay.
- first time lawng time
  
  What would you rather they do? I don’t think it was on purpose
AaronGuileWithASmile

Well this is starting to remind me of Burnett’s last start…
mbonzo

Is it me or does it sounds like Tim McCarver is in love with the Yankees today?
Esteban

For people that haven’t been to Chicago, you should go. It’s a great city, especially in the summer.
- first time lawng time
  
  People say it’s like NY, but clean.
  - Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
    
    I despise cleanliness.
  - Esteban
    
    Yeah, it is. Most of the blocks have alleys, so the trash doesn’t get piled up in front of buildings.
- Adam
  
  Having just moved from Chicago (back to the east coast, but to the DC-area), I agree. BUT…Chicago sports and fans nearly gave me an aneurysm over the last six years.
- tom
  
  In the summer? Are you kidding? 98 degrees and muggy at 7AM? Cloudbursts that soak you to the skin?
  
  I like the city alot — went to college there, and stayed a year after. But the weather, in winter or summer, is not the selling point.
  - Esteban
    
    My brother’s been there a year, and from having visited in the summer and the winter, I’ll take the summer in Chicago over the winter.
    - tom
      
      Hobson’s choice. The hottest and coldest seasons of my lifetime were those spent in Chicago. Spring & Fall, much better.
      - Esteban
        
        Fair points. And I’ll trust your experience more than the limited time I’ve spent there.
  - Adam
    
    What I did like is that the winter is so miserable that the first sign of nice weather and people really got out and enjoyed it…for the like two weeks where it is tolerable out.
- inpinstripes
  
  Absolutely. I was there 3 weeks ago with my wife for 10 days. Weather was kind of crazy but a very, very nice city.
first time lawng time

2nd inning, but let me say that they better not get shutout (or close to it) against scrub piece of crap pitcher. Lol
- AaronGuileWithASmile
  
  Dempster’s no “scrub piece of crap.”
  
  He is giving the Yanks a lot of free baserunners though, and he does have a reputation as being a guy who settles in after a few innings. They need to strike soon.
  - Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
    
    Dempster’s trash.
    - Karl Krawfid
      
      Ryan Dumpster
    - AaronGuileWithASmile
      
      He’s having a crappy year, sure, but he’s a smart pitcher with the track record to prove it.
      
      Now Doug Davis, that guy is trash. And if he can shut the Yankees down, Dempster certainly could as well. After all, you can’t predict baseball ™
      - Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
        
        I don’t know any other way to say it other than Dempster’s trash.
        
        AaronGuileWithASmile
        
        He strikes out a lot of batters, he keeps the ball on the ground…like I said, not a great pitcher but a fine #3 starter.
tom

Only upside to the first two innings: 44 pitches by Dempster.

Which of course has me dreading a 7-pitch inning in the 3rd, to toss the advantage away.
Cy Pettitte

lol Nunez
Esteban

Yay for Teix.
AaronGuileWithASmile

Gotta love Tex getting the out Tino-style
tom

Thank you, Teix.
bobtaco

Good old Soriano, low and away…
Esteban

Just like the good old days. Soriano striking out on a breaking ball low and away. Some things never change.
mbonzo

Shit, just read “Yankees Have “Zero Interest” In Zambrano” on MLBTR. That means he’ll probably on the team within 2 weeks.
- Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
  
  If Zambrano ends up on this team I’ll hurt myself.
  - the tenth inning stretch
    
    He’ll do it for you.
    - mike c
      
      nailed it
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Joe Buck is mesmerized by the seagulls
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Even the seagulls hate FOX :)
AaronGuileWithASmile

Huge pet peeve of mine: when broadcasters praise the pitcher for covering first base on a ground ball to first.

It’s not some impressive hustle play, it’s the pitcher’s freaking job!
tom

Doesn’t it seem like every bobbled ball in the last week or so, the defense has been able to get an out on the Yankees regardless? (If not two: thinking of Beltre the other day)
Guns of the Navarone

Let’s go Robbie. Rocket into the ivy.
the tenth inning stretch

Al right Robinson, how about we get Grandy in from third?
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  Thanks ever so much.
AaronGuileWithASmile

Robbie Cano!
Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

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

Thank you, Robinson.
Esteban

Ribbinson! Getting the job done.
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

There you go Robinson, there you go
mbonzo

HAHA Joe Buck sounds about as interested in this game as he did in the ALCS when Granderson was hitting like a monster.
Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

I’ll take it.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

There you go, Swish.
bobtaco

It sucks when your head to head fantasy opponent for the week has Granderson, Arod and Cano…
the tenth inning stretch

RUNS!
Esteban

YES. Two Runs, and all without any HRs. Cano and Swisher getting redemption for not getting it done in the 1st.
Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

Russell Fartin.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

SMALLBALL!!
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Nunez gets walked and AJ hit a slam. Make it happen.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Clear the pitcher, Eddie.
the tenth inning stretch

This inning, Dempster trying his hardest not to get traded to the Yankees.
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Russell Martin: Quick can’t be caught
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Delayed steal, nice.
mike c

I think cano could have went home and made that a double steal
Esteban

We want a single, just a little single. S-I-N-G-L-E, single single single.

/littleleaguechant.
- http://twitter.com/kschmidt2 Kiersten
  
  We want a single, just a little double, T-R-I-P-L-E, home run home run home run!
  
  I still sing these in my head when I watch games too.
  - Esteban
    
    Those chants used to annoy me so much when other teams did it.
MikeD

Jeter wouldn’t have done that. : -)
http://twitter.com/kschmidt2 Kiersten

John Sterling with another genius quote:

“He hit a foul home run.”
Guns of the Navarone

Carl Crawford to the DL. It must be because he’s old, overrated, overpaid etc…. oh wait he’s not on the Yankees.
- Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan
  
  Crawford’s just overpaid.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  Hamstring injuries to fast players = bad news.
- MikeD
  
  I never wish failure (career failure, that is) on any specific player, but I understand some players just lose it quickly. If it just so happens the best of Crawford is in the past, I will be quite happy.
  - Guns of the Navarone
    
    I think his best is obviously in the past. Last year was his best fWAR year by almost two full WAR. A lot of that is tied up in his defense which is somewhat negated by Fenway Park. He’s going to be one of the most overpaid players in baseball over the next few years… next to A-Rod.
    - MikeD
      
      A-Rod is ranked sixth in fWAR overall in the AL and is easily #1 on first this season. I remain more confident in his ability to produce the next few years than Crawford. If a player is productive for the Yankees, I don’t care if he’s making $5 million or $25 million. Just be productive.
      - MikeD
        
        #1 at third.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Yankees score, A.J. immediately walks the leadoff guy.
- Esteban
  
  Sometimes baseball is predictable.
Esteban

Pitchers batting. Feel the excitement of strikeouts on bunts!
the tenth inning stretch

There’s your non-DH excitement.
swishers fauxhawk

NL Baseball: Exciting.
AaronGuileWithASmile

I think I got an eye strain seeing those scarlet Boston jerseys
the tenth inning stretch

So who had the 3rd inning in the when-will-they-start-talking-about-Boston poll?
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Yes Joe, the Sox are THAT GOOD. Now shut up about it.
Karl Krawfid

Called strikes with the curve, come on AJ.
- Karl Krawfid
  
  Hell yeah!
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  A.J. says, “You’re welcome.”
Cy Pettitte

that curve was filthy
AaronGuileWithASmile

Perfect pitch on 3-2. AJ is almost unhittable when he can bend that curve around the corner.
first time lawng time

Not watching the game…how are BuckCarver?
- nsalem
  
  the same
- Adam
  
  Well, they apparently think that Dominicans are culturally engineered to not take pitches because of Juan Samuel…
  - Esteban
    
    AWK.
Cy Pettitte

#toomanyK’s
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Wow, what a freaking job by Burnett. Bravo.
- mike c
  
  deep down there’s a good pitcher in there
  - first time lawng time
    
    No. Not deep down. AJ IS a wonderful pitcher.
Esteban

Wow talk about bad plate discipline from Starlin.
Adam

Wow, Castro makes Sori seem selective…
nsalem

Cerebral AJ about time
swishers fauxhawk

Filth.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Good AJ = Nasty
MikeD

AJ’s tatoos more on display while he’s batting.
first time lawng time

5 SO in 3 innings? AJ, that’s so beautiful!
Adam

Is it just me or does Quade seem like a used car salesman?
V

This umpire is fucking bullshit.
the tenth inning stretch

That pitch = not a strike.
- FIPster Doofus
  
  Gameday says otherwise.
  - V
    
    Strike 3? It was just outside and at the tippy top of the ‘strike zone’ (the regulation strike zone that is called 1 out of every 100 games).
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

BS STIKEZONE!!!
inpinstripes

Man, I love the Billy Goat Tavern…CHEEZBORGER!!!
Guns of the Navarone

Teix needs to look for that hanging splitter he’s been leaving up in the zone ALL GAME and put it in the seats.
Adam

The way that McCarver says restaurant makes my blood boil.
- Dr Van Nostrand
  
  I thought it was just me. “Restront”
the tenth inning stretch

Tim, nobody cares about your restaurant.
V

Granderson is in a speed slump. Third CS in a row IIRC.
Adam

The Girl and the Goat, great Chicago restaurant AND a component of Hideki Matsui’s video collection.
- MikeD
  
  Ha!
- nsalem
  
  Part 2 is much better
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

This team gets caught stealing a lot. Grandy’s 2-for-6 this month.
- CMP
  
  I guess the inflight movie on the way to Chicago wasn’t Moneyball.
- mbonzo
  
  Do they have any coaches that are knowledgeable on stealing? Serious question.
- V
  
  Soto: 28% CS (7th best in majors). Not a great catcher to steal off of. Dempster isn’t bad, either.
  
  They steal too much vs. good catchers and not enough vs. awful ones.
  - V
    
    Russell Martin is 5th best in majors, at 30.6%, btw.
    - CMP
      
      Is Cervelli last?
      - V
        
        Of catchers with at least 1 CS, yes. 9.5% CS.
AaronGuileWithASmile

Darwin Barney sounds like a character from a Dickens novel. It’s a pity he was never on the same team as Heathcliff Slocumb.
- Esteban
  
  +1
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  Well, he does have Samardzija, LeMahieu, and Koyie Hill.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

That curveball is just disgusting today.
Charles

I’m about to gouge my eyes out listening to these two idiots, no Tim I don’t care where you’re going to lunch, no I don’t want to hear Rosenthal babble about random injuries like they are pennant changers, just please get some new blood fox PLEASE…
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  The ears might make more sense.
AaronGuileWithASmile

Well that sucks
Cy Pettitte

Carlos Pena, of course.
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Carlos Pena: Yankee killer
MikeD

Why does Pena always seem to hit the Yankees? He must suck against all other teams.
- Karl Krawfid
  
  Why do we give him fastballs right down the middle?
  - MikeD
    
    Whatever book they hve on it should be burned. I’m also guessing he simply elevates his game against the Yankees, for whatever reason.
    
    Coming into that AB, Pena was only 5-35 against AJ, who seemed to be one of the few Yankee pitchers who could handle him.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

I figured Pena would hit at least one homer this series. Hopefully that’s it.
Karl Krawfid

Gone that fast.
the tenth inning stretch

We knew it was coming.
- Simon
  
  yup, just why did it have to come then, to tie the game….
  - the tenth inning stretch
    
    To give Buck and McCarver something to get excited about.
V

And the leadoff walk hurts. Of course.
- CMP
  
  as does falling behind in the count.
Jetrer

fastball down the middle helps
sangreal

Yankee killer Carlos Pena is hitting just .211/.355/.402 on the year, but you know he’ll have two or three homers by time the series ends.
- mbonzo
  
  Since May 3rd he’s hitting, .250/.384/.515. Michael Kay says he sucks though.
Tut

Typical AJ
AaronGuileWithASmile

I want to rip Reed Johnson’s beard off of his face
mbonzo

Don’t worry guys, Pena has hit too many homeruns. This is actually bad for the Cubs.
Charles

Meh its only tied, Dempster has been garbage today, a quick outburst and hes out of the game and we’re into the the bad cubs pen.
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  Marshall’s their best guy, non-Marmol division, and he’s pitched on back-to-back days.
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Of course they have to bring up 2001. It’s only a matter of time before they bring up 2004 too.
TheLastClown

Paging FTLT…

more love & nurturing needed for Mr. Burnett, stat!
AaronGuileWithASmile

I remember when Robinson Cano knew how to play 2nd base

Maybe we need to bring Larry Bowa back
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  You’re complaining about that play? Really? The play when the ball ricocheted off the pitcher and went the complete opposite direction?
  - AaronGuileWithASmile
    
    sarcasm….
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
      
      My bad.
- mbonzo
  
  I blame Mike Harkey.
Karl Krawfid

It’s like Cano throws the ball when he feels like it.
the tenth inning stretch

I realize Rosenthal’s bowties are for an outstanding cause, but I really don’t want to hear about them. Just wear your bowties and shut up.
- Jimmy McNulty
  
  I dunno…I don’t think I could tie one.
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
    
    I definitely can’t.
Karl Krawfid

70 pitches and counting.
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  Same with Dempster, yes?
  - It’sATarp
    
    he’s over 80
It’sATarp

Despite that HR, it’s nice to see AJ strike out a shit ton of ppl again.
CMP

I hope Kevin Long told his hitters to hit it UNDER the wind.
mbonzo

/facepalm
Karl Krawfid

Fuck this team.
Kevin G.

A-Tard
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

WTF A-Rod
Jetrer

wtf Arod
AaronGuileWithASmile

What the fuck A-Rod?
TheLastClown

Alex Posada?
MikeD

Okay, I expect that from Posada (of late), not A-Rod!
Cy Pettitte

what the fuck was ARod thinking? Posada is really rubbing off on everyone
Jimmy McNulty

Fucking Asshole.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

What the fuck was that?
- Justin
  
  Posada has been giving baserunning tips again.
Kevin G.

Da fuck
the tenth inning stretch

McCarver: “Joe Girardi is managing the Yankees with four injured pitchers and a retired pitcher.”
Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

A-Rod should kill himself.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Posada’d
nooooo not another double play!

ok A-Rod?
Tut

Cano bunting? Stupidity abounds.
- mbonzo
  
  Probably to get the 3rd basemen in on the bag. Don’t want him playing too far back.
AaronGuileWithASmile

I know I didn’t just see A-Rod get thrown out at second followed by Robinson freaking Cano trying to bunt.

Let’s just pretend that the last 6 outs never happened.
James A

With Red Ruffing, Lefty Gomez, Whitey Ford, Ron Guidry and David Cone all retired too, who knows the how the Yankees manage to hang around at all…
- TheLastClown
  
  I find the two of them totally asinine obviously, but didn’t you expect/hope for another tour(s) of duty from Pettitte?
- Jimmy McNulty
  
  Speaking of which, for such a great franchise they haven’t really had a whole lot of awesome pitching compared to other great franchises. Their best pitcher ever is probably White Ford, I don’t think he cracks the top 20 pitchers of all time.
  - TheLastClown
    
    Sure, but take a tally of the top offenders, all-time.
    
    Yankeefication.
    - Jimmy McNulty
      
      Their second best hitter of all time is a probably a top five hitter ever.
  - http://twitter.com/Bismarck1872 Jerome S.
    
    Meh, pitching is overrated in the first place. The Yankees have always had a smashing offense and, contrary to popular belief, a good history of defense. You know, before the 2000’s.
Jimmy McNulty

Well that was a helpful update.
Cy Pettitte

this Fox broadcast is all kinds of stupid
- mbonzo
  
  It seems like a complete circus.
teddy

thanks arod
AaronGuileWithASmile

Wouldn’t it be swell if A-Rod were on 3rd right now?

/fallacyofpredeterminedoutcome’d
Karl Krawfid

6 walks and only 2 damn runs.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Walks two guys, swing at the first pitch.
V

By all means, swing at the first pitch after two straight 3-2 walks. BHAHGHAGHAHGAHHGHAHJGHA
Jimmy McNulty

These assholes. Maybe they should just stick to station to station baserunning.
TheLastClown

Everything else aside, I am fascinated by Dempster’s setup duck-bill hand waggle.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Nice, swing at the 1st pitch after 2 walks.
- http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
  
  To be fair, the pitch was right down the middle.
  - TheLastClown
    
    That.
Karl Krawfid

And Russel Martin is still swinging like hes hurt.
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Man, if A-Rod hadn’t tried to stretch that single into a double, we would have had the bases loaded with one out. At least Dempster has thrown over 100 pitches already.
- swishers fauxhawk
  
  Fallacy of the predetermined outcome
  - mbonzo
    
    Martin’s groundball would also have been a double play under this fallacy. So no luck anyway.
  - http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
    
    Michael Kay > Buck/McCarver
    
    but it’s close
    - TheLastClown
      
      No way. Kay annoys me, but he takes his job very seriously, cares about being thorough more or less, and doesn’t let bias shine through on the play by play.
      
      B&M? Yuck.
    - MikeD
      
      I don’t think you’d say that if you had to listen to Buck/McCarver every game. As I was driving back home listening to Sterling/Waldman, I was regretting having to leave them to turn on the TV, and it’s not because I like Sterling/Waldman.
      - http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
        
        Let me reword my statement
        
        YES Network crew (minus Kay and Flaherty) > Buck/McCarver
mbonzo

I guess Dempster will be out to face Nunez and Burnett.
TSJC Troll Doppleganger

Worst…situational hitting team…ever!
Karl Krawfid

AJ is throwing 91 and can’t find the zone.
V

Dempster is still in the game??
the tenth inning stretch

That Rosenthal/Zambrano video is hilarious.
CMP

Zambrano is a psycho. The Yankees should stay far far away from him though it would be funny if he threw a smackdown on that weasel Rosenthal.
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  I was hoping for the smackdown. Maybe postgame in the parking lot.
swishers fauxhawk

0-2 count, walk batter.
Karl Krawfid

How many more years of AJ?
- TheLastClown
  
  Heh. We’re at almost the exact midpoint of his contract.
  - Karl Krawfid
    
    :(
- CMP
  
  2 1/2 I believe.
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Gets ahead of Fukudome 0-2 than throws 4 straight balls down and in. There’s the AJ we all know.
nsalem

Twins are lurking as usual.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  ?
  - nsalem
    
    A couple of time the Twins have seemed out of it in June and have come all the way back.
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  Never rule them out of the battle for third place in the Central.
the tenth inning stretch

Really, Tim? Fukudome would’ve been out by a mile.
Cy Pettitte

Cory Wade? wtf he’s the 12th inning guy.
MikeD

Is this the AJ, “lose focus” inning?

Let’s end this, now!
- MikeD
  
  Thank you.
AaronGuileWithASmile

Big pitch. Huge pitch.

Lofty pitch.
CMP

Yeah Nunez with the gun at SS.
Rory G

You’ve gotta hand it to Dumpster. He’s tried his darndest to hand us the ballgame and our guys continue to fail with RISP and continue to make poor decisions on the basepaths. A-Rod was out by a mile. Freddy gives up 3, loses. AJ gives up 2, and this has a feeling of yet another loss.
- tom
  
  Oh, good — we don’t have enough doomsayers around here.
MikeD

Holy crap. Stephen King-special effects rolling in over Wrigley.
AaronGuileWithASmile

Yikes, it looks like the apocalypse is happening in Atlanta
TheLastClown

Could this be “pretty good AJ”?
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Nunie with the leadoff single after being down 0-2
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Look at the strategy!
- TheLastClown
  
  Super lolsie bunt.
- http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
  
  AJ Burnett is a better bunter than the guy at the plate right now.
the tenth inning stretch

Gotta run it out, A.J.
- Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat
  
  We don’t want another CMW incident.
  If our pitchers get on base, make it jogging around the bases after a HR.
Cy Pettitte

best bunt ever
AaronGuileWithASmile

Haha I love Burnett’s mini-Carlton Fisk impression
MikeD

AJ. Master bunter. His bunts are so good even he is fooled by them.
Jimmy McNulty

Meh, no need to risk the injury.
teddy

great hustle aj.

dempster getting outside corner and somewhat high
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  Ask Chien-Ming Wang about hustling around the bases.
  - nsalem
    
    3 years ago last Wednesday
TheLastClown

Ooh ooh…Joe & Time, what woulda happened if AJ hit the ball over the wall?
Icebird753

Yankees win, theeeee Yankees win!
AaronGuileWithASmile

Fox’s broadcast would be improved so much by the simple addition of a pitch counter next to the scoreboard.
- tom
  
  I’ve become used to that, myself. Have to keep checking an online scoreboard
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Holy Starlin Castro.
- CMP
  
  You don’t think Jeter could have made that play?
  - JMK
    
    If this were softball and he were playing that 10th position, I don’t think Jeter gets there.
    - the tenth inning stretch
      
      Derek Jeter, rover.
the tenth inning stretch

Dude can pick it at SS.
nooooo not another double play!

wow good try
AaronGuileWithASmile

If the Yankees can’t get Nunez in from 3rd, I think I might stroke out.
Karl Krawfid

Wow how did he grab that
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Did you guys hear McCarver grunt when Castro made that play? Lol. Great play by Starlin by the way.
- CMP
  
  Sounded like someone needs to change his Depends.
TheLastClown

Not sure why Castro tried to unload that one.
Bob Stone

Great play at SS.
JMK

Great grab by Castro but the why try to throw it? The chance of getting Gardner was what, 1 percent? The chance of an error on a play like that is infinitely higher.
- MikeD
  
  Zero percent. He shouldn’t have thrown it. The first baseman saved an error.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Lol at McCarver’s reaction to the Castro play. Great play BTW.
Bob Stone

C’mon Grandy.
Ray the Anti-Handle

Sooooo close.
AaronGuileWithASmile

Jusssttttt missed it.

I’ll take the run.
Jimmy McNulty

Goddamnit.
Bob Stone

Productive out.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

That looked like a HR off the bat
MikeD

So close, so close. I didn’t think it was a HR off the bat, but it kept drifting back.
- Bob Stone
  
  Ididn’t think it was a homerun off the bat either. But it kept drifiting back. Then McCarver says the wind held it up. Which way was it?
nooooo not another double play!

There you go
Will (the other one)

Granderson’s power is just sick.
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Only a sac fly? Sigh…..
- Justin
  
  Don’t you remember? 3 run home runs BAD. 1 run sac flies GOOD.
  
  /sarcasm
  - http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
    
    Call me crazy, but I’d be much happier if that had ended up being an evil Granderslam.
    - TheLastClown
      
      Too Much Is Not Enough.
  - JobaWockeeZ
    
    That was never the argument but this horse gets hurt more each and every day.
the tenth inning stretch

C’mon Grandy, UNDER THE WIND!
Cy Pettitte

oh brett…..
JMK

Goddamn, no instincts.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Three outs on the bases.
- Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat
  
  We’ve said that WAAAAAAAY too many times this year.
JobaWockeeZ

What a waste of speed.
nsalem

thats 3 outs we have handed them
teddy

lol at gardner
the tenth inning stretch

Facepalm.
AaronGuileWithASmile

If only Gardner had thought to run UNDER the wind he would’ve been safe for sure!
TSJC Troll Doppelganger

Worst…baserunning team…ever!
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Wow all the Yankees have been getting baserunning tips from Jorge
Jetrer

yay. Lets give more free outs on the bases.
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Silver lining of Brett Gardner getting caught stealing? Tex gets to lead off next inning.
TheLastClown

Oh Brett.
CMP

What’s the record for most caught stealing in one season?
- JMK
  
  I think that’s Brett’s 10th this year. Does Pierre still have more CSs?
Jimmy McNulty

Motherfuck.
Patrick

I keep saying it every other game:

Million dollar legs…. but a 10 cent head.

UGH!
MikeD

Half of all the Yankee batters that faced Dempster reached base. Amazing.
Tut

If this guy can’t steal bases, then he is a fourth outfielder.
- Jetrer
  
  except that his defense and offense make him a very good starter
TheLastClown

Hey, maybe the difference between ‘gritty’ and ‘athletic’ players isn’t a racial thing after all.
Rory G

Unbelievable that a guy walks 6 and tries to hand us the game and we only score 3 runs. Anyone feel good about AJ and our 7th inning guy in a one run ballgame? And here comes Pena. Throw him another meatball, AJ.
- TheLastClown
  
  Didn’t you post this, almost verbatim, earlier?
- AaronGuileWithASmile
  
  I feel pretty good about AJ–>Ayala–>Robertson–>Rivera.
tom

So do we think Gardner is unrefined as a base runner — something that can be improved with experience — or terminally uninstinctual?
- JMK
  
  That’s a good question. I’m not bold enough to say it’s an either you-have-it-or-you-don’t situation, but at his age it doesn’t seem very promising that he’ll soak up that much.
  
  You’d think just by studying lots of film and picking up on repetition and movement that would do a world of difference.
Will (the other one)

THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO SEND A MESSAGE AJ!!1!
- JMK
  
  Uh, what?
  - Will (the other one)
    
    Joke.
Justin

Why do I get the sinking feeling every time McCarver complements AJ, its going to be the start of a season long curse?
nsalem

Wouldn’t mind seeing Johnson as our fourth outfielder one of these years.
- CMP
  
  He’s always hurt though.
- JMK
  
  I remember pining for him last offseason as the 4th outfielder. Always seems injured but the production seems real (when healthy, obviously).
TheLastClown

If/when we see Jesus, he is never to catch AJ.
the tenth inning stretch

Still mind-boggling that Tampa had to rebuild their bullpen from scratch and still had no room for Wade.
AaronGuileWithASmile

I can barely stomach McCarver and Buck talking about baseball

Please don’t ruin hockey for me also
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Did Joe Buck just say that a hockey player pitched a shutout?
Karl Krawfid

AJ is afraid of reed Johnson folks.
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Jeter makes that play
JMK

Eduard-oohhh no.
MikeD

And there is the Nunez-error-per game.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

God fucking damnit Nunez
It’sATarp

Omg Nunez Blows on defense
AaronGuileWithASmile

Man that is poor timing Nunez.
nooooo not another double play!

And here it comes…
Patrick

5 tool player my ass
Cy Pettitte

fucking Nunie
JMK

Seems like this team makes a lot of mental errors and baserunning gaffes in bunches.
CMP

Good move getting AJ out after the error. You could feel a 3 run homer coming on a fastball down the middle.
Rory G

Don’t throw Soriano a strike, Wade.
JMK

Corey Wade throws lots of curveballs. Soriano cannot hit curveballs.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  Sliders, he can’t hit sliders. I think he can get to curveballs.
  - JMK
    
    Think it’s both.
    
    http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-pedro-cerrano-all-stars/
AaronGuileWithASmile

Note to Wade:

Don’t throw that pitch again
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

This matchup scares me.
MikeD

If Sori is the same as he always was, a slider away will get him out again, and again, and again.
Cy Pettitte

wow what the fuck.
JMK

This has to be a joke. Has to be.
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Wow. Just fucking wow.
AaronGuileWithASmile

I feel like crying
Jetrer

wtf defense
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

What the fuck, catch the damn ball.
Patrick

Just shoot me now-Fu..!
nooooo not another double play!

Unfreakinbelievable
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Nunez’s defense has rubbed off on the whole team
CMP

Fucking Cano’s defense has been shit this year.
nsalem

Team meeting time inexcusable
Jonathan

how many times has Cano just….not caught the fucking ball this year?
- Bob Stone
  
  Far too many. What the hell is wrong with Cano’s concentration?
- Mickey Scheister
  
  32
- Jonathan
  
  I count at least 4 or 5 starting with that one early in the year on a bunt. And then i remember at least 2 times he didn’t catch the throw on a stolen base attempt.
Jetrer

lets just give this game away … WTF
V

Can we have 2010 Cano back?
Mickey Scheister

TWO INNING ENDING DOUBLE PLAYS…botched! Here’s the win Cubbies. Fuck!!
Justin

Can we trade for Larry Bowa at the deadline to light a fire under Cano again? Awful.
the tenth inning stretch

I’m dumbfounded by the shoddy defense in this inning. Why is it that we can make the spectacular plays but botch simple stuff like dropping DP throws?
- http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
  
  Brett Gardner and Russell Martin just shit all over your comment
Cy Pettitte

BRETT!!!!
AaronGuileWithASmile

Russell’s got muscle!
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
TheLastClown

Now that was Gorgeous.
nooooo not another double play!

Hell fuckin yea!!
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

HOLY FUCKING FUCK
Justin

Nice ! Good job Gardner, GREAT job taking the hit by Martin
the tenth inning stretch

WOW.
JMK

Buster Posey approves?
Bob Stone

Great play by Gardy and Martinez.
Jetrer

thank you Grit, great job on the tag by Martin as well
Mickey Scheister

That looked dirty.
CMP

Hell yeah Gardy and Martin.
King George

There is our 2011 All-Star catcher, folks.
Rory G

What a play by Gardy and Martin. The middle infield is just horrific defensively. Score some more runs and it wouldn’t be an issue.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

If that wasn’t Martin, ESPN goes crazy about what a DANGEROUS PLAY that was and compares every bit of it to the Posey play.
- Zack
  
  Sooooooo you’re saying it won’t be on Around the Horn, PTI, First Take, and BBTN for the next 2 weeks?
  - AaronGuileWithASmile
    
    If you actually watch Around the Horn, PTI and First Take then you kind of deserve whatever you get.
Rory G

What a play by Gardy and Martin
LennonJames

THAT is why baseball is the superior sport!
Stephen

Wow, how bad an announcer is Joe Buck? You would’ve never known that was a critical and exciting moment in the game if you were judging by his call.
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  He was louder and more excited announcing the Sprint commercial than the play at the plate.
  - AaronGuileWithASmile
    
    “Oh look, aliens have landed a spaceship on the field. We have first contact. NOW STAY TUNED FOR THE POST GAME SHOW BROUGHT TO YOU BY LOEWS!!!”
- Justin
  
  Someone has has fun on Joe buck’s wikipedia page:
  
  “In 2011, shortly after broadcasting Super Bowl XLV for Fox, Buck developed a virus on the nerves of his left vocal cord. Despite the ailment, which according to Buck “came out of the blue” and has hampered his ability to raise his voice, he has continued to broadcast baseball for Fox during the 2011 season as he has never had enthusiasm in baseball to begin with”
  - the tenth inning stretch
    
    For real? That’s outstanding.
Zack

Chances Sabean talks crap about Carlos Pena? 0%.
AaronGuileWithASmile

UNDER the wind, Tex! UNDER!
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Former Yankee draft pick Chris Carpenter on for the Cubs.
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  Oh, so that’s where I’ve heard that name before.
Bob Stone

I’m happy for AJ that Cano didn’t blow his chance for a win in this game.
Charles

Carpenter the Future closer on the Cubs w/ Marmol on the team….lol?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  In fairness, I think Marmol has an expiration date, and it’s sooner rather than later.
  - AaronGuileWithASmile
    
    Agreed. Pitchers who are completely reliant on the breaking ball don’t tend to have long shelf lives.
    - Karl Krawfid
      
      Any closer not named Mariano.
JMK

Has Cano’s concentration lapsed because Melky is finding some success in Kansas City?
- Bob Stone
  
  It has to be Melky’s fault.
  - Justin
    
    To be fair Cano’s last major slump seemed to start right after the Royals came to town if I remember.
    - JMK
      
      Maybe they had one last clubbing hurrah and Cano just can’t cope with that being potentially their last escapade together?
AaronGuileWithASmile

This would be a nice time for some redemption Robbie
Yan

Pena will be hit tomorrow with a heater, i hope.
- Bob Stone
  
  Why? He just hit a meatball out of the park. That’s no reason to plunk him.
  - Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat
    
    I think he’s talking about the collision with Martin
    - AaronGuileWithASmile
      
      Screw that–as long as the rules allow it, I’d want my guys doing everything possible to score the run.
      - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
        
        I don’t want to take collisions out of the game, but Pena didn’t even make an attempt for the plate.
      - Yan
        
        He almost hit him in the face.
        
        Catchers should start running towards the runner in these situations and head on collide, hence protect themselves
- CMP
  
  I didn’t think he did anything dirty.
- AaronGuileWithASmile
  
  If anything, the Cubs 3rd base coach should get hit with a heater for sending Pena home on that short flare.
  
  Unless Gardner threw it way off line, Pena never had a chance.
- MikeD
  
  He did hit Martin high coming in. He wasn’t even attempting to touch the plate. He never touched the plate. He assaulted the catcher to try and knock the ball out of the glove.
  - Bob Stone
    
    That’s the way you play that situation. It always has been.
  - TheLastClown
    
    But Martin was well in front of the plate. The way he took the hit seemed as if he expected exactly what was coming.
    
    Pena should try to knock loose the ball. Russ Martin True Yankee just held on beautifully.
  - the tenth inning stretch
    
    Isn’t that what you’re coached to do?
MikeD

An inning of bad defensive plays by the Yankees capped off by two excellent defensive plays.

Gardy showing why he’s been the best LFer since 2010.
Karl Krawfid

I’m guessing Swisher doesn’t watch video of his left handed at bats.
nsalem

here’s your pitch nick
Rob

yanks have not hit a homer in a long time
- The BIG 3
  
  Which explains the score?
  
  Really, how does a team accumulate 6 walks and 8 hits in just 5.1 innings, not hit into any DP’s, and score only thrice? How is that even possible.
Yan

Swishilicious baby
JMK

Instead of hashing out the collision at the plate, if you’re the 3B coach, do you send Pena on that play? I know Brett doesn’t have a great arm but he was out by a ways and isn’t known as a speedster.

His call basically forced Pena to collide with Martin. It’s not like he could have slid.
- Bob Stone
  
  Totally agree.
- TheLastClown
  
  For sure not. Especially given the atrocious defense of the inning to that point.
  
  Give your opponents a chance to make more mistakes.
- AaronGuileWithASmile
  
  Agreed entirely–in fact, whenever there is a collision at home plate, you can pretty much blame the 3rd base coach. A collision means that the play wasn’t even close enough for the runner to bother sliding.
  - Third Base Coach
    
    You want to step outside for a few words?
  - The BIG 3
    
    Or that the catcher was blocking the plate. Fact: it doesn’t matter how out the runner is, if the catcher blocks the plate he’s putting himself in harms way, and no rule should ever change that.
    
    First basemen don’t block
    Second basemen do on occasion, but it’s frowned upon
    Same goes for third basemen.
    
    Apparently, only the catcher position is doing right by impeding the path of the baserunner. Or maybe not, seeing they get hurt on occasion by doing so.
    - JMK
      
      I agree with this. I also like the idea of the catcher charging toward the player up the 3rd baseline. Only because it’s badass.
- MikeD
  
  There was no reason for him to collide. He should have been sliding for the plate. He came in high and tried to knock the ball out and/or Martin out. He never attempted to touch the plate. A simple rule change could make that a violation.
  
  Martin was annoyed.
  - JMK
    
    I’m going to kinda sign off on AaronGuileWithASmile’s comment in response. Why would he slide? He was a full 1.5-2 seconds behind by the time Martin caught the ball. His only option, to me at least, seemed to be a collision. It’s not like Martin was giving him part of the plate either.
    
    I don’t blame Pena at all and don’t think retribution would be appropriate. That’s on the 3B coach.
    - MikeD
      
      The issue relates to the discussion around Posey’s injury. Does the game want to encourage runners to, in essence, assault the catcher. They can outlaw it. The runner needs to slide. If the ball beats the runner, it beats the runner. Try to evade the tag, but don’t assault the catcher. He came in high and tried to knock Marting out/over. That type of play can be eliminated.
  - AaronGuileWithASmile
    
    If he slides for the plate, he’s out by 3 steps. The only way that the run scores is if he dislodges the ball, and as long as it’s legal I’d want my players doing everything possible to score.
    
    Again, the root of the problem is that the Cubs 3rd base coach shouldn’t have sent Pena home in the first place.
    - Bob Stone
      
      Exactly.
Cy Pettitte

Hector Noesi, the 7th inning guy
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

2011 Hector Noesi = 2009 Phil Hughes??
- JMK
  
  If Noesi were 100X as good, sure.
AaronGuileWithASmile

Speaking of the Red Sox, did you know that they won the ALCS in 2004?
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Wow. We got to the 7th before the AGon ass-kissing.
Mickey Scheister

These announcers on Fox are turrible.
Ray the Anti-Handle

Gonzalez and Reyes are the best hitters in the majors this year? Ummm, JOSE BAUTISTA???
- JMK
  
  Miguel Batista is a reliever, silly!
  
  Signed,
  
  Joe Buck and Tim McCarver
  - AaronGuileWithASmile
    
    +1
- Karl Krawfid
  
  Batting average > Everything else.
- MikeD
  
  Miguel Cabrera says Hi, too.
  - JMK
    
    Actually, he said, “Drink!”
    
    But just the same…
- Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat
  
  According to FOX, anyone who is not a Red Sock or a Met is inferior.
- The BIG 3
  
  Apparently, Toronto doesn’t count.
  
  but it’s hard to fault the announcers in this case. Reyes and AGon are 2-3, and although Bautista is obviously better, that team gets no attention.
  - Rick
    
    Actually, if we’re talking pure “hitters” Reyes is behind a few guys; his WAR is higher because of positional adjustment.
    
    Unless we’re to assume Buck and McCarver were implicitly including a positional adjustment in their assessment of “best hitters.” I refuse to do so.
nsalem

Groat was as slow as Reyes is fast
Karl Krawfid

Throw the curve ball
Ryan

Dick Groat sounds like a hygiene issue.
- Mickey Scheister
  
  I think there’s a cream for it.
- AaronGuileWithASmile
  
  Dick Groat will always remind me of Curb Your Enthusiasm
  - nsalem
    
    Great basketball player at Duke also
Charles

Noesi 4 Aceves 2.0
FOX Baseball Broadcaster

Coming up next, a compilation of the greatest moments in Red Sox history, including an interview with Dave Roberts, who stole the critical base in the 2004 ALCS against the NY Yankees, who despite a $200-million payroll, still are not perfect.

Back to the game shortly.
TheLastClown

Noesi for 2 > Mo?
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

It JOPO time!
- http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
  
  JOPO time was fun
Mickey Scheister

No mention of the high strike but a big deal over a called low strike against the Cubs, zero excitement over Yankees hits…Buck sucks.
MikeD

Anyone think Jorge should start one game on this road trip at first?
- Jetrer
  
  no
  - MikeD
    
    Since that two-HR game, I haven’t been impressed with Tex’s AB’s. I’m also afraid a week of not starting may throw Posada off. I’m not strong on the idea, but if the team plans to rest Tex for a game, this road trip wouldn’t be a bad time.
AaronGuileWithASmile

Don’t worry Shark, if this pitching thing doesn’t work out the Jets could use a big red zone target.
nsalem

Anyone want to see Pena at SS next inning.
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  I was about to say yes, and then I realized you didn’t mean Carlos.
  - nsalem
    
    and I didnt mean Tony either
JMK

I’m half expecting Girardi to have Gardner bunt. Possibly with 2 strikes.
- TheLastClown
  
  At ball four?
  - JMK
    
    Bring back the braces!
CMP

I think Jeff Samardzija picked the wrong sport
- JMK
  
  Nah, he’d probably be out of football in 5 years with yogurt for muscles and severe head injuries.
  
  Baseball is the better career choice by far.
  - CMP
    
    All true but I think he would have been a better receiver than he is a relief pitcher.
    - The BIG 3
      
      Hard to argue with that. He is a terrible reliever.
- Esteban
  
  His baseball deal was worth up to $16.5 million. I’d take that guaranteed baseball contract with less risk of being physically wrecked in the NFL.
Bob Stone

Pinch runner for Posada to reduce risk of DP?
Mickey Scheister

Buck missed a game with sunburn. What a puss.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Granderslam time.
nooooo not another double play!

Come on Grandy!
JobaWockeeZ

Seriously the best way to counter Gardner is to pitch right down the middle where he only swings at around 50 percent of the time.
Bob Stone

NINE walks – wow.
- Esteban
  
  Yankees should probably have more than 3 runs at this point.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Eight straight balls. Don’t swing Curtis!
the tenth inning stretch

Granderslam?
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Grandy better at least get a sac fly
nsalem

this may be why the cubs are 29-40
MikeD

Have the Yankees hit a HR yet in this bandbox? Has the wind been blowing in again today? It’s time for a HR.
AaronGuileWithASmile

Don’t take the bat off your shoulder unless it’s right down broadway.
JMK

If you all had the choice of one manager to take over for Joe G., who would that choice be?
- CMP
  
  Ron Gardenhire
  - JMK
    
    You’re funny. John Kruk as bench coach?
    - CMP
      
      No silly, Wally Backman.
      - JMK
        
        Now you’re thinking.
- MikeD
  
  John McGraw, but I think he’s permanently retired.
- JobaWockeeZ
  
  Joe Maddon.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  Maddon or Black.
- TheLastClown
  
  Hawk Harrelson.
- AaronGuileWithASmile
  
  Terry Francona
  
  But, unlike the reactionary crowd, I’m pretty happy with the job Girardi does.
Esteban

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

Ack.
Jonathan

If anyone deserves a pass for his past acts its Granderson but that was pretty weak…have to get the run in.
Bob Stone

That was close!
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Son of a bitch. We could have broken the game wide open there. Instead we get another in a long line of RISP fails.
JobaWockeeZ

This will fuck a pitcher’s WHIP but every opposing pitcher should walk the bases loaded and you’ll shutout the Yankees.
Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

So fucking weak.
Esteban

Double plus ungood
Bob Stone

That was a terrible inning. Ugh.
Ivan

Ugh!!!!
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

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

I can see the recap now … “The Yankees had their chances to blow it open, but…”
- AaronGuileWithASmile
  
  I’d agree if we hadn’t already gotten it to K-Rob and Mo.
  
  Now I’m feeling pretty confident.
- TheLastClown
  
  “…managed to pull it out, winning in a one-run affair.”
Dr Van Nostrand

I’d love to see the yanks numbers with less than 2 outs and runner on 3rd. My eyes tell me they must be near the bottom getting that run in
- Jetrer
  
  Yankees 53%, League ave. 52%
  - Dr Van Nostrand
    
    wow seems low for a league average. that run should be somewhat automatic
    - Jetrer
      
      Red Sox second to last at 45%
      that percentage is for each at bat in that situation, not whether the run eventually scores in the inning or not
Karl Krawfid

Great situational hitting Yankees.

Hitting like a world series team.
- http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
  
  Where’s Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui when we need them? Those old veterans always get the clutch hits.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  Meh, hitting with RISP has no correlation to winning the WS. The Giants hit .248 with RISP last year.
  - nsalem
    
    and some incredible pitching
Tut

They never get the run in from third with less than 3 outs
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  They’ve done it twice this game. Also…
  
  “They never get the run in from third with less than 3 outs”
  
  Heh.
- nsalem
  
  How abut when there’s more than 3 outs
- Esteban
  
  NEVAR
Bob Stone

Same here.
Jonathan

DeWitt looks like Todd Helton. Fortunately his OBP doesn’t.
The BIG 3

9 hits and 9 walks in 8 innings, but only 3 runs scored, and no DP’s. This is entirely unacceptable.
Bob Stone

Reply fail – supposed to be reply to AaronGuile . . .
AaronGuileWithASmile

HighSocksForHope.com

Not to be confused with RedSoxForFox.com, which is just an endless loop of Joe Buck talking about Johnny Damon’s grand slam
- http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Joe Buck
  
  +2004
TheLastClown

Nunez has three E’s today if not for Teix.
Esteban

How many errors would Nunez have if Teix was a worse 1Bman
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Tex saved Nunez from having 3(!!!) errors in the game
CMP

Gotta get Pena out there at SS for the 9th.
nooooo not another double play!

Damn Nunez
Bob Stone

The coaches need to teach Nunez how to make an accurate throw.
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

“Nunez is anything but automatic at short.” Smartest thing Buck has said all day
- AaronGuileWithASmile
  
  Of course it would seem a lost smarter if he didn’t claim Nunez was a 5-tool player earlier on
  - http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7
    
    That’s Joe Buck for you
Cy Pettitte

Lester gave up back to back lead off home runs to Weeks and Hart, that’s pretty cool.
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

David Robertson is nasty.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Wooo David.
the tenth inning stretch

D-Rob = beast.
TheLastClown

I just loooooove that hi-socked man.
Ray the Anti-Handle

Watching Robertson pitch is so much fun.
Jetrer

KRob is DGod
Bob Stone

Way to go Robertson.
Ivan

Just another day in the office for D-Rob.
CMP

Robertson hitting 95. If he ever gets his walks down, he’d be Mariano-like.
MikeD

Memo to Derek Jeter:

Derek, relax and enjoy your recovery time down in Tampa. You are not Wally Pipp, and Eduardo Nunez is not Lou Gehrig. Your job awaits you when your calf is healthy.

Signed, Fans
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

SEAGULL!
Cy Pettitte

fucking seagulls, how do they work?
- Adam
  
  I dunno, but where is Dave Winfield when you need him?
  - Bob Stone
    
    +27
AaronGuileWithASmile

So when Suzyn Waldman was talking about the magic substance that keeps the seagulls from landing on the field…that was BS I guess?
- CMP
  
  The sound of her voice Could probably repel seagulls
AaronGuileWithASmile

“That’s why my friends call me whiskers!”
- Esteban
  
  I’m just a worrier.
Esteban

Wow Dempster’s impression of Harry Caray is 2nd only to Will Ferrell’s

“If you were hotdog, would you eat yourself? “
- MikeD
  
  Artie Lange does a great one too, although a bit more perverse.
Adam

Will Ferrell’s impersonation is still better…
- Karl Krawfid
  
  Hater.
Jetrer

I have to admit. Demster is spot on and funny.
CMP

Oh my god, Dempster is Hillarious
Charles

God I hate fox….I don’t care about a bad Harry Caray impression, show the game…
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Those seagulls get the assist for Cano’s double.
Bob Stone

Looked like one of the sea gulls might catch Robbie’s fly ball.
http://deleted Total Dominication

Robinson Cano: Good at basebal
Ryan

Something tells me Buck and McCarver would rather be showing us youtube videos and laughing at them than announcing baseball.
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  They failed auditions for Tosh.0.
- AaronGuileWithASmile
  
  I would be SHOCKED if Tim McCarver knows what youtube is
Bob Stone

Can we please get an insurance run?
Bob Stone

Good eye Swish.
MikeD

And the Yankees have their 89th runner on today.

Don’t check. It’s not quite that bad.
- Bob Stone
  
  Very funny . . . and sad as well.
MikeD

Did they just go to an unannounced commercial break?
Esteban

10 hits and 10 walks and only 3 runs. Not an impressive performance thus far for the Yankees.
Karl Krawfid

More great situational hitting.
Adam

Third straight game without a home run…shouldn’t Buck be praising the Yankees offense now?
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  It’s a lose-lose. If we homer, they say too many homers. If we don’t, suddenly we’re in a HR drought.
JobaWockeeZ

Just close your eyes when there’s RISP. It’ll probably work better.
Esteban

Well, at least they got a run in.
Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

Thank you, Nunez.
AaronGuileWithASmile

Hell, I can live with one run.
Karl Krawfid

Nunez says shut up Karl.

Swish sucks.
Jetrer

Nunez!!
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

At least they got one run. Thank you Nunez for finally getting it done.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Yay Eduardo. And that’s four outs on the bases.
- Jetrer
  
  good send though. Better to try there than wait for the Jones K.
MikeD

A hit. Nice.
tom

4th out on the bases.

But, saints be praised, a RUN!
Rob

why was swisher sent?
- Bo
  
  Can we get a 3B coach that actually knows when to hold a runner?
teddy

congrats to nunez, why not dickerson for swisher as a pinch runner
- Rob
  
  because if eduardo safely gets on, dickerson is pinch hitting, i think
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

FINALLY an insurance run
Bob Stone

At least we got a hit with RISP. Swish – Why push it like that? Probably the fault of the third base coach.
Charles

Anyone else notice swish running a little weird down the line from 3rd? He was also kinda slow getting up, we can’t afford anymore injuries :(
nooooo not another double play!

At least Nunez can hit
dkidd

don’t know if nunez will turn out to be a major league hitter, but the ball just explodes off his bat
http://twitter.com/Bismarck1872 Jerome S.

Sooo… are the base coaches suddenly bad? Or are the players just too gutsy? Or is it bad luck?
- JobaWockeeZ
  
  I really fail to see how the hell this could be bad luck.
- nsalem
  
  If the coach thinks its 50/50 for him to score it’s worth sending him.
nsalem

Could this be the longest 4-2 game in baseball history? 3 hours and 40 minutes and still counting. Imagine how long Red Sox/Yankee games would be with no DH!!!!
- the tenth inning stretch
  
  Slow games are a byproduct of grit.
CMP

Dickerson should have been running for Swisher.
- AaronGuileWithASmile
  
  I’m pretty sure he was the pinch hitter if Robertson had to come up to bat.
Bob Stone

Let’s go Mo.
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

That’s two 2001 world series game 7 references today.
- Bob Stone
  
  Of course.
Bob Stone

Great call by the ump as Martin couldn’t catch it and it hits the ump. Very odd play.
the tenth inning stretch

Looked like Johnson was trying to wear that one on his elbow pad, maybe he obscured Martin and Holbrook’s vision?
- Bob Stone
  
  Very possible.
MikeD

Tie game? You wish you bastard.
- Nefarious
  
  I did a double take when he said that.
Cy Pettitte

“and tie game”

oh Joe.
the tenth inning stretch

TIE GAME! Oh, my bad.

-Buck
Kevin G.

“Tie game!”

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

Sheesh, good thing they scored the run.
Bob Stone

This can’t be happening.
Mykey

…But that was a strike out…
Jimmy McNulty

REED JOHNSON HAS TIED IT!!!!! Oh, one run game, beg your pardon. Fucking shitty baserunning better not cost this team a win.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Joe Buck FAIL there.
AaronGuileWithASmile

Joe Buck is a proud graduate of the Chip Caray school of broadcasting.
dkidd

joe buck is just the worst
TheLastClown

Damn, Bucky just coming out of his shoes at that HR.
Karl Krawfid

Fucking bullshit ump man.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Ugh, no mood for this.
MikeD

A HR and a single to not-great hitters. Let’s pull it together, Mo.
Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

The Cubs. This should be a lot of fun.
the tenth inning stretch

This is the most excited and vocal Buck’s been all game.
tom

If Mo blows this, it’ll be the ugliest game of the year.
Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

“And that’s why you should bunt more”

-Joe Girardi
nooooo not another double play!

Joe buck wishes it was a tie game. What a dumbass
http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

What a turn of events
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Thank you.
AaronGuileWithASmile

Yankees win!

Now let’s never speak of it again.
Greg

YANKEES WIN
the tenth inning stretch

Wow, a check-swing strike 3 from the first-base ump to end it. When do you ever see that?
- CMP
  
  That evens out the missed strike 3 on Johnson.
  - MikeD
    
    He did swing. The home-plate ump should have called it.
Cy Pettitte

we play barely good enough today, we win today. das it.
nooooo not another double play!

That insurance run was really impportant. Thank you Nunez
Rob

that was scary, cc’s pitching tomorrow, so we will probably score about 19 runs, that should be fun
MikeD

It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win. Perhaps they can hit ten HRs tomorrow just to feel better.
the tenth inning stretch

WHOA, how about Joe Buck’s lisptick in the “Stand up to cancer” commercial?
Ivan

Yankee’s Win, Theeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Yankee’s WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nsalem

Lets Go Brewers
- nooooo not another double play!
  
  Brewers teeing off on Lester and of course those pesky red sox will either tie or take the lead…
Greg

What was wrong with this win? I didnt see any of it?
- nsalem
  
  Brett Gardner hit into 4 triple plays and made 6 errors.
- 28 this year
  
  like more than 20 baserunners, no DPs, yet they still only scored four runs. Also, plenty more outs on the bases.
  - Greg
    
    I see only 2 caught stealings and 2 outfield assists.
- The BIG 3
  
  What was wrong with this win?
  
  Nothing. A win is a win. But the pitching aside, this may have been either the most pathetic or unluckiest offensive performance of the year.
  
  Historic, even.
  - The BIG 3
    
    Sorry. This was either the most pathetic or unluckiest offensive performance of the year
tom

This is one where you just say, Got the win, and then put it out of your mind. No one’s going to feel proud about how the game played out.
Jeff

I’m all for small ball and making things happen, but that was some major league piss-pore base running.
The BIG 3

From 1973 to 2011, (requiring R=11, BB>=10 and GIDP=0), sorted by greatest R

If I did that right, just 15 similar games since 1983, the last which was almost 20 years ago. It’s an historic day in ineptitude, folks.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/game_finder.cgi?type=b&class=team#gotresults&as=team_batting&offset=0&match=basic&min_year_game=1973&max_year_game=2011&series=any&series_game=any&WL=any&team_id=&opp_id=&HV=any&game_site=&temperature_min=0&temperature_max=120&wind_speed_min=0&wind_speed_max=90&wind_direction_tolf=1&wind_direction_tocf=1&wind_direction_torf=1&wind_direction_fromlf=1&wind_direction_fromcf=1&wind_direction_fromrf=1&wind_direction_ltor=1&wind_direction_rtol=1&wind_direction_unknown=1&precipitation_unknown=1&precipitation_none=1&precipitation_drizzle=1&precipitation_showers=1&precipitation_rain=1&precipitation_snow=1&sky_unknown=1&sky_sunny=1&sky_cloudy=1&sky_overcast=1&sky_night=1&sky_dome=1&orderby=R&c1criteria=R&c1gtlt=lt&c1val=4&c2criteria=H&c2gtlt=gt&c2val=11&c3criteria=BB&c3gtlt=gt&c3val=10&c4criteria=GIDP&c4gtlt=eq&c4val=0&c5criteria=&c5gtlt=eq&c5val=1.0&c6criteria=&firstteamgames=&ajax=1&submitter=1
- The BIG 3
  
  From 1973 to 2011, (requiring R=11, BB>=10 and GIDP=0), sorted by greatest R
  - The BIG 3
    
    Heh.
    
    From 1973 to 2011, requiring R equal or less then 4,
    Hits equal to or greater than 11
    BB equal to or greater than 10
    GIDP equal 0
    Sorted by greatest R
    - The BIG 3
      
      On 8-23-80 (heh, my birthday), Houston scored one run while accumulating 13 hits and 10 walks. They lost 0-1
      
      LMAO
http://www.CarlsYankeeDugout.com Carl

That was such a scare. Hell, the last 4 innings was a scare. What an escape. Oh and, Fire Joe Buck.
- Greg
  
  An escape? Apart from the two hits Mo gave up in the ninth, the Cubs didnt get on base against the bullpen.
Justin

Anyone watchin Extra Innings interview w/ AJ? Is that Wallace Matthews hanging over everyone like a creeper?