Game 120: Back On Pace

August 18, 2012 by Mike Axisa 663 Comments

Bobby Valentine disapproves of the final out of last night’s game.

The Yankees further buried the Red Sox with last night’s win, but more importantly they gained a game on the Orioles and maintained their lead on the Rays. With eleven wins in their last 16 games (.688 winning percentage), the Bombers are pretty much right back on the pace they set from the start of the first Oakland trip through the start of the second (33-13, .717). A win this afternoon knocks the magic number down to just 37. Here is the starting lineup…

DH Derek Jeter
1B Nick Swisher
2B Robinson Cano
RF Andruw Jones
3B Casey McGehee
CF Curtis Granderson
C Russell Martin
SS Jayson Nix
LF Ichiro Suzuki

RHP David Phelps

This afternoon’s game is scheduled to begin a little after 4pm ET and can be seen on FOX. Enjoy.

Brian S.

Same lineup as yesterday.
Greg

Hilarious that Roy Oswalt was forced to start because Ryan Dempster forgot his passport.
- sangreal
  
  Especially when you consider that he is Canadian
Pat D

It is impossible to enjoy a Fox game. Even the comeback from earlier this year (because I was at work). But it’s impossible to enjoy any game where BuckCarver is present.
jjyank

That .gif is awesome.
- Erica
  
  Bwahahahaha. Stoopid Bobby V.
  - jjyank
    
    Stoopid reminds me, great band.
dkidd

odd line-up

no matter, we will crush them
Greg

Oh well, Buck’s out at least
- Erica
  
  SO HAPPY ABOUT THAT. But I’d almost rather have him over this other dude who is announcing with Old Man McCarver and, eugh, Ken Rosenthal.
  - Greg
    
    That’s Kenny Albert. Son of Marv.
    - Erica
      
      Oh. Charming. He has marbles in his mouth. I think I’ll listen to John and Suzyn.
Pasta Stumbling Sojo

On the Fox pregame: “If the Red Sox were a stock, they’d be Facebook.” Ha.
- Erica
  
  LOL, I thought I heard that! Glorious.
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  Ha! That’s beautiful. Especially because I made money on FB.
  - Erica
    
    What, like, 5 cents? I was ALMOST going to buy stock in it. Almost.
    - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
      
      Nah, I was lucky, I got the IPO at 40 and traded it almost immediately and made about 2 bucks a share, only made like 40 bucks after the trading fees but you know, it was fun.
      - Erica
        
        Well hey, it’s money you didn’t have before!
  - Pasta Stumbling Sojo
    
    Really? When did you buy and sell? And I hope you’re either rich or not putting a significant amount of money into trading individual stocks.
    - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
      
      Got the IPO and traded literally within minutes, like I said, I didn’t make much, but I knew that there would be a huge buy for it after it opened and it would collapse very shortly after so I got in and out quick.
Pasta Stumbling Sojo

Didn’t someone last night say there was a front view of Valentine swearing as the catch was made? Anyone have a gif of that?
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  I still love from last time these teams got together, Pedroia made an out on a ball he hit decently to left (like last night) and they had him coming back into the dug out with a microphone fixed on him as well and caught him, with no bleeping “fuckin A.” T’was priceless.
  - jjyank
    
    Haha I remember that, that was great.
  - Erica
    
    YES AHAHAHAHAHA. Silly little elf, that Dusty P.
Greg

The law firm of Phelps and Lowe is open for buisness
grumphat

This game is blacked out on MLBTV because it’s nationally broadcast, but FOX where I am is showing Cardinals, not Yankees/Sox. Is there any way to get around this? Streamtorrent isn’t an option…
CUYanks

Anyone else impressed by what the Reds are doing without their best player? They just keep winning.
- Bullwinkles
  
  I am, but I have Votto on my fantasy team and it is killing me!!
  - jjyank
    
    I feel ya man.
- Bullwinkles
  
  Impressed but I’m missing him on my fantasy team. And crap I picked up Phelps this morning.
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Because Defensive Catcher.
Professor Longnose

Interesting article about the 2012 Red Sox compared to the 2001 version, with comments from David Cone: http://bostonherald.com/sports.....position=1
- Erica
  
  Bookmarked this, thank you!
Erica

Ooooooooh no.
Greg

Oppo bomb
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE He gave up a homer he’s terrible RABBLE RABBLE.
Professor Longnose

Damn, I hate Adrian Gonzalez.
Greg

That’s great hitting by Gonzalez. The pitch was where Phelps wanted it
Bunt Gardner

Phelps has quick feet.
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Well..that could’ve been much worse. I’m upset he let their best player beat him, but again it could’ve been MUCH worse.
- Greg
  
  It really wasn’t Phelps’ fault. He got the pitch where Martin and he wanted it; away. Gonzalez just hit with great power
Brian S.

Phelps sucks
- Erica
  
  They seeeeeee me trollllllin’
  - Need Pitching & Hitting
    
    They hatin’
    - jjyank
      
      Tryin’ to catch me ridin’….trolly?
      - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
        
        Tryin to catch me TROLLIN DIRTY. Come on man, it was right there for you. Seriously though, we need Weird Al to get on a full song STAT.
        
        jjyank
        
        Wow I don’t know how that didn’t occur to me haha.
Chilango

Wonder which Lester’s gonna show up today
- CUYanks
  
  Hopefully the Toronto one where he gave up 11 er.
jjyank

Hopefully that AB means we’re getting bad Lester today.
Brian S.

The only better hitting shortstop this year has been Ian Desmond.
Brian S.

Ump helping Lester out. Asshole.
Erica

Swiiiiiiish.
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  is en fuego!
jjyank

Swish stays hot!
CUYanks

It’s a shame Teix can’t play because I think he’d have a field day hitting righty against Lester here.
Chilango

Robbie: PATIENCE
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

According to Sterling the fact that the weather cleared up last night was “magic” and not…you know…nature.

Btw, I left work last night and went out with my friends with 1st and 3rd one out Martin up tied 4-4 bottom 6th…and got home for the Encore in almost the exact same spot. That was awesome.
Brian S.

Robbie is slumping and it is annoying.
Greg

Cano really in a slump
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Robbie…that was…not a strike (to say the least)
Chilango

Can’t let Lester get out of this Let’s go!
Mike Myers

Did he just call Andrew the most dominant pull hitter in the AL?

Has he never seen joey bats?
Brian S.

Come on Jones!
- Brian S.
  
  Slowest runner on the team.
  - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
    
    Mark Teixeira would like a word with you.
    - Brian S.
      
      Teixeira beats that out.
      - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
        
        I’m listening on the radio, so I seriously have no idea, but in a race between Tex, Ibanez, and Jones, I think Tex comes in last by a decent amount.
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

I’m seriously amazed that lefties don’t just pound sinkers down and away on Jones. Seriously, I love the guy, he’s great in the club house and can still launch a ball if he gets a hanger, but he cannot hit the sinker down and away from a lefty.
- Brian S.
  
  He’s terrible. One home run in the last month doesn’t change that.
Will The Thrill

Ryan Ludwick for RH power bat in 2013 please. Jones has outstayed his welcome.
- CUYanks
  
  Scott Hairston maybe?
- Need Pitching & Hitting
  
  I’d imagine his option would get picked up, no?
Mick taylor

The great andruw jones comes through in the clutch again.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  Yes, that inning was clearly on Andruw, the one guy who actually put the ball in play and not the two who struck out.
  - Brian S.
    
    Why are you so defensive of Andruw? You like platoon players with sub .300 OBP’s and >30% K rates?
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
      
      Because people are idiots and let ~70 PA sway their opinions.
Brian S.

FAILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
CUYanks

At least he had to throw 24 pitches.
Greg

I must remind you the rule coming was don’t get swept so the Yankees have already accomplished their goal.

And they have their best pitcher going tomorrow.
- Greg
  
  The Yankees do in Kuroda, while the Red Sox have their second worst starter going in Beckett.
- jjyank
  
  No the goal is to win as many games as possible, or at least the series. I’m far more concerned about Tampa and Baltimore than Boston anyway, so I don’t give two craps if they gain any ground in the standings or not.
  - Greg
    
    I’m not worried about Tampa yet.
    
    They still have to play the Rangers 6 times in the next few weeks and we still have a home series against them away from their dome.
    - jjyank
      
      You’re more worried about Boston, who is 13.5 games back?
      - Greg
        
        No. I’m not worried period when it comes to getting into the playoffs and winning the division.
        
        jjyank
        
        So where do you come up with “don’t worry, the goal was to not get swept”? That’s not the goal, and I’m willing to bet any member of the Yankees would call you nuts.
Widget

I tune in and see RISPfail. And the assholes already have a 2 run lead. Pathetic.
- jjyank
  
  Pathetic? It’s the second inning. Far from overreaction time.
- Brian S.
  
  Meh. If the Rays lose I won’t care much. Boston is just ruining their draft position.
Will The Thrill

I’ve been wondering who’s going to be called up in September. I was thinking maybe guys like Corban Joseph and Mark Montgomery.
jjyank

So. Smooth.
- Brian S.
  
  You’d watch
  - jjyank
    
    Watch what?
Erica

Can is SO SMOOTH
- Erica
  
  And so is Cano!
CUYanks

Do you think maybe the increased dominance of pitching has been aided by improved and ridiculously effective defensive shifts and positioning.
- Brian S.
  
  I think defense is the biggest reason pitching has been dominant since 2010. The Yankees aren’t a good defensive ballclub but they are much improved over what they used to be and it’s cut around half a run of ERA off our pitching staff. I wonder what Wang could have done 2006-2008 with a defense that wasn’t among the worst of all time.
Chilango

Phelps looks good. Gonzalez hut a good pitch so hats off to him. We should be able to get more than 2 off Lester.
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

NICK PUNTO IS BETTER THAN ERIC CHAVEZ!
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

I fuckin hate Giraffe Guy. Just when I thought I was running out of hate for the Red Sox (It’s hard to care about a sub .500 4th place team.) This guy comes out of nowhere to garner hate on almost a Pedrioa or Youkilis level.
- Mike Myers
  
  When Youk left i ran out of soxs to hate….I guess Ciraco the Somalian will have to fill in.
- Erica
  
  Why?
  - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
    
    The way he looks like a Giraffe, should by all accounts be a shitty player, but at the end of the day is a +.300 hitter and hits well against us.
    - jjyank
      
      You’re so racist!
      
      /Big Member’d
      - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
        
        No, I hate all races(and people for that matter) equally
      - Erica
        
        I don’t know if there’s anyone on the Sox to provide Ciriaco with emotional support.
        
        http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
        
        http://dancingczars.files.word.....racist.gif
        
        Erica
        
        YOU KNOW WHAT I AM REFERRING TO. (Cute gif hahahah)
        
        http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
        
        Haha, it’s one of my favorites.
Mike Myers

Is Ciraco the new Yankee killer? Seems like he is always hitting us.
Pasta Stumbling Sojo

Did Greg change his handle back from The Real Greg, or are there now two Gregs who make up arbitrary rules for what needs to happen in a given series?
- Greg
  
  No, I’m still here. I base my rules on statistics and percentages.
  - Need Pitching & Hitting
    
    Really? Seems like they are mostly based on flawed logic.
  - Pasta Stumbling Sojo
    
    I honestly can’t tell if this is the real Greg or if it’s someone like Big Member parodying. (If so, good job.)
    
    Assuming it’s not a parody: How is this rule based on statistics and percentages? How does the fact that the Yankees won last night affect how important it is to win the next two games? If they had won two nights ago but lost last night, would there be any difference in what “needs” to happen these next two games?
Will The Thrill

I hate how the sports media/Boston players talk about these games like they’re only 3 games back in the standings. They need a reality check. Also someone please wipe that smirk off Ciraco’s face…
- Greg
  
  That’s why I said that the rule was to avoid being swept. Vary littl ground gained
Brian S.

Somebody tell the 2010 Blue Jays that they were playing the game wrong!
Greg

Lester is off today. Bad location
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Can we please score some runs off of this douche-nozzle?
- jjyank
  
  Ha, douche-nozzle. I used that phrase all the time when I was in college.
- jjyank
  
  Ha, douche-nozzle. I used that phrase all the time when I was in college.
  - jjyank
    
    Oops, my bad on the double post.
Brian S.

Pedroia wasn’t even on the fucking bag
- jjyank
  
  The replay disagrees with you.
- Jack
  
  “. . . but, you can’t get them all right.” – John Sterling
  
  Ugh.
  - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
    
    robot umps would.
Chilango

Lester looks like shit so of course we’re not scoring off him. WTF
- CUYanks
  
  Through 2 innings.
  - Chilango
    
    right. that’s why I didn’t say: we DIDN’T score off him. See what happens 2d time through the lineup.
Heisenberg’s Hat

Granderson is just never going to steal another base, is he?
- Brian S.
  
  Most fast players lose their speed around his age. I’m not surprised.
  - Heisenberg’s Hat
    
    He’s not doing much to increase his FA value.
Greg

Calm down please
Will The Thrill

The walk to Grandy was strategic by Lester. He’d rather not risk pitching to a guy with 30HRS and pitch to a guy hitting .198 who’s a double play machine. Martin hits just enough not to be a waste at the plate but boy is he horrible the other 95% of the time.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  I’m going to go out on a limb and say the leadoff walk was not strategic.
  - jjyank
    
    Plus Granderson hasn’t been exactly hot lately.
  - CUYanks
    
    Haven’t you seen Rookie of the Year? Float it Rowengartner!
  - Will The Thrill
    
    4 straight balls that were way out of the strikezone. I can’t say it was definitely strategic but it looked like it.
    - Chilango
      
      More like Lester looks like shit today.
- Get Phelps Up
  
  Martin is a better hitter against LHP than Grandy.
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Were’s Big Member. I need some humor to brighten up this so far not fun game.
jjyank

Rosenthal: Crawford doesn’t want to have TJS yet because he doesn’t want to bail on the team while it’s still in contention.

Wut?
- CUYanks
  
  I also heard that the doctor said his surgery will take longer to recover from than the standard position player TJS.
  - jjyank
    
    I heard that too. I just think it’s so cute that he thinks that the Red Sox are in contention.
  - Brian S.
    
    FOX is saying he could be ready by Opening Day. I thought he was going to take 9-12 months?
    - CUYanks
      
      Yeah, I’ve heard he might hardly make it back for much of 2013.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  They’re only 6.5 back of the Wild Card!
  - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
    
    They’ll make a run! I’m tellin ya!
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
      
      One of these days they’ll win eight in a row and 11 of 12 and you’ll see!
      - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
        
        …and they’ll still have at least 2 of the six teams in front of them still in front of them, because not all those teams are going to loose 11 of 12.
  - Get Phelps Up
    
    I can’t wait until they beat the Yankees in one of these games and really turn their season around!
    - CUYanks
      
      Just you wait! They’ll hop their way to the World Series!
Brian S.

Among catchers with 250 PA’s this season Martin is only hitting better than Josh Thole, John Buck, Rod Barajas, Kurt Suzuki, and Jesus Flores.
- Brian S.
  
  ~19 catchers hitting better than him.
Will The Thrill

Nice bounce back inning by Phelps.
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  But he allowed a homer in an inning therefore he’s terrible, Right? that’s what I got from last night’s game thread about Hughes…
Pasta Stumbling Sojo

Actually, after thinking about it, that really might be Big Member (or someone similar) posting under “Greg” above. He’s captured Greg’s style and arbitrary “rules” nicely, but he’s also thrown in a little bit of Big Member-isms like “I base my rules on statistics and percentages” and the spelling errors.
- Erica
  
  Yeah, this Greg isn’t negative enough.
Mike Myers

The CC and Agone contracts next year = 40.5MM…..Albatross?
Add beckett and Lackey and you are looking at around 70MM for four players….

1 good, but not great 1B
A OF that doesnt play
Beckett falling apart
Lackey and his 8ERA when he is around

WOW….red soxs are in a world of hurt for the next few years at least.
- Brian S.
  
  Gonzalez isn’t an albatross. His contract is pretty good when you look at what Teixeira, Pujols, and Fielder got.
  - Mike Myers
    
    Its not, you are correct. he is still looking way overpaid. 21MM until 2018. He seems to be declining….thats gonna hurt
Brian S.

GROUNDOUT TO PUNTO MOARRRRRR
Heisenberg’s Hat

Get to Lester, please.
Erica

Loving Swish right now
Chilango

Lester looks awful why don’t we have a crooked number up there yet?
- Greg
  
  Good infield defense by Punto and Ciriaco and some bad swings
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Is anybody hotter than Nick Swisher right now?
- Mike Myers
  
  Wayne Gretskys daughter.
  - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
    
    omg…you’re right.
- Nick Swisher’s Wife
  
  Nope.
  - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
    
    you’re not ugly either Mrs. Swisher.
    - jjyank
      
      She’s hot as hell.
- Brian S.
  
  Pussy Riot
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

I love that Nick and Tex are 1-2 in all time homers from each side of the plate, but lets be real alot of that has to do with starters used to go much further back in the day, and bullpens where a place for failed pitchers.
Tom

McCarver got on his soapbox about steroids earlier than usual today. Usually he rolls that out around the 5th or 6th innings.

I must have missed McCarver’s consternation over Ryan Braun last year.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Ugh, Robbie shoulda destroyed that pitch.
- Chilango
  
  Seemed like he was looking fastball and got the hanging slider.
Greg

Slumping
Mike N

What’s up, peeps? Are we hysterical yet?
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  Mildly upset. Not hysterical yet…but Phelps allowed a homer, so according to the Phil Hughes rule he’s garbage, and we’re letting Lester off the hook cause his stuff has not been great.
  - Mike N
    
    Is Big Member here yet?
    - jjyank
      
      Unfortunately, no.
    - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
      
      Sadly, no :( I could really use on of his posts about now.
  - Chilango
    
    No because Phelps gave up the homer on a good pitch whereas Hughes usually gives up homers on hangers and fastballs that leak back over.
Heisenberg’s Hat

I hate seeing teams with good defensive infields take away our hits.
The Real Greg

Holy crap, I just realized that I’ve been posting as Greg because I’m on a different computer. Sorry about that.

I am The Real Greg
- Erica
  
  That WAS you posting this whole time? It didn’t seem like it.
  - jjyank
    
    I was hoping it was a fake Greg, to be honest.
    - Get Phelps Up
      
      I was hoping it was Big Member.
      - jjyank
        
        Likewise.
    - Pasta Stumbling Sojo
      
      Yeah, same. (Still not 100% convinced. That Big Member is one clever dude.)
      - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
        
        He’s probably one of the most intelligent trolls I’ve ever seen.
        
        Get Phelps Up
        
        I wouldn’t be all that surprised if all his spelling errors were intentional.
        
        jjyank
        
        They have to be. Or at least I really, really hope they are. Pet peeve of mine.
        
        Mike N
        
        Of course they are intentional. He is not a “troll” in the usual sense of the term, but a very clever well-crafted parody of an RAB troll.
  - The Real Greg
    
    I know but taking 3-4 from Texas has really emboldend me to say that this series means very little.
    - jjyank
      
      Well you’re right that it doesn’t mean much. I mean, you probably know my general out look on the Yankees by now, Greg, and you know I’m not a ledge jumper and I don’t freak out about a single game, or even a series of them. But even I would never say that winning 1 out of 3 games is the “goal”, so it’s all good. That’s nuts.
      - The Real Greg
        
        Maybe “goal” was bad wording. “Minimum” is better
- Pasta Stumbling Sojo
  
  So if it really is you, can you answer my questions about your “rule” earlier?
RetroRob

I really dislike when Cano goes into his suck phase. More so than other hitters on the Yankees, because his skills should prevent it from happening for long stretches.
- Mike N
  
  Hitting well is never consistent all season long, even for the best hitters.
  - RetroRob
    
    Yes, of course. Some hitters are more prone to bad stretches. Cano has a higher skill set.
Need Pitching & Hitting

Did they announce what Phelps’ pitch limit is for today?
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  Well it was 80ish last time, so I’d have to think it’s at least 90 if not 90-100.
  - jjyank
    
    Yeah, isn’t ~15 the norm for building up pitch counts? I’d think Phelps is good for around 95 or so today.
  - CUYanks
    
    He’s at 50 right now, so he could easily go a couple more if things don’t unravel.
    - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
      
      I could easily see him getting through 6 and maybe even starting the 7th like a big boy starter.
  - Need Pitching & Hitting
    
    Yeah, he threw 78 last time, so I’d guess probably 90-95.
CUYanks

I hope the Yankees take a big lead soon. I’m really hoping for another Lowe save.
- Get Phelps Up
  
  Lowe coming in and dominating the Red Sox would be so awesome.
  - Mike N
    
    Am I correct that he hasn’t even pitched since then?
    - Get Phelps Up
      
      You are.
      - Mike N
        
        Tx.
    - Mike N
      
      Duh. Where “then” is his four-inning save.
Mike N

The picture at the top of the game post is loading absurdly slowly and causing the whole thread to hang for me. Anyone else experiencing this as well?
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  Yeah, I just stop the loading and refresh every few seconds though and it’s fine.
  - jjyank
    
    That’s what I’ve been doing too. Maybe Mike should just pick a picture and link to the .gif in the future though.
- CUYanks
  
  Yeah, I love that gif, but having it load over and over at the top of the thread is slowing things down for me too.
- jjyank
  
  Yeah, I am seeing that too. I know it’s not on my end, my internet is fast and I’m sitting like 5 feet from my router.
  - Mike N
    
    I blocked image loading from “filesmelt.com”, which is hosting the image, and now the page loads fine.
    - jjyank
      
      Word, good call.
The Real Greg

BABIP going the Sox’s way.
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr.....qfiszl.gif
  
  here’s a gif of a man punching a bear in the face to make you feel better.
- Tom
  
  Boston BABIP 2 for 10
  NY BABIP 2 for 9
  
  Yeah… pretty much going Boston’s way….
  - The Real Greg
    
    My mistake. Bias, I guess.
- DERP
  
  It does feel that we have had a lot more grounders than the Sox which generally have a higher BABIP
DERP

Jayson Nix is getting a big hit today.
The Real Greg

The main difference that I have seen from Lester is that he has been able to throw is breaking balls for strikes
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

GRANDYMAN!!!
DERP

Nice to see one of the those hits to center go out.
jjyank

Yay Grandy! Just 2 more now, boys.
Need Pitching & Hitting

Grandyman!
Get Phelps Up

Grandyman!! That was crushed.
Chilango

Nice Grander-bomb
Mike N

CUUUUUUUUUUURTIS!!!!!!!!!!
Get Phelps Up

sigh…at least it wasn’t Ciriaco.
Mike N

Buck and McCarver are so fucking annoying.
- The Real Greg
  
  That’s not Buck
  - DERP
    
    He is still right.
  - Mike N
    
    Who the fuck is in there with McCarver today? Whoever it is, he is also fucking annoying.
jjyank

I meant to tell you all this yesterday, but I forgot. I found this funny:

One of my coworkers is a middle aged Red Sox fan. So of course, at work yesterday I was talking a lot of smack to him, and he eventually gave up his retaliation. When he did I said “Hey, sorry for trolling so hard”. And he gives me the most puzzled look I’ve ever seen and says “…like we were under a bridge?”

He had no idea what a troll was. I had to explain it several times to make him understand. I found it hilarious.
jjyank

Phelps is looking pretty damn good.
Brian S.

Bean Ciriaco in his neck please.
RetroRob

What’s Phelps’ pitch count? Still surprised me Fox hasn’t added in a simple counter since pretty much all fans are aware of how pitch counts impact pitchers/games.
- Tom
  
  58 at the start of the Punto AB
  - RetroRob
    
    Thanks.
- Need Pitching & Hitting
  
  58, he’s in good shape in that regard.
The Real Greg

Ciriaco is hitting everybody, including the Yanks.
Mike Myers

I was at the game last night. An annoying sox fan was running around yelling “wheres the score board?” when they were up by 1. I told him its right next to the standings….

He then went on a 2 minute tirade about how veritek is going to be the manager in 2 years and its “all over”

what an idiot. whats wrong with these people? Also,are razor blades not sold in Boston?
- Brian S.
  
  You should have found him after the Yankees won and told him to kill himself.
  - jjyank
    
    …right as they’re talking about the Will To Live Foundation.
    
    Not cool, man.
    - Mike Myers
      
      I think he just needed a hug and for some one to tell him everything will be all right
      - jjyank
        
        Who, Brian?
- Mike N
  
  Have you ever lived in Boston?
  - Mike Myers
    
    Lived, no. visited, yes. why?
    - Mike N
      
      You’d understand what is wrong with Red Sock fans.
Get Phelps Up

I fucking hate Ciriaco.
RetroRob

Ciraco. I wonder what his stats are with the Yankees backed out.
Chilango

Fuckin Ciriaco again next time let’s see some chin music
jjyank

I’ve been really surprised by Phelps’ pick off move, I had no idea until his last start that it was so good.
DERP

ugh
Mike N

Gah.
Brian S.

Andruw Jones is awesome! He’s so great!
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Ciriaco and Punto. Alrighty then.
The Real Greg

Phelps should be ashamed of himself for letting Nick Punto beat him
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  What are you talking about Punto is better than Chavez
  
  /some troll whose name I don’t recall’d
Heisenberg’s Hat

Andruw Jones, Gold Glover.
Need Pitching & Hitting

Andruw Jones has looked plain awful in the OF.
Get Phelps Up

Fucking Punto and Ciriaco.
wow

this is a weak lineup if I’ve ever seen one.

Also, Andruw Jones. lol
Chilango

Not getting to Lester in the first 2 innings looms large
The Real Greg

Calm down everybody please
- Need Pitching & Hitting
  
  you first
  - The Real Greg
    
    I am calm. Because this game means very little
    - Tom
      
      3
    - Get Phelps Up
      
      It means the same as all the other ones.
      - The Real Greg
        
        Which is very little with 162 of them.
        
        Brian S.
        
        4
        
        Get Phelps Up
        
        What are we counting this time? Irrational Greg comments?
        
        Tom
        
        I was counting the CALMMMMM DOWNNNNN comments and this game is meaningless comments.
        
        Brian S is backing me up (thanks)
    - Need Pitching & Hitting
      
      It means the same as every other game.
      You’re only calm with regards to the game.
      You completely overreact to anything that can even slightly be construed as a negative comment.
- Tom
  
  2
- Heisenberg’s Hat
  
  You need to retire this line.
  - Mike N
    
    Srsly. It is just boring.
Widget

Seriously this Ciriaco shit has to stop.
CUYanks

Nice job by Phelps there limiting the damage.
Chilango

Nice recovery by Phelps. One bad pitch …to PUNTO ffsake.
DERP

Allow hits to Ciriaco and Punto. Allow weak grounders to Ellsbury and Crawford.
- Brian S.
  
  Well Ellsbury is terrible.
jjyank

Not that I would anyway, but that Chevy commercial makes me just want to never ever ever buy a Chevy.
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Ugh…Phelps pulling the lack of shut down inning. Take after Kuroda, not Hughes/Nova man!
- Heisenberg’s Hat
  
  Greg said to calm down.
Mike Myers

Hey Mike,

any chance you guys will upgrade the chat so we can paste pictures and video?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  You mean the comments? No chance. That won’t end well.
  - jjyank
    
    Most likely. Didn’t DRays Bay invade OTM and post gay porn pictures during The Collapse?
    - Brian S.
      
      Yes. Yes they did.
      - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
        
        Officially no longer hate Rays fans as much.
  - Mike Myers
    
    You are correct. However, wouldnt a Nova 4inn 8ER blowup feel less awful with a few pictures of brooklyn decker? Or Youkilis getting tossed around by that pitcher a few years ago?
    - Mike Myers
      
      http://www.blinkx.com/watch-vi.....CaqW9bDrMg
      - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
        
        but you have to remember this is the internet. SO MANY PENISES..or Peni. I prefer Peni.
DERP

Nix is getting a hit here.
The Real Greg

Another hard hit right at Punto
DERP

Now I see why Ted Nelson was singing the praises of Punto this offseason.
Chilango

Lester has to give up at least 4 no? WTF
- Brian S.
  
  Double into the left field gap Jeter
Heisenberg’s Hat

Steal second. Steal second. Steal second.
- Brian S.
  
  GIVE THEM MORE DIRECTIONS
  - Heisenberg’s Hat
    
    HIT MORE HOMERUNS, EVEN THOUGH THEY KILL RALLIES.
jjyank

Is the Phillies’ mascot the dumbest mascot in all of professional sports?
- sangreal
  
  the green man agrees
  - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
    
    Green Man is the greatest mascot ever.
- Mike N
  
  I am so glad the Yanks have no mascot.
  - jjyank
    
    Same here.
DERP

Ichiro!
- Tom
  
  I had very low expectations, so I’m happy with that pickup.
  
  The sooner Tex can get back into the lineup and Jones/Ibanez can primarily be relegated to platoon DH or PH opportunities, the better.
  - Mike N
    
    Yes, it would be good for Tex to be back at first, and Swish to be back in the outfield, so Jones/Ibanez don’t have to start in the field much.
Get Phelps Up

Please shut up Tim.
Mike N

RISPHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chilango

RISP less than 2 outs let’s go
The Real Greg

Just not their day
Brian S.

Fuck off Punto
Heisenberg’s Hat

Chopped to short. Again.
DERP

What a great fucking player that Nick Punto is. Just fantastic.
Brian S.

smh
- Heisenberg’s Hat
  
  smmfh
The Real Greg

Makes me depressed a bit to see all the breaks go the Sox way. Despite the facts that I have mentioned before.
- Tom
  
  It’s not a Fox game with the Red Sox until they go to the “oh the injuries” storyline.
  - Heisenberg’s Hat
    
    They’ve also said the Yanks have had just as many injuries. Be fair.
- Chilango
  
  Yeah but we had 3 chances to get Lester and didn’t get it done.
  - The Real Greg
    
    Thanks to great defense by Nick Punto and Ciriaco.
Mick taylor

Luv when andruw flashes that leather
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

I Need MOAR COWBELL!!!!!! runs…I totally meant runs…
Brian S.

Pedroia is such a cunt. Everytime he makes an out he’s cussing and losing his shit.
Haywood Jablowmy

So how has phelps looked.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  Decent enough. Number of hard hit balls right at people.
  - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
    
    He also has 7 Strike Outs vs 0 Walks. That’s pretty impressive.
- RetroRob
  
  A bad pitch to Gonzalez for a HR, and a misplay by Jones in the OF. He’s been okay.
  - The Real Greg
    
    It wasn’t a bad pitch. It was where Russell and Phelps wanted it. Gonzalez just hit it with power the other way.
    - RetroRob
      
      Fair enough. That was kind of my reaction when it was hit, but I referred to it as a bad pitch based on result.
Mike N

Pedroia ran that grounder out pretty guttily, but not sufficiently grittily.
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  NEED MOAR GRIT!!
- Tom
  
  If he was truly hustling he would have gone to the headfirst dive.
  - Heisenberg’s Hat
    
    This one?
    
    http://www.nomaas.org/images/SlappyOHairless.gif
    - Tom
      
      Nice.
      
      I was just thinking of the generic ultimate false hustle play of diving into first.
    - Tom
      
      “Can you think of any occurrence like this, Ken?” (Tim McCarver)
      “Well they did this last year with Jordan Zimmerman (you dumb shit)” (Ken)
      
      Yeah, but, but, but the point is…..
RetroRob

Oh, kind of surprised it took until the 6th inning to mention the great collapse. Have they brought up 2004 yet, or is that finally in their rearview mirror?
Fried Chicken and Beer

“The Red Sox players have ‘been too easily distracted’.”

*evil cackle*
- DERP
  
  Mike, please out this guy.
  - jjyank
    
    Me. Just trying to brighten up the game thread :P
    - DERP
      
      Nice
  - RetroRob
    
    Huh, why would he need to be “outed?”
Mike N

Who gives a shit about all this Red Sock clubhouse intrigue? All teams that suck have clubhouse intrigue, because everyone’s trying to blame everyone else for sucking. I expect this shit on NESN, but it’s not interesting at all to a national audience.
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  Are you kidding me? I love it. My hate of the Sox, leads me to love the fact that they are falling apart so publicly.
  - jjyank
    
    Same. I get a big fat smile on my face when I hear about the shit show going on in Boston.
    - Get Phelps Up
      
      This week has been especially fun. It’s like every day there’s a new story.
  - MannyGeee
    
    All of this… It’s like seing the popular kid in high school making a career of Burger King as you’re graduating college
  - RetroRob
    
    Totally. Red Sox fans for years would always talk about their great, gritty team, and that the Yankees were a product of their high payroll. So now here they are with their 180M payroll about to miss the postseason for the third straight year and with more dissention than any team in the game. Right now they’ve got problems, so I will enjoy it.
    
    I actually think Valentine is the least of their problems. It’s a signal of just how messed up an organization they are at the moment, from the clubhouse to the front office. Love it.
- Heisenberg’s Hat
  
  You don’t have to like the Sox to find this an interesting story. And they do have fans all over the country, just like the Yankees do.
  - Mike N
    
    I guess I’m in the minority on this.
- Chilango
  
  You figure the audience will be mostly Sox or Yanks fans so mentioning it seems reasonable but then they do a whole half-inning’s worth of bullshit and it gets old. Everyone knows what the story is.
Mike Myers

Nice strike out….he was fooled
Mike N

Way to go Phelps!
MannyGeee

Lavarnaway is fuckijg huge… How is it that he’s gonna stick at catcher and Montero was not?
- jjyank
  
  I don’t know anything about Lavarnaway, but it’s not just size, it’s flexibility and athleticism. Joe Mauer is huge too.
  - Mike Myers
    
    Weiters is a big dude too
Tom

So Phelps around 80 pitches, 2 out, man on first and Logan is warming? For?

Posednik? Punto 4 batters down the line?
- MannyGeee
  
  To make sure he gets 150 appearances this season, of course
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Phelps come out for the 7th?
- Chilango
  
  Yes, on a short leash
Mike Myers

Padres optioned RHP Ross Ohlendorf to Triple-A Tucson.
Ohlendorf was shelled for eight runs in just 2 1/3 innings Friday by the Giants and has a 7.58 overall ERA this year. The Padres haven’t made a corresponding move.

I cant believe he is still around….we traded him for Marte right?
- jjyank
  
  And Nady. But Tabata was the real prospect.
  - Mike Myers
    
    Tabata looks terrible as well. he took that contract extension and ran.
Haywood Jablowmy

Nice at bat robbie must have a date tonight
The Real Greg

And the problems continue because the Jets are playing the Giants tonight and everybody is going to make a big deal of what happens there, especially Jets fans (who I am one of) because they aren’t going to be shown anything of confidence.
- Haywood Jablowmy
  
  David wilson will run all over the jets tonight.
  Rueben randle will impress too.
  - The Real Greg
    
    Thank you very much.
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  Is it really week 3 of the preseason already?
  - The Real Greg
    
    Week 2 actually. They switched it up.
    - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
      
      Really? That’s kind of terrible, the best part about Giants/Jets being week 3 was it’s the game the regulars play the longest so fans got 3 quarters of a professional football between the two teams. I honestly find it hard to get into football while the baseball season is still happening.
      - jjyank
        
        Same. Football is what I do to pass time in the baseball offseason, I don’t even pay attention to football until November.
- jjyank
  
  You’re a Jets fan? That sucks.
  - The Real Greg
    
    This is why I tell people to calm down. If they start to increase their negativity, I start to get negative about shit.
    - jjyank
      
      Greg, I shudder to think how you would post about a sport with only 16 games in a season.
      
      Big Blue all the way, baby.
      - The Real Greg
        
        Morose acceptance.
        
        And the fact that there is usally a week between games helps.
      - Mike N
        
        Each game is only 1/16th of the season. CALM DOWN!
Chilango

Fucking Cano swinging at the first pitch again.
Need Pitching & Hitting

I wonder what the roster move for CC will be.
Nova? (probably not)
Joba? (maybe, I believe he’d have to clear waivers first though)
Eppley? (possibly, but I don’t think it’ll be him)
Phelps? ( I really hope not, but I wouldn’t be shocked)
The Real Greg

what the hell words did McCarver use?
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

I hate losing to the Sox, no matter how terrible they are.
- Chilango
  
  Exactly. Especially when we should have teed off on Lester before he somewhat settled down.
Chilango

It’s getting late..Too bad we didn’t get Lester in the first 2 innings.
Heisenberg’s Hat

Scott Podsednik’s wife is hot.
- Mike Myers
  
  holy
  
  http://www.playerwives.com/mlb.....sa-dergan/
  - jjyank
    
    Wow. Just, wow.
  - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
    
    So, even in the grown up world jocks get the hot chicks.
    - jjyank
      
      Well he’s a jock and a rich guy. That is the golden card right there in the dating game.
      - Heisenberg’s Hat
        
        I guess not ALL chicks dig the long ball.
        
        jjyank
        
        Haha well done.
Mike Myers

Ciraco!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jjyank

Jesus H Christ, Ciriaco.
RetroRob

Thinking of hiring a hit man. Donations?
- jjyank
  
  I work at a bank. I’ll hand over the entire vault if you can take down Ciriaco.
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  I’ll pitch in if he/she takes out Suzyn as well.
  - Heisenberg’s Hat
    
    It’s a choice between Sterling+Waldman or the Tim McCarver+Downs Syndrome Albert combination.
    - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
      
      John and Suzyn every time.
- RetroRob
  
  …or maybe the target should be the person on the Yankees who developed the scouting reports.
  
  I mean, he’s not really a good player, although he does seem to have skills. Not sure how he spent as long as he did in the minors, seems like a decent enough back-up player, although I’m now doubt being influenced by his Jackie Robinson impression vs. the Yankees.
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

FUCK YOU GIRAFFE MAN!
The Real Greg

You knew it was staying fair.
Need Pitching & Hitting

I really, really hate this guy.
Chilango

Ciriaco fuck seriously next time up just plunk him
Get Phelps Up

I really can’t wait until Ciriaco hits under .200 next year and gets designated for assignment.
- RetroRob
  
  Yeah, but he hits so well against the Yankees, he’ll still hit .250.
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

If Phelps gets Punto I’d really like Girardi to leave him in to try to finish the inning.
Mike Myers

Can we start a trend of yelling “Ciraaaaacoooooo” kinda like KHAAANNNNNNN!!!! whenever he gets a hit
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  Wait, you don’t?
  - Mike Myers
    
    glad we agree
- Pat D
  
  The problem there is that Khan is one syllable, so Ciriaco doesn’t have the quite the same effect.
The Real Greg

He’s going to lose him
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  wrong.
  - The Real Greg
    
    Absolutely. It looked like he would but props to him.
Widget

Again with this Ciriaco shit. It’s pathetic. Him and Punto are not real players. Holy shit I hate this team sometimes.
Mike N

McCarver is outraged that they don’t want to blow out Strasberg’s young arm. He’s all like “Let him pitch until his fucking arm HURTS! Then you can shut him down!”
- Tom
  
  “Can you think of any occurrence like this, Ken?” (Tim McCarver)
  “Well they did this last year with Jordan Zimmerman (you dumb shit)” (Ken)
  
  Yeah, but, but, but the point is…..
  - Mike N
    
    I liked the picture of FDR.
    - The Real Greg
      
      Our greatest president IMO. Him, Lincoln, and Washington.
      - RetroRob
        
        Washington, Lincoln and a bunch of the rest.
      - Pat D
        
        I’ve come to the conclusion that we’ve had few great presidents, sadly.
        
        Even the ones considered great, we can find a lot of things they did that were wrong (like Lincoln ignoring a lot of the Constitution for the sake of keeping the Union together).
        
        jjyank
        
        A lot of it is just nostalgia and glorification. If they’re on our money, how can they not be great???!!
        
        But you’re right, there have been few great presidents. I’m reading a very interesting book as recommended reading by my potential employers written by a retired member of the intelligence community, and it’s making me come around to Kennedy. So much I never knew about the Cuban Missile Crisis.
        
        Pat D
        
        You never watched Thirteen Days? Come on, you know you’re supposed to get your history from Hollywood.
        
        Especially when a guy who leans Republican does a movie about the guy who is to Democrats what Reagan is to Republicans.
        
        jjyank
        
        I thought I knew the behind the scenes stuff on the Missile Crisis after I saw The Fog of War, the documentary about Robert McNamara. But there’s more, and a lot of it makes Kennedy look really good.
        
        RetroRob
        
        Unrelated to presidential history, but related to baseball history. I believe you were correct. The Yankees did not recognize Jeter as passing Nap Lajoie in hits the other day, which is kind of stunning. Nap is one of greatest righthanded hitters ever, and one of the most significant players in AL history.
        
        Pat D
        
        Any time I’ve seen Lajoie’s name on a hit total shown by YES, they have Lajoie at 3252, not 3242. I have not been able to find out why. Maybe that’s what Elias has him at? Because every other source I’ve found has him at 3242.
        
        Need Pitching & Hitting
        
        I believe that’s it – apparently Elias has him at 3252.
        
        RetroRob
        
        I mean to drop John Thorn a note, who is the Hall’s historian. He’s very good at answering questions.
        
        Anyway, hitters from Lajoie’s period have undergone a number of adjustments. Cap Anson went from low 3,000s, to the 2900s, up to roughly 3,400. My guess is the baseball researchers adjusted Nap’s totals, and they are now reflected by most of the major sites like B-R, but some places (maybe Elias) have yet to accept the revised number.
        
        RetroRob
        
        *meant*
        
        Still could, I suppose.
        
        RetroRob
        
        From MLB.com:
        
        Jeter climbs all-time hit list with 3,243
        
        By Steven Miller / MLB.com
        
        NEW YORK — Derek Jeter singled in the first inning of Tuesday’s 3-0 win over the Rangers, raising his career total to 3,243.
        Due to discrepancies in historical stats, some numbers may differ, according to the source. Elias is the official statistician of Major League Baseball and recognizes Nap Lajoie as having 3,252 hits while other historical sources believe Lajoie had 3,242 hits, which would give Jeter sole possession of 12th place on the all-time career hits list. Lajoie played from 1896-1916 and spent time with Philadelphia and Cleveland.
        
        Eddie Murray ranks 11th on the all-time list, after Lajoie, with 3,255 hits.
    - Tom
      
      Yeah the history lesson and price of gasoline was a nice touch… almost distracted folks from Tim’s inane commentary.
      
      I just found it hilarious how he built this up as unprecedented and unique and Ken just shut him down in a heartbeat with the Jordan Zimmerman example.
      
      It also happens with rookie pitchers all the time; it’s a bit different, but the same principle – shutting down perfectly healthy pitchers for future consideration to manage perceived injury risk
- Hall and Nokes
  
  Isn’t that what got Rob Dibble fired?
- RetroRob
  
  While I’m not convinced the Nats are handling this properly, I do understand they are the only ones with a vested interest, and they stand to get beaten up by the media no matter which decision they make. That’s why the story will never die. It’s a win-win for media members.
  
  Yet the last people that should be asked are players. By nature, they will push and push (well most, not Carl Crawford). Look at Sabathia. He didn’t even want to tell the Yankees he couldn’t even lift his left arm.
Heisenberg’s Hat

I have no faith in Logan at this point.
- The Real Greg
  
  Really? He’s had a great season
  - Heisenberg’s Hat
    
    I’ve seen him have a couple meltdowns against lefties recently.
stuart a

Cano scuffling big time. the guy would be top 5 player if he had some plate discipline. he is 29, the discipline is never coming… his 1 pitch ab’s hurt.

phelps pitched very good today…andruw cannot move, he is a softball player….
- jjyank
  
  Phelps pitched very WELL today, stuart.
  
  /grammar police’d
  - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
    
    u tipe gewd jj.
    - Pat D
      
      Is that some kind of gumbo dish?
    - jjyank
      
      y thx u ploufferz
      - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
        
        lolz i mis intent tlk frm bak in da 90s
        
        jjyank
        
        AIM wuz teh bombs. ne way, i g2g. bbl, ttyl bro.
        
        http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
        
        r u seryous? teh game iznt ova?!?!
        
        jjyank
        
        dunno. i wuz to buzy roflcoptering bout teh hot gurls in teh linkz to no wuts goin on
  - grumphat
    
    No – Phelps pitches baseballs, not wells. You can’t pitch a well although you can pitch into a well.
    - Pat D
      
      Grenada is one of the largest suppliers of nutmeg in the world.
      The Russians and the Cubans were trying to steal Grenada.
      You can’t have egg nog without nutmeg.
      You can’t have Christmas without egg nog.
      The Russians and the Cubans were trying to steal Christmas!
- Amazin’ Avenue
  
  You were outed a couple days back as being something lower than even a Red Sox fan. A Mets fan.
- Pat D
  
  I know what you’re saying, but Cano is 5th in the majors in bWAR, and one of the guys ahead of him is a pitcher.
Chilango

Time for a rally
grumphat

Tim McCarver is an idiot.

I hope Girardi isn’t set on playing matchups and letting the game get out of reach because “it’s not a save situation”. Joba looked bad on Thursday, but he can still bring Phelps in from the pen instead of Rapada/Eppley. Phelps can handle it.
- Mike N
  
  Mr. Grumphat, have you been watching this game at all?
  - grumphat
    
    Yes — I think Phelps can handle it. He has a Derek Lowe costume he uses when working on his sinkerball, it went pretty well for him on Monday.
    - Mike N
      
      Dude, Phelps *started* this game.
      - grumphat
        
        …and?
        
        Mike N
        
        One of us is tripping on LSD, and I don’t think it’s me.
The Real Greg

Need to score at least one here
Mike N

LET’S DO THIS!!!!!!!! EVERYBODY CLAP YOUR HANDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CLAP—CLAP—CLAP-CLAP-CLAP! WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Martin has to at least look to be going the other way here.
- The Real Greg
  
  He wasn’t there
Need Pitching & Hitting

heads-up baserunning
jjyank

Nice Grandy, good instincts.
Mike N

Excellent baserunning, or lucky baserunning?
- Mike N
  
  As in, a good throw from first would have had him?
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Can we please score this run?
Tom

Damn, that was a hanger to Nix.

A PROFESSIONAL ballplayer would have gotten the runner home on that.

(must be baiting him for a HR)
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

NIX IS A BASEBALL PLAYER
Mike N

Fuck.
The Real Greg

Got jammed. Fuck. Nothing going the Yankees way
- Tom
  
  Got jammed?
  
  The pitch wasn’t inside at all (it was down and over the center of the plate). He just hit it like crap.
Thaaaaaaaayankeeswin

Ugh
Chilango

How many breaks has Lester gotten today? Another cookie and Nix pops it up.
Mike N

SCORE THIS FUCKING RUN!!!!!
Hall and Nokes

Martin and Nix showing everyone what a bottom of the lineup is supposed to do.
Mike N

Wuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut?
Mike N

AUUUGGHHHHH!!
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

I guess today just isn’t our day. On a positive note, I think that’s all for Lester.
Chilango

Yanks had their chances today. Just not getting it done.
The Real Greg

Just not their day today. No breaks going their way. Move on to tomorrow, unless they get to the pen.
- Chilango
  
  Breaks? C’mon they choked in the first two innings, then had RISP < 2 outs TWICE more and couldn't get it done. Lester has not been sharp. This one's on them. Unfortunately.
Thaaaaaaaayankeeswin

It’s time to bat Grandy 3rd, where every other 30 home run guy bats.
- The Real Greg
  
  And have him strike out a ton.
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
    
    They should bat Ichiro third, he won’t strikeout at all.
    - Tom
      
      I laughed.
      
      But how can you bat him third, when he should be batting leadoff with his speed?!?!?
      - Thaaaaaaaayankeeswin
        
        Again, show me anyone with 30 plus home runs batting lead off or 5th or anything besides 3rd or 4th. This is Girardi out thinking himself…
        
        The Real Greg
        
        Dave Kingman
        
        Thaaaaaaaayankeeswin
        
        Yeah and Brady Anderson had 50 home runs leading off during the roid era. Talking about now
        
        The Real Greg
        
        Jacoby Ellsbury last year had 30 homers leading off.
        
        Need Pitching & Hitting
        
        Must be why they collapsed.
        
        RetroRob
        
        Bobby Bonds batted leadoff, including his one year with the Yankees.
        
        Rickey Henderson never hit 30 HRs, but at peak twice hit 28 HRs.
  - Thaaaaaaaayankeeswin
    
    Like every other guy with 30 home runs does. And what next? His BA is too low. Dunn is barely hitting 200 but bats 3rd. Show me one other guy with 30 home runs batting 6th
Athenian

Hate these games. Nothing but teasing by the Yankees. Think they are going to score, tie the game, take the lead and nothing. You realize unless there is a bullpen meltdown, you are going home with blue balls.
- OMG! Bagels!
  
  WHAT GAMES? They’ve won a great deal of them. I hate commenters like you.
  - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
    
    mmm, Bagels.
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Logan=LOOGY.
Hall and Nokes

Don’t you think Lorena Garcia deserves better than to be threatened right off the bat with being taken off the menu?
The Real Greg

That’s interesting.
Get Phelps Up

Why the hell is a LOOGY IBBing a LHB?
wow

and in this week’s episode of “All My Free Passes”…
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

That is one idiotic IBB. Willing to let Logan face the RHB but not Gonzalez. Ooooooooooooookay.
- The Guns of Navarone
  
  I’m afraid the postseason is going to be one big IBB fest.
- Chilango
  
  Joe must have found an arcane stat in the binder.
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  agreed.
  - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
    
    If you’re IBBing anybody, walk Ratface and try to get a DP out of Adrian.
    - Chilango
      
      but that’s too simple minded for Engineer Joe
      - jjyank
        
        Engineers aren’t simple minded. Try another one.
        
        http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
        
        I think that’s what he meant to say. Joe’s an engineer, and my plan was too simple minded. Therefore the engineer feels the plan is too simple minded and finds a more complex (but in this case still effective) plan.
        
        jjyank
        
        Oh, my bad. That makes sense. It just struct me as some asinine variation of “Clueless Joe” to be at first.
        
        jjyank
        
        to *me
        
        RetroRob
        
        They’re most certainly not simple minded, although by nature many are overly structured and too literal, which at times can limit creative solutions.
- grumphat
  
  If Girardi had to take one pitcher/catcher battery with him to a game on a desert island where the team that won got off the island and the team that lost had to stay there and starve, and he could have ANY pitcher and ANY catcher in Yankees history, I think Girardi might take Boone Logan and Russell Martin — Boone because he can get lefties out and Russ because “he hits lefties well” you know!
Mike N

It’s only the top of the eighth. I feel pretty good about Yanks batters with six outs to play with against Socks pen.
Mike N

Yeah, ROOGY!!!!!!!
Chilango

OK now put him the fuck away …
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Please at least get Phelps off the hook for the loss?
Mike N

LOVE ROOGY!!!!!!!!
stuart a

nothing with RISP today for the yanks. walking agone makes no sense I agree….

Logan is slightly above avg. but that is it..

cano needs to get it together at the plate…
The Real Greg

Well it was curious, but it worked.
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Back to back? Please?
Kevin

RISPFAIL all over this game for the Yankees.
stuart a

when Nick Punto beats you it cannot be your day…
can ciriaco get another bloop.. the guy is the bleeder king….
Mike N

What the fuck is this “Yale battery” gibberish they are talking about?
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

This has been a really good AB for Jeter.
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  Fuck you Derek. I was nice to you and you go and do that.
  - jjyank
    
    You’re so not getting a gift basket.
    - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
      
      That’s fine. Truth be told, he wasn’t that good anyway.
      - jjyank
        
        Somewhere, Scarlet Johansson cries.
        
        http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
        
        damnit dude..you distracted me. She is so hot.
        
        jjyank
        
        Indeed.
  - Heisenberg’s Hat
    
    Jeter against hard-throwing righties from the bullpen will always be a tough matchup.
    - The Real Greg
      
      Yep.
Chilango

A game of chokes -against the SUX! ARGHHH
Widget

Bailey looks like a total tool. He’s perfect for the Red Sox.
Mike N

Fucking McCarver couldn’t look up on the Internet where Swisher is looking before every pitch?
- Tim McCarver
  
  Inter…what?
  - Get Phelps Up
    
    What did you just post this on? ;)
    - Tim McCarver’s Publicist
      
      That was me.
      - Get Phelps Up
        
        You should reveal yourself.
        
        jjyank
        
        Me again. I’m getting a kick out of the name changes to lighten the mood.
    - Mike N
      
      I like how they have some asshole production assistant in the back room listening carefully to McCarver’s every word so that as soon as he says something outlandishly moronic, they can go fact check and tell him the correct answer right away.
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Baserunner! we has teh life!
Mike N

SWISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mike N

What is this “Yale battery” shit they keep babbling about?
- The Real Greg
  
  Apparently its the first time in baseball history that a pitcher and catcher from Yale have worked together in the battery.
  - Mike N
    
    They sounded like they were fucking jizzing in their pants.
jjyank

They didn’t even go to school at Yale together? Then who the hell cares? It would be kinda cool if they were battery mates in college and were reunited, but this is dumb.
Heisenberg’s Hat

I’m breaking up with you, Bob.
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

are you fucking kidding me? you’re joking right?
Cy Pettitte

Cano is Martin-level bad.
Mike N

FUCK YALE!
The Real Greg

Just not their day. Move on to tomorrow.
Tom Q

Well, that hope was short-lived.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Wouldn’t want to run hard in case they flubbed the transfer at second.

#LetCanoWalk
- The Real Greg
  
  The only problem with that is who is his replacement that replace his production?
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
    
    Same way the Cardinals replaced Pujols. You don’t, just upgrade other positions.
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  You really think they should just let him walk, and not even offer him a deal at all?
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
    
    Oh no, make an offer. There’s certainly reasons to keep him and a cost you’re willing to keep him for. What Boras wants isn’t it.
    - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
      
      I agree, if he seriously wants any deal more than 7 years after this season; thanks for your help Robbie, don’t sign in the AL, enjoy the rest of your career. However, if somehow we can retain him at a decent price and years: go for it.
- Widget
  
  I let him walk. Let someone else overpay for his decline.
Kevin

Nice going Robbie
grumphat

Are the Yankees even trying on offense today? They should just let the ballboys bat, at least they’ll look at a pitch or two.
- Get Phelps Up
  
  That’s right, the Yankees aren’t trying. They want to help fuel the media’s belief that the Red Sox have a run left in them.
  - jjyank
    
    It’s a conspiracy to fuck up the Red Sox’s draft position next year!
jjyank

Ah well. Move on to tomorrow. Hopefully Kuroda keeps rolling.
- The Real Greg
  
  There we go.
- jjyank
  
  Whoops, totally lost track of the innings there. Disregard.
- Widget
  
  He will, problem is the offense never helps him out.
Widget

Fuck Scott Boras.
- Scott Boras
  
  How much?
Chilango

Thought we were past the ultimate choke stretch of the season. Guess not. But giving the game away to the Sox is particularly annoying.
The Real Greg

When Nick Punto is the player of the game, you know you aren’t winning.
The Real Greg

Just move on people
Need Pitching & Hitting

smfh
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Seriously…FUCK. YOU. PEDRO. CIRIACO!!!! You giraffe necked bastard.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Went through all that trouble to IBB Gonzalez … and then they leave Eppley in to face the lefty.
wow

well that’s game…. hopefully we won’t get to see this joke of a lineup any time soon.
Widget

What the hell.
Mike N

Fucking ROOGY is still in?
Get Phelps Up

I’m legit surprised Ciriaco hasn’t yet hit a HR against the Yankees this year.
- Get Phelps Up
  
  *has
  - Get Phelps Up
    
    Ugh…has yet to.
Chilango

Why did Eppley start the ninth?
Need Pitching & Hitting

Yikes
Cy Pettitte

I can’t believe how stupid this inning is. Girardi did everything he could to keep it 3-1 in the 8th, then waves the white flag in the 9th.
Chilango

Now binder man takes him out
wow

why even bother now Girardi? Why? lol
Mike N

Well, on the positive side, I already made tomatillo chile verde sauce and spicy shrimp, and when the game is over, I’m gonna assemble enchiladas with corn tortillas (made today by Nixtamal Tortilleria in Queens), the shrimp, the sauce, and queso fresco, and then bake them in the oven until the cheese is melty.
- http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
  
  I’m working at 407 Grand Ave in Englewood, NJ until 9. If you don’t bring me some I will be forced to believe you’re a terrible human being.
Need Pitching & Hitting

Bullpen looking rather short lately.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  It’s almost like they’ve needed a reliever since May.
  - Need Pitching & Hitting
    
    but at least Joba is back to save the day …
Chilango

This could get ugly
Theskyisfalling

Meh, even if rays win, still a 5 game lead with Kuroda on the bump tomorrow
Mike N

Now they’re telling us which hand the fucker shoots pool with? What’s next?

“When he spanks his monkey, he starts with the right hand, but then–surprisingly–finishes off with his left! Who knew?”
- Pasta Stumbling Sojo
  
  Ha.
Need Pitching & Hitting

nice job by Rapada anyways
DERP

What are the odds that Jones stays in the face Aceves next inning?
- Need Pitching & Hitting
  
  0
- Chilango
  
  nil
- Tom
  
  He would only do that if they were up 2 (or more), because then it wouldn’t matter (in Girardi’s mind).
  
  Of course if they were up 2, they wouldn’t be batting in the bottom of the 9th.
DERP

Let’s just win this game.
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Games like this the offense should take the ‘Loss’ not the starting pitcher.
- Chilango
  
  Right. Lester was not sharp. Phelps outpitched his ass big time.
Mike N

Three runs is doable!
Theskyisfalling

The out at home opens the door for a walk off slam. Let’s go boys, time to break their hearts
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

So the inning should open with 2 pinch hitters, right?
Chilango

Aceves sucks. Let’s prove it…
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

That’s odd…why not just do Ibanez then Chavez? I guess cause Ibanez has more power?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  Chavez is far more likely to get on-base and start a potential rally.
  - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
    
    I thought it was still a 2 run game, so I was just thinking hope Ibanez gets on, and Chavez is hotter than Raul therefore more likely to jack one.
DERP

OMG Chavez
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

Who’s hotter, Chavez or Swisher?
- jjyank
  
  Ask Erica.
  - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
    
    Well looks wise, the clear winner is Chavey, I was talking about playing though.
    - jjyank
      
      I know :P I guess Chavez, because I feel like he’s been hot longer (though I didn’t feel like looking anything up). You could give Swish the nod though because he’s been insane the last 5 or 6 games and he plays every day.
      - http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle
        
        Yeah, I think I’d lean toward Swish because he’s been doing it every day, instead of a couple times a week. Both have been great though.
jjyank

Man I love you, Chavez.
Mike N

YEAH!!!!!
Mike N

fuuuck
DERP

brutal
Mike N

oof
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

since when does Aceves throw 96?
Chilango

Yanks don’t have guys who hit for avg. Big problem going forward
- Need Pitching & Hitting
  
  6th best team AVG in MLB. Big, big problem.
  - Heisenberg’s Hat
    
    You’re actually impressed by 6th best? They’re trying to win a championship, not just be good.
Widget

Let granderson walk too.
http://thecarsboneblog.tumblr.com Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle

fuck this game, tomorrow 8 oclock we win this series.
jjyank

Ah well. Bring it tomorrow, Hiroki.
DERP

well fuck. just win tomorrow
- Mike N
  
  Kuroda has been money.
Mike N

Blecchhh.

Time to get fucking drunk and eat some goddamn food!
wow

Martin is just bad. so tired of him.
DERP

Good thing Zach Britton sucks ass. Hopefully CJ Wilson can pitch well tonight
Widget

lost 3 out of their last 4 against these clowns at the stadium. Pathetic. I still expect the red sox to win the season series.
- Get Phelps Up
  
  The Yankees have already won the season series.
  - Get Phelps Up
    
    Err…my math was wrong. Still the Yankees are only 2 wins away from at least securing a tie.
    - Get Phelps Up
      
      The Red Sox would have to go 6-1 against the Yankees the rest of the year to win the season series.
- DERP
  
  Who the fuck cares? They are like 14 games back.
  - Heisenberg’s Hat
    
    Losing games to the Red Sox is still something some of us care about.
Get Phelps Up

Oh well, win the series tomorrow.

Now…go Tigers and Angels!
Anthony

Is it me, or can the Yankees never win whenever these games are broadcast on FOX or ESPN?

Where was the offense? 3-4-5 hitters went 0 for 10. I hope people don’t use this game as evidence against Phelps as a SP. I think he did O.K., definitely better than Nova would have.

And lol at FOX announcers. No FOX, even if Lester and Beckette pick things up the season is over for the Sox.
- Anthony
  
  Also, when will Pedro Ciriaco stop? he annoys me more than russel martin or grandy striking out.
  - Chilango
    
    Got to move him off the plate.
grumphat

Best word to describe yankees offense, defense, and relief pitching today — flaccid. Phelps pitched great especially given where he’s coming from, it’s ridiculous he takes a loss on this.
DERP

It’s like people forgot we just took 3/4 from Texas.
- Anthony
  
  Not at all. Its a Yankees-Sox game, this behavior will always happen after a loss. I think we’re all happy with the Rangers series, but its clear they’re on a bit of a cold-streak right now.
  - DERP
    
    Because they lost one game?
    - Chilango
      
      No it’s because of the way we lost. Offense not showing up.
      - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
        
        Who cares? It’s one game. How many runs did they score in Thursday’s loss?
  - OMG! Bagels!
    
    You’re. an. idiot.
    - Anthony
      
      Sorry for not specifying, I meant the Rangers are on a cold-streak, not the Yankees, obviously. Meaning that the series really isn’t exactly a preview of the ALCS like some people are suggesting..
Chilango

Only Phelps showed up to play today. And that fuckface Ciriaco of course.
DERP

The Tigers are an embarrassment to baseball.
OMG! Bagels!

People forget that in 2009 we lost almost all of our games against the Red Sox and people were jumping off the Empire State Building.

Those people didn’t get to see Jay-Z and Alicia Keys open the World Series in the Bronx with Empire State of Mind.

So fuck ye of little faith about what this team can and cannot do.

I will tell you what they can’t do. Win 162 games. Other than that, damn near everything is do-able.
Chilango

In 2009 the Sox won first 8 vs Yankees and wound up 9-9 in season series
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  2012 Red Sox =/= 2009 Yankees
  
  That’s just stupid. The Red Sox are irrelevant this year.
  - Chilango
    
    Agree, I was just correcting BAGELS.